The operator of the Keystone Pipeline on Thursday restarted the leg of the system that spilled thousands of barrels of heavy crude in north-central Kansas.

TC Energy announced that after repairs, inspections and testing, and a controlled restart on Thursday, the Keystone system is "...operational to all delivery points." The company said it will operate what it calls the Cushing Extension through Kansas at reduced pressure and with additional risk-mitigation measures under plans approved by the &nbsp;U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As of Friday morning the company said it had recovered 10,637 barrels of oil, out of an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipe after the rupture Dec. 8. Water, soil and metallurgical testing continue, but regulators have been slow to release details of the investigation into the Keystone Pipeline spill in Washington County. Despite media reports suggesting contamination downstream of the containment zone, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is holding off on releasing the results of its water testing in the area saying they need more data to establish benchmarks for analysis.

The agency's director of communications and legislative affairs Matt Lara said in an e-mail response his agency has preliminary water data samples but needs more sampling and other information before a promised release to the public. Lara says there have been no reports from farmers in the area of wells showing contamination. Free well testing is available through the pipeline operator. &nbsp; KDHE is not currently testing soil in the area. Lara said the company removed the layer of topsoil that had oil "staining." TC Energy’s environmental consultant will collect soil samples from the spill area to confirm that all contaminated soil has been removed, according to KDHE. The PHMSA continues its probe into the cause of the spill, including metals testing on the section of pipeline that ruptured. TC Energy was operating the Keystone Pipeline at a dramatically increased flow-rate just prior to the rupture and spill in Kansas. The Energy Consultant Wood-Mackenzie confirmed broadcast reports that flows to the Midwest jumped to almost 650,000 barrels per day on the night of the rupture, up from a baseline of 622,000 barrels per day. The company said in October it would raise flows to test the system's operational efficiency.

In an email response to our request for comment, the company replied "At the time of the incident, the pipeline was operating within its design and regulatory approval requirements." Russia banned the sale of its oil and petroleum products to countries that put a cap on the price. The Kremlin is trying to undermine one of many sanctions prompted by the invasion of Ukraine. The G-7 countries want to bar the shipping, financing or insuring of seaborne Russian crude unless it is sold for $60 a barrel or less. Russia is also preparing to cut production early next year, according to its oil minister. Winter weather has dramatically curtailed crude output from the No. 3 producing state in the country. S&amp;P Global reports current production in North Dakota of about 650,000 to 700,000 barrels per day, down from 1.12 million barrels per day in September and October. A blizzard on Dec. 19 shut in more than 400,000 barrels per day of production, and more shut-ins occurred the following week. U.S. crude production drops below 12 million barrels per day for the first time in eight weeks and only the third time since June. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. output of 11.954 million barrels per day for the week through Dec. 23, down 196,000 barrels per day from the week before. EIA reports crude imports of 6.3 million barrels per day for the week, up 433,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down 3.8 percent from a year ago. The government said domestic crude-oil inventories increased last week by 700,000 barrels to 419 million barrels as of Dec. 23. Stockpiles are about 6 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Marathon Oil Corporation completed a big bucks acquisition first announced in November. Ensign Natural Resources will reap a total cash consideration of $3 billion. In return, Marathon takes over assets in the Eagle Ford basin of South Texas which they predict will deliver more than 22,000 barrels of oil per day. Crude prices Friday were up slightly. The benchmark Nymex contract was trading for $78.87 per barrel. London Brent was a few cents over $84. Kansas crude prices dropped 75 cents on Thursday, with Kansas Common crude fetching $68.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's about $3 less than at the start of the month, and about $3 more than at the start of the year. Just as you start driving less, pump prices plummet. According to the latest numbers from the government, gasoline stockpiles dropped by 3.1 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration says gasoline inventories are about 4 percent below the five-year seasonal average. But, regular gasoline prices continue to drop, down to $3.17 a gallon nationwide (Dec. 30). It's going for $2.79 across Kansas. Going into the holiday weekend we spotted anywhere from $2.79 to $2.89 per gallon locally. Diesel Inventories increased 300,000 barrels last week but remain about 7 percent below the five-year seasonal average. Diesel deliveries are down almost 7 percent from a year ago. U.S. and statewide diesel-fuel prices remain above $4 per gallon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672424966920.jpeg" alt="Excavated and repaired section of the Cushing Extension in Washington County, Kansas. Photo courtesy of TC Energy" />
 <figcaption>Excavated and repaired section of the Cushing Extension in Washington County, Kansas. Photo courtesy of TC Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>By John P. TretbarThe operator of the Keystone Pipeline on Thursday restarted the leg of the system that spilled thousands of barrels of heavy crude in north-central Kansas.TC Energy announced that after repairs, inspections and testing, and a controlled restart on Thursday, the Keystone system is "...operational to all delivery points." The company said it will operate what it calls the Cushing Extension through Kansas at reduced pressure and with additional risk-mitigation measures under plans approved by the &nbsp;U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). As of Friday morning the company said it had recovered 10,637 barrels of oil, out of an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipe after the rupture Dec. 8. Water, soil and metallurgical testing continue, but regulators have been slow to release details of the investigation into the Keystone Pipeline spill in Washington County. Despite media reports suggesting contamination downstream of the containment zone, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is holding off on releasing the results of its water testing in the area saying they need more data to establish benchmarks for analysis.The agency's director of communications and legislative affairs Matt Lara said in an e-mail response his agency has preliminary water data samples but needs more sampling and other information before a promised release to the public. Lara says there have been no reports from farmers in the area of wells showing contamination. Free well testing is available through the pipeline operator. &nbsp; KDHE is not currently testing soil in the area. Lara said the company removed the layer of topsoil that had oil "staining." TC Energy’s environmental consultant will collect soil samples from the spill area to confirm that all contaminated soil has been removed, according to KDHE. The PHMSA continues its probe into the cause of the spill, including metals testing on the section of pipeline that ruptured. TC Energy was operating the Keystone Pipeline at a dramatically increased flow-rate just prior to the rupture and spill in Kansas. The Energy Consultant Wood-Mackenzie confirmed broadcast reports that flows to the Midwest jumped to almost 650,000 barrels per day on the night of the rupture, up from a baseline of 622,000 barrels per day. The company said in October it would raise flows to test the system's operational efficiency.In an email response to our request for comment, the company replied "At the time of the incident, the pipeline was operating within its design and regulatory approval requirements." Russia banned the sale of its oil and petroleum products to countries that put a cap on the price. The Kremlin is trying to undermine one of many sanctions prompted by the invasion of Ukraine. The G-7 countries want to bar the shipping, financing or insuring of seaborne Russian crude unless it is sold for $60 a barrel or less. Russia is also preparing to cut production early next year, according to its oil minister. Winter weather has dramatically curtailed crude output from the No. 3 producing state in the country. S&amp;P Global reports current production in North Dakota of about 650,000 to 700,000 barrels per day, down from 1.12 million barrels per day in September and October. A blizzard on Dec. 19 shut in more than 400,000 barrels per day of production, and more shut-ins occurred the following week. U.S. crude production drops below 12 million barrels per day for the first time in eight weeks and only the third time since June. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. output of 11.954 million barrels per day for the week through Dec. 23, down 196,000 barrels per day from the week before. EIA reports crude imports of 6.3 million barrels per day for the week, up 433,000 barrels per day from the week before. The four-week average is down 3.8 percent from a year ago. The government said domestic crude-oil inventories increased last week by 700,000 barrels to 419 million barrels as of Dec. 23. Stockpiles are about 6 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Marathon Oil Corporation completed a big bucks acquisition first announced in November. Ensign Natural Resources will reap a total cash consideration of $3 billion. In return, Marathon takes over assets in the Eagle Ford basin of South Texas which they predict will deliver more than 22,000 barrels of oil per day. Crude prices Friday were up slightly. The benchmark Nymex contract was trading for $78.87 per barrel. London Brent was a few cents over $84. Kansas crude prices dropped 75 cents on Thursday, with Kansas Common crude fetching $68.75 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's about $3 less than at the start of the month, and about $3 more than at the start of the year. Just as you start driving less, pump prices plummet. According to the latest numbers from the government, gasoline stockpiles dropped by 3.1 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration says gasoline inventories are about 4 percent below the five-year seasonal average. But, regular gasoline prices continue to drop, down to $3.17 a gallon nationwide (Dec. 30). It's going for $2.79 across Kansas. Going into the holiday weekend we spotted anywhere from $2.79 to $2.89 per gallon locally. Diesel Inventories increased 300,000 barrels last week but remain about 7 percent below the five-year seasonal average. Diesel deliveries are down almost 7 percent from a year ago. U.S. and statewide diesel-fuel prices remain above $4 per gallon.

News from the Oil Patch: Keystone restarts pipeline

🎙 Preparations underway for Holy Family Elementary Chili Supper, Bazaar

As 2022 wraps up, the Hays-based Heartland Community Foundation would like to take a moment to thank donors and supporters and share our fiscal year 2022 granting highlights and a new 15-year grantmaking total.

The Heartland Community Foundation proudly granted&nbsp;$424,772&nbsp;in fiscal year 2022 to 67 organizations for 129 projects. This total represents the combined granting dollars in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. 

Since 2007 when the Heartland Community Foundation was founded,&nbsp;$3,205,263&nbsp;has been awarded to community organizations in grant dollars.

This is all made possible because of the foresight of the Heartland Community Foundation founders 15 years ago, the ongoing investment of donors each Match Month and throughout the year, the investment of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, financial market growth, and the nonprofit organizations that continue to look for new ways to serve their communities and apply for grant dollars.

“The impact of a donation to the Heartland Community Foundation truly has the ripple effect of creating lasting change in our communities,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director at the Heartland Community Foundation. “In just 15 years, the community foundation has reinvested $3.2 million back into the region for charitable projects and programs. There is no doubt that you or your loved ones have been positively impacted by an initiative that was funded in some part by the Heartland Community Foundation. What a tremendous legacy to build upon.”

Several categories received the bulk of the fiscal year 2022 grant dollars, including: $112,347 that went to schools or other groups for education programs; $90,200 for health and human services organizations; $78,400 for disaster relief response and public safety; $60,857 for community development initiatives; $36,398 for arts and culture programs; and $32,339 for parks and recreation projects. The remainder went to miscellaneous projects, religious institutions, and other community programs.

Money granted for disaster relief was a new addition in 2022, made possible by the creation of the disaster relief funds that were opened by the Heartland Community Foundation in response to the December 2021 wildfires and windstorm.

The Heartland Community Foundation manages the endowed funds for area nonprofit organizations, donor advised funds that have been earmarked for charitable philanthropy by donors, and the countywide impact funds, called Legacy Funds, that are the chief grantmaking arm. Each February, during the annual Match Month appeal, contributions to the Legacy Funds are matched by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation -- $2 to $1. The more these funds grow, the more that the Heartland Community Foundation can continue to grant.

If you’d like make a difference in your community by supporting a wide breadth of local programs and projects, consider making a donation to the Heartland Community Foundation between Feb. 1-28, 2023. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

The list of 2022 grantee recipients includes:

Ellis County: Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, Celebration Community Church, City of Hays, City of Hays Parks Department, DSNWK, Ellis County, Ellis County Historical Society, Ellis County High School Alumni Association, Ellis County 4H Shooting Sports, First Call for Help of Ellis County, Grow Hays, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Hays Arts Council, Hays High School, Hays Larks, Hays Medical Center, Hays Public Library, Hays Recreation Commission, Herzogest, Holy Family Elementary, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation (KMOM), Railroad Museum of Ellis, STEM Harvest, TMP-Marian, United Way of Ellis County, Victoria Community Coalition, USD 489, Victoria PTO, Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home &amp; Museum, and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

Rooks County: City of Damar, City of Plainville, City of Stockton, Damar Community Foundation, Main Street Christian Church, Plainville Community Foundation, Plainville Fire Department, Plainville Recreation Commission, Plainville Saddle Club, Redbud Village Court, RoCo Arts Council, Rooks County, Rooks County Health Center, Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, Sacred Heart Parish, Stockton Rodders, USD 270, and USD 271

Trego County: City of WaKeeney, Heritage of our Forefathers, St. Michaels, Trego County Enhancement Foundation, Trego County Historical Society, WaKeeney Church of God – The Well, USD 208

For more information about the Heartland Community Foundation or to make a donation to one of the funds managed by the community foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>. Look for the GIVE ONLINE button.

To follow the latest news, view grantee profiles, or see featured funds, follow Heartland on Facebook at @HeartlandCF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672398768768.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAs 2022 wraps up, the Hays-based Heartland Community Foundation would like to take a moment to thank donors and supporters and share our fiscal year 2022 granting highlights and a new 15-year grantmaking total.The Heartland Community Foundation proudly granted&nbsp;$424,772&nbsp;in fiscal year 2022 to 67 organizations for 129 projects. This total represents the combined granting dollars in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties. Since 2007 when the Heartland Community Foundation was founded,&nbsp;$3,205,263&nbsp;has been awarded to community organizations in grant dollars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672398927789.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is all made possible because of the foresight of the Heartland Community Foundation founders 15 years ago, the ongoing investment of donors each Match Month and throughout the year, the investment of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, financial market growth, and the nonprofit organizations that continue to look for new ways to serve their communities and apply for grant dollars.“The impact of a donation to the Heartland Community Foundation truly has the ripple effect of creating lasting change in our communities,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director at the Heartland Community Foundation. “In just 15 years, the community foundation has reinvested $3.2 million back into the region for charitable projects and programs. There is no doubt that you or your loved ones have been positively impacted by an initiative that was funded in some part by the Heartland Community Foundation. What a tremendous legacy to build upon.”Several categories received the bulk of the fiscal year 2022 grant dollars, including: $112,347 that went to schools or other groups for education programs; $90,200 for health and human services organizations; $78,400 for disaster relief response and public safety; $60,857 for community development initiatives; $36,398 for arts and culture programs; and $32,339 for parks and recreation projects. The remainder went to miscellaneous projects, religious institutions, and other community programs.Money granted for disaster relief was a new addition in 2022, made possible by the creation of the disaster relief funds that were opened by the Heartland Community Foundation in response to the December 2021 wildfires and windstorm.The Heartland Community Foundation manages the endowed funds for area nonprofit organizations, donor advised funds that have been earmarked for charitable philanthropy by donors, and the countywide impact funds, called Legacy Funds, that are the chief grantmaking arm. Each February, during the annual Match Month appeal, contributions to the Legacy Funds are matched by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation -- $2 to $1. The more these funds grow, the more that the Heartland Community Foundation can continue to grant.If you’d like make a difference in your community by supporting a wide breadth of local programs and projects, consider making a donation to the Heartland Community Foundation between Feb. 1-28, 2023. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.The list of 2022 grantee recipients includes:Ellis County: Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, Celebration Community Church, City of Hays, City of Hays Parks Department, DSNWK, Ellis County, Ellis County Historical Society, Ellis County High School Alumni Association, Ellis County 4H Shooting Sports, First Call for Help of Ellis County, Grow Hays, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Hays Arts Council, Hays High School, Hays Larks, Hays Medical Center, Hays Public Library, Hays Recreation Commission, Herzogest, Holy Family Elementary, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation (KMOM), Railroad Museum of Ellis, STEM Harvest, TMP-Marian, United Way of Ellis County, Victoria Community Coalition, USD 489, Victoria PTO, Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home &amp; Museum, and Western Kansas Child Advocacy CenterRooks County: City of Damar, City of Plainville, City of Stockton, Damar Community Foundation, Main Street Christian Church, Plainville Community Foundation, Plainville Fire Department, Plainville Recreation Commission, Plainville Saddle Club, Redbud Village Court, RoCo Arts Council, Rooks County, Rooks County Health Center, Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, Sacred Heart Parish, Stockton Rodders, USD 270, and USD 271Trego County: City of WaKeeney, Heritage of our Forefathers, St. Michaels, Trego County Enhancement Foundation, Trego County Historical Society, WaKeeney Church of God – The Well, USD 208For more information about the Heartland Community Foundation or to make a donation to one of the funds managed by the community foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/" target="_blank">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>. Look for the GIVE ONLINE button. To follow the latest news, view grantee profiles, or see featured funds, follow Heartland on Facebook at @HeartlandCF.

67 area organizations granted $424K by Heartland Community Foundation in 2022

Submitted We have welcomed a new year. I don’t know about you, but I will not be sad to see 2022 in the rearview mirror. Any way you cut it, last year was tough whether it was the economy or the weather. In many ways, 2023 can only get better. Our sense of optimism is one of the best qualities of agriculture. Each year is a blank slate, a new beginning with endless possibilities. It doesn’t matter how bad the last year might have been, this next one is our year. It is because we are in the business of nurturing new life each year. If we plant crops, we put seeds in the ground with the hope rains will come, the sun will shine and the new growth will break through the soil. We count on two things that we cannot control, rain and sunshine. Yet each year we place a small seed in the soil and hope it will sprout, grow and produce grain. If that does not take faith, hope and optimism, I don’t know what does. If we raise livestock of any species, most of us are responsible for bringing new life into this world. Very little creates more wonder for me than to watch a newborn lamb or calf come into this world. I don’t care how many times I witness the miracle of life; it will never get old. The planning and preparation for that moment was months or even years in the making. All the work, all the waiting is worth it in those first few moments. A sense of optimism and hope abounds with all livestock producers this time of the year. Hope and optimism are inherent to farming and ranching, it is the one thing we all have to have. We approach each year knowing we need to feed a hungry world and to do that we need to have help. There is so much of agriculture that we cannot control, and that makes faith in the future so important. We plan and work hard to do all we can, but in the end, our livelihood comes down to what Mother Nature decides to do. To keep going each year requires a resolve few others understand. That optimism for the future is what keeps each of us going through bad years and disappointments. It is what makes us so special and why we are the backbone of society. No matter the situation, no matter how bad things might get, we move forward with eternal hope and the knowledge things will get better. I hope that this year will send rains at the right time and sunshine when we need it. I hope the crops are bin busters and your livestock are sleek and fat. Most of all I hope this year is a good one. May 2023 bring the best for you with the hope that 2024 is even better.

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher

"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;

Submitted We have welcomed a new year. I don’t know about you, but I will not be sad to see 2022 in the rearview mirror. Any way you cut it, last year was tough whether it was the economy or the weather. In many ways, 2023 can only get better. Our sense of optimism is one of the best qualities of agriculture. Each year is a blank slate, a new beginning with endless possibilities. It doesn’t matter how bad the last year might have been, this next one is our year. It is because we are in the business of nurturing new life each year. If we plant crops, we put seeds in the ground with the hope rains will come, the sun will shine and the new growth will break through the soil. We count on two things that we cannot control, rain and sunshine. Yet each year we place a small seed in the soil and hope it will sprout, grow and produce grain. If that does not take faith, hope and optimism, I don’t know what does. If we raise livestock of any species, most of us are responsible for bringing new life into this world. Very little creates more wonder for me than to watch a newborn lamb or calf come into this world. I don’t care how many times I witness the miracle of life; it will never get old. The planning and preparation for that moment was months or even years in the making. All the work, all the waiting is worth it in those first few moments. A sense of optimism and hope abounds with all livestock producers this time of the year. Hope and optimism are inherent to farming and ranching, it is the one thing we all have to have. We approach each year knowing we need to feed a hungry world and to do that we need to have help. There is so much of agriculture that we cannot control, and that makes faith in the future so important. We plan and work hard to do all we can, but in the end, our livelihood comes down to what Mother Nature decides to do. To keep going each year requires a resolve few others understand. That optimism for the future is what keeps each of us going through bad years and disappointments. It is what makes us so special and why we are the backbone of society. No matter the situation, no matter how bad things might get, we move forward with eternal hope and the knowledge things will get better. I hope that this year will send rains at the right time and sunshine when we need it. I hope the crops are bin busters and your livestock are sleek and fat. Most of all I hope this year is a good one. May 2023 bring the best for you with the hope that 2024 is even better.Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie&nbsp;County farmer and rancher"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: Here's to the New Year

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service this week issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:&nbsp;

These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.&nbsp;

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.&nbsp;

It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. For more details see&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMzAuNjkwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3RheHRvcGljcy90YzQ1NSJ9.ivlbF7a4XiFu78XzSkjeQr3HdNYCrEt3cci9c2Wb4CM/s/1558083055/br/151500197029-l" target="_blank">Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces</a>.&nbsp;

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.&nbsp;

Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but generally must opt to use it in the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage rate is chosen.&nbsp;

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMzAuNjkwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtZHJvcC9uLTIzLTAzLnBkZiJ9.rAUkUgGZiGMmbJ9DbE_cHTQ9Pcts1RdR0dLqH7UMR0s/s/1558083055/br/151500197029-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-03</a>&nbsp;contains the optional 2023 standard mileage rates, as well as the maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2023 for which employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule.

IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service this week issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.</li><li>22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.</li><li>14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.&nbsp;The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.&nbsp;It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. For more details see&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMzAuNjkwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3RheHRvcGljcy90YzQ1NSJ9.ivlbF7a4XiFu78XzSkjeQr3HdNYCrEt3cci9c2Wb4CM/s/1558083055/br/151500197029-l" target="_blank">Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces</a>.&nbsp;Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.&nbsp;Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but generally must opt to use it in the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage rate is chosen.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMzAuNjkwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtZHJvcC9uLTIzLTAzLnBkZiJ9.rAUkUgGZiGMmbJ9DbE_cHTQ9Pcts1RdR0dLqH7UMR0s/s/1558083055/br/151500197029-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-03</a>&nbsp;contains the optional 2023 standard mileage rates, as well as the maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2023 for which employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023; business rate increases 

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident&nbsp;just before 8p.m. Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Curtis J. Weatherred, 20, Jamul, California, was westbound on Interstate 70 just south of west Range Avenue.

The driver lost control on the icy roadway. The SUV traveled off of the roadway into the north ditch and rolled one time. EMS transported&nbsp;Weatherred to Citizen's Medical Center.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident&nbsp;just before 8p.m. Monday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Curtis J. Weatherred, 20, Jamul, California, was westbound on Interstate 70 just south of west Range Avenue.The driver lost control on the icy roadway. The SUV traveled off of the roadway into the north ditch and rolled one time. EMS transported&nbsp;Weatherred to Citizen's Medical Center.

Driver hospitalized after rollover crash on icy I-70

<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/2022/12/1672421621041.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

Hays High’s Bryce Salmans and TMP’s Kade Harris were named
to the Kansas Shrine Bowl on Sunday.

The two will be joined on the West team by Hays High Head
Coach Tony Crough, who will serve as the head coach of the West.

Smith Center’s Cauy Haresnape was also named to the West
team.

You can find the complete rosters below.

The 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for July 15th at 7 p.m.
at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.

Hays High’s Bryce Salmans and TMP’s Kade Harris were named
to the Kansas Shrine Bowl on Sunday.The two will be joined on the West team by Hays High Head
Coach Tony Crough, who will serve as the head coach of the West.Smith Center’s Cauy Haresnape was also named to the West
team.You can find the complete rosters below.The 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for July 15th at 7 p.m.
at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686470944.jpeg" alt="2023 KS Shrine Bowl East team roster" />
 <figcaption>2023 KS Shrine Bowl East team roster</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686502856.jpeg" alt="2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl West team roster" />
 <figcaption>2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl West team roster</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈HHS’ Salmans and TMP’s Harris named to Shrine Bowl

RUSSELL - The city of Russell will be Closed on Monday. January 2nd, 2023 in observance of New Year's Day. 

This also includes public transportation and sanitation service. 

Sanitation routes usually serviced on Monday will be serviced Tuesday along with the regular scheduled route. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 8 a.m., keeping in mind the sanitation trucks have no set time for pickup throughout the day

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734625780.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The city of Russell will be Closed on Monday. January 2nd, 2023 in observance of New Year's Day. This also includes public transportation and sanitation service. Sanitation routes usually serviced on Monday will be serviced Tuesday along with the regular scheduled route. Please make sure your polycarts are out by 8 a.m., keeping in mind the sanitation trucks have no set time for pickup throughout the day

Russell city office, public transportation close in observance of New Year's Day

A collaborative construction project between the students in the Fort Hays State University applied technology classes and the city of Hays began recently and will resume in the spring.

A <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4873ceef-376c-4ecf-b16e-1c6ba7a78986">permanent outdoor story time space and performance stage</a>&nbsp;for children is being built in Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest.&nbsp;

The project is the brainchild of the Leadership Hays Class of 2021 in collaboration with the Hays Public Library, city of Hays, Hays Chamber and FHSU.&nbsp;

It will be completed during the spring semester, Asstistant City Manager Collin Bielser recently reported to the city commission.&nbsp;

The area is next to the ARC Park, where city parks department employees are installing playground donor recognition plaques.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The parks department has also been busy transplanting more than 100 trees from the city tree nursery to Kiwanis Park, Glassman Park, Speier baseball and softball complexes, the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex, and along the new eastside multi-use path.&nbsp;

Bielser also said work continues on the south Vine Street reconstruction between 13th Street and the U.S. Highway 183 bypass/city limits intersection.

"The main lane or driving lane of pavement has all been completed," Bielser said. "However, there is still some intersection work at 12th Street, curb and sidewalk replacement remaining.&nbsp;

Temporary pavement markings will be installed for the winter before warmer weather in the spring will allow permanent markings to be installed.&nbsp;

The contractor for the Kansas Department of Transportation project, Smoky Hill Construction of Salina, missed the substantial completion date in late October because of a manpower shortage.&nbsp;

"They are in liquidated damages, as you know," Bielser reminded commissioners.

 "KDOT is not allowing a winter shutdown on this project."

For more project reports from city departments, click on the video below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672352630255.jpeg" alt="FHSU applied technology students smooth cement in the story time space being built in Seven Hills Park. Students in spring semester classes will finish the project when the weather warms. Photos courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>FHSU applied technology students smooth cement in the story time space being built in Seven Hills Park. Students in spring semester classes will finish the project when the weather warms. Photos courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hay PostA collaborative construction project between the students in the Fort Hays State University applied technology classes and the city of Hays began recently and will resume in the spring.A <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4873ceef-376c-4ecf-b16e-1c6ba7a78986">permanent outdoor story time space and performance stage</a>&nbsp;for children is being built in Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest.&nbsp;The project is the brainchild of the Leadership Hays Class of 2021 in collaboration with the Hays Public Library, city of Hays, Hays Chamber and FHSU.&nbsp;It will be completed during the spring semester, Asstistant City Manager Collin Bielser recently reported to the city commission.&nbsp;The area is next to the ARC Park, where city parks department employees are installing playground donor recognition plaques.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672354675994.jpeg" alt="Hays Parks Department employees have planted more than 100 trees at local parks this fall. Photos courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Hays Parks Department employees have planted more than 100 trees at local parks this fall. Photos courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The parks department has also been busy transplanting more than 100 trees from the city tree nursery to Kiwanis Park, Glassman Park, Speier baseball and softball complexes, the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex, and along the new eastside multi-use path.&nbsp;Bielser also said work continues on the south Vine Street reconstruction between 13th Street and the U.S. Highway 183 bypass/city limits intersection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672357074721.jpeg" alt="South Vine Street is under reconstruction between just south of 13th Street south to the U.S. Highway 183 bypass. Photos courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>South Vine Street is under reconstruction between just south of 13th Street south to the U.S. Highway 183 bypass. Photos courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>"The main lane or driving lane of pavement has all been completed," Bielser said. "However, there is still some intersection work at 12th Street, curb and sidewalk replacement remaining.&nbsp;Temporary pavement markings will be installed for the winter before warmer weather in the spring will allow permanent markings to be installed.&nbsp;The contractor for the Kansas Department of Transportation project, Smoky Hill Construction of Salina, missed the substantial completion date in late October because of a manpower shortage.&nbsp;"They are in liquidated damages, as you know," Bielser reminded commissioners. "KDOT is not allowing a winter shutdown on this project."For more project reports from city departments, click on the video below.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/2UyRHZOA-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dec Progress Report" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

🎥 Construction starts on story time space/performance stage in 7 Hills Park 

As I prepare to retire on Feb. 3, I thought I would use my column space to share some of my “favorite” days as an Extension agent.

	•	Teaching Stay Strong Stay Healthy to well more than 300 older adults during the past 10 years. Folks aged 60-95 have enriched my life as much as I have theirs!

	•	Sharing my expertise related to fermenting sauerkraut or Kimchi with others in Extension, both in Kansas, Iowa and across the country. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the excitement in the 59 fermentation workshop participants in Barton and Ellis counties.

	•	Helping Medicare-eligible adults review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment for the past nine years. It is always rewarding when we find a plan that will save someone a significant amount of money.

	•	Kids Ag Day, always on Wednesday after Labor Day, is the perfect chance to share with fourth graders from across the county where their food comes from.

	•	Sharing an Organwise presentation “Healthy from the inside out” with pre-schoolers and first graders. Little ones need to be introduced to what is healthy and what is not.

	•	Teaching “High-speed handwashing” to kids of all ages. 

	•	Watching kids grow up in the 4-H Youth Development program. I have been around long enough that I am meeting the next generation!

	•	Teaching bicycle safety rules to school-agers and promoting safe bicycling to the entire community.

	•	Seeing the 10 fact sheets I have written in the past being published and used by Extension colleagues from around the state and shared with FCE members.

	•	Teaching a sewing workshop for 4-H youth–making pillowcases, backpacks, pajama pants or walker bags to learn life skills. 

	•	Collaborating with partners from across our county, through Be Well Barton County or Central Kansas Partnership. “Many hands really do make light work.”

	•	Developing a positive relationship with the executive board, team members, and YOU throughout my 37- year Extension career. 

As you can see it was hard to narrow my favorite days down to a few. It’s been a good run!

Many of you are asking me who the next district director will be when I retire. The Cottonwood Executive Board will be announcing the next district director/community vitality agent soon. I know you will provide them with opportunities to experience “favorite” days too.

Happy New Year from the Cottonwood District team!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.

As I prepare to retire on Feb. 3, I thought I would use my column space to share some of my “favorite” days as an Extension agent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug</figcaption>
 </figure>	•	Teaching Stay Strong Stay Healthy to well more than 300 older adults during the past 10 years. Folks aged 60-95 have enriched my life as much as I have theirs!	•	Sharing my expertise related to fermenting sauerkraut or Kimchi with others in Extension, both in Kansas, Iowa and across the country. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the excitement in the 59 fermentation workshop participants in Barton and Ellis counties.	•	Helping Medicare-eligible adults review their prescription drug plan during open enrollment for the past nine years. It is always rewarding when we find a plan that will save someone a significant amount of money.	•	Kids Ag Day, always on Wednesday after Labor Day, is the perfect chance to share with fourth graders from across the county where their food comes from.	•	Sharing an Organwise presentation “Healthy from the inside out” with pre-schoolers and first graders. Little ones need to be introduced to what is healthy and what is not.	•	Teaching “High-speed handwashing” to kids of all ages. 	•	Watching kids grow up in the 4-H Youth Development program. I have been around long enough that I am meeting the next generation!	•	Teaching bicycle safety rules to school-agers and promoting safe bicycling to the entire community.	•	Seeing the 10 fact sheets I have written in the past being published and used by Extension colleagues from around the state and shared with FCE members.	•	Teaching a sewing workshop for 4-H youth–making pillowcases, backpacks, pajama pants or walker bags to learn life skills. 	•	Collaborating with partners from across our county, through Be Well Barton County or Central Kansas Partnership. “Many hands really do make light work.”	•	Developing a positive relationship with the executive board, team members, and YOU throughout my 37- year Extension career. As you can see it was hard to narrow my favorite days down to a few. It’s been a good run!Many of you are asking me who the next district director will be when I retire. The Cottonwood Executive Board will be announcing the next district director/community vitality agent soon. I know you will provide them with opportunities to experience “favorite” days too.Happy New Year from the Cottonwood District team!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.

KRUG: My favorite days as an Extension agent

Mowery Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Benjamin Rahoy, allergy and immunology.

Rahoy sees both pediatric and adult patients at Mowery Clinic, 737 E. Crawford St in Salina.

“When I visited Salina, I was excited by all Salina has to offer. The amenities here are that of a larger city while maintaining a small-town feel. My family and I are excited to explore the trails and green space this spring,” Rahoy said.

Rahoy completed his medical degree at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo. He completed his residency at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Children’s Hospital joint pediatric residency program. He then completed an allergy and immunology fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Rahoy’s areas of special interest include allergic gastrointestinal disorders, angioedema, anaphylaxis, asthma, seasonal allergies, chronic cough, chronic sinusitis, drug allergy and desensitization, eczema, food allergy, hives, immunodeficiency, insect sting allergy and many other allergic disorders.

“I passionately strive for the highest quality of life for my patients. For me, that starts by actively listening to them; building that trust component with my patients is important,” he said.

Rahoy is accepting new pediatric and adult patients. For more information or to learn more about Rahoy and the Mowery Clinic, call 785-827-7261 or visit <a href="http://MoweryClinic.com">MoweryClinic.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672346623066.jpeg" alt="Benjamin Rahoy " />
 <figcaption>Benjamin Rahoy </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMowery Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Benjamin Rahoy, allergy and immunology.Rahoy sees both pediatric and adult patients at Mowery Clinic, 737 E. Crawford St in Salina.“When I visited Salina, I was excited by all Salina has to offer. The amenities here are that of a larger city while maintaining a small-town feel. My family and I are excited to explore the trails and green space this spring,” Rahoy said.Rahoy completed his medical degree at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo. He completed his residency at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Children’s Hospital joint pediatric residency program. He then completed an allergy and immunology fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.Rahoy’s areas of special interest include allergic gastrointestinal disorders, angioedema, anaphylaxis, asthma, seasonal allergies, chronic cough, chronic sinusitis, drug allergy and desensitization, eczema, food allergy, hives, immunodeficiency, insect sting allergy and many other allergic disorders.“I passionately strive for the highest quality of life for my patients. For me, that starts by actively listening to them; building that trust component with my patients is important,” he said. Rahoy is accepting new pediatric and adult patients. For more information or to learn more about Rahoy and the Mowery Clinic, call 785-827-7261 or visit <a href="http://MoweryClinic.com">MoweryClinic.com</a>.

Mowery Clinic welcomes allergist

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 18th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) on Tuesday, January 10th at 7 p.m.

“We are excited to be back for another season of Doctors on Call,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We have a great lineup this year with many great doctors from central and western Kansas.”

Doctors on Call is a live viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic with a new doctor.

Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; 

A schedule of programs and past episodes is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

* January 10 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital * January 17 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, Hays * January 24 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Lindsay Gallion, DC, Russell Chiropractic &amp; Sports Therapy * January 31 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab, Great Bend

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at 1-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kammco.com/" target="_blank">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Back for its 18th&nbsp;Season, Doctors on Call will begin airing on Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) on Tuesday, January 10th at 7 p.m.“We are excited to be back for another season of Doctors on Call,” said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We have a great lineup this year with many great doctors from central and western Kansas.”Doctors on Call is a live viewer call-in show hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; It is also produced by Smoky Hills PBS and takes place in Studio A in Bunker Hill, KS.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week Doctors on Call highlights a new topic with a new doctor.Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions live during the show.&nbsp; The doctors selected each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Coming up in January:* January 10 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital * January 17 – Pet Health – Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft – Big Creek Vet Service, Hays * January 24 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Lindsay Gallion, DC, Russell Chiropractic &amp; Sports Therapy * January 31 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab, Great Bend To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at 1-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kammco.com/" target="_blank">KAMMCO</a>&nbsp;(Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Hays veterinarian to be featured on SHPBS' 'Doctors on Call'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672421504059.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>

On Friday at 4:20 p.m. the Hays Police Department received a call about a man on the grain elevator downtown. 

Officers responded and set up a perimeter blocking off streets close to the grain elevator. 

Attempts to get the man down were made over the police vehicle loudspeaker. 

Fire fighters and emergency medical services were called to the area as well. 

The man was someone who had recently arrived in Hays and already had contact with law enforcement in the few days that he had been in town. &nbsp;

The distraught man was yelling and pacing back and forth on the very top of the tallest grain elevator in downtown Hays. 

The man could be heard yelling but officers were not able to hear him well enough to understand what the man was yelling about. 

He took his jacket off in the cold and was pulling things off the top of the roof. 

He had thrown debris off the roof along with a hammer and at one point he tore off a metal rod and was flinging it around. &nbsp;

Employees from the Midland Marketing grain elevator assisted law enforcement with making entry inside the dusty grain elevator and updated them on the hazards inside.

 The employees provided sealed flashlights to the officers. 

The special flashlights were to help reduce the risk of flash explosion with the grain dust inside the elevator. 

Officers had to ascend the grain elevator inside in a very small one-person elevator and climb some slick ladders inside. 

Once officers were as close as they could safely get, attempts to communicate and negotiate with the man were made. 

The man did come to the edge a couple times and utter some things to the negotiator that were hard to discern and then he left the edge and communication was never re-established with the negotiator.

A drone flown by Rooks County Deputy James Balthazor, who also is an associate professor at Fort Hays State University, helped officers on the ground see what the man was doing. Information was relayed to the Hays Police personnel and one Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy inside the grain elevator. 

Attempts to communicate via the drone were waved off and then ignored by the man. Officers inside the grain elevator could hear the man banging and digging away at the top of the roof as he ignored the attempts of the negotiator who was trying to regain communication. &nbsp;

Once the man started smoking on top of the grain dust-filled elevator, officers started retreating to exit the potential explosive hazard and regroup. 

As one negotiator started descending inside the one-man elevator, officers had observed the man through a window crawl along the edge. 

Once he was on the south side of the top of the elevator, he slung himself over the edge and dropped himself down about 20 – 25 feet to the next level.

 His actions were also observed on the ground via the drone and binoculars. &nbsp;

The officers inside the grain elevator responded to the man’s location but were unable to get to the outside level to the man without crawling out a window and dropping down or climbing up a ladder from a lower level to get to him. 

The man had sustained serious injuries when he fell to the next level. 

He was on his back and able to communicate to the officers who were talking to him out the window. 

The drone was deployed at the time and responders on the ground at the command post observed his fall and started working up a rescue plan. At this point firefighters and emergency medical technicians entered the grain elevator to start working the rescue.

Over the next several hours, responders worked to secure the man, lift him up through a window into the grain elevator, lower him down to the next floor and carry him to a small three-foot by three-foot elevator shaft where a firefighter was attached to the man, and they were lowered to the bottom of the grain elevator inside together. 

Several emergency responders had to rig up pulleys, ropes, and safety lines to move the man to safety. 

The conditions were dark, slick from dust on the floors, dust in the air, cramped quarters, and they had to watch where they stepped so they didn’t fall through the numerous holes in the floor. Some holes were covered with lids that would not support the responders' body weight and were a hazard that they had to work around. 

The drop if a responder fell through a hole was a long way down. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays firefighters along with firefighters from Goodland set up the rigging and eventually got the man to the ground safely. 

The responders did an amazing job in safely maneuvering through the difficult environment to work together and get everyone out of the building safely. 

The man was eventually taken to the Hays Medical Center for medical treatment. We are not releasing the name of the man.

Thank you to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Ellis County Emergency Services personnel (EMTs/paramedics), the Goodland Fire Fighters, Rooks County Deputy James Balthazor for his drone work, the grain elevator employees for their advice and assistance, and to the Hays Fire Department and police personnel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672512978685.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police Department&nbsp;On Friday at 4:20 p.m. the Hays Police Department received a call about a man on the grain elevator downtown. Officers responded and set up a perimeter blocking off streets close to the grain elevator. Attempts to get the man down were made over the police vehicle loudspeaker. Fire fighters and emergency medical services were called to the area as well. The man was someone who had recently arrived in Hays and already had contact with law enforcement in the few days that he had been in town. &nbsp;The distraught man was yelling and pacing back and forth on the very top of the tallest grain elevator in downtown Hays. The man could be heard yelling but officers were not able to hear him well enough to understand what the man was yelling about. He took his jacket off in the cold and was pulling things off the top of the roof. He had thrown debris off the roof along with a hammer and at one point he tore off a metal rod and was flinging it around. &nbsp;Employees from the Midland Marketing grain elevator assisted law enforcement with making entry inside the dusty grain elevator and updated them on the hazards inside. The employees provided sealed flashlights to the officers. The special flashlights were to help reduce the risk of flash explosion with the grain dust inside the elevator. Officers had to ascend the grain elevator inside in a very small one-person elevator and climb some slick ladders inside. Once officers were as close as they could safely get, attempts to communicate and negotiate with the man were made. The man did come to the edge a couple times and utter some things to the negotiator that were hard to discern and then he left the edge and communication was never re-established with the negotiator.A drone flown by Rooks County Deputy James Balthazor, who also is an associate professor at Fort Hays State University, helped officers on the ground see what the man was doing. Information was relayed to the Hays Police personnel and one Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy inside the grain elevator. Attempts to communicate via the drone were waved off and then ignored by the man. Officers inside the grain elevator could hear the man banging and digging away at the top of the roof as he ignored the attempts of the negotiator who was trying to regain communication. &nbsp;Once the man started smoking on top of the grain dust-filled elevator, officers started retreating to exit the potential explosive hazard and regroup. As one negotiator started descending inside the one-man elevator, officers had observed the man through a window crawl along the edge. Once he was on the south side of the top of the elevator, he slung himself over the edge and dropped himself down about 20 – 25 feet to the next level. His actions were also observed on the ground via the drone and binoculars. &nbsp;The officers inside the grain elevator responded to the man’s location but were unable to get to the outside level to the man without crawling out a window and dropping down or climbing up a ladder from a lower level to get to him. The man had sustained serious injuries when he fell to the next level. He was on his back and able to communicate to the officers who were talking to him out the window. The man said he could not move. The drone was deployed at the time and responders on the ground at the command post observed his fall and started working up a rescue plan. At this point firefighters and emergency medical technicians entered the grain elevator to start working the rescue.Over the next several hours, responders worked to secure the man, lift him up through a window into the grain elevator, lower him down to the next floor and carry him to a small three-foot by three-foot elevator shaft where a firefighter was attached to the man, and they were lowered to the bottom of the grain elevator inside together. Several emergency responders had to rig up pulleys, ropes, and safety lines to move the man to safety. The conditions were dark, slick from dust on the floors, dust in the air, cramped quarters, and they had to watch where they stepped so they didn’t fall through the numerous holes in the floor. Some holes were covered with lids that would not support the responders' body weight and were a hazard that they had to work around. The drop if a responder fell through a hole was a long way down. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hays firefighters along with firefighters from Goodland set up the rigging and eventually got the man to the ground safely. The responders did an amazing job in safely maneuvering through the difficult environment to work together and get everyone out of the building safely. The man was eventually taken to the Hays Medical Center for medical treatment. We are not releasing the name of the man.Thank you to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Ellis County Emergency Services personnel (EMTs/paramedics), the Goodland Fire Fighters, Rooks County Deputy James Balthazor for his drone work, the grain elevator employees for their advice and assistance, and to the Hays Fire Department and police personnel.

Man injured by fall from Hays grain elevator after hours-long standoff

The Scholars Repository hosted by FHSU’s Forsyth Library recently surpassed one million downloads.

The repository, hosted on the Digital Commons platform, made its public debut in January 2016. Forsyth Library launched the repository as a permanent, open access, digital showcase of the FHSU community’s creative, scholarly, and research productivity. The repository is primarily open access and is designed to make FHSU scholarship easy to find, share, cite, and use.

Professor of Philosophy Dr. Douglas Drabkin’s monograph&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2yYGBUtdTLkiQyXm2NV3ZT7LnwnDZdtbUzf4yTZx1SEQA-3D-3DMP9g_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbztJCc8VbEHworYa5wkLMWXQF-2BQdIvB593ZbxA31nfnXzpUnSzmDa1peSPNrWzTG-2Bu1meJdEByEfZt7r3AN6CrI6L07oABLOecwWOdIueqR32bNZ4PIvptgSeLs2ciMb2KfQkaUAp42yuxoxJwyhEWXZ-2BfDhnuK6DCwGwo41Pp4yAr2Kjep0csmfZWyzxuBaPGQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Intelligent Troglodyte’s Guide to Plato’s Republic</a>&nbsp;and the FHSU-hosted, peer-reviewed&nbsp;Journal of International &amp; Interdisciplinary Business Research&nbsp;were the first deposits made to the repository.&nbsp;

The top download of all time is&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zQkKteM3e21IRKLsx56AwE0L1ewmPnDOD1IeKQzDkikw-3D-3DkyEv_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzgDw-2BvvjP4l4rW98irhQOUVXuoZZWEDl8Mx0vnszHjUf1GspcgZ2Nfc6qnVI35OdC78cu-2FJeCDf38CPsO16638dhR45-2FhPU26Sms9ISdhRtpUIfJoAXX-2FnpDnWb6uDrQsyCkYS5bapBci92gRtIkcZTBd8n-2FD6UlErqfVCiIW-2Fg0xWVf8TwVONZYjxl5FGhxhQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Four Leadership Theories Addressing Contemporary Leadership Issues as the Theories Relate to the Scholarship, Practice, and Leadership Model</a>, an article within the FHSU-published peer-reviewed journal&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zUXkuRm2PtXRDwsq-2BetCRQYmND_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzt-2Fd2h1McPeET6GPBdtR3Y8iRJUZMWjf3gKnw-2Fbk-2FdQGQ8c2mbGjxEXhh-2BT83Td2wLO7NYBOJShJTX5UCuKhHZneg2uM6ZjfNSSM7cbk-2FF9lNV2qK4QohJJNWyIt2j9MnxjHqqN-2Fj7r7qn-2BCYghi8WPEX-2Bihhs4an9gCBXQE5A4E86rRmPbSk7gUaNNbQlRlBA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Academic Leadership: The Online Journal</a>.&nbsp;

Associate Professor of Management&nbsp;Dr. Robert Lloyd's Open Educational Resource,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zn27VPJetJIQYKhEhc3BpQGyiz8ghz3JKFgPwyOXu-2FiQ-3D-3DYpKi_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzufV2q8HNS-2Ft-2FqYdcgkpjgSptxnIHslYzibQmhzei5HG3GUFVV6qc3OtilRCBVtD556bkox5sr2WOVcYow6cIygq-2BzSY1TnLidoAV2CFtFYAUtwFpeFCoRAUNDkEfcLpuC0ae5XL2ueeBF3-2FZgsLUKoXtm8v5FdbzPJ0Vs058kiGmcwj-2FzrE-2BnQzxO-2Bh2LUJDw-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Four Functions of Management</a>,&nbsp;remains the top downloaded FHSU faculty submission.

“As a library, Forsyth is committed to the principle of equal access to information. The repository is open to all users no matter where they are geographically,” said Jennifer Sauer, coordinator of scholar services and electronic resources &amp; discovery services librarian. “It is continually growing and features new materials, formats, and mediums to ensure that users can make use of these collections to further their own exploration of knowledge.”

According to Sauer, the role of the FHSU Scholars Repository platform in presenting the university community’s scholarship and creative works, as well as select special collections and archives, increases visibility and discoverability, both for the authors/creators and the works themselves. The open access feature of the platform increases the impact of FHSU research and scholarship globally.&nbsp;

The Digital Commons platform also integrates metrics, including citations, media mentions, tweets, and more. These metrics are gathered and reported to all levels of the repository, from platform administrators to journal editors and authors.

The repository is also home to a growing collection of historical documents about the university and surrounding region through the Archives Online, which features the University Archives Photographs Collection, George F. Sternberg Digital Collections, and the Reveille Yearbooks, to name a few. &nbsp;

To learn more about the repository, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2wBzPzJEuN3p7Y-2FmP8GeCfeuk4F_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzqlz03A3Dm-2B-2Frftz53Xwq8chx8h30pbqejeL4mzy2m1miciA9aMERfvWG3XPSIdfsQwv00CJqU8INE5HOxHFjgvyoBQ4cH75NOX3F1wjbulqam292ssE2O9EYNMTGST6RyI3dQL4WFBqP1gtUbccpIkAwkGDJ-2F-2BEXPOsP1uRUYU5XcvSTjmBWyfgY7gjsTi9Sg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://scholars.fhsu.edu/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662133127453.jpeg" alt="File FHSU Forsyth Library (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>File FHSU Forsyth Library (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Scholars Repository hosted by FHSU’s Forsyth Library recently surpassed one million downloads.The repository, hosted on the Digital Commons platform, made its public debut in January 2016. Forsyth Library launched the repository as a permanent, open access, digital showcase of the FHSU community’s creative, scholarly, and research productivity. The repository is primarily open access and is designed to make FHSU scholarship easy to find, share, cite, and use.Professor of Philosophy Dr. Douglas Drabkin’s monograph&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2yYGBUtdTLkiQyXm2NV3ZT7LnwnDZdtbUzf4yTZx1SEQA-3D-3DMP9g_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbztJCc8VbEHworYa5wkLMWXQF-2BQdIvB593ZbxA31nfnXzpUnSzmDa1peSPNrWzTG-2Bu1meJdEByEfZt7r3AN6CrI6L07oABLOecwWOdIueqR32bNZ4PIvptgSeLs2ciMb2KfQkaUAp42yuxoxJwyhEWXZ-2BfDhnuK6DCwGwo41Pp4yAr2Kjep0csmfZWyzxuBaPGQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Intelligent Troglodyte’s Guide to Plato’s Republic</a>&nbsp;and the FHSU-hosted, peer-reviewed&nbsp;Journal of International &amp; Interdisciplinary Business Research&nbsp;were the first deposits made to the repository.&nbsp;The top download of all time is&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zQkKteM3e21IRKLsx56AwE0L1ewmPnDOD1IeKQzDkikw-3D-3DkyEv_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzgDw-2BvvjP4l4rW98irhQOUVXuoZZWEDl8Mx0vnszHjUf1GspcgZ2Nfc6qnVI35OdC78cu-2FJeCDf38CPsO16638dhR45-2FhPU26Sms9ISdhRtpUIfJoAXX-2FnpDnWb6uDrQsyCkYS5bapBci92gRtIkcZTBd8n-2FD6UlErqfVCiIW-2Fg0xWVf8TwVONZYjxl5FGhxhQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Four Leadership Theories Addressing Contemporary Leadership Issues as the Theories Relate to the Scholarship, Practice, and Leadership Model</a>, an article within the FHSU-published peer-reviewed journal&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zUXkuRm2PtXRDwsq-2BetCRQYmND_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzt-2Fd2h1McPeET6GPBdtR3Y8iRJUZMWjf3gKnw-2Fbk-2FdQGQ8c2mbGjxEXhh-2BT83Td2wLO7NYBOJShJTX5UCuKhHZneg2uM6ZjfNSSM7cbk-2FF9lNV2qK4QohJJNWyIt2j9MnxjHqqN-2Fj7r7qn-2BCYghi8WPEX-2Bihhs4an9gCBXQE5A4E86rRmPbSk7gUaNNbQlRlBA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Academic Leadership: The Online Journal</a>.&nbsp;Associate Professor of Management&nbsp;Dr. Robert Lloyd's Open Educational Resource,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2zn27VPJetJIQYKhEhc3BpQGyiz8ghz3JKFgPwyOXu-2FiQ-3D-3DYpKi_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzufV2q8HNS-2Ft-2FqYdcgkpjgSptxnIHslYzibQmhzei5HG3GUFVV6qc3OtilRCBVtD556bkox5sr2WOVcYow6cIygq-2BzSY1TnLidoAV2CFtFYAUtwFpeFCoRAUNDkEfcLpuC0ae5XL2ueeBF3-2FZgsLUKoXtm8v5FdbzPJ0Vs058kiGmcwj-2FzrE-2BnQzxO-2Bh2LUJDw-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Four Functions of Management</a>,&nbsp;remains the top downloaded FHSU faculty submission.“As a library, Forsyth is committed to the principle of equal access to information. The repository is open to all users no matter where they are geographically,” said Jennifer Sauer, coordinator of scholar services and electronic resources &amp; discovery services librarian. “It is continually growing and features new materials, formats, and mediums to ensure that users can make use of these collections to further their own exploration of knowledge.”According to Sauer, the role of the FHSU Scholars Repository platform in presenting the university community’s scholarship and creative works, as well as select special collections and archives, increases visibility and discoverability, both for the authors/creators and the works themselves. The open access feature of the platform increases the impact of FHSU research and scholarship globally.&nbsp;The Digital Commons platform also integrates metrics, including citations, media mentions, tweets, and more. These metrics are gathered and reported to all levels of the repository, from platform administrators to journal editors and authors.The repository is also home to a growing collection of historical documents about the university and surrounding region through the Archives Online, which features the University Archives Photographs Collection, George F. Sternberg Digital Collections, and the Reveille Yearbooks, to name a few. &nbsp;To learn more about the repository, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMAXMCmDI3SmfGW3VcnZF2wBzPzJEuN3p7Y-2FmP8GeCfeuk4F_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbPs61eUNO-2BlJ396qUne11mX8Zh2UxfTN9AApr-2BrFvvSKRcRzD3hAlxrXIXTNF56atJsS8Z-2BGx6vNmvEOoLVIbzqlz03A3Dm-2B-2Frftz53Xwq8chx8h30pbqejeL4mzy2m1miciA9aMERfvWG3XPSIdfsQwv00CJqU8INE5HOxHFjgvyoBQ4cH75NOX3F1wjbulqam292ssE2O9EYNMTGST6RyI3dQL4WFBqP1gtUbccpIkAwkGDJ-2F-2BEXPOsP1uRUYU5XcvSTjmBWyfgY7gjsTi9Sg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://scholars.fhsu.edu/</a>.

FHSU Scholars Repository surpasses 1 million downloads

An afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and pastries awaits you at the Hays Public Library Foundation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 5.

The tea party will include a variety of teas and other beverages. Several courses of tasty treats that complement the teas, including croissants and tarts donated by Cathy’s Breads, will be served.

The attire for an afternoon tea party is smart casual. Attendees, who want to fully embrace the experience, are encouraged to “dress to the tea.” That could include hats and gloves.

The event is a fundraiser for the Hays Public Library Foundation, which supports the library by assisting with unbudgeted needs. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at the library or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/event/">hayslibrary.org/event/</a>. A limited number of tickets are available for this event.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

SubmittedAn afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and pastries awaits you at the Hays Public Library Foundation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 5.The tea party will include a variety of teas and other beverages. Several courses of tasty treats that complement the teas, including croissants and tarts donated by Cathy’s Breads, will be served.The attire for an afternoon tea party is smart casual. Attendees, who want to fully embrace the experience, are encouraged to “dress to the tea.” That could include hats and gloves.The event is a fundraiser for the Hays Public Library Foundation, which supports the library by assisting with unbudgeted needs. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at the library or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/event/">hayslibrary.org/event/</a>. A limited number of tickets are available for this event.You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

Hays Public Library Foundation sets tea party fundraiser

With great power comes great responsibility. This phrase has been uttered time and time again and is applicable to a wide range of situations, especially in politics.

On Jan. 9, the state legislature will start its 2023 legislative session. But it’s not a statewide election year, so many Kansans won’t be paying much attention to the events happening in Topeka this spring.

Citizens have the power to choose our government, but we must also pay attention to hold elected officials accountable. With great power comes great responsibility. 

Political efficacy is the belief that citizens can influence politics and government. Most Americans have low political efficacy, which may not be surprising to you based on voter turnout. That is partially due to low levels of trust in government and goes hand-in-hand with low performance satisfaction.

The 2022 Kansas Speaks statewide public opinion survey — run by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University — showed that only about 31 percent of Kansans are very or somewhat satisfied with the overall performance of the Kansas Legislature. 

Generally speaking, citizens with high levels of political efficacy also have higher levels of performance satisfaction. Largely because these citizens often engage in politics above and beyond voting in elections. 

Political science research shows they are more likely to be cognitively engaged — pay attention to political affairs and discuss politics with their friends, for example — and also turn engagement into action by participating in various ways, like contacting their elected officials and attending town hall meetings to make their opinions heard.

In short, engaged citizens have more satisfaction with government because they are able to influence the political system through their participation and are thus more likely to see their preferences carried out into policy.

A foundational piece of political science scholarship — Congress: The Electoral Connection by David Mayhew — dubs elected officials to be “single-minded seekers of re-election”. 

Do elected officials care about the political attitudes of all their constituents? Of course not. They are strategic and only have to care about the plurality of citizens who are going to re-elect them. But this does often mean that those who are the loudest and most participatory — and most organized — disproportionately affect policy debates in the state legislature.

As I wrote in a column last April, for many Kansans, government never does enough to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what is wanted, or even needed. Their work is often filled with half-measures and compromises. 

But if we look closely, there are many examples where we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for change. 

This spring the state legislature is going to debate a cornucopia of bills; from tax cuts, to “culture war” issues, to the Keystone oil spill in northeast Kansas. 

Some of which you will support and some of which you won’t.

But guess what? You can do something about it. And your state legislator might even listen.

So, as you’re making your resolutions for the new year, consider adding some political engagement to the list. Write to your state legislator. Attend a townhall meeting. Plan a march to address an issue that’s important to you.

Because with great power comes great responsibility.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Middlewood" />
 <figcaption>Middlewood</figcaption>
 </figure>With great power comes great responsibility. This phrase has been uttered time and time again and is applicable to a wide range of situations, especially in politics.On Jan. 9, the state legislature will start its 2023 legislative session. But it’s not a statewide election year, so many Kansans won’t be paying much attention to the events happening in Topeka this spring.Citizens have the power to choose our government, but we must also pay attention to hold elected officials accountable. With great power comes great responsibility. Political efficacy is the belief that citizens can influence politics and government. Most Americans have low political efficacy, which may not be surprising to you based on voter turnout. That is partially due to low levels of trust in government and goes hand-in-hand with low performance satisfaction.The 2022 Kansas Speaks statewide public opinion survey — run by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University — showed that only about 31 percent of Kansans are very or somewhat satisfied with the overall performance of the Kansas Legislature. Generally speaking, citizens with high levels of political efficacy also have higher levels of performance satisfaction. Largely because these citizens often engage in politics above and beyond voting in elections. Political science research shows they are more likely to be cognitively engaged — pay attention to political affairs and discuss politics with their friends, for example — and also turn engagement into action by participating in various ways, like contacting their elected officials and attending town hall meetings to make their opinions heard.In short, engaged citizens have more satisfaction with government because they are able to influence the political system through their participation and are thus more likely to see their preferences carried out into policy.A foundational piece of political science scholarship — Congress: The Electoral Connection by David Mayhew — dubs elected officials to be “single-minded seekers of re-election”. Do elected officials care about the political attitudes of all their constituents? Of course not. They are strategic and only have to care about the plurality of citizens who are going to re-elect them. But this does often mean that those who are the loudest and most participatory — and most organized — disproportionately affect policy debates in the state legislature.As I wrote in a column last April, for many Kansans, government never does enough to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what is wanted, or even needed. Their work is often filled with half-measures and compromises. But if we look closely, there are many examples where we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for change. This spring the state legislature is going to debate a cornucopia of bills; from tax cuts, to “culture war” issues, to the Keystone oil spill in northeast Kansas. Some of which you will support and some of which you won’t.But guess what? You can do something about it. And your state legislator might even listen.So, as you’re making your resolutions for the new year, consider adding some political engagement to the list. Write to your state legislator. Attend a townhall meeting. Plan a march to address an issue that’s important to you.Because with great power comes great responsibility.Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT: It may not be an election year but Kansans should stay politically engaged in 2023

Mystery, romance, history, comedy, thriller, suspense, science fiction, cook books—all&nbsp;reading categories. Reading cookbooks for fun surprises folks, but once you&nbsp;begin&nbsp;reading&nbsp;them&nbsp;recreationally, you discover those categories listed above slip into each and every recipe&nbsp;book&nbsp;on your shelf.&nbsp;

Though she was a good cook, my mom didn’t love to cook. As a result,&nbsp;I grew up&nbsp;reading&nbsp;few cook books.&nbsp;Her mom, however,&nbsp;loved&nbsp;creating amazing meals and desserts so&nbsp;Grandma Lottie&nbsp;owned&nbsp;more. While&nbsp;she didn’t have near the selection I have or that I’ve&nbsp;found&nbsp;at&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;auctions&nbsp;or thrift stores, her most interesting&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;were&nbsp;written on scraps of paper, old envelopes, and snipped&nbsp;from old newspapers. She tucked these in the fronts and backs of&nbsp;her worn&nbsp;recipe books&nbsp;where I found them after she&nbsp;passed away. In addition, she&nbsp;saved&nbsp;a manila envelope full of her mom’s&nbsp;and grandmother’s&nbsp;recipes. These&nbsp;originated in England and came with the&nbsp;Bears&nbsp;to Russell County.&nbsp;

These handwritten,&nbsp;detailed ingredients remind me of reading history. The&nbsp;cooks wrote instructions&nbsp;for wood or coal stoves so this modern-day cook had&nbsp;to&nbsp;research&nbsp;what cool, warm, and hot oven mean.&nbsp;Rarely did they offer exact cup or spoon measurements. A pinch,&nbsp;a dash,&nbsp;a handful, an egg-&nbsp;size bit of butter&nbsp;made their point.&nbsp;

To complicate matters,&nbsp;these recipes&nbsp;call for ingredients I either can’t find in Kansas&nbsp;such as&nbsp;eels to make eel pie or saleratus, which I learned is an old-timey&nbsp;word for baking soda.&nbsp;My great- and great-great-grandmothers saved&nbsp;several&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;that called for fresh&nbsp;kidneys. Though I can get those from the butcher, I have no&nbsp;urges to&nbsp;bake&nbsp;a&nbsp;kidney pie.&nbsp;

Since I&nbsp;began&nbsp;cooking in my teens, cookbooks and cooking shows have gained popularity. Any of us can buy a celebrity cookbook and serve our families the&nbsp;same&nbsp;meals&nbsp;that Trish Yearwood and Valerie Bertinelli whip up in their kitchens. For those of us who like learning about other cultures through their foods, we can add Amish, Mexican, Italian, Native American, Creole and other&nbsp;foods to our diets.

Regional collections put together by churches or communities as commemorative collections or fundraisers&nbsp;count&nbsp;among my&nbsp;favorites. Ellis County&nbsp;contributes&nbsp;a treasure trove of amazing dishes created by Volga German, Bukovina, and Bohemian cooks. Even though I have a Volga German grandmother, I’d&nbsp;have never learned&nbsp;how much I love&nbsp;those&nbsp;old&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;if I hadn’t&nbsp;moved here&nbsp;and bought cookbooks.&nbsp;On another note,&nbsp;I have&nbsp;a&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;from Wallace, Idaho, a&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;silver mining town. Huckleberry recipes abound as desserts, side dishes, and meat sauces. Because English families moved there to work the mines, the book&nbsp;shares&nbsp;several pasty varieties, a great find for cooks who love hand pies.&nbsp;

One way&nbsp;to&nbsp;travel back in time&nbsp;involves&nbsp;rereading&nbsp;cookbooks I&nbsp;received&nbsp;as a bride or soon after. Not only do I recall foods we loved to eat back then like Watergate Salad,&nbsp;but also,&nbsp;I see names that&nbsp;jerk&nbsp;me back&nbsp;several decades. What a poignant way to remember favorite people and foods.&nbsp;

So, if you can’t&nbsp;find anything good to read at the library or on your kindle,&nbsp;scan&nbsp;through your old recipe books. You might get as lucky as I did the other day and have your grandma’s best lemon meringue pie recipe written in her hand fall in your lap. It was almost as good a real visit.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671733838286.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINMystery, romance, history, comedy, thriller, suspense, science fiction, cook books—all&nbsp;reading categories. Reading cookbooks for fun surprises folks, but once you&nbsp;begin&nbsp;reading&nbsp;them&nbsp;recreationally, you discover those categories listed above slip into each and every recipe&nbsp;book&nbsp;on your shelf.&nbsp;Though she was a good cook, my mom didn’t love to cook. As a result,&nbsp;I grew up&nbsp;reading&nbsp;few cook books.&nbsp;Her mom, however,&nbsp;loved&nbsp;creating amazing meals and desserts so&nbsp;Grandma Lottie&nbsp;owned&nbsp;more. While&nbsp;she didn’t have near the selection I have or that I’ve&nbsp;found&nbsp;at&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;auctions&nbsp;or thrift stores, her most interesting&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;were&nbsp;written on scraps of paper, old envelopes, and snipped&nbsp;from old newspapers. She tucked these in the fronts and backs of&nbsp;her worn&nbsp;recipe books&nbsp;where I found them after she&nbsp;passed away. In addition, she&nbsp;saved&nbsp;a manila envelope full of her mom’s&nbsp;and grandmother’s&nbsp;recipes. These&nbsp;originated in England and came with the&nbsp;Bears&nbsp;to Russell County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>These handwritten,&nbsp;detailed ingredients remind me of reading history. The&nbsp;cooks wrote instructions&nbsp;for wood or coal stoves so this modern-day cook had&nbsp;to&nbsp;research&nbsp;what cool, warm, and hot oven mean.&nbsp;Rarely did they offer exact cup or spoon measurements. A pinch,&nbsp;a dash,&nbsp;a handful, an egg-&nbsp;size bit of butter&nbsp;made their point.&nbsp;To complicate matters,&nbsp;these recipes&nbsp;call for ingredients I either can’t find in Kansas&nbsp;such as&nbsp;eels to make eel pie or saleratus, which I learned is an old-timey&nbsp;word for baking soda.&nbsp;My great- and great-great-grandmothers saved&nbsp;several&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;that called for fresh&nbsp;kidneys. Though I can get those from the butcher, I have no&nbsp;urges to&nbsp;bake&nbsp;a&nbsp;kidney pie.&nbsp;Since I&nbsp;began&nbsp;cooking in my teens, cookbooks and cooking shows have gained popularity. Any of us can buy a celebrity cookbook and serve our families the&nbsp;same&nbsp;meals&nbsp;that Trish Yearwood and Valerie Bertinelli whip up in their kitchens. For those of us who like learning about other cultures through their foods, we can add Amish, Mexican, Italian, Native American, Creole and other&nbsp;foods to our diets.Regional collections put together by churches or communities as commemorative collections or fundraisers&nbsp;count&nbsp;among my&nbsp;favorites. Ellis County&nbsp;contributes&nbsp;a treasure trove of amazing dishes created by Volga German, Bukovina, and Bohemian cooks. Even though I have a Volga German grandmother, I’d&nbsp;have never learned&nbsp;how much I love&nbsp;those&nbsp;old&nbsp;recipes&nbsp;if I hadn’t&nbsp;moved here&nbsp;and bought cookbooks.&nbsp;On another note,&nbsp;I have&nbsp;a&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;from Wallace, Idaho, a&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;silver mining town. Huckleberry recipes abound as desserts, side dishes, and meat sauces. Because English families moved there to work the mines, the book&nbsp;shares&nbsp;several pasty varieties, a great find for cooks who love hand pies.&nbsp;One way&nbsp;to&nbsp;travel back in time&nbsp;involves&nbsp;rereading&nbsp;cookbooks I&nbsp;received&nbsp;as a bride or soon after. Not only do I recall foods we loved to eat back then like Watergate Salad,&nbsp;but also,&nbsp;I see names that&nbsp;jerk&nbsp;me back&nbsp;several decades. What a poignant way to remember favorite people and foods.&nbsp;So, if you can’t&nbsp;find anything good to read at the library or on your kindle,&nbsp;scan&nbsp;through your old recipe books. You might get as lucky as I did the other day and have your grandma’s best lemon meringue pie recipe written in her hand fall in your lap. It was almost as good a real visit.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: The joy of reading cookbooks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672421469717.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>

Local