Last Tuesday morning, I harvested this year’s deer, a 2 ½ year old buck just right for the freezer. The morning hunts were not without there setbacks, however. Opening morning as I left town, the steering on my pickup seemed a little “spongy,” and a quick stop revealed a low tire, causing me to head back home for air. I had gotten up late to begin with, so the sun was up when I got to the field, and 2 deer were already grazing just below our blind. Another morning as I left town, I realized my hearing aids&nbsp;weren’t&nbsp;in, meaning another quick trip&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the house.&nbsp;These little inconveniences reminded me of a&nbsp;much worse morning&nbsp;deer hunt 10 years ago that could have been called “Doomed from the Start.”

One&nbsp;cold, frosty December morning&nbsp;several&nbsp;winters ago,&nbsp;I slowly steered my pickup into the midst of several weathered old hay bales, and stepped out into the crisp, pre-dawn air. With the full moon illuminating the landscape like a spotlight and the frost making everything underfoot crunch like cornflakes, slipping in to our deer blind unnoticed that&nbsp;morning would&nbsp;have been&nbsp;like trying to slip into the house past mom when I was a kid and had stayed out past curfew. I crossed&nbsp;a&nbsp;stubble field and as I entered&nbsp;an adjoining&nbsp;meadow, I began hearing a strange quiet sort of popping sound; kind of like one of those kids push toys that pops a ping pong ball around inside as its pushed across the floor.&nbsp;Maybe it was just my old arthritic joints cracking and popping like Jiffy Pop popcorn with every step, but I stood still for&nbsp;a while&nbsp;and the sound still continued. Baffled at what I heard, I strode onward.

I’d taken just a couple more steps when an enormous eruption somewhere in front of me stopped me cold. &nbsp;I instinctively reeled backwards, and starring skyward, found the bright moonlit sky filled with the huge black shapes of wild turkeys, looking for all the world like beach balls with wings as they scattered to the four winds. Then it hit me that many times I had heard hen turkeys make that familiar quiet popping sound as they milled around me during turkey hunts. For anyone who has never seen or heard wild turkeys come down from a roost in the morning, it’s about the loudest, most awkward and unscripted event you’ll ever witness, and that’s when&nbsp;it’s planned by the turkeys themselves and not because of some intruder like me. When the dust settled, the moonlight revealed numerous more roosted in the trees all around me. I remember starring at all those black shapes in the trees and thinking “This aint’ gonna’ end well,” when, like shots from a roman candle, every few seconds another group would leave their perches and scatter in a different direction. And finally, as if any deer were still left in this part of the township, the last group set sail and glided right through the middle of the very woodlot I’d hoped would produce a deer for me this morning! Every fiber of my being told me “Just go back home to bed; you tried but your hunt is surely ruined for the morning,” but I regained my composure, readjusted my now warm wet shorts, and continued on anyway.&nbsp;

Next&nbsp;came a shortcut across a creek to our blind.&nbsp;We&nbsp;had pruned limbs to clear a path and formed steps into the creek bank, all in the name of getting to the blind quietly in the dark, even though that was obviously not a consideration any more this morning. I shone the flashlight down into the creek, and what had been a dry creek bed before a recent rain was now a frozen moat&nbsp;of paper-thin ice.&nbsp;It was already going to be a little uncomfortable sitting in the blind in warm wet drawers, so the last thing I needed now was to add two wet muddy boots to my outfit,so I opted to go around. That meant crossing the meadow again, crossing the creek at a nearby culvert and taking the long way around, all in the bright moonlight. The upside was that there were probably no more turkeys left to spook. The&nbsp;downside was that there were probably no more deer left to spook either! To any deer that might have stopped for a look back as they left the territory, the bright moonlight probably made me look like I was wrapped from head-to-toe in blinking white Christmas lights.&nbsp;

Our blind&nbsp;was&nbsp;a trailer with a camper shell on top that had&nbsp;two sliding windows in front. The insides of all the windows were frosted over, which we are used to, but as I tried to slide open the two front windows, I found them frozen shut (well of course they were.) I found an ice scraper and placing it sideways against one of the windows, I preceded to rap on it with my fist until one-at-a-time both windows broke free and slid open. As things stood now, any living thing not spooked from the property by the turkey explosion or rousted from the area by the eerie hulking figure wrapped in white Christmas lights was surely driven from the territory by the sound of a jack-hammer being run from inside our hunting blind.

At this point, I might as well have stood on top of the trailer and sung the&nbsp;Star Spangled Banner at the top of my lungs as the sun came up, or built a roaring fire in the middle of the stubble field; it would have made little difference in the outcome of my Saturday morning deer hunt. Sometimes all the preparation in the world just can’t outwit&nbsp;Mother&nbsp;Nature.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Last Tuesday morning, I harvested this year’s deer, a 2 ½ year old buck just right for the freezer. The morning hunts were not without there setbacks, however. Opening morning as I left town, the steering on my pickup seemed a little “spongy,” and a quick stop revealed a low tire, causing me to head back home for air. I had gotten up late to begin with, so the sun was up when I got to the field, and 2 deer were already grazing just below our blind. Another morning as I left town, I realized my hearing aids&nbsp;weren’t&nbsp;in, meaning another quick trip&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the house.&nbsp;These little inconveniences reminded me of a&nbsp;much worse morning&nbsp;deer hunt 10 years ago that could have been called “Doomed from the Start.”One&nbsp;cold, frosty December morning&nbsp;several&nbsp;winters ago,&nbsp;I slowly steered my pickup into the midst of several weathered old hay bales, and stepped out into the crisp, pre-dawn air. With the full moon illuminating the landscape like a spotlight and the frost making everything underfoot crunch like cornflakes, slipping in to our deer blind unnoticed that&nbsp;morning would&nbsp;have been&nbsp;like trying to slip into the house past mom when I was a kid and had stayed out past curfew. I crossed&nbsp;a&nbsp;stubble field and as I entered&nbsp;an adjoining&nbsp;meadow, I began hearing a strange quiet sort of popping sound; kind of like one of those kids push toys that pops a ping pong ball around inside as its pushed across the floor.&nbsp;Maybe it was just my old arthritic joints cracking and popping like Jiffy Pop popcorn with every step, but I stood still for&nbsp;a while&nbsp;and the sound still continued. Baffled at what I heard, I strode onward.I’d taken just a couple more steps when an enormous eruption somewhere in front of me stopped me cold. &nbsp;I instinctively reeled backwards, and starring skyward, found the bright moonlit sky filled with the huge black shapes of wild turkeys, looking for all the world like beach balls with wings as they scattered to the four winds. Then it hit me that many times I had heard hen turkeys make that familiar quiet popping sound as they milled around me during turkey hunts. For anyone who has never seen or heard wild turkeys come down from a roost in the morning, it’s about the loudest, most awkward and unscripted event you’ll ever witness, and that’s when&nbsp;it’s planned by the turkeys themselves and not because of some intruder like me. When the dust settled, the moonlight revealed numerous more roosted in the trees all around me. I remember starring at all those black shapes in the trees and thinking “This aint’ gonna’ end well,” when, like shots from a roman candle, every few seconds another group would leave their perches and scatter in a different direction. And finally, as if any deer were still left in this part of the township, the last group set sail and glided right through the middle of the very woodlot I’d hoped would produce a deer for me this morning! Every fiber of my being told me “Just go back home to bed; you tried but your hunt is surely ruined for the morning,” but I regained my composure, readjusted my now warm wet shorts, and continued on anyway.&nbsp;Next&nbsp;came a shortcut across a creek to our blind.&nbsp;We&nbsp;had pruned limbs to clear a path and formed steps into the creek bank, all in the name of getting to the blind quietly in the dark, even though that was obviously not a consideration any more this morning. I shone the flashlight down into the creek, and what had been a dry creek bed before a recent rain was now a frozen moat&nbsp;of paper-thin ice.&nbsp;It was already going to be a little uncomfortable sitting in the blind in warm wet drawers, so the last thing I needed now was to add two wet muddy boots to my outfit,so I opted to go around. That meant crossing the meadow again, crossing the creek at a nearby culvert and taking the long way around, all in the bright moonlight. The upside was that there were probably no more turkeys left to spook. The&nbsp;downside was that there were probably no more deer left to spook either! To any deer that might have stopped for a look back as they left the territory, the bright moonlight probably made me look like I was wrapped from head-to-toe in blinking white Christmas lights.&nbsp;Our blind&nbsp;was&nbsp;a trailer with a camper shell on top that had&nbsp;two sliding windows in front. The insides of all the windows were frosted over, which we are used to, but as I tried to slide open the two front windows, I found them frozen shut (well of course they were.) I found an ice scraper and placing it sideways against one of the windows, I preceded to rap on it with my fist until one-at-a-time both windows broke free and slid open. As things stood now, any living thing not spooked from the property by the turkey explosion or rousted from the area by the eerie hulking figure wrapped in white Christmas lights was surely driven from the territory by the sound of a jack-hammer being run from inside our hunting blind.At this point, I might as well have stood on top of the trailer and sung the&nbsp;Star Spangled Banner at the top of my lungs as the sun came up, or built a roaring fire in the middle of the stubble field; it would have made little difference in the outcome of my Saturday morning deer hunt. Sometimes all the preparation in the world just can’t outwit&nbsp;Mother&nbsp;Nature.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: What next?

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound Interstate 70 at WaKeeney.

KDOT encourages motorists to buckle up and stay alert for changing road and weather conditions.

For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2F0.0.7.228%2F2019%2FTemplates%2Fwww.kandrive.org&amp;data=05%7C01%7CLisa.Mussman%40ks.gov%7Cde324bb4f6a94695a02608dadd441413%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638065581921064704%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=hWsQmRhubkvOTBgtew3S63maCTixekQeM%2B5H0OoiEz8%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597694281633.jpeg" alt="KDOT logo sq.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KDOT logo sq.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened westbound Interstate 70 at WaKeeney.KDOT encourages motorists to buckle up and stay alert for changing road and weather conditions.For the latest information on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2F0.0.7.228%2F2019%2FTemplates%2Fwww.kandrive.org&amp;data=05%7C01%7CLisa.Mussman%40ks.gov%7Cde324bb4f6a94695a02608dadd441413%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638065581921064704%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=hWsQmRhubkvOTBgtew3S63maCTixekQeM%2B5H0OoiEz8%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.kandrive.org</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Interstate 70 westbound traffic reopened in Kansas 

The TMP-Marian basketball games schedule for Tuesday against
Oakley have been postponed.

The TMP-Marian basketball games schedule for Tuesday against
Oakley have been postponed.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftmpmarian%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02rDpLjT7dmkFh1xCMzV9dJrESZ6sZfrbRhYfg2Svtk9VnXf69vRKxZQkbK6sZxKYEl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="486" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>No makeup date has been announced.TMP will travel to Stockon on Friday.

🏀TMP basketball vs Oakley postponed

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share the importance of shopping local during the holiday season.

<div><iframe title="As area shoppers search for Christmas gifts Hays Chamber promotes shopping locally" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5yq34-133961c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share the importance of shopping local during the holiday season.

🎙 Post Podcast: As area shoppers search for Christmas gifts Hays Chamber promotes shopping locally

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It was a misty Monday in Hays that culminated in a noisy thunderstorm about 9 p.m.

The thunder and lightning brought 0.68 of rain, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.&nbsp;

It was the first recorded precipitation this month for the city.

Hays is more than six inches below average moisture for the year, according to the 153-year cumulative record.

As of Tuesday, Hays has received 16.25 inches of precipitation in 2022. The average amount is 22.78 inches by the end of December.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591720292597.jpeg" alt="(File photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(File photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt was a misty Monday in Hays that culminated in a noisy thunderstorm about 9 p.m.The thunder and lightning brought 0.68 of rain, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.&nbsp;It was the first recorded precipitation this month for the city.Hays is more than six inches below average moisture for the year, according to the 153-year cumulative record.As of Tuesday, Hays has received 16.25 inches of precipitation in 2022. The average amount is 22.78 inches by the end of December.&nbsp;

Monday rain helps, but Hays still 6" behind average moisture

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Two men accused in the armed robbery of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">Hays Dollar
General this summer</a> both pleaded not guilty to several charges this month in
Ellis County District Court.

On Monday, Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, Columbus, Ohio, pleaded
not guilty to four felony counts in connection with the July 24 <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">armed robbery
</a>of the Dollar General Store at 1208 E. 27th, Hays.

Senuoke was charged with aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit
aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a
felon.

According to the Hays Police Department, Senuoke entered the
Dollar General at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 24 and threatened the
cashier with a gun. He left the store with the money and then Senuoke and two
other suspects fled the area. 

Their vehicle was located in Oakley and, after a brief chase
involving the Kansas Highway Patrol, all three suspects were taken into custody just 12:30
p.m. July 24.

In Kansas, if convicted for aggravated robbery, Senuoke
faces between 55 and 247 months in prison. 

The conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery charge carries a
sentence of 31 to 136 months. The potential sentence for aggravated battery is
11 to 34 months and for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon the sentence
is seven to 33 months. All four felony charges also carry a fine.

The state anticipates Senuoke’s criminal history will be the
highest of the sentencing grid and he could face the maximum penalty on all
four charges.

Bryan Anthony Parsley, 42, Columbus, Ohio, was identified as
the second suspect allegedly involved in the robbery.

On Friday, Parsley pleaded not guilty to one felony count of conspiracy
to commit aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor charge of theft.

A third person — an unidentified female — was also taken into
custody following the incident in July but has not been charged.

The court has scheduled a status hearing for later this
month to determine if they will join the cases and try them together or separate.

If there is a jury trial or trials, they would be held sometime
next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670891099222.png" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostTwo men accused in the armed robbery of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">Hays Dollar
General this summer</a> both pleaded not guilty to several charges this month in
Ellis County District Court.On Monday, Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, Columbus, Ohio, pleaded
not guilty to four felony counts in connection with the July 24 <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">armed robbery
</a>of the Dollar General Store at 1208 E. 27th, Hays.Senuoke was charged with aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit
aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a
felon.According to the Hays Police Department, Senuoke entered the
Dollar General at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 24 and threatened the
cashier with a gun. He left the store with the money and then Senuoke and two
other suspects fled the area. Their vehicle was located in Oakley and, after a brief chase
involving the Kansas Highway Patrol, all three suspects were taken into custody just 12:30
p.m. July 24.In Kansas, if convicted for aggravated robbery, Senuoke
faces between 55 and 247 months in prison. The conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery charge carries a
sentence of 31 to 136 months. The potential sentence for aggravated battery is
11 to 34 months and for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon the sentence
is seven to 33 months. All four felony charges also carry a fine.The state anticipates Senuoke’s criminal history will be the
highest of the sentencing grid and he could face the maximum penalty on all
four charges.Bryan Anthony Parsley, 42, Columbus, Ohio, was identified as
the second suspect allegedly involved in the robbery.On Friday, Parsley pleaded not guilty to one felony count of conspiracy
to commit aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor charge of theft.A third person — an unidentified female — was also taken into
custody following the incident in July but has not been charged.The court has scheduled a status hearing for later this
month to determine if they will join the cases and try them together or separate.If there is a jury trial or trials, they would be held sometime
next year.

Two Ohio men charged in Hays Dollar General robbery

OSBORNE COUNTY — A Kansas man died in a house fire early Monday in Osborne.

Just after 5 a.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 335 South 3rd Street in Osborne, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Matt Pasilas.

As crew arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. 

 During the investigation it was determined that a 32-year-old&nbsp; David Dean, who resides at the residence did not make it out of the structure.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was recovered in the north east corner of the residence. 

The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

OSBORNE COUNTY — A Kansas man died in a house fire early Monday in Osborne.Just after 5 a.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 335 South 3rd Street in Osborne, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Matt Pasilas. As crew arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. During the investigation it was determined that a 32-year-old&nbsp; David Dean, who resides at the residence did not make it out of the structure.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was recovered in the north east corner of the residence. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Police ID NW Kansas man who died in house fire

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Donors can participate in several fundraisers during the next couple of weeks to help the United Way reach its annual fundraising goal.

The United Way has brought back its Dine Out Days Raffle. Three buckets of gift cards will be given away with each bucket containing at least $400 of gift cards to area eateries. In all, $1,600 in gift cards were donated for the project.

"Those are donated by businesses and individuals," said Erica Berges, United Way director. "We are very appreciative of how the restaurants really get behind this all the years we have had it."

Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets can be purchased online by <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/civicrm/event/register?cid=0&amp;reset=1&amp;id=40&amp;fbclid=IwAR1qg_BmjqxalQ-JuAMKrDeJNdwQRk3AKs-93LTWbdwrpO6FDrNj88E0v_s">CLICKING HERE</a>. They also can be purchased at the United Way office at 1200 Main, Ste. 102, or from a United Way board member.

The drawing will be Monday, Dec. 19, which has been moved back from the original drawing date.

In addition, the United Way will have a pop-up bar from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 17, at The Strand in Hays. The Strand will be decorated to the nines for Christmas. The Press will serve holiday appetizers and finger foods, and a cash bar will be available with special cocktails for the evening.

Entertainment will include karaoke, live music, trivia and a photo booth.

Tickets for the come-and-go event will be $20. Only 200 tickets will be sold. <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-pop-up-bar-at-the-strand-benefiting-united-way-of-ellis-county-tickets-478183909947">Tickets can be purchased online.</a> If tickets don't sell out in advance, there might be an opportunity to purchase tickets at the door.

United Way is one of the nonprofits that will benefit from visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus at Simply Charmed, 1011 Main, Hays, this holiday season. Families must reserve time slots. Dates still available include:

• 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 • 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

Cost is $5 per child, cash or check only. <a href="https://calendly.com/bellalunahays/2022santaphotos">Reservations are required and can be made online</a>.

Proceeds also will benefit the Hays Area Children's Center and Western Plains Animal Refuge/Humane Society of the High Plains.

This year's United Way campaign goal is $370,000, up from last year's goal of $350,000.

<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/Partner-Agencies">The United Way supported 15 local nonprofits in 2022.</a> The deadline for 2023 funding requests was Friday. The Care Council will begin reviewing those requests in January.

Berges said the local campaign is about 50 percent to its goal, but many businesses have yet to turn in their pledges.

Donors have until the end of January to make their donations and pledges.

"We need everyone's help to reach that goal," Berges said. "Any amount, it doesn't matter. Nothing is too small."

Donors have multiple ways they can give. They can go to the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a> and click on the donate button. One-time donations, monthly donations or purchase round-up options are available.

The round-up option automatically rounds up your purchases to the next dollar and transfers the change to United Way as a donation. Donors can set a maximum amount they wish to donate in this manner.

United Way also accepts donations through Venmo at @United-Way-of-Ellis-County.

You can bring a check in person to the United Way office at 1200 Main, Ste. 102, Hays. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">You can follow the United Way events and campaign on Facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670453670083.jpeg" alt="The three buckets of gift cards up for grabs in the United Way of Ellis County Dine Out Days fundraiser. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>The three buckets of gift cards up for grabs in the United Way of Ellis County Dine Out Days fundraiser. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDonors can participate in several fundraisers during the next couple of weeks to help the United Way reach its annual fundraising goal.The United Way has brought back its Dine Out Days Raffle. Three buckets of gift cards will be given away with each bucket containing at least $400 of gift cards to area eateries. In all, $1,600 in gift cards were donated for the project."Those are donated by businesses and individuals," said Erica Berges, United Way director. "We are very appreciative of how the restaurants really get behind this all the years we have had it." Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets can be purchased online by <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/civicrm/event/register?cid=0&amp;reset=1&amp;id=40&amp;fbclid=IwAR1qg_BmjqxalQ-JuAMKrDeJNdwQRk3AKs-93LTWbdwrpO6FDrNj88E0v_s">CLICKING HERE</a>. They also can be purchased at the United Way office at 1200 Main, Ste. 102, or from a United Way board member.The drawing will be Monday, Dec. 19, which has been moved back from the original drawing date.In addition, the United Way will have a pop-up bar from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 17, at The Strand in Hays. The Strand will be decorated to the nines for Christmas. The Press will serve holiday appetizers and finger foods, and a cash bar will be available with special cocktails for the evening.Entertainment will include karaoke, live music, trivia and a photo booth. Tickets for the come-and-go event will be $20. Only 200 tickets will be sold. <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-pop-up-bar-at-the-strand-benefiting-united-way-of-ellis-county-tickets-478183909947">Tickets can be purchased online.</a> If tickets don't sell out in advance, there might be an opportunity to purchase tickets at the door.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670453737908.jpeg" alt="Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Simply Charmed this holiday season. Proceeds from the event will benefit several nonprofits, including the United Way of Ellis County. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Simply Charmed this holiday season. Proceeds from the event will benefit several nonprofits, including the United Way of Ellis County. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>United Way is one of the nonprofits that will benefit from visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus at Simply Charmed, 1011 Main, Hays, this holiday season. Families must reserve time slots. Dates still available include:• 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 • 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18Cost is $5 per child, cash or check only. <a href="https://calendly.com/bellalunahays/2022santaphotos">Reservations are required and can be made online</a>. Proceeds also will benefit the Hays Area Children's Center and Western Plains Animal Refuge/Humane Society of the High Plains.This year's United Way campaign goal is $370,000, up from last year's goal of $350,000.<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/Partner-Agencies">The United Way supported 15 local nonprofits in 2022.</a> The deadline for 2023 funding requests was Friday. The Care Council will begin reviewing those requests in January.Berges said the local campaign is about 50 percent to its goal, but many businesses have yet to turn in their pledges.Donors have until the end of January to make their donations and pledges."We need everyone's help to reach that goal," Berges said. "Any amount, it doesn't matter. Nothing is too small." Donors have multiple ways they can give. They can go to the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way website</a> and click on the donate button. One-time donations, monthly donations or purchase round-up options are available.The round-up option automatically rounds up your purchases to the next dollar and transfers the change to United Way as a donation. Donors can set a maximum amount they wish to donate in this manner. United Way also accepts donations through Venmo at @United-Way-of-Ellis-County.You can bring a check in person to the United Way office at 1200 Main, Ste. 102, Hays. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">You can follow the United Way events and campaign on Facebook.</a>

United Way sets holiday fundraisers, halfway to campaign goal

Operators of the Keystone Pipeline continue cleanup and recovery efforts after a huge oil spill along Mill Creek in Washington County. TC Energy says they have contained an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipeline Wednesday. No cause for the spill has been announced, nor has the company announced any plans to restart the pipeline, which was shut down on Wednesday. 

The company said Sunday the oil remained contained, with 250 people working on recovery and repairs over the weekend with vacuum trucks, booms and berms. The spill is upstream from the Tuttle Creek Reservoir and Kansas River, the drinking water source for over 800,000 Kansans. 

A Kansas River conservation group called Friends of the Kaw said Friday that no public water systems had then been impacted by the spill. TC Energy announced that continuous air quality monitoring has been deployed and said there's no indication of adverse health or public concerns. Crude oil prices have dropped about ten dollars since the first of the month, but recovered some of that on Monday. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude on Friday settled a few pennies above seventy-one dollars a barrel after nearly dropping below seventy dollars earlier in the day. Lunchtime prices Monday were up more than three percent, topping $73 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $61.25 per barrel after dropping half a dollar on Friday. That's down more than ten dollars from the first of the month. Regular gasoline prices dropped another 14 cents last week to a national average of $3.32 per gallon by Thursday. The auto club Triple-A says average prices were below $3 in 12 states, including Kansas at $2.96 per gallon. Diesel pump prices average $5 per gallon coast-to-coast, and $4.43 per gallon in Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reports US diesel inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels last week, but remain about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Deliveries were off nearly ten percent from a year earlier.&nbsp; Kansas regulators last week OK'd 34 new drilling permits, with 16 in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The 261 active operators in Kansas have, so far this year, spudded 1,506 new wells, up 455 wells from last year. Total footage drilled grew 33% year over year to 4.2 million feet. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 newly completed wells for the week through December 8th, with one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, two in Russell county and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged last week at 21 rigs east of Wichita and 28 in Western Kansas. Operators were about to spud a new well in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a new well in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 780 active rigs, down two oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was up two, Oklahoma was down two and Texas was down one. The Energy Information Administration's tally shows a fourth consecutive weekly drop in US inventories. Stockpiles as of December 2nd were down more than five million barrels from a week earlier to 413.9 million barrels. Crude inventories are currently about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said weekly crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 24,000 barrels per day from a week earlier and more than four percent lower than a year ago. The government reported a slight&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reported output of 12,150,000 barrels per day,&nbsp;up&nbsp;about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before and 610,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago.

Corrected 1:15 p.m. Dec. 14 to clarify production increase. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US rebounded last week, after dropping during the Thanksgiving lull the week before. Operators originated 10,595 tanker carloads, a little over one percent higher than the same week last year, and an increase of of nearly 2,000 carloads week over week. Canadian traffic increased 288 carloads for the week and 4.1% over a year ago. The OPEC-Plus crude exporters on Sunday decided not to add further cuts to world supplies, despite drooping oil prices. The group announced dramatic output cuts at their last meeting in October. They now say those cuts were vindicated by current prices.

By JOHN P. TRETBAROperators of the Keystone Pipeline continue cleanup and recovery efforts after a huge oil spill along Mill Creek in Washington County. TC Energy says they have contained an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipeline Wednesday. No cause for the spill has been announced, nor has the company announced any plans to restart the pipeline, which was shut down on Wednesday. The company said Sunday the oil remained contained, with 250 people working on recovery and repairs over the weekend with vacuum trucks, booms and berms. The spill is upstream from the Tuttle Creek Reservoir and Kansas River, the drinking water source for over 800,000 Kansans. A Kansas River conservation group called Friends of the Kaw said Friday that no public water systems had then been impacted by the spill. TC Energy announced that continuous air quality monitoring has been deployed and said there's no indication of adverse health or public concerns. Crude oil prices have dropped about ten dollars since the first of the month, but recovered some of that on Monday. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude on Friday settled a few pennies above seventy-one dollars a barrel after nearly dropping below seventy dollars earlier in the day. Lunchtime prices Monday were up more than three percent, topping $73 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $61.25 per barrel after dropping half a dollar on Friday. That's down more than ten dollars from the first of the month. Regular gasoline prices dropped another 14 cents last week to a national average of $3.32 per gallon by Thursday. The auto club Triple-A says average prices were below $3 in 12 states, including Kansas at $2.96 per gallon. Diesel pump prices average $5 per gallon coast-to-coast, and $4.43 per gallon in Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reports US diesel inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels last week, but remain about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Deliveries were off nearly ten percent from a year earlier.&nbsp; Kansas regulators last week OK'd 34 new drilling permits, with 16 in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The 261 active operators in Kansas have, so far this year, spudded 1,506 new wells, up 455 wells from last year. Total footage drilled grew 33% year over year to 4.2 million feet. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 newly completed wells for the week through December 8th, with one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, two in Russell county and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged last week at 21 rigs east of Wichita and 28 in Western Kansas. Operators were about to spud a new well in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a new well in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 780 active rigs, down two oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was up two, Oklahoma was down two and Texas was down one. The Energy Information Administration's tally shows a fourth consecutive weekly drop in US inventories. Stockpiles as of December 2nd were down more than five million barrels from a week earlier to 413.9 million barrels. Crude inventories are currently about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said weekly crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 24,000 barrels per day from a week earlier and more than four percent lower than a year ago. The government reported a slight&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reported output of 12,150,000 barrels per day,&nbsp;up&nbsp;about 6,000 barrels per day from the week before and 610,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago.Corrected 1:15 p.m. Dec. 14 to clarify production increase. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US rebounded last week, after dropping during the Thanksgiving lull the week before. Operators originated 10,595 tanker carloads, a little over one percent higher than the same week last year, and an increase of of nearly 2,000 carloads week over week. Canadian traffic increased 288 carloads for the week and 4.1% over a year ago. The OPEC-Plus crude exporters on Sunday decided not to add further cuts to world supplies, despite drooping oil prices. The group announced dramatic output cuts at their last meeting in October. They now say those cuts were vindicated by current prices.

News From the Oil Patch: Spill recovery and price fluctuations

MANHATTAN — The Johnson Cancer Research Center has selected 28 students to participate in its undergraduate Cancer Research Award program.&nbsp;

This competitive Cancer Research Award program offers students hands-on laboratory research experience and the opportunity to present their work. In addition, the students learn about research ethics and interacting with the general public.

"The Cancer Research Awards provide students with opportunities that apply not only to their academics and future careers but also to real-life situations," said Sherry Fleming, director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center. "As some of the university's—and the state’s – top students, they will undoubtedly go far in their chosen fields." This award grants each student $2,000, plus an additional $1,000 for supplies. These funds allow students the opportunity and time to spend on their research and laboratory work rather than working a non-academic job.&nbsp; "Having the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research has been a very educational experience for me thus far," said Cole Hayden, sophomore in biology and undergraduate awardee. "Aside from learning about the level of complexity and specificity that research requires, I have also learned more practical skills relating to assertiveness, productivity, time management and teamwork." The cancer research student awardees will be recognized at a banquet on Friday, April 21, 2022. The banquet will be attended by the families of the student awardees, donors who make the awards possible and university administrators and faculty who have supported student awardee efforts through their research.&nbsp; The Johnson Cancer Research Center, a center of excellence in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences, supports the cancer research and training of its faculty members, undergraduates and graduate students. All programs are funded through private gifts. The following student awardees are receiving Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor. A list that includes their research project titles can be found on the center’s&nbsp;<a href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html">website</a>. Maddison File, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Beloit, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology; Karrin Larson, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Clay Center, mentored by Tendai Gadzikwa, assistant professor of chemistry; Mikaela Garcia-Escamilla, senior in biology, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology, and Kameron Wildeman, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Garden City. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Avanelle Stoltz, junior in biology,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Nick Wallace, associate professor of biology; Michael Bartkoski, junior in biology, mentored by Pankaj Baral, assistant professor of biology, Dylan Feist, junior in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, Olivia Waren, sophomore in psychological sciences, mentored by Charles Pickens, associate professor of psychological sciences, and Tyler McCoach, senior in anatomy and physiology, mentored by David Poole, university distinguished professor of kinesiology&nbsp;and anatomy and physiology, all from&nbsp;Lenexa; Kaden Creamer, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry, and Mary Janzen, sophomore in chemistry, mentored by Chris Culbertson, professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Olathe; Caleb Kutz, senior in biology, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology, Kathleen McDaniel, senior in psychological sciences, mentored by Charles Pickens, associate professor of psychological sciences, and Rachel Pang, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry, all from&nbsp;Overland Park; Brandon Rider, senior in biology,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology. Marrissa Raynesford, sophomore in chemistry,&nbsp;Hays, mentored by Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Ruth Mekuria, senior in biochemistry and molecular biophysics,&nbsp;Junction City, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Samira Laytimi, junior in biology,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology. From&nbsp;Manhattan: Cole Hayden, sophomore in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Mia Thompson, sophomore in biology, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology; Emily Tolbert, sophomore in biology, mentored by Nick Wallace, associate professor of biology; and Louie Cabrera, senior in history, mentored by Heather McCrea, associate professor of history. From&nbsp;Wichita: Summer Adamson, freshman in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology, and Kinsley Ochsner, senior in biology, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology. From out of state: Annabelle Hall, freshman in anatomy and physiology,&nbsp;Monument, Colorado,&nbsp;mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Aidan Ozga, junior in biology,&nbsp;Naperville, Illinois, mentored by Anna Zinovyeva, assistant professor in biology; Lauren Apprill, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;West Des Moines, Iowa, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; and Jane Eilers, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;St. Charles, Missouri, mentored by Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor of chemistry.

K-State NewsMANHATTAN — The Johnson Cancer Research Center has selected 28 students to participate in its undergraduate Cancer Research Award program.&nbsp;This competitive Cancer Research Award program offers students hands-on laboratory research experience and the opportunity to present their work. In addition, the students learn about research ethics and interacting with the general public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653482564399.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The Cancer Research Awards provide students with opportunities that apply not only to their academics and future careers but also to real-life situations," said Sherry Fleming, director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center. "As some of the university's—and the state’s – top students, they will undoubtedly go far in their chosen fields." This award grants each student $2,000, plus an additional $1,000 for supplies. These funds allow students the opportunity and time to spend on their research and laboratory work rather than working a non-academic job.&nbsp; "Having the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research has been a very educational experience for me thus far," said Cole Hayden, sophomore in biology and undergraduate awardee. "Aside from learning about the level of complexity and specificity that research requires, I have also learned more practical skills relating to assertiveness, productivity, time management and teamwork." The cancer research student awardees will be recognized at a banquet on Friday, April 21, 2022. The banquet will be attended by the families of the student awardees, donors who make the awards possible and university administrators and faculty who have supported student awardee efforts through their research.&nbsp; The Johnson Cancer Research Center, a center of excellence in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences, supports the cancer research and training of its faculty members, undergraduates and graduate students. All programs are funded through private gifts. The following student awardees are receiving Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor. A list that includes their research project titles can be found on the center’s&nbsp;<a href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html">website</a>. Maddison File, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Beloit, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology; Karrin Larson, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Clay Center, mentored by Tendai Gadzikwa, assistant professor of chemistry; Mikaela Garcia-Escamilla, senior in biology, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology, and Kameron Wildeman, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Garden City. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Avanelle Stoltz, junior in biology,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Nick Wallace, associate professor of biology; Michael Bartkoski, junior in biology, mentored by Pankaj Baral, assistant professor of biology, Dylan Feist, junior in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, Olivia Waren, sophomore in psychological sciences, mentored by Charles Pickens, associate professor of psychological sciences, and Tyler McCoach, senior in anatomy and physiology, mentored by David Poole, university distinguished professor of kinesiology&nbsp;and anatomy and physiology, all from&nbsp;Lenexa; Kaden Creamer, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry, and Mary Janzen, sophomore in chemistry, mentored by Chris Culbertson, professor of chemistry, both from&nbsp;Olathe; Caleb Kutz, senior in biology, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology, Kathleen McDaniel, senior in psychological sciences, mentored by Charles Pickens, associate professor of psychological sciences, and Rachel Pang, senior in chemistry, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry, all from&nbsp;Overland Park; Brandon Rider, senior in biology,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology. Marrissa Raynesford, sophomore in chemistry,&nbsp;Hays, mentored by Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor of chemistry; Ruth Mekuria, senior in biochemistry and molecular biophysics,&nbsp;Junction City, mentored by Erika Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Samira Laytimi, junior in biology,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology. From&nbsp;Manhattan: Cole Hayden, sophomore in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Mia Thompson, sophomore in biology, mentored by Sherry Fleming, professor of biology; Emily Tolbert, sophomore in biology, mentored by Nick Wallace, associate professor of biology; and Louie Cabrera, senior in history, mentored by Heather McCrea, associate professor of history. From&nbsp;Wichita: Summer Adamson, freshman in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology, and Kinsley Ochsner, senior in biology, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology. From out of state: Annabelle Hall, freshman in anatomy and physiology,&nbsp;Monument, Colorado,&nbsp;mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology; Aidan Ozga, junior in biology,&nbsp;Naperville, Illinois, mentored by Anna Zinovyeva, assistant professor in biology; Lauren Apprill, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;West Des Moines, Iowa, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; and Jane Eilers, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;St. Charles, Missouri, mentored by Christer Aakeröy, university distinguished professor of chemistry.

Hays student named to K-State cancer research program

Nex-Tech has announced the promotion of&nbsp;Jacque Beckman to youth services/training manager. She will assume her new responsibilities on Jan. 1.

Beckman&nbsp;is a certified training manager/director and instructor/facilitator.&nbsp;She has&nbsp;over 31 years of experience with&nbsp;Nex-Tech, where she&nbsp;started working right&nbsp;out of college.&nbsp;Beckman lives on a farm near Hill City with her husband, Lonnie, daughter, Zoie, and foster son, Tanner. They&nbsp;enjoy spending time as a family, attending church, school, and extra-curricular activities, along with working together on the farm. Lonnie and Jacque also have two sons and daughters-in-law, Clayton and Allie Beckman and Garen and Ellie Beckman, four grandchildren,&nbsp;and one on the way.

“Nex-Tech has enabled me to use my education and skills and to serve others in a variety of ways, working in administration, customer service, human resources, community development, and – my favorites – training and youth development. In my new role, I look forward to finding unique and impactful ways to further develop our employees, continue to build relationships within communities and schools, and expand our youth initiatives to encourage students to experience and find careers right here at home.”

Beckman earned a&nbsp;bachelor of arts in English,&nbsp;with an emphasis in&nbsp;education&nbsp;from Fort Hays State University. &nbsp;She has a lifelong passion for teaching and has taken the lead to grow an extensive training and development program for Nex-Tech employees at all levels of the company. &nbsp;She also serves as the executive director of one of the fastest-growing and impactful youth engagement nonprofits in the northwest and north-central Kansas region, Nex-Generation Round-Up for Youth Inc.

Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Goddard will continue to work with Beckman in her new role. 

“Jacque is such an amazing resource for Nex-Tech. &nbsp;She has built on her experiences with each new position and always focuses on what she can do to advance the company and communities we serve," Goddard said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670856154177.jpeg" alt="Beckman" />
 <figcaption>Beckman</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNex-Tech has announced the promotion of&nbsp;Jacque Beckman to youth services/training manager. She will assume her new responsibilities on Jan. 1.Beckman&nbsp;is a certified training manager/director and instructor/facilitator.&nbsp;She has&nbsp;over 31 years of experience with&nbsp;Nex-Tech, where she&nbsp;started working right&nbsp;out of college.&nbsp;Beckman lives on a farm near Hill City with her husband, Lonnie, daughter, Zoie, and foster son, Tanner. They&nbsp;enjoy spending time as a family, attending church, school, and extra-curricular activities, along with working together on the farm. Lonnie and Jacque also have two sons and daughters-in-law, Clayton and Allie Beckman and Garen and Ellie Beckman, four grandchildren,&nbsp;and one on the way.“Nex-Tech has enabled me to use my education and skills and to serve others in a variety of ways, working in administration, customer service, human resources, community development, and – my favorites – training and youth development. In my new role, I look forward to finding unique and impactful ways to further develop our employees, continue to build relationships within communities and schools, and expand our youth initiatives to encourage students to experience and find careers right here at home.”Beckman earned a&nbsp;bachelor of arts in English,&nbsp;with an emphasis in&nbsp;education&nbsp;from Fort Hays State University. &nbsp;She has a lifelong passion for teaching and has taken the lead to grow an extensive training and development program for Nex-Tech employees at all levels of the company. &nbsp;She also serves as the executive director of one of the fastest-growing and impactful youth engagement nonprofits in the northwest and north-central Kansas region, Nex-Generation Round-Up for Youth Inc.Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Goddard will continue to work with Beckman in her new role. “Jacque is such an amazing resource for Nex-Tech. &nbsp;She has built on her experiences with each new position and always focuses on what she can do to advance the company and communities we serve," Goddard said.

Beckman named youth services / training manager at Nex-Tech

R5 Roofing of Hays has announced its first Christmas-time Residential Roof Giveaway.

“We like to be involved&nbsp;in our communities in various way,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we saw this&nbsp;as&nbsp;an opportunity to give back this holiday season, especially after many&nbsp;towns in the areas we serve experienced severe weather this summer and last,” said Jeff Rupp, R5 Roofing Owner.

R5 Roofing understands that a roof not only protects your biggest investment, but also provides a secure place for your family. Owner Deanna Rupp added, “Being able to ensure a&nbsp;safe roof forsomeone who needs it is always something we’ve wanted to&nbsp;do,&nbsp;and we are excited to&nbsp;be able to do that this year!”&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are interested in nominating a deserving individual to receive a new roof on their home, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com">R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;with the following information:

•Name, address, and phone number of person you are nominating •Brief summary of why you are nominating them •Your contact name and phone number

All nominations are due by December 16th, 2022. The winner of the roof will be announced on Christmas Day. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/R5Roofing/">For more information, visit the R5 Roofing Facebook page.</a>

About R5 Roofing R5 Roofing, LLC is a residential, commercial, and agricultural roofing company located in Hays, Kansas. Serving Central, Western, and North Central Kansas since 2019, R5 Roofing offers quality products such as&nbsp;Tamko&nbsp;and Malarkey&nbsp;shingles, and&nbsp;specializes in re-facing agricultural&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;with metal.&nbsp;R5 Roofing believes in quality&nbsp;workmanship and&nbsp;unbeatable service – the proof is in the roof!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670859953974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>R5 Roofing of Hays has announced its first Christmas-time Residential Roof Giveaway.“We like to be involved&nbsp;in our communities in various way,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we saw this&nbsp;as&nbsp;an opportunity to give back this holiday season, especially after many&nbsp;towns in the areas we serve experienced severe weather this summer and last,” said Jeff Rupp, R5 Roofing Owner.R5 Roofing understands that a roof not only protects your biggest investment, but also provides a secure place for your family. Owner Deanna Rupp added, “Being able to ensure a&nbsp;safe roof forsomeone who needs it is always something we’ve wanted to&nbsp;do,&nbsp;and we are excited to&nbsp;be able to do that this year!”&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are interested in nominating a deserving individual to receive a new roof on their home, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com">R5RoofGiveaway@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;with the following information:•Name, address, and phone number of person you are nominating •Brief summary of why you are nominating them •Your contact name and phone numberAll nominations are due by December 16th, 2022. The winner of the roof will be announced on Christmas Day. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/R5Roofing/">For more information, visit the R5 Roofing Facebook page.</a>About R5 Roofing R5 Roofing, LLC is a residential, commercial, and agricultural roofing company located in Hays, Kansas. Serving Central, Western, and North Central Kansas since 2019, R5 Roofing offers quality products such as&nbsp;Tamko&nbsp;and Malarkey&nbsp;shingles, and&nbsp;specializes in re-facing agricultural&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;with metal.&nbsp;R5 Roofing believes in quality&nbsp;workmanship and&nbsp;unbeatable service – the proof is in the roof!

Three-day weather outlook

Hays and southeast Ellis County received some much-needed rainfall Monday evening as a December thunderstorm rolled into the area.

The K-State Ag Research Center reported 0.68 inches of rain — the first recorded accumulation in the month of December. There were several areas of 0.75 inches of rain from <a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/Maps/ViewMap.aspx?state=KS">CoCoRaHS</a> reports, with the highest a report of 0.84 inches southwest of Hays.

The Victoria area also received about a half-inch of precipitation, although Ellis-area reports ranged from less than two-tenths to trace.

Areas of Russell County also received more than a half-inch of rain, according to reports.

Hays remains more than 6.5 inches below the annual 153-year moisture average.

As the week&nbsp; continues, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for windy and cooler conditions, with a high in the upper-40s Tuesday dropping to highs in the low- to mid-30s through Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670947553968.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays and southeast Ellis County received some much-needed rainfall Monday evening as a December thunderstorm rolled into the area.The K-State Ag Research Center reported 0.68 inches of rain — the first recorded accumulation in the month of December. There were several areas of 0.75 inches of rain from <a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/Maps/ViewMap.aspx?state=KS">CoCoRaHS</a> reports, with the highest a report of 0.84 inches southwest of Hays. The Victoria area also received about a half-inch of precipitation, although Ellis-area reports ranged from less than two-tenths to trace.Areas of Russell County also received more than a half-inch of rain, according to reports.Hays remains more than 6.5 inches below the annual 153-year moisture average.As the week&nbsp; continues, the National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for windy and cooler conditions, with a high in the upper-40s Tuesday dropping to highs in the low- to mid-30s through Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Windy Today and Tomorrow afternoon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nwsddc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nwsddc</a> <a href="https://t.co/DKZ9uTc0ix">pic.twitter.com/DKZ9uTc0ix</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1602626430919024642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Monday storm brings first December moisture to Hays area

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

This holiday season, one Hays “elf” wants to make sure that Hays
veterans and older residents that otherwise might be forgotten at Christmas receive
a bit of comfort and joy.

Christmas Magic began as an idea to ensure a few area
veterans received a holiday gift, said&nbsp;Janice
Koshiol.

As a fellow
veteran, she saw many falling into depression over the holidays and wanted to find
a way to help.

“It's
one of the hardest times for people to cope, during the holidays, especially
Christmas, and especially when they're alone in the world,” Koshiol said. “And
so, I got thinking, and I thought, I'll make gift bags for people that don't have
anybody to remember them at Christmas.”

And
while the idea began with Koshiol, she said individuals and groups have helped keep
the program going and growing, and only considers herself as just one of the many
elves that help brighten the holidays for veterans and others in care centers
in Hays.

The
first year, she envisioned donating six or seven gift bags. 

But an out-of-the-blue
conversation grew the effort almost immediately.

“A woman
that I hadn't spoken to in literally over 50 years contacted me,” Koshiol said.
“And we got talking, and [during] the conversation, she asked me what I was up
to. … And you know, it's the fifth or sixth or something like that in December,
and I mentioned about these gift bags, and she said, ‘Oh, we've got to do the
nursing homes. And that six or seven bags turned into 63 bags.’”

The first
year, Koshiol, along with Nancy Leiker and Judy Koerner, went to work to put the gift bags together, but each year the effort has grown with community support.

“The three of us hold ladies put out a play on
Facebook for help,” she said. “And you wouldn't believe how people stepped up.”

The first year, Koshiol said,
the way it came together was a reflection of the season.

“We didn't
have a name. It was just three silly old ladies doing something that
we just wanted to do,” she said. “And that it came together was magical. And
that's how we got our name."

"It took
magic to bring it together. And each year, it has taken magic to get it done.
And it truly is the magic of Christmas that has got it done each and every
year.”

That
Christmas magic that allowed the first year to come together brought other volunteers
forward the second year as the program expanded to those under the care of home
health care agencies and nursing homes.

Current elves include Tony Anthony,&nbsp;Denessa Mitchell, Amber Koshiol, Carol Foos and their newest volunteer&nbsp;Angelique Christiansan.

Koshiol credits the Christmas Magic to the work of those volunteers, donors and community organizations that have assisted in delivering the gift bags.

“The first
two years, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts would help us deliver these back to
the individuals in the nursing homes because these people don't get visitors. We
don't do just vets, we do the elderly and infirm people as well as those that don't have
anybody else to remember them at Christmas,” Koshiol said. “And so, these
people also don't have visitors, and so when these cute young boys and girls
come in and bring them their bags, it really makes their day.”

The
first year 63 bags were delivered, in the second year, 74. 

And even
during the pandemic, the program grew as the elves found creative solutions to
keep Christmas Magic going and growing.

“One
year, we included a group called DSNWK, which is for developmental services to
people mentally challenged,” Koshiol said. “That was the first year of COVID.
And that year, the scouts couldn't help us, so we didn't know what we were
going to do. We didn't know how we were going to deliver these bags.”

But again, the Christmas magic intervened.

“American
Legion writers stepped right up,” Koshiol said. “These are big burly guys on
Harley Davidson motorcycles.”

Despite the
COVID concerns, she said, many of those who greeted the riders during the
deliveries could not help themselves and embraced them.

“To me,
these are people that are forever children, they're precious people,” Koshiol
said. “And these kids opened the door and saw these big burly guys come through
the door bringing them a Christmas gift. They came charging out of those doors
up to those big burly guys, and they're hugging on them, and these big burly
guys are [saying] underneath their breath. ‘Oh, it was all worth it.’”

This
year the scouts will again be delivering the bags. 

They
plan on distributing 120 gift bags, again filled with comfort items and small
gifts.

“We take
into consideration the people that we're dealing with,” Koshiol said. “These
are all people that are receiving home health care in one way or the other. So,
we put in two-in-one shampoo because it's harder for people in our
position to wash and shampoo their hair. But we want to put in a nicer brand of
shampoo.”

“We put
in full-size bottles of things and a bottle of lotion, a big bottle of lotion,
and then a big box of Kleenex. We want to cover
the basics, so they have those,” she continued. “But then we also put in a deck
of cards. And goodness, there's so much in these bags. We can't get them closed
sometimes.”

A
backscratcher, calendar, stress ball, candy canes and restaurant gift cards are
also included in the bags, all possible from donations from community members and
area businesses.

Koshiol said those wishing to help could donate any time during the year, but as Christmas quickly approaches, she hopes others join in to help the program continue and grow, as said inflation has eaten up a significant portion of donations this year.

“Last
year, we were very blessed, and we had $75 over,” she said. “And so I put in an
extra $50, and we opened up a savings account in Christmas Magic’s name. So now
they can donate directly to Christmas Magic at Commerce Bank here in Hays.”

And
every donation helps keep the effort going.

“I just
know that this has been that it's important for people not to be forgotten at
Christmas,” Koshiol said. “These are people that oftentimes don't have a
Christmas tree up. They’re all alone, they don't have a Christmas dinner.”

“With
this bag, they can take a nice hot shower with a good shampoo and put good
lotion on and a nice pair of socks and sit in front of their TV and eat a
cookie and have a hot meal from McDonald's…play a game of solitaire or do a
crossword puzzle. Hopefully, if they have an itch, they can reach it. Hopefully,
we have the bases covered and a smile on their face because we even hang a Christmas
ornament on the bag.”

While she continues to champion Christmas Magic, she attributes the result to a higher power.

“There is
no rhyme or reason that it happened to begin with,” Koshiol said. “There is no
rhyme or reason that it works. It shouldn't. It shouldn't be able to happen. That
it works every year is crazy. It's Christmas Magic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670812855279.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostThis holiday season, one Hays “elf” wants to make sure that Hays
veterans and older residents that otherwise might be forgotten at Christmas receive
a bit of comfort and joy.Christmas Magic began as an idea to ensure a few area
veterans received a holiday gift, said&nbsp;Janice
Koshiol.As a fellow
veteran, she saw many falling into depression over the holidays and wanted to find
a way to help.“It's
one of the hardest times for people to cope, during the holidays, especially
Christmas, and especially when they're alone in the world,” Koshiol said. “And
so, I got thinking, and I thought, I'll make gift bags for people that don't have
anybody to remember them at Christmas.”And
while the idea began with Koshiol, she said individuals and groups have helped keep
the program going and growing, and only considers herself as just one of the many
elves that help brighten the holidays for veterans and others in care centers
in Hays.The
first year, she envisioned donating six or seven gift bags. But an out-of-the-blue
conversation grew the effort almost immediately.“A woman
that I hadn't spoken to in literally over 50 years contacted me,” Koshiol said.
“And we got talking, and [during] the conversation, she asked me what I was up
to. … And you know, it's the fifth or sixth or something like that in December,
and I mentioned about these gift bags, and she said, ‘Oh, we've got to do the
nursing homes. And that six or seven bags turned into 63 bags.’”The first
year, Koshiol, along with Nancy Leiker and Judy Koerner, went to work to put the gift bags together, but each year the effort has grown with community support.“The three of us hold ladies put out a play on
Facebook for help,” she said. “And you wouldn't believe how people stepped up.”The first year, Koshiol said,
the way it came together was a reflection of the season.“We didn't
have a name. It was just three silly old ladies doing something that
we just wanted to do,” she said. “And that it came together was magical. And
that's how we got our name.""It took
magic to bring it together. And each year, it has taken magic to get it done.
And it truly is the magic of Christmas that has got it done each and every
year.”That
Christmas magic that allowed the first year to come together brought other volunteers
forward the second year as the program expanded to those under the care of home
health care agencies and nursing homes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670812990329.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Current elves include Tony Anthony,&nbsp;Denessa Mitchell, Amber Koshiol, Carol Foos and their newest volunteer&nbsp;Angelique Christiansan.Koshiol credits the Christmas Magic to the work of those volunteers, donors and community organizations that have assisted in delivering the gift bags.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670813027364.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“The first
two years, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts would help us deliver these back to
the individuals in the nursing homes because these people don't get visitors. We
don't do just vets, we do the elderly and infirm people as well as those that don't have
anybody else to remember them at Christmas,” Koshiol said. “And so, these
people also don't have visitors, and so when these cute young boys and girls
come in and bring them their bags, it really makes their day.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670813106129.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The
first year 63 bags were delivered, in the second year, 74. And even
during the pandemic, the program grew as the elves found creative solutions to
keep Christmas Magic going and growing.“One
year, we included a group called DSNWK, which is for developmental services to
people mentally challenged,” Koshiol said. “That was the first year of COVID.
And that year, the scouts couldn't help us, so we didn't know what we were
going to do. We didn't know how we were going to deliver these bags.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670813320891.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But again, the Christmas magic intervened.“American
Legion writers stepped right up,” Koshiol said. “These are big burly guys on
Harley Davidson motorcycles.”Despite the
COVID concerns, she said, many of those who greeted the riders during the
deliveries could not help themselves and embraced them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670813144649.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“To me,
these are people that are forever children, they're precious people,” Koshiol
said. “And these kids opened the door and saw these big burly guys come through
the door bringing them a Christmas gift. They came charging out of those doors
up to those big burly guys, and they're hugging on them, and these big burly
guys are [saying] underneath their breath. ‘Oh, it was all worth it.’”This
year the scouts will again be delivering the bags. They
plan on distributing 120 gift bags, again filled with comfort items and small
gifts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670812805286.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“We take
into consideration the people that we're dealing with,” Koshiol said. “These
are all people that are receiving home health care in one way or the other. So,
we put in two-in-one shampoo because it's harder for people in our
position to wash and shampoo their hair. But we want to put in a nicer brand of
shampoo.”“We put
in full-size bottles of things and a bottle of lotion, a big bottle of lotion,
and then a big box of Kleenex. We want to cover
the basics, so they have those,” she continued. “But then we also put in a deck
of cards. And goodness, there's so much in these bags. We can't get them closed
sometimes.”A
backscratcher, calendar, stress ball, candy canes and restaurant gift cards are
also included in the bags, all possible from donations from community members and
area businesses.Koshiol said those wishing to help could donate any time during the year, but as Christmas quickly approaches, she hopes others join in to help the program continue and grow, as said inflation has eaten up a significant portion of donations this year.“Last
year, we were very blessed, and we had $75 over,” she said. “And so I put in an
extra $50, and we opened up a savings account in Christmas Magic’s name. So now
they can donate directly to Christmas Magic at Commerce Bank here in Hays.”And
every donation helps keep the effort going.“I just
know that this has been that it's important for people not to be forgotten at
Christmas,” Koshiol said. “These are people that oftentimes don't have a
Christmas tree up. They’re all alone, they don't have a Christmas dinner.”“With
this bag, they can take a nice hot shower with a good shampoo and put good
lotion on and a nice pair of socks and sit in front of their TV and eat a
cookie and have a hot meal from McDonald's…play a game of solitaire or do a
crossword puzzle. Hopefully, if they have an itch, they can reach it. Hopefully,
we have the bases covered and a smile on their face because we even hang a Christmas
ornament on the bag.”While she continues to champion Christmas Magic, she attributes the result to a higher power.“There is
no rhyme or reason that it happened to begin with,” Koshiol said. “There is no
rhyme or reason that it works. It shouldn't. It shouldn't be able to happen. That
it works every year is crazy. It's Christmas Magic.”

Hays 'elves' work Christmas Magic to bring comfort during holiday

After dense fog and drizzle Monday morning, the National Weather Service is warning of possibly severe thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning.

Strong south winds will gust up to 45 mph throughout the afternoon Monday, with the possibility of storms arriving after 9 p.m. Concentrated east of U.S. 83, some storms are expected to produce up to quarter-sized hail. Wind gusts will spike up to 60 mph, the NWS predicted, bringing a slight chance of tornadoes.

Precipitation is only expected to amount to a tenth to a quarter inch of rain, although higher amounts are possible in the areas of thunderstorms.

It is expected to remain cold and blustery from Tuesday and into the weekend, with high temperatures in the mid-30s.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670855065600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After dense fog and drizzle Monday morning, the National Weather Service is warning of possibly severe thunderstorms Monday night and into Tuesday morning.Strong south winds will gust up to 45 mph throughout the afternoon Monday, with the possibility of storms arriving after 9 p.m. Concentrated east of U.S. 83, some storms are expected to produce up to quarter-sized hail. Wind gusts will spike up to 60 mph, the NWS predicted, bringing a slight chance of tornadoes.Precipitation is only expected to amount to a tenth to a quarter inch of rain, although higher amounts are possible in the areas of thunderstorms.It is expected to remain cold and blustery from Tuesday and into the weekend, with high temperatures in the mid-30s.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Scattered strong to severe storms possible late tonight-AM Tuesday. Most likely threat is damaging winds/hail. Small threat of weak spin up tornadoes along the storm line. Best timing is 9 pm to 4 am. Best coverage along/E of Highway 283. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ePOTNw1D27">pic.twitter.com/ePOTNw1D27</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1602199649091059713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of severe thunderstorms Monday evening

Lindsey is youngest finisher in Salina marathon

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

As adults, we can all probably reflect on a time when we can point to one person who made a huge difference in our lives.

For Cameron Lindsey, that just might be a guy in a lime green shirt who seemed to appear out of nowhere at a most difficult time in a road race.

That guy was Scott Binkley, a pacer for last month’s Crossroads Marathon in Salina, who stayed by Cameron’s side from about the 20-mile mark to the finish line. Binkley’s encouragement and support helped Cameron record a time of 4 hours, 25.34 minutes as the youngest finisher.

Cameron admits it would have been difficult to finish the race had it not been for Binkley, especially considering he had only trained for the grueling 26.2-mile run for about six weeks. Oh yeah, Cameron was 17 years old at the time.

“The age group when people start running marathons is usually those in their late 20s, 30s, 40s,” said Binkley, a former high school cross country runner himself who ran his first marathon in his mid 40s. “For a 17-year-old to decide to do this, on his own, is pretty impressive.”

Binkley insists this story is not about him, but rather about Cameron Lindsey. But somehow, the two became forever linked together on a pleasant November Saturday in Salina.

The guy in the lime green shirt carrying the 4:20 flag no doubt will stick out in Cameron’s mind for a long, long time.

The decision that Cameron made to run the marathon seemed simple enough in October when he ran across an online notice about a marathon in Salina.

Hmm, he thought, “this sounds interesting. It will be between cross country and basketball seasons. It’s perfect timing.”

A marathon is more than eight times farther than the high school cross country races of 5,000 meters (or 3.1 miles) for which Cameron is accustomed to running. And this particular marathon featured 800 runners.

But keep in mind, this young man had yet to celebrate his 18th birthday, an age when anything – and I mean anything – seems possible to accomplish.

A cross country runner for his high school team in Plainville, Cameron decided to start running extra mileage on his own to build up his endurance.

Coincidentally, that extra work ended up helping him eclipse his personal-best time by nearly 40 seconds at the Class 2A regional cross country meet in Great Bend, qualifying him for state for the first time in his career.&nbsp;

“He told me the Monday after regionals that he had signed up for a marathon,” said Travis Dixon, the cross country coach at Plainville. “I was definitely surprised, but pleased that he was working out extra on his own. Any extra work is obviously going to help with your endurance.”

Cameron’s PR regional time of 18 minutes, 48 seconds would have placed him in the top 10 at state, but he said he found the going difficult on the tough, hilly course at Wamego Country Club. He was disappointed with his performance at the season finale, but he soon began looking ahead to his next venture.

Cameron’s parents, Lee and Shannon Lindsey, drove the Crossroads Marathon course with their son the night before and chose points where they could meet up with him to give him water and snacks – and encouragement.&nbsp;

Binkley said he came upon Cameron at about the 21-mile mark.

“He was struggling, and he was talking to his mom,” Binkley said. “It was neat to see his parents leap-frogging the course to catch him at several points.”

Binkley, carrying the 4-hour, 20-minute pacer flag, decided right then and there that he was going to help this kid finish the race.

“It gets difficult when you get in those upper distances like 18, 20 miles and beyond. Things start going to your head, and you are asking ‘Why did I do this?’ ” Binkley said. “I just try to encourage the runners and distract them from thinking too much.”

Cameron’s legs were cramping when he saw Binkley. He said “they just weren’t cooperating.”

So Binkley talked Cameron into doing a “run/walk,” where they alternated running for 2.5 minutes, then walking for 30 seconds.

“That helps take their mind off just running,” said Binkley, who continued to carry on a conversation with Cameron. “I talked to him about his high school football team and his age. I told him how amazing it was that someone his age was going to finish a marathon.

“He told me he had built up to 11 miles while training for the marathon, and I thought, ‘Whoa!’ He had already run almost twice that far. I told him we were going to do this and finish this race.”

Cameron and Binkley ultimately finished the race together. Cameron said it took him a few days to recuperate afterward but that he felt fine by his 18th birthday on Dec. 1.

Now, he is already checking out half-marathons, thinking that might be a more favorable distance.

Cameron is now living the life of a busy high school senior.

He is a starter for his high school basketball team. He plays the piano and is involved in band and yearbook. He is especially looking forward to track season. And he is thinking about his future, checking out colleges, with nearby Fort Hays State University at the top of his list.

Both Coach Dixon and Cameron think he has a promising senior track season ahead of him. His goal is to qualify for state and try to win a medal to hang beside his favorite medal of all time.

“That medal is the most special one I’ve every gotten,” Cameron said of the Crossroads medallion. “It’s hard to describe that feeling of when you cross the finish line after 4.5 hours of running.

“Being able to finish the marathon, even though it was difficult, will definitely motivate me in a lot of things now. It gave me a good deal of confidence that I can accomplish something on my own.”

Binkley said he is still amazed at what he witnessed that day but was glad he could be what he calls a small part of Cameron’s feat.

“I told him, ‘I didn’t do it, you did. I was just there helping keep your mind off of it,’ ” Binkley said. “The two most rewarding things out of being a pacer is to help first-timers and help people get to their PRs.”

Binkley did both for Cameron Lindsey — and a whole lot more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660754177628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685701860.jpeg" alt="Rooks County teenager Cameron Lindsey, left, stands with his mom, Shannon, after he recorded a time of 4:25.34 in the Crossroads Marathon in Salina as the youngest finisher. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Rooks County teenager Cameron Lindsey, left, stands with his mom, Shannon, after he recorded a time of 4:25.34 in the Crossroads Marathon in Salina as the youngest finisher. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lindsey is youngest finisher in Salina marathon</h2>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostAs adults, we can all probably reflect on a time when we can point to one person who made a huge difference in our lives.For Cameron Lindsey, that just might be a guy in a lime green shirt who seemed to appear out of nowhere at a most difficult time in a road race.That guy was Scott Binkley, a pacer for last month’s Crossroads Marathon in Salina, who stayed by Cameron’s side from about the 20-mile mark to the finish line. Binkley’s encouragement and support helped Cameron record a time of 4 hours, 25.34 minutes as the youngest finisher.Cameron admits it would have been difficult to finish the race had it not been for Binkley, especially considering he had only trained for the grueling 26.2-mile run for about six weeks. Oh yeah, Cameron was 17 years old at the time.“The age group when people start running marathons is usually those in their late 20s, 30s, 40s,” said Binkley, a former high school cross country runner himself who ran his first marathon in his mid 40s. “For a 17-year-old to decide to do this, on his own, is pretty impressive.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685836181.jpeg" alt="Cameron Lindsey, left, runs alongside pacer Scott Binkley during last third of the marathon. Photo by Scott Green." />
 <figcaption>Cameron Lindsey, left, runs alongside pacer Scott Binkley during last third of the marathon. Photo by Scott Green.</figcaption>
 </figure>Binkley insists this story is not about him, but rather about Cameron Lindsey. But somehow, the two became forever linked together on a pleasant November Saturday in Salina.The guy in the lime green shirt carrying the 4:20 flag no doubt will stick out in Cameron’s mind for a long, long time.The decision that Cameron made to run the marathon seemed simple enough in October when he ran across an online notice about a marathon in Salina.Hmm, he thought, “this sounds interesting. It will be between cross country and basketball seasons. It’s perfect timing.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685870329.jpeg" alt="Pacer Scott Binkley, left, talks with Cameron Lindsey as they near the finish line of the marathon. Photo by Scott Green." />
 <figcaption>Pacer Scott Binkley, left, talks with Cameron Lindsey as they near the finish line of the marathon. Photo by Scott Green.</figcaption>
 </figure>A marathon is more than eight times farther than the high school cross country races of 5,000 meters (or 3.1 miles) for which Cameron is accustomed to running. And this particular marathon featured 800 runners.But keep in mind, this young man had yet to celebrate his 18th birthday, an age when anything – and I mean anything – seems possible to accomplish.A cross country runner for his high school team in Plainville, Cameron decided to start running extra mileage on his own to build up his endurance.Coincidentally, that extra work ended up helping him eclipse his personal-best time by nearly 40 seconds at the Class 2A regional cross country meet in Great Bend, qualifying him for state for the first time in his career.&nbsp;“He told me the Monday after regionals that he had signed up for a marathon,” said Travis Dixon, the cross country coach at Plainville. “I was definitely surprised, but pleased that he was working out extra on his own. Any extra work is obviously going to help with your endurance.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685902479.jpeg" alt="Cameron Lindsey, middle, got plenty of encouragement and support from his parents Shannon and Lee Lindsey. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Cameron Lindsey, middle, got plenty of encouragement and support from his parents Shannon and Lee Lindsey. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron’s PR regional time of 18 minutes, 48 seconds would have placed him in the top 10 at state, but he said he found the going difficult on the tough, hilly course at Wamego Country Club. He was disappointed with his performance at the season finale, but he soon began looking ahead to his next venture.Cameron’s parents, Lee and Shannon Lindsey, drove the Crossroads Marathon course with their son the night before and chose points where they could meet up with him to give him water and snacks – and encouragement.&nbsp;Binkley said he came upon Cameron at about the 21-mile mark.“He was struggling, and he was talking to his mom,” Binkley said. “It was neat to see his parents leap-frogging the course to catch him at several points.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685935031.jpeg" alt="The medal that Cameron Lindsey won for finishing the race. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>The medal that Cameron Lindsey won for finishing the race. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Binkley, carrying the 4-hour, 20-minute pacer flag, decided right then and there that he was going to help this kid finish the race.“It gets difficult when you get in those upper distances like 18, 20 miles and beyond. Things start going to your head, and you are asking ‘Why did I do this?’ ” Binkley said. “I just try to encourage the runners and distract them from thinking too much.”Cameron’s legs were cramping when he saw Binkley. He said “they just weren’t cooperating.”So Binkley talked Cameron into doing a “run/walk,” where they alternated running for 2.5 minutes, then walking for 30 seconds.“That helps take their mind off just running,” said Binkley, who continued to carry on a conversation with Cameron. “I talked to him about his high school football team and his age. I told him how amazing it was that someone his age was going to finish a marathon.“He told me he had built up to 11 miles while training for the marathon, and I thought, ‘Whoa!’ He had already run almost twice that far. I told him we were going to do this and finish this race.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685965315.jpeg" alt="Cameron Lindsey keeps stride during the marathon race. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Cameron Lindsey keeps stride during the marathon race. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron and Binkley ultimately finished the race together. Cameron said it took him a few days to recuperate afterward but that he felt fine by his 18th birthday on Dec. 1.Now, he is already checking out half-marathons, thinking that might be a more favorable distance.But those races will have to wait.Cameron is now living the life of a busy high school senior.He is a starter for his high school basketball team. He plays the piano and is involved in band and yearbook. He is especially looking forward to track season. And he is thinking about his future, checking out colleges, with nearby Fort Hays State University at the top of his list.Both Coach Dixon and Cameron think he has a promising senior track season ahead of him. His goal is to qualify for state and try to win a medal to hang beside his favorite medal of all time.“That medal is the most special one I’ve every gotten,” Cameron said of the Crossroads medallion. “It’s hard to describe that feeling of when you cross the finish line after 4.5 hours of running.“Being able to finish the marathon, even though it was difficult, will definitely motivate me in a lot of things now. It gave me a good deal of confidence that I can accomplish something on my own.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670686004480.jpeg" alt="Cameron Lindsey enjoyed a successful cross country season for Plainville High School this fall before running the marathon. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Cameron Lindsey enjoyed a successful cross country season for Plainville High School this fall before running the marathon. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Binkley said he is still amazed at what he witnessed that day but was glad he could be what he calls a small part of Cameron’s feat.“I told him, ‘I didn’t do it, you did. I was just there helping keep your mind off of it,’ ” Binkley said. “The two most rewarding things out of being a pacer is to help first-timers and help people get to their PRs.”Binkley did both for Cameron Lindsey — and a whole lot more.

NWester: Plainville teenager not alone in going extra mile(s)

ELLIS — The Ellis Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for graffiti that was painted on the co-op weigh station located at 914 Washington. 

In a social media release, the department asked residents to check surveillance systems from the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 9 to 4:50 a.m. Dec. 10. on 12/9/2022 to 450am on 12/10/2022.&nbsp;

Anyone with information is asked to call (785)625-1011. An anonymous tip also can be submitted on the <a href="https://ellis.ks.us/local/police-department/">city’s website.</a>

ELLIS — The Ellis Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for graffiti that was painted on the co-op weigh station located at 914 Washington. In a social media release, the department asked residents to check surveillance systems from the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 9 to 4:50 a.m. Dec. 10. on 12/9/2022 to 450am on 12/10/2022.&nbsp;Anyone with information is asked to call (785)625-1011. An anonymous tip also can be submitted on the <a href="https://ellis.ks.us/local/police-department/">city’s website.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEllisPoliceDepartment%2Fposts%2Fpfbid022kC7puwzBXnbMkHpeiDy3nHnWMCxzMffY1Pk2n8V9iTGsdTVxzU2ZEK19gnBZ1B8l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="614" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

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