<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669668606973.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Nutrition education is a fun part of my job. Recently, I visited 7th&nbsp;grade Skills for Adolescence classes at the Great Bend Middle School. I packed a lot of information in the&nbsp;50-minute&nbsp;class period and am hopeful that they will remember my visit when&nbsp;making future food choices.&nbsp;

I started out by asking the students if they&nbsp;had eaten&nbsp;breakfast. Only about half of them raised their hands so they got my 5 minute “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” speech. The most common reason given for skipping breakfast was the lack of time. I encouraged students to find something like a piece of fruit with whole grain cereal or toast with peanut butter to jump start their day.&nbsp;Research shows that when someone starts their day with breakfast, they&nbsp;actually consume&nbsp;less calories in the day. All too&nbsp;often, when breakfast is skipped, a person gets so hungry that by lunch time they are grabbing an unhealthy option.&nbsp;

The main part of my presentation focused on my favorite food group – vegetables. &nbsp;Sadly, the American diet is lacking in nutrient dense veggies. The MyPlate guide for healthy eating recommends eating at least 5 – 9 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Talking about vegetables is one thing, but letting the students sample parsnip, jicama, and sweet potato, was a new experience&nbsp;for some.&nbsp;Plus&nbsp;we made a recipe of hummus to dip their veggies in.

Another message I left with the 7th&nbsp;graders was the importance of choosing whole food options instead of eating highly processed food that have added fat,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;and sodium. We talked about empty calories that are found in soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. We looked at nutrition fact labels to show how to determine if the food is a healthy choice.&nbsp;

And&nbsp;finally,&nbsp;we talked about making sure each day has a good amount of physical activity built in. Recommendations are currently set for one hour of physical activity daily. &nbsp;If students don’t participate in an organized sport, they may need to find ways to move more.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know is interested in doing nutrition education I hope you will visit the following website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs">www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;There you will find the position description and application process for a full time SNAP-Ed nutrition educator based in either our Hays or Great Bend office. The screening begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please give me a call if you have any questions!

Donna&nbsp;Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nutrition education is a fun part of my job. Recently, I visited 7th&nbsp;grade Skills for Adolescence classes at the Great Bend Middle School. I packed a lot of information in the&nbsp;50-minute&nbsp;class period and am hopeful that they will remember my visit when&nbsp;making future food choices.&nbsp;I started out by asking the students if they&nbsp;had eaten&nbsp;breakfast. Only about half of them raised their hands so they got my 5 minute “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” speech. The most common reason given for skipping breakfast was the lack of time. I encouraged students to find something like a piece of fruit with whole grain cereal or toast with peanut butter to jump start their day.&nbsp;Research shows that when someone starts their day with breakfast, they&nbsp;actually consume&nbsp;less calories in the day. All too&nbsp;often, when breakfast is skipped, a person gets so hungry that by lunch time they are grabbing an unhealthy option.&nbsp;The main part of my presentation focused on my favorite food group – vegetables. &nbsp;Sadly, the American diet is lacking in nutrient dense veggies. The MyPlate guide for healthy eating recommends eating at least 5 – 9 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Talking about vegetables is one thing, but letting the students sample parsnip, jicama, and sweet potato, was a new experience&nbsp;for some.&nbsp;Plus&nbsp;we made a recipe of hummus to dip their veggies in.Another message I left with the 7th&nbsp;graders was the importance of choosing whole food options instead of eating highly processed food that have added fat,&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;and sodium. We talked about empty calories that are found in soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. We looked at nutrition fact labels to show how to determine if the food is a healthy choice.&nbsp;And&nbsp;finally,&nbsp;we talked about making sure each day has a good amount of physical activity built in. Recommendations are currently set for one hour of physical activity daily. &nbsp;If students don’t participate in an organized sport, they may need to find ways to move more.&nbsp;If you or someone you know is interested in doing nutrition education I hope you will visit the following website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs">www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;There you will find the position description and application process for a full time SNAP-Ed nutrition educator based in either our Hays or Great Bend office. The screening begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please give me a call if you have any questions!Donna&nbsp;Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Nutrition education opportunities at Extension

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, and Kaley Conner, Manager, Outreach, Education and Marketing at High Plains Mental Health Center discuss mental health during the holiday season.

<div><iframe title="Help available for those dealing with the ’Holiday Blues’" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dpyuf-13268e6-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger, and Kaley Conner, Manager, Outreach, Education and Marketing at High Plains Mental Health Center discuss mental health during the holiday season.

🎙 Post Podcast: Help available for those dealing with the ’Holiday Blues’

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

As area families make plans for this holiday season, nonprofit
organizations look to gather funds that will be used for projects throughout
the following year during “the giving season.”

The end of the year has historically been when the overwhelming
majority of donations to nonprofits are received, with days like Giving
Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and National Philanthropy Day driving awareness.

“Eighty percent of charitable giving happens during the
months of November and December,” said Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.

She said while many give as a part of their seasonal traditions,
there is a more practical measure for some.

“One, it's just the spirit of the holidays, and people are
feeling more generous,” Meitner said. “But from a practical sense to, of
course, there's maybe some tax liabilities that people are facing, and they
might want to lower that taxable income and make it a charitable gift. And
that's a great way to do it.”

This year looks to be no different, but as residents deal
with rising prices due to inflation and the continued economic uncertainty brought
by it, those organizations are hoping donors can continue giving at levels
similar to, or higher than in the past as those non-profits struggle to deal
with those same economic factors.

Meitner said while she understands the impact on personal budgets,
she hopes residents understand the importance to the community of those
donations and look to give what they can.

“I would still encourage you to do something,” Meitner said.
“Still model that for your kids. Still set that aside.”

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said it is also
important for the community to understand while large gifts may be more noteworthy,
small donations can have a significant impact as well.

“It's not about the celebration and the notoriety of giving
a large gift. It's about the actual giving and what that gift does,” Williams
said. “It's not that the large gifts are not great, and it does some amazing
things – I mean, we've got some amazing things at Hays Med, wings of the
hospital that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for people who really stepped up and
made those contributions – but most people can't do that. But people can
participate. And the level of participation is not as important as the actual
active participation and the giving of whatever they can.”

And for those new to donating to non-profit organizations, organizations
like the Heartland Community Foundation and Grow Hays can help.

“At Heartland, we have a number of different fund types, but
one we have a donor-advised fund, and this allows a donor to direct money for
charitable giving at the very end of the year when they might not quite know
where they want that money to go yet, but they can direct it designated as
charitable giving, take that deduction on their tax in their taxable income.
And then they can decide later where it goes,” Meitner said.

After the money is in the fund, she said she can help guide
the final decision on where those dollars would go. 

“They can have that discussion with myself or with one of our
board members and things about what projects in town they might want to steer
that money toward. We have great relationships with our non-profit directors in
town, and that then allows us to kind of know a little bit about what they have
going on. And so, when people might not know where they want their money to go,
we can be a resource. We can let them know about some of those projects.”

Williams said Grow Hays could also be a resource for making charitable
giving choices.

“We would be happy to talk to anybody regarding what we know
about these organizations,” Williams said. “We all have causes that are kind of
near and dear to us. It might be domestic violence, it might be children or
whatever the case might be. And so, a little bit of research can go a long way
on knowing which of those organizations might fit your personal mission as to
who you want to support.”

He said a popular choice in Ellis County is the United Way.
As an umbrella organization, they give to other area non-profit organizations.
As an organization with a large footprint, they can then combine those small
donations into powerful action.

“I think all of them will tell you that there's no gift
that's too small,” Williams said. “Obviously, they have budgets, and they have
dollars they need to raise, but steady contributions from a large group can be
very meaningful. … I think sometimes people say, ‘Well, I can only give X amount
of dollars.’ That's not the important thing, the important thing is the gesture
and the act of giving. And if we all do a little bit, it becomes a big deal.”

Last year, Heartland Community Foundation gave out about
$350,000 to other local nonprofits, Meitner said, but it is important to note that
money cannot be used for operating costs.

“So, our nonprofits depend on their holiday appeals,” she
said. “You might get the letters in the mail, their holiday appeal time to
really make up the difference for closing those gaps for their operating
budget. Looking ahead for the coming year, it's vital to their being able to
keep the lights on and the doors open to do the good work that they're doing.”

Alongside the philanthropic work of area non-profits, Williams
said there is an impact on the greater area economy.

“It's that buy local mentality, support local,” he said. “That's
what we want to do as much as possible, and for the most part, I think our
community is doing a great job of doing that. I think we have strong supporters
of many of these organizations. And fortunately, we have good people who will
step up.”

Those efforts then create a more inclusive and supportive
community.

“When you give locally, and to some of the organizations
we've been talking about, the vast majority end up going to where you would
hope they go as a donor, to helping people,” Williams said. “And that's what
really matters at the end of the day, helping people, helping victims of
domestic violence, helping people who are homeless, helping people who have
lost their job and they've been evicted from their apartment or about to get
evicted from their apartment. That's what matters in a community because you
don't want people to suffer needlessly if it can be avoided.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669498962377.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostAs area families make plans for this holiday season, nonprofit
organizations look to gather funds that will be used for projects throughout
the following year during “the giving season.”The end of the year has historically been when the overwhelming
majority of donations to nonprofits are received, with days like Giving
Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and National Philanthropy Day driving awareness.“Eighty percent of charitable giving happens during the
months of November and December,” said Heartland Community Foundation Executive Director Sarah Meitner.<div><iframe title="As Giving Tuesday approaches area non-profits look to community for support" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tfrda-1323c34-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>She said while many give as a part of their seasonal traditions,
there is a more practical measure for some.“One, it's just the spirit of the holidays, and people are
feeling more generous,” Meitner said. “But from a practical sense to, of
course, there's maybe some tax liabilities that people are facing, and they
might want to lower that taxable income and make it a charitable gift. And
that's a great way to do it.”This year looks to be no different, but as residents deal
with rising prices due to inflation and the continued economic uncertainty brought
by it, those organizations are hoping donors can continue giving at levels
similar to, or higher than in the past as those non-profits struggle to deal
with those same economic factors.Meitner said while she understands the impact on personal budgets,
she hopes residents understand the importance to the community of those
donations and look to give what they can.“I would still encourage you to do something,” Meitner said.
“Still model that for your kids. Still set that aside.”Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said it is also
important for the community to understand while large gifts may be more noteworthy,
small donations can have a significant impact as well.“It's not about the celebration and the notoriety of giving
a large gift. It's about the actual giving and what that gift does,” Williams
said. “It's not that the large gifts are not great, and it does some amazing
things – I mean, we've got some amazing things at Hays Med, wings of the
hospital that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for people who really stepped up and
made those contributions – but most people can't do that. But people can
participate. And the level of participation is not as important as the actual
active participation and the giving of whatever they can.”And for those new to donating to non-profit organizations, organizations
like the Heartland Community Foundation and Grow Hays can help.“At Heartland, we have a number of different fund types, but
one we have a donor-advised fund, and this allows a donor to direct money for
charitable giving at the very end of the year when they might not quite know
where they want that money to go yet, but they can direct it designated as
charitable giving, take that deduction on their tax in their taxable income.
And then they can decide later where it goes,” Meitner said.After the money is in the fund, she said she can help guide
the final decision on where those dollars would go. “They can have that discussion with myself or with one of our
board members and things about what projects in town they might want to steer
that money toward. We have great relationships with our non-profit directors in
town, and that then allows us to kind of know a little bit about what they have
going on. And so, when people might not know where they want their money to go,
we can be a resource. We can let them know about some of those projects.”Williams said Grow Hays could also be a resource for making charitable
giving choices.“We would be happy to talk to anybody regarding what we know
about these organizations,” Williams said. “We all have causes that are kind of
near and dear to us. It might be domestic violence, it might be children or
whatever the case might be. And so, a little bit of research can go a long way
on knowing which of those organizations might fit your personal mission as to
who you want to support.”He said a popular choice in Ellis County is the United Way.
As an umbrella organization, they give to other area non-profit organizations.
As an organization with a large footprint, they can then combine those small
donations into powerful action.“I think all of them will tell you that there's no gift
that's too small,” Williams said. “Obviously, they have budgets, and they have
dollars they need to raise, but steady contributions from a large group can be
very meaningful. … I think sometimes people say, ‘Well, I can only give X amount
of dollars.’ That's not the important thing, the important thing is the gesture
and the act of giving. And if we all do a little bit, it becomes a big deal.”Last year, Heartland Community Foundation gave out about
$350,000 to other local nonprofits, Meitner said, but it is important to note that
money cannot be used for operating costs.“So, our nonprofits depend on their holiday appeals,” she
said. “You might get the letters in the mail, their holiday appeal time to
really make up the difference for closing those gaps for their operating
budget. Looking ahead for the coming year, it's vital to their being able to
keep the lights on and the doors open to do the good work that they're doing.”Alongside the philanthropic work of area non-profits, Williams
said there is an impact on the greater area economy.“It's that buy local mentality, support local,” he said. “That's
what we want to do as much as possible, and for the most part, I think our
community is doing a great job of doing that. I think we have strong supporters
of many of these organizations. And fortunately, we have good people who will
step up.”Those efforts then create a more inclusive and supportive
community.“When you give locally, and to some of the organizations
we've been talking about, the vast majority end up going to where you would
hope they go as a donor, to helping people,” Williams said. “And that's what
really matters at the end of the day, helping people, helping victims of
domestic violence, helping people who are homeless, helping people who have
lost their job and they've been evicted from their apartment or about to get
evicted from their apartment. That's what matters in a community because you
don't want people to suffer needlessly if it can be avoided.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

🎙 Giving Tuesday: Nonprofits look to community for support

A strong cold front moving into northwest Kansas on Tuesday will bring bitter cold, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.

After a high in the mid-50s Monday, the high temperature Tuesday is only expected to reach 33, with overnight lows dropping near 10 degrees. Wind chills by Wednesday morning will be near zero in the Hays area — and could drop as low at 8 below zero farther west.

North winds are expected to be sustained between 16 and 24 mph.

There is a 30 percent chance of snow in Ellis County on Tuesday afternoon, with a greater chance in far northwest Kansas counties.

The high Wednesday will be in the upper-30s, but the mercury will begin to rise again heading into the weekend. A high of nearly 70 degrees is predicted on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669646112787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A strong cold front moving into northwest Kansas on Tuesday will bring bitter cold, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.After a high in the mid-50s Monday, the high temperature Tuesday is only expected to reach 33, with overnight lows dropping near 10 degrees. Wind chills by Wednesday morning will be near zero in the Hays area — and could drop as low at 8 below zero farther west.North winds are expected to be sustained between 16 and 24 mph.There is a 30 percent chance of snow in Ellis County on Tuesday afternoon, with a greater chance in far northwest Kansas counties.The high Wednesday will be in the upper-30s, but the mercury will begin to rise again heading into the weekend. A high of nearly 70 degrees is predicted on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong cold frontal passage Tuesday will result in some of the coldest wind chills we&#39;ve seen so far this season on Wednesday morning, with much of the area dipping to near or below 0. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ioYmqS7Xd5">pic.twitter.com/ioYmqS7Xd5</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1597210881426743296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There is moderate confidence in snow amounts at this time. Model data is gradually increasing the snow amounts over the past day. The most likely area to see noticeably higher snow amounts is northern Yuma and Dundy counties. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cowx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cowx</a> <a href="https://t.co/P0U1RsX3qB">pic.twitter.com/P0U1RsX3qB</a>&mdash; NWS Goodland (@NWSGoodland) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSGoodland/status/1596995903595851776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Bundle up: NWS calling for bitter cold, frigid wind chills

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays superintendent will discuss with the USD 489 school board tonight recommendations by the Kansas State Department of Education on course classification.

The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.

Included in the changes would be a requirement for a semester of speech, debate, forensics, journalism or public speaking.

A unit of Science Technology Engineering and Math would be added to the three units of science and math that are already required.

Instead of one year of physical education. Students would take a semester of PE, a semester of health and a semester of financial literacy. This would leave 4.5 units for electives.

The Department of Education is also considering a recommendation from the Kansas Board of Regents for all students to complete a federal student financial aid applications before graduation. Any student, family or school could opt out of this requirement.

The board also will consider the purchase of an electric sign for the Early Childhood Complex. The low bid is $34,245 from Complete Signs of Dothan, Ala.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays superintendent will discuss with the USD 489 school board tonight recommendations by the Kansas State Department of Education on course classification.The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administration Center.Included in the changes would be a requirement for a semester of speech, debate, forensics, journalism or public speaking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669663278352.png" alt="New KSDE course classifications " />
 <figcaption>New KSDE course classifications </figcaption>
 </figure>A unit of Science Technology Engineering and Math would be added to the three units of science and math that are already required.Instead of one year of physical education. Students would take a semester of PE, a semester of health and a semester of financial literacy. This would leave 4.5 units for electives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669663629498.png" alt="New KSDE course classifications" />
 <figcaption>New KSDE course classifications</figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Education is also considering a recommendation from the Kansas Board of Regents for all students to complete a federal student financial aid applications before graduation. Any student, family or school could opt out of this requirement.The board also will consider the purchase of an electric sign for the Early Childhood Complex. The low bid is $34,245 from Complete Signs of Dothan, Ala.

Hays USD 489 BOE to look at state recommended changes in course requirements

CORRECTED 9:45 a.m. Monday&nbsp;to reflect accurate injury information.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSebre driven by Justin L. Johnson, 26, Collyer, was westbound 0n Interstate 70 near Ogallah in the driving lane.

The car came up on a vehicle traveling at a much slower speed. The driver attempted to perform an avoidance maneuver. The Buick left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch. The front passenger door of the Buick struck a delineator post.

A passenger — Jessa D. Johnson, 26, Collyer — was transported via private vehicle to Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Justin Johnson was not injured, and both were properly restrained.&nbsp;

CORRECTED 9:45 a.m. Monday&nbsp;to reflect accurate injury information.TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSebre driven by Justin L. Johnson, 26, Collyer, was westbound 0n Interstate 70 near Ogallah in the driving lane.The car came up on a vehicle traveling at a much slower speed. The driver attempted to perform an avoidance maneuver. The Buick left the roadway to the right, entered the north ditch. The front passenger door of the Buick struck a delineator post.A passenger — Jessa D. Johnson, 26, Collyer — was transported via private vehicle to Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Justin Johnson was not injured, and both were properly restrained.&nbsp;

NW Kansas woman injured after car strikes post on I-70

Come see us in the Hays Walmart parking lot, 4301 Vine, to get your fresh holiday tree! 

We'll be open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on all Saturdays and Sundays, and 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, until we run out of trees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669638333116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCome see us in the Hays Walmart parking lot, 4301 Vine, to get your fresh holiday tree! We'll be open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on all Saturdays and Sundays, and 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, until we run out of trees.

Local organizations benefit from Hays Optimists annual Christmas tree sale

Big Creek Crossing mall will be a little bit busier this holiday season with five pop-up stores and the opening of a new permanent store.

New this year will be Kansas Christmas Wonderland owned by Lori Nuss of Russell. Nuss' family has operated the store in Russell since 2012 but decided to move the store to Hays this Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland, which will be in the former Hallmark location,&nbsp; will carry a wide selection of Christmas decor, including Christmas ornaments, signs, tabletop decor and snowmen.

Prices will range from a few dollars for an ornament to a $300 rocking horse. The store has about 20 to 25 trees with all types of ornaments and decorations.

The store has ornaments customers can customize and use as gift tags.

"Bells are really big this year. I have gold bells, black bells, navy bells cream bells," she said.

Cardinals and gnomes are also popular this year, she said.

Nuss, who said she has always loved Christmas, said the store has been a labor of love for her whole family. She said a daughter, who's a senior in high school, has been especially helpful in putting the store together this year.

Christmas Wonderland had a soft opening last week. It will be open mall hours Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas and evenings by appointment. Nuss can be contacted through the store's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasChristmasWonderland">Facebook page</a>.

Other pop-up stores at Big Creek Crossing this year include Western Sunset Creations, Haus of Vanity, GoCalendar,&nbsp; and Ponderosa Pines trees of Ogallah in the parking lot. 

Western Sunset Creations, which is run by the Dorzweiler family, is back again this year in the former Payless Shoes store. It will offer roasted nuts, homemade fudge, homemade sausage and bierocks.

Haus of Vanity of Colorado specializes in hair irons and hair accessories. That kiosk, which will be in the north hall, has been at Big Creek Crossing before and will be back this year for the holiday season.

Go Calendar has had a kiosk at Big Creek Crossing for years. It is back in the north hall of the mall, selling calendars, games and plush toys.

Pro Image, a new permanent resident on the north end of the mall, is set to open this holiday season.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9c9741-b18c-45c7-a7c3-1cf50084e7af"> The store, owned by Hays resident Robert Alvarez, will carry licensed sports merchandise, including hats, jerseys and collectibles.</a>

Toys for Tots will have a give-and-take store for needy families in the south hall next to Maurices. There also will be a box next to the mall office in the north hall in which customers can leave gifts of new toys. 

The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center also has a giving tree in the north hall of the mall next o the mall office. Shoppers can take ornaments off the tree, which have the age, gender and preferred presents for children, buy a gift and place it in a box next to the tree.

The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center provides therapy and forensics services for children who have been abused. Its service area includes Ellis County.

Photos with Santa will be offered again this year, including a couple of pet nights for dogs and cats. You can find a calendar with Santa's hours on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing">Big Creek Crossing Facebook page</a>.

"I am anticipating a pretty decent year, a pretty typical year from what I'm seeing," said Branson Hoffman, Big Creek Crossing marketing manager.

The mall will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day, noon to 6 p.m. the day after Christmas, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Year's Eve and noon to 6 p.m. New Year's Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669154492128.jpeg" alt="Kansas Christmas Wonderland will be open in Big Creek Crossing on Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Christmas Wonderland will be open in Big Creek Crossing on Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBig Creek Crossing mall will be a little bit busier this holiday season with five pop-up stores and the opening of a new permanent store.New this year will be Kansas Christmas Wonderland owned by Lori Nuss of Russell. Nuss' family has operated the store in Russell since 2012 but decided to move the store to Hays this Christmas.Christmas Wonderland, which will be in the former Hallmark location,&nbsp; will carry a wide selection of Christmas decor, including Christmas ornaments, signs, tabletop decor and snowmen.Prices will range from a few dollars for an ornament to a $300 rocking horse. The store has about 20 to 25 trees with all types of ornaments and decorations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669154674412.jpeg" alt="A Christmas tree and decor for sale in Christmas Wonderland. Courtesy photo. " />
 <figcaption>A Christmas tree and decor for sale in Christmas Wonderland. Courtesy photo. </figcaption>
 </figure>The store has ornaments customers can customize and use as gift tags. "Bells are really big this year. I have gold bells, black bells, navy bells cream bells," she said.Cardinals and gnomes are also popular this year, she said.Nuss, who said she has always loved Christmas, said the store has been a labor of love for her whole family. She said a daughter, who's a senior in high school, has been especially helpful in putting the store together this year. Christmas Wonderland had a soft opening last week. It will be open mall hours Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas and evenings by appointment. Nuss can be contacted through the store's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasChristmasWonderland">Facebook page</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669154761832.jpeg" alt="Go Calendar has a kiosk at Big Creek Crossing again this year. The store sells calendars, games and plush toys. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Go Calendar has a kiosk at Big Creek Crossing again this year. The store sells calendars, games and plush toys. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Other pop-up stores at Big Creek Crossing this year include Western Sunset Creations, Haus of Vanity, GoCalendar,&nbsp; and Ponderosa Pines trees of Ogallah in the parking lot. Western Sunset Creations, which is run by the Dorzweiler family, is back again this year in the former Payless Shoes store. It will offer roasted nuts, homemade fudge, homemade sausage and bierocks.Haus of Vanity of Colorado specializes in hair irons and hair accessories. That kiosk, which will be in the north hall, has been at Big Creek Crossing before and will be back this year for the holiday season. Go Calendar has had a kiosk at Big Creek Crossing for years. It is back in the north hall of the mall, selling calendars, games and plush toys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669154946451.jpeg" alt="Santa will be available for photos at Big Creek Crossing this holiday season. See the mall's Facebook page for a schedule. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Santa will be available for photos at Big Creek Crossing this holiday season. See the mall's Facebook page for a schedule. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Pro Image, a new permanent resident on the north end of the mall, is set to open this holiday season.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/de9c9741-b18c-45c7-a7c3-1cf50084e7af"> The store, owned by Hays resident Robert Alvarez, will carry licensed sports merchandise, including hats, jerseys and collectibles.</a> Toys for Tots will have a give-and-take store for needy families in the south hall next to Maurices. There also will be a box next to the mall office in the north hall in which customers can leave gifts of new toys. The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center also has a giving tree in the north hall of the mall next o the mall office. Shoppers can take ornaments off the tree, which have the age, gender and preferred presents for children, buy a gift and place it in a box next to the tree.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669155157164.jpeg" alt="Toys for Tots and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center have collection boxes at the north end of Big Creek Crossing next to the mall office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Toys for Tots and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center have collection boxes at the north end of Big Creek Crossing next to the mall office. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center provides therapy and forensics services for children who have been abused. Its service area includes Ellis County. Photos with Santa will be offered again this year, including a couple of pet nights for dogs and cats. You can find a calendar with Santa's hours on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigCreekCrossing">Big Creek Crossing Facebook page</a>. "I am anticipating a pretty decent year, a pretty typical year from what I'm seeing," said Branson Hoffman, Big Creek Crossing marketing manager. The mall will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day, noon to 6 p.m. the day after Christmas, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Year's Eve and noon to 6 p.m. New Year's Day.

Christmas Wonderland among pop-up stores at Big Creek Crossing

Three grief support groups from the Center for Life Experience will have their annual Holiday Memorial Tree Dedications at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Jackie Creamer’s Dance Studio, 1003 Main.

The trees will be on display in the studio’s large windows until after Jan. 1, said Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director.

Each year the “Healing Hearts” support group, for individuals who have lost a child, decorates a Christmas tree with special ornaments, each commemorating the life of a precious child.

The other two groups are Healing After Loss, for those who have suffered the loss of a special adult, and Healing After Loss of Suicide, for those who have lost someone to suicide. Those two groups will also be decorating a tree, Schulte said.

The event is open to the public. Individuals are welcome to bring their own special ornaments, or ornaments with tags will be available for a donation to the center., Schulte said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

More information is available by contacting the center at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 259-6859.

News releaseThree grief support groups from the Center for Life Experience will have their annual Holiday Memorial Tree Dedications at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Jackie Creamer’s Dance Studio, 1003 Main.The trees will be on display in the studio’s large windows until after Jan. 1, said Darian Schulte, the center’s executive director.Each year the “Healing Hearts” support group, for individuals who have lost a child, decorates a Christmas tree with special ornaments, each commemorating the life of a precious child.The other two groups are Healing After Loss, for those who have suffered the loss of a special adult, and Healing After Loss of Suicide, for those who have lost someone to suicide. Those two groups will also be decorating a tree, Schulte said.The event is open to the public. Individuals are welcome to bring their own special ornaments, or ornaments with tags will be available for a donation to the center., Schulte said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Refreshments will be served.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More information is available by contacting the center at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@cflehope.org">info@cflehope.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 259-6859.

Grief support groups plan Memorial Tree event in Hays

Thanksgiving’s&nbsp;turkey, dressing, casseroles, and pie are now leftovers, and I’ll&nbsp;soon&nbsp;traipse downstairs&nbsp;to&nbsp;decide&nbsp;what Christmas&nbsp;baubles&nbsp;make&nbsp;this year’s decorating cut. Thinking about the tree, boxes of ornaments and lights,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;snowmen and Santas that&nbsp;create&nbsp;December’s festive mood&nbsp;triggered&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;pouring through the&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Catalogue. It would surprise our grandkids to learn I recollect the hours spent exploring that Sear’s Wish Book&nbsp;more than I remember&nbsp;actual gifts.&nbsp;

Our grands scope out the internet&nbsp;and&nbsp;TV&nbsp;to see what they want to add to their Christmas lists. While exciting,&nbsp;electronic devices&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;offer&nbsp;the&nbsp;anticipation&nbsp;we felt&nbsp;racing to finish chores and&nbsp;homework&nbsp;so&nbsp;we could&nbsp;bury our noses in that&nbsp;magical&nbsp;book of dreams. It’s a good thing my family didn’t have an outhouse that&nbsp;required&nbsp;a catalogue to provide wiping paper because&nbsp;my brother and I&nbsp;wore&nbsp;our annual wish&nbsp;book’s pages&nbsp;thin. We spent&nbsp;the month before Christmas salivating over&nbsp;toy guns, Roy Rogers’&nbsp;accessories, GI Joes, Barbies, Chatty Cathys, Easy Bake ovens, and art supply boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our fingers wore trails down pages&nbsp;filled with&nbsp;our&nbsp;desires.&nbsp;We looked&nbsp;so often&nbsp;that&nbsp;the catalogue fell open to our favorites. If Santa&nbsp;doubted&nbsp;what to deliver on Christmas Eve, the catalogue cleared&nbsp;up&nbsp;any&nbsp;confusion.

Simpler&nbsp;Christmases reigned&nbsp;in the 50s and 60s. First&nbsp;of all, whether&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;store or catalogue, fewer choices&nbsp;existed to confuse us.&nbsp;Our TVs&nbsp;got one or two&nbsp;channels with advertisements to reveal the&nbsp;possibilities.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;turned off at midnight and didn’t restart til 8 the next morning.&nbsp;Our parents&nbsp;had&nbsp;no&nbsp;credit cards&nbsp;so they&nbsp;bought&nbsp;one toy that Santa delivered.&nbsp;

My family’s&nbsp;Christmas Eve custom required a drive around town to&nbsp;oooh and ahhh over&nbsp;other people’s&nbsp;lights and periodically&nbsp;open a&nbsp;window to listen for Santa’s sleigh bells.&nbsp;My dad always&nbsp;required&nbsp;an emergency bathroom run right after we&nbsp;loaded&nbsp;the car so&nbsp;waiting for his return offered&nbsp;time to imagine hearing&nbsp;tinkling&nbsp;bells.&nbsp;We&nbsp;loved that&nbsp;dark drive filled with twinkling lights, but&nbsp;because of&nbsp;Dad’s long potty stop,&nbsp;we knew we’d missed catching Santa. Sure enough, we&nbsp;did every single year.&nbsp;We’d creep&nbsp;into the house&nbsp;to&nbsp;see he’d delivered our&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and&nbsp;sampled cookies and milk left for him.&nbsp;

After&nbsp;that&nbsp;sensational build up, we opened&nbsp;our&nbsp;packages. Usually,&nbsp;I got&nbsp;a doll&nbsp;and my brother a cap&nbsp;pistol or rifle.&nbsp;Afterwards, we&nbsp;dug a&nbsp;brown paper bag filled with the prettiest hard Christmas candies,&nbsp;candy orange slices, an apple, and a handful of peanuts&nbsp;from our stockings.&nbsp;We gave our dad our peanuts,&nbsp;and we&nbsp;gobbled&nbsp;the candy.&nbsp;To this day, I&nbsp;love&nbsp;old-fashion Christmas&nbsp;sweets.

A big present&nbsp;showed up&nbsp;the years&nbsp;we each turned eight. For Christmas during third grade, Santa delivered a new bike. I learned as an adult this meant dad had sold&nbsp;a&nbsp;gun so he could buy&nbsp;those shiny Schwinns. &nbsp;

I’ve seen pictures of living rooms stacked with so many presents for each family member that gift opening takes&nbsp;hours. Looking back, I’m glad our drive around town looking at other families’&nbsp;lights and listening for&nbsp;sleigh&nbsp;bells occupied our time.&nbsp;Recollecting the&nbsp;anticipation as we&nbsp;wore out&nbsp;the&nbsp;Wish&nbsp;Book and&nbsp;tried to catch Santa delivering that&nbsp;simple gift leaves&nbsp;me&nbsp;nostalgic&nbsp;for&nbsp;that time&nbsp;when less was more.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINThanksgiving’s&nbsp;turkey, dressing, casseroles, and pie are now leftovers, and I’ll&nbsp;soon&nbsp;traipse downstairs&nbsp;to&nbsp;decide&nbsp;what Christmas&nbsp;baubles&nbsp;make&nbsp;this year’s decorating cut. Thinking about the tree, boxes of ornaments and lights,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;snowmen and Santas that&nbsp;create&nbsp;December’s festive mood&nbsp;triggered&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;pouring through the&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Catalogue. It would surprise our grandkids to learn I recollect the hours spent exploring that Sear’s Wish Book&nbsp;more than I remember&nbsp;actual gifts.&nbsp;Our grands scope out the internet&nbsp;and&nbsp;TV&nbsp;to see what they want to add to their Christmas lists. While exciting,&nbsp;electronic devices&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;offer&nbsp;the&nbsp;anticipation&nbsp;we felt&nbsp;racing to finish chores and&nbsp;homework&nbsp;so&nbsp;we could&nbsp;bury our noses in that&nbsp;magical&nbsp;book of dreams. It’s a good thing my family didn’t have an outhouse that&nbsp;required&nbsp;a catalogue to provide wiping paper because&nbsp;my brother and I&nbsp;wore&nbsp;our annual wish&nbsp;book’s pages&nbsp;thin. We spent&nbsp;the month before Christmas salivating over&nbsp;toy guns, Roy Rogers’&nbsp;accessories, GI Joes, Barbies, Chatty Cathys, Easy Bake ovens, and art supply boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our fingers wore trails down pages&nbsp;filled with&nbsp;our&nbsp;desires.&nbsp;We looked&nbsp;so often&nbsp;that&nbsp;the catalogue fell open to our favorites. If Santa&nbsp;doubted&nbsp;what to deliver on Christmas Eve, the catalogue cleared&nbsp;up&nbsp;any&nbsp;confusion.Simpler&nbsp;Christmases reigned&nbsp;in the 50s and 60s. First&nbsp;of all, whether&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;store or catalogue, fewer choices&nbsp;existed to confuse us.&nbsp;Our TVs&nbsp;got one or two&nbsp;channels with advertisements to reveal the&nbsp;possibilities.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;turned off at midnight and didn’t restart til 8 the next morning.&nbsp;Our parents&nbsp;had&nbsp;no&nbsp;credit cards&nbsp;so they&nbsp;bought&nbsp;one toy that Santa delivered.&nbsp;My family’s&nbsp;Christmas Eve custom required a drive around town to&nbsp;oooh and ahhh over&nbsp;other people’s&nbsp;lights and periodically&nbsp;open a&nbsp;window to listen for Santa’s sleigh bells.&nbsp;My dad always&nbsp;required&nbsp;an emergency bathroom run right after we&nbsp;loaded&nbsp;the car so&nbsp;waiting for his return offered&nbsp;time to imagine hearing&nbsp;tinkling&nbsp;bells.&nbsp;We&nbsp;loved that&nbsp;dark drive filled with twinkling lights, but&nbsp;because of&nbsp;Dad’s long potty stop,&nbsp;we knew we’d missed catching Santa. Sure enough, we&nbsp;did every single year.&nbsp;We’d creep&nbsp;into the house&nbsp;to&nbsp;see he’d delivered our&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and&nbsp;sampled cookies and milk left for him.&nbsp;After&nbsp;that&nbsp;sensational build up, we opened&nbsp;our&nbsp;packages. Usually,&nbsp;I got&nbsp;a doll&nbsp;and my brother a cap&nbsp;pistol or rifle.&nbsp;Afterwards, we&nbsp;dug a&nbsp;brown paper bag filled with the prettiest hard Christmas candies,&nbsp;candy orange slices, an apple, and a handful of peanuts&nbsp;from our stockings.&nbsp;We gave our dad our peanuts,&nbsp;and we&nbsp;gobbled&nbsp;the candy.&nbsp;To this day, I&nbsp;love&nbsp;old-fashion Christmas&nbsp;sweets.A big present&nbsp;showed up&nbsp;the years&nbsp;we each turned eight. For Christmas during third grade, Santa delivered a new bike. I learned as an adult this meant dad had sold&nbsp;a&nbsp;gun so he could buy&nbsp;those shiny Schwinns. &nbsp;I’ve seen pictures of living rooms stacked with so many presents for each family member that gift opening takes&nbsp;hours. Looking back, I’m glad our drive around town looking at other families’&nbsp;lights and listening for&nbsp;sleigh&nbsp;bells occupied our time.&nbsp;Recollecting the&nbsp;anticipation as we&nbsp;wore out&nbsp;the&nbsp;Wish&nbsp;Book and&nbsp;tried to catch Santa delivering that&nbsp;simple gift leaves&nbsp;me&nbsp;nostalgic&nbsp;for&nbsp;that time&nbsp;when less was more.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: A time when less was more

Last week was a week of reminiscing. First of all, all five of us siblings were able to get together for a few days, which rarely happens anymore since we are now located in Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Secondly, my brother is selling his beautiful home and absolute whitetail-deer haven buried deep in the southern Ohio woods, and I got to spend a little time with him there.&nbsp;Thirdly, while we were there, my&nbsp;niece’s&nbsp;daughter harvested her first deer and my nephew’s daughter trapped her first raccoon.&nbsp;

Now the harvest of these two may not seem much like reminiscing, but it reminded me of how my siblings and I became hunters and trappers, and&nbsp;our&nbsp;nieces, nephews and&nbsp;their&nbsp;kids are the generations that will keep these traditions alive after we siblings have gone-on.

We began deer hunting where we grew up in central Ohio. Deer were hunted a little differently there at that time.&nbsp;We&nbsp;neighborhood deer hunters&nbsp;all had stands we sat in for the first couple days of deer gun season, then we would gather&nbsp;as a group&nbsp;to hunt in woods owned by us hunters. The only legal guns allowed for deer hunting then in Ohio were shotguns using slugs. We would drop off a couple hunters at one end of a woods, then the remainder of the group would walk in from the opposite side to push deer towards the shooters. Last week, my brother reminded me that the first time I took him along, I told him that when certain members of the group started shooting, just drop to the ground, cause when a deer was spotted, all bets were off. We often gathered in a&nbsp;neighbor’s&nbsp;kitchen early in the morning for coffee and hot chocolate, and&nbsp;inevitably, someone would spot a deer crossing the road nearby, and chairs would fly and coffee cups clatter as we headed out the door in an attempt to get ahead of the deer. As I recall, my brother harvested his first deer, on my farm no less, before me, and I believe I asked him where he thought he was going to hunt from then on. I have harvested my share of Kansas deer since moving here, but my brother&nbsp;was always&nbsp;the better deer hunter.

I started trapping in junior high after making friends with an older local trapper named&nbsp;Mr. Wolfe.&nbsp;A stream traveled the entire length of our property, continuing on for a few miles before winding its way back around to cross our land a second time. As I remember, Mr. Wolfe trapped that stream for years. When I was in my early teens, he began taking me along, and I was hooked on trapping. Mr. Wolfe drove an old 1950’s vintage dark green Ford car. I can still see him seated behind the wheel wearing hip boots and a big coat with lots of pockets, and wearing a pistol on his side. He’d pull into the drive, get out and open the trunk to show me what he had caught. The trunk would contain a mix of traps and stakes, muskrats, coons’ and an occasional mink. 

I remember feeling pretty pleased that this old man would take the time to stop and show me his catch.&nbsp;Eventually I put together a rag-tag collection of used traps and Mr. Wolfe let me begin trapping our stream.&nbsp;I caught a few muskrats and a couple coons before we moved to a larger farm my junior year of high school. We built a pond there, and when my brother stared tagging along on trap checks and got hooked on trapping himself, I gave him the pond to trap.&nbsp;Since moving to Kansas, I have harvested numerous coyotes, raccoons and a few bobcats. My brother still traps a little, and will try to catch a few coyotes at his new home in Tennessee.

Our family’s interest in hunting, trapping, fishing and the outdoors came from our grandfather (our mother’s father) who routinely hunted deer, turkeys and elk in Texas and Wyoming, and harvested a&nbsp;moose that is in the Boone and Crocket record book. Of us five siblings, my brother and I and one sister are deer and turkey hunters&nbsp;and / or trappers, and most of my&nbsp;siblings’&nbsp;kids are hunters and&nbsp;trappers and&nbsp;have passed&nbsp;that&nbsp;interest&nbsp;on to their kids too.&nbsp;

Yes, it was a week of reminiscing, and I think our grandfather would have approved of the ways&nbsp;our family&nbsp;has&nbsp;handed down his passions. The younger generations are the ones that must keep alive the love of the outdoors, so&nbsp;take a kid with you hunting, trapping or fishing as you 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 week was a week of reminiscing. First of all, all five of us siblings were able to get together for a few days, which rarely happens anymore since we are now located in Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Secondly, my brother is selling his beautiful home and absolute whitetail-deer haven buried deep in the southern Ohio woods, and I got to spend a little time with him there.&nbsp;Thirdly, while we were there, my&nbsp;niece’s&nbsp;daughter harvested her first deer and my nephew’s daughter trapped her first raccoon.&nbsp;Now the harvest of these two may not seem much like reminiscing, but it reminded me of how my siblings and I became hunters and trappers, and&nbsp;our&nbsp;nieces, nephews and&nbsp;their&nbsp;kids are the generations that will keep these traditions alive after we siblings have gone-on.We began deer hunting where we grew up in central Ohio. Deer were hunted a little differently there at that time.&nbsp;We&nbsp;neighborhood deer hunters&nbsp;all had stands we sat in for the first couple days of deer gun season, then we would gather&nbsp;as a group&nbsp;to hunt in woods owned by us hunters. The only legal guns allowed for deer hunting then in Ohio were shotguns using slugs. We would drop off a couple hunters at one end of a woods, then the remainder of the group would walk in from the opposite side to push deer towards the shooters. Last week, my brother reminded me that the first time I took him along, I told him that when certain members of the group started shooting, just drop to the ground, cause when a deer was spotted, all bets were off. We often gathered in a&nbsp;neighbor’s&nbsp;kitchen early in the morning for coffee and hot chocolate, and&nbsp;inevitably, someone would spot a deer crossing the road nearby, and chairs would fly and coffee cups clatter as we headed out the door in an attempt to get ahead of the deer. As I recall, my brother harvested his first deer, on my farm no less, before me, and I believe I asked him where he thought he was going to hunt from then on. I have harvested my share of Kansas deer since moving here, but my brother&nbsp;was always&nbsp;the better deer hunter.I started trapping in junior high after making friends with an older local trapper named&nbsp;Mr. Wolfe.&nbsp;A stream traveled the entire length of our property, continuing on for a few miles before winding its way back around to cross our land a second time. As I remember, Mr. Wolfe trapped that stream for years. When I was in my early teens, he began taking me along, and I was hooked on trapping. Mr. Wolfe drove an old 1950’s vintage dark green Ford car. I can still see him seated behind the wheel wearing hip boots and a big coat with lots of pockets, and wearing a pistol on his side. He’d pull into the drive, get out and open the trunk to show me what he had caught. The trunk would contain a mix of traps and stakes, muskrats, coons’ and an occasional mink. I remember feeling pretty pleased that this old man would take the time to stop and show me his catch.&nbsp;Eventually I put together a rag-tag collection of used traps and Mr. Wolfe let me begin trapping our stream.&nbsp;I caught a few muskrats and a couple coons before we moved to a larger farm my junior year of high school. We built a pond there, and when my brother stared tagging along on trap checks and got hooked on trapping himself, I gave him the pond to trap.&nbsp;Since moving to Kansas, I have harvested numerous coyotes, raccoons and a few bobcats. My brother still traps a little, and will try to catch a few coyotes at his new home in Tennessee.Our family’s interest in hunting, trapping, fishing and the outdoors came from our grandfather (our mother’s father) who routinely hunted deer, turkeys and elk in Texas and Wyoming, and harvested a&nbsp;moose that is in the Boone and Crocket record book. Of us five siblings, my brother and I and one sister are deer and turkey hunters&nbsp;and / or trappers, and most of my&nbsp;siblings’&nbsp;kids are hunters and&nbsp;trappers and&nbsp;have passed&nbsp;that&nbsp;interest&nbsp;on to their kids too.&nbsp;Yes, it was a week of reminiscing, and I think our grandfather would have approved of the ways&nbsp;our family&nbsp;has&nbsp;handed down his passions. The younger generations are the ones that must keep alive the love of the outdoors, so&nbsp;take a kid with you hunting, trapping or fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: A week of reminiscing

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669409748256.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

The holidays can be a good time to try new recipes. &nbsp;I thought I would use the opportunity to recognize recipes from the&nbsp;2022 Ellis County&nbsp;Fair that won awards. Esther&nbsp;Neher, a member of the Victoria Vikings 4-H club, won Grand Champion junior foods with her recipe,&nbsp;Layered Reese’s Cake. &nbsp;Mya&nbsp;Neher, a member of the Victoria Vikings 4-H Club,&nbsp;won Reserve Champion junior foods for her entry of a Fresh Orange Cake. &nbsp;

​2 boxes devil’s food chocolate cake mixes

​Peanut butter cups, some whole, some chopped for topping

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees.•Prepare two 9 in round cake pans with cooking spray and parchment cut to fit the bottom of the pan. •Prepare each cake separately with a cake mix, 2 cups of water, 1 stick of butter and 4 eggs. Bake each cake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. •Let cakes cool and remove from pans.•For the frosting, combine the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth. &nbsp; •To frost the cake, it works best for it to be chilled or even frozen. If the cake is mounded on time use a serrated knife to level it off. &nbsp;Place a thin layer of frosting between the layer and frost the outside using a piping bag and/or an off-set knife. &nbsp; •Decorate with peanut butter cups and enjoy!

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees•Lightly mist a 12 cup Bundt pan with cooking spray, then dust with flour. &nbsp;Shake out the excess flour. •Place cake ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer. &nbsp;Stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. &nbsp;Turn mixer back on to medium and mix for two minutes. &nbsp; •Bake the cake until golden brown and just starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, 45 to 47 minutes. &nbsp;Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. &nbsp;Run a knife along the edge of the cake and invert it to release the cake. &nbsp; Allow to cool another 30 minutes. •Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. &nbsp;Combine the confectioner’s sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. •Place the cake on a serving platter and pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides and into the center. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The holidays can be a good time to try new recipes. &nbsp;I thought I would use the opportunity to recognize recipes from the&nbsp;2022 Ellis County&nbsp;Fair that won awards. Esther&nbsp;Neher, a member of the Victoria Vikings 4-H club, won Grand Champion junior foods with her recipe,&nbsp;Layered Reese’s Cake. &nbsp;Mya&nbsp;Neher, a member of the Victoria Vikings 4-H Club,&nbsp;won Reserve Champion junior foods for her entry of a Fresh Orange Cake. &nbsp;<h2>Layered Reese’s Cake</h2>Cake Ingredients​2 boxes devil’s food chocolate cake mixes​1 cup butter (2 sticks)​2 cups water​8 whole eggsFrosting and Topping Ingredients​2 cups butter (room temperature)​6 cups powdered sugar​4-8 Tbsp. whipping cream​1 ½ cups peanut butter​1 tsp vanilla​Peanut butter cups, some whole, some chopped for toppingInstructions•Preheat oven to 350 degrees.•Prepare two 9 in round cake pans with cooking spray and parchment cut to fit the bottom of the pan. •Prepare each cake separately with a cake mix, 2 cups of water, 1 stick of butter and 4 eggs. Bake each cake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. •Let cakes cool and remove from pans.•For the frosting, combine the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth. &nbsp; •To frost the cake, it works best for it to be chilled or even frozen. If the cake is mounded on time use a serrated knife to level it off. &nbsp;Place a thin layer of frosting between the layer and frost the outside using a piping bag and/or an off-set knife. &nbsp; •Decorate with peanut butter cups and enjoy!<h2>Fresh Orange Cake</h2>Cake Ingredients​I box yellow cake mix​½ cup butter​1 tsp pure vanilla extract​1 cup fresh orange juice​¼ cup granulated sugar​4 large eggsGlaze Ingredients​1 cup confectioner’s sugar​1 tsp fresh grated orange zest​3 Tbsp fresh orange juiceInstructions•Preheat oven to 350 degrees•Lightly mist a 12 cup Bundt pan with cooking spray, then dust with flour. &nbsp;Shake out the excess flour. •Place cake ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer. &nbsp;Stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. &nbsp;Turn mixer back on to medium and mix for two minutes. &nbsp; •Bake the cake until golden brown and just starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, 45 to 47 minutes. &nbsp;Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. &nbsp;Run a knife along the edge of the cake and invert it to release the cake. &nbsp; Allow to cool another 30 minutes. •Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. &nbsp;Combine the confectioner’s sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. •Place the cake on a serving platter and pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides and into the center. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.

KOERNER: Award-winning 4-H fair recipes

By GEMA DE LAS HERAS FTC consumer education specialist

<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/imposter-scams/irs-imposter-scams">IRS impersonators</a>&nbsp;have been around for a while. But as more people get to know their tricks, they’re switching it up. So instead of contacting you about a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/79942#:~:text=Scam%20artists%20are%20pretending%20to,They%20play%20on%20your%20fears.">tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up</a>, scammers may send you a text about a “tax rebate” or some other tax refund or benefit. Here’s what to know about the new twist.

The text messages may look legit, and mention a “tax rebate” or “refund payment.” But no matter what the text says, it’s a scammer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity/phishing">phishing</a>&nbsp;for your information. And if you click on the link to claim “your refund,” you’re exposing yourself to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft">identity theft</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-remove-avoid-malware">malware</a>&nbsp;that the scammer could install on your phone.

If someone contacts you about a tax rebate or refund:

●Never click on links in unexpected texts.&nbsp;Don’t share personal information with anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Always use a website or phone number you know is real.

●Know that the IRS won’t call, email or text to contact you for the first time.&nbsp;They’ll always start by sending you a letter. If you want to confirm, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.

●Find the status of any pending refund on the IRS official website.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">Where’s My Refund</a>.

●Report unsolicited texts or emails&nbsp;claiming to be the IRS. Forward a screenshot or the email as an attachment to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>.

If you clicked a link in one of these text or emails and shared personal information, file a report at&nbsp;<a href="https://identitytheft.gov/">IdentityTheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to get a customized recovery plan based on what information you shared.

Even if you didn’t lose money to an IRS impersonator scams, tell us about it at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportefraude.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669568150281.png" alt="Image courtesy FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>By GEMA DE LAS HERAS FTC consumer education specialist<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/imposter-scams/irs-imposter-scams">IRS impersonators</a>&nbsp;have been around for a while. But as more people get to know their tricks, they’re switching it up. So instead of contacting you about a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/79942#:~:text=Scam%20artists%20are%20pretending%20to,They%20play%20on%20your%20fears.">tax debt and making threats to get you to pay up</a>, scammers may send you a text about a “tax rebate” or some other tax refund or benefit. Here’s what to know about the new twist.The text messages may look legit, and mention a “tax rebate” or “refund payment.” But no matter what the text says, it’s a scammer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity/phishing">phishing</a>&nbsp;for your information. And if you click on the link to claim “your refund,” you’re exposing yourself to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft">identity theft</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-remove-avoid-malware">malware</a>&nbsp;that the scammer could install on your phone.If someone contacts you about a tax rebate or refund:●Never click on links in unexpected texts.&nbsp;Don’t share personal information with anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Always use a website or phone number you know is real.●Know that the IRS won’t call, email or text to contact you for the first time.&nbsp;They’ll always start by sending you a letter. If you want to confirm, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.●Find the status of any pending refund on the IRS official website.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp">Where’s My Refund</a>.●Report unsolicited texts or emails&nbsp;claiming to be the IRS. Forward a screenshot or the email as an attachment to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>.If you clicked a link in one of these text or emails and shared personal information, file a report at&nbsp;<a href="https://identitytheft.gov/">IdentityTheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to get a customized recovery plan based on what information you shared.Even if you didn’t lose money to an IRS impersonator scams, tell us about it at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportefraude.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

No, that’s not the IRS texting about a tax refund or rebate; it’s a scam

It wasn't much, but Saturday's rain brought more than a tenth of an inch of precipitation to Hays — still below an inch of total accumulation for the month of November.

CoCoRaHS reports range from 0.14 inches of rain in east Hays to 0.05 inches near Victoria and Ellis.

Slightly more rainfall was accumulated to the east of Hays, with counties to the west remaining dry Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for Sunday and Monday to remain seasonably pleasant, but a cold front is expected to arrive overnight Monday causing the mercury to dive.

The high on a blustery Tuesday is only expected to be 33 degrees, with a slight chance of snow Tuesday afternoon. By Thursday, the high temperature is expected to reach 50 again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669564295817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It wasn't much, but Saturday's rain brought more than a tenth of an inch of precipitation to Hays — still below an inch of total accumulation for the month of November.CoCoRaHS reports range from 0.14 inches of rain in east Hays to 0.05 inches near Victoria and Ellis.Slightly more rainfall was accumulated to the east of Hays, with counties to the west remaining dry Saturday.The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for Sunday and Monday to remain seasonably pleasant, but a cold front is expected to arrive overnight Monday causing the mercury to dive.The high on a blustery Tuesday is only expected to be 33 degrees, with a slight chance of snow Tuesday afternoon. By Thursday, the high temperature is expected to reach 50 again.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Temperatures will drop rapidly into the 10-20F range Tuesday night behind an earlier cold frontal passage. This combined with lingering north winds will result in potentially dangerous wind chills Wednesday morning for most of the area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvTUKfKSh1">pic.twitter.com/mvTUKfKSh1</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1596789087280582657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Little more than a tenth of an inch of rain — cold front on the way

Enter to win Eagle Radio's Reindeer Radio now

The Hays Public Library has hired a new public services coordinator,&nbsp;who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.

Chianti Madkins, originally from Ashdown, Ark., has bachelor of arts degrees in political science and philosophy from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Since moving to Kansas, she has taught fifth&nbsp;and sixth&nbsp;grade.

Madkins said she wanted to work at the library because she loves to read and enjoys getting kids excited about reading.&nbsp;

She began working at the library on Nov. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669128302554.png" alt="Chiante Madkins" />
 <figcaption>Chiante Madkins</figcaption>
 </figure>HPLThe Hays Public Library has hired a new public services coordinator,&nbsp;who will work with youth and families by connecting them with books and resources as well as facilitating library programs.Chianti Madkins, originally from Ashdown, Ark., has bachelor of arts degrees in political science and philosophy from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Since moving to Kansas, she has taught fifth&nbsp;and sixth&nbsp;grade.Madkins said she wanted to work at the library because she loves to read and enjoys getting kids excited about reading.&nbsp;She began working at the library on Nov. 7.

Hays Public Library hires youth public services coordinator

OAKLEY — B﻿ack&nbsp;by popular demand, The Four Freshmen bring their unique sound to Christmas favorites. They bring a show for your holiday season full of Christmas Cheer, adding Four Freshmen favorites and traditional holiday favorites.&nbsp;Oakley High School Auditorium is the location; Sunday,&nbsp;Dec. 11, 3 p.m. (CST) is the time.&nbsp;

Singing with a harmony uniquely their own, The Four Freshmen have enamored listeners worldwide for years, while gaining recognition as one of the most influential vocal groups of all time. Their tight-knit sound inspired The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, The Mamas &amp; The Papas, Frankie Valli and the Manhattan Transfer. It all started in 1948, when four college freshmen crafted a unique style of vocal harmony that soon caught the ear of the great bandleader, Stan Kenton. Kenton was responsible for bringing the Freshmen to Capitol Records, where they would eventually record 23 albums, thrusting them into the national spotlight.&nbsp;

Today,&nbsp;The Freshmen have recorded over 75 albums, 70 top selling singles, and received 6 Grammy Nominations. The four have toured constantly since their inception, continuing to perform to sold out audiences around the globe. The integrity of the sound created by the original guys has been meticulously maintained. While paying tribute to such classic Freshmen favorites as “Day&nbsp;By&nbsp;Day” and “Blue World”,&nbsp;the current group also continues to bring new arrangements to their live shows and recordings.

This performance is funded in part by grants from the&nbsp;Logan&nbsp;County Community Foundation, the&nbsp;Greater Northwest Kansas Community&nbsp;Foundation,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;Admission is with WPAA season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669123505289.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAOAKLEY — B﻿ack&nbsp;by popular demand, The Four Freshmen bring their unique sound to Christmas favorites. They bring a show for your holiday season full of Christmas Cheer, adding Four Freshmen favorites and traditional holiday favorites.&nbsp;Oakley High School Auditorium is the location; Sunday,&nbsp;Dec. 11, 3 p.m. (CST) is the time.&nbsp;Singing with a harmony uniquely their own, The Four Freshmen have enamored listeners worldwide for years, while gaining recognition as one of the most influential vocal groups of all time. Their tight-knit sound inspired The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, The Mamas &amp; The Papas, Frankie Valli and the Manhattan Transfer. It all started in 1948, when four college freshmen crafted a unique style of vocal harmony that soon caught the ear of the great bandleader, Stan Kenton. Kenton was responsible for bringing the Freshmen to Capitol Records, where they would eventually record 23 albums, thrusting them into the national spotlight.&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;The Freshmen have recorded over 75 albums, 70 top selling singles, and received 6 Grammy Nominations. The four have toured constantly since their inception, continuing to perform to sold out audiences around the globe. The integrity of the sound created by the original guys has been meticulously maintained. While paying tribute to such classic Freshmen favorites as “Day&nbsp;By&nbsp;Day” and “Blue World”,&nbsp;the current group also continues to bring new arrangements to their live shows and recordings.This performance is funded in part by grants from the&nbsp;Logan&nbsp;County Community Foundation, the&nbsp;Greater Northwest Kansas Community&nbsp;Foundation,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.&nbsp;Admission is with WPAA season ticket or at the door; Adults, $20; Students, $10.

The Four Freshman holiday show set for next month in Oakley

Voters in neighboring Missouri just legalized recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, Kansas remains in the minority of states where neither medical nor recreational marijuana are allowed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s a symptom of dysfunctional democracy in Kansas that legislators haven’t updated our marijuana laws. Polling for years has shown that Kansans support legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana. Yes, recreational. Not just medical.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, the 2022 FOX News Voter Analysis survey showed that 63 percent of Kansas voters supported “legalizing the recreational use of marijuana nationwide,” including almost one-third of Kansans voting Republican for governor. It’s not just Democratic voters.&nbsp;

But, legislators don’t seem to care.&nbsp;

America is a democracy, which means “rule by the people.” However, democracy doesn’t look the same everywhere.&nbsp;

Every state has a “democratic republic” form of government (often just called a “republic”). In this system, elected state legislatures supposedly represent the public will in making laws.&nbsp;

Every state also has some form of “direct democracy” where the people vote directly on laws. In many states like Missouri, citizens can bypass legislators and put potential laws on the ballot themselves. But, Kansans don’t have that right. Instead, Kansans are only allowed to vote on constitutional amendments that the Kansas legislature itself puts on the ballot. In short, the legislature gatekeeps you—tightly.&nbsp;

Kansans this year rejected two of three amendments that legislators proposed: one to facilitate an abortion ban and another to make legislators more powerful. Your disobedience probably makes most legislators afraid of what you might do if you could pass laws yourselves, so they’ll likely never support giving you that power at the expense of their own.&nbsp;

In most states that have legalized recreational marijuana, citizens passed it themselves by using direct democracy to bypass politicians. How many politicians in these states publicly opposed recreational marijuana out of misperceived fear for their own reelections, but happily voted to legalize it on the privacy of their ballots? Or, were politicians so disconnected from citizens that these votes actually shocked them?&nbsp;

Whatever the politics elsewhere, it’s unlikely that recreational marijuana will be legal in Kansas soon. Our legislators haven’t even legalized medical marijuana for the sick and dying. And voters aren’t allowed to do it.&nbsp;

If elected officials had followed public opinion on marijuana years ago, Kansas could have been a regional leader on this issue. But, they didn’t. Instead, Kansas legislators skipped a ripe opportunity for economic growth, keeping the marijuana economy in the black market and sending Kansas dollars to grow Colorado’s economy.&nbsp;

Legalization supporters in Missouri this year explicitly argued that Missouri would benefit economically from Kansans crossing the state line to buy marijuana. Unless Kansas militarizes that border, nothing will practically stop Kansans from breaking the law by bringing marijuana from Missouri back into Kansas. And it’s potentially a big market. Half of Kansans live less than an hour’s drive from Missouri. The Missouri state budget says thank you to the Kansas legislature.&nbsp;

The majority of Americans don’t use marijuana themselves, but also don’t care much if others do in private. Whatever your opinion about marijuana, the fundamental reality here, like it or not, is that many Kansans enjoy marijuana and someone is profiting from that. That someone just isn’t our schools, roads, or economic growth. If democracy in Kansas functioned better, reality would look very different.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Voters in neighboring Missouri just legalized recreational marijuana. Meanwhile, Kansas remains in the minority of states where neither medical nor recreational marijuana are allowed.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s a symptom of dysfunctional democracy in Kansas that legislators haven’t updated our marijuana laws. Polling for years has shown that Kansans support legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana. Yes, recreational. Not just medical.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, the 2022 FOX News Voter Analysis survey showed that 63 percent of Kansas voters supported “legalizing the recreational use of marijuana nationwide,” including almost one-third of Kansans voting Republican for governor. It’s not just Democratic voters.&nbsp;But, legislators don’t seem to care.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>America is a democracy, which means “rule by the people.” However, democracy doesn’t look the same everywhere.&nbsp;Every state has a “democratic republic” form of government (often just called a “republic”). In this system, elected state legislatures supposedly represent the public will in making laws.&nbsp;Every state also has some form of “direct democracy” where the people vote directly on laws. In many states like Missouri, citizens can bypass legislators and put potential laws on the ballot themselves. But, Kansans don’t have that right. Instead, Kansans are only allowed to vote on constitutional amendments that the Kansas legislature itself puts on the ballot. In short, the legislature gatekeeps you—tightly.&nbsp;Kansans this year rejected two of three amendments that legislators proposed: one to facilitate an abortion ban and another to make legislators more powerful. Your disobedience probably makes most legislators afraid of what you might do if you could pass laws yourselves, so they’ll likely never support giving you that power at the expense of their own.&nbsp;In most states that have legalized recreational marijuana, citizens passed it themselves by using direct democracy to bypass politicians. How many politicians in these states publicly opposed recreational marijuana out of misperceived fear for their own reelections, but happily voted to legalize it on the privacy of their ballots? Or, were politicians so disconnected from citizens that these votes actually shocked them?&nbsp;Whatever the politics elsewhere, it’s unlikely that recreational marijuana will be legal in Kansas soon. Our legislators haven’t even legalized medical marijuana for the sick and dying. And voters aren’t allowed to do it.&nbsp;If elected officials had followed public opinion on marijuana years ago, Kansas could have been a regional leader on this issue. But, they didn’t. Instead, Kansas legislators skipped a ripe opportunity for economic growth, keeping the marijuana economy in the black market and sending Kansas dollars to grow Colorado’s economy.&nbsp;Legalization supporters in Missouri this year explicitly argued that Missouri would benefit economically from Kansans crossing the state line to buy marijuana. Unless Kansas militarizes that border, nothing will practically stop Kansans from breaking the law by bringing marijuana from Missouri back into Kansas. And it’s potentially a big market. Half of Kansans live less than an hour’s drive from Missouri. The Missouri state budget says thank you to the Kansas legislature.&nbsp;The majority of Americans don’t use marijuana themselves, but also don’t care much if others do in private. Whatever your opinion about marijuana, the fundamental reality here, like it or not, is that many Kansans enjoy marijuana and someone is profiting from that. That someone just isn’t our schools, roads, or economic growth. If democracy in Kansas functioned better, reality would look very different.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Outdated marijuana laws = stifled democracy?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669409720741.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A third fire station will be built in northwest Hays on West 41st Street  starting next spring and will become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department.&nbsp;

It's something that's been discussed by the city since the mid-1990s.

The current fire station opened in 1974 in downtown Hays at 1507 Main.

 The city has another fire station, built in 2010, at the Hays Regional Airport. It is not staffed full-time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) services, using specialized equipment, at Part 139 airports during air carrier flight arrivals and departures.

City commissioners Tuesday night awarded the $5.5 million low
bid&nbsp;to Paul Wertenberger Construction of Hays. 

That’s about $200,000 dollars more than what was budgeted.&nbsp;

Assistant City
Manager Collin Bielser says it's because of the current inflationary
economy.

“The funding for this project is
from the Ellis County quarter-cent sales tax. Collections have been healthy the
last two years and so now that’s projected to bring in $11.7 million in
revenue. So while the project is more than expected, the increased revenue
is&nbsp; off-setting," Bielser explained.&nbsp;

The construction cost plus the cost of design, brings the project to $5,704,450.&nbsp;

The bid does not include outfitting the new fire station. Staff will return to the commission at a later date seeking authorization for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, plus IT expenses.

Included in the project will be a remodel of the downtown station will be to be gender inclusive. A door will be added to each bunk room and a female locker room and restroom will be constructed.

Although there are currently no female firefighters on the force, there have been in the past, according to Chief Ryan Hagans.

The information technology data server room equipment in city hall (in the south side of the fire station facility)will be relocated to the new fire station which is outside of the floodplain.&nbsp;

IT Director Chad Ruder confirmed to the commission the IT room has been flooded several times in recent history.&nbsp;

 Most of the city’s residential and business growth the past 10-15 years has been to the northwest or north of Interstate 70, making the need for a fire station in that area become more apparent.

The work will begin this March and be completed in May 2024. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669405020958.jpeg" alt="A third fire station will be built in northwest Hays at&nbsp;1732 West 41st Street beginning in March 2023 . It's scheduled to be completed in May 2024 and become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department. (Artist rendering courtesy Hays Fire Department)" />
 <figcaption>A third fire station will be built in northwest Hays at&nbsp;1732 West 41st Street beginning in March 2023 . It's scheduled to be completed in May 2024 and become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department. (Artist rendering courtesy Hays Fire Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA third fire station will be built in northwest Hays on West 41st Street starting next spring and will become the new headquarters of the Hays Fire Department.&nbsp;It's something that's been discussed by the city since the mid-1990s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669413632942.jpeg" alt="Opened in 1974, the main Hays fire station is at 1507 Main, on the north side of city hall. The entire structure is in the flood plain. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Opened in 1974, the main Hays fire station is at 1507 Main, on the north side of city hall. The entire structure is in the flood plain. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>The current fire station opened in 1974 in downtown Hays at 1507 Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669413328984.jpeg" alt="The Hays airport fire station is generally only staffed when air carrier flights arrive and depart, an FAA requirement. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>The Hays airport fire station is generally only staffed when air carrier flights arrive and depart, an FAA requirement. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure> The city has another fire station, built in 2010, at the Hays Regional Airport. It is not staffed full-time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) services, using specialized equipment, at Part 139 airports during air carrier flight arrivals and departures.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623537706458.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669405365012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City commissioners Tuesday night awarded the $5.5 million low
bid&nbsp;to Paul Wertenberger Construction of Hays. That’s about $200,000 dollars more than what was budgeted.&nbsp;Assistant City
Manager Collin Bielser says it's because of the current inflationary
economy.“The funding for this project is
from the Ellis County quarter-cent sales tax. Collections have been healthy the
last two years and so now that’s projected to bring in $11.7 million in
revenue. So while the project is more than expected, the increased revenue
is&nbsp; off-setting," Bielser explained.&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/xhVAvv81-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Collin Fire Station 3" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The construction cost plus the cost of design, brings the project to $5,704,450.&nbsp;The bid does not include outfitting the new fire station. Staff will return to the commission at a later date seeking authorization for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, plus IT expenses.Included in the project will be a remodel of the downtown station will be to be gender inclusive. A door will be added to each bunk room and a female locker room and restroom will be constructed.Although there are currently no female firefighters on the force, there have been in the past, according to Chief Ryan Hagans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669407519683.jpeg" alt="Chad Ruder, Hays IT director, and Ryan Hagans, Hays fire chief, listen to the discussion of the bid award for a third fire station in the city. (Photo By Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Chad Ruder, Hays IT director, and Ryan Hagans, Hays fire chief, listen to the discussion of the bid award for a third fire station in the city. (Photo By Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>The information technology data server room equipment in city hall (in the south side of the fire station facility)will be relocated to the new fire station which is outside of the floodplain.&nbsp;IT Director Chad Ruder confirmed to the commission the IT room has been flooded several times in recent history.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669472800842.jpeg" alt="Location of the third fire station in Hays to be built starting in March 2023. (Courtesy City of Hays)" />
 <figcaption>Location of the third fire station in Hays to be built starting in March 2023. (Courtesy City of Hays)</figcaption>
 </figure> Most of the city’s residential and business growth the past 10-15 years has been to the northwest or north of Interstate 70, making the need for a fire station in that area become more apparent.The work will begin this March and be completed in May 2024.

🎥 Despite higher-than-budgeted cost, bid for 3rd Hays fire station OK'd

The turkey has been carved, and soon Christmas trees will be lit and holiday
festivities will pepper calendars. 

Among those favorite annual traditions in Hays is the Hays Arts Council’s Winter Art Walk, which will once
again provide area residents to enjoy local artists at locations inside shops
and restaurants across downtown Hays and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623877479116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe turkey has been carved, and soon Christmas trees will be lit and holiday
festivities will pepper calendars. Among those favorite annual traditions in Hays is the Hays Arts Council’s Winter Art Walk, which will once
again provide area residents to enjoy local artists at locations inside shops
and restaurants across downtown Hays and beyond.The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. The day
follows the format developed during the pandemic to allow attendees to explore
the installations along with downtown shops and restaurants while avoiding the
crowds that form during the Friday night schedule, a hallmark of other arts
walks throughout the year.“We
moved them to the Saturday to dilute the audience a little bit, let people feel
very comfortable being out,” said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda
Meder. “But then you realize that it's such a great time to be downtown. You
know that our downtown's beautiful. We have incredible retail places and other
merchants and spaces that look festive. "And it's just a lovely experience — great restaurants and coffee houses and the whole nine yards.”<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council readies for 2022 Winter Art Walk" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=69c54-13208ba-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>She said
the daylong event, while more work for the arts council, is a boon for the
city.“I know
it's a good thing for our community. People can come downtown and spend more
time, look at whatever art you want, and then go have coffee, then go to this
place that's not even on the art walk. But they're open because it's Saturday,
and you'll shop there,” Meder said. “And then maybe go back and look at
something else, or head down to the college and catch that exhibit before it
closes it too.”It's a great way to settle into the community and enjoy arts and
culture, retail and business establishments while not feeling rushed to see all
the art walk locations, she said.“Chestnut Street Kitchens
is on the Winter Art Walk. Again, I'm so excited that they were back on that. They're a fabulous place to go during the holidays. And they are going to be
hosting some middle school art from here in our community.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486703873.jpeg" alt="2021 Five State Photography entries.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2021 Five State Photography entries.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Five
State Photography competition will again anchor this year’s Winter Artwalk,
marking its 39th year.“One of
the big key features is the anchor and is the reason that we get a lot of out-of-town
visitors that day,” Meder said. “That's why it's cool to have our downtown to
celebrate not just for our own community but for these guests that come in. And
I want them to take advantage of that.”This year, the popular multistate competition received 549 entries. Only 150
made it to the exhibition.April
Watson, photography curator at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, was selected as
the judge for this year’s exhibition. With so
much work coming in, Meder said that many otherwise deserving entries would not
make the show.“This
year's competition is so steep, there's going to be a lot of truly not just
good work, but really brilliant work that just won't make it into the show,”
Meder said. “It's one person's opinion. We hire a qualified judge of integrity
and reputation. … And so, I know we're going to get a wonderful show. But I
also know that a lot of brilliant work will never see the light of day.”The
sting of rejection might remain for those not selected, but she said the high
level of competition would create an exceptional show for visitors as they
explore the locations and partake in other Hays amenities.“There's
just going to be a lot of fun options, but the heart and soul of that day will
be the Winter Artwalk anchored by that big Five State Photography,” Meder said.
“So we really do want to get people to get that on your calendar. It's going to
be a wonderful day.”