TOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis recently announced the department is&nbsp;investing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/120622-new-and-better-markets-chart-final" target="_blank">$7,168,490 in loans and grants to help create new and better market opportunities</a>&nbsp;and expand essential services&nbsp;for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670506953630.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA — U.S. Department of Agriculture Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis recently announced the department is&nbsp;investing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/120622-new-and-better-markets-chart-final" target="_blank">$7,168,490 in loans and grants to help create new and better market opportunities</a>&nbsp;and expand essential services&nbsp;for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas communities.For example:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A&nbsp;$6,971,000 loan&nbsp;will help refinance debt held by another lender for Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC of&nbsp;Gove County. Triple Crown Energy specializes in acquiring, developing and operating oil and gas properties in a variety of basins in the continental U.S. One of Triple Crown's subsidiaries, Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC, owns and operates producing wells in&nbsp;Ness, Gove and Hodgeman counties.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A&nbsp;$178,607 grant&nbsp;will help provide technical assistance to rural grocery stores transitioning to mutually owned business models, including the cooperative model in rural communities. The Rural Grocery Initiative will work with&nbsp;Kansas State University and partners across Kansas&nbsp;to enhance and deliver cooperative development services. The primary objective is improving the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. This project will assist 30 businesses and save two jobs.</li>
 </ul>

NW Kan. energy business awarded $7M USDA loan

EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:

•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.

•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.

About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669139718480.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

Three-day weather outlook

Extra calories can sneak in over the holidays and they don’t always come in large portions. They can tiptoe in through tiny tastes throughout the day.&nbsp;Alice&nbsp;Henneman, a retired Extension Educator from Nebraska share the following information a few years ago and it is still relevant today.&nbsp;Let’s look at how the calories in tiny tastes can add up in one day.

•Taste 1– Eating a cookie that broke while removing it from the baking sheet. I deserve it for getting up early to bake these cookies before heading to work. (Approximatecalories = 30)

•Taste 2- Someone brought holiday candy to work today! “I’ll just have one small piece of the peanut brittle. (Approximatecalories = 80)

•Taste 3– Need to stop at the grocery store over the noon hour. Great – they are offering cheese and cracker samples. That will tide me over until I can swing through afast-foodplace. (Approximatecalories = 40)

•Taste 4– Thefast-foodplace is giving out ¼ cup samples of its special flavored holiday coffee. (Approximatecalories = 20)

•Taste 5– Chocolate covered cherries in the break room! It’s still a few hours before the dinner party tonight. Chocolate’s good for you – right?AndI’m just eating one! (Approximatecalories = 60)

•Taste 6– The party is great – but maybe I shouldn’t stand near the snack table. I’m dipping my third chip. (Approximatecalories = 75)

•Taste 7– Who can pass up old-fashioned style eggnog? &nbsp;I’ll have just a half cup. (Approximatecalories = 200)

•Taste 8– There are just a couple of tablespoons of candied sweet potatoes left. Someone should enjoy them so they don’t go to waste – it might as well be me! (Approximatecalories = 60)

•Taste 9– Helping dish up dessert lets me take a little “preview” taste. One heaping tablespoon of candy cane ice cream coming right up! (Approximatecalories = 70)

If you add the nine taste bites you will have consumed an extra 635 calories for the day. If such “tiny tastes” are continued through the holidays, you might gain a pound a week. Consuming an additional 3,500 calories above your body’s needs and expenditures can lead to gaining that pound a week.&nbsp;

Maybe those “tiny tastes” aren’t so tiny after all! What “tiny tastes” are totaling big calories for you?

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&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.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Extra calories can sneak in over the holidays and they don’t always come in large portions. They can tiptoe in through tiny tastes throughout the day.&nbsp;Alice&nbsp;Henneman, a retired Extension Educator from Nebraska share the following information a few years ago and it is still relevant today.&nbsp;Let’s look at how the calories in tiny tastes can add up in one day.•Taste 1– Eating a cookie that broke while removing it from the baking sheet. I deserve it for getting up early to bake these cookies before heading to work. (Approximatecalories = 30)•Taste 2- Someone brought holiday candy to work today! “I’ll just have one small piece of the peanut brittle. (Approximatecalories = 80)•Taste 3– Need to stop at the grocery store over the noon hour. Great – they are offering cheese and cracker samples. That will tide me over until I can swing through afast-foodplace. (Approximatecalories = 40)•Taste 4– Thefast-foodplace is giving out ¼ cup samples of its special flavored holiday coffee. (Approximatecalories = 20)•Taste 5– Chocolate covered cherries in the break room! It’s still a few hours before the dinner party tonight. Chocolate’s good for you – right?AndI’m just eating one! (Approximatecalories = 60)•Taste 6– The party is great – but maybe I shouldn’t stand near the snack table. I’m dipping my third chip. (Approximatecalories = 75)•Taste 7– Who can pass up old-fashioned style eggnog? &nbsp;I’ll have just a half cup. (Approximatecalories = 200)•Taste 8– There are just a couple of tablespoons of candied sweet potatoes left. Someone should enjoy them so they don’t go to waste – it might as well be me! (Approximatecalories = 60)•Taste 9– Helping dish up dessert lets me take a little “preview” taste. One heaping tablespoon of candy cane ice cream coming right up! (Approximatecalories = 70)If you add the nine taste bites you will have consumed an extra 635 calories for the day. If such “tiny tastes” are continued through the holidays, you might gain a pound a week. Consuming an additional 3,500 calories above your body’s needs and expenditures can lead to gaining that pound a week.&nbsp;Maybe those “tiny tastes” aren’t so tiny after all! What “tiny tastes” are totaling big calories for you?Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Tiny taste bites add up

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by&nbsp; Roger Allan&nbsp; Indorf, 71, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on U.S. 40 just east of Wallace Kansas. 

The driver got distracted and the SUV left the roadway to the right. The vehicle returned to the roadway and the driver lost control.&nbsp; The SUV entered the south ditch, rolled and came corn field.

EMS transported Indorf to Goodland Regional Medical Center. A passenger was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by&nbsp; Roger Allan&nbsp; Indorf, 71, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on U.S. 40 just east of Wallace Kansas. The driver got distracted and the SUV left the roadway to the right. The vehicle returned to the roadway and the driver lost control.&nbsp; The SUV entered the south ditch, rolled and came corn field.EMS transported Indorf to Goodland Regional Medical Center. A passenger was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized in NW Kansas after SUV rollover accident

After a pleasant Sunday with highs in the mid-50s, the National Weather Service is calling for a chance&nbsp; of drizzle after midnight.

The system could bring much-needed moisture, as the chance of showers or thunderstorms will continue through Monday night, when the chance for precipitation increases to 80 percent.

South winds Monday and Tuesday are projected to be 16 to 24 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph possible.

The high Monday will be in the upper-50s, followed by a cool-down as the week&nbsp; progresses. The high Tuesday is expected to be in the low- to mid-40s, falling to highs in the low- to mid-30s through Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670775950057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a pleasant Sunday with highs in the mid-50s, the National Weather Service is calling for a chance&nbsp; of drizzle after midnight.The system could bring much-needed moisture, as the chance of showers or thunderstorms will continue through Monday night, when the chance for precipitation increases to 80 percent.South winds Monday and Tuesday are projected to be 16 to 24 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph possible.The high Monday will be in the upper-50s, followed by a cool-down as the week&nbsp; progresses. The high Tuesday is expected to be in the low- to mid-40s, falling to highs in the low- to mid-30s through Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong storm system from the western states will bring gusty southwest winds Monday. Increasing moisture will promote drizzle and showers, followed by some thunderstorms late Monday into Monday evening. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/KEu3sY1lZp">pic.twitter.com/KEu3sY1lZp</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1601951750264479745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of rain after midnight, lasting through Monday

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,100 graduates during its third annual fall commencement Friday, Dec. 16, (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 17, for the virtual ceremonies.

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday.

The ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m.&nbsp; Friday for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 11 a.m.

All ceremonies — in-person and virtual — will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GmEra9SMpn67r-2BYdNmU-2FwtjfhHfBOCAFHRocesDLNX24Q-3D-3Ds_qe_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNVg-2Fu1s5pdqMv9VUT4mJX1RuYirDmdUebBET3FZ8JKeU3pS56iOGklmGX-2B02JVXAWSOb-2BDOzkjMAdRmKppXV83wGaiLJlxlQQNvAuS8Kxw2lzaACNlAmiLmTKMcyg1OAGmJTAobP0TcufE6Auzi2YlvmCVyfR6XAzV1X0Q-2BZ9Bb0HgdbOCQmL23jDpj-2Bz9560g-3D-3D">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)

Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the TMN YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website under the “Programs and Videos” tab.

Doors to GMC will open at 8 a.m. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter through the door labeled guest entrance (located at both gates).

Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between each commencement ceremony. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.

Here are a few suggestions from the University Police to help ease the congestion:

Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before Dec. 15 at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>. Regalia will also be available before Friday’s ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 8 to 10 a.m.

Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of the Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and southwest corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.

An ASL interpreter for those who are hearing impaired will be visible within the commencement live stream video feed.

Graduates, families, and friends are encouraged to sign and write a message on the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtL7F3Y6gAACH2hXHFu5O9j7YiSGdvjlLeJLHBPo0d9485VDTJ1k4Tc261IGTJ1ZoEXPVuKvbirQvT9JQxWswAeU-3Ddd6N_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNXFzfwG8weR-2BaFOUXD-2BwfH31PrK79ioP63-2FVdBMXwV6wbal2IYsu80DXOvj3XBurEiCsO1vRPpPT527E24zrZGDbmQqI2M-2BXlAAp9Hd2HFUKYSBXowZqw-2FzBTyJG9-2Bg6rhQex05nVd4Liwz4BVwt7YeZFVIXCfGFa2C6OqGFWPO14PKvvwos0fgJJNZRwRCb6A-3D-3D">Kudoboard</a>.&nbsp;Share photos and messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook using the hashtag #tigergrad.

New 10’ x 10’ photo backdrops for use by graduates, guests, faculty, staff, etc.,&nbsp;will be available outside GMC Friday, Dec. 16.&nbsp;They will also be available December 5 – 14 on the first floor of Hammond Hall for use by these same constituents.

The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GmEra9SMpn67r-2BYdNmU-2FwtjfhHfBOCAFHRocesDLNX24Q-3D-3DGpaq_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNWWIVxxoJ6t-2FTsqOj39W7hEYUr9mfxJDO-2F9rVGNsGw-2Bhe6zWQSGjZMkxhZc9cCHuWAT6R9C4B2NtlcGzi1T4HjHMQi2VLViyYMW4bCNzu5jMw-2BvZPNuL4OI3fmERrc0XBR8n-2FGbuLFheiHt6J6-2BWXcGUtFiXXDsOMve2xvjB-2FyfU36bK05oAGzvLlBoNo2ttbg-3D-3D">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.

The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKwGCSEfb6-2Fx37KuxE5mpJcnq3UXO20ENBhx-2B1UVzGlS_z9V_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNW77D2t37HzgfvzHq5WqInASBs8Pczbtitix0JZ63nfJGhDAi-2BkLqhJwgQk3UdexWSEhXOK1oA14oBiGH6B9VjAWILwbazsJdlXFhF90LWsrLR6AAXMIm6SJqV5ayyNWpUGA-2FFQNQnhZ0KTj1xMD6o1dEGl-2BEzQwsg8tl9hTX9FJxiwEA5RSjdrGTHiL31F11g-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670521953259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University will recognize approximately 1,100 graduates during its third annual fall commencement Friday, Dec. 16, (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 17, for the virtual ceremonies.Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies Saturday.The ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m.&nbsp; Friday for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.The 11 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 11 a.m.All ceremonies — in-person and virtual — will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GmEra9SMpn67r-2BYdNmU-2FwtjfhHfBOCAFHRocesDLNX24Q-3D-3Ds_qe_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNVg-2Fu1s5pdqMv9VUT4mJX1RuYirDmdUebBET3FZ8JKeU3pS56iOGklmGX-2B02JVXAWSOb-2BDOzkjMAdRmKppXV83wGaiLJlxlQQNvAuS8Kxw2lzaACNlAmiLmTKMcyg1OAGmJTAobP0TcufE6Auzi2YlvmCVyfR6XAzV1X0Q-2BZ9Bb0HgdbOCQmL23jDpj-2Bz9560g-3D-3D">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)Recordings of the virtual ceremonies will be archived on the TMN YouTube channel, with the link provided on the commencement website under the “Programs and Videos” tab.Doors to GMC will open at 8 a.m. Graduates will check in at Gate 2 or Gate 3. The graduates will enter the area that says, “Graduate Entrance Only,” and guests will be asked to enter through the door labeled guest entrance (located at both gates).Traffic in the GMC area is anticipated to be high during the transition periods between each commencement ceremony. Parking lots adjacent to the coliseum typically fill up quickly, but parking is available on the main campus. In the event of inclement weather, unpaved lots near GMC will be closed, making it necessary to park on the main campus.Here are a few suggestions from the University Police to help ease the congestion:<ul>
 <li>Guests arriving for the second ceremony are encouraged to arrive no more than 15 to 30 minutes before 10 a.m. Arriving too early will result in guests being forced to park further away or face departing traffic from the first ceremony. Delaying arrival will also allow time for departing guests from the first ceremony to clear the area in preparation for the second ceremony.</li><li>Graduates driving themselves are encouraged to arrive early and park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to GMC. This will better ensure they avoid traffic congestion, get a parking spot, and arrive on time for their ceremony. Shuttles will be available both days before and after both ceremonies, with the drop-off station at Gate 3.</li><li>Faculty and staff attending are also encouraged to park on the main part of campus and walk or take the shuttles to the ceremonies.</li><li>All guests are encouraged to carpool when possible. Fewer cars will ease traffic congestion and increase the amount of parking at GMC.</li><li>VIP parking is available on the west side of GMC, with handicapped parking on the east side.</li>
 </ul>Students are asked to wear their regalia to GMC. Graduates may arrange to pick up their regalia before Dec. 15 at the Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victore_co@fhsu.edu">victore_co@fhsu.edu</a>. Regalia will also be available before Friday’s ceremonies at the Robbins Center (directly north of the GMC parking lot) from 8 to 10 a.m.Graduates and faculty will be seated on the main floor of the Gross Coliseum. Guests will be seated in the balcony. The elevator is accessible by Gate 3. Seating for persons with mobility impairment and patrons in wheelchairs is available on the main floor; a commencement staff member will escort the individual(s) and one guest to the disability seating area on the GMC floor. There are no reservations for this area, and seating is limited. Drivers will find Gates 2 and 3, at the northwest and southwest corners, most convenient for dropping off passengers with disabilities.An ASL interpreter for those who are hearing impaired will be visible within the commencement live stream video feed.Graduates, families, and friends are encouraged to sign and write a message on the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtL7F3Y6gAACH2hXHFu5O9j7YiSGdvjlLeJLHBPo0d9485VDTJ1k4Tc261IGTJ1ZoEXPVuKvbirQvT9JQxWswAeU-3Ddd6N_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNXFzfwG8weR-2BaFOUXD-2BwfH31PrK79ioP63-2FVdBMXwV6wbal2IYsu80DXOvj3XBurEiCsO1vRPpPT527E24zrZGDbmQqI2M-2BXlAAp9Hd2HFUKYSBXowZqw-2FzBTyJG9-2Bg6rhQex05nVd4Liwz4BVwt7YeZFVIXCfGFa2C6OqGFWPO14PKvvwos0fgJJNZRwRCb6A-3D-3D">Kudoboard</a>.&nbsp;Share photos and messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook using the hashtag #tigergrad.New 10’ x 10’ photo backdrops for use by graduates, guests, faculty, staff, etc.,&nbsp;will be available outside GMC Friday, Dec. 16.&nbsp;They will also be available December 5 – 14 on the first floor of Hammond Hall for use by these same constituents.The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtI3zIckflvbZurtB1Fa58GmEra9SMpn67r-2BYdNmU-2FwtjfhHfBOCAFHRocesDLNX24Q-3D-3DGpaq_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNWWIVxxoJ6t-2FTsqOj39W7hEYUr9mfxJDO-2F9rVGNsGw-2Bhe6zWQSGjZMkxhZc9cCHuWAT6R9C4B2NtlcGzi1T4HjHMQi2VLViyYMW4bCNzu5jMw-2BvZPNuL4OI3fmERrc0XBR8n-2FGbuLFheiHt6J6-2BWXcGUtFiXXDsOMve2xvjB-2FyfU36bK05oAGzvLlBoNo2ttbg-3D-3D">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKwGCSEfb6-2Fx37KuxE5mpJcnq3UXO20ENBhx-2B1UVzGlS_z9V_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemjEdLAUTB-2BN0vsbtnPFpig-2F-2BBYRgRIyKDIXX5J-2F1LS497IYANQbuLG6yqp7kqGCPYJ3Ep37Frm0lbYgjAEzKbNW77D2t37HzgfvzHq5WqInASBs8Pczbtitix0JZ63nfJGhDAi-2BkLqhJwgQk3UdexWSEhXOK1oA14oBiGH6B9VjAWILwbazsJdlXFhF90LWsrLR6AAXMIm6SJqV5ayyNWpUGA-2FFQNQnhZ0KTj1xMD6o1dEGl-2BEzQwsg8tl9hTX9FJxiwEA5RSjdrGTHiL31F11g-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

Reminders for Fort Hays State's fall commencement

Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall is in the news for a letter he wrote to KU Law, his alma mater, stating that he would no longer serve as an adjunct professor there. I confess, this surprised me.

Two years ago, Stegall did another surprising thing. He publicly rebuked members of his own party for voting down Carl Folsom, whom Governor Laura Kelly had nominated to the Kansas Court of Appeals. It was, of course, just a partisan vote, but GOP leaders claimed justification because Folsom had gone to court on behalf of people charged with some pretty horrible crimes, as was his job as a public defender, and that was used to smear him. Stegall responded by calling out those Republicans for failing to honor “the ideal of a public-spirited, deliberative, and reasoned engagement with others.”

Now Stegall and I are not close friends. Still, we’ve interacted and argued with each other for close to 20 years; we’ve come to know and, I think, like each other. My philosophical understanding of that ideal which he articulated back in 2020 isn’t exactly the same as his, but we’ve disagreed plenty before, and either way, I truly admire how he has adhered to it.

So when Stegall faulted KU Law for “an institutional failure to cultivate the norms, habits, and skills necessary to the task of lawyering”—specifically in reference to what he called the “bullying” response of certain members of the KU Law community when a conservative student organization invited a speaker from the controversial Alliance Defending Freedom to campus—I took his words seriously.

On the one hand, Stegall is plainly correct that the ADF and its ideas—which tend to frame almost any advance in the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals as an attack on religious liberty—have, like it or not, long been present in Kansas’s legal environment. Consequently, discouraging students from confronting those ideas—even when, as Stegall admits, they may seem “existentially threatening”—is probably not a good way to prepare Kansas’s future lawyers. Quoting Professor Richard Levy, a longtime KU Law faculty member, Stegall rightly makes the point that “if lawyers cannot talk to each other about difficult subjects on which they disagree, how can we expect anyone too?”

But on the other hand, I have a hard time squaring Stegall’s previous rebuke of those who prefer accusations to “reasoned engagement” with his own decision. After all, in our present moment, with polarizing opinions taking advantage of the ideological and technological breakdown of long-accepted norms all around us, remaining present to so as to engage ideas which one disagrees with directly seems imperative. Shouldn’t that include disagreements over how other people respond to disagreements as well?

Last year, Stegall gave a wonderful address that addressed how the law can never be entirely disentangled from arguments over the ethical concerns and procedural outcomes which surround it. Quoting an old parable, he concluded that, in the midst of these quandaries, “heaven smiles mischievously down on us”—then added, “we can smile back, if we have the stomach for it.”

Every person’s stomach for dealing with disagreement is going to be different, and perhaps sometimes withdrawing in the face of a disagreement may be the most productive way of engaging with it. Nobody can entirely refuse to ever draw lines in the sand, and hence I respect Stegall’s reasoning for drawing his line here. But I also must admit: it doesn’t seem consistent with his own best arguments to me. No doubt, this will be something we can continue to disagree about as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall is in the news for a letter he wrote to KU Law, his alma mater, stating that he would no longer serve as an adjunct professor there. I confess, this surprised me.Two years ago, Stegall did another surprising thing. He publicly rebuked members of his own party for voting down Carl Folsom, whom Governor Laura Kelly had nominated to the Kansas Court of Appeals. It was, of course, just a partisan vote, but GOP leaders claimed justification because Folsom had gone to court on behalf of people charged with some pretty horrible crimes, as was his job as a public defender, and that was used to smear him. Stegall responded by calling out those Republicans for failing to honor “the ideal of a public-spirited, deliberative, and reasoned engagement with others.”Now Stegall and I are not close friends. Still, we’ve interacted and argued with each other for close to 20 years; we’ve come to know and, I think, like each other. My philosophical understanding of that ideal which he articulated back in 2020 isn’t exactly the same as his, but we’ve disagreed plenty before, and either way, I truly admire how he has adhered to it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>So when Stegall faulted KU Law for “an institutional failure to cultivate the norms, habits, and skills necessary to the task of lawyering”—specifically in reference to what he called the “bullying” response of certain members of the KU Law community when a conservative student organization invited a speaker from the controversial Alliance Defending Freedom to campus—I took his words seriously.On the one hand, Stegall is plainly correct that the ADF and its ideas—which tend to frame almost any advance in the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals as an attack on religious liberty—have, like it or not, long been present in Kansas’s legal environment. Consequently, discouraging students from confronting those ideas—even when, as Stegall admits, they may seem “existentially threatening”—is probably not a good way to prepare Kansas’s future lawyers. Quoting Professor Richard Levy, a longtime KU Law faculty member, Stegall rightly makes the point that “if lawyers cannot talk to each other about difficult subjects on which they disagree, how can we expect anyone too?”But on the other hand, I have a hard time squaring Stegall’s previous rebuke of those who prefer accusations to “reasoned engagement” with his own decision. After all, in our present moment, with polarizing opinions taking advantage of the ideological and technological breakdown of long-accepted norms all around us, remaining present to so as to engage ideas which one disagrees with directly seems imperative. Shouldn’t that include disagreements over how other people respond to disagreements as well?Last year, Stegall gave a wonderful address that addressed how the law can never be entirely disentangled from arguments over the ethical concerns and procedural outcomes which surround it. Quoting an old parable, he concluded that, in the midst of these quandaries, “heaven smiles mischievously down on us”—then added, “we can smile back, if we have the stomach for it.”Every person’s stomach for dealing with disagreement is going to be different, and perhaps sometimes withdrawing in the face of a disagreement may be the most productive way of engaging with it. Nobody can entirely refuse to ever draw lines in the sand, and hence I respect Stegall’s reasoning for drawing his line here. But I also must admit: it doesn’t seem consistent with his own best arguments to me. No doubt, this will be something we can continue to disagree about as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Dealing with disagreement, in law and life

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University crops team completed the 2022 fall season by placing first at the Kansas City American Royal Collegiate Crops Contest and second at the Chicago Collegiate Crops Contest in November.&nbsp;

The results earned the team a split with Iowa State for the national championship. Third place went to the University of Minnesota-Crookston at Kansas City and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the past 24 years, K-State teams have won or shared the crops judging national championship 19 times. K-State also placed first over Iowa State in the central regional contest held in Manhattan earlier this fall.&nbsp;

<a>“This team worked diligently to return K-State to a share of the national crops judging championship in a very competitive year</a>,” said Kevin Donnelly, emeritus professor of agronomy who served as an assistant coach following his retirement in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The team dominated the Kansas City contest and fell just a few points short in Chicago,” Donnelly added.&nbsp;

Members of the K-State team include Ellie Braun, Belvue, Kan.; Ashley Chandler, Neodesha, Kan.; and Jarek Meyer, Smith Center, Kan. Alternate team members were Leah Hudson, Rossville, Kan.;&nbsp;&nbsp;Landon Trout, Scott City, Kan.; and Renae Sinclair, Mosca, Colo.&nbsp;

Meyer is an agricultural economics major and the others are all agronomy majors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our alternates were also very competitive, which is critical to the future success of the program,” said team coach Sarah Frye, a past team member and current agronomy graduate student from Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;

At Kansas City, the team swept first place in all three components of the contest: grain grading, seed analysis and plant and seed identification. At Chicago, they were first in seed analysis and identification, and second in grain grading.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Individually,&nbsp;Braun placed first in Kansas City and fourth in Chicago. Chandler placed third in Kansas City and Chicago, and Meyer placed fourth in Kansas City and fifth in Chicago.&nbsp;

In the individual components at Kansas City:&nbsp;

Frye was assisted by K-State graduate student Luke Ryan (from Solomon, Kan.) and Donnelly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crop judging requires participants to identify 200 plant or seed samples of crops and weeds; grade eight samples of grain according to Federal Grain Inspection Service standards; and analyze 10 seed samples to determine what contaminants they contain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The American Royal coordinated the Kansas City contest, with Corteva Agriscience as the primary sponsor. Additional sponsors were CHS, American Society of Agronomy, Association of Official Seed Analysts, and South Dakota Crop Improvement Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The primary sponsor of the Chicago contest was the CME Group. Additional donors for Chicago included the Crop Science Society of America, Growmark Cooperative, the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, and Syngenta.&nbsp;

Locally, sponsors for the K-State crops team include the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, the K-State Department of Agronomy and College of Agriculture, and the K-State Student Government Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For its performance, K-State received a team scholarship award from contest sponsors at Kansas City, and CME Group provided individual scholarships to the top five contestants at Chicago.&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University crops team completed the 2022 fall season by placing first at the Kansas City American Royal Collegiate Crops Contest and second at the Chicago Collegiate Crops Contest in November.&nbsp;The results earned the team a split with Iowa State for the national championship. Third place went to the University of Minnesota-Crookston at Kansas City and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the past 24 years, K-State teams have won or shared the crops judging national championship 19 times. K-State also placed first over Iowa State in the central regional contest held in Manhattan earlier this fall.&nbsp;<a>“This team worked diligently to return K-State to a share of the national crops judging championship in a very competitive year</a>,” said Kevin Donnelly, emeritus professor of agronomy who served as an assistant coach following his retirement in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The team dominated the Kansas City contest and fell just a few points short in Chicago,” Donnelly added.&nbsp;Members of the K-State team include Ellie Braun, Belvue, Kan.; Ashley Chandler, Neodesha, Kan.; and Jarek Meyer, Smith Center, Kan. Alternate team members were Leah Hudson, Rossville, Kan.;&nbsp;&nbsp;Landon Trout, Scott City, Kan.; and Renae Sinclair, Mosca, Colo.&nbsp;Meyer is an agricultural economics major and the others are all agronomy majors.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our alternates were also very competitive, which is critical to the future success of the program,” said team coach Sarah Frye, a past team member and current agronomy graduate student from Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;At Kansas City, the team swept first place in all three components of the contest: grain grading, seed analysis and plant and seed identification. At Chicago, they were first in seed analysis and identification, and second in grain grading.&nbsp;&nbsp;Individually,&nbsp;Braun placed first in Kansas City and fourth in Chicago. Chandler placed third in Kansas City and Chicago, and Meyer placed fourth in Kansas City and fifth in Chicago.&nbsp;In the individual components at Kansas City:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Braun was first in identification, second in grading, and third in analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Chandler finished second in identification and tied for second in grading.&nbsp;</li><li>Meyer was first in grading and third in identification.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>At Chicago:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Chandler was first in identification and second in analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Braun placed second in identification and fourth in grading.&nbsp;</li><li>Meyer was third in identification and fourth in analysis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Frye was assisted by K-State graduate student Luke Ryan (from Solomon, Kan.) and Donnelly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crop judging requires participants to identify 200 plant or seed samples of crops and weeds; grade eight samples of grain according to Federal Grain Inspection Service standards; and analyze 10 seed samples to determine what contaminants they contain.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Royal coordinated the Kansas City contest, with Corteva Agriscience as the primary sponsor. Additional sponsors were CHS, American Society of Agronomy, Association of Official Seed Analysts, and South Dakota Crop Improvement Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;The primary sponsor of the Chicago contest was the CME Group. Additional donors for Chicago included the Crop Science Society of America, Growmark Cooperative, the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, and Syngenta.&nbsp;Locally, sponsors for the K-State crops team include the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, the K-State Department of Agronomy and College of Agriculture, and the K-State Student Government Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;For its performance, K-State received a team scholarship award from contest sponsors at Kansas City, and CME Group provided individual scholarships to the top five contestants at Chicago.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Western Kan. students on national champion K-State crop team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670614915605.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>

Robins, sandhill cranes, hummers, and other summer birds headed south&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;Official winter has&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;arrived,&nbsp;and&nbsp;now&nbsp;sparrows, finches, and juncos&nbsp;visit&nbsp;our feeder&nbsp;several times a day. Hoping we’ll see an elusive cardinal adding&nbsp;its&nbsp;color to our regular diners’ drab neutrals,&nbsp;we&nbsp;hide behind the curtain and peek out the window. Instead of&nbsp;laying eyes on that&nbsp;scarlet bird with the dashing cockade, we&nbsp;observe&nbsp;extreme skittishness&nbsp;amongst our&nbsp;regulars who&nbsp;never stay in one spot long.&nbsp;That means&nbsp;one thing—a predator lurks.

My husband adds fresh&nbsp;birdseed&nbsp;every day and makes sure the suet hasn’t disappeared. One of us empties ice from the water pan and refills it so our visitors can drink or bathe, depending on their mood.&nbsp;Since we&nbsp;began&nbsp;winter feeding, we’ve noticed&nbsp;our little brown birds (lbbs) dash to the feeder&nbsp;only&nbsp;long enough to grab&nbsp;a beak full of&nbsp;seeds.&nbsp;They then&nbsp;flee to our deck’s edge&nbsp;where&nbsp;they duck under swiftly when&nbsp;they feel&nbsp;threatened&nbsp;(which is often). In&nbsp;years&nbsp;past, we’ve enjoyed watching them hang&nbsp;out to&nbsp;do the bird version of gabbing around the office water cooler. This season, these&nbsp;creatures&nbsp;don’t congregate in open space.&nbsp;

Once we noted their anxious zipping from feeder to&nbsp;porch, we&nbsp;looked&nbsp;for the reason. Clearly, a neighboring cat didn’t alarm them. It would have no trouble following&nbsp;panicked birds&nbsp;under the deck. In fact, that would simplify&nbsp;feline&nbsp;efforts to snag a fresh meal.&nbsp;Our eyes turned skyward. What threatened&nbsp;from above?

On&nbsp;a recent&nbsp;windy day, I spied a possibility&nbsp;clinging to a nearby&nbsp;light pole.&nbsp;A small&nbsp;accipiter&nbsp;took refuge from gusts in the&nbsp;crook where&nbsp;light&nbsp;intersects with pole. On a day like that, I assumed&nbsp;it blew in, but&nbsp;based on&nbsp;our&nbsp;backyard&nbsp;birds’&nbsp;behavior,&nbsp;this designed-for-precision attack bird&nbsp;preyed regularly upon&nbsp;several&nbsp;feeders&nbsp;available&nbsp;in our neighborhood.

A couple&nbsp;of&nbsp;days later, I stood at the stove stirring&nbsp;bubbling&nbsp;fudge. My hubs&nbsp;slipped&nbsp;in&nbsp;to tell me&nbsp;to&nbsp;creep&nbsp;quietly into the laundry room and look out the window. What the heck&nbsp;did I see but&nbsp;animmature&nbsp;Cooper’s&nbsp;hawk&nbsp;planting itself&nbsp;square in the middle of our deck!

Needless to say, not a single lbb remained in sight. I’m sure&nbsp;that&nbsp;raptor&nbsp;heard&nbsp;their tiny, hollowbones quaking in fear below the&nbsp;flooring. I had to&nbsp;pour&nbsp;that fudge&nbsp;onto a plate,&nbsp;but&nbsp;fortunately&nbsp;thehawk hung around&nbsp;long enough to&nbsp;let&nbsp;me&nbsp;have&nbsp;another&nbsp;look&nbsp;along with a quick cell phone pic through a smudged window.&nbsp;

For those of us who’ve reached&nbsp;an&nbsp;age where&nbsp;feathered&nbsp;visitors&nbsp;add excitement to our days, Iwanted desperately&nbsp;to spy a cardinal. Instead, a&nbsp;young Cooper’s hawk&nbsp;highlighted&nbsp;my week&nbsp;by landing right outside our back door.&nbsp;That said, we don’t&nbsp;want&nbsp;to make&nbsp;easy&nbsp;targets&nbsp;of our&nbsp;tiny&nbsp;guests. Now we&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;pile&nbsp;brush next to the little brown birds’&nbsp;food&nbsp;source&nbsp;so they can&nbsp;flitswiftly&nbsp;to safety.&nbsp;Hawks need to eat too, but&nbsp;they’ll&nbsp;have&nbsp;to work&nbsp;to snag a meal in our backyard.

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/2022/12/1670599042550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINRobins, sandhill cranes, hummers, and other summer birds headed south&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;Official winter has&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;arrived,&nbsp;and&nbsp;now&nbsp;sparrows, finches, and juncos&nbsp;visit&nbsp;our feeder&nbsp;several times a day. Hoping we’ll see an elusive cardinal adding&nbsp;its&nbsp;color to our regular diners’ drab neutrals,&nbsp;we&nbsp;hide behind the curtain and peek out the window. Instead of&nbsp;laying eyes on that&nbsp;scarlet bird with the dashing cockade, we&nbsp;observe&nbsp;extreme skittishness&nbsp;amongst our&nbsp;regulars who&nbsp;never stay in one spot long.&nbsp;That means&nbsp;one thing—a predator lurks.My husband adds fresh&nbsp;birdseed&nbsp;every day and makes sure the suet hasn’t disappeared. One of us empties ice from the water pan and refills it so our visitors can drink or bathe, depending on their mood.&nbsp;Since we&nbsp;began&nbsp;winter feeding, we’ve noticed&nbsp;our little brown birds (lbbs) dash to the feeder&nbsp;only&nbsp;long enough to grab&nbsp;a beak full of&nbsp;seeds.&nbsp;They then&nbsp;flee to our deck’s edge&nbsp;where&nbsp;they duck under swiftly when&nbsp;they feel&nbsp;threatened&nbsp;(which is often). In&nbsp;years&nbsp;past, we’ve enjoyed watching them hang&nbsp;out to&nbsp;do the bird version of gabbing around the office water cooler. This season, these&nbsp;creatures&nbsp;don’t congregate in open space.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Once we noted their anxious zipping from feeder to&nbsp;porch, we&nbsp;looked&nbsp;for the reason. Clearly, a neighboring cat didn’t alarm them. It would have no trouble following&nbsp;panicked birds&nbsp;under the deck. In fact, that would simplify&nbsp;feline&nbsp;efforts to snag a fresh meal.&nbsp;Our eyes turned skyward. What threatened&nbsp;from above?On&nbsp;a recent&nbsp;windy day, I spied a possibility&nbsp;clinging to a nearby&nbsp;light pole.&nbsp;A small&nbsp;accipiter&nbsp;took refuge from gusts in the&nbsp;crook where&nbsp;light&nbsp;intersects with pole. On a day like that, I assumed&nbsp;it blew in, but&nbsp;based on&nbsp;our&nbsp;backyard&nbsp;birds’&nbsp;behavior,&nbsp;this designed-for-precision attack bird&nbsp;preyed regularly upon&nbsp;several&nbsp;feeders&nbsp;available&nbsp;in our neighborhood.A couple&nbsp;of&nbsp;days later, I stood at the stove stirring&nbsp;bubbling&nbsp;fudge. My hubs&nbsp;slipped&nbsp;in&nbsp;to tell me&nbsp;to&nbsp;creep&nbsp;quietly into the laundry room and look out the window. What the heck&nbsp;did I see but&nbsp;animmature&nbsp;Cooper’s&nbsp;hawk&nbsp;planting itself&nbsp;square in the middle of our deck!Needless to say, not a single lbb remained in sight. I’m sure&nbsp;that&nbsp;raptor&nbsp;heard&nbsp;their tiny, hollowbones quaking in fear below the&nbsp;flooring. I had to&nbsp;pour&nbsp;that fudge&nbsp;onto a plate,&nbsp;but&nbsp;fortunately&nbsp;thehawk hung around&nbsp;long enough to&nbsp;let&nbsp;me&nbsp;have&nbsp;another&nbsp;look&nbsp;along with a quick cell phone pic through a smudged window.&nbsp;For those of us who’ve reached&nbsp;an&nbsp;age where&nbsp;feathered&nbsp;visitors&nbsp;add excitement to our days, Iwanted desperately&nbsp;to spy a cardinal. Instead, a&nbsp;young Cooper’s hawk&nbsp;highlighted&nbsp;my week&nbsp;by landing right outside our back door.&nbsp;That said, we don’t&nbsp;want&nbsp;to make&nbsp;easy&nbsp;targets&nbsp;of our&nbsp;tiny&nbsp;guests. Now we&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;pile&nbsp;brush next to the little brown birds’&nbsp;food&nbsp;source&nbsp;so they can&nbsp;flitswiftly&nbsp;to safety.&nbsp;Hawks need to eat too, but&nbsp;they’ll&nbsp;have&nbsp;to work&nbsp;to snag a meal in our backyard.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Raptors vs. LBBs

Just in time for the upcoming legislative session, the Kansas Chamber this week launched a new legislative app that provides direct access to the latest information about state lawmakers, committees, bills and much more. The new app is sponsored by AT&amp;T.

“Kansans need an on-the-go connection to the Kansas Legislature that is simple to use. Thanks to the support of AT&amp;T, the Kansas Chamber is able to provide a digital tool that will help all Kansans connect with their state and federal elected officials and track state legislation - at no cost,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.

This is the second edition of the Chamber's legislative app. The first app replaced the Chamber's long tradition of providing pocket-sized legislative booklets printed every two years.

"AT&amp;T is excited to continue its support of the Chamber’s legislative app that gives immediate access to and information on Kansas legislative matters to the public. This app offers Kansans the opportunity for more dialogue with our elected officials and provides better transparency on how our state functions," said Jim Jamison, President, AT&amp;T Kansas.

The new app also features access to information about the Chamber’s foundation, programs, and events.

The Chamber partnered with the team at Propaganda3 to build its new app. Based in downtown Overland Park, Kansas, Propaganda3 is a digital production studio that specializes in the design and development of industry-leading and award-winning software, games, mobile apps and websites. Since 2001 they have specialized in informing and entertaining people by designing and developing industry-leading and award-winning websites, mobile apps, games, enterprise software solutions, digital experiences and more. For more information, visit propaganda3.com.

The new Kansas Chamber app can be downloaded from the Google or Apple app stores.

About the Kansas Chamber Headquartered in Topeka, the mission of the Kansas Chamber is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise. The Chamber's vision is to make Kansas a top state to do business.

 The Chamber is member-driven and its strength comes from hundreds of Kansas employers of every size. It listens to its members, develops a Legislative Agenda and then takes the issues and concerns of Kansas businesses directly to the policymakers.

 The Kansas Chamber partners with other organizations and local chambers to promote legislation and policies focused on creating a more positive business climate that allows for more jobs and economic growth in Kansas and our communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626278468881.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just in time for the upcoming legislative session, the Kansas Chamber this week launched a new legislative app that provides direct access to the latest information about state lawmakers, committees, bills and much more. The new app is sponsored by AT&amp;T.“Kansans need an on-the-go connection to the Kansas Legislature that is simple to use. Thanks to the support of AT&amp;T, the Kansas Chamber is able to provide a digital tool that will help all Kansans connect with their state and federal elected officials and track state legislation - at no cost,” said Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.This is the second edition of the Chamber's legislative app. The first app replaced the Chamber's long tradition of providing pocket-sized legislative booklets printed every two years."AT&amp;T is excited to continue its support of the Chamber’s legislative app that gives immediate access to and information on Kansas legislative matters to the public. This app offers Kansans the opportunity for more dialogue with our elected officials and provides better transparency on how our state functions," said Jim Jamison, President, AT&amp;T Kansas.The new app also features access to information about the Chamber’s foundation, programs, and events.The Chamber partnered with the team at Propaganda3 to build its new app. Based in downtown Overland Park, Kansas, Propaganda3 is a digital production studio that specializes in the design and development of industry-leading and award-winning software, games, mobile apps and websites. Since 2001 they have specialized in informing and entertaining people by designing and developing industry-leading and award-winning websites, mobile apps, games, enterprise software solutions, digital experiences and more. For more information, visit propaganda3.com.The new Kansas Chamber app can be downloaded from the Google or Apple app stores.About the Kansas Chamber Headquartered in Topeka, the mission of the Kansas Chamber is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise. The Chamber's vision is to make Kansas a top state to do business. The Chamber is member-driven and its strength comes from hundreds of Kansas employers of every size. It listens to its members, develops a Legislative Agenda and then takes the issues and concerns of Kansas businesses directly to the policymakers. The Kansas Chamber partners with other organizations and local chambers to promote legislation and policies focused on creating a more positive business climate that allows for more jobs and economic growth in Kansas and our communities.

Kansas Chamber launches new legislative app

The Kansas Geological Survey reported an earthquake Friday evening in southwest Osborne County, near the Ellis and Russell county lines.

The 2.2-magnitude quake was recorded at 6:16 p.m., KGS reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670685467588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey reported an earthquake Friday evening in southwest Osborne County, near the Ellis and Russell county lines.The 2.2-magnitude quake was recorded at 6:16 p.m., KGS reported.

Minor earthquake recorded in NW Kansas on Friday

Nebraska’s bighorn sheep hunting season ended Dec. 6 when a hunter from the eastern end of the state punched his tag, one of the two permits issued for the season.

Todd Nordeen, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission big game and disease research manager who supervises the hunting program, said each of the two rams harvested this year was a mature adult with full-curl horns. Both were harvested in the Wildcat Hills of the Panhandle.

Jerry Fischer of Denton bagged his ram on a 6-mile trek Dec. 6, his second day of hunting. He won his permit from a drawing 3,904 applicants.

The other hunter, Kevin Small, harvested his ram on his fourth day of pursuit, Dec. 2. He won his permit by auction in February during the annual banquet for the Iowa Chapter of the Foundation of North American Wild Sheep.

The sheep mark the 31st and 32nd harvested in Nebraska since the Game and Parks’ hunting program began in 1998.

The number of Nebraska bighorn sheep permits available each year is based on the state’s population of the species, especially mature rams, as determined during monitoring by Game and Parks staff. To date, permits have been limited to one or two hunters in most years, with several years not permitting any harvests.

Nebraska has developed a reputation for producing trophy-caliber rams for those fortunate to win a permit. Not only do the hunts provide a rare experience and uncommon table fare, they have been vital to bighorn sheep conservation in Nebraska. About $2 million has been raised through the lottery applications and auctions to fund research and reintroduction efforts of the species.

Permit winners are assisted by Game and Parks staff and treated to meals and lodging at Fort Robinson State Park.

Nebraska’s reintroduction efforts for bighorn sheep began in the 1980s, an attempt to remedy the unregulated hunting, habitat loss and disease that led to their extirpation from the state in the late 1800s. Nebraska’s population of bighorns stands at approximately more than 300 rams, ewes and lambs in both the Wildcat Hills and Pine Ridge.

More information about the hunting program and how to apply for the permit lottery may be found at Outdoornebraska.org/bighornsheeplottery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670677862537.jpeg" alt="Jerry Fischer of Denton with the bighorn sheep ram he harvested in the Wildcat Hills. Fischer won his permit from a drawing of 3,904 applicants. (Photo by Justin Haag/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Fischer of Denton with the bighorn sheep ram he harvested in the Wildcat Hills. Fischer won his permit from a drawing of 3,904 applicants. (Photo by Justin Haag/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKSNebraska’s bighorn sheep hunting season ended Dec. 6 when a hunter from the eastern end of the state punched his tag, one of the two permits issued for the season.Todd Nordeen, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission big game and disease research manager who supervises the hunting program, said each of the two rams harvested this year was a mature adult with full-curl horns. Both were harvested in the Wildcat Hills of the Panhandle.Jerry Fischer of Denton bagged his ram on a 6-mile trek Dec. 6, his second day of hunting. He won his permit from a drawing 3,904 applicants.The other hunter, Kevin Small, harvested his ram on his fourth day of pursuit, Dec. 2. He won his permit by auction in February during the annual banquet for the Iowa Chapter of the Foundation of North American Wild Sheep.The sheep mark the 31st and 32nd harvested in Nebraska since the Game and Parks’ hunting program began in 1998.The number of Nebraska bighorn sheep permits available each year is based on the state’s population of the species, especially mature rams, as determined during monitoring by Game and Parks staff. To date, permits have been limited to one or two hunters in most years, with several years not permitting any harvests.Nebraska has developed a reputation for producing trophy-caliber rams for those fortunate to win a permit. Not only do the hunts provide a rare experience and uncommon table fare, they have been vital to bighorn sheep conservation in Nebraska. About $2 million has been raised through the lottery applications and auctions to fund research and reintroduction efforts of the species.Permit winners are assisted by Game and Parks staff and treated to meals and lodging at Fort Robinson State Park.Nebraska’s reintroduction efforts for bighorn sheep began in the 1980s, an attempt to remedy the unregulated hunting, habitat loss and disease that led to their extirpation from the state in the late 1800s. Nebraska’s population of bighorns stands at approximately more than 300 rams, ewes and lambs in both the Wildcat Hills and Pine Ridge.More information about the hunting program and how to apply for the permit lottery may be found at Outdoornebraska.org/bighornsheeplottery.

Hunters successful in Nebraska bighorn harvest

PAWNEE COUNTY–Three people were injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by Marissa S. Doctor, 15, Larned, was westbound on U.S. 56 just west of County Road J.

The SUV crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Ford Escape driven by Erika S. Roman, 24, Great Bend, head-on in the eastbound lane.

EMS transported Doctor to the hospital in Great Bend, Roman to Wesley Medical Center and a passenger in the Ford 18-year-old Brittany&nbsp;Roman Velasquez of Great Bend to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp;

Erika Roman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; One juvenile passenger was in the SUV and&nbsp; two in the car; juvenile record is protected data.

PAWNEE COUNTY–Three people were injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Pawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by Marissa S. Doctor, 15, Larned, was westbound on U.S. 56 just west of County Road J.The SUV crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Ford Escape driven by Erika S. Roman, 24, Great Bend, head-on in the eastbound lane.EMS transported Doctor to the hospital in Great Bend, Roman to Wesley Medical Center and a passenger in the Ford 18-year-old Brittany&nbsp;Roman Velasquez of Great Bend to Hays Medical Center.&nbsp;Erika Roman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; One juvenile passenger was in the SUV and&nbsp; two in the car; juvenile record is protected data.

Kan. teen hospitalized in Hays after head-on crash

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

It’s the Festival of Lights. Twinkly lights adorn five acres of trees, barns and buildings as excited families enjoy hot chocolate and homemade, spiced wine.&nbsp;

It’s an annual Christmas celebration hosted by a family-owned winery on the high plains of rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kirk and Treva Johnston are the owners and founders of Shiloh Vineyard and Winery near WaKeeney. The vineyard hosts special events throughout the year, including the weeklong Festival of Lights during the week before Christmas.&nbsp;

Kirk Johnston grew up in Goodland. His wife Treva is originally from Damar. Kirk was always interested in farming. He grew up helping his uncle on the farm and earned a degree in agronomy from Kansas State University.&nbsp;

“I took lots of chemistry classes,” Kirk said. The two married and eventually ended up on his grandfather’s place near WaKeeney.&nbsp;

“My grandfather bought this place in 1921 because it had a horse barn on it,” Kirk said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They built a chicken house and by 1925, had 300 layers in it.”&nbsp;

In 1929, they added the family home: “It was a house ordered out of the Montgomery Ward catalog,” Kirk said.&nbsp;

When Kirk and Treva got the property decades later, they considered their options. “We wanted to farm, but diversification seemed like a good idea, compared to spending millions of dollars for new farm equipment,” Kirk said.&nbsp;

Instead of big farm equipment, they put in a vineyard, installing a drip irrigation system. “We planted our first grapes in 2008,” Kirk said. Ultimately, this became a commercial winery.&nbsp;

“I read everything I could and went to a lot of conferences,” Kirk said. He learned from other commercial operators as well.&nbsp;

“We were assistant pastors at a local church in Hays and felt called to make an overseas trip,” Kirk said. Kirk and Treva went to a vineyard in Shiloh, Israel to help trim the vineyard and prune their vines. It was a powerful experience for them.&nbsp;

“If you let God direct your paths, his peace will come in,” Kirk said. “We want to provide top quality service so that people can experience that peace here in western Kansas.”&nbsp;

Today, Shiloh Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of premium wines made from the farm’s own fruit. This includes&nbsp;dry whites, dry reds, semi-sweet white, fruit and dessert wines.&nbsp;

“We started with 350 gallons in our first year,” Kirk said. “In 2021, we produced 1,000 cases at 2.5 gallons per case.”&nbsp;

They have upgraded their facilities and renovated the chicken house, barn, and a 100-year-old granary. In 2020, Treva’s niece, Kym, and her husband, Chris Heitke, relocated from California to WaKeeney to help with the business.&nbsp;

Shiloh Vineyard and Winery also hosts special events, lots of weddings, and visitors throughout the year. In addition to the nightly Festival of Lights during the week before Christmas, they offer a Sip of Summer Patio Party, Fall Festival dinner, and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three times a year, they host five course meals paired with their wines.&nbsp;

The Johnstons also offer recreational vehicle dry camping sites at the vineyard. They connected with a national website called Harvest Hosts which promotes RV camping at farms, breweries, wineries and more across the country. The website has brought in lots of visitors.&nbsp;

“It’s been so wonderful,” Kirk said. “People say this is an oasis.”&nbsp;

They have had guests from every state in the U.S. plus Brazil, China, Peru, Germany, Australia and more.&nbsp;

Shiloh wines are available at a variety of retail outlets in western Kansas as well as at the vineyard itself. The vineyard is located in the country between WaKeeney and the rural community of Collyer, population 97 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shilohvineyard.com/">www.shilohvineyard.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to leave the Festival of Lights, one of several events that bring guests to the Shiloh Vineyard and Winery. We commend Kirk and Treva Johnston for making a difference with grape and wine production and lots of great hospitality on the high plains.&nbsp;

They are helping to bring happiness to light.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670423416710.png" alt="Treva and Kirk Johnston / Courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Treva and Kirk Johnston / Courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;It’s the Festival of Lights. Twinkly lights adorn five acres of trees, barns and buildings as excited families enjoy hot chocolate and homemade, spiced wine.&nbsp;It’s an annual Christmas celebration hosted by a family-owned winery on the high plains of rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirk and Treva Johnston are the owners and founders of Shiloh Vineyard and Winery near WaKeeney. The vineyard hosts special events throughout the year, including the weeklong Festival of Lights during the week before Christmas.&nbsp;Kirk Johnston grew up in Goodland. His wife Treva is originally from Damar. Kirk was always interested in farming. He grew up helping his uncle on the farm and earned a degree in agronomy from Kansas State University.&nbsp;“I took lots of chemistry classes,” Kirk said. The two married and eventually ended up on his grandfather’s place near WaKeeney.&nbsp;“My grandfather bought this place in 1921 because it had a horse barn on it,” Kirk said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They built a chicken house and by 1925, had 300 layers in it.”&nbsp;In 1929, they added the family home: “It was a house ordered out of the Montgomery Ward catalog,” Kirk said.&nbsp;When Kirk and Treva got the property decades later, they considered their options. “We wanted to farm, but diversification seemed like a good idea, compared to spending millions of dollars for new farm equipment,” Kirk said.&nbsp;Instead of big farm equipment, they put in a vineyard, installing a drip irrigation system. “We planted our first grapes in 2008,” Kirk said. Ultimately, this became a commercial winery.&nbsp;“I read everything I could and went to a lot of conferences,” Kirk said. He learned from other commercial operators as well.&nbsp;“We were assistant pastors at a local church in Hays and felt called to make an overseas trip,” Kirk said. Kirk and Treva went to a vineyard in Shiloh, Israel to help trim the vineyard and prune their vines. It was a powerful experience for them.&nbsp;“If you let God direct your paths, his peace will come in,” Kirk said. “We want to provide top quality service so that people can experience that peace here in western Kansas.”&nbsp;Today, Shiloh Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of premium wines made from the farm’s own fruit. This includes&nbsp;dry whites, dry reds, semi-sweet white, fruit and dessert wines.&nbsp;“We started with 350 gallons in our first year,” Kirk said. “In 2021, we produced 1,000 cases at 2.5 gallons per case.”&nbsp;They have upgraded their facilities and renovated the chicken house, barn, and a 100-year-old granary. In 2020, Treva’s niece, Kym, and her husband, Chris Heitke, relocated from California to WaKeeney to help with the business.&nbsp;Shiloh Vineyard and Winery also hosts special events, lots of weddings, and visitors throughout the year. In addition to the nightly Festival of Lights during the week before Christmas, they offer a Sip of Summer Patio Party, Fall Festival dinner, and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three times a year, they host five course meals paired with their wines.&nbsp;The Johnstons also offer recreational vehicle dry camping sites at the vineyard. They connected with a national website called Harvest Hosts which promotes RV camping at farms, breweries, wineries and more across the country. The website has brought in lots of visitors.&nbsp;“It’s been so wonderful,” Kirk said. “People say this is an oasis.”&nbsp;They have had guests from every state in the U.S. plus Brazil, China, Peru, Germany, Australia and more.&nbsp;Shiloh wines are available at a variety of retail outlets in western Kansas as well as at the vineyard itself. The vineyard is located in the country between WaKeeney and the rural community of Collyer, population 97 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shilohvineyard.com/">www.shilohvineyard.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to leave the Festival of Lights, one of several events that bring guests to the Shiloh Vineyard and Winery. We commend Kirk and Treva Johnston for making a difference with grape and wine production and lots of great hospitality on the high plains.&nbsp;They are helping to bring happiness to light.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Trego County's Shiloh Vineyard 

COLBY — Colby Community College received a $10,000 gift from the Thomas County Foundation to be used for the agricultural center on campus. Foundation Director Jada Tubbs made the presentation Wednesday night at halftime of the Trojans men's basketball game.

"On behalf of TCCF, I would like to express our excitement for the new Agricultural Center," Tubbs said. "Our board agrees this is a worthwhile&nbsp;cause to fund and looks forward to its completion."

Construction began in October on the 12,400-square-foot facility and is expected to open in time for the fall 2023 semester. 

Details are available at<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/ag-future" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/ag-future.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670360917911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College received a $10,000 gift from the Thomas County Foundation to be used for the agricultural center on campus. Foundation Director Jada Tubbs made the presentation Wednesday night at halftime of the Trojans men's basketball game."On behalf of TCCF, I would like to express our excitement for the new Agricultural Center," Tubbs said. "Our board agrees this is a worthwhile&nbsp;cause to fund and looks forward to its completion."Construction began in October on the 12,400-square-foot facility and is expected to open in time for the fall 2023 semester. Details are available at<a href="https://www.colbycc.edu/ag-future" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/ag-future.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thomas County Foundation helps new Colby CC ag facility

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670614585156.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>

Twas&nbsp;the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. Hold on just a minute!

The holidays can be a time of extra stress – more money flying out the door, too many places to be in too little time, schedules are upset, food that we don’t eat every day, and just general chaos!

Plan ahead now for some inexpensive fun ways to just be together. Drag out the books – share one that your child loved when they were small and read it together using your best character voices.&nbsp;Make a trip to the library to pick out a new book – every library has great librarians who would love to make reading recommendations for you!

When is the last time you played “crazy eights," “old maid," or had an energetic game of Uno?&nbsp;In addition to using skills of taking turns and being cooperative, youth practice counting and paying attention to details.

Have you put a jigsaw puzzle together as a family? Unless you do these often, don’t start with a 1,500-piece complicated one. Pick an easy one that everyone can participate in. Set up a card table in a corner and you may be surprised how often someone stops by it to add a couple of pieces.

My family&nbsp;has held&nbsp;a gingerbread house contest&nbsp;for many years. Now before you think these are huge, magical creations, let me tell you that they are made from graham crackers, frosting,&nbsp;and&nbsp;whatever odds and ends of candy and cereal&nbsp;that&nbsp;show up – Halloween candy is often used! The planning and giggles that go into these creations are so much fun to watch and my favorite part is seeing the big kids pair up with the little kids to help them learn about structure, creativity, and often gravity!

Be silly and dance – turn on some music and dance in the living room! It’s good exercise for the body and the brain. Show off those 90’s dance moves and learn a few from your kids. My kids and I still have “carcerts” – Yep, a concert in the car which means singing at the top of our lungs even when we don’t know all the words.&nbsp;We are OK with people thinking we look silly because we are having fun!

Go outside! Take a walk, play kickball, throw a disc or snowball. I grew up on one of the best sledding hills in my town. Even if we only had time for one or two runs, we were throwing ourselves on a sled and racing down the hill. My parents were regular participants in this craziness!

There is an old saying along the lines that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This applies to your family also – Unplug and&nbsp;Be There!

Just being there can be so&nbsp;hard to do but I remember one of the best/worst weeks quite a few years ago when we had a huge ice storm in 2007. We were out of power for 8 days and, while I could keep our home heated with the gas fireplace and cook on the gas stove, it could have been a really awful week just before Christmas! I couldn’t get to&nbsp;work&nbsp;and we had no internet with no power so we chose to make the best of the situation and had fun.&nbsp;We played games, read books, played outside, and chose to just Be There and enjoy the moment.

During the holiday break, make time to spend time with your kids! Be There because that is what they will remember!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Twas&nbsp;the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. Hold on just a minute!The holidays can be a time of extra stress – more money flying out the door, too many places to be in too little time, schedules are upset, food that we don’t eat every day, and just general chaos!Plan ahead now for some inexpensive fun ways to just be together. Drag out the books – share one that your child loved when they were small and read it together using your best character voices.&nbsp;Make a trip to the library to pick out a new book – every library has great librarians who would love to make reading recommendations for you!When is the last time you played “crazy eights," “old maid," or had an energetic game of Uno?&nbsp;In addition to using skills of taking turns and being cooperative, youth practice counting and paying attention to details.Have you put a jigsaw puzzle together as a family? Unless you do these often, don’t start with a 1,500-piece complicated one. Pick an easy one that everyone can participate in. Set up a card table in a corner and you may be surprised how often someone stops by it to add a couple of pieces.My family&nbsp;has held&nbsp;a gingerbread house contest&nbsp;for many years. Now before you think these are huge, magical creations, let me tell you that they are made from graham crackers, frosting,&nbsp;and&nbsp;whatever odds and ends of candy and cereal&nbsp;that&nbsp;show up – Halloween candy is often used! The planning and giggles that go into these creations are so much fun to watch and my favorite part is seeing the big kids pair up with the little kids to help them learn about structure, creativity, and often gravity!Be silly and dance – turn on some music and dance in the living room! It’s good exercise for the body and the brain. Show off those 90’s dance moves and learn a few from your kids. My kids and I still have “carcerts” – Yep, a concert in the car which means singing at the top of our lungs even when we don’t know all the words.&nbsp;We are OK with people thinking we look silly because we are having fun!Go outside! Take a walk, play kickball, throw a disc or snowball. I grew up on one of the best sledding hills in my town. Even if we only had time for one or two runs, we were throwing ourselves on a sled and racing down the hill. My parents were regular participants in this craziness!There is an old saying along the lines that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This applies to your family also – Unplug and&nbsp;Be There!Just being there can be so&nbsp;hard to do but I remember one of the best/worst weeks quite a few years ago when we had a huge ice storm in 2007. We were out of power for 8 days and, while I could keep our home heated with the gas fireplace and cook on the gas stove, it could have been a really awful week just before Christmas! I couldn’t get to&nbsp;work&nbsp;and we had no internet with no power so we chose to make the best of the situation and had fun.&nbsp;We played games, read books, played outside, and chose to just Be There and enjoy the moment.During the holiday break, make time to spend time with your kids! Be There because that is what they will remember!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: Play time

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — There is no 
statute of limitations in homicide cases. That's how, on Thursday, 
68-year-old Steven L. Hanks was arrested on second-degree murder charges
 from the death of Mary Robin Walter, stemming back nearly 43 years. 
Friday morning, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Barton County 
Attorney Levi Morris, and various other law enforcement officers held a 
press conference at the Barton County Courthouse to discuss the case. 

"At
 42 years and 10 months, we believe this is the oldest homicide arrest 
in the state of Kansas," Bellendir said. "It may be one of the oldest 
homicide arrests in the United States. This also clears the last known 
homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton
 County Sheriff's Office."

Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 1980, deputies responded to a
 possible homicide call in the Nelson Trailer Park, lot nine, near what 
is now Southwest 40th Avenue and Anchorway. 

"Upon arrival, 
deputies and investigators located the body of a female victim who had 
been shot multiple times," said Bellendir. "The victim was identified as
 Mary Robin Walter, who lived at the residence. Walter was 23 years of 
age at the time, married with one child. She was a nursing student at 
Barton County Community College."

Bellendir said an extensive 
investigation was conducted at the time, and Hanks was developed as a 
person of interest in the case. However, law enforcement lacked the 
evidence needed to submit the case for prosecution.

In April 2022, Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was recovering from COVID-19 when
 he re-opened the case. "After taking a fresh look at the case, it 
became evident that some of the information had been initially 
overlooked, and some had been added at a later date," Bellendir said. 
"This was unknown to the original investigators."

Bellendir 
assigned additional detectives Alex Lomas and Bryan Volkel, as well as 
Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze to the case. Lt. David Paden supervised the 
operation as the deputies had time. The officers tracked down numerous 
individuals who had been involved in the case in the 1980s, reaching as 
far as the Pacific Northwest.

"In October of this year, new 
evidence was obtained that allowed the sheriff's office to submit the 
case to the Barton County Attorney, Mr. Levi Morris, for review," 
Bellendir said. "After approximately four weeks of review, Mr. Morris 
obtained an arrest for murder in the second degree, and the arrest of 
Steven L. Hanks, age 68, of Burden. Hanks was a neighbor to the victim 
at the time of the homicide."

Hanks was arrested by Kansas Bureau 
of Investigation agents Thursday evening in Oxford and turned over to 
the Barton County Sheriff's Office for transportation back to Great 
Bend. He is currently being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond. 

Morris
 said Hanks could make his first appearance in front of a district court
 judge as early as Friday afternoon or sometime Monday. The next step 
will be a preliminary hearing for the second-degree murder charge.

"The
 facts that we know, and believe they are, and believe we can prove in 
court fit that charge rather than any charges higher or lower," Morris 
said. "That can change either to be higher or lower at the preliminary 
hearing or at any time close to trial."

Bellendir was pleased to bring a level of closure to the case after 
42 years.&nbsp;

"Homicides are never closed," he said. "As long as you have a 
homicide case, it remains open until you get it closed one way or the 
other. This has case has been open ever since I've been a law 
enforcement officer. 

"I started with the sheriff's office in 
1982. This has been an irritation for the sheriff's office that we've 
never been able to close this case. A lot of investigators have tried to
 close this case, and we were unable, at that time, to get the 
information we needed."

Bellendir thanked the many agencies that 
assisted in the investigation, including the KBI, Great Bend Police 
Department, Oxford Police Department, Cowley County Sheriff's Office, 
Winfield Police, Burden Police Department, and Everett Police Department
 in Washington state. He also gave high praise to his own detectives.

"The
 credit in this case goes to my detective division, who were in the 
trenches doing the nuts and bolts work," he said. "These are long, 
complicated investigations, and tedious. The credit really goes to my 
people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617705007.jpeg" alt="Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at Friday's press conference on the arrest of Steven Hanks, who has been charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir at Friday's press conference on the arrest of Steven Hanks, who has been charged with the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — There is no 
statute of limitations in homicide cases. That's how, on Thursday, 
68-year-old Steven L. Hanks was arrested on second-degree murder charges
 from the death of Mary Robin Walter, stemming back nearly 43 years. 
Friday morning, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Barton County 
Attorney Levi Morris, and various other law enforcement officers held a 
press conference at the Barton County Courthouse to discuss the case. "At
 42 years and 10 months, we believe this is the oldest homicide arrest 
in the state of Kansas," Bellendir said. "It may be one of the oldest 
homicide arrests in the United States. This also clears the last known 
homicide in a non-incorporated area under the jurisdiction of the Barton
 County Sheriff's Office."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670608379475.png" alt="Mary Robin Walter" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robin Walter</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 1980, deputies responded to a
 possible homicide call in the Nelson Trailer Park, lot nine, near what 
is now Southwest 40th Avenue and Anchorway. "Upon arrival, 
deputies and investigators located the body of a female victim who had 
been shot multiple times," said Bellendir. "The victim was identified as
 Mary Robin Walter, who lived at the residence. Walter was 23 years of 
age at the time, married with one child. She was a nursing student at 
Barton County Community College."Bellendir said an extensive 
investigation was conducted at the time, and Hanks was developed as a 
person of interest in the case. However, law enforcement lacked the 
evidence needed to submit the case for prosecution.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Steven Hanks" />
 <figcaption>Steven Hanks</figcaption>
 </figure>In April 2022, Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was recovering from COVID-19 when
 he re-opened the case. "After taking a fresh look at the case, it 
became evident that some of the information had been initially 
overlooked, and some had been added at a later date," Bellendir said. 
"This was unknown to the original investigators."Bellendir 
assigned additional detectives Alex Lomas and Bryan Volkel, as well as 
Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze to the case. Lt. David Paden supervised the 
operation as the deputies had time. The officers tracked down numerous 
individuals who had been involved in the case in the 1980s, reaching as 
far as the Pacific Northwest."In October of this year, new 
evidence was obtained that allowed the sheriff's office to submit the 
case to the Barton County Attorney, Mr. Levi Morris, for review," 
Bellendir said. "After approximately four weeks of review, Mr. Morris 
obtained an arrest for murder in the second degree, and the arrest of 
Steven L. Hanks, age 68, of Burden. Hanks was a neighbor to the victim 
at the time of the homicide."Hanks was arrested by Kansas Bureau 
of Investigation agents Thursday evening in Oxford and turned over to 
the Barton County Sheriff's Office for transportation back to Great 
Bend. He is currently being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond. Morris
 said Hanks could make his first appearance in front of a district court
 judge as early as Friday afternoon or sometime Monday. The next step 
will be a preliminary hearing for the second-degree murder charge."The
 facts that we know, and believe they are, and believe we can prove in 
court fit that charge rather than any charges higher or lower," Morris 
said. "That can change either to be higher or lower at the preliminary 
hearing or at any time close to trial."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617825772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bellendir was pleased to bring a level of closure to the case after 
42 years.&nbsp;"Homicides are never closed," he said. "As long as you have a 
homicide case, it remains open until you get it closed one way or the 
other. This has case has been open ever since I've been a law 
enforcement officer. "I started with the sheriff's office in 
1982. This has been an irritation for the sheriff's office that we've 
never been able to close this case. A lot of investigators have tried to
 close this case, and we were unable, at that time, to get the 
information we needed."Bellendir thanked the many agencies that 
assisted in the investigation, including the KBI, Great Bend Police 
Department, Oxford Police Department, Cowley County Sheriff's Office, 
Winfield Police, Burden Police Department, and Everett Police Department
 in Washington state. He also gave high praise to his own detectives."The
 credit in this case goes to my detective division, who were in the 
trenches doing the nuts and bolts work," he said. "These are long, 
complicated investigations, and tedious. The credit really goes to my 
people."This is such a complicated case with so many moving 
pieces," he continued. "The credit goes all the way back to the early 
1980s to the first cops that responded to the scene. The KBI has 
assisted us greatly in the case. Chief Haulmark is fairly new to the 
community, but he was personally out digging around in boxes trying to 
find records we needed from the 1980s. This was a joint effort."Bellendir
 said Walter does still have family living in Kansas. At the time of her
 death, Mary was married to Doug Walter, who died in 2021, without 
closure in the case. "On the anniversary of her death, that was
 the day he would go in the basement," said one of Doug's stepdaughters,
 who was present at Friday's press conference. "All the lights would be 
off, and he didn't want anyone to bother him." Two stepdaughters 
moved in with Doug after he remarried, even though some considered him 
to be a suspect. Many originally thought Hanks committed the crime."I
 feel like a lot of people thought he did it," said the stepdaughter. 
"It was no big deal. We didn't think anything of it until now that we're
 older and we look back, and people always say they thought Doug did it.
 It's nice to have proof that he didn't."