By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The spirit of the season

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

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8GDu9UqMCXE"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Hobson and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Johnson.&nbsp;

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hands busied themselves with glue, holly, and bright red and green paint on a work table filled with holiday decorations last week.

The students at the WeKan Center have been busy making Christmas decorations to sell at the annual Bethesda Place sale this week in downtown Hays.

The WeKan Center is a program of Hays USD 489 that serves students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and who have completed their high school requirements but are still younger than 21.

"The year they turn 21, they exit and hopefully go out into the real world with employment and some skills so they can live on their own or help at their households," said Dawn Howard, teacher.

The students cook for themselves every day and receive work experience in the community.

"I think the whole reason this program is important is that these young adults are going to be citizens of the Hays community lifelong," Howard said. "Everybody has a purpose in life, and the goal of this program is to help them find their purpose and their niche in the community.

 "I hope as they use the community, part of what we learn is to navigate independently and safely around the community. I hope people see that every one of these young adults can be productive citizens. They just need practice and someone to give them a chance." 

This is only the second year for the WeKan Center, which is in the Hadley Center and shares space with a USD 489 preschool program. The WeKan students help clean up after the WeeKan preschool students.

Because the WeKan Center shares a space with the preschool, which hosts Fort Hays State University students in training, FHSU pays a third, USD 489 pays a third and the special education co-op pays a third of the operating costs.

Howard said the program gives these students extra time to build life and job skills. It has 10 full-time and one part-time student this year.

"The whole point of the WeKan Center is to learn by doing," Howard said. "Just that experience of creating, thinking, problem-solving, learning about money management, time management, all of those things will help them as adults."

The students chose their own projects. Many involved pallet wood, which was provided for free by nearby businesses. The students also used the Arc Thrift Store to find items they needed to complete their decorations.

They made reindeer bells out of flower pots, signs, pallet snowmen, tea light snowmen that could be used on packages, a grinch as well as many other decorations. The students also made a variety of seed bombs that will be available for sale this week.

The WeKan students have been earning money to support their program by cleaning up the stands after FHSU games. The program gave the students small loans out of these funds for the materials they needed for their projects.

The students will pay their loans using proceeds from the sale. The students will keep any remaining proceeds from the sale.

"I want them to have money they can put in their pockets so they can see hard work pays off," Howard said.

She encouraged members of the public to come to the sale and support the students.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> store also will have items made by the men of Bethesda Place, who also have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Bethesda Place store, 126 W. Ninth, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670260640502.jpeg" alt="Johnny Fizthum, 19, WeKan Center student, makes a sign for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> holiday sale in downtown Hays this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Johnny Fizthum, 19, WeKan Center student, makes a sign for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> holiday sale in downtown Hays this weekend. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHands busied themselves with glue, holly, and bright red and green paint on a work table filled with holiday decorations last week. The students at the WeKan Center have been busy making Christmas decorations to sell at the annual Bethesda Place sale this week in downtown Hays.The WeKan Center is a program of Hays USD 489 that serves students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and who have completed their high school requirements but are still younger than 21."The year they turn 21, they exit and hopefully go out into the real world with employment and some skills so they can live on their own or help at their households," said Dawn Howard, teacher.The students cook for themselves every day and receive work experience in the community."I think the whole reason this program is important is that these young adults are going to be citizens of the Hays community lifelong," Howard said. "Everybody has a purpose in life, and the goal of this program is to help them find their purpose and their niche in the community. "I hope as they use the community, part of what we learn is to navigate independently and safely around the community. I hope people see that every one of these young adults can be productive citizens. They just need practice and someone to give them a chance." This is only the second year for the WeKan Center, which is in the Hadley Center and shares space with a USD 489 preschool program. The WeKan students help clean up after the WeeKan preschool students.Because the WeKan Center shares a space with the preschool, which hosts Fort Hays State University students in training, FHSU pays a third, USD 489 pays a third and the special education co-op pays a third of the operating costs. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670260958199.jpeg" alt="WeKan Center student Christian Rogers, 19, works on an ornament for the upcoming Bethesda Place holiday sale. The students at WeKan are learning life and job skills, so they can live more independently. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>WeKan Center student Christian Rogers, 19, works on an ornament for the upcoming Bethesda Place holiday sale. The students at WeKan are learning life and job skills, so they can live more independently. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Howard said the program gives these students extra time to build life and job skills. It has 10 full-time and one part-time student this year. "The whole point of the WeKan Center is to learn by doing," Howard said. "Just that experience of creating, thinking, problem-solving, learning about money management, time management, all of those things will help them as adults." The students chose their own projects. Many involved pallet wood, which was provided for free by nearby businesses. The students also used the Arc Thrift Store to find items they needed to complete their decorations.They made reindeer bells out of flower pots, signs, pallet snowmen, tea light snowmen that could be used on packages, a grinch as well as many other decorations. The students also made a variety of seed bombs that will be available for sale this week.The WeKan students have been earning money to support their program by cleaning up the stands after FHSU games. The program gave the students small loans out of these funds for the materials they needed for their projects.The students will pay their loans using proceeds from the sale. The students will keep any remaining proceeds from the sale. "I want them to have money they can put in their pockets so they can see hard work pays off," Howard said.She encouraged members of the public to come to the sale and support the students.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc">Bethesda Place</a> store also will have items made by the men of Bethesda Place, who also have intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Bethesda Place store, 126 W. Ninth, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Hays WeKan students to show their talents during Bethesda sale this weekend

Growing up in a rural community, 1970 Fort Hays State University alumnus <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98ec498c-9e09-469d-98f8-508fdc52295e">Dr. Glenn Tucker</a> recognized the importance of lending a hand. From the small rural Kansas township of Ogallah, with a current population of 83, Tucker understood the challenges young adults from small communities face when considering their futures. Before passing, Tucker included FHSU in his estate plan to assist future generations of biology students from rural Kansas.

Tucker attended school in Ogallah and nearby WaKeeney before enrolling at Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas to study biology. While higher education offered him the ability to enter the field of epidemiology, he experienced the challenges firsthand that rural students live each day. Tucker wanted to remove barriers and ensure future generations of aspiring biologists from rural Kansas communities could receive a life-changing education from FHSU.

The Glenn J. Tucker Memorial Scholarship will pay forward the education Tucker received at Fort Hays State University to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in biological sciences from rural areas with a graduating class of fewer than 100 students. His gift to Fort Hays State University students demonstrates the impact of an educational legacy, especially to those in rural communities like Tucker’s. This gift will inspire students like Tucker, whose education shaped his life and career.

When considering estate plans, supporters and alumni of FHSU can establish and tailor scholarships to areas or groups they’d most like to help.

Just as Tucker chose to impact rural students from small graduating classes majoring in biological sciences, funds can support specific student demographics, campus involvement, academic majors, or sports. This holiday season, consider making a gift to Fort Hays State or establishing your own scholarship to help students follow their dreams just as Tucker did.

To learn how you can impact students’ lives at Fort Hays State University, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670259809536.jpeg" alt="Glenn Tucker" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Tucker</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU FoundationGrowing up in a rural community, 1970 Fort Hays State University alumnus <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/98ec498c-9e09-469d-98f8-508fdc52295e">Dr. Glenn Tucker</a> recognized the importance of lending a hand. From the small rural Kansas township of Ogallah, with a current population of 83, Tucker understood the challenges young adults from small communities face when considering their futures. Before passing, Tucker included FHSU in his estate plan to assist future generations of biology students from rural Kansas.Tucker attended school in Ogallah and nearby WaKeeney before enrolling at Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas to study biology. While higher education offered him the ability to enter the field of epidemiology, he experienced the challenges firsthand that rural students live each day. Tucker wanted to remove barriers and ensure future generations of aspiring biologists from rural Kansas communities could receive a life-changing education from FHSU.The Glenn J. Tucker Memorial Scholarship will pay forward the education Tucker received at Fort Hays State University to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in biological sciences from rural areas with a graduating class of fewer than 100 students. His gift to Fort Hays State University students demonstrates the impact of an educational legacy, especially to those in rural communities like Tucker’s. This gift will inspire students like Tucker, whose education shaped his life and career.When considering estate plans, supporters and alumni of FHSU can establish and tailor scholarships to areas or groups they’d most like to help.Just as Tucker chose to impact rural students from small graduating classes majoring in biological sciences, funds can support specific student demographics, campus involvement, academic majors, or sports. This holiday season, consider making a gift to Fort Hays State or establishing your own scholarship to help students follow their dreams just as Tucker did.To learn how you can impact students’ lives at Fort Hays State University, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://foundation.fhsu.edu/">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

Fort Hays State alum gives back to rural biology students

The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude dropped by more than a dollar per barrel on Friday to settle a few cents shy of $80 per barrel. In morning trading Monday, WTI prices were up a dollar and change, with the Nymex benchmark contract trading over $81 and London Brent over $86 per barrel. Kansas prices dropped a dollar and a quarter per barrel to close out last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. November prices dropped by a little over two-fifty per barrel to a monthly average of $74.43 per barrel. That's a little over six dollars higher than prices in November of last year. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production reached 368 million barrels in September, an increase of 12 percent over September of last year. Kansas production was down 153,000 barrels from the month before at 2,363,000 barrels, or about 79,000 barrels per day. Output in Texas was over 154 million barrels or about 42% of the national tally.&nbsp; U.S. crude production dipped slightly last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for a fourth straight week. EIA says output is nearly 600,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. Domestic crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down by a million barrels per day from the week before. The Energy Information Administration reported crude stockpiles dropping to just over 419 million barrels as of Nov. 25. That's down 12.6 million barrels from the week before, or roughly eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. State regulators report 154 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas during the month of November, up 39 intents from the month before and 21 intent-notices ahead of last November. The year-to-date tally is 1,611, an increase of 451 intents over a year ago. We spotted three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Kansas rig counts are slightly lower than last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is down two for the week, and 29 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Thursday on one lease in Stafford County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties Friday.&nbsp; Kansas operators competed 12 new wells last week. All 12 were west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Kansas regulators last week okayed four new drilling permits in the eastern half of the state and nine west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. There are 1,522 new drilling locations permitted so far this year. US oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than three percent year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,665 tanker carloads during the week through November 26, down 1,710 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before but remains slightly higher than a year ago. The Biden Administration will open up nearly a million acres off the coast of Alaska for energy exploration, despite a demonstrated lack of interest when the acreage was first offered earlier this year. This sale was included in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, in order to secure the vote of holdout Senator Joe Manchin. The United Arab Emirates are playing on both sides of the free-energy fence. The UAE will dramatically increase energy exports, while at the same time pursuing a net-zero emissions policy throughout the kingdom. That's according to an announcement last week from the kingdom's president who doubles as the chief executive of the state-run oil company. The government announced a huge new oil export facility, and many are questioning the timing. The Biden Administration waited until after the UN climate conference wrapped up in Egypt before revealing its approval of what will be our largest oil-export terminal. The Sea Port Oil Terminal off the Gulf Coast of Texas would add two million barrels per day to U.S. export capacity.

By JOHN P. TRETBARThe near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude dropped by more than a dollar per barrel on Friday to settle a few cents shy of $80 per barrel. In morning trading Monday, WTI prices were up a dollar and change, with the Nymex benchmark contract trading over $81 and London Brent over $86 per barrel. Kansas prices dropped a dollar and a quarter per barrel to close out last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. November prices dropped by a little over two-fifty per barrel to a monthly average of $74.43 per barrel. That's a little over six dollars higher than prices in November of last year. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production reached 368 million barrels in September, an increase of 12 percent over September of last year. Kansas production was down 153,000 barrels from the month before at 2,363,000 barrels, or about 79,000 barrels per day. Output in Texas was over 154 million barrels or about 42% of the national tally.&nbsp; U.S. crude production dipped slightly last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for a fourth straight week. EIA says output is nearly 600,000 barrels per day ahead of last year at this time. Domestic crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down by a million barrels per day from the week before. The Energy Information Administration reported crude stockpiles dropping to just over 419 million barrels as of Nov. 25. That's down 12.6 million barrels from the week before, or roughly eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year. State regulators report 154 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas during the month of November, up 39 intents from the month before and 21 intent-notices ahead of last November. The year-to-date tally is 1,611, an increase of 451 intents over a year ago. We spotted three new intents in Barton County, six in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. Kansas rig counts are slightly lower than last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 21 active drilling rigs east of Wichita, which is down two for the week, and 29 in Western Kansas, which is unchanged. Drilling was underway Thursday on one lease in Stafford County. Operators were about to spud new wells in Ellis and Stafford counties Friday.&nbsp; Kansas operators competed 12 new wells last week. All 12 were west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Kansas regulators last week okayed four new drilling permits in the eastern half of the state and nine west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. There are 1,522 new drilling locations permitted so far this year. US oil-by-rail traffic dropped by more than three percent year-over-year. The Association of American Railroads reports 8,665 tanker carloads during the week through November 26, down 1,710 carloads from the week before. Canadian traffic dropped slightly from the week before but remains slightly higher than a year ago. The Biden Administration will open up nearly a million acres off the coast of Alaska for energy exploration, despite a demonstrated lack of interest when the acreage was first offered earlier this year. This sale was included in the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, in order to secure the vote of holdout Senator Joe Manchin. The United Arab Emirates are playing on both sides of the free-energy fence. The UAE will dramatically increase energy exports, while at the same time pursuing a net-zero emissions policy throughout the kingdom. That's according to an announcement last week from the kingdom's president who doubles as the chief executive of the state-run oil company. The government announced a huge new oil export facility, and many are questioning the timing. The Biden Administration waited until after the UN climate conference wrapped up in Egypt before revealing its approval of what will be our largest oil-export terminal. The Sea Port Oil Terminal off the Gulf Coast of Texas would add two million barrels per day to U.S. export capacity.

News From the Oil Patch: US production up; Kan. production down

First Presbyterian Church in Hays will have a For Children's Good(s) sale on Dec. 15 at the church, 2900 Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670254730231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First Presbyterian Church in Hays will have a For Children's Good(s) sale on Dec. 15 at the church, 2900 Hall.&nbsp;

Church sale will raise money for children, families in need

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670276900152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

With the holiday season upon us, it is a great idea to have a pie, quick bread or cookies stored in the freezer for your family gatherings. Many baked goods freeze and thaw beautifully. The key to success is to follow recommended procedures.

• The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. • Use moisture-proof, vapor-proof wraps or containers such as plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, heavy duty foil and freezer-weight plastic bags and wraps. • Cool baked goods completely before preparing for the freezer. This will prevent moisture condensation from warm food which could make it soggy after thawing. • Be sure there is enough room for expansion when filling containers. Press the air out and seal tightly before freezing.

Cookies freeze well if packed in a rigid container to prevent breakage. If cookies are frosted before freeing, freeze on a cookie sheet, then layer with waxed paper in freezer container. Thaw in container at room temperature. Unfrosted cookies may be stored up to 12 months; frosted ones just 2 months.

Quick breads freeze well too. Make sure you cool completely and wrap well with&nbsp;products noted above. Thaw at room temperature and consider slicing while partially frozen to prevent crumbling. Quick breads can be stored for up to 4 months, but they never last that long at my house!

Unbaked pies have fresher fruit flavor, but the crust may absorb juices and become soggy easier. Brush bottom crust with melted butter and allow to set up before filling. Fruit fillings may be thickened and cooled before adding to crust. Do not slit the top crust before freezing. When you unwrap the pie, cut slits in the top pastry and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and then lower the temperature to 375 degrees and bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the center is bubbly and crust is nicely browned. Unbaked pies can be frozen up to 4 months.&nbsp;

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your baked goods retain flavor and freshness in the freezer. Let me know if you have specific questions that I haven’t covered and I’ll be happy to share. &nbsp;

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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>With the holiday season upon us, it is a great idea to have a pie, quick bread or cookies stored in the freezer for your family gatherings. Many baked goods freeze and thaw beautifully. The key to success is to follow recommended procedures.• The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. • Use moisture-proof, vapor-proof wraps or containers such as plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, heavy duty foil and freezer-weight plastic bags and wraps. • Cool baked goods completely before preparing for the freezer. This will prevent moisture condensation from warm food which could make it soggy after thawing. • Be sure there is enough room for expansion when filling containers. Press the air out and seal tightly before freezing.Cookies freeze well if packed in a rigid container to prevent breakage. If cookies are frosted before freeing, freeze on a cookie sheet, then layer with waxed paper in freezer container. Thaw in container at room temperature. Unfrosted cookies may be stored up to 12 months; frosted ones just 2 months.Quick breads freeze well too. Make sure you cool completely and wrap well with&nbsp;products noted above. Thaw at room temperature and consider slicing while partially frozen to prevent crumbling. Quick breads can be stored for up to 4 months, but they never last that long at my house!Unbaked pies have fresher fruit flavor, but the crust may absorb juices and become soggy easier. Brush bottom crust with melted butter and allow to set up before filling. Fruit fillings may be thickened and cooled before adding to crust. Do not slit the top crust before freezing. When you unwrap the pie, cut slits in the top pastry and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and then lower the temperature to 375 degrees and bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the center is bubbly and crust is nicely browned. Unbaked pies can be frozen up to 4 months.&nbsp;Following these guidelines will help ensure that your baked goods retain flavor and freshness in the freezer. Let me know if you have specific questions that I haven’t covered and I’ll be happy to share. &nbsp;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;&nbsp;

KRUG: Keys to freezing baked goods successfully

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan. on Monday released the following statement marking the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, one year after Sen. Dole’s passing:

“Sen. Bob Dole lived a remarkable life, yet always treated others with respect and kindness. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his personal life, Sen. Dole’s dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a consistent reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world for the better.

“Raised in Russell, Sen. Dole left Kansas to serve in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for President. On the floor of the United States Senate, I am honored to use Sen. Dole’s desk, and I am regularly reminded of his dedication to Kansans and all of his fellow Americans through his incredible life and the enduring legacy he left behind for each of us.

“To carry on Sen. Dole’s legacy of service and remember him on the anniversary of his passing, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is holding the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service. I hope that you will join me in honoring Sen. Dole’s life by performing an act of kindness to a loved one, friend, neighbor or stranger in your community.” For information on the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://hiddenheroes.org/get-involved/doledayofservice/" target="_blank">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269459465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan. on Monday released the following statement marking the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, one year after Sen. Dole’s passing:“Sen. Bob Dole lived a remarkable life, yet always treated others with respect and kindness. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his personal life, Sen. Dole’s dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a consistent reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world for the better.“Raised in Russell, Sen. Dole left Kansas to serve in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for President. On the floor of the United States Senate, I am honored to use Sen. Dole’s desk, and I am regularly reminded of his dedication to Kansans and all of his fellow Americans through his incredible life and the enduring legacy he left behind for each of us.“To carry on Sen. Dole’s legacy of service and remember him on the anniversary of his passing, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is holding the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service. I hope that you will join me in honoring Sen. Dole’s life by performing an act of kindness to a loved one, friend, neighbor or stranger in your community.” For information on the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://hiddenheroes.org/get-involved/doledayofservice/" target="_blank">click here</a>.

MORAN: Remembering Sen. Bob Dole

Three elementary school students at Westside Elementary School took a Hays Post reporter on a tour this week to explain their new family-style lunch program. 

Westside school serves elementary through high school students  who have emotional or behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to attend full days at their home schools. The students receive extra support at the school with the goal of transitioning them back to their home classrooms.

The students used to be bused to other schools for lunch.

One boy showed the reporter where he helps cut fruit for lunch. A second-grader read the question of the day that the students talk about during lunchtime with their peers and teachers.

The day's question was, "What's your favorite thing to do when it snows outside?"

A second grader talked about his high school friend that used to sit with him at lunch. That student is back at Hays High School full-time now, but the students still write notes to each other, and the HHS student visits for lunch occasionally.

The students were also excited to open a large drawer in the office that contained candy, coupons, trading cards and small toys that they can earn for positive behavior.

The students can turn in their positive behavior notes called "You did it slips" into a jar in the office after lunch.

The boys dug through the jar. One slip said you followed staff directions by staying calm. Another boy read his slips "staying quiet" and another "completing math."

The school received a $10,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A Schmidt Foundation to purchase food service equipment and folding circle tables to allow students to eat lunch family-style at the school. 

The folding tables allow the space to be used for other programs throughout the day.

The program launched at the beginning of the school year.

"I love all our students, but sometimes our students with their trauma and back history, they feel better in chaos than being calm. We see great things happening," Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education director, said of the lunch program.

Younger students are paired with high school students to be friends at meals.

An older student helping a younger student at the lunch table can be a big step for both students, she said.

"We also have those little bursts of 'this feels really uncomfortable to be a leader or to do loving things,' so we are working through that process with a lot of the kids," McDaniel said.

"I would say at lunch every day, there is a shining moment of, wow, that's something they didn't do at the beginning of the year," she said. 

McDaniel cited research that showed students who feel purpose are more likely to come to school. This has been born out this year at Westside with increased attendance since the family-style meal program was implemented.

"Some of our kids if they have had a path of education where they were pretty dysregulated when they were younger and didn't have positive lunch experiences or positive school experiences, this gives them an opportunity to redo some of that through their younger peers," McDaniel said.

"We've had a student say, 'I was little Johnny when I was little. I screamed and kicked and did those things, and I want to help.'"

The students have five minutes before and after they eat their lunch to talk or play tic-tac-toe or a quick round of Pictionary.

The younger students, work on basic manners, such as "Please pass the ketchup." and "May I be excused?"

The donation pays for up to four adults to eat with the children to help build relationships with adults as well. Staff members eat regularly with the students, but the school has also brought in police officers and Superintendent Ron Wilson.

McDaniel said she also would like to have teachers from the students' home schools and even peers eat with the students at Westside in the future.

Although some of the Westside students already eat lunch with their peers at their home schools, the program is a good alternative for students who have days they struggle with their emotional regulation, McDaniel said.

The program also saves instruction time as the students don't have to be bused to other schools in the district to eat lunch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669920895007.jpeg" alt="Westside students and staff eat family-style thanks to a grant from the Robert E. Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Westside students and staff eat family-style thanks to a grant from the Robert E. Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThree elementary school students at Westside Elementary School took a Hays Post reporter on a tour this week to explain their new family-style lunch program. Westside school serves elementary through high school students who have emotional or behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to attend full days at their home schools. The students receive extra support at the school with the goal of transitioning them back to their home classrooms.The students used to be bused to other schools for lunch.One boy showed the reporter where he helps cut fruit for lunch. A second-grader read the question of the day that the students talk about during lunchtime with their peers and teachers.The day's question was, "What's your favorite thing to do when it snows outside?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921149897.jpeg" alt="A Westside third grader helps prep fruit for the school's family-style lunch. Courtesy&nbsp; photo " />
 <figcaption>A Westside third grader helps prep fruit for the school's family-style lunch. Courtesy&nbsp; photo </figcaption>
 </figure>A second grader talked about his high school friend that used to sit with him at lunch. That student is back at Hays High School full-time now, but the students still write notes to each other, and the HHS student visits for lunch occasionally.The students were also excited to open a large drawer in the office that contained candy, coupons, trading cards and small toys that they can earn for positive behavior.The students can turn in their positive behavior notes called "You did it slips" into a jar in the office after lunch.The boys dug through the jar. One slip said you followed staff directions by staying calm. Another boy read his slips "staying quiet" and another "completing math." The school received a $10,000 donation from the Robert E. and Patricia A Schmidt Foundation to purchase food service equipment and folding circle tables to allow students to eat lunch family-style at the school. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921201782.jpeg" alt="Students learn to build connections with their peers, older students and staff members at Westside as part of the school's new lunch program. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Students learn to build connections with their peers, older students and staff members at Westside as part of the school's new lunch program. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The folding tables allow the space to be used for other programs throughout the day. The program launched at the beginning of the school year. "I love all our students, but sometimes our students with their trauma and back history, they feel better in chaos than being calm. We see great things happening," Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education director, said of the lunch program.Younger students are paired with high school students to be friends at meals.An older student helping a younger student at the lunch table can be a big step for both students, she said."We also have those little bursts of 'this feels really uncomfortable to be a leader or to do loving things,' so we are working through that process with a lot of the kids," McDaniel said."I would say at lunch every day, there is a shining moment of, wow, that's something they didn't do at the beginning of the year," she said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921297711.jpeg" alt="Students have time before and after lunch to talk and play games to help build connections with their peers and staff members. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Students have time before and after lunch to talk and play games to help build connections with their peers and staff members. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>McDaniel cited research that showed students who feel purpose are more likely to come to school. This has been born out this year at Westside with increased attendance since the family-style meal program was implemented."Some of our kids if they have had a path of education where they were pretty dysregulated when they were younger and didn't have positive lunch experiences or positive school experiences, this gives them an opportunity to redo some of that through their younger peers," McDaniel said."We've had a student say, 'I was little Johnny when I was little. I screamed and kicked and did those things, and I want to help.'" The students have five minutes before and after they eat their lunch to talk or play tic-tac-toe or a quick round of Pictionary. The younger students, work on basic manners, such as "Please pass the ketchup." and "May I be excused?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669921378296.jpeg" alt="Elementary students rotate helping cut fruit and vegetables as part of Westside's new lunch program. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Elementary students rotate helping cut fruit and vegetables as part of Westside's new lunch program. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>The donation pays for up to four adults to eat with the children to help build relationships with adults as well. Staff members eat regularly with the students, but the school has also brought in police officers and Superintendent Ron Wilson.McDaniel said she also would like to have teachers from the students' home schools and even peers eat with the students at Westside in the future.Although some of the Westside students already eat lunch with their peers at their home schools, the program is a good alternative for students who have days they struggle with their emotional regulation, McDaniel said.The program also saves instruction time as the students don't have to be bused to other schools in the district to eat lunch.

Hays Westside students connect during family-style lunches

GOODLAND — A Goodland man pleaded no contest Monday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse stemming from the death of an infant in May 2020, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a news release.

Steven E. Johnson, 27, Goodland, entered the plea in Sherman County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child abuse. Judge Scott Showalter accepted the plea and set sentencing for 9 a.m. Jan. 30 in Sherman County District Court.

The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670269593466.png" alt="Johnson-photo Sherman Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Sherman Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND — A Goodland man pleaded no contest Monday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse stemming from the death of an infant in May 2020, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a news release.Steven E. Johnson, 27, Goodland, entered the plea in Sherman County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child abuse. Judge Scott Showalter accepted the plea and set sentencing for 9 a.m. Jan. 30 in Sherman County District Court.The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jessica Domme of Schmidt’s office.

NW Kan. man pleads no contest to involuntary manslaughter, child abuse

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A vacancy will occur on the Hays City Commission beginning Jan. 1.

Current Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, R-Hays, was elected to the Ellis County Commission District 1 seat during the<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6e260438-27db-4402-bf8e-e8df621996d4"> August primary election</a>. There were no Democrat challengers on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election.&nbsp;

He recently announced his last day as a city commissioner will be Dec. 31.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed representing the citizens of Hays and want to thank the city staff&nbsp;for their great work,&nbsp; &nbsp;and my fellow city commissioners for their efforts in working well together in these past three years," Berges said. "And I hope to continue that respectful relationship in my future role representing for our county."

Mayor Mason Ruder thanked Berges for his time serving the city.&nbsp;

"You and I came in here  in 2020 as the new people. Started out strong — roundabouts and COVID. If we can get through that, we can get through anything," Mayor Mason Ruder told Berges with a smile. "I appreciate what you've done for the city.

"I look forward in working with you in your [county] capacity."

Any Hays resident interested in being considered to fill the vacancy is encouraged to contact a city commissioner by Thursday, Dec. 8. If appointed, the person will serve one year.&nbsp;

State statute requires the city to fill an officially vacated city commission seat within 10 days.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670011452670.jpeg" alt="Flanked by Mayor Mason Ruder and Commissioner Shaun Musil, Vice-Mayor Michael Berges announces his last day as a Hays city commissioner will be Dec. 31.&nbsp; Berges was elected to the Ellis County Commission to represent District 1 in the Nov. 8 general election. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Flanked by Mayor Mason Ruder and Commissioner Shaun Musil, Vice-Mayor Michael Berges announces his last day as a Hays city commissioner will be Dec. 31.&nbsp; Berges was elected to the Ellis County Commission to represent District 1 in the Nov. 8 general election. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA vacancy will occur on the Hays City Commission beginning Jan. 1.Current Vice-Mayor Michael Berges, R-Hays, was elected to the Ellis County Commission District 1 seat during the<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6e260438-27db-4402-bf8e-e8df621996d4"> August primary election</a>. There were no Democrat challengers on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election.&nbsp;He recently announced his last day as a city commissioner will be Dec. 31."I've thoroughly enjoyed representing the citizens of Hays and want to thank the city staff&nbsp;for their great work,&nbsp; &nbsp;and my fellow city commissioners for their efforts in working well together in these past three years," Berges said. "And I hope to continue that respectful relationship in my future role representing for our county."<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/VsRGdulU-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Berges Resign" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Mayor Mason Ruder thanked Berges for his time serving the city.&nbsp;"You and I came in here in 2020 as the new people. Started out strong — roundabouts and COVID. If we can get through that, we can get through anything," Mayor Mason Ruder told Berges with a smile. "I appreciate what you've done for the city."I look forward in working with you in your [county] capacity."Any Hays resident interested in being considered to fill the vacancy is encouraged to contact a city commissioner by Thursday, Dec. 8. If appointed, the person will serve one year.&nbsp;State statute requires the city to fill an officially vacated city commission seat within 10 days.&nbsp;

🎥 Seat to open on Hays commission with Berges' departure

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9675572-dea2-47d5-95d3-d95230f3b4b1">Second in a two-part series</a>

By ELIZABETH REMBERT, DAVID CONDOS and XCARET NUNEZ <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-11-29/a-hotter-drier-future-could-change-how-we-eat-how-we-breathe-and-where-we-get-our-water">Kansas News Service</a> and Harvest Public Media

Droughts like the one that’s parched crops, drained rivers and 
ignited wildfires this year in the Midwest foreshadow more frequent, 
more severe droughts in the decades ahead.


Long, deep dry stretches could mean you'll click a weather app in the
 morning not to check the forecast for rain — although you may wish for 
it — but to see if dust storms and wildfires are kicking up again.


Growing crops with little water might mean you'll eat cereal made 
from a perennial grain rather than your Corn Flakes or Wheaties. And if 
you want meat, which takes a lot of water to feed cattle, it might not 
be grown in a field.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9675572-dea2-47d5-95d3-d95230f3b4b1">RELATED:&nbsp;Here's how drought has battered the Midwest — and what it might mean for next year</a>

Climate change patterns in the Midwest are expected to accelerate 
drastically in the coming decades. Daniel Whitesel said rainstorms will 
be intense and short, depositing months of rain in days. The hard, 
sun-baked soil won’t be able to take in the moisture.


“There won’t be as many average years,” the climatologist with the 
High Plains Regional Climate Center and the National Drought Mitigation 
Center said. “You’ve heard about 1,000-year precipitation events, right?
 So in a similar light, we could have 1,000-year droughts.”


Life will have to change to find its place in the drier, hotter future, Whitesel said.


Water restrictions could mandate people to abandon their sprinkler 
systems and replace green lawns with native, drought-resistant plants. 
Wildfire precautions may mean skipping the fireworks on the Fourth of 
July to prevent <a href="https://www.klkntv.com/at-least-6-fires-spark-up-in-3-days-as-nebraska-authorities-send-firework-warnings/" target="_blank">errant sparks</a> from scorching consistently-parched neighborhoods.

In the past, the Ogallala Aquifer managed to stave off the worst 
effects of drought. The groundwater nest egg lies beneath much of 
Nebraska and western parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It supplies 
30% of the nation’s irrigation and drinking water for millions of 
people.


But the aquifer’s savior days are numbered — <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1220351110" target="_blank">scientists estimate</a> its southern half in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas <a href="https://hbr.org/2022/11/from-droughts-to-floods-water-risk-is-an-urgent-business-issue" target="_blank">will run out of water in less than 30 years.</a>

Drier, hotter days and a depleted aquifer could spark water trades between states or all-out <a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/why-nebraska-is-igniting-a-western-water-war-with-colorado/" target="_blank">water wars</a>, Whitesel said.

The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, has already started to think about how
 it will provide water to its growing population as the Midwest gets 
hotter and drier.


It can no longer rely on the Platte River, which runs through central
 Nebraska and dried up at some parts throughout the summer, to replenish
 wells.


Liz Elliott stood near the river’s edge recently at the Platte’s eastern tail and looked across its shallow stream.


“Every time I drive across the Platte and you see the dryness, you 
kind of just hold your breath a little bit,” she said, “because if we 
don’t come up with a solution now, we might be too late.”


Elliott is Lincoln's director of transportation and utilities and is 
leading the search for another source of water for the second-largest 
city in Nebraska. The city established the project in 2005, but she said
 this year’s drought emphasized its importance.


“We’re kind of at that apex of ‘What’s next year going to be like if 
we don’t get any snow this winter?’” Elliott asked. “And to make sure we
 have water for the next 100 years, we need to find a second source of 
water.”


Water for public use only <a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water" target="_blank">makes up about 12% of the nation’s freshwater use.</a> Agriculture uses nearly three times as much to irrigate thirsty crops like corn and soybeans.

Nick Jordan, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota, said 
drought will “substantially limit the ability of this part of the world 
to function as one of the major — quote, unquote — breadbasket regions.”


It could mean fewer corn and soybean fields. They have to be planted every year and take a lot of water.


“We have to move away from that or we're going to have a food system 
that's really vulnerable and there's going to be a lot of collateral 
damage to society,” Jordan said.


Tim Crews — who leads research at The Land Institute, a non-profit 
research organization focused on agriculture — sees an opportunity for 
perennial crops, which don’t have to be planted every year and can suss 
out water with deep roots.


Crews said he hopes corn and soybean fields don’t dominate Midwestern
 horizons in the future. He’d like to see a variety of crops on the 
landscape, especially perennials like the wheat-like grain Kernza, or 
perennial peas and alfalfa.


“It is going to require some cultural evolution and adaptation to 
come to terms with new foods in our diet,” Crews said. “But, boy, they 
will be far better suited to the conditions we’re about to face.”


Perennial crops have a difficult path ahead of them. There are 
endless ways to sell corn: to make fuel, corn syrup, antibiotics, 
livestock feed.


“How do we advance perennial agriculture so it becomes a significant 
part of our food system and supports byproducts like ethanol?” Jordan 
asked. “Is there a market? Can farmers stay in business if they grow 
these crops?


The meat industry is also vulnerable to drought. It’s hard to keep cattle comfortable <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-28/the-heat-killed-so-many-kansas-cattle-in-june-that-the-only-place-to-take-carcasses-was-a-landfill" target="_blank">and alive</a> in hot weather, and dry conditions zap the pastures they graze in and raise the cost of feed corn.

Enter lab-grown meat. Emma Ignaszewski researches alternative proteins with the non-profit think tank Good Food Institute.


“Communities have been forced to adapt to increasing droughts, 
floods, fires and crop failures, all while the demand for meat is set to
 double by 2050,” she said. “Cultivated meat could really be part of an 
effort to adapt to climate change.”


She said meat that’s grown from animal cells can get people their 
protein fix. After all, labs don’t need Mother Nature for ideal growing 
conditions.


Dry ground doesn’t just hurt agriculture. It can also hurt people, by
 making its way into their lungs through dust storms like the ones that 
hit western Kansas earlier this fall.


Jesse Bell studies water, climate and health at the University of 
Nebraska Medical Center. He said when drought hits, public health 
declines — even if that’s not immediately clear.


“When you look at other weather-related disasters, you can see the 
impacts on society pretty quickly,” he said. “Drought itself in the 
United States typically isn’t a cause of death. But drought changes the 
environment, and that change in the environment can lead to human health
 outcomes.”


Air pollution from dust-storms and wildfires could cause serious 
problems for people with asthma. Or hot, dry conditions could increase 
heat-related deaths and suicides from farmers struggling with growing 
conditions.


A recently-published study from Bell and his colleagues showed deaths among middle-aged white people in Nebraska <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35710006/" target="_blank">ticked up</a> during drought periods.

“The problems could get worse in the future,” Bell said. “If we can 
start building support within our public health systems to better 
understand the challenges during drought events, that’ll help us better 
prepare for the future.”


David Condos and Xcaret Nuñez contributed to this report, a 
collaboration between Harvest Public Media and the Kansas News Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669754093058.png" alt="Parts of the Platte River in central Nebraska dried up completely this summer, like this stretch near Chapman, Nebraska. " />
 <figcaption>Parts of the Platte River in central Nebraska dried up completely this summer, like this stretch near Chapman, Nebraska. </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9675572-dea2-47d5-95d3-d95230f3b4b1">Second in a two-part series</a>By ELIZABETH REMBERT, DAVID CONDOS and XCARET NUNEZ <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-11-29/a-hotter-drier-future-could-change-how-we-eat-how-we-breathe-and-where-we-get-our-water">Kansas News Service</a> and Harvest Public MediaDroughts like the one that’s parched crops, drained rivers and 
ignited wildfires this year in the Midwest foreshadow more frequent, 
more severe droughts in the decades ahead.
Long, deep dry stretches could mean you'll click a weather app in the
 morning not to check the forecast for rain — although you may wish for 
it — but to see if dust storms and wildfires are kicking up again.
Growing crops with little water might mean you'll eat cereal made 
from a perennial grain rather than your Corn Flakes or Wheaties. And if 
you want meat, which takes a lot of water to feed cattle, it might not 
be grown in a field.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9675572-dea2-47d5-95d3-d95230f3b4b1">RELATED:&nbsp;Here's how drought has battered the Midwest — and what it might mean for next year</a>Climate change patterns in the Midwest are expected to accelerate 
drastically in the coming decades. Daniel Whitesel said rainstorms will 
be intense and short, depositing months of rain in days. The hard, 
sun-baked soil won’t be able to take in the moisture.
“There won’t be as many average years,” the climatologist with the 
High Plains Regional Climate Center and the National Drought Mitigation 
Center said. “You’ve heard about 1,000-year precipitation events, right?
 So in a similar light, we could have 1,000-year droughts.”
Life will have to change to find its place in the drier, hotter future, Whitesel said.
Water restrictions could mandate people to abandon their sprinkler 
systems and replace green lawns with native, drought-resistant plants. 
Wildfire precautions may mean skipping the fireworks on the Fourth of 
July to prevent <a href="https://www.klkntv.com/at-least-6-fires-spark-up-in-3-days-as-nebraska-authorities-send-firework-warnings/" target="_blank">errant sparks</a> from scorching consistently-parched neighborhoods.
In the past, the Ogallala Aquifer managed to stave off the worst 
effects of drought. The groundwater nest egg lies beneath much of 
Nebraska and western parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It supplies 
30% of the nation’s irrigation and drinking water for millions of 
people.
But the aquifer’s savior days are numbered — <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1220351110" target="_blank">scientists estimate</a> its southern half in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas <a href="https://hbr.org/2022/11/from-droughts-to-floods-water-risk-is-an-urgent-business-issue" target="_blank">will run out of water in less than 30 years.</a>
Drier, hotter days and a depleted aquifer could spark water trades between states or all-out <a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/why-nebraska-is-igniting-a-western-water-war-with-colorado/" target="_blank">water wars</a>, Whitesel said.
<h2>Finding a new water supply</h2>The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, has already started to think about how
 it will provide water to its growing population as the Midwest gets 
hotter and drier.
It can no longer rely on the Platte River, which runs through central
 Nebraska and dried up at some parts throughout the summer, to replenish
 wells.
Liz Elliott stood near the river’s edge recently at the Platte’s eastern tail and looked across its shallow stream.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669754184207.png" alt="Liz Elliott stands near the edge of the Platte River, where the river replenishes the wells that provide Lincoln with water. Elizabeth Rembert / Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Liz Elliott stands near the edge of the Platte River, where the river replenishes the wells that provide Lincoln with water. Elizabeth Rembert / Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>“Every time I drive across the Platte and you see the dryness, you 
kind of just hold your breath a little bit,” she said, “because if we 
don’t come up with a solution now, we might be too late.”
Elliott is Lincoln's director of transportation and utilities and is 
leading the search for another source of water for the second-largest 
city in Nebraska. The city established the project in 2005, but she said
 this year’s drought emphasized its importance.
“We’re kind of at that apex of ‘What’s next year going to be like if 
we don’t get any snow this winter?’” Elliott asked. “And to make sure we
 have water for the next 100 years, we need to find a second source of 
water.”
<h2>Changing agriculture</h2>Water for public use only <a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water" target="_blank">makes up about 12% of the nation’s freshwater use.</a> Agriculture uses nearly three times as much to irrigate thirsty crops like corn and soybeans.
Nick Jordan, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota, said 
drought will “substantially limit the ability of this part of the world 
to function as one of the major — quote, unquote — breadbasket regions.”
It could mean fewer corn and soybean fields. They have to be planted every year and take a lot of water.
“We have to move away from that or we're going to have a food system 
that's really vulnerable and there's going to be a lot of collateral 
damage to society,” Jordan said.
Tim Crews — who leads research at The Land Institute, a non-profit 
research organization focused on agriculture — sees an opportunity for 
perennial crops, which don’t have to be planted every year and can suss 
out water with deep roots.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669754225735.png" alt="The wheat-like, perennial grain kernza can be made into cereal, pasta and beer. But it'll be a challenge to convince farmers there's a viable market in perennial crops and sway them from growing reliable annuals like corn and soybeans. The Land Institute" />
 <figcaption>The wheat-like, perennial grain kernza can be made into cereal, pasta and beer. But it'll be a challenge to convince farmers there's a viable market in perennial crops and sway them from growing reliable annuals like corn and soybeans. The Land Institute</figcaption>
 </figure>Crews said he hopes corn and soybean fields don’t dominate Midwestern
 horizons in the future. He’d like to see a variety of crops on the 
landscape, especially perennials like the wheat-like grain Kernza, or 
perennial peas and alfalfa.
“It is going to require some cultural evolution and adaptation to 
come to terms with new foods in our diet,” Crews said. “But, boy, they 
will be far better suited to the conditions we’re about to face.”
Perennial crops have a difficult path ahead of them. There are 
endless ways to sell corn: to make fuel, corn syrup, antibiotics, 
livestock feed.
“How do we advance perennial agriculture so it becomes a significant 
part of our food system and supports byproducts like ethanol?” Jordan 
asked. “Is there a market? Can farmers stay in business if they grow 
these crops?
The meat industry is also vulnerable to drought. It’s hard to keep cattle comfortable <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-07-28/the-heat-killed-so-many-kansas-cattle-in-june-that-the-only-place-to-take-carcasses-was-a-landfill" target="_blank">and alive</a> in hot weather, and dry conditions zap the pastures they graze in and raise the cost of feed corn.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669754263532.png" alt="Cultivated meat, like this cheeseburger, is grown in a lab from animal cells and require no slaughter. When produced at a commercial scale, cultivated meat uses up to 95% less land and 78% less water, according to a study commissioned by the Good Food Institute. Mosa Meat" />
 <figcaption>Cultivated meat, like this cheeseburger, is grown in a lab from animal cells and require no slaughter. When produced at a commercial scale, cultivated meat uses up to 95% less land and 78% less water, according to a study commissioned by the Good Food Institute. Mosa Meat</figcaption>
 </figure>Enter lab-grown meat. Emma Ignaszewski researches alternative proteins with the non-profit think tank Good Food Institute.
“Communities have been forced to adapt to increasing droughts, 
floods, fires and crop failures, all while the demand for meat is set to
 double by 2050,” she said. “Cultivated meat could really be part of an 
effort to adapt to climate change.”
She said meat that’s grown from animal cells can get people their 
protein fix. After all, labs don’t need Mother Nature for ideal growing 
conditions.
<h2>Health consequences</h2>Dry ground doesn’t just hurt agriculture. It can also hurt people, by
 making its way into their lungs through dust storms like the ones that 
hit western Kansas earlier this fall.
Jesse Bell studies water, climate and health at the University of 
Nebraska Medical Center. He said when drought hits, public health 
declines — even if that’s not immediately clear.
“When you look at other weather-related disasters, you can see the 
impacts on society pretty quickly,” he said. “Drought itself in the 
United States typically isn’t a cause of death. But drought changes the 
environment, and that change in the environment can lead to human health
 outcomes.”
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669754304901.png" alt="Strong winds in Pawnee County, Kansas whipped dust into the air in October 2022. Hot, dry conditions prime the way for dust storms and wildfires, which cause air pollution and may present serious problems for people with respiratory illnesses like asthma. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Strong winds in Pawnee County, Kansas whipped dust into the air in October 2022. Hot, dry conditions prime the way for dust storms and wildfires, which cause air pollution and may present serious problems for people with respiratory illnesses like asthma. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Air pollution from dust-storms and wildfires could cause serious 
problems for people with asthma. Or hot, dry conditions could increase 
heat-related deaths and suicides from farmers struggling with growing 
conditions.
A recently-published study from Bell and his colleagues showed deaths among middle-aged white people in Nebraska <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35710006/" target="_blank">ticked up</a> during drought periods.
“The problems could get worse in the future,” Bell said. “If we can 
start building support within our public health systems to better 
understand the challenges during drought events, that’ll help us better 
prepare for the future.”
David Condos and Xcaret Nuñez contributed to this report, a 
collaboration between Harvest Public Media and the Kansas News Service.

Hotter, drier future could change how we eat, breathe, get our water

OPINION: From celebrated Kansan’s past, a leadership legacy for the future

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hays Police Department</a> is joining forces with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LbBrewing?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co.</a> to raise money for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Special Olympics Kansas</a> athletes.

Members of the HPD will be at the Gella's from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The HPD members will approach tables with servers. They will inform the diners about Special Olympics and leave an envelope in which the diners can leave donations, said Brain Dawson, Hays deputy chief.

The HPD volunteers will help serve and bus tables.

"Our goal is to get out there and raise as many funds as we can," Dawson said.

Local law enforcement has historically been a supporter of Special Olympics both fundraising and participating in torch lighting for the Kansas basketball and cheerleading events conducted annually in Hays.

"We like to think the community is aware, but every little bit helps raise awareness of the needs of the athletes and their families," Dawson said.

If you can't make it out to Gella's, you can donate to Special Olympics directly at <a href="https://soks.org/">https://soks.org/</a>.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Hays Police Department</a> is joining forces with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LbBrewing?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Gella's Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing Co.</a> to raise money for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas?__cft__[0]=AZWkWzvALK08V9jkK4MTqPdzVhKrCs4hTpJt6m8d5D_0NCrjcBqpTGwX0YYgPnnuTqDCMrB8ND98w5n8vJXLaiWphrZuK7vo3rKgPZT4RJRumC1DLnjm611TSD-D03SwkUXlbOETjgD3BmIlYAvt8My4iWjkOuOPCl-TSdN2u5IefJYMlXARg_3c28SLcrWBe4U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Special Olympics Kansas</a> athletes.Members of the HPD will be at the Gella's from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.The HPD members will approach tables with servers. They will inform the diners about Special Olympics and leave an envelope in which the diners can leave donations, said Brain Dawson, Hays deputy chief. The HPD volunteers will help serve and bus tables."Our goal is to get out there and raise as many funds as we can," Dawson said.Local law enforcement has historically been a supporter of Special Olympics both fundraising and participating in torch lighting for the Kansas basketball and cheerleading events conducted annually in Hays. "We like to think the community is aware, but every little bit helps raise awareness of the needs of the athletes and their families," Dawson said.If you can't make it out to Gella's, you can donate to Special Olympics directly at <a href="https://soks.org/">https://soks.org/</a>.

Tip a Cop to raise money for Special Olympics Tuesday at Gella's

LARNED — Fort Larned National Historic Site will host its annual Christmas Past celebration from noon to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Get a picture with Santa then take a ride in his horse-drawn carriage, complete with sleigh bells and Christmas wreaths.&nbsp;Other activities include living history in the Barracks and Officers’ quarters, hot apple cider and popcorn in the Visitor Center and demonstrations by the Fort’s blacksmith.&nbsp;

The soldiers and officers at Fort Larned in the 1860s enjoyed Christmas activities and traditions like we do today. Join as we recreate an old-fashioned frontier Christmas at one of the best-preserved Indian Wars era forts in the country. &nbsp;

All items will be 15 percent off in the bookstore and gift shop from Dec. 10 to 18.&nbsp;

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located 6 miles west of Larned on Kansas Highway 156.&nbsp; Find&nbsp;information on visiting at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, by calling 620-285-6911, or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fols_internet@nps.gov">fols_internet@nps.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community services go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.larnedks.org/">www.larnedks.org</a>&nbsp;or call 620-285-6916.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670086553722.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseLARNED — Fort Larned National Historic Site will host its annual Christmas Past celebration from noon to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;Get a picture with Santa then take a ride in his horse-drawn carriage, complete with sleigh bells and Christmas wreaths.&nbsp;Other activities include living history in the Barracks and Officers’ quarters, hot apple cider and popcorn in the Visitor Center and demonstrations by the Fort’s blacksmith.&nbsp;The soldiers and officers at Fort Larned in the 1860s enjoyed Christmas activities and traditions like we do today. Join as we recreate an old-fashioned frontier Christmas at one of the best-preserved Indian Wars era forts in the country. &nbsp;All items will be 15 percent off in the bookstore and gift shop from Dec. 10 to 18.&nbsp;Fort Larned National Historic Site is located 6 miles west of Larned on Kansas Highway 156.&nbsp; Find&nbsp;information on visiting at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nps.gov/fols">www.nps.gov/fols</a>, by calling 620-285-6911, or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fols_internet@nps.gov">fols_internet@nps.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For information on area tourism partners, lodging, dining and community services go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.larnedks.org/">www.larnedks.org</a>&nbsp;or call 620-285-6916.&nbsp;

Enjoy sleigh bells and Santa for Christmas at Fort Larned      

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670008476280.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>

At a meeting last week, the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County shared the insights members gleaned from a series of focus groups.

Finding locations for child care centers is not an issue, but supporting and recruiting providers, and regulatory hurdles are, according to people who attended the focus groups.

Sarah Wasinger, task force member, shared the information with the rest of the task force.

Ellis County would need 640 additional child care spots to reach full capacity.

Several participants who attended the faith-based focus group said their churches have spaces that could be available for child care and their churches would be interested in partnering with providers in some way, Wasigner said.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAt a meeting last week, the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County shared the insights members gleaned from a series of focus groups.Finding locations for child care centers is not an issue, but supporting and recruiting providers, and regulatory hurdles are, according to people who attended the focus groups. Sarah Wasinger, task force member, shared the information with the rest of the task force.Ellis County would need 640 additional child care spots to reach full capacity. Several participants who attended the faith-based focus group said their churches have spaces that could be available for child care and their churches would be interested in partnering with providers in some way, Wasigner said.Wasinger said the Hays Chamber could act as a contact point for providers who might be interested in partnering with one of these faith groups."Because we have the ties to KDHE and Child Care Aware of Kansas, [the chamber] can then connect them with resources on the different things they can access," Wasinger said of potential providers.The faith-based participants shared Centennial Plaza and Epworth Towers could be good places to look toward for creating foster grandparent programs.They also brought up Lincoln Elementary School, which is set to be closed once construction on several Hays USD 489 bond projects is completed.State law would prohibit young children from being housed on the second floor of the building, and Wasinger said there are also limitations to a building that is almost 100 years old. The group discussed bringing modular buildings onto the land. A provider could use the playground that already exists at that location. The provider focus group participants discussed some of the challenges of waiting lists.Bright Minds Academy has a waiting list of 20 to 25 children. The baby room is booked through 2025. Staffing continues to be a challenge because workers can make more money working in the fast food industry, Wasinger said.Bright Minds also raised concerns about the need to raise tuition.&nbsp; Caregivers need to make livable wages, but providers don't want to charge prices that parents can't afford, Wasinger said.Child care workers are required to take a two-week online health and safety course. Providers said it would help if that training could be provided for free. Offering free CPR and first-aid classes on a regular basis could also be an incentive to recruit new child-care workers.Providers expressed frustration with the bureaucracy.&nbsp; Wasinger said it can be months between certification and when a home can open. Provider and task force member Andrea Hoss said she would like the state to issue emergency orders to allow child-care homes or centers to care for more children. Hoss said our community is in a crisis. The community has first responders who can't go to work because they don't have child care, she said. Legislators are often unaware of the child care regulatory hurdles, said Donna Hudson-Hamilton, task force member and director of Early Childhood Connections. She said it is up to providers and members of the task force to educate legislators.State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, has attended some task force meetings, but she was not at the November meeting. Brett Schmidt, provider, said the power to change regulations lies with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. He said suggestions should be brought to that agency.The providers also suggested trying to get business or accounting students to help providers with their bookkeeping. They also discussed the possibility of the task force applying for a grant to purchase business management software for providers or pooling resources to obtain discounts on licenses. Providers have had continued discussions of trying to get a restaurant or caterer to work with providers to produce meals for children in care.Employers said they saw lost productivity if a parent had to bring a child to work because of lack of care. Some employees have been unsure if they will return to work after maternity leave because they don't know if they will be able to secure child care.During the educators' focus group a representative from Tiger Tots child care said that center had a year to year and a half waiting period. The group discussed a hospital in another community that offers child care for sick children. Hudson-Hamilton said she is still working to establish a child care accreditation track at Hays High School. The group talked about tapping into retired teachers as potential child care providers.The task force also discussed organizing quarterly education presentations for providers. They hoped this would also be time providers could offer each other support. The task force is interested in finding sponsors for these meetings so it could provide meals.The task force has received a $30,000 matching grant from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation to use toward a child care awareness campaign. The task force received $15,000 toward the match from the Ellis County Commission plus donations from other charitable groups and businesses. It still needs $3,800 to garner the full Schmidt Foundation match.The Schmidt Foundation will still honor the match dollar-for-dollar even if the full $30,000 is not raised, Wasinger said. If the task force doesn't receive the full $30,000 match, it will reduce its spending on the campaign. The task force hopes to begin the year-long campaign in January. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay