GRANT COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash during the December 15 wind storm have identified the victims.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Doyle Kauk, 78, Hoxie and Thomas Peterson, 55, Cimarron were outside of vehicles they were driving when they were struck and killed.

Just after noon Wednesday, a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Eliazar&nbsp;Degollado, 57, Ulysses, was eastbound on U.S. 160 eight miles west of Kansas 25 as high winds created reduced visibility.

The semi struck multiple vehicles involved in a crash just earlier. The other vehicles included a 1995 International semi driven by&nbsp; Daniel&nbsp;Rodriguez, 43, Ulysses; a 2019 Chevy Spark driven by Cara M. Geyer, 40, Ulysses; a 2007 GMC Yukon driven by Rodney A. Gregg, 22, Ulysses; a 2009 Ford Fire truck driven by Grant D. Unruh, 24, Ulysses; and a 2016 Ford ambulance driven by Jeffrey A. Baier 61, Ulysses.

Kauk and Peterson were outside of their vehicles including&nbsp;a 2018 Buick Enclave and 2020 Chevy Express.

EMS transported&nbsp;Degollado and Geyer to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;EMS transported Gregg the Stanton County Hospital.

Rodriguez was not injured.&nbsp; Baier, Unruh and passengers from the emergency vehicles were working the earlier crash and not injured.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639586809830.png" alt="Dust rolling across Kansas late Wednesday morning -photo NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Dust rolling across Kansas late Wednesday morning -photo NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash during the December 15 wind storm have identified the victims.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Doyle Kauk, 78, Hoxie and Thomas Peterson, 55, Cimarron were outside of vehicles they were driving when they were struck and killed.Just after noon Wednesday, a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Eliazar&nbsp;Degollado, 57, Ulysses, was eastbound on U.S. 160 eight miles west of Kansas 25 as high winds created reduced visibility.The semi struck multiple vehicles involved in a crash just earlier. The other vehicles included a 1995 International semi driven by&nbsp; Daniel&nbsp;Rodriguez, 43, Ulysses; a 2019 Chevy Spark driven by Cara M. Geyer, 40, Ulysses; a 2007 GMC Yukon driven by Rodney A. Gregg, 22, Ulysses; a 2009 Ford Fire truck driven by Grant D. Unruh, 24, Ulysses; and a 2016 Ford ambulance driven by Jeffrey A. Baier 61, Ulysses.Kauk and Peterson were outside of their vehicles including&nbsp;a 2018 Buick Enclave and 2020 Chevy Express.EMS transported&nbsp;Degollado and Geyer to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;EMS transported Gregg the Stanton County Hospital.Rodriguez was not injured.&nbsp; Baier, Unruh and passengers from the emergency vehicles were working the earlier crash and not injured.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

NW Kan. man among victims in 8-vehicle crash during dust storm

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Council for Economic Education president and CEO Jim Graham.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kan. Council for Economic Education president and CEO Jim Graham" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ttzan-115d19f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Council for Economic Education president and CEO Jim Graham.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Council for Economic Education president and CEO Jim Graham

<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021">https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021</a>

Farmers and ranchers who have had livestock death losses, livestock injuries, feed losses, or other losses as a result of the wildfire and storms this week are asked to contact your local USDA-FSA office to notify them of the damage as soon as possible. This will help your county office obtain access to relief funding.&nbsp; In addition, you are reminded that&nbsp;documentation is key: save receipts, write down loss details, take photos, etc.&nbsp; More detail about FSA programs and resources can be found below at "Links to Federal Programs and Services." <a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$listExpandAllLnk','')">Expand all</a>

<a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$listExpandAllLnk','')">Expand all</a>

----------------------------------------------------

K-State Extension resources on natural disasters

<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/natural-disasters/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/natural-disasters/</a>

Disasters happen, but knowing more about hazards and threats can help reduce the likelihood or the severity. K-State Research and Extension and the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) provide information specific to communities, home, and agriculture.

Kansas wildfire and severe weather disaster relief resources:

Resources related to mental health and wellness

Resources related to food safety following a disaster

<h2>Kansas Recovery Resources</h2><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021">https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021</a>Farmers and ranchers who have had livestock death losses, livestock injuries, feed losses, or other losses as a result of the wildfire and storms this week are asked to contact your local USDA-FSA office to notify them of the damage as soon as possible. This will help your county office obtain access to relief funding.&nbsp; In addition, you are reminded that&nbsp;documentation is key: save receipts, write down loss details, take photos, etc.&nbsp; More detail about FSA programs and resources can be found below at "Links to Federal Programs and Services." <a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$listExpandAllLnk','')">Expand all</a><ul>
 <li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl0$listItemToggleLnk','')">Need help? Post your need on HitchPin</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl1$listItemToggleLnk','')">Emergency Hay Distribution</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl2$listItemToggleLnk','')">Livestock Welfare</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl3$listItemToggleLnk','')">Assistance with Livestock Disposal/Burial</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl4$listItemToggleLnk','')">Links to Federal Programs and Services</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl5$listItemToggleLnk','')">Help for Farmers and Ranchers in Distress</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl6$listItemToggleLnk','')">Need Harvest/Feeding Assistance?</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl7$listItemToggleLnk','')">KDHE resources for disposal of disaster debris</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl8$listItemToggleLnk','')">Specialty Crop Losses</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl9$listItemToggleLnk','')">Moving hay and supplies</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl10$listItemToggleLnk','')">Disaster Recovery Tips from KSRE</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C034$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl11$listItemToggleLnk','')">Insurance problems? Call consumer hotline</a></li>
 </ul><h2>How can you help?</h2><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$listExpandAllLnk','')">Expand all</a><ul>
 <li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl0$listItemToggleLnk','')">Donate through HitchPin</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl1$listItemToggleLnk','')">Donations of Hay and Supplies</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl2$listItemToggleLnk','')">Financial Support</a></li><li><a href="javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$cphPageContent$C036$ctl00$ctl00$ctl00$listsControl$ctrl0$listItemsControl$ctrl3$listItemToggleLnk','')">Specific Needs in Russell County</a></li>
 </ul>----------------------------------------------------<h2>K-State Extension resources on natural disasters</h2><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/natural-disasters/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/natural-disasters/</a><h2>Natural Disasters</h2>Disasters happen, but knowing more about hazards and threats can help reduce the likelihood or the severity. K-State Research and Extension and the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) provide information specific to communities, home, and agriculture.<h2>Kansas wildfire and severe weather disaster relief resources:</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/news-events/kansas-wildfire-recovery-resources-december-2021" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Agriculture recovery resources</a></li><li><a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/12/16/usda-assists-farmers-ranchers-and-communities-affected-recent" target="_blank">USDA disaster assistance information</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kla.org/news-center/news-releases/news/details/28685/kla-initiates-relief-efforts-for-ranchers-impacted-by-recent-weather-event" target="_blank">Kansas Livestock Associaton relief efforts</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources related to livestock wellness</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/natural-disasters/caring-for-cattle-during-disasters.pdf">Feeding and watering beef cattle during disasters</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr1eRvUwI24" target="_blank">Interview with veterinarian regarding post fire cattle health</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources related to land magement&nbsp;</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/l514.pdf" target="_blank">Rangeland management following wildfire</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2016/04/wild-fire041916.html" target="_blank">Wildfire effects on various grasses</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources related to mental health and wellness</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/" target="_blank">Understanding the impact of trauma&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="http://www.acmhck.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CommunityMentalHealthCentersofKS-Revised-1-10-18.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas community mental health centers map</a></li>
 </ul><h2>Resources related to food safety following a disaster</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html" target="_blank">How to keep food safe after a disaster or emergency</a></li><li><a href="https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage" target="_blank">Refrigerated food and power outages: when to save it and when to throw it out</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/index.html" target="_blank">Food, water, sanitation and hygiene information</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/fires-and-food-safety" target="_blank">Fires and food safety</a></li>
 </ul>

KS Dept. of Ag , KSU extentsion offer fire recovery resources

Holiday cheer was on full display in Hays over the weekend during Frost Fest and other Christmas activities downtown at the Hays Public Library.

Have a look at some of the festivities below.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostHoliday cheer was on full display in Hays over the weekend during Frost Fest and other Christmas activities downtown at the Hays Public Library.Have a look at some of the festivities below.<figure>
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📷 Making Hays merry and bright DHDC hosts Frost Fest

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason recently announced the appointment of Wesley Wintch as vice president of Administration and Finance.

Wintch brings more than two decades of higher education, teaching, and financial leadership experience to FHSU, having spent the last six years at Valley City State University (N.D.) as vice president for Business Affairs. He served briefly under Mason when she was president of VCSU.

Wintch succeeds Michael Barnett, who will retire after more than 17 years in the role at FHSU.&nbsp;

“I know Wesley as a principled, skilled, and hardworking professional, who will bring integrity, thoughtfulness and extensive senior leadership experience to this position,” Mason said. “He will be an incredible asset to our senior leadership team.”

As FHSU’s VP for Administration and Finance, Wintch will oversee the university’s administrative functions and key operational areas, including financial management, facilities planning, physical plant oversight, accounting, business services, purchasing, human resources, University Police, cash management, and auxiliary budgets.

Additionally, Wintch will serve as a member of FHSU’s Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, and the President’s Cabinet. He will help develop strategies to leverage institutional resources, ensuring alignment with academic priorities, and providing leadership for university-wide strategic planning in support of the institutional mission and priorities. Wintch’s start date will be Feb. 7, 2021.

“I am very excited to join the Fort Hays State University community,” Wintch said. “During my recent time on campus, I was impressed with many things, especially with the people I met. The warmth they directed toward me and the commitment I saw to the university’s mission was remarkable. While I will miss my colleagues and friends at Valley City State University, I am looking forward to joining the team at FHSU, learning and working hard together to advance the university.”

In his role as vice president for Business Affairs at Valley City State, Wintch and the division he was responsible for university finance, budgeting, strategic planning, operations management, data analysis, safety/risk management, capital planning, and capital projects oversight, human resources management, and personnel training and development with a proven track record of increasing profits and cutting expenses.&nbsp;

Prior to VCSU, Wintch held leadership roles in higher education and in the private sector, including service as the Human Resource Director and Controller at Avalon Hills Health Care, as an HR consultant and payroll accountant for Practical People Services, as the senior accountant for TJ Development. He also held a professorship in business at Brigham Young University and worked as a foreign market manager for Neways International.&nbsp;

Wintch has served as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and as a youth basketball coach. He also serves as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has played piano for various community functions such as the Lions Club, Festival of Lights, and the rodeo parade.

Wintch earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, both with honors, from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639587919105.png" alt="Wesley Wintch" />
 <figcaption>Wesley Wintch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University President Tisa Mason recently announced the appointment of Wesley Wintch as vice president of Administration and Finance.Wintch brings more than two decades of higher education, teaching, and financial leadership experience to FHSU, having spent the last six years at Valley City State University (N.D.) as vice president for Business Affairs. He served briefly under Mason when she was president of VCSU.Wintch succeeds Michael Barnett, who will retire after more than 17 years in the role at FHSU.&nbsp;“I know Wesley as a principled, skilled, and hardworking professional, who will bring integrity, thoughtfulness and extensive senior leadership experience to this position,” Mason said. “He will be an incredible asset to our senior leadership team.”As FHSU’s VP for Administration and Finance, Wintch will oversee the university’s administrative functions and key operational areas, including financial management, facilities planning, physical plant oversight, accounting, business services, purchasing, human resources, University Police, cash management, and auxiliary budgets.Additionally, Wintch will serve as a member of FHSU’s Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, and the President’s Cabinet. He will help develop strategies to leverage institutional resources, ensuring alignment with academic priorities, and providing leadership for university-wide strategic planning in support of the institutional mission and priorities. Wintch’s start date will be Feb. 7, 2021.“I am very excited to join the Fort Hays State University community,” Wintch said. “During my recent time on campus, I was impressed with many things, especially with the people I met. The warmth they directed toward me and the commitment I saw to the university’s mission was remarkable. While I will miss my colleagues and friends at Valley City State University, I am looking forward to joining the team at FHSU, learning and working hard together to advance the university.”In his role as vice president for Business Affairs at Valley City State, Wintch and the division he was responsible for university finance, budgeting, strategic planning, operations management, data analysis, safety/risk management, capital planning, and capital projects oversight, human resources management, and personnel training and development with a proven track record of increasing profits and cutting expenses.&nbsp;Prior to VCSU, Wintch held leadership roles in higher education and in the private sector, including service as the Human Resource Director and Controller at Avalon Hills Health Care, as an HR consultant and payroll accountant for Practical People Services, as the senior accountant for TJ Development. He also held a professorship in business at Brigham Young University and worked as a foreign market manager for Neways International.&nbsp;Wintch has served as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and as a youth basketball coach. He also serves as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has played piano for various community functions such as the Lions Club, Festival of Lights, and the rodeo parade.Wintch earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, both with honors, from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University.&nbsp;

FHSU selects new VP of Administration and Finance

Four second-year students in Fort Hays State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders brought home first-place honors from a state competition earlier this fall. And the winning team gained more than a traveling trophy and a plaque.

For claiming top honors in the Prairie Bowl Praxis Cup in Wichita, FHSU’s winning team members also each earned the right to have their fee waived for the national certification examination. That fee is $146 per student.

The biggest prize, the students say, was getting the opportunity to hear the types of questions that will be on the exam. Students were asked questions in a quiz bowl format, where they earned points for answering correctly – and quicker than their opponent.

“We will be taking this exam before our graduation in May, so it was a great experience to see what the questions will be like,” said FHSU’s Halle Knigge, a student from Fairbury, Neb. “The best part of the competition was all the students and faculty who were there cheering us on.”

Joining Knigge on FHSU’s first-place team, and their hometowns, were Madison Shandy, McPherson; Cody Stephenson, Wellsville; and Morgan Weber, Hays. Gabrielle Wilson from Colby served as an alternate and also will have her national exam fee waived.&nbsp;

The Prairie Bowl Praxis Cup is an annual competition among students from the four state universities that offer CSD programs – FHSU, Wichita State, Kansas State, and Kansas. The competition was held in conjunction with the annual conference of the Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Association in Wichita. Fort Hays State scored 21.28 points to beat out runner-up Wichita State by 1.93 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639753398425.jpeg" alt="Team members of FHSU’s winning Prairie Bowl Praxis competition this semester were from left: Morgan Weber, Halle Knigge, Madison Shandy, and Cody Stephenson." />
 <figcaption>Team members of FHSU’s winning Prairie Bowl Praxis competition this semester were from left: Morgan Weber, Halle Knigge, Madison Shandy, and Cody Stephenson.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFour second-year students in Fort Hays State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders brought home first-place honors from a state competition earlier this fall. And the winning team gained more than a traveling trophy and a plaque.For claiming top honors in the Prairie Bowl Praxis Cup in Wichita, FHSU’s winning team members also each earned the right to have their fee waived for the national certification examination. That fee is $146 per student.The biggest prize, the students say, was getting the opportunity to hear the types of questions that will be on the exam. Students were asked questions in a quiz bowl format, where they earned points for answering correctly – and quicker than their opponent.“We will be taking this exam before our graduation in May, so it was a great experience to see what the questions will be like,” said FHSU’s Halle Knigge, a student from Fairbury, Neb. “The best part of the competition was all the students and faculty who were there cheering us on.”Joining Knigge on FHSU’s first-place team, and their hometowns, were Madison Shandy, McPherson; Cody Stephenson, Wellsville; and Morgan Weber, Hays. Gabrielle Wilson from Colby served as an alternate and also will have her national exam fee waived.&nbsp;The Prairie Bowl Praxis Cup is an annual competition among students from the four state universities that offer CSD programs – FHSU, Wichita State, Kansas State, and Kansas. The competition was held in conjunction with the annual conference of the Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Association in Wichita. Fort Hays State scored 21.28 points to beat out runner-up Wichita State by 1.93 points.

FHSU students claim first place in state competition

Three-day weather outlook

Can the weather get any crazier? When we do have crazy weather, there is always a chance we may have a power outage. Karen Blakeslee, K-State Research and Extension Food Safety Specialist shares these important tips:&nbsp;

Keep the freezer full to keep foods frozen longer. During a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer will hold temperature about 48 hours.

After a Power Outage, never&nbsp;taste food to determine its safety.&nbsp;When In Doubt, Throw It Out! Follow these tips for unsafe foods from the refrigerator:

Learn more about power outage food safety at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/disaster.html">www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/disaster.html</a>

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Can the weather get any crazier? When we do have crazy weather, there is always a chance we may have a power outage. Karen Blakeslee, K-State Research and Extension Food Safety Specialist shares these important tips:&nbsp;Keep the freezer full to keep foods frozen longer. During a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer will hold temperature about 48 hours.<ul>
 <li>The refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours. If the power is off longer, you can transfer food to a cooler and fill with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure there is enough ice to keep food in the cooler at 40°F or below. Add more ice to the cooler as it begins to melt.</li><li>A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full).</li><li>Obtain dry ice or block ice if your power is going to be out for a prolonged period. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot freezer for 2 days.&nbsp;(Caution: Do not touch dry ice with bare hands or place it in direct contact with food.)</li><li>In freezers, food in the front, in the door, or in small, thin packages will defrost faster than large, thick items or food in the back or bottom of the unit.</li>
 </ul>After a Power Outage, never&nbsp;taste food to determine its safety.&nbsp;When In Doubt, Throw It Out! Follow these tips for unsafe foods from the refrigerator:<ul>
 <li>Discard the following if your refrigerator has been without power for more than 4 hours:&nbsp;</li><li>raw, cooked, or leftover meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and egg substitutes;</li><li>luncheon meat and hot dogs;</li><li>casseroles, soups, stews, and pizza;</li><li>mixed salads (i.e., chicken, tuna, macaroni, potato);</li><li>gravy and stuffing;</li><li>milk, cream, yogurt, sour cream, and soft cheeses;</li><li>cut fruits and vegetables (fresh);</li><li>cooked vegetables;</li><li>fruit and vegetable juices (opened);</li><li>creamy-based salad dressing;</li><li>batters and doughs (i.e., pancake batter, cookie dough);</li><li>custard, chiffon, or cheese pies;</li><li>cream-filled pastries; and</li><li>garlic stored in oil.</li><li>Discard opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and horseradish if they were held above 50 °F for over 8 hours.</li><li>Discard any foods like bread or salad greens that may have become contaminated by juices dripping from raw meat, poultry, or fish.</li><li>In general, if any food has an unusual odor, color, or texture,&nbsp;throw it out.</li>
 </ul>These are Safe-to-Eat Foods:<ul>
 <li>High-acid foods such as mustard, ketchup, relishes, pickles, non-creamy salad dressings, jams, and jellies; however, they may spoil sooner.</li><li>Foods that don't actually require refrigeration. These foods may be used unless they turn moldy or have an unusual odor;&nbsp;</li><li>whole fruits and vegetables (fresh);</li><li>fruit and vegetable juices (unopened);</li><li>dried fruits and coconut;</li><li>baked goods such as fruit pies, bread, rolls, muffins, and cakes (except those with cream cheese frosting or cream fillings);</li><li>hard and processed cheeses;</li><li>butter and margarine;</li><li>fresh herbs and spices;</li><li>flour; and</li><li>nuts</li>
 </ul>Learn more about power outage food safety at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/disaster.html">www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/disaster.html</a>	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Can the weather get any crazier?

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;Osborne&nbsp;County&nbsp;Rural Water District&nbsp;No. 2.&nbsp;This advisory is not related to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

The advisory took effect on&nbsp;Dec. 19 and&nbsp;will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE issued the advisory&nbsp;because&nbsp;of a&nbsp;&nbsp;loss of electrical service&nbsp;at a pumping booster station&nbsp;caused&nbsp;a loss of&nbsp;water&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals&nbsp;and&nbsp;possible&nbsp;bacterial&nbsp;contamination.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;For consumer questions,&nbsp;please contact the water system, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTkuNTA1NTc5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.vtrmXmNZnGuuYotC74OHkj1Uiu2x5CE1eS7rK2-ZxxI/s/1305913623/br/123402860218-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>&nbsp;

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;Osborne&nbsp;County&nbsp;Rural Water District&nbsp;No. 2.&nbsp;This advisory is not related to COVID-19.&nbsp;Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.&nbsp;</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.&nbsp;</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.&nbsp;</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on&nbsp;Dec. 19 and&nbsp;will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE issued the advisory&nbsp;because&nbsp;of a&nbsp;&nbsp;loss of electrical service&nbsp;at a pumping booster station&nbsp;caused&nbsp;a loss of&nbsp;water&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals&nbsp;and&nbsp;possible&nbsp;bacterial&nbsp;contamination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;For consumer questions,&nbsp;please contact the water system, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTkuNTA1NTc5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.vtrmXmNZnGuuYotC74OHkj1Uiu2x5CE1eS7rK2-ZxxI/s/1305913623/br/123402860218-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>&nbsp;Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

Boil order issued for rural Osborne County water district

For some, 2021 has been filled with darkness. You may have lost a loved one and are still coping with that death. Maybe you are living with the diagnosis of cancer or some other medical condition that puts a question mark over the future. Others may be dealing with a divorce or a shattered relationship, living with a difficult work situation, struggling to conceive a baby, living with loneliness and isolation, or experiencing financial difficulties. Or perhaps this season is a time that is difficult for other reasons.

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is depicted in movies or in greeting cards. Typical holiday festivities—caroling, decorating, buying gifts, Christmas parties, family gatherings—leave little room for feelings of pain or grief, and we experience feelings of isolation. Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us.&nbsp;

In response, the Parish Nurse Ministry offers The Longest Night Service, offering a somber, gentle space for the community to gather on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The service is simple: candles are lit, scripture is read, and the focus is on personal needs in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. This non-denominational worship experience is a way to acknowledge the reality of difficult or painful life circumstances, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus’ coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. This is a quiet meditative time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Those who do experience this season as a happy time can also find meaning in The Longest Night Service, as it serves as a time of quiet retreat from the hectic nature of the commercial aspect of the season and guides worshippers back to the real meaning of Christmas.

The Longest Night Service will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 338 N. 7th St. in WaKeeney. The service will be followed by an opportunity to pray or meditate in the sanctuary for those who wish to do so. Please help spread the word in the community to friends and neighbors, and feel free to call Nancy or the church office at 785-743-2005 (please leave a message) with any questions or concerns, or to request a ride.

“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.&nbsp; Psalm 69:3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639671292604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFor some, 2021 has been filled with darkness. You may have lost a loved one and are still coping with that death. Maybe you are living with the diagnosis of cancer or some other medical condition that puts a question mark over the future. Others may be dealing with a divorce or a shattered relationship, living with a difficult work situation, struggling to conceive a baby, living with loneliness and isolation, or experiencing financial difficulties. Or perhaps this season is a time that is difficult for other reasons.For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is depicted in movies or in greeting cards. Typical holiday festivities—caroling, decorating, buying gifts, Christmas parties, family gatherings—leave little room for feelings of pain or grief, and we experience feelings of isolation. Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us.&nbsp;In response, the Parish Nurse Ministry offers The Longest Night Service, offering a somber, gentle space for the community to gather on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The service is simple: candles are lit, scripture is read, and the focus is on personal needs in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. This non-denominational worship experience is a way to acknowledge the reality of difficult or painful life circumstances, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus’ coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. This is a quiet meditative time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.Those who do experience this season as a happy time can also find meaning in The Longest Night Service, as it serves as a time of quiet retreat from the hectic nature of the commercial aspect of the season and guides worshippers back to the real meaning of Christmas.The Longest Night Service will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 338 N. 7th St. in WaKeeney. The service will be followed by an opportunity to pray or meditate in the sanctuary for those who wish to do so. Please help spread the word in the community to friends and neighbors, and feel free to call Nancy or the church office at 785-743-2005 (please leave a message) with any questions or concerns, or to request a ride.“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.&nbsp; Psalm 69:3

Longest Night Service scheduled in WaKeeney

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jason Jordan knew he wanted to continue to work in the field he loved and in a community he loved.

Jordan, 31, returned to Hays this summer after a coaching stint with Pratt Community College softball to become the Arc of the Central Plains activities director.

His goal since taking over the position from Brent Kaiser, who left the Arc to take a position with Special Olympics, is to restart activities for the intellectual and developmentally disabled community members — most of which were canceled since March 202o with the onset of the pandemic.

"My first goal is to get us back to where we were before COVID hit," he said.

Arc participants were able to play softball this summer, volleyball in the fall and just began basketball season. The Arc has also launched bocce, which the organization hasn't offered for many years.

"I plan on bringing a new twist and new activities for the IDD community," he said, "but also the big push right now is to get back to as normal as possible of a schedule with dances and bingo and different activities."

The Arc sponsored its first dance/bingo night in two years on Dec. 3.

"The mental health aspect of being isolated is not good for anybody, including the population we serve," Jordan said, "but then the other part is just physical activity.

"I see a huge spike in physical health. We just need to get back to being active and competing in sports or getting out and walking and doing different things we just haven't done a lot this last year because of COVID and having to stay indoors."

Jordan said the Arc creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities that they would not have any other way. Those opportunities are largely funded through the Arc Thrift Store in downtown Hays. 

Jordan, who is from Fort Collins, Colo., attended college at Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor's degree in recreation and a master's in sports administration.

He landed a position as an assistant coach with the FHSU softball team. He coached at FHSU for three years before moving to Pratt to coach there.

However, Jordan said he missed Hays and the Arc job allowed him to return to the community.

"One of my biggest passions is sports, so finding something to do with sports was a huge part of what I was searching for," he said, "but also a passion to give back to the community.

"With this position, there was a wider range of being able to help a need in Ellis County and also to give back with the skill sets that I have been gifted with to help the programming and different activities we have here in Hays."

Jordan attends Celebration Community Church and coming back to Hays also allowed him to reconnect with an important core group of friends.

"It's more the people I enjoy most here about Hays, and just the small community we do have here," he said.

Jordan had limited experience volunteering with developmentally disabled individuals before he took the job with the Arc, but he had experience dealing with physical limitation.

He had hoped to play baseball in college. However, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma when he was a senior in high school and then later non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He is coming up on 10 years in remission in a couple of months.

"It sucked going through it, but it also pointed me on the path to where I am today," Jordan said. "It was a lot of learning curves, and being able to push myself to get to here is what's made it exciting."

He no longer had the physical conditioning to play at the college level, but spent a summer playing semi-professional baseball in Central America after high school.

Jordan played double hitters almost every night, putting 12 to 13 hours per day into baseball.

"It was fun to see different cultures, and it brought people from different parts of the world to play on the team," he said. "We got to play some of the top athletes in the world and a lot of them went on to play professional baseball. 

"It's fun to look back on the group of friends that I made at that time. and see them having successful playing careers and coaching careers. We all took different paths out of there, but it all brought us together for a summer."

The Arc is always needing volunteers, especially long-term volunteers who could commit to traveling with the teams. For those interested, call Jordan at the Arc at ​785-628-8831 or stop by the office at 600 Main, Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639078235480.jpeg" alt="Jason Jordan, new activities director at the Arc of the Central Plains, talks with a participant in the Arc's basketball program at a recent practice. " />
 <figcaption>Jason Jordan, new activities director at the Arc of the Central Plains, talks with a participant in the Arc's basketball program at a recent practice. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJason Jordan knew he wanted to continue to work in the field he loved and in a community he loved.Jordan, 31, returned to Hays this summer after a coaching stint with Pratt Community College softball to become the Arc of the Central Plains activities director.His goal since taking over the position from Brent Kaiser, who left the Arc to take a position with Special Olympics, is to restart activities for the intellectual and developmentally disabled community members — most of which were canceled since March 202o with the onset of the pandemic."My first goal is to get us back to where we were before COVID hit," he said.Arc participants were able to play softball this summer, volleyball in the fall and just began basketball season. The Arc has also launched bocce, which the organization hasn't offered for many years."I plan on bringing a new twist and new activities for the IDD community," he said, "but also the big push right now is to get back to as normal as possible of a schedule with dances and bingo and different activities."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639078551372.jpeg" alt="Jason Jordan watches as an Arc athlete practices taking shots during a recent basketball practice. " />
 <figcaption>Jason Jordan watches as an Arc athlete practices taking shots during a recent basketball practice. </figcaption>
 </figure>The Arc sponsored its first dance/bingo night in two years on Dec. 3."The mental health aspect of being isolated is not good for anybody, including the population we serve," Jordan said, "but then the other part is just physical activity."I see a huge spike in physical health. We just need to get back to being active and competing in sports or getting out and walking and doing different things we just haven't done a lot this last year because of COVID and having to stay indoors." Jordan said the Arc creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities that they would not have any other way. Those opportunities are largely funded through the Arc Thrift Store in downtown Hays. Jordan, who is from Fort Collins, Colo., attended college at Fort Hays State University, earning a bachelor's degree in recreation and a master's in sports administration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639078893387.jpeg" alt="Jason Jordan, right, left a job at Pratt Community College to take over the activities director position at the Arc this summer. " />
 <figcaption>Jason Jordan, right, left a job at Pratt Community College to take over the activities director position at the Arc this summer. </figcaption>
 </figure>He landed a position as an assistant coach with the FHSU softball team. He coached at FHSU for three years before moving to Pratt to coach there.However, Jordan said he missed Hays and the Arc job allowed him to return to the community."One of my biggest passions is sports, so finding something to do with sports was a huge part of what I was searching for," he said, "but also a passion to give back to the community."With this position, there was a wider range of being able to help a need in Ellis County and also to give back with the skill sets that I have been gifted with to help the programming and different activities we have here in Hays."Jordan attends Celebration Community Church and coming back to Hays also allowed him to reconnect with an important core group of friends."It's more the people I enjoy most here about Hays, and just the small community we do have here," he said. Jordan had limited experience volunteering with developmentally disabled individuals before he took the job with the Arc, but he had experience dealing with physical limitation.He had hoped to play baseball in college. However, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma when he was a senior in high school and then later non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He is coming up on 10 years in remission in a couple of months."It sucked going through it, but it also pointed me on the path to where I am today," Jordan said. "It was a lot of learning curves, and being able to push myself to get to here is what's made it exciting."He no longer had the physical conditioning to play at the college level, but spent a summer playing semi-professional baseball in Central America after high school. Jordan played double hitters almost every night, putting 12 to 13 hours per day into baseball."It was fun to see different cultures, and it brought people from different parts of the world to play on the team," he said. "We got to play some of the top athletes in the world and a lot of them went on to play professional baseball. "It's fun to look back on the group of friends that I made at that time. and see them having successful playing careers and coaching careers. We all took different paths out of there, but it all brought us together for a summer." The Arc is always needing volunteers, especially long-term volunteers who could commit to traveling with the teams. For those interested, call Jordan at the Arc at ​785-628-8831 or stop by the office at 600 Main, Hays.

Former FHSU student, coach returns to Hays to lead Arc activities

At the end of September, North Central Kansas Technical College graduate Blake Schroeder qualified for Project MFG’s National Welding competition. Project MFG is a program that is hosted by the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.

In this competition, welders had a two-hour time frame and were given prints and welding procedure specifications to complete their project using gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding processes to fabricate a carbon steel pressure vessel.

The competition tested Schroeder’s real-time problem-solving skills, his knowledge of welding techniques and principles, time management, and ability to read and understand blueprints. 

On day one, Schroeder was challenged with a written test and a virtual stick welding challenge in Lincoln Electric’s virtual reality welding lab. The following day, competitors were faced with a time limit and unexpected change orders and were required to incorporate a creative element in their projects. Blake ended up being the first one to complete his project, which gave him bonus points. 

All projects were visually inspected along with being pressure tested. In the end, competitors could receive up to 100 points for the weld portion, the written test and the virtual challenge. Schroeder placed in third with just a seven point difference from first place. First through third place received&nbsp; monetary prizes, but all competitors received duffle bags of Lincoln Electric tools, welding jackets with their names on them, and welding helmets. 

The event was sponsored by Osborn International Inc., Lincoln Electric, and the Department of Defense. Anyone that wishes to watch the competition can view on YouTube by searching: Clash of Trades: Episode 2 National Welding Challenge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639608414061.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAt the end of September, North Central Kansas Technical College graduate Blake Schroeder qualified for Project MFG’s National Welding competition. Project MFG is a program that is hosted by the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.In this competition, welders had a two-hour time frame and were given prints and welding procedure specifications to complete their project using gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding processes to fabricate a carbon steel pressure vessel.The competition tested Schroeder’s real-time problem-solving skills, his knowledge of welding techniques and principles, time management, and ability to read and understand blueprints. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639608904217.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On day one, Schroeder was challenged with a written test and a virtual stick welding challenge in Lincoln Electric’s virtual reality welding lab. The following day, competitors were faced with a time limit and unexpected change orders and were required to incorporate a creative element in their projects. Blake ended up being the first one to complete his project, which gave him bonus points. All projects were visually inspected along with being pressure tested. In the end, competitors could receive up to 100 points for the weld portion, the written test and the virtual challenge. Schroeder placed in third with just a seven point difference from first place. First through third place received&nbsp; monetary prizes, but all competitors received duffle bags of Lincoln Electric tools, welding jackets with their names on them, and welding helmets. The event was sponsored by Osborn International Inc., Lincoln Electric, and the Department of Defense. Anyone that wishes to watch the competition can view on YouTube by searching: Clash of Trades: Episode 2 National Welding Challenge.

NCK Tech welding student places 3rd in national competition

LENORA — The Fiber Broadband Association announced recently it has elected its 2022 Board of Directors. Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager at Nex-Tech, was elected as the new Secretary of the Board for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022.

"I am excited to be joining the Fiber Broadband Association’s Board” stated Todd. “I appreciate the confidence expressed by the membership in electing me for this opportunity. Fiber plays an integral role in the communications infrastructure of today and for our future. FBA has been the leading voice for the benefits of a fiber optics broadband network and the fiber industry. I truly look forward to helping FBA efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of fiber broadband across the United States."

“The FBA Board of Directors plays a critical role in our effort to advance fiber deployment so that every community across North America can access high-speed reliable broadband. In 2021, our Board helped guide us through the momentous passing of the Infrastructure Bill that awarded $65 billion for broadband investment,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the FBA. “As we look towards 2022, there is a huge opportunity for our industry to close the digital equity gap for good, and our newly elected Board has the expertise to help our members navigate this opportunity successfully. I congratulate our newest directors and officers, while also extending gratitude to those that served in 2021.”

Elections for the Board of Directors were held at FBA’s 2021 Premier Members Meeting in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Board officers were elected at the Board meeting. The full 2022 Board of Directors includes:

Chair: Kevin Morgan, Chief Marketing Officer, Clearfield

Vice Chair: Joseph “JJ” Jones, Executive Vice President, On Trac, Inc.

Secretary: Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager, Nex-Tech

Treasurer: Joe Jensen, Director, Americas Market Development, Corning

Immediate Past Chair: Katie Espeseth, Vice President of New Products, EPB

Joanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology &amp; Energy

Mark Boxer, Technical Manager – Solutions and Applications Engineering, OFS

Scott Jackson, National Market Manager – Broadband, Graybar

Ben Moncrief, Sr. VP – Strategic Relations and Managing Director - Alabama, C Spire

Three newly elected Board members will each serve three-year terms starting in 2022: Jimmy&nbsp;Todd, Scott Jackson and Ben Moncrief. Each of these new Board members are veterans of the telecommunications industry and have consistently contributed to the association’s Committees including the Public Policy Committee, Technology Committee, Deployment Specialists Committee and Marketing Committee.&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e3t/Btc/ZO+113/c2T0b04/VWrvmb8-QkLKW6TrJRw3ByknSW8wLjj94C7N1-N93kXFp5nCTJV3Zsc37CgF6rW3xDxr47JVKGNW4zFRVv3wQ71KW3-yswR1gJhH6W1l3PQF8Y1HTCW4VZg--1LjZhtW4BdtXh7K0ThRW8ZlMLj2hCgRjW4JM1R46bqNb_W82yBgP4MvTl1W2h09LV20sdwWW3WjF0M25-vW1W5qHLCF5NpxhmV4v_rH7MwYR6W5cFZbX6kk2TmW8K-rqN7-h_9CW3wVqjH4QSP9rW27sQTy40J8kbN8DgRHfdTNwLW3rfsmC4M7ZHvW5MvzLf83J7_gW2P1jBn4NwR7WW4jmCmR6PbVXhVx08Qf6Mp7-0W2m8kFy1P_qRmMTlxxn5NCcXW3sVBXt7NR45wN8L7KNKx9gvvW39kNTT5pC7lXVHb0vm41b8L0W2sC1-X8QbDsWW5y0Pp81VzMn2MfYMLp29VJk3f7s1" target="_blank"></a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601562391147.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>News releaseLENORA — The Fiber Broadband Association announced recently it has elected its 2022 Board of Directors. Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager at Nex-Tech, was elected as the new Secretary of the Board for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022."I am excited to be joining the Fiber Broadband Association’s Board” stated Todd. “I appreciate the confidence expressed by the membership in electing me for this opportunity. Fiber plays an integral role in the communications infrastructure of today and for our future. FBA has been the leading voice for the benefits of a fiber optics broadband network and the fiber industry. I truly look forward to helping FBA efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of fiber broadband across the United States."“The FBA Board of Directors plays a critical role in our effort to advance fiber deployment so that every community across North America can access high-speed reliable broadband. In 2021, our Board helped guide us through the momentous passing of the Infrastructure Bill that awarded $65 billion for broadband investment,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the FBA. “As we look towards 2022, there is a huge opportunity for our industry to close the digital equity gap for good, and our newly elected Board has the expertise to help our members navigate this opportunity successfully. I congratulate our newest directors and officers, while also extending gratitude to those that served in 2021.”Elections for the Board of Directors were held at FBA’s 2021 Premier Members Meeting in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, Board officers were elected at the Board meeting. The full 2022 Board of Directors includes:Chair: Kevin Morgan, Chief Marketing Officer, ClearfieldVice Chair: Joseph “JJ” Jones, Executive Vice President, On Trac, Inc.Secretary: Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager, Nex-TechTreasurer: Joe Jensen, Director, Americas Market Development, CorningImmediate Past Chair: Katie Espeseth, Vice President of New Products, EPBJoanne Hovis, President, CTC Technology &amp; EnergyMark Boxer, Technical Manager – Solutions and Applications Engineering, OFSScott Jackson, National Market Manager – Broadband, GraybarBen Moncrief, Sr. VP – Strategic Relations and Managing Director - Alabama, C SpireThree newly elected Board members will each serve three-year terms starting in 2022: Jimmy&nbsp;Todd, Scott Jackson and Ben Moncrief. Each of these new Board members are veterans of the telecommunications industry and have consistently contributed to the association’s Committees including the Public Policy Committee, Technology Committee, Deployment Specialists Committee and Marketing Committee.&nbsp;<a href="https://go.nex-tech.com/e3t/Btc/ZO+113/c2T0b04/VWrvmb8-QkLKW6TrJRw3ByknSW8wLjj94C7N1-N93kXFp5nCTJV3Zsc37CgF6rW3xDxr47JVKGNW4zFRVv3wQ71KW3-yswR1gJhH6W1l3PQF8Y1HTCW4VZg--1LjZhtW4BdtXh7K0ThRW8ZlMLj2hCgRjW4JM1R46bqNb_W82yBgP4MvTl1W2h09LV20sdwWW3WjF0M25-vW1W5qHLCF5NpxhmV4v_rH7MwYR6W5cFZbX6kk2TmW8K-rqN7-h_9CW3wVqjH4QSP9rW27sQTy40J8kbN8DgRHfdTNwLW3rfsmC4M7ZHvW5MvzLf83J7_gW2P1jBn4NwR7WW4jmCmR6PbVXhVx08Qf6Mp7-0W2m8kFy1P_qRmMTlxxn5NCcXW3sVBXt7NR45wN8L7KNKx9gvvW39kNTT5pC7lXVHb0vm41b8L0W2sC1-X8QbDsWW5y0Pp81VzMn2MfYMLp29VJk3f7s1" target="_blank"></a>

Nex-Tech CEO named secretary of Fiber Broadband Association board

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is announcing a holiday-themed drop-in event to be held a few days before Christmas.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) come-and-go hands-on activities are scheduled for 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Participants will get to take part in activities that answer questions such as:

• How does Santa Claus fit down a chimney?

• How can Santa’s bag hold gifts for all the boys and girls?

• Can you engineer a better sleigh than Santa?

No registration is required for the free event. For more information, call the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639686756305.jpeg" alt="Come out to the KWEC for a holiday-themed drop-in STEM activity for some hands-on fun." />
 <figcaption>Come out to the KWEC for a holiday-themed drop-in STEM activity for some hands-on fun.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is announcing a holiday-themed drop-in event to be held a few days before Christmas.The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) come-and-go hands-on activities are scheduled for 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22.Participants will get to take part in activities that answer questions such as:• How does Santa Claus fit down a chimney?• How can Santa’s bag hold gifts for all the boys and girls?• Can you engineer a better sleigh than Santa?• How do frogs survive the winter?No registration is required for the free event. For more information, call the KWEC at 1-877-243-9268.Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

KWEC hosting holiday-themed event

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

Would you like to buy a four-door truck for $180?&nbsp;&nbsp;How about a semi truck for $225?&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe a stock trailer for $150?&nbsp;&nbsp;Those prices can’t be real, so you must know that I’m just toying with you.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet an innovative Kansas company that has diversified its product line to include miniature-sized trucks and farm equipment -- toys that are being shipped coast to coast and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Larry and Teresa Goodwin are owners of Goodwin Industries in Burns. One of the company’s product lines is Goodwin Miniatures.&nbsp;

Larry grew up near Burns. He worked with his father, Ron Goodwin, who we previously profiled years ago. Ron produced a line of smokers for cooking meat.&nbsp;

“I learned the skill of welding from my dad,” Larry said. While in high school, he attended tech school in Emporia. Larry opened his own welding shop in Burns and did the manufacturing of the smokers that his father was selling.&nbsp;

In 2006, Ron retired and sold the smoker line. Larry’s business is now known as Goodwin Industries.&nbsp;

Goodwin Industries produces several products in addition to doing custom metal work.&nbsp;&nbsp;They now build another model of the family smoker. The company makes a corn header sweep to go on a combine to help with corn harvest. “We do custom work for individuals and other companies,” Larry said.&nbsp;

Larry and his wife have two sons and two daughters. Their boys, Dustin and Zac, are working in the business.&nbsp;

In 2012, Zac was in college at Pratt and was home for the holidays. With time on his hands, he went to the shop and built some miniature replicas of cattle pens and corrals.&nbsp;

“We were doing farm shows where we were displaying the smokers,” Larry said. “We brought some of the miniatures along and they sold really well,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Goodwins eventually added Goodwin Miniatures to their product line.&nbsp;

These miniatures are 1/16 scale handcrafted steel replicas of semi trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, and cattle working equipment. These are not cheap Made in China products.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are handbuilt in the shop and powder coated to last.&nbsp;

These miniature models include the types of products one might find on a working Kansas farm. In addition to the trucks, there is a grain bin, a flat bed trailer, a ground load trailer, a goose neck trailer, a stock trailer, a hay trailer, a mixer bed, a high loader, a cube box and a bale loader.&nbsp;

For the livestock operator, there are livestock panels, feed bunk, water tank, gate frame, alley, loading chute, squeeze chute, four way connector and a bale feeder. Items are sold individually or in sets. The panels actually connect so they can be arranged in countless ways.&nbsp;

These are considered generational toys. They are built to last and can literally be handed down from generation to generation.&nbsp;

“A customer told us they were at a wedding in Montana and the kids there were playing with our toys from the previous three generations,” Larry said. “They are built to last.”&nbsp;

In fact, he has his own built-in testing crew. “I have three grandboys so we let them play with the toys first,” Larry said. “They are my R&amp;D department – that’s wreck and destroy,” he said with a smile.&nbsp;

Goodwin Miniatures have been shipped across the U.S. including Alaska, from coast to coast and as far away as Alberta, Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s nice to do something that brings people joy,” Larry said.&nbsp;

Their high demand period is from September through December when Larry and his wife take these products to farm and craft shows before the holidays. “We get a really nice response from the people who get them,” Larry said.&nbsp;

It’s great to find this business in a rural community such as&nbsp;Burns, population 228 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goodwinindustries.net/">www.goodwinindustries.net</a><a href="http://www.heartlandsoilservices.com/"></a>.&nbsp;

We commend Larry and Teresa and Ron Goodwin and Dustin and Zac of Goodwin Industries for making a difference with their creativity and craftsmanship. It’s good to see that miniature toys can produce giant-sized smiles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638974403712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Would you like to buy a four-door truck for $180?&nbsp;&nbsp;How about a semi truck for $225?&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe a stock trailer for $150?&nbsp;&nbsp;Those prices can’t be real, so you must know that I’m just toying with you.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet an innovative Kansas company that has diversified its product line to include miniature-sized trucks and farm equipment -- toys that are being shipped coast to coast and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Larry and Teresa Goodwin are owners of Goodwin Industries in Burns. One of the company’s product lines is Goodwin Miniatures.&nbsp;Larry grew up near Burns. He worked with his father, Ron Goodwin, who we previously profiled years ago. Ron produced a line of smokers for cooking meat.&nbsp;“I learned the skill of welding from my dad,” Larry said. While in high school, he attended tech school in Emporia. Larry opened his own welding shop in Burns and did the manufacturing of the smokers that his father was selling.&nbsp;In 2006, Ron retired and sold the smoker line. Larry’s business is now known as Goodwin Industries.&nbsp;Goodwin Industries produces several products in addition to doing custom metal work.&nbsp;&nbsp;They now build another model of the family smoker. The company makes a corn header sweep to go on a combine to help with corn harvest. “We do custom work for individuals and other companies,” Larry said.&nbsp;Larry and his wife have two sons and two daughters. Their boys, Dustin and Zac, are working in the business.&nbsp;In 2012, Zac was in college at Pratt and was home for the holidays. With time on his hands, he went to the shop and built some miniature replicas of cattle pens and corrals.&nbsp;“We were doing farm shows where we were displaying the smokers,” Larry said. “We brought some of the miniatures along and they sold really well,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Goodwins eventually added Goodwin Miniatures to their product line.&nbsp;These miniatures are 1/16 scale handcrafted steel replicas of semi trucks, pickup trucks, trailers, and cattle working equipment. These are not cheap Made in China products.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are handbuilt in the shop and powder coated to last.&nbsp;These miniature models include the types of products one might find on a working Kansas farm. In addition to the trucks, there is a grain bin, a flat bed trailer, a ground load trailer, a goose neck trailer, a stock trailer, a hay trailer, a mixer bed, a high loader, a cube box and a bale loader.&nbsp;For the livestock operator, there are livestock panels, feed bunk, water tank, gate frame, alley, loading chute, squeeze chute, four way connector and a bale feeder. Items are sold individually or in sets. The panels actually connect so they can be arranged in countless ways.&nbsp;These are considered generational toys. They are built to last and can literally be handed down from generation to generation.&nbsp;“A customer told us they were at a wedding in Montana and the kids there were playing with our toys from the previous three generations,” Larry said. “They are built to last.”&nbsp;In fact, he has his own built-in testing crew. “I have three grandboys so we let them play with the toys first,” Larry said. “They are my R&amp;D department – that’s wreck and destroy,” he said with a smile.&nbsp;Goodwin Miniatures have been shipped across the U.S. including Alaska, from coast to coast and as far away as Alberta, Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s nice to do something that brings people joy,” Larry said.&nbsp;Their high demand period is from September through December when Larry and his wife take these products to farm and craft shows before the holidays. “We get a really nice response from the people who get them,” Larry said.&nbsp;It’s great to find this business in a rural community such as&nbsp;Burns, population 228 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goodwinindustries.net/">www.goodwinindustries.net</a><a href="http://www.heartlandsoilservices.com/"></a>.&nbsp;We commend Larry and Teresa and Ron Goodwin and Dustin and Zac of Goodwin Industries for making a difference with their creativity and craftsmanship. It’s good to see that miniature toys can produce giant-sized smiles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Larry Goodwin, Goodwin Industries 

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

The businesses downtown are active. The brick streets are quiet. Two schoolboys are walking home with their bookbags. To the south, pickup trucks and livestock trailers are clustered around the sale barn. Downtown, a large 4-H clover is painted on the intersection of Main Street and Wisconsin Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is Russell, Kansas: Quintessential small town America. The flags in this community are flying half-staff today, because the citizens of this rural community are mourning their favorite son who served his country his entire life.&nbsp;

Robert J. Dole was born in Russell in 1923. His parents had modest means, operating an egg and cream business. Young Bob was a bright and athletic kid who went to the University of Kansas to play basketball. His studies were interrupted when World War II hit and he enlisted in the U.S. Army.&nbsp;

In 1945, as a second lieutenant, Bob Dole was leading his troops into battle in the mountains of Italy when he was struck by an enemy shell. When his fellow soldiers saw the extent of his injuries, they gave him a shot of morphine and used his own blood to write the letter M on his forehead so a medic would know that he had already been administered the drug and would not give him another shot which would prove fatal.&nbsp;

In the military hospital, his fever soared to nearly 109 degrees. It looked like he would not survive, but his life was saved by a new medicine, streptomycin, which was an experimental drug at the time. He pulled through but was despondent about losing the use of his right hand and arm.&nbsp;

Bob Dole was sent to a specialist in Chicago. This was a turning point. Dole later wrote, “(The specialist) inspired me to focus on what I had left and what I could do with it, rather than complaining about what I had lost.” That doctor would perform seven surgeries on Bob Dole. In Russell, his friends and neighbors gathered money in a cigar box to help with expenses.&nbsp;

Dole went on to earn a law degree from Washburn University and came back to Russell to serve as county attorney. Here he encountered Huck Boyd, a small town weekly newspaper editor and Republican National Committee member from Kansas.&nbsp;

According to legend, Huck was returning home to Phillipsburg after a function late one night and was driving through Russell when he spotted one light on in the county courthouse. Curious about who was working at that hour, Huck went in and found young county attorney Bob Dole.&nbsp;

Huck was impressed by the hard-working young war hero and encouraged him to run for office, which he did. Huck went on to manage the successful Dole campaigns that followed. He saw his protégé rise to become Senate Majority Leader and to win the Republican nomination for president.&nbsp;

Huck Boyd and Senator Dole maintained a lifelong bond. When Senator Dole was asked to speak at Huck’s funeral, he was so emotionally moved that he couldn’t steel himself to do so.&nbsp;

Senator Dole always maintained a bond with the people of Kansas. Tad Felts is a long-time radio broadcaster who also led the annual Phillipsburg High School senior tour to Washington DC. In his forthcoming book, Tad wrote of a time before cell phones when Senator Dole invited the 60 visiting students to come into his office and call home to their parents and grandparents. “It was a madhouse,” Tad wrote.&nbsp;

The Senator would walk through, ask who the students were talking to, pick up the phone and say hello to the folks back home. “I’m sure he earned a lot of votes that day,” Tad wrote. Tad was highly complimentary of Senator Dole’s accessibility to the students from Kansas.&nbsp;

Ninety-eight years have passed since Bob Dole’s birth in this rural community of Russell, population 4,401 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The brick streets of Russell are quiet today. Folks in Bob Dole’s hometown are fondly remembering their native son who succeeded on a national stage, yet never forgot that he came from rural Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639588027753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;The businesses downtown are active. The brick streets are quiet. Two schoolboys are walking home with their bookbags. To the south, pickup trucks and livestock trailers are clustered around the sale barn. Downtown, a large 4-H clover is painted on the intersection of Main Street and Wisconsin Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is Russell, Kansas: Quintessential small town America. The flags in this community are flying half-staff today, because the citizens of this rural community are mourning their favorite son who served his country his entire life.&nbsp;Robert J. Dole was born in Russell in 1923. His parents had modest means, operating an egg and cream business. Young Bob was a bright and athletic kid who went to the University of Kansas to play basketball. His studies were interrupted when World War II hit and he enlisted in the U.S. Army.&nbsp;In 1945, as a second lieutenant, Bob Dole was leading his troops into battle in the mountains of Italy when he was struck by an enemy shell. When his fellow soldiers saw the extent of his injuries, they gave him a shot of morphine and used his own blood to write the letter M on his forehead so a medic would know that he had already been administered the drug and would not give him another shot which would prove fatal.&nbsp;In the military hospital, his fever soared to nearly 109 degrees. It looked like he would not survive, but his life was saved by a new medicine, streptomycin, which was an experimental drug at the time. He pulled through but was despondent about losing the use of his right hand and arm.&nbsp;Bob Dole was sent to a specialist in Chicago. This was a turning point. Dole later wrote, “(The specialist) inspired me to focus on what I had left and what I could do with it, rather than complaining about what I had lost.” That doctor would perform seven surgeries on Bob Dole. In Russell, his friends and neighbors gathered money in a cigar box to help with expenses.&nbsp;Dole went on to earn a law degree from Washburn University and came back to Russell to serve as county attorney. Here he encountered Huck Boyd, a small town weekly newspaper editor and Republican National Committee member from Kansas.&nbsp;According to legend, Huck was returning home to Phillipsburg after a function late one night and was driving through Russell when he spotted one light on in the county courthouse. Curious about who was working at that hour, Huck went in and found young county attorney Bob Dole.&nbsp;Huck was impressed by the hard-working young war hero and encouraged him to run for office, which he did. Huck went on to manage the successful Dole campaigns that followed. He saw his protégé rise to become Senate Majority Leader and to win the Republican nomination for president.&nbsp;Huck Boyd and Senator Dole maintained a lifelong bond. When Senator Dole was asked to speak at Huck’s funeral, he was so emotionally moved that he couldn’t steel himself to do so.&nbsp;Senator Dole always maintained a bond with the people of Kansas. Tad Felts is a long-time radio broadcaster who also led the annual Phillipsburg High School senior tour to Washington DC. In his forthcoming book, Tad wrote of a time before cell phones when Senator Dole invited the 60 visiting students to come into his office and call home to their parents and grandparents. “It was a madhouse,” Tad wrote.&nbsp;The Senator would walk through, ask who the students were talking to, pick up the phone and say hello to the folks back home. “I’m sure he earned a lot of votes that day,” Tad wrote. Tad was highly complimentary of Senator Dole’s accessibility to the students from Kansas.&nbsp;Ninety-eight years have passed since Bob Dole’s birth in this rural community of Russell, population 4,401 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The brick streets of Russell are quiet today. Folks in Bob Dole’s hometown are fondly remembering their native son who succeeded on a national stage, yet never forgot that he came from rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Senator Bob Dole 

As of Saturday morning, 1,100 Western Cooperative meters remain without power. As we continue to respond to the storm's effects, we ask for our members' patience. Significant progress has been made to this point, but Western will not be completely satisfied until every meter has been restored. Since Wednesday, 7,100 meters have been re-energized with the hopes of having all major substation feeds powered by Saturday evening.

On Friday, line crews restored approximately 1,000 meters, including Ellis East, Palco, Liebenthal, Schoenchen, and most of Redline. In addition, line crews made significant progress in other areas setting up Saturday to be another productive day.

Saturday's top priorities include Redline north, Gove north by late afternoon, and Ellis and Susank substations by Saturday evening.

Thank you to the mutual aid crews from Twin Valley Electric, Southern Pioneer, CMS Electric, Ninnescha, Prairie Land, J&amp;J Contractors, and Sunflower. Having additional crews from around the state helping rebuild downed lines has massively boosted our restoration efforts.

We understand that it is very frustrating when a neighbor has power and you don't.&nbsp; Please be aware that sometimes during complicated repairs, you may have your lights come back on, only to have them go off again because we discover another problem that must be fixed. Often this may be because your home is on another circuit, or perhaps that your meter is damaged in a way that your neighbor's meter is not damaged.

For the safety of everyone, if you are using a portable electrical generator, do not tie it into your circuit panel. An improperly wired generator can send power into downed lines causing serious injury or death to you, a family member, a neighbor, or one of our repair crews. A generator can only be tied into a circuit panel if a licensed electrician has installed a transfer switch.

We would like to thank all of our employees and external crews who are working long hours as part of the restoration and response effort. We apologize for any inconvenience this event may have caused. Although we post service updates to social media, we do not monitor social media for reports of outages or emergencies. All emergencies must be reported by phone. To report an outage or a downed power line, you can call 1-800-456-6720.&nbsp;

Western Cooperative Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney, Kansas. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across western and central Kansas. Together, with our members' help, Western Co-op is committed to building a stronger rural America. For more information about Western, visit <a href="http://www.westerncoop.com">www.westerncoop.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585584474023.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseAs of Saturday morning, 1,100 Western Cooperative meters remain without power. As we continue to respond to the storm's effects, we ask for our members' patience. Significant progress has been made to this point, but Western will not be completely satisfied until every meter has been restored. Since Wednesday, 7,100 meters have been re-energized with the hopes of having all major substation feeds powered by Saturday evening.On Friday, line crews restored approximately 1,000 meters, including Ellis East, Palco, Liebenthal, Schoenchen, and most of Redline. In addition, line crews made significant progress in other areas setting up Saturday to be another productive day.Saturday's top priorities include Redline north, Gove north by late afternoon, and Ellis and Susank substations by Saturday evening.Thank you to the mutual aid crews from Twin Valley Electric, Southern Pioneer, CMS Electric, Ninnescha, Prairie Land, J&amp;J Contractors, and Sunflower. Having additional crews from around the state helping rebuild downed lines has massively boosted our restoration efforts.We understand that it is very frustrating when a neighbor has power and you don't.&nbsp; Please be aware that sometimes during complicated repairs, you may have your lights come back on, only to have them go off again because we discover another problem that must be fixed. Often this may be because your home is on another circuit, or perhaps that your meter is damaged in a way that your neighbor's meter is not damaged.For the safety of everyone, if you are using a portable electrical generator, do not tie it into your circuit panel. An improperly wired generator can send power into downed lines causing serious injury or death to you, a family member, a neighbor, or one of our repair crews. A generator can only be tied into a circuit panel if a licensed electrician has installed a transfer switch.We would like to thank all of our employees and external crews who are working long hours as part of the restoration and response effort. We apologize for any inconvenience this event may have caused. Although we post service updates to social media, we do not monitor social media for reports of outages or emergencies. All emergencies must be reported by phone. To report an outage or a downed power line, you can call 1-800-456-6720.&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney, Kansas. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across western and central Kansas. Together, with our members' help, Western Co-op is committed to building a stronger rural America. For more information about Western, visit <a href="http://www.westerncoop.com">www.westerncoop.com</a>.

Western Cooperative Electric restoration efforts continue for fourth day

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Kansas will likely not receive Federal Emergency Management assistance to deal with the aftermath of high winds and fires that ravaged the state Wednesday.

He said because Kansas is largely rural, it usually does not meet the loss threshold to receive&nbsp; FEMA assistance. Even if it did, those funds would be dedicated to repairing public structures and utilities and not private property.

Moran toured parts of Russell County from the ground Friday and flew out of Hays Regional Airport in a Kansas Highway Patrol plane to view damage by air.

"While you can get the magnitude of the problem was here and how many miles are damaged and how much of Kansas is harmed," he said, "when you are on the ground with people who lost their house, their barn, their cattle, then you get the emotion and personal aspect of this terrible circumstance."

He said although the magnitude of the fires are huge, so has been the response of fellow Kansans.

He visited the Methodist church in Russell, which is packed with food and other items for victims of the fires. 

"I asked the minister if they were going to have church in the Methodist Church on Sunday. All the pews are full," Moran said. "Someone asked him if he was going to change his sermon as a result of the fires. 

"'My sermon was about fill these pews with love.' You look today and see what's sitting in the pews, which is a lot of sacks and bags and boxes. I think the pastor said he had a pretty good sermon in the making."

Moran said he is concerned about ranchers and their mental health. Moran was involved with legislation that directed more funds to mental health services for farmers and ranchers. The Kansas Department of Agriculture manages that program.

"We ought to be encouraging our neighbors and friends and farmers and ranchers to take advantage of that or other services that are in the community," he said.

<a href="ttps://hpmhc.com">High Plains Mental Health</a> covers 20 counties in northwest Kansas. Their main office in Hays can be reached at 785-628-2871. Their 24/7 crisis line is 1-800-432-0333

Truck after truck is bringing hay and grain into the area to feed the livestock that survived the fire. <a href="https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/donations?fbclid=IwAR2zJLqAXoLeIWE5spPu9p0zzL-q9WrmyjmEPEx6IUqq_Shj_wUx7WOuKJs">The Kansas Livestock Association is also accepting monetary donations to help affected farmers in the region.</a>

Help should be coming in the form of aid from the United States Department of Agriculture and Farm Services Agency.

Moran said CRP land could be released for grazing and haying in response to the fires. Ellis County and the surrounding counties were not on the FSA list on its website of those counties released for emergency use as of Friday.

Federal programs can help with restoring land, as well as replacing fencing, Moran said.

State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, said the state has passed legislation that allows property taxes to be abated in cases of disaster. The Kansas Insurance Commissioner is also in process of setting up a special hotline to answer disaster victims' questions about insurance claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639788256440.jpeg" alt="A Blackhawk helicopter takes off from the Hays Regional Airport. The Blackhawks were dumping water on fire hot spots on Friday. " />
 <figcaption>A Blackhawk helicopter takes off from the Hays Regional Airport. The Blackhawks were dumping water on fire hot spots on Friday. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Kansas will likely not receive Federal Emergency Management assistance to deal with the aftermath of high winds and fires that ravaged the state Wednesday.He said because Kansas is largely rural, it usually does not meet the loss threshold to receive&nbsp; FEMA assistance. Even if it did, those funds would be dedicated to repairing public structures and utilities and not private property.Moran toured parts of Russell County from the ground Friday and flew out of Hays Regional Airport in a Kansas Highway Patrol plane to view damage by air."While you can get the magnitude of the problem was here and how many miles are damaged and how much of Kansas is harmed," he said, "when you are on the ground with people who lost their house, their barn, their cattle, then you get the emotion and personal aspect of this terrible circumstance."He said although the magnitude of the fires are huge, so has been the response of fellow Kansans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639788426299.jpeg" alt="A Blackhawk crew assigned to transport water to area wildfires Friday prepares to take off from Hays Regional Airport. " />
 <figcaption>A Blackhawk crew assigned to transport water to area wildfires Friday prepares to take off from Hays Regional Airport. </figcaption>
 </figure>He visited the Methodist church in Russell, which is packed with food and other items for victims of the fires. "I asked the minister if they were going to have church in the Methodist Church on Sunday. All the pews are full," Moran said. "Someone asked him if he was going to change his sermon as a result of the fires. "'My sermon was about fill these pews with love.' You look today and see what's sitting in the pews, which is a lot of sacks and bags and boxes. I think the pastor said he had a pretty good sermon in the making."Moran said he is concerned about ranchers and their mental health. Moran was involved with legislation that directed more funds to mental health services for farmers and ranchers. The Kansas Department of Agriculture manages that program. "We ought to be encouraging our neighbors and friends and farmers and ranchers to take advantage of that or other services that are in the community," he said.<a href="ttps://hpmhc.com">High Plains Mental Health</a> covers 20 counties in northwest Kansas. Their main office in Hays can be reached at 785-628-2871. Their 24/7 crisis line is 1-800-432-0333Truck after truck is bringing hay and grain into the area to feed the livestock that survived the fire. <a href="https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/donations?fbclid=IwAR2zJLqAXoLeIWE5spPu9p0zzL-q9WrmyjmEPEx6IUqq_Shj_wUx7WOuKJs">The Kansas Livestock Association is also accepting monetary donations to help affected farmers in the region.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639788664599.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., disembark from a Kansas Highway Patrol airplane after surveying fire damage from the air Friday. " />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., disembark from a Kansas Highway Patrol airplane after surveying fire damage from the air Friday. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>USDA programs may be able to help</h2>Help should be coming in the form of aid from the United States Department of Agriculture and Farm Services Agency.Moran said CRP land could be released for grazing and haying in response to the fires. Ellis County and the surrounding counties were not on the FSA list on its website of those counties released for emergency use as of Friday.Federal programs can help with restoring land, as well as replacing fencing, Moran said.State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, said the state has passed legislation that allows property taxes to be abated in cases of disaster. The Kansas Insurance Commissioner is also in process of setting up a special hotline to answer disaster victims' questions about insurance claims. State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, said he was concerned federal money might be slow getting to farmers because a state FSA director for Kansas has not been named. New directors are named when a new administration takes office.Although directors have been made in other states, the director in Kansas has not, Rahjes siad. Some USDA, including the office in Trego County, are not open for in-person services due to COVID, which also concerned Moran. <h2>Trego County reports 5,000 acres, 4 homes burned </h2>Trego County Emergency Manager Kathleen Fabrizius said four homes and about 5,000 acres burned in the county during the recent fires."We're lucky that it was only four," she said.Neighbors saved a women in a wheelchair and her husband from their home. The couple received burns, but made in out of the house. They lost everything.A fire that started in Trego County came within two and a half miles of Ellis, forcing a temporary evacuation. Fabrizius said homes in Ellis were likely saved thanks to farmers who help disc land to create a fire break ahead of the fire.Farmers lost livestock, hay bales as well as green wheat because of the fires, many if which were caused by power lines downed in the wind.Fabrizius said the fires were largely fought with volunteer firefighters. Since the fires were so widespread, area agencies could not send help."We're stretched to the limit," she said. "Nobody's coming to relieve us, and they still haven't relieved us in three days." She added, "I'm sending guys home for two hours and saying take a shower and lay down for a nap and then I need you back out here."Even Friday, Trego County responded to 12 calls.

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