	The season of Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all of our blessings and all that we have.&nbsp; So how is being grateful different from being thankful?&nbsp;

	“Thank you for the birthday present”, “thank you for dinner”, and “thank you for picking up the dry cleaning” are easy words to say. And don’t get me wrong, I do believe we need to say “thank you”.&nbsp; My children will tell you that I made them write a thank you note for every birthday present and graduation card. I wanted them to express their appreciation to family and friends. A quick thank you note can make a difference in someone’s day.

	I believe that gratefulness is a something that develops over time. Maybe you are grateful for close lifelong friends. Maybe you are grateful for your childhood opportunities. If I asked my kids to write a letter of gratitude I believe the letter would be written to someone who has made a difference in their life. It might be a friend, relative, teacher or a significant other. If you are truly grateful, you should easily be able to share how this person’s behavior affected your life. John F Kennedy said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”&nbsp;

	Jodi Schulz, Michigan State University Extension, explains “Remember that being grateful is about appreciating what one has, as opposed to what one wants. Being thankful or thanking someone often implies you are acknowledging your thanks for something that someone has given you.”&nbsp;

	Last year I presented a program “Staying Positive as we Age” and one portion of the program focused on being grateful. One suggestion to stay positive was to keep a gratitude journal and to write down three things each day that you are grateful for. It does take practice but your level of gratitude will develop and become deeper over time.

	Parents who show gratefulness often will pass that on to their children and they will develop an attitude of gratitude. Modeling being grateful is the first step in teaching children to be grateful. Also talking about the meaning behind a gift will give the child a better understanding of why they should be thankful for a gift but also why they can be grateful for that gift that came their way.&nbsp;

	Teaching and learning gratefulness is not a simple process but the benefits will pay off. Studies have shown that being grateful can boost the immune system and decrease depression. It is not a simple cure for mental health issues but it definitely helps with a positive outlook on life.&nbsp;

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>	The season of Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all of our blessings and all that we have.&nbsp; So how is being grateful different from being thankful?&nbsp;	“Thank you for the birthday present”, “thank you for dinner”, and “thank you for picking up the dry cleaning” are easy words to say. And don’t get me wrong, I do believe we need to say “thank you”.&nbsp; My children will tell you that I made them write a thank you note for every birthday present and graduation card. I wanted them to express their appreciation to family and friends. A quick thank you note can make a difference in someone’s day.	I believe that gratefulness is a something that develops over time. Maybe you are grateful for close lifelong friends. Maybe you are grateful for your childhood opportunities. If I asked my kids to write a letter of gratitude I believe the letter would be written to someone who has made a difference in their life. It might be a friend, relative, teacher or a significant other. If you are truly grateful, you should easily be able to share how this person’s behavior affected your life. John F Kennedy said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”&nbsp;	Jodi Schulz, Michigan State University Extension, explains “Remember that being grateful is about appreciating what one has, as opposed to what one wants. Being thankful or thanking someone often implies you are acknowledging your thanks for something that someone has given you.”&nbsp;	Last year I presented a program “Staying Positive as we Age” and one portion of the program focused on being grateful. One suggestion to stay positive was to keep a gratitude journal and to write down three things each day that you are grateful for. It does take practice but your level of gratitude will develop and become deeper over time.	Parents who show gratefulness often will pass that on to their children and they will develop an attitude of gratitude. Modeling being grateful is the first step in teaching children to be grateful. Also talking about the meaning behind a gift will give the child a better understanding of why they should be thankful for a gift but also why they can be grateful for that gift that came their way.&nbsp;	Teaching and learning gratefulness is not a simple process but the benefits will pay off. Studies have shown that being grateful can boost the immune system and decrease depression. It is not a simple cure for mental health issues but it definitely helps with a positive outlook on life.&nbsp;	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: Gratitude and thankfulness

A Kansas man is facing kidnapping charges after an incident in a Hays parking lot.

At around 6:40 p.m. Nov. 16, Hays Police were dispatched to a disturbance in a parking lot in the 2800 block of Vine.

The reporting party said a woman heard a scream and saw a woman on the ground, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. The woman was then reportedly thrown into a car that left the scene.

"By the time the officers got up there, the suspect was gone, but there was a broken cellphone and blood in the parking lot," he said. "When we began investigating, our concern was that it was a domestic disturbance and somebody got hurt, or this was a kidnapping. It turned out to be both."

That evening, he said, officers spoke with the victim and the suspect via phone, but were unable to determine their location.

On Nov. 17, the Kansas Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle in Russell County and apprehended the suspect, identified as David Keith Mason, 38.

The victim was transported to Hays Medical Center for the treatment of head injuries, Scheibler said.

Mason was arrested on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

"This is a violent domestic incident," Scheibler said. "We'd like to remind the public that there are resources available at Hays Police Department. ... We'll see an increase in domestic violence through the holidays. Please, we encourage you to reach out for help. We're here to help you. These domestic violence-type situations won't get better on their own and they won't go away."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bf1bc97c-4631-43b6-a88b-87701cf28c80">SEE ALSO: Attempted armed robbery Friday in Hays leads to three arrests</a>

By JAMES BELL Hays PostA Kansas man is facing kidnapping charges after an incident in a Hays parking lot.At around 6:40 p.m. Nov. 16, Hays Police were dispatched to a disturbance in a parking lot in the 2800 block of Vine.The reporting party said a woman heard a scream and saw a woman on the ground, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. The woman was then reportedly thrown into a car that left the scene."By the time the officers got up there, the suspect was gone, but there was a broken cellphone and blood in the parking lot," he said. "When we began investigating, our concern was that it was a domestic disturbance and somebody got hurt, or this was a kidnapping. It turned out to be both."That evening, he said, officers spoke with the victim and the suspect via phone, but were unable to determine their location.On Nov. 17, the Kansas Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle in Russell County and apprehended the suspect, identified as David Keith Mason, 38.The victim was transported to Hays Medical Center for the treatment of head injuries, Scheibler said.Mason was arrested on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, domestic battery and criminal damage to property."This is a violent domestic incident," Scheibler said. "We'd like to remind the public that there are resources available at Hays Police Department. ... We'll see an increase in domestic violence through the holidays. Please, we encourage you to reach out for help. We're here to help you. These domestic violence-type situations won't get better on their own and they won't go away."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bf1bc97c-4631-43b6-a88b-87701cf28c80">SEE ALSO: Attempted armed robbery Friday in Hays leads to three arrests</a>

Domestic disturbance in Hays leads to kidnapping arrest

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases at a northwest Kansas nursing home.

KDHE reported there have been 34 cases of coronavirus identified in the last 14 days at Smith County Health and Rehabilitation in Smith Center.

Of the 170 active clusters identified by KDHE, it is the only one located in northwest Kansas. KDHE updates its COVID cluster report each Wednesday.

Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for more.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported a cluster of COVID-19 cases at a northwest Kansas nursing home.KDHE reported there have been 34 cases of coronavirus identified in the last 14 days at Smith County Health and Rehabilitation in Smith Center.Of the 170 active clusters identified by KDHE, it is the only one located in northwest Kansas. KDHE updates its COVID cluster report each Wednesday.Click <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">HERE</a> for more.

COVID-19 cluster identified at NW Kan. nursing home

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, KDHE's next case update will be Monday.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 18 on Monday.

The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,812 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637777211483.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, KDHE's next case update will be Monday.As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 22 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 18 on Monday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,812 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 23 new cases of COVID in Ellis Co. since Monday

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

Small
steps can help keep food safe during the holiday weekend, Glen McNeil, from
Fort Hays State University stops by to talk to us about that on his nutrition
health and wellness segment on this episode of the Post Podcast.

We are a
social people, you know, they call social animals we are because we like to get
together. And one of the things that generally happens when we get together is
food. Because food shows comfort, it shows love, it shows respect, you know, it
shows that we like and enjoy the people we're around. So we offer them
something, and then that encourages them to stay for longer periods of time.
And, and visit and so you know, we have a lot of food and holidays and, and a
lot is what tends to be there and it tends to be around quite a bit. And since
you know we're off, so to say work, or we're with family, we tend to spend a
lot more time sitting in the same locale. And that's when we find more snacking
going on. And a lot of times, especially when you look at Thanksgiving,
somebody does a really good job on making a particular order or a particular
dessert or whatever that that food item it is. And we as individuals feel
whether we acknowledge it or not, we feel a little bit of responsibility to eat
something of everything. Now, except me, I don't eat sweet potatoes. So I don't
like sweet potatoes. So how can you not okay, well, we'll talk that would be a
whole two or three days.

Well,
they're good for you. Okay, we're good for well, they're good for you in the
fact of like any potato, they're good for you if you just eat the potato. But
when you put all those other toppings and sweets and marshmallows and brown
sugar, you sort of take away the good from it, and they're good source of
vitamin A good, they're good source of beta carotene if you skins are a good
source of fiber. So you know all of that I know that I just don't really like
sweep. So okay, why do you do that? And I guess that's true. I tell my wife
that. So she makes it every year. And they she says they're good. So I'll buy
into that. But in other words, we we feel a responsibility to eat something
that people repair to show that. Oh, well, thank you for bringing it. Yes,
it's, it's good. Yes, I respond to the love and time you put into that food
product. And so at Thanksgiving, of course, you know, it's traditional Turkey
in a traditional meal. So first thing is, if you have not yet been to Turkey,
good luck. Okay, they're tough to get right now the stores have them. Prices
are up a little bit. We haven't seen any of these fantastic Turkey sales we've
seen in the past, but kind of like everything else that's going on right now.
It's tough to get items and products like that. So if you haven't watched
turkey for, you know, a week from in essence a week from today, probably got to
get your shopping done, okay to do that. And then if you're going to cook your
turkey, next Thursday, take it home and put it in the refrigerator. Okay, don't
put it in the freezer, it's gonna take a while for that to thaw out. Right. And
we usually say about seven days, okay. And depending upon the size of the bird,
you know, if you get a, if you get a, you know, a 15 to 20 pound bird, it's
probably gonna take about seven days, in the average refrigerator, when you put
it in the refrigerator, put it on a pan, put it on the bottom shelf. Okay, make
sure there's no raw food product or anything below it, just in case those
juices would have to spill over the pant would spill over the pan a little bit
because like any poultry, you have the concern of salmonella, okay. But they're
usually you know, in a plastic case or whatever. And part of the reason it
takes so long for them thaw out, they're big. They're frozen all the way
through, and you leave them encased in that wrapping. Okay, you don't want to
unwrap it and put it in the refrigerator laying out, you leave it in case in
the wrapping. So that kind of traps some of that cold in there in that process.
So give it a good, I mean, now's a good time to put it in there. Give it seven
days or so to thaw out. And if your refrigerator is not one that gets opened
frequently, it may take a little longer than the recommended time that's on the
turkey or the information because the temperature of the refrigerator doesn't
go up and down very much. Terry and I learned that a few years ago with the
kids all gone. You know the refrigerator doesn't get open as much as it used
to. So it takes an extra day or two for our turkey to thaw out. So ours is
sitting in the refrigerator now getting ready for we're going to host it next
weekend. So we're giving it about 10 days to get good and thought out and
you're okay so long as it sits in there and thaws. Depending upon how you're
going to cook it then that that has an effect to the popular method these days
is deep frying your turkey. Biggest key when you deep fry that Turkey is make
sure it's completely thawede out. Okay, there's no water and there's no ice crystals.
Ttapped in the cavity of that Turkey, because if there are, you're going to get
a, not just a foaming of that oil, when you put it in there, you're gonna,
you're gonna get a little pop that goes a big pop that goes along with it. And
that the immediate thaw of that moisture coming out through the cavity where
the neck is causes that oil to shoot up. Okay, and so it's very dangerous
process. So it's a good idea to make sure it's really thought out, you know,
open the cavity, take the giblets out of there, there in the giblets and make
sure the cavity is somewhat dry and thought out on the inside. If your bird is
not completely thought out, okay, you can thaw it out under running water,
don't put it on the counter, you can use a microwave. I've never been real fond
of, of using the microwave to thought that big of an item. Okay, in terms of
that, but she thought under cold running water, you don't throw it under hot
water, because that causes part of the bird to come up to a warmer temperature.
And if there's bacteria present, it may allow some minor growth there. So you
just put it in a pan big enough that it can stay submerged in, let the turn the
faucet on cold and get it full, get that pan full, and then turn it down to
just a little bit of a dribble so that the water continually runs off of it.
And you'll find that it will fall very quickly. You know that that water is
considerably warmer, it's cool to the touch, but it's considerably warmer than
the bird. And so that will thaw your bird out relatively quickly. Okay, I mean,
it's not super fast and don't use hot water. Okay, from from that process, and
then it comes down to how you're going to cook it, whether you're going to
smoke it, you're going to barbecue it, you're going to bake it in the oven, you're
going to defend fry it, you know, I don't know whether never I've never thought
about air frying, full size Turkey, but I suppose you could do it these days?
Probably a little bit, it's probably a little bit big and thick. To actually
air fry, you could use your air fryer, I suppose if your oven has an air fryer
in it, you could use it to crisp the outside of the turkey. Okay, I don't know,
I have not researched that part hadn't thought about that. And the other reason
that brought up is we just our oven of 30 some years died. Oh, so we had to
replace it here. And we got one with an air fryer in it. And you know, I hadn't
thought about that. But you know, we're usually not big on that. If you do not
have a $2 stick thermometer, go by. Right it is worth it. And it'll tell you
I'm not going to say temperature. What I'm going to say is right on that
thermometer, it's going to say Turkey. Okay, you cook it until it reaches
turkey. Alright, until you reach that point get out. If you buy one that has
one of those pop up thermometers in it. You know, the little pop up stick
thermometer is when the birds done it, it pops up. I still say go get you a
stick thermometer. And it's a you know, they're about five inches long with a
dial on the end. And don't do not I had a friend of mine one time called me
says Glenn I went out bought one of those thermometers, but it's just I don't
understand it, it melted in the oven. Well said they're not designed to be used
some of them. That's a pretty special thermometer, not the $2 one not to $2 one
and he said oh, okay, but you know, put it in, I usually encourage people to
put a right in the center of the breast, okay, and the largest part of the
meat, make sure that that is up to temperature. When you take that bird out of
the oven or out of the fryer or whatever, let's meet continues to cook for
approximately five minutes, the temperature will continue to rise for
approximately five minutes after you take it out. Now you can take it out and
what I think is good, you take it out, you cover it with some aluminum foil,
and you put a towel on top of it and you just let it sit there on the pan for
about five minutes. So many people take it out of the oven set on the table and
slice it right away. Wow, look at the juices run that's going to be so good.
And then what they find out is it sits there for a while it gets dry. Okay,
well, the meat, the protein that cooks when you cook protein, meat butter is
forced out of it. And then when you let it sit and as the temperature starts to
drop, some of that water is pulled back in. So then when you slice it after
about five minutes, yes, you're still gonna see some of the juices run. But
your meats gonna be more tender, it's gonna be juicy from that standpoint so
that that's a good process. Recommendations these days if you're going to stuff
your turkey you know whether you make your stuffing or you use stovetop or
whatever it is you do, smart thing to do is cook the turkey when it's nearly
done, okay stuff or wait until it's done and then put the stuffing in it and
let it sit in there for that five minutes or so and absorb some of that taste.
Problem is that sometimes in the cavity especially the bigger birds, the as The
juices cook out of the turkey during during the heat process, they get absorbed
by the stuffing, sometimes that stuffing doesn't reach 165 degrees. So you have
a little bit of an issue there. So that you know, just the safe thing is to fix
your stuffing separately. And then stuff your bird if you want, but most people
I know now just make a pan of stuffing and put it on the table. You know, and
of all things left over after Thanksgiving.

I well,
I don't want to associate with them. People I'm sorry. I'm sorry, folks,

Kind of
like sweet potatoes. Some people don't like stuffing, you know, leftover
stuffing. So you know, if you're going to do that make your bird so you know,
you can display it. And it looks really good in terms of that process in which
you're going to do. So we've got turkey and we've got stuffing and then you
know, cranberry sauce, if you really, if you want to go along with it, you know
make it and some people make their own cranberry sauce or they buy real cranberry
sauce or, you know what's popular is the jelly cranberry sauce and they can
that's the good stuff. That's the good stuff. You know why it's the good stuff.
For sugar? Yeah, there we go. So that's, that's one of those things you want to
be a little bit careful with about how much you're going to consume as a
commercial product, it does have some more sugar in it. And whether you do
mashed potatoes or twice baked potatoes, or just plain baked potatoes, you
know, that's that's up to you and how you fix them and fresh and to get the
most nutritional value out of your potatoes leave the skins on. Now a lot of
people don't like mashed potatoes with the skins on him. But you know, that's
the the fiber component component of the potato, that's also the little little
piece in there between the skin and the potato itself where the true
nutritional value is. And, and I understand that, I mean, I like my mashed
potatoes to be real fluffy and soft. And you kind of don't get that if you
leave the skins on that process. But I know some people who basically bake
their potatoes first, and then peel the skins off and make mashed potatoes that
way gives a different tastes a little bit different texture, and then they fry
the skins and eat the skins later, you know, as a snack later in the day. So
there's a lot of things that you can do. Remember, the two hour rule, okay,
from the time you put it out, two hours needs to be after that two hour time
period, it needs to be broken down into smaller portions put in the refrigerator
or the freezer, you know, because the longer you leave it out there past that
two hour time period, the longer it's in that danger zone that 40 to 140 Danger
Zone for bacterial growth. And that's true as appetizers you set out ahead of
time. You know, if you set things out ahead of time, like you know, we like to
put cheese and crackers and vegetables and dip out kind of the first thing in
the morning. So those things to snack on, you know, while you're fixing the
dinner and everybody's The kitchen is the center place because everybody's
around the food the kitchen in the dining room, you know, so we have those
kinds of snacks out you just want to be careful that you don't leave them out
too long. I know it's it's it's tough to throw food away. So you always kind of
need to watch the times a little bit and and some things that are smoked or
fermented you know, can last a little longer because they're in essence they
have enough preservatives in them but I always remind people that the two hour
time limit you know just when you get past that that's the real safe side can
go somewhat past that but usually with a and especially with colds and flues on
the way up COVID still around. The fact is you don't want to leave all that
food out exposed so people can read on it. It's gonna happen you know, and
hopefully nobody gets sick but but you want to do that. What else we need?

Well,
your have given us so much good information. I keep writing notes. I notice
that you're just checking them off as I'm I don't even have to ask your just on
it.

Desserts.
You know, whatever your favorite dessert is. Mine's called butter finger
dessert and it's made with pool whip and ice cream mixed together pushed, put
on a graham cracker crumb crust, and then cooled it put on top and then crushed
Butterfinger candy bars put all over it.

I'd
never heard of that. I would eat that.

My
mother in law made makes it all the time. And my wife makes it and I just think
it's.&nbsp; Pumpkin pie is okay, I like
pumpkin pie tube of Oh yeah, it's got French vanilla pudding in it too. Okay,
so by the time you're all done, and you get all that together, I really don't
mind if nobody else eats any of it because it's really good in the refrigerator
for three, four or five days, you know as the flavors plan but that's that's my
favorite but we always have pumpkin pie and we have like a fruit pie and apple
pie or a cherry pie that that goes along with it. And so you you know if you
spend the time to bake them yourself. You can do those things ahead of time. Do
what you can ahead of time so the The person in the kitchen also has the time
to interact with everybody else. You know, that's, that's a key don't don't
lock somebody away in the kitchen. But some, some people want to be, you know
that, that their this is their meal to fix yeah playing the role of the host.
And yeah, you know, this, this is their meal to fix this is in our house, this
is my wife's meal to take care of, I can help if she wants me to go get
something or peel some this or peel some of that, but, but she's in charge in
charge of the meal and the food because that's something that, you know, this
she likes to do now when it comes to Christmas, and we're doing primary ever
ham or something like that. And that's my part. Besides we don't get along in
the kitchen, you can believe that. She does things her way. And I do things my
way, which we've just learned, you know, from that, so we get along pretty
good. And I will admit, she's a better baker. Much better. I'd rather eat her
cookies and pies and cakes than mine. 

So you
know, a selection of variety of foods and desserts and what goes on the
probably one of the biggest things is just watch how much you eat. Remember,
the key one of the keys is, the smaller the plate you use, the fuller, it looks
with smaller portions, right. So if you're trying to moderate that, always
think of it in this way, I'm going to take a small portion, because I can
always take more, there's plenty there, I don't need to fill my plate up here,
you know, and really do this, what I can do is I can have a small portion, I
can leave a little bit of everything I want. And then I can go back and have
more of the things that that I really want, what we run into so often holiday
times is is is people lose the awareness of what they're eating, there's, you
know, so much communication, people who see having a good time, we just don't
think about how long we've been snacking, how many times we've dipped into the
dressing, or you know, the the sauce that goes along with the chips that are
out there, or how many different types of cheese and sausage we've had with the
four different types of crackers that are sitting there before and after the
meal, you know, all of that thing, we tend to get lost in it and, and that's
really that's good for us to get lost. You know that social aspect is good. But
you need to have a little bit of awareness and spread out your your food intake
during the day, you know, you're going to eat a big meal. It's just hard to do
with all that food sitting around. It's not do that. But then you also know
that there's going to be things brought out for the afternoon while you're
around. Okay, and then there's going to be that evening meal that comes back.
And for many people, it's tricky. You know, okay, well that's okay, so long as
when you're done with lunch, you get that turkey broken down into smaller
packages, put it in the refrigerator, so it can cool. And then when you pull it
out in the evening, it's safe to, to eat from that standpoint. So you know, you
that's that's what you do in that process is be able to do those things. And a
lot of people say that, you know, the best part of Thanksgiving is two three
days afterwards.

That's
when my wife is she cooks way so much to eat way too much food just so we have
it or so she can have it.

Well
yeah, you can eat it after break it down into small meals, you know, and just
watches things cool, cool things in your refrigerator properly, don't leave
things sitting out. That's what you really want to be careful of, you know, you
want to think of the meal and at the same time, you want to think of what
what's going to happen the next few days or time period where you're going to
eat all those leftover foods and enjoy it. I mean, that's that's pretty much
what we want to do. Especially the way things have been the past few years,
make your favorite foods, take your favorite foods along with you snack just be
careful. And it's a good idea for the afternoon while you're watching football
and you're doing all those things and you have those chips and depths and vegetables
and all of those things set out have small plates for people to use. That will
help them eat less than if they just go and dip

Then you
end up just standing there right watching.

So you
put it on a plate then you move. People tend when they put it on a small plate
like that they tend to move away from the food and then he eat what's on their
plate now maybe they go back but there's less likelihood that they will consume
more so you can help your guests you know in in terms of that. 

🎙Post Podcast: Small steps keep food safe during Thanksgiving holiday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school district will survey the community on options for an upcoming bond issue beginning the first of December.

No decisions have been made on the scope or the cost of the bond.

However, USD 489 officials, after meeting with members of community and teachers, have ideas that have floated to the top of the discussions.

These have included: • Close Lincoln Elementary School and move students the district's existing but updated elementary schools. • Close Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools and move them to the middle school. This would require building a new middle school or moving the middle school to the high school and building a new high school. • Build a new middle school • Repurpose Hays High School into a middle school and build a new high school • Build a new high school auditorium • Move Rockwell administrative service and Westside to Wilson Elementary School. Relocate Wilson students and close Westside school and Rockwell Administration Center. • Do additions and updates at all schools to provide adequate space.

"I think one of themes that has risen to the top is that we have all realized space is our No. 1 priority," Wilson said. "We don't have enough space in our schools."

Wilson said this is another way to receive input from the community. It doesn't meant the district will pursue any of these options.

"Now we're trying to reach out to a broader group of people and get their feedback," he said.

Board President Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciated the survey will focus on need and not on cost initially.

The survey will be available online on the district's website, sent out through the parent alert system and available through all of the district's social media platforms. 

The survey will also contain general questions about how individuals feel about the district's current facilities and what they should look like in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637680270133.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixaby " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixaby </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 489 Board of Education recap: Nov. 22, 2021" 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=tgn98-113bef3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district will survey the community on options for an upcoming bond issue beginning the first of December. No decisions have been made on the scope or the cost of the bond.However, USD 489 officials, after meeting with members of community and teachers, have ideas that have floated to the top of the discussions.These have included: • Close Lincoln Elementary School and move students the district's existing but updated elementary schools. • Close Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools and move them to the middle school. This would require building a new middle school or moving the middle school to the high school and building a new high school. • Build a new middle school • Repurpose Hays High School into a middle school and build a new high school • Build a new high school auditorium • Move Rockwell administrative service and Westside to Wilson Elementary School. Relocate Wilson students and close Westside school and Rockwell Administration Center. • Do additions and updates at all schools to provide adequate space."I think one of themes that has risen to the top is that we have all realized space is our No. 1 priority," Wilson said. "We don't have enough space in our schools."Wilson said this is another way to receive input from the community. It doesn't meant the district will pursue any of these options."Now we're trying to reach out to a broader group of people and get their feedback," he said.Board President Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciated the survey will focus on need and not on cost initially. The survey will be available online on the district's website, sent out through the parent alert system and available through all of the district's social media platforms. The survey will also contain general questions about how individuals feel about the district's current facilities and what they should look like in the future.

🎙 Hays USD 489 to seek input on bond options through community survey

Among the many fans of Fort Hays State University, Jim and Sherry Dibble of Hays are two of the most loyal supporters. Both FHSU alumni, the Dibbles can be found cheering at any number of athletic events throughout the year or attending one of the Encore Series performances or Department of Music and Theater productions.

However, these two spirited fans, who met during their time on campus, go beyond just attending events. They have generously supported Fort Hays State for 40 consecutive years.

They are Encore Series program sponsors, long-time members of Tiger Club and of the most elite group of donors to the athletic department, the FHSU Athletic Difference Makers. Recently, they decided to take their philanthropy one step further. The Dibbles are 1972 and 1973 graduates of FHSU who have taken advantage of the Charitable IRA Rollover and designated the funds to go to a series of scholarships for Fort Hays State students.

&nbsp;“We believe that without the education that we got from Fort Hays State, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing today,” Jim said.

When the Dibbles discovered the Charitable IRA Rollover, they found it to be a perfect match for their needs, saying, “After learning more about the Charitable IRA Rollover and how easy it was, we’ve decided to give a percentage of our estate to FHSU now so we can see the impact of our gifts throughout campus and enjoy meeting some of our scholarship recipients while we’re still living.”

Donors at least 70.5 years old can use their IRA rollover to support FHSU with a gift up to $100,000. It’s easy, 100% tax free, and can reduce the amount of their taxable income.

One of the Dibbles’ favorite parts about the IRA rollover gift is that it allowed them to choose specific areas of campus that they wanted to support. The Dibble family had the opportunity to choose not only what kind of scholarships they wanted to create, but also who would be eligible to receive them.

The Dibbles established scholarships that will support the reading department in honor of Sherry’s mother, who earned two degrees in elementary education from FHSU; to the music department because of their enjoyment of music; to the nursing department because their daughter and daughter-in-law are nurses; one in business and finance, from where Jim received his degree at FHSU and in honor of their son, a financial advisor, who assisted with the IRA rollover process; and one to the agriculture department since Jim grew up on a farm with a strong appreciation and love for agriculture, as well as his 41.5 year career at Farm Credit. &nbsp;

Most people want to leave this Earth having made a positive and lasting impact. Members of the Fort Hays State Tiger family have the unique opportunity to lower their taxes while creating a legacy at FHSU through the Charitable IRA Rollover. A gift of this kind may qualify as a required minimum distribution, permitting a reduction on income and taxes for this year.

The Dibbles are making an incredible – and visible – impact on FHSU students who rely on scholarships to complete their education

“It's good to give while you can see the results,” Jim said, “and the Charitable IRA Rollover is a great benefit that people need to take advantage of. It’s a win-win situation.”

To learn more about the Charitable IRA Rollover, contact Darci Cain with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5719 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dacain@fhsu.edu">dacain@fhsu.edu</a>. You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJKGIsNja6RbFBYgEb02TA3bkAgKrMf6xhkClz99sBEPR7BdR_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemHAWtqbx9BxHiHPTFnndOKUfoPjVb6kda-2BTFfXO3Coyau3d7sXrQovb-2FmcaYIYGLQBCJsrMhNsuVPTU-2FXR-2FV8qVCAbmi-2F5QMU8V5kxtck5NNQZ7RMPuQrpQ5CT-2FXD4A7dYS8pX2b39vxBakm6PJFjH8TW1WkIbnQkDinjyQjyjlaxLR50WhLbKTJWALtx3PVQxavsYZ8M8Bb5a90BDlO7EztFWD3etNUbmVoTsFb5VjNpK2sC1kmJVa-2BCV2mnQijJNXvK01Xz-2FZqgnM4oIJiCiQ-3D-3D">www.fhsulegacy.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637267669038.png" alt="Jim and Sherry Dibble" />
 <figcaption>Jim and Sherry Dibble</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsAmong the many fans of Fort Hays State University, Jim and Sherry Dibble of Hays are two of the most loyal supporters. Both FHSU alumni, the Dibbles can be found cheering at any number of athletic events throughout the year or attending one of the Encore Series performances or Department of Music and Theater productions.However, these two spirited fans, who met during their time on campus, go beyond just attending events. They have generously supported Fort Hays State for 40 consecutive years.They are Encore Series program sponsors, long-time members of Tiger Club and of the most elite group of donors to the athletic department, the FHSU Athletic Difference Makers. Recently, they decided to take their philanthropy one step further. The Dibbles are 1972 and 1973 graduates of FHSU who have taken advantage of the Charitable IRA Rollover and designated the funds to go to a series of scholarships for Fort Hays State students.&nbsp;“We believe that without the education that we got from Fort Hays State, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing today,” Jim said.When the Dibbles discovered the Charitable IRA Rollover, they found it to be a perfect match for their needs, saying, “After learning more about the Charitable IRA Rollover and how easy it was, we’ve decided to give a percentage of our estate to FHSU now so we can see the impact of our gifts throughout campus and enjoy meeting some of our scholarship recipients while we’re still living.”Donors at least 70.5 years old can use their IRA rollover to support FHSU with a gift up to $100,000. It’s easy, 100% tax free, and can reduce the amount of their taxable income.One of the Dibbles’ favorite parts about the IRA rollover gift is that it allowed them to choose specific areas of campus that they wanted to support. The Dibble family had the opportunity to choose not only what kind of scholarships they wanted to create, but also who would be eligible to receive them.The Dibbles established scholarships that will support the reading department in honor of Sherry’s mother, who earned two degrees in elementary education from FHSU; to the music department because of their enjoyment of music; to the nursing department because their daughter and daughter-in-law are nurses; one in business and finance, from where Jim received his degree at FHSU and in honor of their son, a financial advisor, who assisted with the IRA rollover process; and one to the agriculture department since Jim grew up on a farm with a strong appreciation and love for agriculture, as well as his 41.5 year career at Farm Credit. &nbsp;Most people want to leave this Earth having made a positive and lasting impact. Members of the Fort Hays State Tiger family have the unique opportunity to lower their taxes while creating a legacy at FHSU through the Charitable IRA Rollover. A gift of this kind may qualify as a required minimum distribution, permitting a reduction on income and taxes for this year.The Dibbles are making an incredible – and visible – impact on FHSU students who rely on scholarships to complete their education“It's good to give while you can see the results,” Jim said, “and the Charitable IRA Rollover is a great benefit that people need to take advantage of. It’s a win-win situation.”To learn more about the Charitable IRA Rollover, contact Darci Cain with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5719 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dacain@fhsu.edu">dacain@fhsu.edu</a>. You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJKGIsNja6RbFBYgEb02TA3bkAgKrMf6xhkClz99sBEPR7BdR_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemHAWtqbx9BxHiHPTFnndOKUfoPjVb6kda-2BTFfXO3Coyau3d7sXrQovb-2FmcaYIYGLQBCJsrMhNsuVPTU-2FXR-2FV8qVCAbmi-2F5QMU8V5kxtck5NNQZ7RMPuQrpQ5CT-2FXD4A7dYS8pX2b39vxBakm6PJFjH8TW1WkIbnQkDinjyQjyjlaxLR50WhLbKTJWALtx3PVQxavsYZ8M8Bb5a90BDlO7EztFWD3etNUbmVoTsFb5VjNpK2sC1kmJVa-2BCV2mnQijJNXvK01Xz-2FZqgnM4oIJiCiQ-3D-3D">www.fhsulegacy.com</a>.

Win-win situation for two Fort Hays State University alumni

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost
Property—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 11/12 9:32 AM; &nbsp;11/13 10 AM 
Criminal Threa—1300 block Hall St, Hays; 9:34 AM; 9:40 AM 
False/Altered ID—700 block Vine St, 11/13 10:30 PM; 11 PM 
Dead Animal Call--17th St and General Custer Rd, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2500 block General Hancock Rd, Hays; 4:4 PM; 5:30 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 6:53 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:55 PM; 7:15 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:17 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:30 PM; 7:44 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block E 14th St, Hays; 8:14 PM 
Drug Offenses--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:50 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal At
Large—1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:40 AM 
Welfare Check—1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—Hays; 11/13 12 AM; 3 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 12:35 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 12:58 PM 
Drug Offenses—200 block W 6th St, Hays; 3:57 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—500 block W 24th St, Hays; 4:24 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 8/26 1 PM; 6 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—3500 block Willow St, Hays; 3:30 AM; 3:50 PM 
Drug Offenses—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 4:36 PM; 5:22 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 10/8 1 PM; 6 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 11/5 1 PM; 6 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2800 block Country Ln, Hays; 6:41 PM 
Kidnapping—2800 block Vine St, Hays; 6:40 PM; 6:55 PM 
Suspicious Vehicle—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7 PM; 7:10 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:14 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals
ONLY—400 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:19 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block Halladay St, Hays; 9:54 AM 
Water Use Violation--3100 block Eldorado Ln, Hays; 12:01 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:18 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:21 PM 
Shoplifting—1700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4:30 PM 
Sex Offense—2200 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:06 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 4:37 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:46 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10/7 8 AM 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:05 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals
ONLY—200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:25 AM 
Stalking—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 11/15 11 PM; 11/18 6 PM 
Theft (general)—3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 11/17 8 AM; 11/18 1:20 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/9 12:54 PM 
Disturbance – General—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 4:04 PM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 4:44 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 5:54 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—2700 block Hall St, Hays; 7:05 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:02 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Warrant
Service (Fail to Appear)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:46 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:03 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—200 block Ash St, Hays; 11/18 9 PM; 11/19 12:46 PM 
Civil Dispute—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 1:49 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—500 block W 24th St, Hays; 4:05 PM 
Drug Offenses--1500 block E 17th St, Hays; 4:41 PM 
Overdose—1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 11/19 5:43 PM; 11/20 6:16 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:51 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—3200 block Willow St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 7 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 8:04 PM 
Unwanted Person—200 block E 28th St, Hays; 9:30 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--3100 block Willow St, Hay; 11/19 9:52 PM; 11/21 8:50 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 11:23 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11/15 8 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

44 - Traffic
Stop--500 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:39 AM 
Dead Animal Call--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:06 AM 
Animal Injured-1200 block Felten Dr, Hays; 10:43 AM 
Disturbance – General--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:10 
Welfare Check--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 1:23 PM 
Suspicious Person—2500 block Vine, Hays; 1:38 PM 
Welfare Check—300 block W 8th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Civil Dispute—1300 block Hall St, Hays; 5:12 PM 
Drug Offenses--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 8 AM; 5:28 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 5:43 PM 
Suicidal Subject—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--US 183 Alternate Hwy and Main St, Hays; 6:02 PM 
Drug Offenses—3300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:01 PM; 7:21 PM 
Suspicious Activity--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:57 PM; 12:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence—300 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:10 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving
Under the Influence--800 block Elm St, Hays; 1:44 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2 AM 
Open Door/Window—1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 3:03 AM 
Civil Dispute—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 7:18 AM 
Animal At Large—2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 10:26 AM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:48 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 2:27 PM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:11 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 9 traffic stops Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Found/Lost
Property—200 block W 10th St, Hays; 11/12 9:32 AM; &nbsp;11/13 10 AM 
Criminal Threa—1300 block Hall St, Hays; 9:34 AM; 9:40 AM 
False/Altered ID—700 block Vine St, 11/13 10:30 PM; 11 PM 
Dead Animal Call--17th St and General Custer Rd, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—2500 block General Hancock Rd, Hays; 4:4 PM; 5:30 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 6:53 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6:55 PM; 7:15 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:17 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:30 PM; 7:44 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block E 14th St, Hays; 8:14 PM 
Drug Offenses--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:50 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Animal At
Large—1800 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:40 AM 
Welfare Check—1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—Hays; 11/13 12 AM; 3 AM 
Suspicious Activity—200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 12:35 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--3200 block Vine St, Hays; 12:58 PM 
Drug Offenses—200 block W 6th St, Hays; 3:57 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—500 block W 24th St, Hays; 4:24 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 8/26 1 PM; 6 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—3500 block Willow St, Hays; 3:30 AM; 3:50 PM 
Drug Offenses—1200 block Tamarac Cir, Hays; 4:36 PM; 5:22 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 10/8 1 PM; 6 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 11/5 1 PM; 6 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2800 block Country Ln, Hays; 6:41 PM 
Kidnapping—2800 block Vine St, Hays; 6:40 PM; 6:55 PM 
Suspicious Vehicle—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7 PM; 7:10 PM 
Phone/Mail Scam—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:14 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Lost Animals
ONLY—400 block W 20th St, Hays; 9:19 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—400 block Halladay St, Hays; 9:54 AM 
Water Use Violation--3100 block Eldorado Ln, Hays; 12:01 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 2:18 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:21 PM 
Shoplifting—1700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 PM; 4:30 PM 
Sex Offense—2200 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:06 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block W 9th St, Hays; 4:37 PM 
Suspicious Activity—300 block E 13th St, Hays; 4:46 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10/7 8 AM 
Civil Dispute—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:05 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 16 traffic stops Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Lost Animals
ONLY—200 block Northridge Dr, Hays; 8:25 AM 
Stalking—3700 block Vine St, Hays; 11/15 11 PM; 11/18 6 PM 
Theft (general)—3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 11/17 8 AM; 11/18 1:20 PM 
Found/Lost Property—1900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:01 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11/9 12:54 PM 
Disturbance – General—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 4:04 PM 
Suicidal Subject—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 4:44 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 5:54 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—2700 block Hall St, Hays; 7:05 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:02 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Warrant
Service (Fail to Appear)—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:46 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 8:03 AM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—200 block Ash St, Hays; 11/18 9 PM; 11/19 12:46 PM 
Civil Dispute—500 block W 36th St, Hays; 1:49 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—500 block W 24th St, Hays; 4:05 PM 
Drug Offenses--1500 block E 17th St, Hays; 4:41 PM 
Overdose—1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 11/19 5:43 PM; 11/20 6:16 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:51 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run—3200 block Willow St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 7 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 8:04 PM 
Unwanted Person—200 block E 28th St, Hays; 9:30 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--3100 block Willow St, Hay; 11/19 9:52 PM; 11/21 8:50 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1700 block Dechant Rd, Hays; 11:23 PM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11/15 8 AMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.44 - Traffic
Stop--500 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:39 AM 
Dead Animal Call--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:06 AM 
Animal Injured-1200 block Felten Dr, Hays; 10:43 AM 
Disturbance – General--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:10 
Welfare Check--2200 block Vine St, Hays; 1:23 PM 
Suspicious Person—2500 block Vine, Hays; 1:38 PM 
Welfare Check—300 block W 8th St, Hays; 4:26 PM 
Civil Dispute—1300 block Hall St, Hays; 5:12 PM 
Drug Offenses--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 8 AM; 5:28 PM 
Drug Offenses—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 5:43 PM 
Suicidal Subject—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--US 183 Alternate Hwy and Main St, Hays; 6:02 PM 
Drug Offenses—3300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:01 PM; 7:21 PM 
Suspicious Activity--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:57 PM; 12:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence—300 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:10 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Driving
Under the Influence--800 block Elm St, Hays; 1:44 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--200 block W 6th St, Hays; 2 AM 
Open Door/Window—1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 3:03 AM 
Civil Dispute—2800 block Fort St, Hays; 7:18 AM 
Animal At Large—2200 block Centennial Blvd, Hays; 10:26 AM 
Animal At Large—1700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:48 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 2:27 PM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 3:11 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Nov. 15-21

I want to say thank you to our residents of Hays for entrusting me again as a Hays city commissioner. 

 The city of Hays has many initiatives on the horizon that I’m looking forward to overseeing:  a new fire station, the progression of the R9 Ranch, a continued focus on maintaining infrastructure, and developing a plan for increasing housing. 

  With all these innovative projects, I want to continue to have a safe and sustainable community that continues to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637698399382.jpeg" alt="Shaun Musil" />
 <figcaption>Shaun Musil</figcaption>
 </figure>I want to say thank you to our residents of Hays for entrusting me again as a Hays city commissioner. The city of Hays has many initiatives on the horizon that I’m looking forward to overseeing: a new fire station, the progression of the R9 Ranch, a continued focus on maintaining infrastructure, and developing a plan for increasing housing. With all these innovative projects, I want to continue to have a safe and sustainable community that continues to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaun Musil

Crop Pest Management School is next month in Great Bend

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer Earlier this summer after we had finished harvesting our wheat crop and wrapped up planting the rest of our fall crops, my husband casually mentioned that fall harvest would take a while this year. At that time, we had a lot of acres of corn, soybeans and sorghum growing that would all need to be harvested before the end of the year. &nbsp; As the summer transitioned to fall, the machines were brought out of the sheds, and I mentally prepared myself for the long harvest ahead.&nbsp; &nbsp; While the summer wheat harvest for us is an incredibly busy two-week stretch requiring our undivided time and effort to get the grain out of the fields, our fall harvest is much more drawn out.&nbsp;I generally describe the summer wheat harvest as a sprint, whereas fall harvest is definitely a marathon.&nbsp; &nbsp; As August rolled into September, my family transitioned into the long days of fall harvest. September moved into October, and the combines and grain cart continued to traverse the dirt roads to the next fields awaiting their harvest while our trucks methodically delivered the grain to local elevators. Lower temperatures and less daylight ushered October out and we settled into a colder November while the harvest continued. &nbsp; The food delivered to the fields for the noon and evening meals were intentionally warmer than the meals we started out with just a few, long months ago. The shorts and T-shirts some of us wore at the start of fall harvest have been traded in for coveralls and sweatshirts. The air conditioning in the combine was turned off and the seat warmer turned on. Satellite radio tuned to baseball and football broadcasts earlier in the season now occasionally plays Christmas music. &nbsp; Yes, this year’s fall harvest absolutely fits that “marathon” description. But my family has much to be thankful for today as we will not be in the field this Thanksgiving. Our crew has crossed that finish line and this year’s harvest is now complete! &nbsp; We have wrapped up this year’s long harvest with the help of many hands who dedicated their days and nights to keeping the machines and trucks moving the grain out of fields. Our crew remained safe and healthy during these long days and nights that easily and often become a blur over a three-month period. Our days were long, yet productive, and harvest was bountiful. We have so much to be thankful for this year. &nbsp; And much like someone who has just completed another marathon, we will now rest and recover before preparing for the next race that’ll be here before we know it. Until then, we will enjoy each other’s company and be thankful for all that we’ve been afforded.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer Earlier this summer after we had finished harvesting our wheat crop and wrapped up planting the rest of our fall crops, my husband casually mentioned that fall harvest would take a while this year. At that time, we had a lot of acres of corn, soybeans and sorghum growing that would all need to be harvested before the end of the year. &nbsp; As the summer transitioned to fall, the machines were brought out of the sheds, and I mentally prepared myself for the long harvest ahead.&nbsp; &nbsp; While the summer wheat harvest for us is an incredibly busy two-week stretch requiring our undivided time and effort to get the grain out of the fields, our fall harvest is much more drawn out.&nbsp;I generally describe the summer wheat harvest as a sprint, whereas fall harvest is definitely a marathon.&nbsp; &nbsp; As August rolled into September, my family transitioned into the long days of fall harvest. September moved into October, and the combines and grain cart continued to traverse the dirt roads to the next fields awaiting their harvest while our trucks methodically delivered the grain to local elevators. Lower temperatures and less daylight ushered October out and we settled into a colder November while the harvest continued. &nbsp; The food delivered to the fields for the noon and evening meals were intentionally warmer than the meals we started out with just a few, long months ago. The shorts and T-shirts some of us wore at the start of fall harvest have been traded in for coveralls and sweatshirts. The air conditioning in the combine was turned off and the seat warmer turned on. Satellite radio tuned to baseball and football broadcasts earlier in the season now occasionally plays Christmas music. &nbsp; Yes, this year’s fall harvest absolutely fits that “marathon” description. But my family has much to be thankful for today as we will not be in the field this Thanksgiving. Our crew has crossed that finish line and this year’s harvest is now complete! &nbsp; We have wrapped up this year’s long harvest with the help of many hands who dedicated their days and nights to keeping the machines and trucks moving the grain out of fields. Our crew remained safe and healthy during these long days and nights that easily and often become a blur over a three-month period. Our days were long, yet productive, and harvest was bountiful. We have so much to be thankful for this year. &nbsp; And much like someone who has just completed another marathon, we will now rest and recover before preparing for the next race that’ll be here before we know it. Until then, we will enjoy each other’s company and be thankful for all that we’ve been afforded."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The marathon of fall

Three-day weather outlook

HAYS – TMP-Marian senior Jace Wentling signed his National
Letter of Intent Tuesday to play baseball at Neosho County Community College.

Wentling enters his senior season a career .428 hitter with
23 RBIs and 60 runs scored.

As a junior he hit a team-best .500 (36-72) and he safely in
21-of-23 games, all while hitting out of the leadoff spot in the lineup.

Wentling was also 1-3 with a 3.42 ERA as a pitcher. He appeared in eight
games on the mound, with six starts, and allowed 15 earned runs in 30.2 innings
pitched. He struck out 32 and issued 22 walks on the season.

He was also a four-year starter for the TMP-Marian football
team, garnering several all-league honors, a starter on the TMP boys basketball
team and he won the 3A state long jump last spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637716855887.jpeg" alt="Courtesy TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS – TMP-Marian senior Jace Wentling signed his National
Letter of Intent Tuesday to play baseball at Neosho County Community College.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1165611322&color=%23004386&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/11-23-tmps-jace-wentling" title="11-23 - TMP&#x27;s Jace Wentling" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">11-23 - TMP&#x27;s Jace Wentling</a></div></div>Wentling enters his senior season a career .428 hitter with
23 RBIs and 60 runs scored.As a junior he hit a team-best .500 (36-72) and he safely in
21-of-23 games, all while hitting out of the leadoff spot in the lineup.Wentling was also 1-3 with a 3.42 ERA as a pitcher. He appeared in eight
games on the mound, with six starts, and allowed 15 earned runs in 30.2 innings
pitched. He struck out 32 and issued 22 walks on the season.He was also a four-year starter for the TMP-Marian football
team, garnering several all-league honors, a starter on the TMP boys basketball
team and he won the 3A state long jump last spring.

⚾TMP's Jace Wentling signs with Neosho County Community College

An attempted armed robbery that<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a85cb89d-fdb7-4661-a879-dda6994afc71"> forced Hays High School to be locked down Friday afternoon</a> has led to three arrests, while one juvenile suspect remains at large.

Police were first alerted to the situation after the report of an armed robbery in the 1700 block of Volga at 2:05 p.m.

The victim reported a knock on the door and at the door found two males wearing hoodies and bandanas at the doorway, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

"They asked if a person lived there," he said. "She responded, then they pulled out a gun and told to get on the ground."

She instead closed and locked the door and called the police.

"Officers responded over there and began investigating," Scheibler said. "Patrol began searching the area, with the investigation division, lead by Detective David Gillan."

Due to the closeness of the incident, he said a request was made to Hays High to lock the building to outside visitors, while the school day continued inside.

"I think it's important for the community to know that the school district has a good plan in place. They were able to secure the building and inside the building, you wouldn't notice anything different. But you weren't getting inside that building and I felt good about that. And the patrol division came over there when&nbsp; they released classes at the scheduled time and stood by in the parking lot just to make people feel comfortable.. ... There's a good staff out there and the community should feel good knowing that school district has a good plan in place."

Meanwhile, a delayed report of another burglary was made to the department.

"We got another report of house burglary ... in the 500 block of West 24th St.," Scheibler said.&nbsp; "Officers went over there and learned that earlier in the day, neighbors had heard pounding coming from the house. When they came around the corner they saw two suspects running from the house and saw them get into a silver SUV and drive off."

Arriving officers found the door of that residence had been kicked in, he said.

Investigators determined, the incidents were related.

"Based on the investigation we believe two adults and two juveniles conspired together to go to several locations in town and either steal property from empty houses or rob people of their property," Scheibler said.

Over the weekend, three of the four suspects were arrested on numerous charges, related to the incidents.

Abigail Christine Buchholz, 24, Hays, was&nbsp;arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary aggravated  endangering a child and contributing to a child's misconduct,&nbsp;interference with a law enforcement officer, and other charges.

Ashton R. Herrman, 18, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, aggravated burglary, aggravated endangering a child,&nbsp;contributing to a child's misconduct, conspiracy to commit burglary and interference with a law enforcement officer.

One minor was also arrested, and the search is ongoing for the fourth suspect, also believed to be a minor.

"I'm very pleased with the Investigation Division," Scheibler said. "They took it with the limited information that we had and they were able to piece this together and quickly identify four people who were not only prepared, but had committed violent crimes in our community.

"It happened on Saturday, and within 24 hours, some of these people were in jail. We had limited information to go on, So I'm very, very pleased with their work."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637718477690.png" alt="Herrman photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Herrman photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAn attempted armed robbery that<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a85cb89d-fdb7-4661-a879-dda6994afc71"> forced Hays High School to be locked down Friday afternoon</a> has led to three arrests, while one juvenile suspect remains at large.Police were first alerted to the situation after the report of an armed robbery in the 1700 block of Volga at 2:05 p.m.The victim reported a knock on the door and at the door found two males wearing hoodies and bandanas at the doorway, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637718358577.png" alt="Buchholz photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Buchholz photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>"They asked if a person lived there," he said. "She responded, then they pulled out a gun and told to get on the ground."She instead closed and locked the door and called the police."Officers responded over there and began investigating," Scheibler said. "Patrol began searching the area, with the investigation division, lead by Detective David Gillan."Due to the closeness of the incident, he said a request was made to Hays High to lock the building to outside visitors, while the school day continued inside."I think it's important for the community to know that the school district has a good plan in place. They were able to secure the building and inside the building, you wouldn't notice anything different. But you weren't getting inside that building and I felt good about that. And the patrol division came over there when&nbsp; they released classes at the scheduled time and stood by in the parking lot just to make people feel comfortable.. ... There's a good staff out there and the community should feel good knowing that school district has a good plan in place."Meanwhile, a delayed report of another burglary was made to the department."We got another report of house burglary ... in the 500 block of West 24th St.," Scheibler said.&nbsp; "Officers went over there and learned that earlier in the day, neighbors had heard pounding coming from the house. When they came around the corner they saw two suspects running from the house and saw them get into a silver SUV and drive off."Arriving officers found the door of that residence had been kicked in, he said.Investigators determined, the incidents were related."Based on the investigation we believe two adults and two juveniles conspired together to go to several locations in town and either steal property from empty houses or rob people of their property," Scheibler said.Over the weekend, three of the four suspects were arrested on numerous charges, related to the incidents.Abigail Christine Buchholz, 24, Hays, was&nbsp;arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary aggravated endangering a child and contributing to a child's misconduct,&nbsp;interference with a law enforcement officer, and other charges.Ashton R. Herrman, 18, Hays, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, aggravated burglary, aggravated endangering a child,&nbsp;contributing to a child's misconduct, conspiracy to commit burglary and interference with a law enforcement officer.One minor was also arrested, and the search is ongoing for the fourth suspect, also believed to be a minor."I'm very pleased with the Investigation Division," Scheibler said. "They took it with the limited information that we had and they were able to piece this together and quickly identify four people who were not only prepared, but had committed violent crimes in our community."It happened on Saturday, and within 24 hours, some of these people were in jail. We had limited information to go on, So I'm very, very pleased with their work."

HPD: Attempted armed robbery Friday in Hays leads to three arrests

<div><iframe title="Chamber Cheques help keep gifts local" 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=xx7ka-113c157-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Chamber Cheques help keep gifts local

By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

The historic 
Christmas light display on the water tower in Larned will be lit on 
Thanksgiving night for the first time in several years. For decades, the
 lights gave an appearance of a royal crown high above the town during 
the holiday season.&nbsp;

According to Larned Mayor William Nusser, the display was discontinued because it could no longer be maintained safely.&nbsp;

A
 campaign to raise $95,000 to restore the display began earlier this 
year. It reached $110,000 after a matching $30,000 donation from the 
Glen and Elaine Mull Family Fund at the Golden Belt Community 
Foundation. Glen and Elaine and two other members of their family died 
in a plane crash in 2014.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glen Mull's father Keith will light 
the display with a symbolic switch at 7 p.m. Mayor Nusser explains why 
Keith's participation is so important to the Mull family.&nbsp;

"His 
house was right across the street from the water tower," Nusser noted. 
"So&nbsp;when he lived there and family would come over for Christmas and 
holidays, he would tell the grandkids he controlled the lights on the 
water tower."&nbsp;

The mayor says the new lights are LED and should be
 significantly brighter than the lights in the original display. He also
 says a number of activities will take place before and after the 
lighting.&nbsp;

"We've booked a live reindeer, there's a DJ, 
barrel-train," Nusser reported. "We'll have Santa and the Santa House 
there. We're going to do Christmas&nbsp;caroling, hot chocolate/cocoa."&nbsp;

Attendees will gather near Moffett Stadium. The celebration will last from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637677154575.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>The historic 
Christmas light display on the water tower in Larned will be lit on 
Thanksgiving night for the first time in several years. For decades, the
 lights gave an appearance of a royal crown high above the town during 
the holiday season.&nbsp;According to Larned Mayor William Nusser, the display was discontinued because it could no longer be maintained safely.&nbsp;A
 campaign to raise $95,000 to restore the display began earlier this 
year. It reached $110,000 after a matching $30,000 donation from the 
Glen and Elaine Mull Family Fund at the Golden Belt Community 
Foundation. Glen and Elaine and two other members of their family died 
in a plane crash in 2014.&nbsp;&nbsp;Glen Mull's father Keith will light 
the display with a symbolic switch at 7 p.m. Mayor Nusser explains why 
Keith's participation is so important to the Mull family.&nbsp;"His 
house was right across the street from the water tower," Nusser noted. 
"So&nbsp;when he lived there and family would come over for Christmas and 
holidays, he would tell the grandkids he controlled the lights on the 
water tower."&nbsp;The mayor says the new lights are LED and should be
 significantly brighter than the lights in the original display. He also
 says a number of activities will take place before and after the 
lighting.&nbsp;"We've booked a live reindeer, there's a DJ, 
barrel-train," Nusser reported. "We'll have Santa and the Santa House 
there. We're going to do Christmas&nbsp;caroling, hot chocolate/cocoa."&nbsp;Attendees will gather near Moffett Stadium. The celebration will last from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp;

Historic Christmas lights return to Larned on Thanksgiving

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

The Hays USD 489 school board approved an Early Childhood Connections policy that will require all employees and volunteers in the program to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

ECC receives federal funds and falls under the federal mandate to have employees vaccinated. The vaccination requirement applies only to Early Childhood Connections.

Donna Hudson-Hamilton, ECC director, told the school board Monday, the Head Start program would be in danger of losing funds if it did not comply with the federal mandate.

The policy will affect about 90 people. About 54 percent of the staff has been vaccinated.

"We really want to move on this and get it out," Hudson-Hamilton said of the policy. "This has weighed on them tremendously. We want something for them to review and fall back on."

Hudson-Hamilton said litigation surrounding the federal vaccine mandate is ongoing across the country, and the outcome of that litigation could affect the ECC policy moving forward.

However, she said she felt the ECC staff needed guidance.

The policy requires all staff, including teachers, program staff, bus drivers, administrative staff, substitute teachers, school nurses, temporary staff and volunteers to be vaccinated.

Those staff and volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1. This means two weeks after the second shot of a Moderna or Pfzier vaccine or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Exemptions will be allowed for religious or medical reasons. Individuals will not be able to test in lieu of vaccination.

Hudson-Hamilton said the ECC does not intend to require regular testing, masks or other mitigation measures for those who receive exemptions unless they are otherwise required in the community or district-wide.

Failure to receive a vaccination or exemption can lead to disciplinary action up to dismissal, according to the policy.

Employees who know they won't comply are urged to notify they're superiors. Reassignment may be an option.

"We don’t want to risk losing federal dollars," Tammy Wellbrock, board president, said. "We don’t have money to do this program ..."

The policy passed on a vote of 6-1 with Allen Park voting against. 

Newly elected school board member Curt Vajnar was appointed at the beginning of the meeting to fill a vacant seat. He voted to approve the policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637639473262.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixaby " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixaby </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved an Early Childhood Connections policy that will require all employees and volunteers in the program to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.ECC receives federal funds and falls under the federal mandate to have employees vaccinated. The vaccination requirement applies only to Early Childhood Connections.Donna Hudson-Hamilton, ECC director, told the school board Monday, the Head Start program would be in danger of losing funds if it did not comply with the federal mandate.The policy will affect about 90 people. About 54 percent of the staff has been vaccinated. "We really want to move on this and get it out," Hudson-Hamilton said of the policy. "This has weighed on them tremendously. We want something for them to review and fall back on."Hudson-Hamilton said litigation surrounding the federal vaccine mandate is ongoing across the country, and the outcome of that litigation could affect the ECC policy moving forward.However, she said she felt the ECC staff needed guidance.The policy requires all staff, including teachers, program staff, bus drivers, administrative staff, substitute teachers, school nurses, temporary staff and volunteers to be vaccinated.Those staff and volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1. This means two weeks after the second shot of a Moderna or Pfzier vaccine or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. Proof of vaccination will be required.Exemptions will be allowed for religious or medical reasons. Individuals will not be able to test in lieu of vaccination. Hudson-Hamilton said the ECC does not intend to require regular testing, masks or other mitigation measures for those who receive exemptions unless they are otherwise required in the community or district-wide.Failure to receive a vaccination or exemption can lead to disciplinary action up to dismissal, according to the policy.Employees who know they won't comply are urged to notify they're superiors. Reassignment may be an option. "We don’t want to risk losing federal dollars," Tammy Wellbrock, board president, said. "We don’t have money to do this program ..." The policy passed on a vote of 6-1 with Allen Park voting against. Newly elected school board member Curt Vajnar was appointed at the beginning of the meeting to fill a vacant seat. He voted to approve the policy.

Early Childhood Connections will require staff vaccinations per fed mandate

The results are in, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp has retained her five-vote lead in the Hays USD 489 school board race to take a seat on the board.

The vote count remained the same after a recount on Friday. Curt Vajnar was the top vote-getter. Ken Brooks was the No. 2 vote-getter, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp placed third. Only the top three candidates take seats on the board.

Cathy Hopkins placed fourth by five votes and requested a recount last week.

 The election were certified by the canvass board Monday morning.

Party representatives took turns feeding single ballots through the ballot scanner during the recount. Representatives of both Hopkins and Zampieri-Lillpopp were present during most of the recount process.

Both candidates said the recount went smoothly.

"It just goes to show you that every vote counts," Hopkins said.

She added she plans to continue to attend school board meetings and advocate for parental choice in student's health care decisions, as well as for board transparency.

"We want to be very proactive and encourage all parents to stay engaged and watchful," she said. 

Zampieri-Lillpopp said transparency will be important to rebuilding the community's trust of the school board. As she takes her seat, she said she will turn her attention toward the school district's work on a bond issues.

She said she looks forward to working with the other newly elected school board members.

"I think everyone on the board has the kids as the highest priority level," she said. "I think it's a great group of individuals."

All three candidates are new to the board and will begin their four-year terms in January. The board had discussed before the election their desire to have the top vote-getter to take his seat early because there is a vacancy on the board.

Vajnar was appointed to that vacant seat and served Monday night at the school board meeting.

Vajnar, Brooks and Zampieri-Lillpopp join existing board members Tammy Wellbrock, Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel and Allen Park.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe results are in, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp has retained her five-vote lead in the Hays USD 489 school board race to take a seat on the board.The vote count remained the same after a recount on Friday. Curt Vajnar was the top vote-getter. Ken Brooks was the No. 2 vote-getter, and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp placed third. Only the top three candidates take seats on the board.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633100159398.jpeg" alt="Zampieri-Lillpopp" />
 <figcaption>Zampieri-Lillpopp</figcaption>
 </figure>Cathy Hopkins placed fourth by five votes and requested a recount last week. The election were certified by the canvass board Monday morning.Party representatives took turns feeding single ballots through the ballot scanner during the recount. Representatives of both Hopkins and Zampieri-Lillpopp were present during most of the recount process.Both candidates said the recount went smoothly."It just goes to show you that every vote counts," Hopkins said.She added she plans to continue to attend school board meetings and advocate for parental choice in student's health care decisions, as well as for board transparency."We want to be very proactive and encourage all parents to stay engaged and watchful," she said. Zampieri-Lillpopp said transparency will be important to rebuilding the community's trust of the school board. As she takes her seat, she said she will turn her attention toward the school district's work on a bond issues.She said she looks forward to working with the other newly elected school board members."I think everyone on the board has the kids as the highest priority level," she said. "I think it's a great group of individuals." All three candidates are new to the board and will begin their four-year terms in January. The board had discussed before the election their desire to have the top vote-getter to take his seat early because there is a vacancy on the board.Vajnar was appointed to that vacant seat and served Monday night at the school board meeting. Vajnar, Brooks and Zampieri-Lillpopp join existing board members Tammy Wellbrock, Craig Pallister, Lori Hertel and Allen Park.

Zampieri-Lillpopp holds on to lead after recount to take Hays USD 489 seat

Tradehomes Shoes of Hays will donate 240 packs of socks to the First Call for Help through a buy-a-pair, give-a-pair program.

The store, which is in Big Creek Crossing, donated a pair of socks for every pair sold in the store since March.

The program is ongoing, said Christopher Huntley, manager said.

"This is not just we're donating," he said. "This is what the city of Hays is donating and thinks of First Call for Help."

Some shoppers did not need socks, but bought socks and donated them to the project, Huntley said.

Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, said the center does receive requests for socks. First Call did not have any adult-sized socks available until the donation Thursday.

New socks is among one of the most requested items among the homeless population, Mills said.

The store hopes to start up another giving program involving shoe protectant. For every container sold, a portion of the proceeds will go to purchase shoes for needy children in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637273548501.jpeg" alt="Christopher Huntley, Tradehomes Shoe manager, presents Linda Mills, executive director of First Call for Help with donated socks. " />
 <figcaption>Christopher Huntley, Tradehomes Shoe manager, presents Linda Mills, executive director of First Call for Help with donated socks. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTradehomes Shoes of Hays will donate 240 packs of socks to the First Call for Help through a buy-a-pair, give-a-pair program. The store, which is in Big Creek Crossing, donated a pair of socks for every pair sold in the store since March.The program is ongoing, said Christopher Huntley, manager said."This is not just we're donating," he said. "This is what the city of Hays is donating and thinks of First Call for Help."Some shoppers did not need socks, but bought socks and donated them to the project, Huntley said. Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, said the center does receive requests for socks. First Call did not have any adult-sized socks available until the donation Thursday.New socks is among one of the most requested items among the homeless population, Mills said. The store hopes to start up another giving program involving shoe protectant. For every container sold, a portion of the proceeds will go to purchase shoes for needy children in Hays.&nbsp;

Local