On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares tips on how to keep safe during the busy holiday shopping season.

<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>

The holiday season means increased shopping and increased risk of theft. Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun stops by to talk to us a little bit about how to stay safe while out collecting those holiday guests. On this episode of the Post Podcast.

You know, there's a couple of things we can do to protect ourselves. One, if we're buying gifts online, go to a reputable site, make sure that you're using some type of card or something that has some security to it, monitor your, your purchases through that. Get on some of those sites that will tell you if you have some things to charge to you is monitored closely. As we know scams go up during this time, this year will be no different than any other year, that will be a large percentage, a large percentage of fraud cases being reported to law enforcement to investigate the pretty difficult for us to do. Typically, they're out of our jurisdiction. But unfortunately, you know, the card companies are pretty good about working with people, but monitor that because they can get away from you pretty quick, cancel those cards, if it happens. Regards to gifts, you know, everybody's going to all of the stores around town or out of our community or wherever they might be. Make sure that when you're parking your car, that it's secure. Try to cover those gifts in the back. You know, it just takes a brief moment for somebody to break a window. Or if you leave that door open by accident, kids getting in and out. We're busy. We forgot, forget to check our doors and our kids. Did you lock your door? Yes, well, we all know that sometimes happens, right? And they take the gifts and it cost you some money. And we have some kids unhappy and so just make sure that you're covering those items up and securing your vehicle. And And ladies, please make sure your purses when you're in the stores that you're not letting them by themselves in the cart while you're trying on something or you're dealing with your kids. I know what happens. But please be cautious. You know, those increase every year also. And if anybody's been watching the news, we've been seeing a lot of that stuff in the eastern and western part of the states. Not in Kansas necessarily. We'll knock on wood on that. But there's been a lot of thefts from from stores, a lot of looting and things of that nature. And so unfortunately, that's a trickle effect. Sometimes we hope that doesn't enter our community, but we just want everybody to be cautious.

Yeah. And, you know, I heard a story a while back about some booze, doing some shopping and turned her back just turned her back from home to grab the purse out of the car. And then somebody tried to grab it from her. And more or less.

Yes, you know, and and that's a good point. I know my reaction is to fight that person or, or the ad and I and I get that I can't say that I would be any different. But you know, it is a purse. And I don't want anybody to be harmed, because there are some people that will harm other people to get that item. So just be careful with that. And you just got to be aware of your surroundings. When when, during this time or any time to be for that matter of fact, just be careful around your surroundings. And if you get that kind of funny feeling. Probably something not right.

Yeah. So you know, the last the other thing, and we'll kind of get off because I talked about it briefly of people traveling. Again, and I know I spoke about this a long time ago, but please have some precautionary items in your vehicle. Let's get some blankets in there. And let's make sure we have a you know, charger cell phone might have some type of heating item in there. If you're stuck, watch the weather in, you know, years ago, it may have been more difficult. But now we get weather notifications, they pop up all the time on our phones, if you have a smartphone, make sure people know when you're going to arrive approximately at a location. So if you're extended a significant amount, they can start making some phone calls and say, hey, my loved ones not here. Please keep in contact with them. But travel safe. Take a little extra time if the roads aren't good, because the last thing we want to do is have someone injured and and we do see quite a few accidents. There's a lot of travel during Christmas time. And our weather changes in Kansas as we know 30 seconds from now. It could be snowing, who knows? You know? Yeah. So just take a few extra minutes.

Yeah. And you know, I was talking to some friends of mine that are a little bit younger, just the other day about this very thing. And they said well, we have a cell phone failing happens. Let's make a phone call. And I'm like, oh gosh, I remember growing up and you know, we lived in a real small town. So travel was part of our daily life 30 minutes, 40 minutes every day. And we didn't have any way of contacting so those those that like the candle in the can and the blankets and all that you know still lives in my trunk. But these younger folks, I think they rely on the cell phones and just think well if I get in trouble I'm going to call but sometimes in service There's situations, you're going to wish that you had some way of staying warm, at least till somebody gets there. And you know, if you're stuck, pros are terrible, whatever it might be.

You know, technology fails us. And maybe that cell phone's not working, or you were on an all day, and you're gonna make that last phone call. And for whatever reason, your battery just died and you're in this snowstorm, and you can't make that phone call. We don't know where you are, we can't get to you. So you're absolutely right, we've got to take care of ourselves a little bit. We got to make sure we have some means of staying for a period of time. I remember a few years ago, we had some pretty good it's been a number of years ago, pretty good blizzards where I 70 was shut down and, and we were having a hard time getting to people stranded, we actually had to call the National Guard and they started running up and down the road because they had the vehicles to do it. So those people sat there for a couple hours before we get to him. But the point is, is we've got to gotta have some precautionary things and it doesn't take anything, throw something in a bag and put it in the trunk.

And just sit there for multiple years if you're like me.

Yeah, correct. And you have it when you need it. So yeah, so just a few things to think about. And probably last but not least, I know we're probably close on time. On behalf of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, we'd like to wish everyone a happy, happy New Year and Merry Christmas and I kind of turn those around but I think you get the idea. We want everyone to travel safely and want everyone to have a joyous Christmas for sure. We've had some tough years and everyone gets together as just a wonderful holiday.

<div><iframe title="Ellis Co. Sheriff shares holiday shopping safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=uw68e-1149c9b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares tips on how to keep safe during the busy holiday shopping season.<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><h2>Transcript</h2>James Bell&nbsp;The holiday season means increased shopping and increased risk of theft. Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun stops by to talk to us a little bit about how to stay safe while out collecting those holiday guests. On this episode of the Post Podcast.Scott Braun&nbsp;You know, there's a couple of things we can do to protect ourselves. One, if we're buying gifts online, go to a reputable site, make sure that you're using some type of card or something that has some security to it, monitor your, your purchases through that. Get on some of those sites that will tell you if you have some things to charge to you is monitored closely. As we know scams go up during this time, this year will be no different than any other year, that will be a large percentage, a large percentage of fraud cases being reported to law enforcement to investigate the pretty difficult for us to do. Typically, they're out of our jurisdiction. But unfortunately, you know, the card companies are pretty good about working with people, but monitor that because they can get away from you pretty quick, cancel those cards, if it happens. Regards to gifts, you know, everybody's going to all of the stores around town or out of our community or wherever they might be. Make sure that when you're parking your car, that it's secure. Try to cover those gifts in the back. You know, it just takes a brief moment for somebody to break a window. Or if you leave that door open by accident, kids getting in and out. We're busy. We forgot, forget to check our doors and our kids. Did you lock your door? Yes, well, we all know that sometimes happens, right? And they take the gifts and it cost you some money. And we have some kids unhappy and so just make sure that you're covering those items up and securing your vehicle. And And ladies, please make sure your purses when you're in the stores that you're not letting them by themselves in the cart while you're trying on something or you're dealing with your kids. I know what happens. But please be cautious. You know, those increase every year also. And if anybody's been watching the news, we've been seeing a lot of that stuff in the eastern and western part of the states. Not in Kansas necessarily. We'll knock on wood on that. But there's been a lot of thefts from from stores, a lot of looting and things of that nature. And so unfortunately, that's a trickle effect. Sometimes we hope that doesn't enter our community, but we just want everybody to be cautious.James Bell&nbsp;Yeah. And, you know, I heard a story a while back about some booze, doing some shopping and turned her back just turned her back from home to grab the purse out of the car. And then somebody tried to grab it from her. And more or less.Scott Braun&nbsp;Yes, you know, and and that's a good point. I know my reaction is to fight that person or, or the ad and I and I get that I can't say that I would be any different. But you know, it is a purse. And I don't want anybody to be harmed, because there are some people that will harm other people to get that item. So just be careful with that. And you just got to be aware of your surroundings. When when, during this time or any time to be for that matter of fact, just be careful around your surroundings. And if you get that kind of funny feeling. Probably something not right.James Bell&nbsp;Yeah, better safe than sorry.Scott Braun&nbsp;Yeah. So you know, the last the other thing, and we'll kind of get off because I talked about it briefly of people traveling. Again, and I know I spoke about this a long time ago, but please have some precautionary items in your vehicle. Let's get some blankets in there. And let's make sure we have a you know, charger cell phone might have some type of heating item in there. If you're stuck, watch the weather in, you know, years ago, it may have been more difficult. But now we get weather notifications, they pop up all the time on our phones, if you have a smartphone, make sure people know when you're going to arrive approximately at a location. So if you're extended a significant amount, they can start making some phone calls and say, hey, my loved ones not here. Please keep in contact with them. But travel safe. Take a little extra time if the roads aren't good, because the last thing we want to do is have someone injured and and we do see quite a few accidents. There's a lot of travel during Christmas time. And our weather changes in Kansas as we know 30 seconds from now. It could be snowing, who knows? You know? Yeah. So just take a few extra minutes.James Bell&nbsp;Yeah. And you know, I was talking to some friends of mine that are a little bit younger, just the other day about this very thing. And they said well, we have a cell phone failing happens. Let's make a phone call. And I'm like, oh gosh, I remember growing up and you know, we lived in a real small town. So travel was part of our daily life 30 minutes, 40 minutes every day. And we didn't have any way of contacting so those those that like the candle in the can and the blankets and all that you know still lives in my trunk. But these younger folks, I think they rely on the cell phones and just think well if I get in trouble I'm going to call but sometimes in service There's situations, you're going to wish that you had some way of staying warm, at least till somebody gets there. And you know, if you're stuck, pros are terrible, whatever it might be.Scott Braun&nbsp;You know, technology fails us. And maybe that cell phone's not working, or you were on an all day, and you're gonna make that last phone call. And for whatever reason, your battery just died and you're in this snowstorm, and you can't make that phone call. We don't know where you are, we can't get to you. So you're absolutely right, we've got to take care of ourselves a little bit. We got to make sure we have some means of staying for a period of time. I remember a few years ago, we had some pretty good it's been a number of years ago, pretty good blizzards where I 70 was shut down and, and we were having a hard time getting to people stranded, we actually had to call the National Guard and they started running up and down the road because they had the vehicles to do it. So those people sat there for a couple hours before we get to him. But the point is, is we've got to gotta have some precautionary things and it doesn't take anything, throw something in a bag and put it in the trunk.James Bell&nbsp;And just sit there for multiple years if you're like me.Scott Braun&nbsp;Yeah, correct. And you have it when you need it. So yeah, so just a few things to think about. And probably last but not least, I know we're probably close on time. On behalf of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, we'd like to wish everyone a happy, happy New Year and Merry Christmas and I kind of turn those around but I think you get the idea. We want everyone to travel safely and want everyone to have a joyous Christmas for sure. We've had some tough years and everyone gets together as just a wonderful holiday.

🎙Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Sheriff shares holiday shopping safety tips

The Hays High girls take on rival Great Bend in the 4th place game of the Hays City Shootout in the first game of the day Saturday morning.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331898">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High girls take on rival Great Bend in the 4th place game of the Hays City Shootout in the first game of the day Saturday morning.Tipoff is set for 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331898">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331898?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High girls vs Great Bend

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The City of Hays will accept a bid for construction engineering work on the reconstruction of Vine Street from south of 13th Street to the intersection of the U.S. 183 bypass at its next meeting.

The commissioners heard a report on the project at a Thursday night's work session.

The low bid is $147,984 from Kirkham-Michael Engineers of Ellsworth.

The city received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation for the almost $4 million project. The city's share of the project will be about $3 million.

The construction bids on the project are set to be let Dec. 15 in Topeka.

John Braun, city project manager, said the work will be done in the 2022 construction season. 

The project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, pedestrian crossing at Eighth Street, storm sewer inlet tops and pavement markings.

The city held a joint meeting between the commission and the Hays Recreation Commission to discuss the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool, and Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

The rec commission is asking the city for $42,000 to offset losses at the pools for the 2021 season. Attendance had been steadily declining at the pools in recent years, and as a result, operating losses have been increasing, Jeff Boyle, parks director, said.

Poor weather also contributed to losses in 2021, Boyle said.

When the aquatic park was new, more people from outside of the city were traveling to Hays to visit. However, multiple new pools have been built in western Kansas in the last six years that are drawing much of that traffic away from the Hays facility, Boyle said.

Commissioner Shaun Musil recommended the city seek marketing help from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said traffic in downtown Hays has been strong, and perhaps the city could draw some of those visitors to the aquatic park.

The Hays Recreation Commission has discussed ways to deal with the pools' mounting losses and needs to make capital repairs to the 20-year-old aquatic park.

The rec commission has decided it will change the hours at the aquatic park from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays to 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays with the same Sunday hours.

Roger Bixenman, rec superintendent, said officials hoped this would cut labor costs during non-peak hours at the park.

The park increased its wages to keep up with the labor market last summer and may have to increase wages again this coming summer, he said.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked if the officials have considered adding any new features to the pool. Boyle said this could be costly, and the pool is landlocked, so it is limited on space.

Hays has relatively low admission and season pass fees compared to other area pools. The pool could increase its fees, but no decision has been made on that front at this time. The pool has not increased its fees since 2014.

"It's a quality of life issue, that I will stand for all day long," Jacobs said of the pool. "The least amount we have to lose is always good."

The aquatic park is also facing substantial capital expenses. This includes repairs to the slides, north deck, boilers, fence, sand filter and electrical panels totaling about $357,000.

The electrical panels are one of the most urgent needs, and a breakdown could temporarily shutdown the pool, Boyle said.

Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex had $23,000 in operating profit in 2021.

The city commission will have a public hearing on a rural housing incentive district for the Frontier Apartments on Thursday.

The developer is asking for incentives to renovate the former St. Joseph Parish Hall, 210 W. 13th, into 12 moderate-income apartments.

The developers estimates the district will create $450,000 for the development over 20 years.

Total cost for the project is estimated at $2.46 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638571087945.png" alt="South Vine reconstruction project " />
 <figcaption>South Vine reconstruction project </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe City of Hays will accept a bid for construction engineering work on the reconstruction of Vine Street from south of 13th Street to the intersection of the U.S. 183 bypass at its next meeting.The commissioners heard a report on the project at a Thursday night's work session. The low bid is $147,984 from Kirkham-Michael Engineers of Ellsworth.The city received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation for the almost $4 million project. The city's share of the project will be about $3 million.The construction bids on the project are set to be let Dec. 15 in Topeka.John Braun, city project manager, said the work will be done in the 2022 construction season. The project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, pedestrian crossing at Eighth Street, storm sewer inlet tops and pavement markings. <h2>Swimming pools</h2>The city held a joint meeting between the commission and the Hays Recreation Commission to discuss the Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool, and Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638571273680.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The rec commission is asking the city for $42,000 to offset losses at the pools for the 2021 season. Attendance had been steadily declining at the pools in recent years, and as a result, operating losses have been increasing, Jeff Boyle, parks director, said.Poor weather also contributed to losses in 2021, Boyle said.When the aquatic park was new, more people from outside of the city were traveling to Hays to visit. However, multiple new pools have been built in western Kansas in the last six years that are drawing much of that traffic away from the Hays facility, Boyle said.Commissioner Shaun Musil recommended the city seek marketing help from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said traffic in downtown Hays has been strong, and perhaps the city could draw some of those visitors to the aquatic park. The Hays Recreation Commission has discussed ways to deal with the pools' mounting losses and needs to make capital repairs to the 20-year-old aquatic park.The rec commission has decided it will change the hours at the aquatic park from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays to 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays with the same Sunday hours.Roger Bixenman, rec superintendent, said officials hoped this would cut labor costs during non-peak hours at the park.The park increased its wages to keep up with the labor market last summer and may have to increase wages again this coming summer, he said.Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked if the officials have considered adding any new features to the pool. Boyle said this could be costly, and the pool is landlocked, so it is limited on space.Hays has relatively low admission and season pass fees compared to other area pools. The pool could increase its fees, but no decision has been made on that front at this time. The pool has not increased its fees since 2014. "It's a quality of life issue, that I will stand for all day long," Jacobs said of the pool. "The least amount we have to lose is always good."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638571411400.jpeg" alt="Expected aquatic park future repair needs " />
 <figcaption>Expected aquatic park future repair needs </figcaption>
 </figure>The aquatic park is also facing substantial capital expenses. This includes repairs to the slides, north deck, boilers, fence, sand filter and electrical panels totaling about $357,000.The electrical panels are one of the most urgent needs, and a breakdown could temporarily shutdown the pool, Boyle said.Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex had $23,000 in operating profit in 2021. <h2>Frontier Apartments</h2>The city commission will have a public hearing on a rural housing incentive district for the Frontier Apartments on Thursday.The developer is asking for incentives to renovate the former St. Joseph Parish Hall, 210 W. 13th, into 12 moderate-income apartments.The developers estimates the district will create $450,000 for the development over 20 years.Total cost for the project is estimated at $2.46 million.

City hears reports on South Vine reconstruction project, pool

The Ellis High School Cheer Squad took second place at State Game Day Showcase.

This team has faced some challenges this season so this really affirms their hard work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638288912772.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis High School Cheer Squad took second place at State Game Day Showcase.This team has faced some challenges this season so this really affirms their hard work.

Ellis Cheer takes second place at State Game Day Showcase

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Christmas spirit is sweeping across Hays this month as the holiday season shifts into high gear.

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau director, highlights some of the fun-filled events.

For Community Calendar updates, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Christmas spirit is sweeping across Hays this month as the holiday season shifts into high gear.Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau director, highlights some of the fun-filled events.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsbY3I3IdC0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For Community Calendar updates, check the CVB website at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638542666165.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638542703634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Christmas spirit comes alive in Hays during December

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 12 traffic stops Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Battery –
Domestic—400 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:45 AM; 11:02 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 1:15 PM 
False Report—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Unwanted Person—4200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:01 PM; 3:07 PM 
Runaway Juvenile—400 block Oak St, Hays; 2:58 PM 
Welfare Check—2300 block Donald Dr, Hays; 4:17 PM 
Disturbance – General—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:45 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious
Activity—500 block E 16th St, Hays; 12:07 AM; 12:15 AM 
Battery – Domestic--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:26 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--26th and Schwaller Ave, Hays; 7:56 AM; 7:58 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 9:01 AM 
Theft (general)—2000 block E 21st St, Hays; 11/30 8 PM; 12/1 10 AM 
Animal At Large—1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1300 block Schwaller Ave, Hays; 9:53 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:26 AM 
Welfare Check—100 block E 17th St, Hays; 3:10 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 3:52 PM 
Suspicious Activity—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:25 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation--Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:46 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury--1000 block E 22nd St, Hays ; 8:19 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:23 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 12 traffic stops Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Battery –
Domestic—400 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:45 AM; 11:02 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 1:15 PM 
False Report—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Unwanted Person—4200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:01 PM; 3:07 PM 
Runaway Juvenile—400 block Oak St, Hays; 2:58 PM 
Welfare Check—2300 block Donald Dr, Hays; 4:17 PM 
Disturbance – General—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 7:45 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious
Activity—500 block E 16th St, Hays; 12:07 AM; 12:15 AM 
Battery – Domestic--300 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:26 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--26th and Schwaller Ave, Hays; 7:56 AM; 7:58 AM 
Animal Bite Investigation—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 9:01 AM 
Theft (general)—2000 block E 21st St, Hays; 11/30 8 PM; 12/1 10 AM 
Animal At Large—1100 block Oakmont St, Hays; 10:04 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1300 block Schwaller Ave, Hays; 9:53 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 11:26 AM 
Welfare Check—100 block E 17th St, Hays; 3:10 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—200 block W 4th St, Hays; 3:52 PM 
Suspicious Activity—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:25 PM 
Animal Bite Investigation--Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:46 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury--1000 block E 22nd St, Hays ; 8:19 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:23 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 19 traffic stops Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.No report listed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD Activity Log, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

Dr. Lee Norman, former Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment, is one more in a long line of political casualties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After nearly two years of leading Kansas through the crisis, Dr. Norman was forced to resign — explaining his removal as a fundamental disagreement about how the state should continue to tackle the pandemic.

The tense relationship between Dr. Norman and the Kelly administration first made headlines over the summer when Norman made it clear that he is a healthcare professional, not a politician, and refused to avoid discussing sensitive political topics when they contradicted scientific knowledge.

For better or worse, political convictions are at the forefront of governments’ responses to COVID-19.&nbsp;

The pandemic has undeniably exacerbated political polarization and further exposed our vulnerability to systemic inequalities. While much of this divide has certainly been partisan, it has also unveiled intra-party divides.

Kelly, along with every other elected official in the state, is a “single-minded seeker of re-election” — a phrase coined by the political scientist David Mayhew to describe the primary motivations of members of Congress.

Approval ratings are a key measure of re-election chances.

Kansas Speaks, a statewide public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, measured Governor Kelly’s approval rating on her administration’s pandemic response in October 2020. The survey found that 47.5% of Kansans approved of the governor’s response, while 30.5% disapproved. The margin of error was 4.8%.

Kelly’s general job approval rating, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult, is 54% — with a margin of error of 4%.

The longer the pandemic continues, especially in light of the Omicron variant and potential resulting social restrictions, the more likely it is that Kelly’s pandemic approval rating will drop before the 2022 election — people are understandably tired of the major disruption to their lives.

Her re-election prospects largely explain why Kelly has gone out of her way to dispute Biden’s vaccination mandates and has rebuffed Democrats in the state legislature by signing a law that makes it easier for workers to get religious and moral exemptions to vaccine requirements.

All elected officials must care about their re-election chances, so while firing Dr. Norman and weakening vaccination requirements is unsurprising, it is exceedingly disappointing.

These incidents are indicative of a much larger problem. From the very beginning, the pandemic was politicized by national, state and local officials. But SARS-CoV-2 — the official name for the deadly virus — doesn’t care about politics.

It doesn’t discriminate based on partisanship. It is wholly unaffected by elections.

So why then do we continue to allow politics to drive public health responses?

Many public health officials, including Dr. Norman, have consistently been told to “stay in your lane” when it comes to pandemic policy — directive that defies logic considering such officials are the experts on public health and policies that can end this pandemic.

Over 6,700 Kansans — an undercount per most experts — have died of COVID-19. That’s over 6,700 Kansans who were missed at their families’ Thanksgiving table last week.

Our elected officials are just adding fuel to the fire by prioritizing politics over public health. As long as Kansans continue to villainize medical experts and resist public health directives like vaccination and mask wearing, there is no end to the pandemic in sight.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Lee Norman, former Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment, is one more in a long line of political casualties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.After nearly two years of leading Kansas through the crisis, Dr. Norman was forced to resign — explaining his removal as a fundamental disagreement about how the state should continue to tackle the pandemic.The tense relationship between Dr. Norman and the Kelly administration first made headlines over the summer when Norman made it clear that he is a healthcare professional, not a politician, and refused to avoid discussing sensitive political topics when they contradicted scientific knowledge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For better or worse, political convictions are at the forefront of governments’ responses to COVID-19.&nbsp;The pandemic has undeniably exacerbated political polarization and further exposed our vulnerability to systemic inequalities. While much of this divide has certainly been partisan, it has also unveiled intra-party divides.Kelly, along with every other elected official in the state, is a “single-minded seeker of re-election” — a phrase coined by the political scientist David Mayhew to describe the primary motivations of members of Congress.Approval ratings are a key measure of re-election chances.Kansas Speaks, a statewide public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, measured Governor Kelly’s approval rating on her administration’s pandemic response in October 2020. The survey found that 47.5% of Kansans approved of the governor’s response, while 30.5% disapproved. The margin of error was 4.8%.Kelly’s general job approval rating, according to a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult, is 54% — with a margin of error of 4%.The longer the pandemic continues, especially in light of the Omicron variant and potential resulting social restrictions, the more likely it is that Kelly’s pandemic approval rating will drop before the 2022 election — people are understandably tired of the major disruption to their lives.Her re-election prospects largely explain why Kelly has gone out of her way to dispute Biden’s vaccination mandates and has rebuffed Democrats in the state legislature by signing a law that makes it easier for workers to get religious and moral exemptions to vaccine requirements.All elected officials must care about their re-election chances, so while firing Dr. Norman and weakening vaccination requirements is unsurprising, it is exceedingly disappointing.These incidents are indicative of a much larger problem. From the very beginning, the pandemic was politicized by national, state and local officials. But SARS-CoV-2 — the official name for the deadly virus — doesn’t care about politics.It doesn’t discriminate based on partisanship. It is wholly unaffected by elections.So why then do we continue to allow politics to drive public health responses?Many public health officials, including Dr. Norman, have consistently been told to “stay in your lane” when it comes to pandemic policy — directive that defies logic considering such officials are the experts on public health and policies that can end this pandemic.Over 6,700 Kansans — an undercount per most experts — have died of COVID-19. That’s over 6,700 Kansans who were missed at their families’ Thanksgiving table last week.Our elected officials are just adding fuel to the fire by prioritizing politics over public health. As long as Kansans continue to villainize medical experts and resist public health directives like vaccination and mask wearing, there is no end to the pandemic in sight.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Pandemic politics — no end in sight?

Three-day weather outlook

The Hays High Indians boys basketball team will take on Olathe West in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday evening.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 8:15 at Hays High School.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/?fbclid=IwAR39ZIVbBIG3ook73NZmtbaBWY7JGQ8VKwsbpLmTFDFu4lXSCjwJz-wLg64">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians boys basketball team will take on Olathe West in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday evening.Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 8:15 at Hays High School.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/?fbclid=IwAR39ZIVbBIG3ook73NZmtbaBWY7JGQ8VKwsbpLmTFDFu4lXSCjwJz-wLg64">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High boys vs Olathe West

The TMP-Marian boys basketball team will take on Lawrence Free State and the girls Olathe West on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.

Tipoff of the boys game is set for approximately 4:45 p.m. with the girls to follow at approximately 6:30 p.m. at Hays High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331517">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian boys basketball team will take on Lawrence Free State and the girls Olathe West on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.Tipoff of the boys game is set for approximately 4:45 p.m. with the girls to follow at approximately 6:30 p.m. at Hays High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331517">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/331517?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Free State/Olathe West

The Hays High Indian girls basketball will take on Fort Smith North Side in the first game of the day Friday&nbsp;at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.

Tipoff is at 3 p.m. from Hays High School.

The Hays High Indian girls basketball will take on Fort Smith North Side in the first game of the day Friday&nbsp;at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.Tipoff is at 3 p.m. from Hays High School.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://team1sports.com/eaglecommunications/?fbclid=IwAR39ZIVbBIG3ook73NZmtbaBWY7JGQ8VKwsbpLmTFDFu4lXSCjwJz-wLg64">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High girls vs Fort Smith North Side

🎙 Kennedy: 'Ultra-alarmist position isn't where we need to be right now'

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 34 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

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

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,928 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638555595074.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County COVID-19 update: Dec. 3, 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=mab5c-1148994-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 34 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 65 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,928 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 KDHE: 34 new COVID cases in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses

A new record high blew right past the previous record by nearly 10 degrees.

According to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the temperature soared to 81 degrees. The previous record high for Dec. 2 was 72 degrees set back in 1995.&nbsp;

Cooler weather is on the way, however, with weekend daytime highs <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0f684ba-251d-44a4-918d-73cd41bf9443">forecasted</a> to be about 20 degrees cooler, and no precipitation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623793306978.jpeg" alt="(Picture by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Picture by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt was hot in Hays on Thursday.A new record high blew right past the previous record by nearly 10 degrees.According to official statistics from the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the temperature soared to 81 degrees. The previous record high for Dec. 2 was 72 degrees set back in 1995.&nbsp;Cooler weather is on the way, however, with weekend daytime highs <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f0f684ba-251d-44a4-918d-73cd41bf9443">forecasted</a> to be about 20 degrees cooler, and no precipitation.&nbsp;

Thursday temperature shatters record high for Hays

The Hays Art Council's Winter Art Walk is set to return Saturday with an all-day event spread throughout downtown and beyond, allowing locals and travelers a chance to experience a variety of artistic expression along with the features of downtown Hays.

"It's shaping up to be really wonderful," said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder.

Historically, the art walk was scheduled for Friday evening, but after trying the new format during the pandemic, she said an all-day event has several benefits.

"After the success of the Spring Art Walk, which we did on that Saturday, after what would have been our first opening of the original opening night, we had such a great response. People seem to be more relaxed, when they were out, they were taking their time, and they were really enjoying each experience."

And while the longer format allows participants the opportunity to explore the exhibits at their own pace, Meder said all of downtown Hays would benefit.

"It was wonderful for our downtown merchants, food service, the coffee shops, the restaurants, the wine bars," she said. "It proved to just have such a wonderful benefit for everyone. Plus, it gives everyone more time. And so instead of being congested in a short amount of time, we're diluting our audience over six hours instead of two or two and a half."

With the extra time, she hopes that participants will also take advantage of the services in downtown Hays.

The longer format also allows those hesitant to be in large group settings to partake.

"And you know that first Friday in December, it can be so cold and obviously it gets dark early," Meder said. "I've already left that thing in the 31 years I've been doing this, you leave on that Winter Art Walk night and scrape off a quarter-inch of ice off your windshield. And, and people do drive you in for that show — from three, four, even more than five hours away. Because the photographers are really fans of ... our photography exhibition. So, we thought, let's go on the Saturday and just make it this day of celebration in and around the downtown Hays area."

Kicking off events Saturday is a Winter Craft Fair and Market, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fox Theatre, 1202 Main.

Also, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sternberg Museum, a free lobby exhibition will explore&nbsp;The Dodo&nbsp;as a part of their ongoing exhibit along with 15th Century art reproductions and contemporary paintings.

While the art walk is kicking off at 10 a.m. downtown, Fort Hays State University will also have three exhibitions on display, including selected readings from Fort Hays State University Poet Laureate Jacob Buckman, in the Forsyth Library.

During the core times downtown, 16 stops are planned.

"We've got some music going on at Studio 809," Meder said. "We have the 5-State Photography, we've got two to two or three amazing exhibitions at the library. Got a book signing over at Regeena's is with Mary Kay Schippers and our fabulous family farm series (and we've) got a couple of things in the Chelsy Proehl Agency."

Also joining in this year, the Gamer's Guild and Aikido of Northwest Kansas, 208 E. Eighth.

"It's just that first kind of a long block off a main there, but it's so worth going down there," Meder said. "Brandon Nims has an incredible setup down there. … They've had their game miniatures that are these wonderful terrain and figurative miniatures that the members of their organization create. So they're like original little sculptures.

"Also, the real ancient and respected martial art of Aikido, there are going to be those demonstrations going on. It truly is such an art and a connection and a personal expression. So, it really is a type of performing art in a way."

Demonstrations are planned for 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

"The historical society is coming back into the fold. They're going to be bringing out a bunch of their gorgeous historical quilt collection pieces and putting those on display at the stone church," Meder said.

"The Big Creek Quilt Guild is going to be bringing out their contemporary quilts, and small art quilts and lap quilts, as well as large things, and they're going to be down at Chroma Quilting," she added. "It's a wonderful variety of things. And it's all free that day."

And while there will be a variety of events in which to to partake, the centerpiece will be the 38th annual 5-State Photography Exhibition.

"It's always the anchor of the winter artwork, that's the thing that really gets people excited about coming out for it," Meder said. "And it was another successful year. We had 446 photographs entered by photographers from Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado and truly from all over. Of course, there's always more from Kansas, there's always more from our area, but we got work in from all of the states.

"There will be 150 photographs that will be up in our gallery, 150 8-by-10 photographs, and matted and framed on the walls in there," Meder said. "And the range of those images is incredibly broad. ... There's so much work that goes into it. There is so much exquisite work that's in the show."

She said with the busy holiday season, the exhibition will be up until Feb. 12, allowing ample time for anyone to see the show the ability to do so.

The show features photos of all types, from straightforward images to more abstract, she said, giving the audience a chance to explore the meaning behind each piece.

<a target="_blank" href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">For more information about the Winter Art Walk, visit haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486723577.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Winter Art Walk scheduled for Saturday" 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=w37at-11471d7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays Art Council's Winter Art Walk is set to return Saturday with an all-day event spread throughout downtown and beyond, allowing locals and travelers a chance to experience a variety of artistic expression along with the features of downtown Hays."It's shaping up to be really wonderful," said Hays Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder.Historically, the art walk was scheduled for Friday evening, but after trying the new format during the pandemic, she said an all-day event has several benefits."After the success of the Spring Art Walk, which we did on that Saturday, after what would have been our first opening of the original opening night, we had such a great response. People seem to be more relaxed, when they were out, they were taking their time, and they were really enjoying each experience."And while the longer format allows participants the opportunity to explore the exhibits at their own pace, Meder said all of downtown Hays would benefit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486781857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It was wonderful for our downtown merchants, food service, the coffee shops, the restaurants, the wine bars," she said. "It proved to just have such a wonderful benefit for everyone. Plus, it gives everyone more time. And so instead of being congested in a short amount of time, we're diluting our audience over six hours instead of two or two and a half."With the extra time, she hopes that participants will also take advantage of the services in downtown Hays.The longer format also allows those hesitant to be in large group settings to partake."And you know that first Friday in December, it can be so cold and obviously it gets dark early," Meder said. "I've already left that thing in the 31 years I've been doing this, you leave on that Winter Art Walk night and scrape off a quarter-inch of ice off your windshield. And, and people do drive you in for that show — from three, four, even more than five hours away. Because the photographers are really fans of ... our photography exhibition. So, we thought, let's go on the Saturday and just make it this day of celebration in and around the downtown Hays area."Kicking off events Saturday is a Winter Craft Fair and Market, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon in the Fox Theatre, 1202 Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486703873.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Also, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sternberg Museum, a free lobby exhibition will explore&nbsp;The Dodo&nbsp;as a part of their ongoing exhibit along with 15th Century art reproductions and contemporary paintings.While the art walk is kicking off at 10 a.m. downtown, Fort Hays State University will also have three exhibitions on display, including selected readings from Fort Hays State University Poet Laureate Jacob Buckman, in the Forsyth Library.During the core times downtown, 16 stops are planned."We've got some music going on at Studio 809," Meder said. "We have the 5-State Photography, we've got two to two or three amazing exhibitions at the library. Got a book signing over at Regeena's is with Mary Kay Schippers and our fabulous family farm series (and we've) got a couple of things in the Chelsy Proehl Agency."Also joining in this year, the Gamer's Guild and Aikido of Northwest Kansas, 208 E. Eighth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486807205.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's just that first kind of a long block off a main there, but it's so worth going down there," Meder said. "Brandon Nims has an incredible setup down there. … They've had their game miniatures that are these wonderful terrain and figurative miniatures that the members of their organization create. So they're like original little sculptures."Also, the real ancient and respected martial art of Aikido, there are going to be those demonstrations going on. It truly is such an art and a connection and a personal expression. So, it really is a type of performing art in a way."Demonstrations are planned for 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m."The historical society is coming back into the fold. They're going to be bringing out a bunch of their gorgeous historical quilt collection pieces and putting those on display at the stone church," Meder said."The Big Creek Quilt Guild is going to be bringing out their contemporary quilts, and small art quilts and lap quilts, as well as large things, and they're going to be down at Chroma Quilting," she added. "It's a wonderful variety of things. And it's all free that day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638486822718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And while there will be a variety of events in which to to partake, the centerpiece will be the 38th annual 5-State Photography Exhibition."It's always the anchor of the winter artwork, that's the thing that really gets people excited about coming out for it," Meder said. "And it was another successful year. We had 446 photographs entered by photographers from Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado and truly from all over. Of course, there's always more from Kansas, there's always more from our area, but we got work in from all of the states."There will be 150 photographs that will be up in our gallery, 150 8-by-10 photographs, and matted and framed on the walls in there," Meder said. "And the range of those images is incredibly broad. ... There's so much work that goes into it. There is so much exquisite work that's in the show."She said with the busy holiday season, the exhibition will be up until Feb. 12, allowing ample time for anyone to see the show the ability to do so.The show features photos of all types, from straightforward images to more abstract, she said, giving the audience a chance to explore the meaning behind each piece."That's what good art does," Meder said.<a target="_blank" href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">For more information about the Winter Art Walk, visit haysartscouncil.org.</a>

🎙 38th Annual Five State Photography Exhibition to anchor all-day event 

Celebrate Frost Fest with the Hays Public Library on Dec. 18. The library will host a variety of activities throughout the day.

The fun will begin with a come-and-go breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. Registration is not required for the breakfast. Santa will be available for pictures, and he’ll read to the kids at 10 a.m. in the children’s area.&nbsp;

In the afternoon, there will be craft projects and pictures with Chilly the Penguin from 1 to 4 p.m. The group TX3 will perform holiday music from 2 to 3 p.m. The library will close at 5 p.m. and then reopen at 5:30 p.m. to serve hot cocoa in the lobby until the parade begins at 6 p.m.. The library will remain open during the parade.

Find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578606002336.jpeg" alt="Hays Public Library HPL January 2020-2.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Hays Public Library HPL January 2020-2.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HPLCelebrate Frost Fest with the Hays Public Library on Dec. 18. The library will host a variety of activities throughout the day.The fun will begin with a come-and-go breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Schmidt Gallery. Registration is not required for the breakfast. Santa will be available for pictures, and he’ll read to the kids at 10 a.m. in the children’s area.&nbsp;In the afternoon, there will be craft projects and pictures with Chilly the Penguin from 1 to 4 p.m. The group TX3 will perform holiday music from 2 to 3 p.m. The library will close at 5 p.m. and then reopen at 5:30 p.m. to serve hot cocoa in the lobby until the parade begins at 6 p.m.. The library will remain open during the parade.Find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Frost Fest activities planned at Hays Public Library

HUTCHINSON — Heartland Credit Union is expanding. The Hutchinson-based financial institution announced Thursday that they have reached an agreement to merge with Farmers Credit Union of Hays, according to a media release from the institution.

The merger would create a credit union with just over $500 million in assets and 33,000 members. One branch in Hays will join the eight HCU branches in Hutchinson, Haven, Newton and Wichita, including the Salthawk Center Branch inside Hutchinson High School. The combined credit unions will operate under the Heartland Credit Union name and leadership team.

Initial discussions regarding a potential merger started after Farmers President Guy Forell announced his intention to leave the credit union later in 2021. All other Farmers Credit Union employees will be retained. Farmers Credit Union will be entering into a management agreement with Heartland to ensure a smooth transition for members and employees.

“Our goal at Farmers Credit Union has always been to do what is right for our members,” Darren Walters, Board Chair of Farmers Credit Union said. “After evaluating several options and having extensive discussions regarding the future of the credit union, the decision to partner with Heartland Credit Union became clear. Their culture and commitment to excellent member service and superior products assures us this is the right move for our members. We are excited for the opportunity to welcome Farmers Credit Union members to Heartland,”

Dan Springer, Heartland Credit Union President/CEO said. “Our wide range of financial products, along with market leading rates, will provide excellent value to their members. It will also provide HCU the opportunity to expand our coverage area, better serving the growing number of Heartland members in central Kansas.”

The merger is contingent on final due diligence, regulatory approval, and a vote of the membership. Once regulatory approval is received, a merger packet and ballot will be made available to all members in good-standing. This should take place in the first quarter of 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638460749236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — Heartland Credit Union is expanding. The Hutchinson-based financial institution announced Thursday that they have reached an agreement to merge with Farmers Credit Union of Hays, according to a media release from the institution.The merger would create a credit union with just over $500 million in assets and 33,000 members. One branch in Hays will join the eight HCU branches in Hutchinson, Haven, Newton and Wichita, including the Salthawk Center Branch inside Hutchinson High School. The combined credit unions will operate under the Heartland Credit Union name and leadership team.Initial discussions regarding a potential merger started after Farmers President Guy Forell announced his intention to leave the credit union later in 2021. All other Farmers Credit Union employees will be retained. Farmers Credit Union will be entering into a management agreement with Heartland to ensure a smooth transition for members and employees.“Our goal at Farmers Credit Union has always been to do what is right for our members,” Darren Walters, Board Chair of Farmers Credit Union said. “After evaluating several options and having extensive discussions regarding the future of the credit union, the decision to partner with Heartland Credit Union became clear. Their culture and commitment to excellent member service and superior products assures us this is the right move for our members. We are excited for the opportunity to welcome Farmers Credit Union members to Heartland,”Dan Springer, Heartland Credit Union President/CEO said. “Our wide range of financial products, along with market leading rates, will provide excellent value to their members. It will also provide HCU the opportunity to expand our coverage area, better serving the growing number of Heartland members in central Kansas.”The merger is contingent on final due diligence, regulatory approval, and a vote of the membership. Once regulatory approval is received, a merger packet and ballot will be made available to all members in good-standing. This should take place in the first quarter of 2022.

Farmers Credit Union of Hays will merge with Hutch institution

Staring at the two deer mounts on our living room wall, and the fact that Kansas deer rifles season opens this week, brought back memories of the hunts when we harvested those two deer and also memories of the process of getting them mounted. Both deer came from ground farmed by my wife’s family in southwestern KS. The very nice nine-point whitetail was my wife’s first buck, and the dandy ten-point mule deer was my first big buck, so we decided to spend the money to have them both mounted. Immediately after we got home that year, I took both the heads to a taxidermist, thinking that was the end of our responsibility. Not so, and let me see if I can explain the process.

When a taxidermist receives an animal or fish, the first step is removing the skin so it can be tanned or processed. With deer, the meat processing plant or the hunter removes the head from the animal, along with the hide down past the shoulders; this hide is known as the “cape.” The head and the cape are then taken to the taxidermist. The taxidermist carefully skins out the head, removes the top of the skull with both antlers intact, tags and stores the antlers and sends the cape to be tanned. That tanned cape, with the corresponding antlers, is eventually fitted over a form made from a hard foam material. This form ultimately determines the “pose” of the finished mount. Note; if having you animal processed at a commercial processing plant, MAKE CERTAIN to tell them to cape-out the head so you have enough hide for the mount, otherwise they will cut the skin way too short for the taxidermist.

Next step is choosing how you want you deer head “posed.” I felt like I was at a portrait studio trying to choose final pictures for the church directory. Without thinking, I assumed our only choice was to have both deer looking away from the wall! Not so! There are four basic “poses” or positions, and several variations of each. They all center around the state of alertness you want the animal to replicate, and the direction you want it looking. The first of the four basic positions poses the head extremely low with ears laid back as if the buck were sneaking. The subsequent three each raise the head higher until the final basic view shows the deer on “full alert” and ready to bolt. The look we chose shows our bucks with upright heads, but not startled, and one looking each direction, as if at each other.

Another option to an expensive full-shoulder mount is simply having the antlers mounted on a nice plaque. Few taxidermists will do this anymore, but kits are available for you to do it yourself. In my office hangs a nice heavy set of antlers from a buck I found dead on our Ohio farm when I was a kid. A third option that has become very popular of late is called a “European Mount” which consists of the bare skull with the antlers attached. These can be decorated or painted for a unique look. A couple years ago I gave my sister a nice European Mounted rack from a buck I harvested on her property. Her home décor is western and southwest, so I mounted it on a weathered piece of barnwood and hung some old rusty barbed-wire on its antlers.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to have a fish or animal mounted. Trophies do not have to be determined by size alone. Unusual shapes and colors of fish and animals can make them memorable. The situation surrounding the catch or hunt may be worthy also, like a son’s first turkey, or in our case, my wife’s first buck, which was also harvested on her uncle’s land. Good quality pictures are very important too. Who knows, maybe a picture will be your trophy. A classy plaque sporting a good picture makes a very attractive memento.

The mount’s “final resting place” in your home should absolutely be defined and agreed upon by harvester and spouse. This issue has been the source of much conflict between mates over the years. Hopefully your significant other has their priorities right and sees it your way!&nbsp;

Cost is also a factor. While I realize a price cannot be put on everything, think reasonably. Shoulder mounts, which are the most popular are costing above $600 now. I found out many taxidermists no longer do simple antler mounts, but the one that do charge around $150, or you can buy the DYI kit for only a few bucks. There are a few guys around who do European mounts which will cost around $100.&nbsp;

Selecting which wildlife artist to trust with your prize is the final step. Recommendations from other sportsmen are probably the best litmus tests of all. Look at work done by those you’re considering, even visit them at their shops. They will gladly spend time with you, because they are fellow outdoorsmen and understand how important this decision is.

We didn’t choose to have our deer mounted merely to brag about them or our skills (although I could hardly wait for my brother to see them.) Each time we look at these awesome examples of God’s creation, we want to be able to close our eyes and watch again the scenes of the hunt unfold around us; to sense the exhilaration as we wait for each buck to give us just that “right” shot; to feel anew the pride and gratitude for the opportunity we had been given…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Staring at the two deer mounts on our living room wall, and the fact that Kansas deer rifles season opens this week, brought back memories of the hunts when we harvested those two deer and also memories of the process of getting them mounted. Both deer came from ground farmed by my wife’s family in southwestern KS. The very nice nine-point whitetail was my wife’s first buck, and the dandy ten-point mule deer was my first big buck, so we decided to spend the money to have them both mounted. Immediately after we got home that year, I took both the heads to a taxidermist, thinking that was the end of our responsibility. Not so, and let me see if I can explain the process.When a taxidermist receives an animal or fish, the first step is removing the skin so it can be tanned or processed. With deer, the meat processing plant or the hunter removes the head from the animal, along with the hide down past the shoulders; this hide is known as the “cape.” The head and the cape are then taken to the taxidermist. The taxidermist carefully skins out the head, removes the top of the skull with both antlers intact, tags and stores the antlers and sends the cape to be tanned. That tanned cape, with the corresponding antlers, is eventually fitted over a form made from a hard foam material. This form ultimately determines the “pose” of the finished mount. Note; if having you animal processed at a commercial processing plant, MAKE CERTAIN to tell them to cape-out the head so you have enough hide for the mount, otherwise they will cut the skin way too short for the taxidermist.Next step is choosing how you want you deer head “posed.” I felt like I was at a portrait studio trying to choose final pictures for the church directory. Without thinking, I assumed our only choice was to have both deer looking away from the wall! Not so! There are four basic “poses” or positions, and several variations of each. They all center around the state of alertness you want the animal to replicate, and the direction you want it looking. The first of the four basic positions poses the head extremely low with ears laid back as if the buck were sneaking. The subsequent three each raise the head higher until the final basic view shows the deer on “full alert” and ready to bolt. The look we chose shows our bucks with upright heads, but not startled, and one looking each direction, as if at each other.Another option to an expensive full-shoulder mount is simply having the antlers mounted on a nice plaque. Few taxidermists will do this anymore, but kits are available for you to do it yourself. In my office hangs a nice heavy set of antlers from a buck I found dead on our Ohio farm when I was a kid. A third option that has become very popular of late is called a “European Mount” which consists of the bare skull with the antlers attached. These can be decorated or painted for a unique look. A couple years ago I gave my sister a nice European Mounted rack from a buck I harvested on her property. Her home décor is western and southwest, so I mounted it on a weathered piece of barnwood and hung some old rusty barbed-wire on its antlers.Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to have a fish or animal mounted. Trophies do not have to be determined by size alone. Unusual shapes and colors of fish and animals can make them memorable. The situation surrounding the catch or hunt may be worthy also, like a son’s first turkey, or in our case, my wife’s first buck, which was also harvested on her uncle’s land. Good quality pictures are very important too. Who knows, maybe a picture will be your trophy. A classy plaque sporting a good picture makes a very attractive memento.The mount’s “final resting place” in your home should absolutely be defined and agreed upon by harvester and spouse. This issue has been the source of much conflict between mates over the years. Hopefully your significant other has their priorities right and sees it your way!&nbsp;Cost is also a factor. While I realize a price cannot be put on everything, think reasonably. Shoulder mounts, which are the most popular are costing above $600 now. I found out many taxidermists no longer do simple antler mounts, but the one that do charge around $150, or you can buy the DYI kit for only a few bucks. There are a few guys around who do European mounts which will cost around $100.&nbsp;Selecting which wildlife artist to trust with your prize is the final step. Recommendations from other sportsmen are probably the best litmus tests of all. Look at work done by those you’re considering, even visit them at their shops. They will gladly spend time with you, because they are fellow outdoorsmen and understand how important this decision is.We didn’t choose to have our deer mounted merely to brag about them or our skills (although I could hardly wait for my brother to see them.) Each time we look at these awesome examples of God’s creation, we want to be able to close our eyes and watch again the scenes of the hunt unfold around us; to sense the exhilaration as we wait for each buck to give us just that “right” shot; to feel anew the pride and gratitude for the opportunity we had been given…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: A trip to the taxidermist

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams open the season season with a first-round matchup against the Hays High Indians at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:30 with the boys to follow at about 8:15 from Hays High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330819">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams open the season season with a first-round matchup against the Hays High Indians at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:30 with the boys to follow at about 8:15 from Hays High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330819">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330819?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Hays High

The Hays High Indian boys and girls basketball teams open the season season with a first-round matchup against the TMP-Marian Monarchs  at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330820">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indian boys and girls basketball teams open the season season with a first-round matchup against the TMP-Marian Monarchs at the Gerald Mitchell/Hays City Shootout.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:30 with the boys to follow at about 8:15 from Hays High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330820">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/330820?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Thomas More Prep-Marian

The Wheatland Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees voted in September 2021, to retire $1 million in capital credits to eligible cooperative members. This year, eligible active members will see their capital credit in the form of a bill credit, visible either via SmartHub or on their December paper bill.

Electric cooperatives, like ours, operate at a cost. Any revenue above the cost of doing business (called margins) are repaid to the members in later years through capital credits. The credit amount that an individual member receives is based on the amount of electricity used (kilowatt hours) during the payout year(s), and their duration of membership. The payout years for this capital credit retirement are 1989 and 2020.

Every year, our trustees evaluate the financial condition of the cooperative to determine if we can retire capital credits. One of our seven cooperative principles is members’ economic participation, and capital credits is just one way we honor the cooperative spirit!

Inactive members or persons not currently purchasing their electricity from Wheatland Electric who were distribution members during the payout years will receive a paper check for any amount over $20. It is important that Wheatland Electric has the current mailing address of all inactive members to ensure the delivery of the capital credit checks. To confirm or update your mailing address, please call Wheatland Electric at 800-762-0436.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Wheatland Electric will not host capital credit Harvest Days events this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638456935506.png" alt="The City of Lakin receives a capital credits payout from Wheatland Electric earlier this year from funds retired in 2020." />
 <figcaption>The City of Lakin receives a capital credits payout from Wheatland Electric earlier this year from funds retired in 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSFrom Wheatland Electric...The Wheatland Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees voted in September 2021, to retire $1 million in capital credits to eligible cooperative members. This year, eligible active members will see their capital credit in the form of a bill credit, visible either via SmartHub or on their December paper bill.Electric cooperatives, like ours, operate at a cost. Any revenue above the cost of doing business (called margins) are repaid to the members in later years through capital credits. The credit amount that an individual member receives is based on the amount of electricity used (kilowatt hours) during the payout year(s), and their duration of membership. The payout years for this capital credit retirement are 1989 and 2020.Every year, our trustees evaluate the financial condition of the cooperative to determine if we can retire capital credits. One of our seven cooperative principles is members’ economic participation, and capital credits is just one way we honor the cooperative spirit!Inactive members or persons not currently purchasing their electricity from Wheatland Electric who were distribution members during the payout years will receive a paper check for any amount over $20. It is important that Wheatland Electric has the current mailing address of all inactive members to ensure the delivery of the capital credit checks. To confirm or update your mailing address, please call Wheatland Electric at 800-762-0436.Due to the ongoing pandemic, Wheatland Electric will not host capital credit Harvest Days events this year.

Wheatland Electric returns $1M in capital credits to members

Be Good. Make A Difference. Change the World. These eight words are the guiding principles of Fort Hays State University alumnus Peter J. Werth. Indeed, I have witnessed over and over again his kindness, the tremendous impact he has had on teaching and learning at FHSU, and how Peter has changed not only our world but the lives of so many.&nbsp;

Starting with a $25 gift in 1981, and steadily expanding for more than 40 years, Peter has given generously to our women’s basketball program, departments of applied technology and chemistry, the entrepreneurship program housed in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, the Honors College, and the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.&nbsp;

Who is Peter J. Werth? If you read his biography, you will know that he has been a transformative visionary leader for more than fifty years. He is the founder, CEO, and president of ChemWerth Inc., Woodbridge, Conn., and a 1959 FHSU graduate with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He also earned a master’s in organic chemistry from Stanford University. Peter began his career with Hewlett-Packard in 1961.

In 1964, he worked as a staff scientist at Spindletop Research before becoming the head chemist for Upjohn Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer). In 1965, he became manager of Upjohn's R&amp;D department. From 1975 to 1983, Peter served as vice president of sales and marketing for Ganes Chemicals. Peter founded ChemWerth in 1982 to develop active pharmaceutical ingredients to produce generic drugs. Today, Peter serves on several boards and is connected to several startup companies as an Angel investor.&nbsp;

Another scan of his biography reveals the many awards he has received, including the FHSU Alumni Achievement Award. He also has received honorary doctorate degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut. The good works of his family foundation, his many charitable contributions, and the impact of his work have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people all over the world. &nbsp;

However, the elements of his story that most resonate with me are his humble beginnings, strong work ethic, kindness, and the direct, personal impact he has had on so many individuals.&nbsp;

Peter grew up in Hays, Kansas. Born into modest beginnings, he was one of eight children. His parents owned The Mecca, a local restaurant at the corner of 27th and Vine, the current location of Walgreens. He learned the value of hard work early in life. Peter and his siblings all helped out at the restaurant, famous for its hamburgers. When not studying or working at the restaurant, Peter could also be found mowing the acres of grass in the cemetery across the street. Hard work was a lesson all the Werth children learned early and often. These lessons not only powered him through college but also helped fuel his success throughout his career.

Having had the honor of spending time with Peter and watching him interact with many people, I have been most inspired by how he selflessly develops and champions opportunities for our students that are extraordinarily impactful. We are deeply indebted to Peter for his generous financial support for our Tiger women’s basketball program. But what differentiates Peter’s impact is his focus on crafting peak experiences for our student-athletes – like flying our team to Connecticut to meet legendary coach Geno Auriemma and practice and play an exhibition game against his UConn Huskies, one of the top women’s basketball teams in NCAA Division I. Our student-athletes will remember that experience for the rest of their lives.

“This definitely was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players,” said FHSU’s Kacey Kennett, who actually was making her second trip to UConn with Peter and the Tiger team – her first time back in 2017 as a player and this year as a graduate assistant coach.&nbsp;

“A lot of Division I teams don’t even get to play UConn,” Kacey added, “so this opportunity – and all the opportunities I have gotten by attending Fort Hays State – I will cherish forever.”

I am also awed by how compassionately he connects with others and his ongoing commitment to helping break down barriers for our students. As a very recent example, Peter is planning to fund the education expenses of a young Nepal woman, Nyima Gyalmu Lama, and send her to FHSU to study nursing. If Nyima can get her Visa by January, she might be able to begin her dream of becoming a nurse as early as the spring 2022 semester!

Recently, a delegation of FHSU faculty and staff had the opportunity to travel to UConn to visit the Peter Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. There, we met sophomore Allie Davenport, who, like Peter, has dreams of making our world better.&nbsp;

Allie was a high school athlete who developed a medical condition known as paradoxical vocal fold motion, a breathing disorder where the vocal cords function abnormally, restricting airflow during respiration. Allie learned that one of the underlying causes of this condition is anxiety.

“My mind was powerful enough to trigger my vocal cords to malfunction and restrict airflow,” she explained.

Allie underwent months of speech therapy to help her retrain her body how to breathe and her mind how to resist a panic mode and to relax. Her journey fueled her passion for mental wellness and for helping to make a difference for others on their personal wellness journey.

With the support of the Peter Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Allie set out to make a difference in the lives of others through the creation of StarMind – an interactive journal that combines daily self-reflection logs, thought-provoking activities, and a series of QR codes that leads the journalist to digital resources and tools on specific psychology-related concepts.

Allie did not just receive funding for an idea. Focusing on experiences, Peter provided her with an audience of FHSU faculty to hear her story and her pitch. We marveled at her passion and dedication. We expressed our enthusiastic support and encouragement. Several purchased journals on the spot while Peter purchased a book for the entire Tiger team and their parents who were present that day.

Like our basketball players and our Nepali nursing student, I bet Allie will remember that day and the connections she made with FHSU Tigers for a very long time. I will maintain an email relationship with Allie myself – encouraging her heart to continue to inspire the hearts and minds of others.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Be Good. Make A Difference. Change the World. These eight words are the guiding principles of Fort Hays State University alumnus Peter J. Werth. Indeed, I have witnessed over and over again his kindness, the tremendous impact he has had on teaching and learning at FHSU, and how Peter has changed not only our world but the lives of so many.&nbsp;Starting with a $25 gift in 1981, and steadily expanding for more than 40 years, Peter has given generously to our women’s basketball program, departments of applied technology and chemistry, the entrepreneurship program housed in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, the Honors College, and the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.&nbsp;Who is Peter J. Werth? If you read his biography, you will know that he has been a transformative visionary leader for more than fifty years. He is the founder, CEO, and president of ChemWerth Inc., Woodbridge, Conn., and a 1959 FHSU graduate with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He also earned a master’s in organic chemistry from Stanford University. Peter began his career with Hewlett-Packard in 1961.In 1964, he worked as a staff scientist at Spindletop Research before becoming the head chemist for Upjohn Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer). In 1965, he became manager of Upjohn's R&amp;D department. From 1975 to 1983, Peter served as vice president of sales and marketing for Ganes Chemicals. Peter founded ChemWerth in 1982 to develop active pharmaceutical ingredients to produce generic drugs. Today, Peter serves on several boards and is connected to several startup companies as an Angel investor.&nbsp;Another scan of his biography reveals the many awards he has received, including the FHSU Alumni Achievement Award. He also has received honorary doctorate degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut. The good works of his family foundation, his many charitable contributions, and the impact of his work have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for people all over the world. &nbsp;However, the elements of his story that most resonate with me are his humble beginnings, strong work ethic, kindness, and the direct, personal impact he has had on so many individuals.&nbsp;Peter grew up in Hays, Kansas. Born into modest beginnings, he was one of eight children. His parents owned The Mecca, a local restaurant at the corner of 27th and Vine, the current location of Walgreens. He learned the value of hard work early in life. Peter and his siblings all helped out at the restaurant, famous for its hamburgers. When not studying or working at the restaurant, Peter could also be found mowing the acres of grass in the cemetery across the street. Hard work was a lesson all the Werth children learned early and often. These lessons not only powered him through college but also helped fuel his success throughout his career.Having had the honor of spending time with Peter and watching him interact with many people, I have been most inspired by how he selflessly develops and champions opportunities for our students that are extraordinarily impactful. We are deeply indebted to Peter for his generous financial support for our Tiger women’s basketball program. But what differentiates Peter’s impact is his focus on crafting peak experiences for our student-athletes – like flying our team to Connecticut to meet legendary coach Geno Auriemma and practice and play an exhibition game against his UConn Huskies, one of the top women’s basketball teams in NCAA Division I. Our student-athletes will remember that experience for the rest of their lives.“This definitely was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players,” said FHSU’s Kacey Kennett, who actually was making her second trip to UConn with Peter and the Tiger team – her first time back in 2017 as a player and this year as a graduate assistant coach.&nbsp;“A lot of Division I teams don’t even get to play UConn,” Kacey added, “so this opportunity – and all the opportunities I have gotten by attending Fort Hays State – I will cherish forever.”I am also awed by how compassionately he connects with others and his ongoing commitment to helping break down barriers for our students. As a very recent example, Peter is planning to fund the education expenses of a young Nepal woman, Nyima Gyalmu Lama, and send her to FHSU to study nursing. If Nyima can get her Visa by January, she might be able to begin her dream of becoming a nurse as early as the spring 2022 semester!Recently, a delegation of FHSU faculty and staff had the opportunity to travel to UConn to visit the Peter Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. There, we met sophomore Allie Davenport, who, like Peter, has dreams of making our world better.&nbsp;Allie was a high school athlete who developed a medical condition known as paradoxical vocal fold motion, a breathing disorder where the vocal cords function abnormally, restricting airflow during respiration. Allie learned that one of the underlying causes of this condition is anxiety.“My mind was powerful enough to trigger my vocal cords to malfunction and restrict airflow,” she explained.Allie underwent months of speech therapy to help her retrain her body how to breathe and her mind how to resist a panic mode and to relax. Her journey fueled her passion for mental wellness and for helping to make a difference for others on their personal wellness journey.With the support of the Peter Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Allie set out to make a difference in the lives of others through the creation of StarMind – an interactive journal that combines daily self-reflection logs, thought-provoking activities, and a series of QR codes that leads the journalist to digital resources and tools on specific psychology-related concepts.Allie did not just receive funding for an idea. Focusing on experiences, Peter provided her with an audience of FHSU faculty to hear her story and her pitch. We marveled at her passion and dedication. We expressed our enthusiastic support and encouragement. Several purchased journals on the spot while Peter purchased a book for the entire Tiger team and their parents who were present that day.Like our basketball players and our Nepali nursing student, I bet Allie will remember that day and the connections she made with FHSU Tigers for a very long time. I will maintain an email relationship with Allie myself – encouraging her heart to continue to inspire the hearts and minds of others.&nbsp;Some may know Peter Werth as a “rags to riches” story, others as an astute and accomplished businessman. I will always see him as someone who has lived his mantra: Be Good. Make A Difference. Change the World.&nbsp;

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