Fort Hays State University Plymouth Schoolhouse annual Christmas Open House is this afternoon (Nov. 30) from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Come and enjoy Christmas from the past in the one-room school. Refreshments provided.

Sponsored by the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638286405494.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSUFort Hays State University Plymouth Schoolhouse annual Christmas Open House is this afternoon (Nov. 30) from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;Come and enjoy Christmas from the past in the one-room school. Refreshments provided.Free and open to the public.Sponsored by the FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute.

One-room Plymouth Schoolhouse at FHSU celebrates Christmas open house today

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

When you are a student in Kayla North's kindergarten class at Holy Family Elementary School, everything is an adventure.

This includes learning your letters with Bee-Bots, learning to draw with ArtHub or getting your giggles out with a dance from GoNoodle.

Jami Breit's son is in North's class. She nominated North for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.

"Mrs. North always goes above and beyond for her students," Breit said. "All of my boys have had her, and all of them have loved her. 

"She updates the parents and keeps us actively involved in what the children are doing, which is wonderful because I think it really shows that she cares about each one of them."

Breit said North makes learning fun and is quick to adapt technology in the classroom.

"My son always comes home happy to have been at school and showing me all he has learned," Breit said. "Mrs. North has a loving heart and is always making time for the kids."

North, who's been a teacher for 12 years, said teaching kindergarten allows her to be uniquely herself.

"You can be silly. You can be serious, and they love you the same," she said.

Kindergarten-age children love to learn, North said. They love doing a simple math problems the same as they love to read or do a craft. 

"They come in and say, 'What are we doing for math today?!' 'What are we doing for reading today?!' Even if it's just a regular math lesson, they're ready to do it, and they'll go home and tell their parents about it," she said.

North is a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and incorporates a Dr. Seuss week into her lessons every year.

"I have loved Dr. Seuss as long as I can remember," North said. "My grandma had a set of Dr. Seuss books, and I can remember thumbing through them growing up ... couldn't read them yet."

When North was teaching second grade, her entire room was Dr. Seuss-themed. She had a chair she and her mother had covered in fake blue fur to represent Thing One and Thing Two. 

One of the boys in her class was having behavior problems, but he loved sitting in that blue fuzzy chair.

"He would do anything to sit in that chair," she said. ... "He's in high school now, but his mother said he still remembers that fuzzy chair."

Last year, North and her co-teacher turned the week into a series of STEM lessons, borrowing ideas from Pinterest. The kids played with kinetic sand, and North always caps off the week by dressing up as the Cat in the Hat.

The kids in North's class are learning basic coding through Bee-Bots, which are about the size of an adult palm. They are yellow and black and look like smiling bees. The kids press buttons on the bee's backs to tell them were to travel on a grid on the floor.

North incorporates reading by having a child program the Bee-Bot to go to a specific letter or rhyming word. The kids can program the Bee-Bots for multiple stops to spell words. North is ordering jackets for the Bee-Bots so they can hold pencils and the kids can use them to draw letters.

"They're getting the same material, but in a fun way," North said.

The kindergartners at Holy Family go to school for the full day. North said having brain breaks for the kids is important. She uses technology for that sometimes as well.

GoNoodle is a free app that lets the kids watch short funny videos. Many of them include funny songs or dances so the kids can be active when they can't go outside for recess or they're just getting fidgety.

&nbsp;"Sometimes we will literally just stand and shake our arms and be silly," North said.

Art Hub is a YouTube channel that was created by a dad and shows kids how to step by step draw fun images. North uses the art lessons in conjunction with the students' letters of the week. 

The children draw the images, can take pictures of the art with their iPads and then share them with their parents on a secure online account.

"I just want to show kids they can learn and have fun at the same time," North said. "I'm not normally a serious person, so I want to show the kids that it's OK to make mistakes and it's OK to have fun. I want kids to enjoy school and get the most of it as they possibly can."

Kindergarten can fun, but it also can be rough. Some of the kids come to Holy Family as kindergartners and have never been to school before. 

There's a lot more tears in kindergarten, North said. She hopes everything is good for the kids at home. Holy Family has many great families, but you never really know what is going on at home, and the kids don't know how to tell you what's wrong, she said.

"You never know when something's going on," she said. "They might come in crying, but they can't tell you why or they might start crying and you might ask them what's wrong and 'I don't know.' They just can't communicate that.

"Just having the patient. 'OK, take a minute. It'll be OK.' Take their mind off of it. We'll go for walks in the hallway. We'll do a silly dance, just something to get their mind off it. But you never know what they're going through."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637766468670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637767185433.jpeg" alt="Hays Post's November Teacher of the Month is Kayla North, kindergarten teacher at Holy Family Elementary School. " />
 <figcaption>Hays Post's November Teacher of the Month is Kayla North, kindergarten teacher at Holy Family Elementary School. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhen you are a student in Kayla North's kindergarten class at Holy Family Elementary School, everything is an adventure.This includes learning your letters with Bee-Bots, learning to draw with ArtHub or getting your giggles out with a dance from GoNoodle.Jami Breit's son is in North's class. She nominated North for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award."Mrs. North always goes above and beyond for her students," Breit said. "All of my boys have had her, and all of them have loved her. "She updates the parents and keeps us actively involved in what the children are doing, which is wonderful because I think it really shows that she cares about each one of them."Breit said North makes learning fun and is quick to adapt technology in the classroom."My son always comes home happy to have been at school and showing me all he has learned," Breit said. "Mrs. North has a loving heart and is always making time for the kids."North, who's been a teacher for 12 years, said teaching kindergarten allows her to be uniquely herself."You can be silly. You can be serious, and they love you the same," she said. Kindergarten-age children love to learn, North said. They love doing a simple math problems the same as they love to read or do a craft. "They come in and say, 'What are we doing for math today?!' 'What are we doing for reading today?!' Even if it's just a regular math lesson, they're ready to do it, and they'll go home and tell their parents about it," she said. North is a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and incorporates a Dr. Seuss week into her lessons every year. "I have loved Dr. Seuss as long as I can remember," North said. "My grandma had a set of Dr. Seuss books, and I can remember thumbing through them growing up ... couldn't read them yet."When North was teaching second grade, her entire room was Dr. Seuss-themed. She had a chair she and her mother had covered in fake blue fur to represent Thing One and Thing Two. One of the boys in her class was having behavior problems, but he loved sitting in that blue fuzzy chair."He would do anything to sit in that chair," she said. ... "He's in high school now, but his mother said he still remembers that fuzzy chair." Last year, North and her co-teacher turned the week into a series of STEM lessons, borrowing ideas from Pinterest. The kids played with kinetic sand, and North always caps off the week by dressing up as the Cat in the Hat.The kids in North's class are learning basic coding through Bee-Bots, which are about the size of an adult palm. They are yellow and black and look like smiling bees. The kids press buttons on the bee's backs to tell them were to travel on a grid on the floor.North incorporates reading by having a child program the Bee-Bot to go to a specific letter or rhyming word. The kids can program the Bee-Bots for multiple stops to spell words. North is ordering jackets for the Bee-Bots so they can hold pencils and the kids can use them to draw letters."They're getting the same material, but in a fun way," North said.The kindergartners at Holy Family go to school for the full day. North said having brain breaks for the kids is important. She uses technology for that sometimes as well.GoNoodle is a free app that lets the kids watch short funny videos. Many of them include funny songs or dances so the kids can be active when they can't go outside for recess or they're just getting fidgety.&nbsp;"Sometimes we will literally just stand and shake our arms and be silly," North said. Art Hub is a YouTube channel that was created by a dad and shows kids how to step by step draw fun images. North uses the art lessons in conjunction with the students' letters of the week. The children draw the images, can take pictures of the art with their iPads and then share them with their parents on a secure online account."I just want to show kids they can learn and have fun at the same time," North said. "I'm not normally a serious person, so I want to show the kids that it's OK to make mistakes and it's OK to have fun. I want kids to enjoy school and get the most of it as they possibly can."Kindergarten can fun, but it also can be rough. Some of the kids come to Holy Family as kindergartners and have never been to school before. There's a lot more tears in kindergarten, North said. She hopes everything is good for the kids at home. Holy Family has many great families, but you never really know what is going on at home, and the kids don't know how to tell you what's wrong, she said. "You never know when something's going on," she said. "They might come in crying, but they can't tell you why or they might start crying and you might ask them what's wrong and 'I don't know.' They just can't communicate that."Just having the patient. 'OK, take a minute. It'll be OK.' Take their mind off of it. We'll go for walks in the hallway. We'll do a silly dance, just something to get their mind off it. But you never know what they're going through." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637766468670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Post Teacher of the Month embraces silly of kindergarten

Hays USD 489 received a Commissioners Award with Honors related to students' success after they graduate from high school.

The district just missed receiving a silver award for state accreditation in post secondary effectiveness by two-tenths of a percentage point.

Schools are ranked based on accreditation criteria, including no award, copper, bronze, silver and gold.

Post-secondary progress looks at how many Hays High School students have earned an industry recognized certificate while in high school, post-secondary certificates, post-secondary degrees or are enrolled in post-secondary education both their first and second years after graduation.

The district's success rate in 2019 was 73.1 percent. That was up from 54.4 percent in 2015 when this measure began as part of the state accreditation process. 

"I think that's really focusing and having individual plans of study, talking to kids and helping them understand how important it is to be ready and have a plan after graduation ... very proud of that," said Shanna Dinkel, Hays assistant superintendent/director of curriculum.

The district's post-secondary effectiveness rate grew by almost 15 percent more than the state's average.

The HHS graduation rate was 91.1 percent in 2020. That is up 4.6 percent since 2015 and above the state average graduation rate of 88.3 percent.

Subgroups within Hays High have also seen increases in their graduation rates since 2015. Graduation rates for English language learners are up 3.2 percent, students receiving free and reduced-price lunches are up 7.6 percent. The 2020 graduation rate for disabled students is up 20 percent over five years.

Hays received a bronze award for its graduation rate in 2020. The state's goal is a 95 percent graduation rate for all students.

USD 489 scored 41 percent, earning the district a copper award in student academic preparedness for post-secondary education.

Districts are recognized annually for the percent of all students, across all grade levels scoring at levels 3 and 4 on Kansas state assessments in math, English language arts and science. It is the combination of all grades in all three assessed subjects.

Level three is students who are ready for post-secondary education, and level four students exceed the readiness standard.

Hays' percentages were English=46.4 1% Math=36.14% Science=40.35%

The district also filed a lengthy report on its efforts to increase kindergarten readiness, another accreditation criteria. The district received a copper award in this criteria

"We haven't got the feedback yet, so I'm hoping we can find ways to move up," Dinkel said.

Other accreditation measures the district officials hope to file reports on at a later date include individual plans of study, civic engagement and social-emotional growth.

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 received a Commissioners Award with Honors related to students' success after they graduate from high school.The district just missed receiving a silver award for state accreditation in post secondary effectiveness by two-tenths of a percentage point.Schools are ranked based on accreditation criteria, including no award, copper, bronze, silver and gold. Post-secondary progress looks at how many Hays High School students have earned an industry recognized certificate while in high school, post-secondary certificates, post-secondary degrees or are enrolled in post-secondary education both their first and second years after graduation.The district's success rate in 2019 was 73.1 percent. That was up from 54.4 percent in 2015 when this measure began as part of the state accreditation process. "I think that's really focusing and having individual plans of study, talking to kids and helping them understand how important it is to be ready and have a plan after graduation ... very proud of that," said Shanna Dinkel, Hays assistant superintendent/director of curriculum. The district's post-secondary effectiveness rate grew by almost 15 percent more than the state's average.<h2>HHS graduation rate</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638211977701.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The HHS graduation rate was 91.1 percent in 2020. That is up 4.6 percent since 2015 and above the state average graduation rate of 88.3 percent.Subgroups within Hays High have also seen increases in their graduation rates since 2015. Graduation rates for English language learners are up 3.2 percent, students receiving free and reduced-price lunches are up 7.6 percent. The 2020 graduation rate for disabled students is up 20 percent over five years.Hays received a bronze award for its graduation rate in 2020. The state's goal is a 95 percent graduation rate for all students.<h2>Academic preparedness</h2>USD 489 scored 41 percent, earning the district a copper award in student academic preparedness for post-secondary education.Districts are recognized annually for the percent of all students, across all grade levels scoring at levels 3 and 4 on Kansas state assessments in math, English language arts and science. It is the combination of all grades in all three assessed subjects.Level three is students who are ready for post-secondary education, and level four students exceed the readiness standard. Hays' percentages were English=46.4 1% Math=36.14% Science=40.35%<h2>Kindergarten readiness</h2>The district also filed a lengthy report on its efforts to increase kindergarten readiness, another accreditation criteria. The district received a copper award in this criteria "We haven't got the feedback yet, so I'm hoping we can find ways to move up," Dinkel said.Other accreditation measures the district officials hope to file reports on at a later date include individual plans of study, civic engagement and social-emotional growth. Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

HHS students perform well after graduation, according to state report

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Camaro driven by&nbsp; Braden D. Leitner, 22, Hays,&nbsp; was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogallah,_Kansas">Ogallah</a>&nbsp;exit.

The Camaro rear-ended a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Miyo M.M.&nbsp;Alexander, 42, Yuma, Arizona. The impact&nbsp;forced the van into the south ditch where it rolled and came to rest on the driver's side.

EMS transported Alexander to Hays Medical Center. Leitner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Camaro driven by&nbsp; Braden D. Leitner, 22, Hays,&nbsp; was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogallah,_Kansas">Ogallah</a>&nbsp;exit.The Camaro rear-ended a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Miyo M.M.&nbsp;Alexander, 42, Yuma, Arizona. The impact&nbsp;forced the van into the south ditch where it rolled and came to rest on the driver's side.EMS transported Alexander to Hays Medical Center. Leitner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Hays man involved in rear-end crash that hospitalized Arizona driver

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude prices have recovered about half of the losses posted on Friday, which saw the biggest one-day dive since April of last year. A new COVID variant raised fears that travel bans would hammer demand. But Reuters reports some traders now view Friday's response as overdone. Crude prices rebounded more than five percent Monday. OPEC and its export-allies will discuss their response to the new&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;variant at their meeting this week, but will have little knowledge of the actual impact the variant will have. They postponed their scheduled technical meetings to buy time. Ministers from OPEC, Russia, and other exporters have returned 400,000 barrels per day back to the marketplace each month for the last several months.&nbsp; They meet Thursday to set production policy for January. Bloomberg reports some delegates want to ditch their planned output increase in the short term.&nbsp; The benchmark Nymex crude contract settled Friday at $68.15 per barrel. That's more than ten dollars a barrel lower than Wednesday, the biggest price drop since April of 2020. But on Monday traders pushed that price back above $70. In early trading, the near-month contract for light sweet crude was up nearly seven percent to $72.72 per barrel, a gain of more than four and a half dollars. We could see a similar price correction Monday in Kansas. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped more than ten dollars on Friday to end the week at $58.50 per barrel. That's down nearly $16 from the first of the month. The rig count in eastern Kansas is up one to 14 drilling rigs either scheduled, moving to, or currently on drill sites. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the count west of Wichita was unchanged at 27 active rigs. Operators were drilling wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties, and were about to spud one in Russell County. Most of the drilling increases elsewhere in the U.S. have been of the horizontal variety. Baker Hughes reports another increase in its Rotary Rig Count, and another spike in horizontal drilling activity. There are 569 active drilling rigs in the U.S., a net increase of six oil rigs. The count in North Dakota was up four rigs, while Texas was up two. Based on spudded wells, this year's drilling activity in Kansas up more than 80% over last year at this time, with a 39 percent increase in active operators in the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators in eastern Kansas completed 19 new wells last week, and Western Kansas checks in with 11. That brings the year-to-date total to 808 new completions compared to 732 at this time last year. Kansas Regulators okayed 44 new drilling locations across the state last week, 26 east of Wichita and 18 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis county, one in Russell county and one in Stafford County. That's 1,035 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 412 by this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; &nbsp;Gas Service reports 14 active rigs in eastern Kansas and 27 west of Wichita. Both tallies are unchanged. Drilling was underway on two leases in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators were preparing to spud new wells in Russell and Stafford counties. Baker Hughes reports another increase in its Rotary Rig Count, and another spike in horizontal drilling activity. There are 569 active drilling rigs in the U.S., a net increase of six oil rigs. The count in North Dakota was up four rigs, while Texas was up two. Independent Operators in Texas report that states oil-and-gas employment grew by 2,300 jobs from September to October, marking the sixth consecutive monthly increase. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) said the latest total marks a 22,800-position increase over last year. The group gets its numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp; Oklahoma's October gross tax receipts grew by double digits again, fueled by high crude prices. The Tulsa World reported gross tax receipts for the month of $1.27 billion, a 16% increase over the same time last year. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel attributes growth to rising oil and natural gas price. For the third consecutive month, oil and gas tax revenue exceeded $100 million. As prices rebound and pipeline projects advance, a group of energy contractors predicts a big increase in drilling activity in Western Canada next year. The uptick follows a year in which Enbridge completed its Line 3 pipeline replacement and two others major pipelines in the region began construction. According to the Canadian Association of energy Contractors, operators in Western Canada will drill 27% more wells next year than this year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp; Last week's announcement of the sale of strategic crude reserves has not had the desired effect, at least not yet. The U.S. made it official Tuesday, joining China, India, South Korea, Japan and Britain in the coordinated release of tens of million of barrels of crude from strategic reserves, expected to hit the market next month. The move was thought to be a way for major consumer nations to battle rising inflation. But the markets went the wrong way after the actual announcement fell short of expectations.&nbsp; Some U.S. lawmakers are seizing on the energy price surge to revive the long-standing NOPEC. As we've reported before, the legislation would subject the OPEC oil cartel to the same antitrust laws used more than century ago to break up Standard Oil’s monopoly. The “No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act” -- known as NOPEC -- would allow the U.S. government to sue members of the cartel, potentially seeking billions of dollars in reparations. The legislation has faced opposition from the State Department in the past. But the House Judiciary Committee did approve the latest iteration by a voice vote in April. A Senate version has attracted sponsors from across the political spectrum, from Iowa’s conservative Republican Chuck Grassland to Vermont’s liberal Democrat Patrick Leahy. No floor votes have been scheduled.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude prices have recovered about half of the losses posted on Friday, which saw the biggest one-day dive since April of last year. A new COVID variant raised fears that travel bans would hammer demand. But Reuters reports some traders now view Friday's response as overdone. Crude prices rebounded more than five percent Monday. OPEC and its export-allies will discuss their response to the new&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;variant at their meeting this week, but will have little knowledge of the actual impact the variant will have. They postponed their scheduled technical meetings to buy time. Ministers from OPEC, Russia, and other exporters have returned 400,000 barrels per day back to the marketplace each month for the last several months.&nbsp; They meet Thursday to set production policy for January. Bloomberg reports some delegates want to ditch their planned output increase in the short term.&nbsp; The benchmark Nymex crude contract settled Friday at $68.15 per barrel. That's more than ten dollars a barrel lower than Wednesday, the biggest price drop since April of 2020. But on Monday traders pushed that price back above $70. In early trading, the near-month contract for light sweet crude was up nearly seven percent to $72.72 per barrel, a gain of more than four and a half dollars. We could see a similar price correction Monday in Kansas. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped more than ten dollars on Friday to end the week at $58.50 per barrel. That's down nearly $16 from the first of the month. The rig count in eastern Kansas is up one to 14 drilling rigs either scheduled, moving to, or currently on drill sites. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the count west of Wichita was unchanged at 27 active rigs. Operators were drilling wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties, and were about to spud one in Russell County. Most of the drilling increases elsewhere in the U.S. have been of the horizontal variety. Baker Hughes reports another increase in its Rotary Rig Count, and another spike in horizontal drilling activity. There are 569 active drilling rigs in the U.S., a net increase of six oil rigs. The count in North Dakota was up four rigs, while Texas was up two. Based on spudded wells, this year's drilling activity in Kansas up more than 80% over last year at this time, with a 39 percent increase in active operators in the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators in eastern Kansas completed 19 new wells last week, and Western Kansas checks in with 11. That brings the year-to-date total to 808 new completions compared to 732 at this time last year. Kansas Regulators okayed 44 new drilling locations across the state last week, 26 east of Wichita and 18 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County, two in Ellis county, one in Russell county and one in Stafford County. That's 1,035 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 412 by this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; &nbsp;Gas Service reports 14 active rigs in eastern Kansas and 27 west of Wichita. Both tallies are unchanged. Drilling was underway on two leases in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Operators were preparing to spud new wells in Russell and Stafford counties. Baker Hughes reports another increase in its Rotary Rig Count, and another spike in horizontal drilling activity. There are 569 active drilling rigs in the U.S., a net increase of six oil rigs. The count in North Dakota was up four rigs, while Texas was up two. Independent Operators in Texas report that states oil-and-gas employment grew by 2,300 jobs from September to October, marking the sixth consecutive monthly increase. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) said the latest total marks a 22,800-position increase over last year. The group gets its numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp; Oklahoma's October gross tax receipts grew by double digits again, fueled by high crude prices. The Tulsa World reported gross tax receipts for the month of $1.27 billion, a 16% increase over the same time last year. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel attributes growth to rising oil and natural gas price. For the third consecutive month, oil and gas tax revenue exceeded $100 million. As prices rebound and pipeline projects advance, a group of energy contractors predicts a big increase in drilling activity in Western Canada next year. The uptick follows a year in which Enbridge completed its Line 3 pipeline replacement and two others major pipelines in the region began construction. According to the Canadian Association of energy Contractors, operators in Western Canada will drill 27% more wells next year than this year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp; Last week's announcement of the sale of strategic crude reserves has not had the desired effect, at least not yet. The U.S. made it official Tuesday, joining China, India, South Korea, Japan and Britain in the coordinated release of tens of million of barrels of crude from strategic reserves, expected to hit the market next month. The move was thought to be a way for major consumer nations to battle rising inflation. But the markets went the wrong way after the actual announcement fell short of expectations.&nbsp; Some U.S. lawmakers are seizing on the energy price surge to revive the long-standing NOPEC. As we've reported before, the legislation would subject the OPEC oil cartel to the same antitrust laws used more than century ago to break up Standard Oil’s monopoly. The “No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act” -- known as NOPEC -- would allow the U.S. government to sue members of the cartel, potentially seeking billions of dollars in reparations. The legislation has faced opposition from the State Department in the past. But the House Judiciary Committee did approve the latest iteration by a voice vote in April. A Senate version has attracted sponsors from across the political spectrum, from Iowa’s conservative Republican Chuck Grassland to Vermont’s liberal Democrat Patrick Leahy. No floor votes have been scheduled.

News From the Oil Patch: Prices recover from Friday freefall

Community USD 489 bond forum set for Dec. 15

First Call for Help has received a $500 grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund to replenish the supply of diapers for the Diaper Stash. 

Diapers are one of the most expensive items that families must purchase on a regular basis and are necessary for up to five years.

The Diaper Stash, begun in 2016, provides a package of 30-40 diapers depending on the age of child, and a single package of baby wipes once a month to families in need.

It is meant to be a supplement so that when their cash is low, they will still be able to provide for dry and healthy bottoms.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, the Diaper Stash has provided 2,022 diapers to 11 families in need.

For more information, contact First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601, or call 785-623-2800.

SubmittedFirst Call for Help has received a $500 grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund to replenish the supply of diapers for the Diaper Stash. Diapers are one of the most expensive items that families must purchase on a regular basis and are necessary for up to five years.The Diaper Stash, begun in 2016, provides a package of 30-40 diapers depending on the age of child, and a single package of baby wipes once a month to families in need.It is meant to be a supplement so that when their cash is low, they will still be able to provide for dry and healthy bottoms.Since Jan. 1, 2021, the Diaper Stash has provided 2,022 diapers to 11 families in need.For more information, contact First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601, or call 785-623-2800.

First Call for Help's Diaper Stash receives $500 Midwest Energy grant

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition. This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin.”

Three of the winners are from Phillipsburg,&nbsp;Hoisington and Wilson.&nbsp;

This is the 23rd&nbsp;anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.

“Every submission to the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar contest shows the importance of recycling,”&nbsp;said Ashley Goss, Acting Secretary. “Recycling the correct materials will ensure a healthy and clean Kansas for future generations.”

The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.

* Kindergarten - Harper Thibault, Southwest Elementary School, Pratt * 1st Grade - Gracen Kasper, Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth - Cover Winner *&nbsp;2nd Grade - Harper Carpenter, Garfield Elementary, Parsons * 3rd Grade - Gabby Kusmaul, Madison Elementary, Madison * 4th Grade - Cindy Nguyen, Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary, Bel Aire; 4th Grade Runner-Up - Zoey Bandy, Colby Elementary&nbsp; * 5th Grade - Hana Nguyen. Colvin Elementary, Wichita * 6th Grade - Gwenyth McDow, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Lawrence * 7th Grade - Sofia Simic, Hoisington Middle School, Hoisington *&nbsp;8th Grade - Macie Ortiz, Wilson Schools, Wilson *&nbsp;9th Grade - Lydia Morrison, Cheney High School, Cheney * 10th Grade - Kayann Humble, Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg * 11th Grade - Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg * 12th Grade - Aerianna Jones, Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.keepitcleankansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">kdhe.keepitcleankansas@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638206568298.jpeg" alt="Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg, is a winner of the&nbsp;2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition.&nbsp;This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin.”" />
 <figcaption>Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg, is a winner of the&nbsp;2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition.&nbsp;This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin.”</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition. This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin.”Three of the winners are from Phillipsburg,&nbsp;Hoisington and Wilson.&nbsp;This is the 23rd&nbsp;anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.“Every submission to the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar contest shows the importance of recycling,”&nbsp;said Ashley Goss, Acting Secretary. “Recycling the correct materials will ensure a healthy and clean Kansas for future generations.”The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.* Kindergarten - Harper Thibault, Southwest Elementary School, Pratt * 1st Grade - Gracen Kasper, Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth - Cover Winner *&nbsp;2nd Grade - Harper Carpenter, Garfield Elementary, Parsons * 3rd Grade - Gabby Kusmaul, Madison Elementary, Madison * 4th Grade - Cindy Nguyen, Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary, Bel Aire; 4th Grade Runner-Up - Zoey Bandy, Colby Elementary&nbsp; * 5th Grade - Hana Nguyen. Colvin Elementary, Wichita * 6th Grade - Gwenyth McDow, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Lawrence * 7th Grade - Sofia Simic, Hoisington Middle School, Hoisington *&nbsp;8th Grade - Macie Ortiz, Wilson Schools, Wilson *&nbsp;9th Grade - Lydia Morrison, Cheney High School, Cheney * 10th Grade - Kayann Humble, Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg * 11th Grade - Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg * 12th Grade - Aerianna Jones, Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg&nbsp;&nbsp; Those interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.keepitcleankansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">kdhe.keepitcleankansas@ks.gov</a>.

Phillipsburg student a winner in KDHE calendar competition

Three-day weather outlook

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

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

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

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

Hays Fire Department reports three structure fires over holiday weekend

Here's Monday's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM/1400-AM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.

Here's Monday's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM/1400-AM) live from the Golden Q in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Nov 29, 2021)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=u3xvn-114315a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Nov 29, 2021)

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

Hays High Senior Garrett Wellbrock has played on every court and field that Fort Hays State University has to offer. Lewis Field Stadium, Gross Memorial Coliseum and Larks Park long served as the grounds to grow up on following a Tiger athletic event.

Monday, he put pen to paper for the opportunity to "do it for real." Wellbrock signed his National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Fort Hays State University.

The Indians' starting shortstop and pitcher hit .375 in the 2021 spring season and boasted a team high .554 on-base percentage, finishing .025 out of the TOP 10 for a single season in program history. He hit six doubles, one home run, struck out just six times while driving in 22 runs and scoring 25. His 22 walks at the plate tied for sixth in a single season in Hays High history.

Wellbrock lost the opportunity to get on the recruiting map during his sophomore season, which was canceled due to COVID-19. He made up for lost time this past spring.

On the mound in the spring of 2021, Wellbrock threw 39.1 innings earning a 5-2 record. He struck out 23 while walking 19 and posting a 3.92 earned run average. Opponents hit just .268 off the right-hander.

Coach Dustin Dreher puts Wellbrock in the same category as the versatile Major League Baseball player Ben Zobrist.

Wellbrock and his teammates will look to improve upon third-place finish at the 5A State Tournament this past season. Until then, you can catch him in the hitting barn and working on a throwing program in preparation for the spring of 2022.&nbsp;

Garrett Wellbrock is the son of Gerard Wellbrock, who works for Eagle Radio of Hays, which owns and operates Hays Post.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHays High Senior Garrett Wellbrock has played on every court and field that Fort Hays State University has to offer. Lewis Field Stadium, Gross Memorial Coliseum and Larks Park long served as the grounds to grow up on following a Tiger athletic event.Monday, he put pen to paper for the opportunity to "do it for real." Wellbrock signed his National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Fort Hays State University.The Indians' starting shortstop and pitcher hit .375 in the 2021 spring season and boasted a team high .554 on-base percentage, finishing .025 out of the TOP 10 for a single season in program history. He hit six doubles, one home run, struck out just six times while driving in 22 runs and scoring 25. His 22 walks at the plate tied for sixth in a single season in Hays High history.Garrett Wellbrock<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1168842130&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/garrett-wellbrock-11-29-21" title="Garrett Wellbrock Signing With FHSU Baseball" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Garrett Wellbrock Signing With FHSU Baseball</a></div></div>Wellbrock lost the opportunity to get on the recruiting map during his sophomore season, which was canceled due to COVID-19. He made up for lost time this past spring.On the mound in the spring of 2021, Wellbrock threw 39.1 innings earning a 5-2 record. He struck out 23 while walking 19 and posting a 3.92 earned run average. Opponents hit just .268 off the right-hander.Coach Dustin Dreher puts Wellbrock in the same category as the versatile Major League Baseball player Ben Zobrist.Coach Dustin Dreher<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1168841878&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/dustin-dreher-gw-signing" title="Dustin Dreher GW Signing" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Dustin Dreher GW Signing</a></div></div>Wellbrock and his teammates will look to improve upon third-place finish at the 5A State Tournament this past season. Until then, you can catch him in the hitting barn and working on a throwing program in preparation for the spring of 2022.&nbsp;Garrett Wellbrock is the son of Gerard Wellbrock, who works for Eagle Radio of Hays, which owns and operates Hays Post.

🎙 Hard Work Pays: Wellbrock signs with FHSU baseball

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 46 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;

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there was no KDHE case update Friday.

As of Monday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported HaysMed had 29 COVID-19 inpatients.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 4,858 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638210186540.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 46 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;Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there was no KDHE case update Friday.As of Monday morning, the University of Kansas Health System reported HaysMed had 29 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Monday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,858 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 46 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Schoenchen water supply system located in Ellis County. This advisory is not related to COVID-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until fu­rther notice:

The advisory took effect on November 29, 2021 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system due to a water main break. Failure to maintain pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm">KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage.</a>

KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Schoenchen water supply system located in Ellis County. This advisory is not related to COVID-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until fu­rther notice:<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on November 29, 2021 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system due to a water main break. Failure to maintain pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, visit <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm">KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage.</a>

KDHE: Boil order issued for Schoenchen

The event that will provide free dental care to children and adults will be coming to Hays on Feb. 18 and 19.

The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation has announced Hays as a location for its free dental clinic — the Kansas Mission of Mercy. 

The event will be at the Ellis County Fairgrounds and require 400 to 500 volunteers. This will include about a 100 dentists, oral surgeons and dental hygienists, who will offer their services free of charge during the event.

Doors will open for patient registration at 5:30 a.m. each day. You do not have to provide ID, proof of income, proof of insurance, legal or residence status, or dental records to receive care.

Everyone will be required to wear a mask in the building regardless of COVID vaccination status.

Some of the services offered will include cleanings, tooth extractions and fillings, said Niki Sadler, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation executive director.

Due to COVID, the clinic will be spacing out dental chairs a little farther than at some previous events. A similar event in Dodge City in 2020 served 822 patients and one in Wichita in 2021 served 599 patients. The total donated services in Wichita in 2021 was more than $774,000.

However, Sadler said many variables play in each year to how many patients the event can serve.

Many of those who seek care at the event have not seen a dentist in a long time, Sadler said. Many have advanced dental disease as a result, she said.

The event will be first come, first serve for adults. Internally the&nbsp; committee will work with health department and nurses for appointments for children, but the event will not turn children away. 

More information will be released through the media on making appointments when the software is in place to begin scheduling appointment. 

The event will need to raise about $160,000 in cash and in-kind donations. The Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation and the Delta Dental Foundation have already donated $50,000 each to the project.

Individuals and local businesses can donate through the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation a<a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">t www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.

On Dec. 20, registration on that same website will open for volunteers. Many non-dental professional volunteers will be needed for the event, including people to serve meals to patients and other volunteers for security, set up, tear down, parking crew and patient escorts.

The event will take groups of volunteers, but each individual will need to sign up on the web portal so they can sign an event waiver.

This is the first time the Mission of Mercy has been staged in Hays. 

"Northwest Kansas and Hays are a great location and great hub," Sadler said.

Although the event gives back in the form of free dental care, the event also brings revenue into the host community in the form of hotel stays and increases sales tax revenue from other purchases volunteers and dental patients will make in the community, Sadler said.

Although most of the patients will likely come from Hays and the surrounding area, Sadler said she won't be surprised if the event drew people from as far as Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637346509792.jpeg" alt="A dentist working at a previous Kansas Mission of Mercy event. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>A dentist working at a previous Kansas Mission of Mercy event. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe event that will provide free dental care to children and adults will be coming to Hays on Feb. 18 and 19.The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation has announced Hays as a location for its free dental clinic — the Kansas Mission of Mercy. The event will be at the Ellis County Fairgrounds and require 400 to 500 volunteers. This will include about a 100 dentists, oral surgeons and dental hygienists, who will offer their services free of charge during the event.Doors will open for patient registration at 5:30 a.m. each day. You do not have to provide ID, proof of income, proof of insurance, legal or residence status, or dental records to receive care.Everyone will be required to wear a mask in the building regardless of COVID vaccination status.Some of the services offered will include cleanings, tooth extractions and fillings, said Niki Sadler, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation executive director. Due to COVID, the clinic will be spacing out dental chairs a little farther than at some previous events. A similar event in Dodge City in 2020 served 822 patients and one in Wichita in 2021 served 599 patients. The total donated services in Wichita in 2021 was more than $774,000.However, Sadler said many variables play in each year to how many patients the event can serve.Many of those who seek care at the event have not seen a dentist in a long time, Sadler said. Many have advanced dental disease as a result, she said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637346691008.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Mission of Mercy receives a $50,000 check from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation. Pictured from left are Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs; Melissa Dixon, director for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau; Janet Kuhn, Hays CVB; Niki Sadler, director of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation; and Katie Dorweiler and Gary Shorman, representing the Schmidt Foundation. " />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Mission of Mercy receives a $50,000 check from the Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation. Pictured from left are Hays Mayor Sandy Jacobs; Melissa Dixon, director for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau; Janet Kuhn, Hays CVB; Niki Sadler, director of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation; and Katie Dorweiler and Gary Shorman, representing the Schmidt Foundation. </figcaption>
 </figure>The event will be first come, first serve for adults. Internally the&nbsp; committee will work with health department and nurses for appointments for children, but the event will not turn children away. More information will be released through the media on making appointments when the software is in place to begin scheduling appointment. The event will need to raise about $160,000 in cash and in-kind donations. The Robert E. and Patricia Schmidt Foundation and the Delta Dental Foundation have already donated $50,000 each to the project.Individuals and local businesses can donate through the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation a<a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">t www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>. On Dec. 20, registration on that same website will open for volunteers. Many non-dental professional volunteers will be needed for the event, including people to serve meals to patients and other volunteers for security, set up, tear down, parking crew and patient escorts.The event will take groups of volunteers, but each individual will need to sign up on the web portal so they can sign an event waiver.This is the first time the Mission of Mercy has been staged in Hays. "Northwest Kansas and Hays are a great location and great hub," Sadler said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637347193459.jpeg" alt="Dental patients are served on portable dental chairs. Courtesy photo " />
 <figcaption>Dental patients are served on portable dental chairs. Courtesy photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Although the event gives back in the form of free dental care, the event also brings revenue into the host community in the form of hotel stays and increases sales tax revenue from other purchases volunteers and dental patients will make in the community, Sadler said.Although most of the patients will likely come from Hays and the surrounding area, Sadler said she won't be surprised if the event drew people from as far as Colorado.Here are some key facts for patients<ul>
 <li>Patients should continue taking any prescription medication as directed so bring it along, so a dose is not missed should the patient have to wait a good portion of the day.</li><li>The patient will need to fill out a brief health history so bring a list of allergies, prescriptions, etc. to have this information available.</li><li>Patients do not need to bring dental records or proof of income.</li><li>Services are first come, first served and all adult patients must be able to wait in line – no appointments.</li><li>The doors will open for patient registration at&nbsp;5:30 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday (Feb 18-19) and waiting in line or determining how early to get in line, is up to the patient.&nbsp;Indoor waiting is TBD.</li><li>Parking is limited so there may be no preferential parking for handicapped patients.</li><li>The event only lets in as many patients as it will be able to treat that day and officials will then close the doors. Standing in line on Friday and not getting in does not give the patient priority the next day. It is the same process on Saturday – first come, first served.</li><li>Be prepared to wait and potentially be there all day. Even though a patient might arrive early in the morning, it could be mid-afternoon before the patient is treated.</li><li>A sack breakfast and lunch will be provided for the patients at no cost to them. Patients with diabetes or anyone else who may require an alternative diet should bring food with them.</li><li>After an X-ray and medical screening, the patient will be examined by a dentist and the patient’s greatest need will be treated. For example, if a patient needs extractions and fillings, the greatest need (probably the extractions) will be treated. The patient does have the option to come back Saturday to get the fillings, but they must wait in line again like everybody else. No line priority is given.</li><li>There is no sedation or nitrous oxide used at this event. The patient will be numbed in the area of the procedure being done using an injectable numbing agent.</li><li>No dentures or implants will be provided.</li><li>Full mouth extractions (with the exception of wisdom teeth) will be done if determined necessary by the examining dentist. The patient will be able to discuss treatment/procedure options with the dentist prior to care.</li><li>The event typically has as many volunteers as need registered prior to the event. Therefore, volunteering will not give priority or access to treatment. Registered volunteers who wish to be treated need to manage their schedule, so they can wait in line for treatment.</li><li>Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.</li><li>After treatment, patients will be provided a phone number to call for follow up emergency care if they experience any problems regarding the treatment received.</li><li>Even though safe and effective coronavirus vaccines have been widely distributed, the organizers of the Kansas Mission of Mercy ask that if are sick or feeling like you are getting sick, please stay home.</li>
 </ul>

Hays event will bring free dental care to hundreds 

The Childcare Task Force of Ellis County has announced the release of its county community survey to assess the true childcare needs of Ellis County. This digital survey will close Dec. 31. Individuals and organizations wishing to participate in this survey may access it <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6saCzCHCBiGmVpQ">HERE</a> or the QR code below.

The task force’s goal is to acquire 1,000 surveys. Once the survey results are finalized, the data will be utilized to apply for grant funding the task force will use to assist current childcare providers with their needs and incentivize new providers to begin offering childcare. Data from this survey will be shared with the public once available in January or February of 2022.

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas began organizing the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County in September 2021, after the Childcare Aware of Ellis County Point-in-Time survey identified that Ellis County has lost at least sixteen childcare providers since 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">RELATED:&nbsp;🎙 As lack of child care plagues Ellis County, new task force looks for solutions</a>

Comprised of individuals, businesses, and organizations, this task force has members representing early childhood education, USD 489, USD 388, childcare centers, in-home childcare providers, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Childcare Aware of Kansas, KSU Research and Extension and Cottonwood Extension District, HaysMed, Fort Hays State University, Grow Hays, 111th Kansas Legislative District, Heartland Community Foundation, parents, and area employers.

The next meeting for the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County will take place on December 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine Street. For more information about this task force or to get involved in the process of addressing our county’s childcare needs, please contact Sarah Wasinger at <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a> or call 785-628-8201.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe Childcare Task Force of Ellis County has announced the release of its county community survey to assess the true childcare needs of Ellis County. This digital survey will close Dec. 31. Individuals and organizations wishing to participate in this survey may access it <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6saCzCHCBiGmVpQ">HERE</a> or the QR code below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637593555425.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The task force’s goal is to acquire 1,000 surveys. Once the survey results are finalized, the data will be utilized to apply for grant funding the task force will use to assist current childcare providers with their needs and incentivize new providers to begin offering childcare. Data from this survey will be shared with the public once available in January or February of 2022.The Chamber in Hays, Kansas began organizing the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County in September 2021, after the Childcare Aware of Ellis County Point-in-Time survey identified that Ellis County has lost at least sixteen childcare providers since 2019.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bf41c0b-99d4-4aaa-adf3-1445ac87477e">RELATED:&nbsp;🎙 As lack of child care plagues Ellis County, new task force looks for solutions</a>Comprised of individuals, businesses, and organizations, this task force has members representing early childhood education, USD 489, USD 388, childcare centers, in-home childcare providers, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Childcare Aware of Kansas, KSU Research and Extension and Cottonwood Extension District, HaysMed, Fort Hays State University, Grow Hays, 111th Kansas Legislative District, Heartland Community Foundation, parents, and area employers.The next meeting for the Childcare Task Force of Ellis County will take place on December 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine Street. For more information about this task force or to get involved in the process of addressing our county’s childcare needs, please contact Sarah Wasinger at <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a> or call 785-628-8201.

Childcare Task Force of Ellis County announces needs survey

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592402847947.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<div><div id="adslot-23353113719" class="emp-ad" style="text-align:center"><script type="text/javascript">if (!window.AdButler){(function(){var s = document.createElement("script"); s.async = true; s.type = "text/javascript";s.src = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/app.js';var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n);}());}</script><script type="text/javascript">var EmpowerDiv = document.querySelector('#adslot-23353113719').parentNode.clientWidth;var EmpowerPlace = EmpowerDiv >= 300 ? 520638 : 520638;var EmpowerSize = EmpowerDiv >= 300 ? [300,250] : [300,250];var AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || [];var abkw = window.abkw || '';var emppmt = window.emppmt || 0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+emppmt+'"></'+'div>');AdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(181918, EmpowerPlace, EmpowerSize, 'placement_'+EmpowerPlace+'_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: emppmt++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'ads.empowerlocal.co', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }});</script></div></div>

Recent obituaries

NORTON —&nbsp;Norton County Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund. Donors Kellen and Emily Jacobs have created this fund to help support the ongoing, collaborative process that is open domestic adoption.&nbsp; After adopting their daughter in 2020, Kellen and Emily decided to create the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund as a way to alleviate some of the mental and financial strain that adoption can have on both birth parents and adoptive parents. This field of interest fund held at NCCF will issue grants to help support everyone involved in the adoption journey. The fund’s mission statement reads: “Leap of FaithE strives to support all involved in the adoptive process. Rooted with a focus of weaving strong relationships with sound mental health support, our foundation wants to hold hands with all parties involved to celebrate making adoption an easier choice.” “ ‘Leave it better than you found it’&nbsp;is a motto we try to live by, whether it’s a hiking trail or humanity as a whole,” said Kellen and Emily. “After going through the adoption process and noticing a gap in the system as it relates to the birth mother’s mental health, we wanted to do something to make it better for the families who would come after us. We’re excited to partner with NCCF on this fund and help support other families through the process of adoption.” Funds will be awarded through an application process that is jointly completed by the adoptive and birth parents, furthering the open adoption relationship that the Jacobs hope will continue to grow throughout the life of the child. Financial support will be geared towards adoptive family needs and birth parents’ cost of living post-delivery, with an emphasis on providing mental health support.&nbsp; “We are honored that the Jacobs chose NCCF to house these funds,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “We look forward to supporting their mission and seeing the lives they touch through this gift.” To learn more about the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe">www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe</a>. If you’d like to support this fund, contributions can be made online or sent to NCCF. &nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637613374867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseNORTON —&nbsp;Norton County Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund. Donors Kellen and Emily Jacobs have created this fund to help support the ongoing, collaborative process that is open domestic adoption.&nbsp; After adopting their daughter in 2020, Kellen and Emily decided to create the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund as a way to alleviate some of the mental and financial strain that adoption can have on both birth parents and adoptive parents. This field of interest fund held at NCCF will issue grants to help support everyone involved in the adoption journey. The fund’s mission statement reads: “Leap of FaithE strives to support all involved in the adoptive process. Rooted with a focus of weaving strong relationships with sound mental health support, our foundation wants to hold hands with all parties involved to celebrate making adoption an easier choice.” “ ‘Leave it better than you found it’&nbsp;is a motto we try to live by, whether it’s a hiking trail or humanity as a whole,” said Kellen and Emily. “After going through the adoption process and noticing a gap in the system as it relates to the birth mother’s mental health, we wanted to do something to make it better for the families who would come after us. We’re excited to partner with NCCF on this fund and help support other families through the process of adoption.” Funds will be awarded through an application process that is jointly completed by the adoptive and birth parents, furthering the open adoption relationship that the Jacobs hope will continue to grow throughout the life of the child. Financial support will be geared towards adoptive family needs and birth parents’ cost of living post-delivery, with an emphasis on providing mental health support.&nbsp; “We are honored that the Jacobs chose NCCF to house these funds,” said Tara Vance, Executive Director of Norton County Community Foundation. “We look forward to supporting their mission and seeing the lives they touch through this gift.” To learn more about the Leap of FaithE Foundation fund, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe">www.nortonccf.org/leapoffaithe</a>. If you’d like to support this fund, contributions can be made online or sent to NCCF. &nbsp; About Norton County Community Foundation The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation. Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live. Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation announces 'Leap of FaithE Foundation Fund'

Journie Hake, age 7, of Grainfield has been named as one the northwest Kansas regional winners in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.

Hake received a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and a helmet from Safe Kids Kansas.

The aim of the contest is to encourage children to think about traffic safety and present those ideas on posters. A total of 638 children in Kansas, ages 5 to 13, participated this year.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide initiative to improve traffic safety and decrease traffic deaths. For more information, visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/lmussman/Documents/News%20Releases/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637353643211.jpeg" alt="Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman (right) presents Journie Hake with a new bike for her winning entry in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contect." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman (right) presents Journie Hake with a new bike for her winning entry in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contect.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTJournie Hake, age 7, of Grainfield has been named as one the northwest Kansas regional winners in the 2021 Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the Kansas Department of Transportation and other traffic safety organizations.Hake received a bicycle from the Kansas Turnpike Authority and a helmet from Safe Kids Kansas.The aim of the contest is to encourage children to think about traffic safety and present those ideas on posters. A total of 638 children in Kansas, ages 5 to 13, participated this year.Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide initiative to improve traffic safety and decrease traffic deaths. For more information, visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/lmussman/Documents/News%20Releases/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

Grainfield youth helps 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities'

&nbsp;I used to be “that guy,” that when Joyce and I hunted or fished together, would snicker at the book and other entertainment she took to the deer blind or onto the boat. My logic was simple; we were there to harvest a deer or catch fish, so no other entertainment was necessary! I have since mellowed in my thinking, and a trip down memory lane reminded me of one particular morning deer hunt several years ago that God used to help reshape my attitude.&nbsp;

Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit-of-an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. So, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand we built atop an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath it and got comfortable in a camp chair.&nbsp;

The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not completely water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We always hear a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and this morning I got to watch and listen to them as they wound down from a night’s hunting, and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see.&nbsp; Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.&nbsp;

Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.&nbsp;

In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower heading toward me. It was quite a sight as a literal curtain of rain slowly crept across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.

Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!&nbsp;

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>&nbsp;I used to be “that guy,” that when Joyce and I hunted or fished together, would snicker at the book and other entertainment she took to the deer blind or onto the boat. My logic was simple; we were there to harvest a deer or catch fish, so no other entertainment was necessary! I have since mellowed in my thinking, and a trip down memory lane reminded me of one particular morning deer hunt several years ago that God used to help reshape my attitude.&nbsp;Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morning. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit-of-an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. So, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand we built atop an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath it and got comfortable in a camp chair.&nbsp;The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not completely water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We always hear a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and this morning I got to watch and listen to them as they wound down from a night’s hunting, and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see.&nbsp; Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.&nbsp;Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.&nbsp;In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower heading toward me. It was quite a sight as a literal curtain of rain slowly crept across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!&nbsp;Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Sights, sounds from beneath a deer stand

UPDATE: Three dogs rescued from house fire Sunday

On November 28th approximately 2:40 p.m. Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire of a residence located at 308 W 39th. 

Firefighters found that a fire started outside of the home in the backyard. 

The fire progressed to the rear of the house and deck. Fire was found in the attic space and ground level room of the home. 

The residents were not home at the time of the fire, but firefighters did successfully rescue three dogs from the fire.

You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.

Orginal story:&nbsp;Hays home damaged by fire Sunday afternoon

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134377132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>UPDATE: Three dogs rescued from house fire Sunday</h2>Hays Fire DepartmentOn November 28th approximately 2:40 p.m. Hays Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire of a residence located at 308 W 39th. Firefighters found that a fire started outside of the home in the backyard. The fire progressed to the rear of the house and deck. Fire was found in the attic space and ground level room of the home. The residents were not home at the time of the fire, but firefighters did successfully rescue three dogs from the fire. The cause of the fire is deemed undetermined at this time.The Hays Fire Department, Ellis County Fire Department Company 5, City of Ellis Fire Department, City of Victoria Fire Department, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Police Department all responded.The Hays Fire Department would like to remind everyone to check smoke and CO alarms to make sure they are functioning correctly. Please contact the Hays Fire Department if you are interested in the smoke alarm program. You can also find more information at our website www.haysusa.com.<h2>Orginal story:&nbsp;Hays home damaged by fire Sunday afternoon</h2>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAt around 2:45 p.m. Sunday the Hays Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire on the 300 block of West 39th St.Emergency responders found an active fire in a home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134322709.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Significant damage was variable as fire poured from the roof as crews secured the scene and worked to extinguish the fire.This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638134456163.jpeg" alt="" />
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