Three-day weather outlook

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Candidate Cathy Hopkins has called for a recount in the Hays USD 489 school board race.

Only the top three vote-getters in the race will earn seats on the school board. Hopkins placed fourth behind Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp by five votes after the canvass Monday.

"I just felt compelled with only five votes that it wouldn't hurt to have another look," Hopkins said. 

Hopkins said she sought out Zampieri-Lillpopp in person to tell her that she planned to request a recount. She said they were on the same page.

"It just seems to make sense when it's so close," Hopkins said.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought requesting a recount is Hopkins' right as a candidate.

"I don't think verifying it is any problem. It's a democracy. That's how things work," she said. ...

"I put my name out there to serve, and that's what I will do if that's what people want."

Any candidate can request a recount regardless of the votes they received, said Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling. She is planning to start the recount 7 a.m. Friday and anticipated it will take eight to nine hours.

Hopkins has requested the ballots be rescanned through the optical scanner. A Republican and Democrat will take turns feeding single paper ballots through the scanner.

Members of the public will be allowed to watch the recount. Dreiling asked that people remain quiet during the procedure. 

The recount will not affect any other race in the county.

Dreiling is trying to reconvene the canvass board early next week to re-certify the USD 489 race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635905282309.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCandidate Cathy Hopkins has called for a recount in the Hays USD 489 school board race.Only the top three vote-getters in the race will earn seats on the school board. Hopkins placed fourth behind Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp by five votes after the canvass Monday."I just felt compelled with only five votes that it wouldn't hurt to have another look," Hopkins said. Hopkins said she sought out Zampieri-Lillpopp in person to tell her that she planned to request a recount. She said they were on the same page."It just seems to make sense when it's so close," Hopkins said.Zampieri-Lillpopp said she thought requesting a recount is Hopkins' right as a candidate."I don't think verifying it is any problem. It's a democracy. That's how things work," she said. ..."I put my name out there to serve, and that's what I will do if that's what people want." Any candidate can request a recount regardless of the votes they received, said Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling. She is planning to start the recount 7 a.m. Friday and anticipated it will take eight to nine hours.Hopkins has requested the ballots be rescanned through the optical scanner. A Republican and Democrat will take turns feeding single paper ballots through the scanner.Members of the public will be allowed to watch the recount. Dreiling asked that people remain quiet during the procedure. The recount will not affect any other race in the county.Dreiling is trying to reconvene the canvass board early next week to re-certify the USD 489 race.

Hopkins calls for recount in Hays USD 489 school board race

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After serving as the county’s top health official through
the height off the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellis County Health Services Director
Jason Kennedy stepped down from his post Monday. 

Kennedy took over the position of Health Services Director
in December 2019 when then Health Services Director Kerry McCue retired.

Shorty before, the county commission elected to combine
the Health and Emergency Medical Services into one department.

At Monday’s commission meeting, Kennedy thanked the community
and the commission.

“This is a great community, a phenomenal community (and) I
look forward to serving it in a different capacity,” Kennedy said. “I am truly
thankful for the time I’ve had hear and for that working relationship with you
guys.”

Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said in a statement Monday
that Kennedy has done a “phenomenal job with us at Ellis County and has made
many improvements to both departments he served as the director and has taken
the lead role in Ellis County during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Five months after Kennedy took over the position, the first case
of coronavirus was confirmed in Ellis County. He also served as the county public
health officer and Kennedy will continue to serve in that role until the spring.

“To ensure our citizens get a consistent public health voice
from Ellis County as we hopefully move to the end of pandemic,” Schlyer said. 

Kennedy also addressed the pandemic Monday.

“This has not exactly been the easiest two years for anybody
in this community and I appreciate the support (and) the dedication of you
guys.” Kennedy said. “We have been able to walk through this pandemic together without
a lot of the issues that we have seen around our state and our nation.”

Kennedy will help with the transition at the EMS until
Nov. 26 and, at that time, Danita Schroeder will take over as the interim
department head.

Kim Reel was named the interim head of the health department.
Kennedy will help with the transition until Dec. 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637018124020.jpeg" alt="Jason Kennedy / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kennedy / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter serving as the county’s top health official through
the height off the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellis County Health Services Director
Jason Kennedy stepped down from his post Monday. Kennedy took over the position of Health Services Director
in December 2019 when then Health Services Director Kerry McCue retired.Shorty before, the county commission elected to combine
the Health and Emergency Medical Services into one department.At Monday’s commission meeting, Kennedy thanked the community
and the commission.“This is a great community, a phenomenal community (and) I
look forward to serving it in a different capacity,” Kennedy said. “I am truly
thankful for the time I’ve had hear and for that working relationship with you
guys.”Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said in a statement Monday
that Kennedy has done a “phenomenal job with us at Ellis County and has made
many improvements to both departments he served as the director and has taken
the lead role in Ellis County during the COVID-19 pandemic.”Five months after Kennedy took over the position, the first case
of coronavirus was confirmed in Ellis County. He also served as the county public
health officer and Kennedy will continue to serve in that role until the spring.“To ensure our citizens get a consistent public health voice
from Ellis County as we hopefully move to the end of pandemic,” Schlyer said. Kennedy also addressed the pandemic Monday.“This has not exactly been the easiest two years for anybody
in this community and I appreciate the support (and) the dedication of you
guys.” Kennedy said. “We have been able to walk through this pandemic together without
a lot of the issues that we have seen around our state and our nation.”Kennedy will help with the transition at the EMS until
Nov. 26 and, at that time, Danita Schroeder will take over as the interim
department head.Kim Reel was named the interim head of the health department.
Kennedy will help with the transition until Dec. 10.

Kennedy steps down after leading Ellis Co. through pandemic

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A record high temperature was set in Hays Monday.

The mercury soared to 80 degrees yesterday.

According to official records at the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the previous high temperature on November 15 in Hays was 78 degrees, set in 1952.

One year ago the daytime high was a more seasonable 64 degrees.

A dramatic drop in temperature is forecast beginning Wednesday with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637082592347.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA record high temperature was set in Hays Monday.The mercury soared to 80 degrees yesterday.According to official records at the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the previous high temperature on November 15 in Hays was 78 degrees, set in 1952.One year ago the daytime high was a more seasonable 64 degrees.A dramatic drop in temperature is forecast beginning Wednesday with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s.

New record high for Nov. 15 in Hays; cooler temps on the way

Dreiling Field Service and Towing of Hays is looking to fill three positions.

Pay based upon experience; competitive wages Benefits Offered 401K, Dental, Medical, AFLAC, Vacation, Bonuses Employment Type Full-Time

Dreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking an experienced Diesel Technician/Mechanic. Our Diesel Mechanics generally assist in the repair and diagnosis of major components or remove/replace major components of various truck and trailer equipment.

Expectations of our Diesel Mechanics include the ability to diagnose and repair the following with little or no supervision:

·&nbsp; Heating/ Air Conditioning Systems

·         Troubleshoot &amp; repair diesel engines (Cat, Cummins, Detroit)

· Diagnose and troubleshoot engine and on-highway truck malfunctions and failures. Prepare and complete all related inspection forms for tractors and trailers

Qualifications for our Diesel Mechanic positions:

·&nbsp; Vocational/Technical&nbsp;or certification preferred

· Willingness to learn new technologies and procedures

· A valid drivers license is required - current CDL license with air brake certification preferred, willingness to acquire CDL if you do not have one

· Basic computer skills preferred for data entry into maintenance systems

· Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job

Compensation Pay based upon experience; competitive wages

Benefits Offered 401K, Dental, Medical, AFLAC, Vacation, Bonuses Employment Type Full-Time

Dreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking an Oil &amp; Tire Technician. This position will include oil, fluid &amp; tire changes, repairs &amp; rotations.

Oil &amp; Lube Technician Responsibilities:

· Applying lubricants to moving parts of vehicle engines to prevent premature engine wear &amp; ensure optimal engine performance

· Lubricating wheel bearings to prevent excessive tire wear

· Replacing cabin, fuel, air &amp; oil filters as required

· Performing tire rotations to ensure even tire wear

· Testing tire pressure &amp; adding air as needed

· Making recommendations for additional servicing based on initial vehicle inspections.

Qualifications for our Oil &amp; Tire Technician positions:

· Ability to accurately document repairs

Compensation Pay based upon experience; competitive wages

Dreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking a parts runner/shop hand to get parts/deliver and shop hand (assist mechanic, cleaning, etc)

· Valid driver's license in good standing

Stop by the shop @ 1715 East 10th St in Hays or call 785-621-4092 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637094305158.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling Field Service and Towing of Hays is looking to fill three positions.<h2>Heavy Equipment Mechanic</h2>Pay based upon experience; competitive wages Benefits Offered 401K, Dental, Medical, AFLAC, Vacation, Bonuses Employment Type Full-TimeDreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking an experienced Diesel Technician/Mechanic. Our Diesel Mechanics generally assist in the repair and diagnosis of major components or remove/replace major components of various truck and trailer equipment.Expectations of our Diesel Mechanics include the ability to diagnose and repair the following with little or no supervision:·&nbsp; Clutches·&nbsp; PTO Systems·&nbsp; Electric Systems·&nbsp; Hydraulic/ Air Brake systems·&nbsp; Heating/ Air Conditioning Systems·&nbsp; Instruments and Gauges· Preventive Maintenance Service· Troubleshoot &amp; repair diesel engines (Cat, Cummins, Detroit)· Diagnose and troubleshoot engine and on-highway truck malfunctions and failures. Prepare and complete all related inspection forms for tractors and trailersQualifications for our Diesel Mechanic positions:·&nbsp; Vocational/Technical&nbsp;or certification preferred· Proficiency in the use of shop tools· Willingness to learn new technologies and procedures· Ability to lift 50lbs· A valid drivers license is required - current CDL license with air brake certification preferred, willingness to acquire CDL if you do not have one· Basic computer skills preferred for data entry into maintenance systems· Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job<h2>Oil and Tire Technician</h2>Compensation Pay based upon experience; competitive wagesBenefits Offered 401K, Dental, Medical, AFLAC, Vacation, Bonuses Employment Type Full-TimeDreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking an Oil &amp; Tire Technician. This position will include oil, fluid &amp; tire changes, repairs &amp; rotations.Oil &amp; Lube Technician Responsibilities:· Applying lubricants to moving parts of vehicle engines to prevent premature engine wear &amp; ensure optimal engine performance· Lubricating wheel bearings to prevent excessive tire wear· Replacing cabin, fuel, air &amp; oil filters as required· Performing tire rotations to ensure even tire wear· Testing tire pressure &amp; adding air as needed· Making recommendations for additional servicing based on initial vehicle inspections.Qualifications for our Oil &amp; Tire Technician positions:· Ability to accurately document repairs· Willingness to learn new technologies and procedures· Ability to lift 50lbs· Effective communication skills· Exceptional customer service skills<h2>Parts Runner/Shop Hand</h2>Compensation Pay based upon experience; competitive wagesBenefits Offered 401K, Dental, Medical, AFLAC, Vacation, Bonuses Employment Type Full-TimeDreiling Field Service, LLC is seeking a parts runner/shop hand to get parts/deliver and shop hand (assist mechanic, cleaning, etc)​Qualifications:· Valid driver's license in good standing· Deadline and detail-oriented· Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the jobStop by the shop @ 1715 East 10th St in Hays or call 785-621-4092 for more information.

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Finding child care in Ellis County has become harder than
ever as the number of providers continues to decline — but the need grows.

And a new effort from the Hays Chamber is working to
identify causes and solutions to the growing problem.

The seriousness of the issue was highlighted in the
ChildCare Aware of Kansas' annual point-in-time report earlier this year.

"ChildCare Aware of Kansas is a chamber member,"
said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. "They work across the
state to help connect resources to childcare providers. But also they try to
connect families with child care providers who are looking for them."

According to the report, in 2020, only 63 percent of
child care needs were being met.

"The other alarming fact is that we've lost 16
child care providers since that same point in time count," Wasinger said. "So,
obviously, this problem isn't going anywhere, so there's the daunting question,
well, where do we start.”

To address the problem, she said a group of locally
interested parties have joined together to create the Childcare Taskforce for
Ellis County.

"This is just the discussion that we're having on how
do we start to address the needs for child care in our community because we know
they're vast."

She said various interested parties are a part of the
conversation, including ChildCare Aware of Kansas, early childhood education
providers, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Heartland Community
Foundation, the Hays Area Children's Center, the city of Hays and Grow Hays.

"And we have Barb Wasinger, our representative from the
111th district,” Wasinger said. "(She) has started to be a part of that
conversation too, from the get-go. And she's taking notes during these meetings
and trying to very much listen to the challenges that are shared from a daycare
provider standpoint.”

She said having a legislator included in the conversation is
essential as many believe at least a portion of the problem can be attributed
to regulatory hurdles on child care providers by the state.

"You can't have things like shampoo or conditioner
within 5-feet reach of children," Wasinger said. "And those are
just some of the things that you scratch your head at. ... If you have your own
kids in your home, you're not going to put the shampoo and conditioner out of
reach.

"If you have a pet dog or a cat, you can't have the pet
food on the ground for the pet to eat during the day. So these are just some
things that make you scratch your head. And for our child care providers, I
can't imagine what they must be going through when they share some of their
concerns on the issues that they face. And, that probably adds to the fact of
why people don't want to be in that industry in the first place."

Those regulations hamper the ability to for childcare
centers to become profitable, removing what is typically a requirement for
providers, according to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams.

"Kansas is pretty archaic in our regulatory
requirements, which makes it very difficult for a child care provider to operate
a profitable business, particularly when you talk about infant care,"
Williams said. "Kansas is one of two states in the United States that has
this three-to-one ratio, one provider only taking care of three infants, and
other states have been far more progressive than Kansas in that regard.

"We just have to cut through some of this regulation
and try and get some of those kinds of things taken care of so we can incent
more people to become child care providers."

Further, the lack of available child care is likely
contributing to the area's workforce shortage.

"In some cases, for an entry-level job, if it's not
paying enough, it makes no sense for them to pay to have their kids taken to
child care," Williams said. "In other cases, people can maybe afford
it, but they just can't find it. There are insufficient providers in the
community."

And as Ellis County struggles with enough providers, there
are impacts to the entire region.

"When we talk about workforce and how we as a chamber
can support workforce, we know that there are parents out there who are
actually paying for child care before they even have a child in the womb,"
Wasinger said. "We also have families that are driving from Stockton to
bring their kids to Hays for child care, and then they're going back and working
a full day. And then they're coming back to Hays again, to pick up their
children. So, this is such a huge issue for … our whole entire region."

The first step for the committee is underway; a survey that
will fully identify the depth of the issue.

"As a committee, we've been working with Bradford Wiles
from the Kansas State Research and Extension agency," Wasinger said.
"They have done community-based surveys all across Kansas, and he's
working with our committee to put together survey questions specific to Ellis
County. … The biggest thing that people need to keep in mind with this survey,
we know that everybody's time is precious, however, we're not going to address
this issue if we don't get some concrete data for what our true needs are as a
county. With that data, then that gives us the flexibility and puts us in a
position as a county to start applying for grants and things of that nature
that we could possibly use to start incentivizing child care.

"So, this is a huge, huge opportunity for us. And if we
don't start finding ways to make the finances work for these folks, we're going to struggle."

The survey is expected to be ready this week and will be
available through the Hays Chamber.

"So, we will be doing this survey digitally, we will
have essentially a QR code attached," Wasinger said. "And of course,
we'll do a media release. ...&nbsp; But all
the agencies that I shared will also be sharing that data in that survey across
their communication channels. And then, ideally, we'll have that survey wrapped
up by the end of December."

She said once the data has been compiled, the committee is
ready to take action to secure funds that will be used to address the problem.

"The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has a significant amount
of funding right now available to give to communities for child care purposes,
as well as USDA," Wasinger said. "And then I believe there are still
some ARPA funds that are set aside for child care for communities. So bringing
that back to our workforce, if we can start getting child care addressed, you
know, maybe that flexes some people who aren't currently in our workforce, it
puts them in a position to where they can come back and work again."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637009451193.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFinding child care in Ellis County has become harder than
ever as the number of providers continues to decline — but the need grows.And a new effort from the Hays Chamber is working to
identify causes and solutions to the growing problem.The seriousness of the issue was highlighted in the
ChildCare Aware of Kansas' annual point-in-time report earlier this year."ChildCare Aware of Kansas is a chamber member,"
said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah Wasinger. "They work across the
state to help connect resources to childcare providers. But also they try to
connect families with child care providers who are looking for them."According to the report, in 2020, only 63 percent of
child care needs were being met.<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber working to find solutions to lack of child care in Ellis County" 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=agpws-1131718-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>"The other alarming fact is that we've lost 16
child care providers since that same point in time count," Wasinger said. "So,
obviously, this problem isn't going anywhere, so there's the daunting question,
well, where do we start.”To address the problem, she said a group of locally
interested parties have joined together to create the Childcare Taskforce for
Ellis County."This is just the discussion that we're having on how
do we start to address the needs for child care in our community because we know
they're vast."She said various interested parties are a part of the
conversation, including ChildCare Aware of Kansas, early childhood education
providers, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Heartland Community
Foundation, the Hays Area Children's Center, the city of Hays and Grow Hays."And we have Barb Wasinger, our representative from the
111th district,” Wasinger said. "(She) has started to be a part of that
conversation too, from the get-go. And she's taking notes during these meetings
and trying to very much listen to the challenges that are shared from a daycare
provider standpoint.”She said having a legislator included in the conversation is
essential as many believe at least a portion of the problem can be attributed
to regulatory hurdles on child care providers by the state."You can't have things like shampoo or conditioner
within 5-feet reach of children," Wasinger said. "And those are
just some of the things that you scratch your head at. ... If you have your own
kids in your home, you're not going to put the shampoo and conditioner out of
reach."If you have a pet dog or a cat, you can't have the pet
food on the ground for the pet to eat during the day. So these are just some
things that make you scratch your head. And for our child care providers, I
can't imagine what they must be going through when they share some of their
concerns on the issues that they face. And, that probably adds to the fact of
why people don't want to be in that industry in the first place."Those regulations hamper the ability to for childcare
centers to become profitable, removing what is typically a requirement for
providers, according to Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams."Kansas is pretty archaic in our regulatory
requirements, which makes it very difficult for a child care provider to operate
a profitable business, particularly when you talk about infant care,"
Williams said. "Kansas is one of two states in the United States that has
this three-to-one ratio, one provider only taking care of three infants, and
other states have been far more progressive than Kansas in that regard."We just have to cut through some of this regulation
and try and get some of those kinds of things taken care of so we can incent
more people to become child care providers."Further, the lack of available child care is likely
contributing to the area's workforce shortage."In some cases, for an entry-level job, if it's not
paying enough, it makes no sense for them to pay to have their kids taken to
child care," Williams said. "In other cases, people can maybe afford
it, but they just can't find it. There are insufficient providers in the
community."And as Ellis County struggles with enough providers, there
are impacts to the entire region."When we talk about workforce and how we as a chamber
can support workforce, we know that there are parents out there who are
actually paying for child care before they even have a child in the womb,"
Wasinger said. "We also have families that are driving from Stockton to
bring their kids to Hays for child care, and then they're going back and working
a full day. And then they're coming back to Hays again, to pick up their
children. So, this is such a huge issue for … our whole entire region."The first step for the committee is underway; a survey that
will fully identify the depth of the issue."As a committee, we've been working with Bradford Wiles
from the Kansas State Research and Extension agency," Wasinger said.
"They have done community-based surveys all across Kansas, and he's
working with our committee to put together survey questions specific to Ellis
County. … The biggest thing that people need to keep in mind with this survey,
we know that everybody's time is precious, however, we're not going to address
this issue if we don't get some concrete data for what our true needs are as a
county. With that data, then that gives us the flexibility and puts us in a
position as a county to start applying for grants and things of that nature
that we could possibly use to start incentivizing child care."So, this is a huge, huge opportunity for us. And if we
don't start finding ways to make the finances work for these folks, we're going to struggle."The survey is expected to be ready this week and will be
available through the Hays Chamber.The survey will be anonymous."So, we will be doing this survey digitally, we will
have essentially a QR code attached," Wasinger said. "And of course,
we'll do a media release. ...&nbsp; But all
the agencies that I shared will also be sharing that data in that survey across
their communication channels. And then, ideally, we'll have that survey wrapped
up by the end of December."She said once the data has been compiled, the committee is
ready to take action to secure funds that will be used to address the problem."The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has a significant amount
of funding right now available to give to communities for child care purposes,
as well as USDA," Wasinger said. "And then I believe there are still
some ARPA funds that are set aside for child care for communities. So bringing
that back to our workforce, if we can start getting child care addressed, you
know, maybe that flexes some people who aren't currently in our workforce, it
puts them in a position to where they can come back and work again."

🎙 As lack of child care plagues Ellis County, new task force looks for solutions

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Monday announced the fall 2021 recipients of KDOT’s Cost Share Program in Linwood.

“These 20 new Cost Share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to congratulate all of the communities that were awarded projects and thank them for their collaboration in this program. My administration is committed to fixing and maintaining our roads and bridges in every corner of the state.”

Projects in Colby, Rawlins, Ness and Rooks counties were included in the announcement.

In total, $9.4 million will support 20 transportation construction projects funded through state and local partnerships that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, and relieve congestion. The Cost Share program is designed to help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system.

The announcement, at the site of the new Bashor-Linwood elementary school, highlighted the wide range of investments that can be made under the IKE program, which is the state’s most responsive and flexible transportation program to date.

“With today’s announcement, KDOT has selected more than 100 Cost Share projects since the program began in 2019,” Lorenz said.&nbsp;“That means in two short years, we’ve moved almost $97 million out the door along with $68 million in additional local funds. That’s a significant investment in Kansas taxpayer dollars to solve Kansas’ transportation needs that otherwise couldn’t be addressed.”

The entire list of all 20 projects announced today can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.vmfvD87koty8waFwzjxj4dkLE5B4JztRowAED5rKl6M/s/1372079104/br/120993464461-l">here</a>&nbsp;and below.

To view a map of the Fall 2021 Cost Share Projects, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.laASN-GOEnxoGXO9F68_kQQOZYkPNZxDLiID4tmJsdg/s/1372079104/br/120993464461-l">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636998867729.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Gov. Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Monday announced the fall 2021 recipients of KDOT’s Cost Share Program in Linwood.“These 20 new Cost Share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“I want to congratulate all of the communities that were awarded projects and thank them for their collaboration in this program. My administration is committed to fixing and maintaining our roads and bridges in every corner of the state.”Projects in Colby, Rawlins, Ness and Rooks counties were included in the announcement.In total, $9.4 million will support 20 transportation construction projects funded through state and local partnerships that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, and relieve congestion. The Cost Share program is designed to help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system.The announcement, at the site of the new Bashor-Linwood elementary school, highlighted the wide range of investments that can be made under the IKE program, which is the state’s most responsive and flexible transportation program to date.“With today’s announcement, KDOT has selected more than 100 Cost Share projects since the program began in 2019,” Lorenz said.&nbsp;“That means in two short years, we’ve moved almost $97 million out the door along with $68 million in additional local funds. That’s a significant investment in Kansas taxpayer dollars to solve Kansas’ transportation needs that otherwise couldn’t be addressed.”The entire list of all 20 projects announced today can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.vmfvD87koty8waFwzjxj4dkLE5B4JztRowAED5rKl6M/s/1372079104/br/120993464461-l">here</a>&nbsp;and below.To view a map of the Fall 2021 Cost Share Projects, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.laASN-GOEnxoGXO9F68_kQQOZYkPNZxDLiID4tmJsdg/s/1372079104/br/120993464461-l">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636998801901.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. projects included in fall 2021 Cost Share Program

A two-month spike in U.S. crude-oil supplies and a three-week spike in U.S. rig counts pushed the U.S. crude benchmark below $80 on Monday for the first time since October. U.S. crude inventories rose last week, for the third week in a row and the fifth time in a month. The latest report from the government is due Wednesday, following an industry report expected the day before. Last week's rig counts marked the third increase three weeks.&nbsp; December Nymex crude prices settled Friday three dollars lower, the lowest close for WTI in five weeks. Light sweet crude on the Nymex was down to $79.95 per barrel by lunchtime Monday. London Brent drops 94 cents to $81.23 per barrel. Kansas prices start the week at $71 a barrel. CHS in McPherson dropped the price for Kansas Common by 75 cents on Friday. Prices are half a dollar lower on the week and more than three dollars lower than at the first of the month. A year ago the Kansas benchmark was forty-one dollars lower. U.S. crude inventories rose for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of just over 435 million barrels on November 5th. That's up about a million barrels from a week earlier, but about seven percent below the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported a slight increase in domestic crude production. U.S. operators pumped just over 11.5 million barrels per day during the week through November 5th. That's an increase of about 10,000 barrels per day over the week before and about a million barrels per day over a year earlier. EIA reported crude imports of 6.1 million barrels per day last week, down 63,000 barrels per day. The average over the last four weeks is about 14% higher than the same four-week period last year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 1.6 million barrels last week, and are about four percent below the five-year seasonal average. The auto club AAA reports higher gasoline pump prices brought on by slight increases in demand and the high price for a barrel of crude. But they say shorter days under Daylight Saving Time could lower gasoline demand, and possibly bring down pump prices. The national average last Thursday (11/11) was just over $3.41 per gallon. That's up more than 14 cents per gallon over a month ago.&nbsp; The average across Kansas, $3.11 per gallon, is up about 13 cents from last month. Filling your 15-gallon tank will cost you nearly four dollars more than a month ago, and $17 more than a year ago.&nbsp; Kansas operators completed 25 wells last week 11 in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 778.&nbsp; That's a slight improvement over the weekly report from a year ago, which showed 728 completions.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 25 new drilling permits last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 9 west of Wichita, including one new permit in Barton County. That's 991 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 406 a year ago at this time. This week's Rig Count in Kansas is down slightly, with 13 active drilling rigs in the eastern half of the state, which is down two, and 27 west of Wichita, which is up one for the week. Drilling was underway on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. This year, demand for petroleum has largely returned to the pre-pandemic levels of two years ago. In a new report, the government says demand has grown faster than supply, reducing inventories and contributing to higher prices for crude oil and petroleum products. The Energy Information Administration says the price of West Texas Intermediate crude is near its highest level since 2014. WTI on November first was up $37 per barrel compared to the beginning of the year. Likewise, the price of Brent crude, the European benchmark, was up $34 over the same period. U.S. crude oil inputs at domestic refineries have nearly returned to the 2019 level for this time of year, despite several refinery closures since 2020. By contrast, crude production has been slower to return. Output fell from a record from an average 12.3 million barrels per day in 2019, to about 9.7 million in May of 2020. Current production is just over 11.5 million barrels per day. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was up for the week but down from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,010 carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products.&nbsp; That's up 452 tanker carloads from the week before but down four percent from the same week in 2020. Canadian traffic was up more than 500 carloads for the week, and up more than eleven percent over a year ago. The government reports steady increases in both crude-oil production and consumption. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. output spiked dramatically last month, following the hurricane recovery. EIA now predicts production will reach 11.6 million barrels per day in December. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook estimates global petroleum consumption reached 98.9 million barrels per day in October, an increase of 4.5 million barrels per day from a year earlier. The report forecasts a 5.1 million barrel-per-day increase in consumption for the entire year. Energy regulators in Texas cleared the way under a new state law to pay out some $3.4 BILLION to natural gas companies for a dramatic price increase during the recent cold snap and power-grid failure. The money is part of the debt Texas utilities incurred after gas prices skyrocketed during February's winter storm and blackout. The Railroad Commission of Texas voted to convert those debts into low-interest bonds guaranteed by the state. The cost of those bonds may be included on Texans’ gas bills for up to the next 30 years. The Biden administration is taking steps to block oil and gas leasing within a 10-mile radius around New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon, a site considered sacred to Native Americans. The White House said on Monday that the Interior Department is considering a 20-year withdrawal of federal lands within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Such a move would prevent oil and gas leasing and development in the northwestern corner of the state. New Mexico is second only to Texas in state crude-production rankings, but the lions share of the production comes from the Permian Basin, more than 400 miles away in the southeastern corner of the state.&nbsp; Saudi Arabia last week announced it's raising prices to customers in Asia. The increases are bigger than expected and were propping up prices elsewhere. Saudi Aramco raised its Official Selling Price to its highest level since September.

By JOHN P. TRETBARA two-month spike in U.S. crude-oil supplies and a three-week spike in U.S. rig counts pushed the U.S. crude benchmark below $80 on Monday for the first time since October. U.S. crude inventories rose last week, for the third week in a row and the fifth time in a month. The latest report from the government is due Wednesday, following an industry report expected the day before. Last week's rig counts marked the third increase three weeks.&nbsp; December Nymex crude prices settled Friday three dollars lower, the lowest close for WTI in five weeks. Light sweet crude on the Nymex was down to $79.95 per barrel by lunchtime Monday. London Brent drops 94 cents to $81.23 per barrel. Kansas prices start the week at $71 a barrel. CHS in McPherson dropped the price for Kansas Common by 75 cents on Friday. Prices are half a dollar lower on the week and more than three dollars lower than at the first of the month. A year ago the Kansas benchmark was forty-one dollars lower. U.S. crude inventories rose for the third week in a row. The Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of just over 435 million barrels on November 5th. That's up about a million barrels from a week earlier, but about seven percent below the five-year average for this time of year. The government reported a slight increase in domestic crude production. U.S. operators pumped just over 11.5 million barrels per day during the week through November 5th. That's an increase of about 10,000 barrels per day over the week before and about a million barrels per day over a year earlier. EIA reported crude imports of 6.1 million barrels per day last week, down 63,000 barrels per day. The average over the last four weeks is about 14% higher than the same four-week period last year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped by 1.6 million barrels last week, and are about four percent below the five-year seasonal average. The auto club AAA reports higher gasoline pump prices brought on by slight increases in demand and the high price for a barrel of crude. But they say shorter days under Daylight Saving Time could lower gasoline demand, and possibly bring down pump prices. The national average last Thursday (11/11) was just over $3.41 per gallon. That's up more than 14 cents per gallon over a month ago.&nbsp; The average across Kansas, $3.11 per gallon, is up about 13 cents from last month. Filling your 15-gallon tank will cost you nearly four dollars more than a month ago, and $17 more than a year ago.&nbsp; Kansas operators completed 25 wells last week 11 in eastern Kansas and 14 west of Wichita, for a year-to-date total of 778.&nbsp; That's a slight improvement over the weekly report from a year ago, which showed 728 completions.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved 25 new drilling permits last week, 16 in eastern Kansas and 9 west of Wichita, including one new permit in Barton County. That's 991 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 406 a year ago at this time. This week's Rig Count in Kansas is down slightly, with 13 active drilling rigs in the eastern half of the state, which is down two, and 27 west of Wichita, which is up one for the week. Drilling was underway on a lease in Ellis County, and operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. This year, demand for petroleum has largely returned to the pre-pandemic levels of two years ago. In a new report, the government says demand has grown faster than supply, reducing inventories and contributing to higher prices for crude oil and petroleum products. The Energy Information Administration says the price of West Texas Intermediate crude is near its highest level since 2014. WTI on November first was up $37 per barrel compared to the beginning of the year. Likewise, the price of Brent crude, the European benchmark, was up $34 over the same period. U.S. crude oil inputs at domestic refineries have nearly returned to the 2019 level for this time of year, despite several refinery closures since 2020. By contrast, crude production has been slower to return. Output fell from a record from an average 12.3 million barrels per day in 2019, to about 9.7 million in May of 2020. Current production is just over 11.5 million barrels per day. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. was up for the week but down from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,010 carloads hauling petroleum and petroleum products.&nbsp; That's up 452 tanker carloads from the week before but down four percent from the same week in 2020. Canadian traffic was up more than 500 carloads for the week, and up more than eleven percent over a year ago. The government reports steady increases in both crude-oil production and consumption. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. output spiked dramatically last month, following the hurricane recovery. EIA now predicts production will reach 11.6 million barrels per day in December. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook estimates global petroleum consumption reached 98.9 million barrels per day in October, an increase of 4.5 million barrels per day from a year earlier. The report forecasts a 5.1 million barrel-per-day increase in consumption for the entire year. Energy regulators in Texas cleared the way under a new state law to pay out some $3.4 BILLION to natural gas companies for a dramatic price increase during the recent cold snap and power-grid failure. The money is part of the debt Texas utilities incurred after gas prices skyrocketed during February's winter storm and blackout. The Railroad Commission of Texas voted to convert those debts into low-interest bonds guaranteed by the state. The cost of those bonds may be included on Texans’ gas bills for up to the next 30 years. The Biden administration is taking steps to block oil and gas leasing within a 10-mile radius around New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon, a site considered sacred to Native Americans. The White House said on Monday that the Interior Department is considering a 20-year withdrawal of federal lands within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Such a move would prevent oil and gas leasing and development in the northwestern corner of the state. New Mexico is second only to Texas in state crude-production rankings, but the lions share of the production comes from the Permian Basin, more than 400 miles away in the southeastern corner of the state.&nbsp; Saudi Arabia last week announced it's raising prices to customers in Asia. The increases are bigger than expected and were propping up prices elsewhere. Saudi Aramco raised its Official Selling Price to its highest level since September.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude supplies spike, prices plunge

Janessa Miller, age 12, and Matthias Miller, age 8, of Gorham have been named 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.

Each 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 KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities website at<a href="x-webdoc://1EB5771B-A689-4DFA-8FC6-848CDBB1DC60/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636495834798.jpeg" alt="Janessa Miller , left, and Matthias Miller with their bikes received from KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest." />
 <figcaption>Janessa Miller , left, and Matthias Miller with their bikes received from KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day poster contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTJanessa Miller, age 12, and Matthias Miller, age 8, of Gorham have been named 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.Each 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 KDOT’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities website at<a href="x-webdoc://1EB5771B-A689-4DFA-8FC6-848CDBB1DC60/www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.">www.ksdot.org/events/PutTheBrakesOnFatalitiesDay.</a>

Gorham youths help 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities'

If you pay a visit to our office at 1800 12th Street in Great Bend, no doubt you will see evidence of our upcoming move. Boxes are everywhere and plans are being fine tuned for moving the heaviest items by the end of November. Our new office location is 3007 10th Street. The building was originally built by the gas company, and now houses the Barton County Food Bank, and other offices. We will be in the west wing of the building, and we will have ample parking in front of our office. I am excited that the agent offices will each have a window! We will also have a nice sized meeting room.

I still remember when we moved from the 1st floor of the Barton County Courthouse during a very hot week in July of 1995. My then 12-year-old son, Adam, was great help as we moved loads and loads of boxes. Now, 26 years later, it’s time to prioritize the items we will actually use and lighten the load. (I wonder if Adam would be excited if I invited him to help with our move this time!) Many if not all our publications can be printed on demand, so the need to have a room full of publications is not as necessary as it was then.&nbsp;

It looks like our office will need to be closed to the public Monday, November 29th through Wednesday, December 1st. Those are the dates that our heaviest furniture will be moved, along with moving all our technology and phones. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that mother nature provides good weather during that week. Watch our Cottonwood Extension District website and FaceBook page as we share more specific announcements.

Mark January 6th on your calendars and plan to join us for our Great Bend Chamber coffee, ribbon cutting and open house!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension.</figcaption>
 </figure>If you pay a visit to our office at 1800 12th Street in Great Bend, no doubt you will see evidence of our upcoming move. Boxes are everywhere and plans are being fine tuned for moving the heaviest items by the end of November. Our new office location is 3007 10th Street. The building was originally built by the gas company, and now houses the Barton County Food Bank, and other offices. We will be in the west wing of the building, and we will have ample parking in front of our office. I am excited that the agent offices will each have a window! We will also have a nice sized meeting room.I still remember when we moved from the 1st floor of the Barton County Courthouse during a very hot week in July of 1995. My then 12-year-old son, Adam, was great help as we moved loads and loads of boxes. Now, 26 years later, it’s time to prioritize the items we will actually use and lighten the load. (I wonder if Adam would be excited if I invited him to help with our move this time!) Many if not all our publications can be printed on demand, so the need to have a room full of publications is not as necessary as it was then.&nbsp;It looks like our office will need to be closed to the public Monday, November 29th through Wednesday, December 1st. Those are the dates that our heaviest furniture will be moved, along with moving all our technology and phones. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that mother nature provides good weather during that week. Watch our Cottonwood Extension District website and FaceBook page as we share more specific announcements.Mark January 6th on your calendars and plan to join us for our Great Bend Chamber coffee, ribbon cutting and open house!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Extension office move in Great Bend is upon us

The results of the race for the third seat up for election on the Hays USD 489 school board in this month’s general election did not change after the remaining votes were tallied Monday during the election canvass.

Following the Nov. 2 general election, Megan Zampieri-Lillpopp led Cathy Hopkins by five votes for the final spot up for grabs on the board of education, 1,217 to 1,212.

At Monday’s special Ellis County Commission meeting to canvass the election, 34 of 37 provisional ballots were added to the total results and the margin of five votes remained the same, 1,224 to 1,219 in favor of Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling told the commission that no races changed as a result of the provisional ballots.

Provisional ballots, Dreiling said, were either the voter moved to a different address within the county, changed their name or were not registered in Ellis County.

The three ballots that could not be counted were because the voter was not registered in Ellis County.

Dreiling also said they conducted a post-election audit of two randomly selected races, as required by law, and the hand counted ballots matched the machine tally.

The commission voted 3-0 to approve the canvass.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe results of the race for the third seat up for election on the Hays USD 489 school board in this month’s general election did not change after the remaining votes were tallied Monday during the election canvass.Following the Nov. 2 general election, Megan Zampieri-Lillpopp led Cathy Hopkins by five votes for the final spot up for grabs on the board of education, 1,217 to 1,212.At Monday’s special Ellis County Commission meeting to canvass the election, 34 of 37 provisional ballots were added to the total results and the margin of five votes remained the same, 1,224 to 1,219 in favor of Zampieri-Lillpopp.Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling told the commission that no races changed as a result of the provisional ballots.Provisional ballots, Dreiling said, were either the voter moved to a different address within the county, changed their name or were not registered in Ellis County.The three ballots that could not be counted were because the voter was not registered in Ellis County.Dreiling also said they conducted a post-election audit of two randomly selected races, as required by law, and the hand counted ballots matched the machine tally.The official turnout was 19.79 percent.The commission voted 3-0 to approve the canvass.

Hays USD 489 vote finalized after Ellis County canvass

Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy resigned at Monday's Ellis County Commission meeting.&nbsp;

Kennedy has served as director of the county health department since January 2020 — just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic made its presence felt in Kansas.

This is a developing story. Check Hays Post for more as details become available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637018124020.jpeg" alt="Jason Kennedy" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kennedy</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy resigned at Monday's Ellis County Commission meeting.&nbsp;Kennedy has served as director of the county health department since January 2020 — just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic made its presence felt in Kansas.This is a developing story. Check Hays Post for more as details become available.&nbsp;

BREAKING: Ellis Co. Health Services director steps down

The TMP-Marian Monarchs football team had 14 players named
to 18 spots on the 2021 all Mid-Continent League teams after recording their
second straight winning season.

Junior quarterback Kade Harris, senior wide receiver Jace
Wentling and offensive lineman Matthew Hess were all named to the first team
offense.

Harris finished with 2,000 total yards of offense and 19
touchdowns. 

Wentling hauled in a career-high 32 passes for 423 yards and
three touchdowns. Wenting finished with at least one reception in 26 straight
games and 29-of-30 games in three seasons. 

Wentling and Harris were also named to the first team
defense as defensive backs and sophomore Kendall Walker was a first team pick
at defensive tackle.

Harris led the Monarchs with a career-high 115 tackles. He
also finished with 10 tackles for loss.

Wentling also recorded a career-high with 68 tackles and one
interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Walker led TMP with 11 tackles for loss and finished with 52
tackles on the year.

TMP also swept the first team special teams spots. Wentling
was named to the first team as both a kicker and a punter and Harris was named
to the first team as a retuner.

Hess also earned second team all-league honors on the defensive
line. He was joined on the second team by senior linebacker Bryce Seib and offensive
lineman Kolten Hagans.

Sieb also earned honor mention honors at running back and
Walker was named to the honorable mention offensive line.

Senior Mark Rack (wide receiver) and Kenton Ginther (tight
end) were also named to the honorable mention team.

Junior lineman Michael Hale was named to the honorable
mention team for both offensive and defensive line.

TMP finished the season 8-2 and lost to Kingman in the 2A
state quarterfinals. 

This season marked just the third time a TMP team had advanced
past the first round of the playoffs. It was also the first time since 2002
that a TMP team won a first round and second round playoff game and the eight
wins was the most since 2002.

Hays PostThe TMP-Marian Monarchs football team had 14 players named
to 18 spots on the 2021 all Mid-Continent League teams after recording their
second straight winning season.Junior quarterback Kade Harris, senior wide receiver Jace
Wentling and offensive lineman Matthew Hess were all named to the first team
offense.Harris finished with 2,000 total yards of offense and 19
touchdowns. Wentling hauled in a career-high 32 passes for 423 yards and
three touchdowns. Wenting finished with at least one reception in 26 straight
games and 29-of-30 games in three seasons. Wentling and Harris were also named to the first team
defense as defensive backs and sophomore Kendall Walker was a first team pick
at defensive tackle.Harris led the Monarchs with a career-high 115 tackles. He
also finished with 10 tackles for loss.Wentling also recorded a career-high with 68 tackles and one
interception that was returned for a touchdown.Walker led TMP with 11 tackles for loss and finished with 52
tackles on the year.TMP also swept the first team special teams spots. Wentling
was named to the first team as both a kicker and a punter and Harris was named
to the first team as a retuner.Hess also earned second team all-league honors on the defensive
line. He was joined on the second team by senior linebacker Bryce Seib and offensive
lineman Kolten Hagans.Sieb also earned honor mention honors at running back and
Walker was named to the honorable mention offensive line.Senior Mark Rack (wide receiver) and Kenton Ginther (tight
end) were also named to the honorable mention team.Junior lineman Michael Hale was named to the honorable
mention team for both offensive and defensive line.TMP finished the season 8-2 and lost to Kingman in the 2A
state quarterfinals. This season marked just the third time a TMP team had advanced
past the first round of the playoffs. It was also the first time since 2002
that a TMP team won a first round and second round playoff game and the eight
wins was the most since 2002.You can find a complete list below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637596067046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637596164222.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637596214387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Monarchs land 14 players on all-MCL teams

Lewis Black is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre at 8 p.m. Jan. 28, according to information released this afternoon by Jane Gates, Stiefel executive director.

Tickets start at $55 and go on sale at noon on Friday. 

To buy tickets online go only to the official Stiefel website at: <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>. You also can buy tickets in person at the box office of the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue, or by calling the box office at 785-827-1998. The box office is open from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please check the <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID-19 policies.&nbsp;

Black is kicking off his Lewis Black: Off the Rails tour in Denver on Jan. 21. After Denver, his next stop is scheduled to be Salina, according to information from Black. 

Performer information as provided by Black

Black is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas, and a sold-out Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

Black does a live streaming show called THE RANT IS DUE at the end of each of his standup performances. This show is written by the audience watching throughout the world and also by the audience in the area of each show. With so much to get off their chests, people use Lewis’ platform to rant about what is on their minds. These rants are now also available on his podcast, Lewis Black's Rantcast.

Black continues as the longest running contributor to The Daily Show on Comedy Central. He has had comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 Grammy Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second Grammy Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon &amp; Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway as well as did one of his two HBO specials Black on Broadway. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character Anger in the Academy Award winning film from Pixar, Inside Out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637005152059.jpeg" alt="Lewis Black. Photo by Joey L./ACLU courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Lewis Black. Photo by Joey L./ACLU courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>The King of Rant is coming to Salina.Lewis Black is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre at 8 p.m. Jan. 28, according to information released this afternoon by Jane Gates, Stiefel executive director.Tickets start at $55 and go on sale at noon on Friday. To buy tickets online go only to the official Stiefel website at: <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>. You also can buy tickets in person at the box office of the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue, or by calling the box office at 785-827-1998. The box office is open from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Please check the <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID-19 policies.&nbsp;Black is kicking off his Lewis Black: Off the Rails tour in Denver on Jan. 21. After Denver, his next stop is scheduled to be Salina, according to information from Black. Performer information as provided by BlackBlack is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas, and a sold-out Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.Black does a live streaming show called THE RANT IS DUE at the end of each of his standup performances. This show is written by the audience watching throughout the world and also by the audience in the area of each show. With so much to get off their chests, people use Lewis’ platform to rant about what is on their minds. These rants are now also available on his podcast, Lewis Black's Rantcast.Black continues as the longest running contributor to The Daily Show on Comedy Central. He has had comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 Grammy Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second Grammy Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon &amp; Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway as well as did one of his two HBO specials Black on Broadway. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character Anger in the Academy Award winning film from Pixar, Inside Out.

Lewis Black to perform in Stiefel Theatre in January

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

<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 Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 10 on Friday.

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

Since reporting began, there have been 4,717 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637000330282.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<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 Monday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 10 on Friday.The KDHE reported Friday 53 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 64 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,717 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 25 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Kenworth semi driven by Alvin Abraham&nbsp;Pleitez-Valles, 32, Holcomb, was northbound on Kansas 25 twelve mile south of Colby.

The semi drifted to the right off the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the semi traveled across both lanes of the highway and overturned in the west ditch.&nbsp; EMS transported Pleitez-Valles to the hospital in Colby. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Kenworth semi driven by Alvin Abraham&nbsp;Pleitez-Valles, 32, Holcomb, was northbound on Kansas 25 twelve mile south of Colby.The semi drifted to the right off the roadway. The driver overcorrected and the semi traveled across both lanes of the highway and overturned in the west ditch.&nbsp; EMS transported Pleitez-Valles to the hospital in Colby. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after semi overturns in a ditch

The dodo is popularly known as the Icon of Extinction. This large flightless bird went extinct because of the activity of sailors and explorers at the end of the 1500s but so much about it remains a mystery. 

Hit the high seas of the 1600’s. It is the Age of Exploration and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History invites you to discover the dodo, a large flightless bird commonly known as the Icon of Extinction. 

"Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" is a family friendly exhibition that will transport guests 400 years in the past to the tropical island that was home to the dodo.

Learn how the dodo lived, and why it died. Explore what other animals are now at risk of extinction, and what can be done to help. 

"Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" is on display now through May 18th.

"Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" was built by Silver Plume Exhibitions and features original artwork by Julius Csotonyi, Alexandra Lefort, Gary Staab and William Stout.

There is something for every age visitor with hands-on exploration blending with historical intrigue. Come and nest like a dodo, explore like a sailor, and maybe we can all learn from the past to save our future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636572891057.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image </figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseThe dodo is popularly known as the Icon of Extinction. This large flightless bird went extinct because of the activity of sailors and explorers at the end of the 1500s but so much about it remains a mystery. Hit the high seas of the 1600’s. It is the Age of Exploration and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History invites you to discover the dodo, a large flightless bird commonly known as the Icon of Extinction. "Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" is a family friendly exhibition that will transport guests 400 years in the past to the tropical island that was home to the dodo.Learn how the dodo lived, and why it died. Explore what other animals are now at risk of extinction, and what can be done to help. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636573382090.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" is on display now through May 18th. "Exploring Extinction: The Dodo" was built by Silver Plume Exhibitions and features original artwork by Julius Csotonyi, Alexandra Lefort, Gary Staab and William Stout.There is something for every age visitor with hands-on exploration blending with historical intrigue. Come and nest like a dodo, explore like a sailor, and maybe we can all learn from the past to save our future.

'Exploring Extinction: The Dodo' set to open at Sternberg Museum

On Aug. 1, 1867, a crew of railroad workers were killed by Cheyenne, at Campbell’s Camp, near what is now called Victoria.

Word of the attack was received at Fort Hays, and 30 troopers from Co. F, 10th Cavalry were sent to the site.

After arriving at the site, troopers led by Capt. Armes followed the north branch of Big Creek in pursuit.

When no signs of the Cheyenne could be found, they returned on the opposite side of the creek to Campbell’s Camp.

Word was sent back to the fort to send additional troops. Armes waited until after daylight, and after there was no sign of additional troops coming, he and his men headed directly north to the Saline River.

They followed the Saline River west, about 15 miles, where they were then surrounded and ambushed by 75 Cheyenne. After battling the Cheyenne in two different areas, they retreated back to Fort Hays. This was the first ever engagement for the “Buffalo Soldiers," as they would come to be known.

The actual site of the battle had never been determined. C2T Ranch is excited to announce that the location has been identified and certified by archeologists from the Kansas Historical Society.

Ranch historian and battle site archivist Michael Cox, along with members of his crew Ryan Ruth and Josh Balman, have discovered and identified more than 100 period artifacts spread out across over 40 acres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636786293067.jpeg" alt="There have been artifacts found at the top of the cliffs in the picture, as well as the approach off to the right. The majority of the battlefield is just to the left (north) of that cliff. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>There have been artifacts found at the top of the cliffs in the picture, as well as the approach off to the right. The majority of the battlefield is just to the left (north) of that cliff. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>News release On Aug. 1, 1867, a crew of railroad workers were killed by Cheyenne, at Campbell’s Camp, near what is now called Victoria.Word of the attack was received at Fort Hays, and 30 troopers from Co. F, 10th Cavalry were sent to the site.After arriving at the site, troopers led by Capt. Armes followed the north branch of Big Creek in pursuit.When no signs of the Cheyenne could be found, they returned on the opposite side of the creek to Campbell’s Camp.Word was sent back to the fort to send additional troops. Armes waited until after daylight, and after there was no sign of additional troops coming, he and his men headed directly north to the Saline River.They followed the Saline River west, about 15 miles, where they were then surrounded and ambushed by 75 Cheyenne. After battling the Cheyenne in two different areas, they retreated back to Fort Hays. This was the first ever engagement for the “Buffalo Soldiers," as they would come to be known.The actual site of the battle had never been determined. C2T Ranch is excited to announce that the location has been identified and certified by archeologists from the Kansas Historical Society.Ranch historian and battle site archivist Michael Cox, along with members of his crew Ryan Ruth and Josh Balman, have discovered and identified more than 100 period artifacts spread out across over 40 acres.This information was confirmed by KHS archeologist Nikki Klarmann during a tour of the site in May 2021.During this battle, six Native Americans and one trooper were killed. Srgt. William Christy of Pennsylvania was shot in the head and killed. He was the first casualty from the Buffalo Soldier troops. Mike Cox, who has spent four years combing the area with a metal detector, believes he has found the saber handle that belonged to Christy when he fell.These and other artifacts, the story of the battle, and first hand account of Nicodemus trooper Samuel Garland will be shared with the public on Saturday, Nov. 20. Registration for the History Tour is required.Barrie Tompkins, president of the Nicodemus Buffalo Soldiers, will be at the site to perform a characterization of “The Life and Times of the Buffalo Soldiers," and share the general history of the soldiers.Angela Bates, descendant and executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society, will present the story of her great uncle Samuel Garland, who was present at the battle.This history tour is just the beginning of future plans for other events at the site, depicting the history of the Cheyenne and Buffalo Soldiers in the area. Everyone involved looks forward to working with interested parties, such as Fort Hays State University and Historic Fort Hays, to ensure the site, artifacts and information is preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.For further information, contact Chad Tuttle at 785-303-0298 or Angela Bates 785-839-8200.

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