A nod to “1984” author George Orwell: We have met Big Brother and often, he is us.

The nation rightly remains outraged at the Jan. 6 riot that trashed the 
U.S. Capitol, threatened elected officials and resulted in five deaths. 
Pressure was on police to swiftly arrest those involved.

Each day brings new reports of federal authorities using what they 
say are social media photos, cellphone records and other data to 
identify members of the mob.

Orwell predicated his draconian vision on government’s installing a 
device in every home, watching, tracking and recording each life. In 
2021, we are the ones installing the devices, 24/7, and not just in 
homes but in pockets, purses and cars.

Combine this self-generating trove of online personal information 
with an ever-greater number of cameras in public and private spaces, the
 increasing forensic ability of facial-recognition software and the 
mushrooming presence of smart devices in our daily lives. We have every 
reason for new concerns about the potential chilling effect on free 
expression and our rights of assembly and petition.

In media reports, we’ve seen how easy it is for the FBI to identify a
 rioter within hours by taking the merest flash of cellphone photo, 
applying facial identification examination even to people wearing masks,
 then marrying that computer construct to earlier, less-obscured photos.
 In one case, authorities matched earlier photos taken in a Washington, 
D.C., hotel lobby with photos posted online from the Capitol and 
identified and arrested a suspect shown standing in the U.S. House 
chamber in full riot gear.

To be sure, we have tolerated, even encouraged, growing government 
surveillance methods and technology for many years, particularly in the 
wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, in the hope they will make 
us more safe.

By 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court was openly musing about the effects 
of pervasive high-tech government surveillance, even though the case at 
hand involved the <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/10-1259" target="_blank">somewhat low-tech use of a GPS monitor</a>.

At the time, Justice Sonia Sotomayor was concerned 
about a chill on “associational and expressive freedoms … (through) 
generating a precise, comprehensive record of a person’s public 
movements.” She also warned that “government can store such records and 
efficiently mine them for information years into the future.”

In 2019, in a case involving <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/585/16-402/" target="_blank">surveillance of a robbery suspect</a>, Chief Justice John Roberts
 observed that many people “compulsively carry cellphones with them all 
the time. A cellphone faithfully follows its owner beyond public 
thoroughfares and into private residences, doctor’s offices, political 
headquarters and other potentially revealing locales. … Accordingly, 
when the government tracks the location of a cellphone, it achieves 
near-perfect surveillance as if it had attached an ankle monitor to the 
phone’s user.”

In words foreshadowing today’s post-riot investigations, Roberts 
wrote, “the government can now travel back in time to retrace a person’s
 whereabouts … (and) because location information is continually logged 
for all of the (then) 400 million devices in the United States … police 
need not even know in advance whether they want to follow a particular 
individual, or when.”

Police should have ready access to effective tools in fighting 
terrorists and other criminals. As the widespread demand for swift 
justice for the insurrectionists who invaded the Capitol shows, many, if
 not most of us, applaud law enforcement’s use of high-tech tools.

History tells us that successful technology both endures and expands 
in scope and that freedoms lost are hard to restore. The early days of 
taps on phone wires has evolved into high-tech gadgets that use the 
vibration of windowpanes caused by speech to monitor conversations 
inside an office. Listening devices hidden inside walls designed to 
capture a simple conversation have morphed into government access to 
massive data dumps containing the details of millions of phone calls 
that can be analyzed to track separate calls worldwide.

Add in the digital trail we leave from cellphones and on social media
 and we hand the government an intimate self-portrait more complete that
 even our closest family members could draw.

We need to continually review safeguards on the government’s power to
 track our lives and to set limits when such surveillance is warranted —
 literally, by the courts. The most critical times for such alertness 
are in the aftermath of shocks to the nation’s psyche such as the 
disgraceful Capitol invasion.

What is the impact on those assembling peaceably to petition 
government for change when, via technology, we automatically create 
records of conversations and meetings and their exact times, dates and 
locations — potentially illustrated with photos and videos of 
participants?

We’re already seeing pushback because of flaws in both the technology
 and its application, ranging from gross misidentification to racial 
bias or worse: China is reportedly using facial recognition to track and
 arrest some racial minorities.

To be clear: Members of the mob that ransacked the Capitol should 
face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. But we all need to be
 wary of the law of unintended consequences, of unexamined recognition 
of the use of pervasive, all-seeing technology in the hands of those who
 would, willingly or unwittingly, chip away at our core First Amendment 
freedoms in the name of protecting them.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>A nod to “1984” author George Orwell: We have met Big Brother and often, he is us.The nation rightly remains outraged at the Jan. 6 riot that trashed the 
U.S. Capitol, threatened elected officials and resulted in five deaths. 
Pressure was on police to swiftly arrest those involved.Each day brings new reports of federal authorities using what they 
say are social media photos, cellphone records and other data to 
identify members of the mob.Orwell predicated his draconian vision on government’s installing a 
device in every home, watching, tracking and recording each life. In 
2021, we are the ones installing the devices, 24/7, and not just in 
homes but in pockets, purses and cars.Combine this self-generating trove of online personal information 
with an ever-greater number of cameras in public and private spaces, the
 increasing forensic ability of facial-recognition software and the 
mushrooming presence of smart devices in our daily lives. We have every 
reason for new concerns about the potential chilling effect on free 
expression and our rights of assembly and petition.In media reports, we’ve seen how easy it is for the FBI to identify a
 rioter within hours by taking the merest flash of cellphone photo, 
applying facial identification examination even to people wearing masks,
 then marrying that computer construct to earlier, less-obscured photos.
 In one case, authorities matched earlier photos taken in a Washington, 
D.C., hotel lobby with photos posted online from the Capitol and 
identified and arrested a suspect shown standing in the U.S. House 
chamber in full riot gear.To be sure, we have tolerated, even encouraged, growing government 
surveillance methods and technology for many years, particularly in the 
wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, in the hope they will make 
us more safe.By 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court was openly musing about the effects 
of pervasive high-tech government surveillance, even though the case at 
hand involved the <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/10-1259" target="_blank">somewhat low-tech use of a GPS monitor</a>.At the time, Justice Sonia Sotomayor was concerned 
about a chill on “associational and expressive freedoms … (through) 
generating a precise, comprehensive record of a person’s public 
movements.” She also warned that “government can store such records and 
efficiently mine them for information years into the future.”In 2019, in a case involving <a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/585/16-402/" target="_blank">surveillance of a robbery suspect</a>, Chief Justice John Roberts
 observed that many people “compulsively carry cellphones with them all 
the time. A cellphone faithfully follows its owner beyond public 
thoroughfares and into private residences, doctor’s offices, political 
headquarters and other potentially revealing locales. … Accordingly, 
when the government tracks the location of a cellphone, it achieves 
near-perfect surveillance as if it had attached an ankle monitor to the 
phone’s user.”In words foreshadowing today’s post-riot investigations, Roberts 
wrote, “the government can now travel back in time to retrace a person’s
 whereabouts … (and) because location information is continually logged 
for all of the (then) 400 million devices in the United States … police 
need not even know in advance whether they want to follow a particular 
individual, or when.”Police should have ready access to effective tools in fighting 
terrorists and other criminals. As the widespread demand for swift 
justice for the insurrectionists who invaded the Capitol shows, many, if
 not most of us, applaud law enforcement’s use of high-tech tools.History tells us that successful technology both endures and expands 
in scope and that freedoms lost are hard to restore. The early days of 
taps on phone wires has evolved into high-tech gadgets that use the 
vibration of windowpanes caused by speech to monitor conversations 
inside an office. Listening devices hidden inside walls designed to 
capture a simple conversation have morphed into government access to 
massive data dumps containing the details of millions of phone calls 
that can be analyzed to track separate calls worldwide.Add in the digital trail we leave from cellphones and on social media
 and we hand the government an intimate self-portrait more complete that
 even our closest family members could draw.We need to continually review safeguards on the government’s power to
 track our lives and to set limits when such surveillance is warranted —
 literally, by the courts. The most critical times for such alertness 
are in the aftermath of shocks to the nation’s psyche such as the 
disgraceful Capitol invasion.What is the impact on those assembling peaceably to petition 
government for change when, via technology, we automatically create 
records of conversations and meetings and their exact times, dates and 
locations — potentially illustrated with photos and videos of 
participants?We’re already seeing pushback because of flaws in both the technology
 and its application, ranging from gross misidentification to racial 
bias or worse: China is reportedly using facial recognition to track and
 arrest some racial minorities.To be clear: Members of the mob that ransacked the Capitol should 
face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. But we all need to be
 wary of the law of unintended consequences, of unexamined recognition 
of the use of pervasive, all-seeing technology in the hands of those who
 would, willingly or unwittingly, chip away at our core First Amendment 
freedoms in the name of protecting them.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Cellphones, selfies — and Orwell

The Hays High boys will take on Colby in the championship game of the Orange and Black Classic Saturday afternoon. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. with our pregame show at 5:40.

&nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

The Hays High boys will take on Colby in the championship game of the Orange and Black Classic Saturday afternoon. The game is set to start at 6 p.m. with our pregame show at 5:40. <figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hALAI49atOY"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

🏀WATCH: Hays High boys v Colby

The TMP-Marian Monarchs will take on the Ellis Railroaders in the third place game of the Mid-Continent League tournament Saturday at Ellis High School.

The game is scheduled to start at 4p.m. with the pregame show at 3:40 on 99.5 KHAZ and click <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">HERE </a>to listen online.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs will take on the Ellis Railroaders in the third place game of the Mid-Continent League tournament Saturday at Ellis High School.The game is scheduled to start at 4p.m. with the pregame show at 3:40 on 99.5 KHAZ and click <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">HERE </a>to listen online.

🏀📻 TMP takes on Ellis at MCL tournament

The Hays High girls play in the fourth place game of the Orange and Black Classic Saturday afternoon against Life Prep. The game is set to start at 1 p.m. with the pregame show at 12:40.

The Hays High girls play in the fourth place game of the Orange and Black Classic Saturday afternoon against Life Prep. The game is set to start at 1 p.m. with the pregame show at 12:40. <figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXv_AjkhOh8"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

🏀 WATCH: Hays High girls v Life Prep

The university that delivers the best value in online education anywhere is expanding to meet the educational needs of career-minded airmen serving in the United States Air Force. Fort Hays State University is now a partnering school in the Community College of the Air Force’s (CCAF) General Education Mobile (GEM) program initiative. The GEM program was created to help service members earn an associate in applied science degree to advance in their military career or civilian life.&nbsp;

The current average graduation time for CCAF students is eight years because general education courses are usually the last taken. By partnering with institutions like FHSU with the ability to deliver high-quality, flexible online courses, the CCAF expects to reduce the average graduation time to less than four years.

Dr. Seth Kastle, an Army veteran and assistant professor of leadership studies, who serves as the university’s director of military program innovation, noted the significance of this latest military education partnership stating, “FHSU is always looking for ways to help service members advance in their educational endeavors. Joining CCAF as a provider in the GEM program gives Airmen the opportunity to access high-quality online education while keeping their costs under the annual Tuition Assistance (TA) cap. Keeping our tuition low allows service members to only use TA and save their GI Bill benefit to pursue a higher level degree later or pass the benefit along to their dependents.”

The CCAF’s Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) is a single-point access point that eases the course selection and registration process for service members. This service facilitates academic planning across the general education curriculum and empowers the student to set and complete associate in applied science (AAS) degree requirements on a timeline in a way that allows them to balance their education with deployments, duty station changes and family commitments.&nbsp;

Airmen who consider pursuing their educational goals at FHSU will find the staff of the Transfer &amp; Military Center ready to make the transition as seamless as possible. The center’s assistant director, Kelsi Broadway, said, “Every military student has a different experience, and their transcripts reflect that. One of our goals is to help streamline a student’s academic journey by taking the guesswork out of transferring, even transferring their FHSU credits to their CCAF degree. We want to be a partner in finding the path that will benefit the student in their journey now and years down the road.”

The Transfer &amp; Military Center was established last summer to provide military-connected students with personalized services before they officially enroll, including rapid transcript evaluation and academic planning assistance.&nbsp;

For more information about course and degree options for military service members, veterans and military-connected families, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHpsU5a6AMQXuTZzJoitJFdkz9-2B6fl7-2F-2FRSWDIiyxgdy76RjPJCH3C17LUVMie-2B8EA-3D-3DaCVf_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem62Uq7IReb6VjwEO2Te74mRrI100HWBp4n6IJ0J-2BS1RlKkyH9Eks5siBTt3cd3tdxNehqoQYYdmqNmw4hJAW8V4iie5HEREqE17uBaRYF605a2wBHeCgyRJkIuLfCHzZ0hxpBomPbpr8my-2Be8CcEOO3vOTsg-2FxfPMZuhasHrX7iHKcFbHiBSKtNWU1IOCUqXXqQyKLk6lm7eZoABk2LIh4awo30b-2FgIxEKNWVnVxmBRuljFiUBRrk-2FDjFM8vbqJG-2B2ffj4JBXhu6wadd-2BtZDVJg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/transfer-military-center/index</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611326607665.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe university that delivers the best value in online education anywhere is expanding to meet the educational needs of career-minded airmen serving in the United States Air Force. Fort Hays State University is now a partnering school in the Community College of the Air Force’s (CCAF) General Education Mobile (GEM) program initiative. The GEM program was created to help service members earn an associate in applied science degree to advance in their military career or civilian life.&nbsp;The current average graduation time for CCAF students is eight years because general education courses are usually the last taken. By partnering with institutions like FHSU with the ability to deliver high-quality, flexible online courses, the CCAF expects to reduce the average graduation time to less than four years.Dr. Seth Kastle, an Army veteran and assistant professor of leadership studies, who serves as the university’s director of military program innovation, noted the significance of this latest military education partnership stating, “FHSU is always looking for ways to help service members advance in their educational endeavors. Joining CCAF as a provider in the GEM program gives Airmen the opportunity to access high-quality online education while keeping their costs under the annual Tuition Assistance (TA) cap. Keeping our tuition low allows service members to only use TA and save their GI Bill benefit to pursue a higher level degree later or pass the benefit along to their dependents.”The CCAF’s Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) is a single-point access point that eases the course selection and registration process for service members. This service facilitates academic planning across the general education curriculum and empowers the student to set and complete associate in applied science (AAS) degree requirements on a timeline in a way that allows them to balance their education with deployments, duty station changes and family commitments.&nbsp;Airmen who consider pursuing their educational goals at FHSU will find the staff of the Transfer &amp; Military Center ready to make the transition as seamless as possible. The center’s assistant director, Kelsi Broadway, said, “Every military student has a different experience, and their transcripts reflect that. One of our goals is to help streamline a student’s academic journey by taking the guesswork out of transferring, even transferring their FHSU credits to their CCAF degree. We want to be a partner in finding the path that will benefit the student in their journey now and years down the road.”The Transfer &amp; Military Center was established last summer to provide military-connected students with personalized services before they officially enroll, including rapid transcript evaluation and academic planning assistance.&nbsp;For more information about course and degree options for military service members, veterans and military-connected families, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtHpsU5a6AMQXuTZzJoitJFdkz9-2B6fl7-2F-2FRSWDIiyxgdy76RjPJCH3C17LUVMie-2B8EA-3D-3DaCVf_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIem62Uq7IReb6VjwEO2Te74mRrI100HWBp4n6IJ0J-2BS1RlKkyH9Eks5siBTt3cd3tdxNehqoQYYdmqNmw4hJAW8V4iie5HEREqE17uBaRYF605a2wBHeCgyRJkIuLfCHzZ0hxpBomPbpr8my-2Be8CcEOO3vOTsg-2FxfPMZuhasHrX7iHKcFbHiBSKtNWU1IOCUqXXqQyKLk6lm7eZoABk2LIh4awo30b-2FgIxEKNWVnVxmBRuljFiUBRrk-2FDjFM8vbqJG-2B2ffj4JBXhu6wadd-2BtZDVJg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/transfer-military-center/index</a>.

FHSU announces partnership with Community College of the Air Force

K-State Research and Extension along with Districts, Cottonwood, Golden Prairie, Midway, Phillips/Rooks, Post Rock and Walnut Creek, are hosting one of the annual KSU Winter Ranch Management seminars ONLINE, slated for January 28, starting at 6 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will highlight several topics important to beef cattle producers.

This program will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension educators and faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry to enhance management strategies employed by cow-calf producers.

The KSU extension team has a breadth of experience in beef cattle management, reproduction, genetics, animal health and nutrition and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.

Planned topics of discussion include Bull management considerations, Explanation of the Management Minder tool, Cow and replacement heifer nutrition programs for a successful breeding season along with Vaccine and storage management. The meetings will also feature a “town hall” style question-and-answer session between Kansas cattle producers and extension specialists. To register send an email to bwalton@ksu.edu or aboor@ksu.edu and then an email will be sent to you with the “link” for the ONLINE sessions.

For more information about this Winter Ranch Management Seminar, contact any of the K-State Research and Extension Districts listed above or go to KSUBeef.org.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension along with Districts, Cottonwood, Golden Prairie, Midway, Phillips/Rooks, Post Rock and Walnut Creek, are hosting one of the annual KSU Winter Ranch Management seminars ONLINE, slated for January 28, starting at 6 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will highlight several topics important to beef cattle producers.This program will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension educators and faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry to enhance management strategies employed by cow-calf producers.The KSU extension team has a breadth of experience in beef cattle management, reproduction, genetics, animal health and nutrition and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.Planned topics of discussion include Bull management considerations, Explanation of the Management Minder tool, Cow and replacement heifer nutrition programs for a successful breeding season along with Vaccine and storage management. The meetings will also feature a “town hall” style question-and-answer session between Kansas cattle producers and extension specialists. To register send an email to bwalton@ksu.edu or aboor@ksu.edu and then an email will be sent to you with the “link” for the ONLINE sessions.For more information about this Winter Ranch Management Seminar, contact any of the K-State Research and Extension Districts listed above or go to KSUBeef.org.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

BOOR: Winter Ranch Management seminars are this month

Many in the politics industry profit from claiming that fraud and illegality plague our elections. Some probably think that they can push that false narrative with no consequences, at least for themselves. If the tactic works and their audience believes it, then why stop?&nbsp;

Undermining the legitimacy of our elections indeed has consequences. Typically, it “just” further alienates an already distrusting public from their government, and disrespects election officials—your neighbors—who serve honorably.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But January 2021 raised the stakes. A lie about a stolen election caused a pro-Trump mob to attack the US Capitol. Some shouted for the Vice President to be hanged. Their riot left six dead, including two police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elections shouldn’t have death tolls. Many Americans now fear that distrust of our elections is birthing a new era of election-related violence.&nbsp;

Here is reality: American elections are generally free, fair, and legal. We do not have a problem with widespread fraud that alters election outcomes. Our state and local election officials are largely honest and professional public servants.&nbsp;

Yes, our process could be fairer. Partisan gerrymandering, for example, diminishes the value of your vote. And some rules arguably make voting harder for citizens.&nbsp;

Yes, our process is too partisan. Many in politics do not prioritize maximizing citizen access to the ballot as a non-partisan goal.&nbsp;

Yes, our process is also imperfect. Some small error naturally exists—thus, recounts. Some small amount of fraud exists—thus, prosecutors. Election law isn’t always clear—thus, courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But imperfect doesn’t equal illegitimate. And we can fairly debate election reform without delegitimizing the process.&nbsp;

Once the rules are set, our elections generally works well. I know many won’t want to believe that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most Americans are understandably cynical about politics. That cynicism tempts us to believe that government can only fail or victimize us.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many in the politics industry—politicians, party officials, activist groups, ideological media—exploit that cynicism to cast doubt on election integrity.&nbsp;

Why? It’s a good schtick. It can advance policy goals. It can be profitable. We see it in Kansas.&nbsp;

Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach got famous partly on his voter fraud claims, but couldn’t find much of it when he had the actual power to uncover it.&nbsp;

Certain progressive voices in Kansas political social media have validated false allegations that party and election officials fix primary elections against progressives.&nbsp;

The Kansas attorney general recently joined a failed Texas lawsuit that claimed certain states had illegally conducted their elections. That case could have overturned the presidential election. But strategically, it also would have helped conservative efforts nationwide to limit local control over election administration and centralize that power in more conservative state governments.&nbsp;

The conservative Judicial Watch falsely claimed that Johnson County had more registered than eligible voters in 2020. Attacking the integrity of the mostly Republican officials who oversee Kansas elections got them the national attention they sought from politicians and ideological media who also profited from that falsehood.&nbsp;

Different political goals, same core argument that delegitimizes elections.&nbsp;

Trusting government is hard, especially when trust means accepting election losses. But we should give our election officials the trust and credit they deserve. And we must reject the myths of systematic election fraud, rampant conspiracies, and fundamental illegality. The stability and peace of our democracy depend on it.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Many in the politics industry profit from claiming that fraud and illegality plague our elections. Some probably think that they can push that false narrative with no consequences, at least for themselves. If the tactic works and their audience believes it, then why stop?&nbsp;Undermining the legitimacy of our elections indeed has consequences. Typically, it “just” further alienates an already distrusting public from their government, and disrespects election officials—your neighbors—who serve honorably.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But January 2021 raised the stakes. A lie about a stolen election caused a pro-Trump mob to attack the US Capitol. Some shouted for the Vice President to be hanged. Their riot left six dead, including two police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Elections shouldn’t have death tolls. Many Americans now fear that distrust of our elections is birthing a new era of election-related violence.&nbsp;Here is reality: American elections are generally free, fair, and legal. We do not have a problem with widespread fraud that alters election outcomes. Our state and local election officials are largely honest and professional public servants.&nbsp;Yes, our process could be fairer. Partisan gerrymandering, for example, diminishes the value of your vote. And some rules arguably make voting harder for citizens.&nbsp;Yes, our process is too partisan. Many in politics do not prioritize maximizing citizen access to the ballot as a non-partisan goal.&nbsp;Yes, our process is also imperfect. Some small error naturally exists—thus, recounts. Some small amount of fraud exists—thus, prosecutors. Election law isn’t always clear—thus, courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;But imperfect doesn’t equal illegitimate. And we can fairly debate election reform without delegitimizing the process.&nbsp;Once the rules are set, our elections generally works well. I know many won’t want to believe that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most Americans are understandably cynical about politics. That cynicism tempts us to believe that government can only fail or victimize us.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many in the politics industry—politicians, party officials, activist groups, ideological media—exploit that cynicism to cast doubt on election integrity.&nbsp;Why? It’s a good schtick. It can advance policy goals. It can be profitable. We see it in Kansas.&nbsp;Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach got famous partly on his voter fraud claims, but couldn’t find much of it when he had the actual power to uncover it.&nbsp;Certain progressive voices in Kansas political social media have validated false allegations that party and election officials fix primary elections against progressives.&nbsp;The Kansas attorney general recently joined a failed Texas lawsuit that claimed certain states had illegally conducted their elections. That case could have overturned the presidential election. But strategically, it also would have helped conservative efforts nationwide to limit local control over election administration and centralize that power in more conservative state governments.&nbsp;The conservative Judicial Watch falsely claimed that Johnson County had more registered than eligible voters in 2020. Attacking the integrity of the mostly Republican officials who oversee Kansas elections got them the national attention they sought from politicians and ideological media who also profited from that falsehood.&nbsp;Different political goals, same core argument that delegitimizes elections.&nbsp;Trusting government is hard, especially when trust means accepting election losses. But we should give our election officials the trust and credit they deserve. And we must reject the myths of systematic election fraud, rampant conspiracies, and fundamental illegality. The stability and peace of our democracy depend on it.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The danger of cynically distrusting elections 

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Every business can use a skid steer.” That statement refers to the skid steer loader, which can be used for moving pallets, receiving deliveries, relocating products, and hundreds of outdoor tasks. Today we’ll meet a young Kansas family which has built a business in marketing these skid steers from rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Jon and Jenny Stillwell are the owners of Stillwell Sales, a company that specializes in used skid steers. Jon and Jenny have rural roots. He is from Scottsville, and she is from Hunter. “We met at the Mitchell County Fair,” Jon said.&nbsp;

Both went to K-State. Jon got a degree in biology and Jenny got hers in education. At the time, Ebay was starting to grow in popularity. Jon tried using Ebay to sell some used equipment he had picked up at an auction. It went very well.&nbsp;

He found that buying secondhand equipment for resale was a good strategy. “A lot of it was good, store-returned merchandise,” Jon said. “You could buy those by the truckload.”&nbsp;

Jon and Jenny married and returned home to Mitchell County. Jenny took a teaching position in Beloit. Jon established Stillwell Sales as his business in his hometown of Scottsville.&nbsp;

“We were selling several hundred items a month on Ebay,” Jon said. “I bought a skid steer and found out that they were a hot item.”&nbsp;

He decided to try to sell a skid steer online, and it turned out to be a sweet spot for the business. Skid steers are popular because they have so many uses in construction, agriculture, or everyday work.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Every business can use a skid steer,” Jon said.&nbsp;

Today, Stillwell Sales specializes in&nbsp;quality used skid steers, new trailers, used tractors, telehandlers, mini-excavators, wheel loaders, and much more related equipment.&nbsp;No longer using Ebay, Stillwell Sales primarily sells its products directly. Stillwell Sales advertises on websites such as&nbsp;<a href="x-webdoc://64DFB812-65CF-4029-8E00-9A5A8B64258A/machinerytrader.com">machinerytrader.com</a>&nbsp;and<a href="x-webdoc://64DFB812-65CF-4029-8E00-9A5A8B64258A/tractorhouse.com">tractorhouse.com</a>, and also provides equipment repair.&nbsp;

When the business grew to the point that it needed a full-time person to do paperwork and run the website, Jenny left her teaching position and joined the business full-time.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Most of our business is skid steers,” Jon said. “There are hundreds of attachments for them.”&nbsp;

The days of Jon scouring old equipment auctions are gone. “People are coming to us (with their used equipment),” Jon said. “Jon has developed quite a network of people,” Jenny said.&nbsp;

“The big dealers want to sell new or like new equipment,” Jon said. “When they take in a used piece of equipment in trade, they contact me and I make them an offer.” Because his business is not brand-specific, he can work with all kinds of products. New equipment prices have gone through the roof, so Jon’s used equipment offers excellent value. This business model has worked extremely well.&nbsp;

“We’ve sold product to almost every state,” Jon said. The aforementioned website is very important. “When we started our business, we had dial-up (Internet access). It was very slow because it takes a lot of bandwidth to post all these pictures of these pieces of equipment.”&nbsp;

Cunningham Telephone, the local rural telephone company, installed fiber optic cable 10 years ago. This enabled a boom in online viewing of their products by customers.&nbsp;

Stillwell Sales has increased its facilities as well. “We now have two shops and a large storage shed for our inventory,” Jon said. “We bought the old bank building, which has become our office and we’ve purchased and cleaned up two more lots to display our equipment.”&nbsp;

This is a very positive development for a rural community such as Scottsville, population 25 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural. “There are several young families that have moved back here,” Jon said.&nbsp;

Scottsville is situated between Beloit and Concordia. “I tell people, it is paved road all the way here,” Jenny said. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stillwellsales.com/">www.stillwellsales.com</a>.&nbsp;

We salute Jon and Jenny Stillwell of Stillwell Sales for making a difference with their entrepreneurial spirit. Every business can use a skid steer, and now the skid steer has helped build a successful business.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611151408657.png" alt="Jenny and Jon Stillwell" />
 <figcaption>Jenny and Jon Stillwell</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Every business can use a skid steer.” That statement refers to the skid steer loader, which can be used for moving pallets, receiving deliveries, relocating products, and hundreds of outdoor tasks. Today we’ll meet a young Kansas family which has built a business in marketing these skid steers from rural Kansas.&nbsp;Jon and Jenny Stillwell are the owners of Stillwell Sales, a company that specializes in used skid steers. Jon and Jenny have rural roots. He is from Scottsville, and she is from Hunter. “We met at the Mitchell County Fair,” Jon said.&nbsp;Both went to K-State. Jon got a degree in biology and Jenny got hers in education. At the time, Ebay was starting to grow in popularity. Jon tried using Ebay to sell some used equipment he had picked up at an auction. It went very well.&nbsp;He found that buying secondhand equipment for resale was a good strategy. “A lot of it was good, store-returned merchandise,” Jon said. “You could buy those by the truckload.”&nbsp;Jon and Jenny married and returned home to Mitchell County. Jenny took a teaching position in Beloit. Jon established Stillwell Sales as his business in his hometown of Scottsville.&nbsp;“We were selling several hundred items a month on Ebay,” Jon said. “I bought a skid steer and found out that they were a hot item.”&nbsp;He decided to try to sell a skid steer online, and it turned out to be a sweet spot for the business. Skid steers are popular because they have so many uses in construction, agriculture, or everyday work.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Every business can use a skid steer,” Jon said.&nbsp;Today, Stillwell Sales specializes in&nbsp;quality used skid steers, new trailers, used tractors, telehandlers, mini-excavators, wheel loaders, and much more related equipment.&nbsp;No longer using Ebay, Stillwell Sales primarily sells its products directly. Stillwell Sales advertises on websites such as&nbsp;<a href="x-webdoc://64DFB812-65CF-4029-8E00-9A5A8B64258A/machinerytrader.com">machinerytrader.com</a>&nbsp;and<a href="x-webdoc://64DFB812-65CF-4029-8E00-9A5A8B64258A/tractorhouse.com">tractorhouse.com</a>, and also provides equipment repair.&nbsp;When the business grew to the point that it needed a full-time person to do paperwork and run the website, Jenny left her teaching position and joined the business full-time.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Most of our business is skid steers,” Jon said. “There are hundreds of attachments for them.”&nbsp;The days of Jon scouring old equipment auctions are gone. “People are coming to us (with their used equipment),” Jon said. “Jon has developed quite a network of people,” Jenny said.&nbsp;“The big dealers want to sell new or like new equipment,” Jon said. “When they take in a used piece of equipment in trade, they contact me and I make them an offer.” Because his business is not brand-specific, he can work with all kinds of products. New equipment prices have gone through the roof, so Jon’s used equipment offers excellent value. This business model has worked extremely well.&nbsp;“We’ve sold product to almost every state,” Jon said. The aforementioned website is very important. “When we started our business, we had dial-up (Internet access). It was very slow because it takes a lot of bandwidth to post all these pictures of these pieces of equipment.”&nbsp;Cunningham Telephone, the local rural telephone company, installed fiber optic cable 10 years ago. This enabled a boom in online viewing of their products by customers.&nbsp;Stillwell Sales has increased its facilities as well. “We now have two shops and a large storage shed for our inventory,” Jon said. “We bought the old bank building, which has become our office and we’ve purchased and cleaned up two more lots to display our equipment.”&nbsp;This is a very positive development for a rural community such as Scottsville, population 25 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural. “There are several young families that have moved back here,” Jon said.&nbsp;Scottsville is situated between Beloit and Concordia. “I tell people, it is paved road all the way here,” Jenny said. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stillwellsales.com/">www.stillwellsales.com</a>.&nbsp;We salute Jon and Jenny Stillwell of Stillwell Sales for making a difference with their entrepreneurial spirit. Every business can use a skid steer, and now the skid steer has helped build a successful business.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>

Now That’s Rural: Jon and Jenny Stillwell, Stillwell Sales   

Midwest Energy, Inc., Kansas’ largest electric and natural gas cooperative, is seeking a Network/Telecommunications Administrator at its Hays office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Network/Telecommunications Administrator is to design, implement, maintain, and monitor the LAN/WAN/VPN Network and to provide an efficient and cost-effective telecommunications system.&nbsp; The position is responsible for implementing and maintaining all IP based telecommunication for the various corporate data and telephony systems.&nbsp; The administrator will work to obtain the highest level of network performance, consistent uptime and adhere to best practice network and telecommunication standards while working with the IT Security Administrator to guard against cyber-attacks or breaches.&nbsp;

Bachelor’s degree in an IT field of networking operating systems, computer science, data processing or related field preferred, or combination of work experience and education will be considered.&nbsp; Valid Kansas Driver’s license required.&nbsp;

For more information on job requirements and responsibilities, and to submit an application, visit <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>.&nbsp; Interested candidates should submit a resume with an application for employment to Midwest Energy Recruitment Services: recruitment@mwenergy.com.&nbsp; The application deadline is Feb. 3, 2021.&nbsp;

Midwest Energy, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy, Inc., Kansas’ largest electric and natural gas cooperative, is seeking a Network/Telecommunications Administrator at its Hays office.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Network/Telecommunications Administrator is to design, implement, maintain, and monitor the LAN/WAN/VPN Network and to provide an efficient and cost-effective telecommunications system.&nbsp; The position is responsible for implementing and maintaining all IP based telecommunication for the various corporate data and telephony systems.&nbsp; The administrator will work to obtain the highest level of network performance, consistent uptime and adhere to best practice network and telecommunication standards while working with the IT Security Administrator to guard against cyber-attacks or breaches.&nbsp;Bachelor’s degree in an IT field of networking operating systems, computer science, data processing or related field preferred, or combination of work experience and education will be considered.&nbsp; Valid Kansas Driver’s license required.&nbsp;For more information on job requirements and responsibilities, and to submit an application, visit <a href="http://www.mwenergy.com/careers">www.mwenergy.com/careers</a>.&nbsp; Interested candidates should submit a resume with an application for employment to Midwest Energy Recruitment Services: recruitment@mwenergy.com.&nbsp; The application deadline is Feb. 3, 2021.&nbsp;Midwest Energy, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

Ball named new Fort Hays State Foundation CFO

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from six on Wednesday to seven on Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>

There were 19 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 78 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,298 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 17 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 18 on Thursday, with 13 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 12.7 percent on Wednesday to 10.9 percent Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,425 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611340321671.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekxn6-f8407d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from six on Wednesday to seven on Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/23a94dc1-6dcb-4a06-b7cd-25d21ef7b0c5">RELATED:&nbsp;Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County</a>There were 19 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 78 active cases, including four active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,298 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 17 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 18 on Thursday, with 13 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 12.7 percent on Wednesday to 10.9 percent Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,425 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 49 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611349346303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Per-day virus rate in Ellis Co. rises; 19 new cases identified

Ellis County will begin vaccinating individuals in Phase 2 of the state of Kansas plan Tuesday. Given the extremely limited supply of vaccine and the large number of residents who fall into
this category, the Ellis County Health Department is forced to create sub-prioritization groups as it works through this category.


Current State of Kansas Phase 2 Guidelines:


• Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and correction officers 
• Grocery store workers and food services 
• K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers, &amp; other staff
o Food processing, including meat processing plants 
• Large-scale aviation manufacturing plants 
• Transportation workers • Workers in retail, agriculture, supply of critical services or materials for COVID-19
response, the U.S. Postal Service, and Department of motor vehicles

• Homeless shelters 
• Congregate childcare institutions • Emergency shelters or safe houses • Corrections facilities 
• Behavioral health institutions

Ellis County Phase 2 Guidelines for initial distribution: 
• Persons aged 65 and older that meet the State of Kansas definition of high-contact critical worker or living in congregate environments per the state’s
definition.

• Ellis County residents that want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must complete the online
request form located at www.ellisco.net. Click on the Vaccine Registration Form on the main
page. https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051

If you do not have access to internet, please call 785-621-1812 to have the form filled
out for you.


Ellis County COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have continued a downward trend since November 23. We now have two 95% effective vaccines via Pfizer and Moderna. As of January 18, 2021, over 12
million vaccine doses have been administered nationally, with over 117,000 administered in Kansas and
1,500 in Ellis County.


The path ahead remains quite complex, including the need for prioritization of early supply, ultra-cold
storage, and managing second-dose administration.


Each week, the federal government awards Kansas a portion of the nationally available vaccine based
on Kansas's share of the US population and state-wide administration rates. That amount is then
allocated to distribution points across the state.


Ellis County Health Department, in coordination with our medical community, is prepared for this
distribution process. Our medical coalition is working together to rigorously ensure a fair and effective
rollout. Ellis County Health Department is required to follow state guidelines on defining patient
population prioritization phases. It is necessary given the extremely limited supply that we define sub-
priorities within each phase. The coalition will help guide our county through each phase based on
vaccine administration, expected patient demand, and available supply.


The Kansas government has set forth the following guidelines to define population priorities and
sequencing:


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005366466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Health DepartmentEllis County will begin vaccinating individuals in Phase 2 of the state of Kansas plan Tuesday. Given the extremely limited supply of vaccine and the large number of residents who fall into
this category, the Ellis County Health Department is forced to create sub-prioritization groups as it works through this category.
Current State of Kansas Phase 2 Guidelines:
<ul>
 <li>Persons aged 65 and older

						</li><li>High-contact critical workers necessary to maintain systems, assets, and activities that are vital
to the state security, the economy or public health, or who interact with large numbers of
contacts and job-related COVID-19 exposure. COVID-19 risk is associated with the likelihood of
infecting oneself or spreading the virus. Factors that increase risk include proximity, type of
contact, duration of contacts and challenges to implement protective measures. This includes:

						</li>
 </ul>• Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and correction officers 
• Grocery store workers and food services 
• K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers, &amp; other staff
o Food processing, including meat processing plants 
• Large-scale aviation manufacturing plants 
• Transportation workers • Workers in retail, agriculture, supply of critical services or materials for COVID-19
response, the U.S. Postal Service, and Department of motor vehicles
<ul>
 <li>• Those living or working in licensed congregate settings and other special care or congregate
environments where social distancing is not possible, including:
</li>
 </ul>• Homeless shelters 
• Congregate childcare institutions • Emergency shelters or safe houses • Corrections facilities 
• Behavioral health institutions
Ellis County Phase 2 Guidelines for initial distribution: 
• Persons aged 65 and older that meet the State of Kansas definition of high-contact critical worker or living in congregate environments per the state’s
definition.
• Ellis County residents that want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must complete the online
request form located at www.ellisco.net. Click on the Vaccine Registration Form on the main
page. https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051<h2>Process to receive vaccine
</h2>If you do not have access to internet, please call 785-621-1812 to have the form filled
out for you.
<ul>
 <li>Ellis County Health Department (ECHD) is notified on Wednesdays of how many doses we are to
receive the following week.

						</li><li>ECHD will utilize the vaccine registration form to determine which individuals meet the current
criteria for vaccination and provide this information to First Care Clinic to schedule
appointments for vaccination.

						</li><li>Individuals will receive a text message or an email with a time and date of vaccination. This
email or text will come from firstcareclinic@ustartcheckin.com.

						</li><li>At this time for the purpose of timely administration all vaccines will be administered at our
Mass Vaccination Site. We have partnered with First Care Clinic, HaysMed, part of the
University of Kansas Health Systems and Big Creek Crossing to open a large-scale vaccination
clinic located in the old Gordmans Building on the north end of Big Creek Crossing Mall at 2918
Vine St. Hays, KS 67601.
We truly understand and empathize with everyone who is waiting patiently to receive the vaccine. We
are making every effort to provide as many vaccinations as quickly as possible. We will continue to
provide updates as they become available.

						</li>
 </ul><h2>Vaccine updates
</h2>Ellis County COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have continued a downward trend since November 23. We now have two 95% effective vaccines via Pfizer and Moderna. As of January 18, 2021, over 12
million vaccine doses have been administered nationally, with over 117,000 administered in Kansas and
1,500 in Ellis County.
The path ahead remains quite complex, including the need for prioritization of early supply, ultra-cold
storage, and managing second-dose administration.
Each week, the federal government awards Kansas a portion of the nationally available vaccine based
on Kansas's share of the US population and state-wide administration rates. That amount is then
allocated to distribution points across the state.
Ellis County Health Department, in coordination with our medical community, is prepared for this
distribution process. Our medical coalition is working together to rigorously ensure a fair and effective
rollout. Ellis County Health Department is required to follow state guidelines on defining patient
population prioritization phases. It is necessary given the extremely limited supply that we define sub-
priorities within each phase. The coalition will help guide our county through each phase based on
vaccine administration, expected patient demand, and available supply.
The Kansas government has set forth the following guidelines to define population priorities and
sequencing:
<ul>
 <li>The phases are guidelines for population prioritization to ensure that the most at-risk
populations receive the vaccine first and that the vaccine is equitably administered, especially
with limited vaccine supply.

						</li><li>Gov. L Kelly and Dr. L Norman provide guidance on which phase the state is currently in, but
local health departments have flexibility to prioritize within the sub-populations of a phase.

						</li><li>If a county has finished vaccinating a given phase, local health departments can decide to move
to the next phase, if available supply permits.

						</li><li>The phases should not be rigid roadblocks to administering the vaccine and should not tie
providers hands.

						</li>
 </ul>

Phase 2 of vaccination plans begins Tuesday in Ellis County

The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Osborne Bulldogs in a consolation semifinal matchup Friday at the Orange and Black Classic in Colby.

The game is set to set are 3 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame show at 2:40.

You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Osborne Bulldogs in a consolation semifinal matchup Friday at the Orange and Black Classic in Colby.The game is set to set are 3 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame show at 2:40.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FUFjI2NsSQc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

🏀WATCH: Hays High girls vs Osborne

Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Friday drawing to $1 billion or $739.6 million with the cash option selected.

The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 36 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday drawing to the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZj241_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9t4D9LWTP99krvREf42zUykodJoYUQSV-2F1k4Z8ao-2FaDJph9ZkfVXZjxwvtNcdHNFGDuEzQVY-2FvW5rpj9XqVioV01zwRPkI2Z56of03D03DXp10GW7bOY4Ca6qP8d5C-2BfAekKNK60B0Qw-2BJ1d2rDT3oD9naSksFNlwZBrMDbJmvEh2cgbiSBMcilV65lxXhADwqCv4jp2W5ychopTx2l5BO3T9xv9HOk11MtvkWvpm9yjh29pN4V8I3hv3rnBaIA1wFth1ri8sF6aOyNEaemHNBnZvuMZekZ1r6GhXhfJSbdjXKOQ0qRW9yKUxyw5B0b68lVtvb0OtVsiMEAab5m3G5UFweyqVoX7karm5E3spbW8-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611335960997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to high sales, officials in the states participating in the Mega Millions Lotto game have increased the estimated jackpot amount for the Friday drawing to $1 billion or $739.6 million with the cash option selected.The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and continues to grow each drawing until it is won. There have been 36 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since September 18 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday drawing to the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in October 2018 when one ticket was sold in South Carolina for a $1.537 billion jackpot.Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website,&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=vO6EBHxkBWuJBNyAXsok8lanxZTLSIUtoqiCqDUXCtE5cxf-2BQZLCrDZWRG-2BD-2BdnZj241_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9t4D9LWTP99krvREf42zUykodJoYUQSV-2F1k4Z8ao-2FaDJph9ZkfVXZjxwvtNcdHNFGDuEzQVY-2FvW5rpj9XqVioV01zwRPkI2Z56of03D03DXp10GW7bOY4Ca6qP8d5C-2BfAekKNK60B0Qw-2BJ1d2rDT3oD9naSksFNlwZBrMDbJmvEh2cgbiSBMcilV65lxXhADwqCv4jp2W5ychopTx2l5BO3T9xv9HOk11MtvkWvpm9yjh29pN4V8I3hv3rnBaIA1wFth1ri8sF6aOyNEaemHNBnZvuMZekZ1r6GhXhfJSbdjXKOQ0qRW9yKUxyw5B0b68lVtvb0OtVsiMEAab5m3G5UFweyqVoX7karm5E3spbW8-3D" target="_blank">nelottery.com</a>.

Mega Millions jackpot for tonight's drawing at $1 billion

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: FHSU president Tisa Mason" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3tweb-f85140?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason.

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU president Tisa Mason

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by&nbsp;Figueroa, Alejandro Aurelio Figueroa, 36, Casa Grande, AZ, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately miles west of Goodland.

The SUV traveled into the median, hit a culvert, overturned&nbsp; and came to rest in the westbound lanes.

EMS transported a passenger Carmen E. Hogan, 41, Casa Grande, AZ., to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; Figueroa was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Friday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by&nbsp;Figueroa, Alejandro Aurelio Figueroa, 36, Casa Grande, AZ, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately miles west of Goodland.The SUV traveled into the median, hit a culvert, overturned&nbsp; and came to rest in the westbound lanes.EMS transported a passenger Carmen E. Hogan, 41, Casa Grande, AZ., to the hospital in Goodland.&nbsp; Figueroa was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after SUV overturns on I-70

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Not all wishes come true. Sometimes we have to change them a little bit. 

Make A Wish couldn't grant&nbsp;Sophia Linenberger, a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian, her original wish but managed to come through to fulfill another dream.

Sophia, 17, received a 2021 Coleman Lantern camper through the Make A Wish program from Camper World in Kansas City, Kan.&nbsp;

Sophia was diagnosed in January 2019 with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma. She spent much of 2019 going back and forth to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for treatment, including two surgeries to her spine.

Sophia was told she was in remission for her cancer, but the cancer appeared again in August 2020.

Her mother, Jenny, said because Sophia had already received radiation, her treatments had to be doubled. She had 30 doses of radiation in 15 days. She received her camper two days after completing her radiation treatments.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

"The last few weeks, it's been pretty rough," Jenny said of Sophia's treatment.

Jenny added, "She has been a good sport about it. She does everything with a smile. She is a very strong kid, but it has been tough. It's just hard."

Sophia's initial wish was to travel with her family to Disney World, spend a night in Cinderella Castle, visit Universal Studios, visit the beach and swim with dolphins at Dolphins Cove in Orlando.

However, Make A Wish has suspended travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After some research, Sophia decided to change her wish to a camper, so she and her family could go on trips together.

"I thought a camper would be an amazing thing to have because I can travel with my family and not have to worry about the virus right now," Sophia said. "We can even park it outside of our house, and we can do little campouts outside."

The family received the camper earlier this month and has already had a two-night campout at their home.

Dick Werth at Auto World in Hays lent the family a truck to pick up the camper and pull it home.

As the weather gets warmer, the family — Sophia, her sister, Holly, and Mom and Dad — hope to go on trips to Cedar Bluff and Wilson.

Make A Wish also surprised Sophia with 24 paid camping passes.

Sophia said it means a lot to here to be able to spend this time with her family, adding she is grateful to Make A Wish for granting her wish.

"I am just really excited because I know camping is going to be so much fun, especially when it gets warmer out. Even now — we have a fireplace in it. 

"I am just really excited that we can spend a lot of time together. Especially with the virus and what I've been through with my journey, [I] don't take anything for granted. I'm really excited to be in the camper with my family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611259369455.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger, front row center, with her family father Stan Linenberger, mother Jenny Linenberger, sister Holly Linenberger and those who made her Make A Wish possible, including James McDonald, Kansas City Camper World general manger, Mark and Felisha McDougald and Kelly of Make A Wish. Sophia of Hays received a camper from Camper World in Kansas City, Kan. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger, front row center, with her family father Stan Linenberger, mother Jenny Linenberger, sister Holly Linenberger and those who made her Make A Wish possible, including James McDonald, Kansas City Camper World general manger, Mark and Felisha McDougald and Kelly of Make A Wish. Sophia of Hays received a camper from Camper World in Kansas City, Kan. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNot all wishes come true. Sometimes we have to change them a little bit. Make A Wish couldn't grant&nbsp;Sophia Linenberger, a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian, her original wish but managed to come through to fulfill another dream.Sophia, 17, received a 2021 Coleman Lantern camper through the Make A Wish program from Camper World in Kansas City, Kan.&nbsp;Sophia was diagnosed in January 2019 with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma. She spent much of 2019 going back and forth to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for treatment, including two surgeries to her spine.Sophia was told she was in remission for her cancer, but the cancer appeared again in August 2020.Her mother, Jenny, said because Sophia had already received radiation, her treatments had to be doubled. She had 30 doses of radiation in 15 days. She received her camper two days after completing her radiation treatments.She is currently undergoing chemotherapy."The last few weeks, it's been pretty rough," Jenny said of Sophia's treatment.Jenny added, "She has been a good sport about it. She does everything with a smile. She is a very strong kid, but it has been tough. It's just hard."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611259576591.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger, right, of Hays with Falisha McDougald in Sophia's new camper. Falisha and Mark McDougald were Sophia's Make A Wish granters." />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger, right, of Hays with Falisha McDougald in Sophia's new camper. Falisha and Mark McDougald were Sophia's Make A Wish granters.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sophia's initial wish was to travel with her family to Disney World, spend a night in Cinderella Castle, visit Universal Studios, visit the beach and swim with dolphins at Dolphins Cove in Orlando.However, Make A Wish has suspended travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.After some research, Sophia decided to change her wish to a camper, so she and her family could go on trips together."I thought a camper would be an amazing thing to have because I can travel with my family and not have to worry about the virus right now," Sophia said. "We can even park it outside of our house, and we can do little campouts outside."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611259746933.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger with her sister, Holly, in Sophia's new camper. Sophia said she looks forward to taking trips in the camper so she can spend time with her family.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger with her sister, Holly, in Sophia's new camper. Sophia said she looks forward to taking trips in the camper so she can spend time with her family.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The family received the camper earlier this month and has already had a two-night campout at their home.Dick Werth at Auto World in Hays lent the family a truck to pick up the camper and pull it home.As the weather gets warmer, the family — Sophia, her sister, Holly, and Mom and Dad — hope to go on trips to Cedar Bluff and Wilson.Make A Wish also surprised Sophia with 24 paid camping passes.Sophia said it means a lot to here to be able to spend this time with her family, adding she is grateful to Make A Wish for granting her wish."I am just really excited because I know camping is going to be so much fun, especially when it gets warmer out. Even now — we have a fireplace in it. "I am just really excited that we can spend a lot of time together. Especially with the virus and what I've been through with my journey, [I] don't take anything for granted. I'm really excited to be in the camper with my family."

Make A Wish gives camper to Hays girl undergoing cancer treatment

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">After announcing space had been retained for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hays earlier this week, Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy said 300 doses are on the way.</a>

"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said Thursday.

But with the limited number available, he is asking for patience.

"Patience is going to be the biggest thing going through this," Kennedy said.

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">In the meantime, he said it is important that residents sign up for the distribution on the Ellis County COVID-19 page</a>, as all initial vaccines will be scheduled in advance and only given to those with an appointment.

"That's what people need to be doing right now," Kennedy said. "They need to figure out a way to get that form filled out."

When filling out the form, Kennedy said cellphone numbers are best, and anyone who can receive text messages is also encouraged to opt in to that service.

For now, the focus is getting the word out about the signup along with helping those who need it to fill out the form.

Anyone can fill out the form, and the department has offered to fill out forms for anyone that needs assistance.

Anyone requesting that assistance can call the department during regular hours at (785) 621-1812.

The department partnered with First Care, so Kennedy said emails will come from an email account tied to the clinic, but that is simply a function of the department using their scheduling software.

Along with First Care, HaysMed is also assisting the department in the distribution efforts, he said.

"Don't think it's spam. Don't ignore it," Kennedy said. "It is how you get registered and through the line for your vaccine."

He also asked those with an appointment to make sure they show up for their appointment and on time.

While Ellis County will only receive 300 vaccine doses to be distributed during the first week, Kennedy said the state will provide an update of vaccines on the way for the following week each Wednesday.

When the number of incoming doses has been received by the department, he said they will then work to prioritize the potential recipients and start making calls and texts to set up vaccination appointments.

He said the state plans to ship vaccines to the county on Mondays so vaccination efforts should begin each week on Tuesday, as long as Kansas has doses available for the county.

For the forseeable future, Kennedy said he expects to give out all of the received doses from the state within the week they are received.

As the number of vaccine doses comes into the county remains low, Kennedy said efforts will be made to get the vaccine to those most in danger from serious effects of the virus and will combine risk factors to make determinations as to who gets the first doses.

"We will just keep working our way down until, hopefully, we can get to the point to where anyone in Ellis County that wants this vaccine can receive it," he said.

As the limited vaccine does begin getting to area residents, Kennedy is asking the public for patience.

"We truly want to get this out the door as fast as possible ... but we just don't have enough vaccines," he said. "Patience and some leniency with us and leniency with your neighbors and helping each other out to help individuals get signed up and get on to that list so we can get the vaccine out. "

<div><iframe title="As Ellis Co. sets up free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, doses on the way" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekxn6-f8407d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3d63a7d1-52e2-421f-9d82-20124930ff98">After announcing space had been retained for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Hays earlier this week, Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy said 300 doses are on the way.</a>"We will start vaccinating people there on Tuesday," Kennedy said Thursday.But with the limited number available, he is asking for patience."Patience is going to be the biggest thing going through this," Kennedy said.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">In the meantime, he said it is important that residents sign up for the distribution on the Ellis County COVID-19 page</a>, as all initial vaccines will be scheduled in advance and only given to those with an appointment."That's what people need to be doing right now," Kennedy said. "They need to figure out a way to get that form filled out."When filling out the form, Kennedy said cellphone numbers are best, and anyone who can receive text messages is also encouraged to opt in to that service.For now, the focus is getting the word out about the signup along with helping those who need it to fill out the form.Anyone can fill out the form, and the department has offered to fill out forms for anyone that needs assistance.Anyone requesting that assistance can call the department during regular hours at (785) 621-1812.The department partnered with First Care, so Kennedy said emails will come from an email account tied to the clinic, but that is simply a function of the department using their scheduling software.Along with First Care, HaysMed is also assisting the department in the distribution efforts, he said."Don't think it's spam. Don't ignore it," Kennedy said. "It is how you get registered and through the line for your vaccine."He also asked those with an appointment to make sure they show up for their appointment and on time.While Ellis County will only receive 300 vaccine doses to be distributed during the first week, Kennedy said the state will provide an update of vaccines on the way for the following week each Wednesday.When the number of incoming doses has been received by the department, he said they will then work to prioritize the potential recipients and start making calls and texts to set up vaccination appointments.He said the state plans to ship vaccines to the county on Mondays so vaccination efforts should begin each week on Tuesday, as long as Kansas has doses available for the county.For the forseeable future, Kennedy said he expects to give out all of the received doses from the state within the week they are received.As the number of vaccine doses comes into the county remains low, Kennedy said efforts will be made to get the vaccine to those most in danger from serious effects of the virus and will combine risk factors to make determinations as to who gets the first doses."We will just keep working our way down until, hopefully, we can get to the point to where anyone in Ellis County that wants this vaccine can receive it," he said.As the limited vaccine does begin getting to area residents, Kennedy is asking the public for patience."We truly want to get this out the door as fast as possible ... but we just don't have enough vaccines," he said. "Patience and some leniency with us and leniency with your neighbors and helping each other out to help individuals get signed up and get on to that list so we can get the vaccine out. "

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