It’s been a year since the first COVID-19 case was documented in Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has spread around the globe and throughout the United States. More than 20 million people in our nation have become infected, and more than 350,000 have died.&nbsp;

But there is hope. Vaccines are here, and monoclonal antibody treatment provides a new therapy for patients with mild to moderate illness.

“Believe the science,” said Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer for The University of Kansas Health System. “It’s not going to lead you astray. Science is bringing us vaccines. Science is bringing us monoclonal antibody treatment. And we will tell you what we know.”&nbsp;

“We’re getting closer to a finish line,” said Heather Harris, DO, medical director at HaysMed. “Not the finish line, but a finish line. If we can just keep lowering the curve and reduce critical illness a little longer. We have all come this far to stay healthy. If we can give it just a few more months, I think the spring will look better.”

The situation is a dynamic one and changes rapidly. Health system leaders like Dr. Stites and Dr. Harris have been at the forefront of receiving and sharing important information.

The latest on COVID-19 vaccines 
Multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers have produced COVID-19 vaccines. They are in various stages of FDA approval. Distribution has begun under emergency use authorization. This is special FDA permission to use new drugs in emergency scenarios to promote public health even while late-stage research continues.&nbsp;

A CDC volunteer team called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has met numerous times to discuss and plan vaccine distribution. The committee determined that the first doses of the vaccine will be given to frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term nursing care facilities. Production of the vaccine will continue until the general public has access.

The vaccine will be given in 2 doses per person. It may be needed annually, though complete information is not yet known.

The University of Kansas Health System created a COVID-19 vaccine FAQ and updates it regularly. You can find it at kansashealthsystem.com/vaccine.&nbsp;

What is monoclonal antibody treatment? 
It sounds a little intimidating, but monoclonal antibody treatment is something to feel good about. It’s new a therapy for people with mild to moderate COVID-19. It is given to eligible patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are believed to be at high risk for developing severe illness.

A monoclonal antibody is a medical product produced in a laboratory. These molecules are designed to act just like the antibodies the body would produce to recover from a disease. The laboratory-produced molecules are given to the patient to mimic the immune system’s reaction to disease – in effect, tricking the body into thinking it has COVID-19 and fighting it off. Monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 – called bamlanivimab – battle the virus, reducing its ability to cause severe illness or damage.

The University of Kansas Health System has received a limited number of bamlanivimab doses. We provide it to eligible patients, who must meet criteria as follows:

Monoclonal antibody treatment is given by infusion on an outpatient basis. It must be given as soon as possible after the positive COVID-19 test result is confirmed, so it’s important to get tested quickly after you notice the first signs or symptoms.

Follow the pillars 
Even as these developments progress, safety standards that have seen us through the pandemic this far still apply and haven’t changed.

“Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, stay at home if you’re sick, and don’t go out and congregate in large groups,” Dr. Stites says. “That’s what’s kept us safe in hospitals. It’s the same science in the community.”

“Rural areas may have felt like they were protected from the virus because of their geography,” Dr. Harris adds. “Clearly, that’s not the case. In the community setting, we care for our family and friends every day and rarely see a stranger. Continue to be cautious and keep yourself and your community safe.”

Learn more 
The latest news on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments changes quickly. To keep up on developing information, you can:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586876732526.png" alt="Dr. Heather Harris" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Heather Harris</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedIt’s been a year since the first COVID-19 case was documented in Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has spread around the globe and throughout the United States. More than 20 million people in our nation have become infected, and more than 350,000 have died.&nbsp;But there is hope. Vaccines are here, and monoclonal antibody treatment provides a new therapy for patients with mild to moderate illness.“Believe the science,” said Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer for The University of Kansas Health System. “It’s not going to lead you astray. Science is bringing us vaccines. Science is bringing us monoclonal antibody treatment. And we will tell you what we know.”&nbsp;“We’re getting closer to a finish line,” said Heather Harris, DO, medical director at HaysMed. “Not the finish line, but a finish line. If we can just keep lowering the curve and reduce critical illness a little longer. We have all come this far to stay healthy. If we can give it just a few more months, I think the spring will look better.”The situation is a dynamic one and changes rapidly. Health system leaders like Dr. Stites and Dr. Harris have been at the forefront of receiving and sharing important information.The latest on COVID-19 vaccines 
Multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers have produced COVID-19 vaccines. They are in various stages of FDA approval. Distribution has begun under emergency use authorization. This is special FDA permission to use new drugs in emergency scenarios to promote public health even while late-stage research continues.&nbsp;A CDC volunteer team called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has met numerous times to discuss and plan vaccine distribution. The committee determined that the first doses of the vaccine will be given to frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term nursing care facilities. Production of the vaccine will continue until the general public has access.The vaccine will be given in 2 doses per person. It may be needed annually, though complete information is not yet known.The University of Kansas Health System created a COVID-19 vaccine FAQ and updates it regularly. You can find it at kansashealthsystem.com/vaccine.&nbsp;What is monoclonal antibody treatment? 
It sounds a little intimidating, but monoclonal antibody treatment is something to feel good about. It’s new a therapy for people with mild to moderate COVID-19. It is given to eligible patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are believed to be at high risk for developing severe illness.A monoclonal antibody is a medical product produced in a laboratory. These molecules are designed to act just like the antibodies the body would produce to recover from a disease. The laboratory-produced molecules are given to the patient to mimic the immune system’s reaction to disease – in effect, tricking the body into thinking it has COVID-19 and fighting it off. Monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 – called bamlanivimab – battle the virus, reducing its ability to cause severe illness or damage.The University of Kansas Health System has received a limited number of bamlanivimab doses. We provide it to eligible patients, who must meet criteria as follows:<ul>
 <li>Patients must meet all of these:</li><li>Age &gt; 12 years</li><li>Body weight &gt; 40kg</li><li>Within 7 days of symptom onset</li><li>Confirmed COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms</li><li>Without increased oxygen requirements&nbsp;</li><li>Not actively hospitalized and unlikely to require hospitalization due to COVID-19</li><li>Not pregnant or breast feeding</li><li>No history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody</li><li>Has not received SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma or another SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody</li><li>And one of these:</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Age &gt; 65 years</li><li>BMI &gt; 35 kg/m2</li><li>Chronic kidney disease of stage IV or above, diabetes mellitus, active cancer, solid organ transplant recipient, HIV with inadequate CD4 count, cirrhosis, sickle cell disease or humoral immunity defects (inherited, due to chemotherapy or other immunosuppressant therapy)</li><li>Age &gt; 55 years with chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disease or hypertension</li><li>Age 12-17 years with BMI &gt; 85th percentile, sickle cell disease, heart disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic respiratory disease requiring daily medication for control, medical-related technological dependence</li>
 </ul>Monoclonal antibody treatment is given by infusion on an outpatient basis. It must be given as soon as possible after the positive COVID-19 test result is confirmed, so it’s important to get tested quickly after you notice the first signs or symptoms.Follow the pillars 
Even as these developments progress, safety standards that have seen us through the pandemic this far still apply and haven’t changed.“Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands, stay at home if you’re sick, and don’t go out and congregate in large groups,” Dr. Stites says. “That’s what’s kept us safe in hospitals. It’s the same science in the community.”“Rural areas may have felt like they were protected from the virus because of their geography,” Dr. Harris adds. “Clearly, that’s not the case. In the community setting, we care for our family and friends every day and rarely see a stranger. Continue to be cautious and keep yourself and your community safe.”Learn more 
The latest news on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments changes quickly. To keep up on developing information, you can:<ul>
 <li>Visit kansashealthsystem.com/update.</li><li>Tune in to the health system’s Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer, and Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infectious disease, on Facebook Live education events, weekdays at 8 a.m. on The University of Kansas Health System Facebook feed.</li>
 </ul>

HaysMed offers update on COVID-19 vaccine

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from eight on Friday to 10 on Monday.

There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 113 active cases, including nine active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,166 recovered cases.&nbsp;

As of Monday, there were 24 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 22 Friday, with 20 of those cases active and four in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 14.2 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,323 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 44 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 18,377 tests administered, 16.9 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

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/2021/1/1610393158098.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose slightly from eight on Friday to 10 on Monday.There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 113 active cases, including nine active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,166 recovered cases.&nbsp;As of Monday, there were 24 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 22 Friday, with 20 of those cases active and four in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 14.2 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 3,323 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 44 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 18,377 tests administered, 16.9 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.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/2021/1/1610393898110.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 rises in Ellis Co.; 28 new cases identified

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The United Way of Ellis County is at 80 percent of its goal — a little more than $300,000 raised — with less than a month left in its campaign.

Erica Berges, executive director, said most of the employer campaigns have concluded, so any additional funds would likely come from small businesses or individuals.

"I am happy with where we are at this point at $300,000," she said, "but we always want to make our goal so we can give out as much money as we can to the agencies, because they need it."&nbsp;

Berges said the organization was told by national United Way officials to expect a decrease in funds raised this year.

Many individuals and businesses have experienced financial losses due to the pandemic.

The United Way is also experiencing a downward trend in donations as older workers who donated through their companies's giving campaigns retire. Berges said not only does the United Way lose the donation from that individual, but sometimes also an employer's matching gift.

Berges said the agency is trying to encourage younger workers to give, but that transition is slow.

"I know we worked really hard trying to get to those younger donors," Berges said, "so I want to continue on that. ... I think that is really where we need to get our message across to the younger generation who is just starting out in the workplace."

The goal for this year's campaign is $380,000. Berges said she had hoped the local chapter would reach at least $350,000, but she is not optimistic at this point the campaign will reach that milestone.

The local chapter raised&nbsp;$356,000 in its general campaign in 2019. That was supplemented by an additional&nbsp;$22,223 donation from the Schmidt Foundation.

Fewer donations mean fewer funds available to distribute to the United Way's partner agencies, Berges said, many of which are seeing increased need as a result of the pandemic.

"There are still a lot of people who are out there struggling," Berges said. "Even if they are back to work, there are still others who aren't or they have had to miss work because they were quarantined."

Berges said her office has been regularly referring people in need of rent, utility and food assistance to community agencies.

Fewer funds in their allocations, will mean those agencies will be able to provide fewer services and assist fewer people, Berges said.

"Some people weren't affected by this," Berges said. "I am probably one of them. We went home and worked, but nothing else changed in the dynamic of our lives. If you weren't affected, give a little bit more, because there were a lot of people who were and are still struggling."

Some of the United Way's partner agencies received funds through the CARES Act to address increased needs as a result of COVID, but agencies are still being forced to modify or cancel fundraisers as a result of the pandemic.

Agencies will learn their allocations in the second or third week of February.

In 2020, United Way of Ellis County supported 23 programs provided by 18 partner agencies

They included: American Red Cross Big Brothers Big Sisters Cancer Council Catholic Charities Center for Life Experience Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation City of Ellis pool project CASA Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Connections First Call for Help Hays Area Children's Center Hays Senior Center KVC Wheatland Hospital Options Parents and Children Together Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

Any donations made through the end of January will count toward the 2020 campaign.

You can contribute with a credit card online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>. You can establish a monthly ACH withdrawal from your checking account. You can also donate directly by cash, check or credit card via Square at the United Way office at 205 E. Seventh (Hadley Center, Suite 111, Hays. Checks can also be mailed to&nbsp;PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.

New this year, you can sign up for the Round-Ups program. You can link your credit or debit card securely to the program. It will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the change to the United Way.&nbsp;

You can sign up using the donate button on the United Way home page.

If you have questions, you may call the United Way at&nbsp;785-628-8281 or email <a href="mailto:erica@liveunited.us">erica@liveunited.us</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610052858193.jpeg" alt="Erica Berges speaks at the United Way Campaign Kick Off in August." />
 <figcaption>Erica Berges speaks at the United Way Campaign Kick Off in August.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe United Way of Ellis County is at 80 percent of its goal — a little more than $300,000 raised — with less than a month left in its campaign.Erica Berges, executive director, said most of the employer campaigns have concluded, so any additional funds would likely come from small businesses or individuals."I am happy with where we are at this point at $300,000," she said, "but we always want to make our goal so we can give out as much money as we can to the agencies, because they need it."&nbsp;Berges said the organization was told by national United Way officials to expect a decrease in funds raised this year.Many individuals and businesses have experienced financial losses due to the pandemic.The United Way is also experiencing a downward trend in donations as older workers who donated through their companies's giving campaigns retire. Berges said not only does the United Way lose the donation from that individual, but sometimes also an employer's matching gift.Berges said the agency is trying to encourage younger workers to give, but that transition is slow."I know we worked really hard trying to get to those younger donors," Berges said, "so I want to continue on that. ... I think that is really where we need to get our message across to the younger generation who is just starting out in the workplace."The goal for this year's campaign is $380,000. Berges said she had hoped the local chapter would reach at least $350,000, but she is not optimistic at this point the campaign will reach that milestone.The local chapter raised&nbsp;$356,000 in its general campaign in 2019. That was supplemented by an additional&nbsp;$22,223 donation from the Schmidt Foundation.Fewer donations mean fewer funds available to distribute to the United Way's partner agencies, Berges said, many of which are seeing increased need as a result of the pandemic."There are still a lot of people who are out there struggling," Berges said. "Even if they are back to work, there are still others who aren't or they have had to miss work because they were quarantined."Berges said her office has been regularly referring people in need of rent, utility and food assistance to community agencies.Fewer funds in their allocations, will mean those agencies will be able to provide fewer services and assist fewer people, Berges said."Some people weren't affected by this," Berges said. "I am probably one of them. We went home and worked, but nothing else changed in the dynamic of our lives. If you weren't affected, give a little bit more, because there were a lot of people who were and are still struggling."Some of the United Way's partner agencies received funds through the CARES Act to address increased needs as a result of COVID, but agencies are still being forced to modify or cancel fundraisers as a result of the pandemic.Agencies will learn their allocations in the second or third week of February.In 2020, United Way of Ellis County supported 23 programs provided by 18 partner agenciesThey included: American Red Cross Big Brothers Big Sisters Cancer Council Catholic Charities Center for Life Experience Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation City of Ellis pool project CASA Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Connections First Call for Help Hays Area Children's Center Hays Senior Center KVC Wheatland Hospital Options Parents and Children Together Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled Western Kansas Child Advocacy CenterAny donations made through the end of January will count toward the 2020 campaign.You can contribute with a credit card online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>. You can establish a monthly ACH withdrawal from your checking account. You can also donate directly by cash, check or credit card via Square at the United Way office at 205 E. Seventh (Hadley Center, Suite 111, Hays. Checks can also be mailed to&nbsp;PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.New this year, you can sign up for the Round-Ups program. You can link your credit or debit card securely to the program. It will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the change to the United Way.&nbsp;You can sign up using the donate button on the United Way home page.All donations are tax-deductible.If you have questions, you may call the United Way at&nbsp;785-628-8281 or email <a href="mailto:erica@liveunited.us">erica@liveunited.us</a>.

United Way 80 percent to goal; partner agencies likely to receive fewer funds

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-college-students-say-college-life-during-pandemic-ocean-dried">Kansas News Service</a>

College life at public universities in Kansas had one defining trait last semester: Isolation.

Yes,
 students returned to campus after the pandemic sent them home early 
last spring. But many classes remained online. Even in-person classes 
had desks spread six feet apart. Couches in student unions were 
literally taped off to keep students apart. Packed football stands and 
crowded college parties went from college staples to taboo.

With 
that gloomy, lonely fall semester in the books, four students reflect on
 how the distance has defined campuses through the pandemic.

The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Tony Ibarra, Fifth-year Senior at Wichita State University and a member of a Latino-based fraternity

“Greek
 Life is so social. It’s very intertwined amongst chapters and amongst 
people within chapters. And there’s all these sorts of social activities
 and initiatives and programs and what not.

“And this year it’s like nothing. It’s like the ocean dried up.

“People aren’t really enthusiastic about it anymore. Being in fraternity life is just completely different.

“It’s
 sort of the same thing about the education, the quality of education — 
not getting the same quality of social life anymore with this pandemic. 
...

“Seeing those videos of Greek Life across the country where 
students are ignoring the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 
guidelines and gathering in mass and having all these parties. … It’s 
very infuriating for the rest of us because&nbsp; we know that we’re 
criticized at a more microscopic level than other certain aspects of 
society just because we’ve already been in the spotlight beforehand. And
 so it takes one little small mistake to tear the foundation for the 
rest of Greek Life.”

Elaina Hartman, Emporia State University, Freshman Basketball Player

“It’s
 weird as a freshman because usually this is the year that you meet a 
bunch of new people. I’ve met the (women’s basketball) team and maybe 
four other new people. ...

“It’s not necessarily a disappointment
 because I still have the team and all of them. It’s just odd because 
you see some of the girls on the team have friends outside of it and 
when you go back from practice to your dorm it’s usually just me and the
 other two freshmen so we don’t talk to anybody else. It’s just the same
 people, which comes in handy, though, when Coach says keep your circle 
small. ...

“Sports, if you’re an athlete, they take this 
coronavirus serious because if you don’t then you can get shut down. 
Like, for instance, I’m in quarantine again for the second time. ... 
Even if there were parties, we don’t really attend anything or go out 
much. We just try to stay with our group of girls.”

Kyle Carr, Junior At Pittsburg State University, President-elect Black Student Association

“The
 biggest issue was attendance. Not a lot of people were attending 
events. And that’s for all organizations in general. Because when I 
would experience going to other people’s organization’s events — I went 
to just see for myself and check it out. Is it just us? Or are they 
experiencing this too? And they are experiencing this.

“A lot of 
people don’t want to do things through virtual cause we’re all tired of 
Zoom. And doing things in person — I think a lot of people don’t want to
 leave the house.

“I’m not quite sure if that’s it because I 
haven’t really been told. But some people just don’t want to go out and 
deal with having to wear masks or getting — I don’t want to say yelled 
at, but just getting scolded for not wearing their masks or doing 
something wrong cause not everyone wants to follow those rules.”

Carly Rodaway, Freshman at Fort Hays State University, Freshman Volleyball Player

“It
 was a week or two before we went to Hays, before we reported. And we 
got on a whole Zoom call with the whole volleyball team and our coach 
had told us our season was canceled.

“And it was very emotional 
for everyone. And I think, as a freshman, I didn’t really grasp what it 
meant that our season was canceled. ... People were crying on our Zoom 
call. And it didn’t really hit me.

“At first, I struggled with 
being inside my dorm room and doing my classes there. But, eventually, I
 took it outside my dorm room. I went to coffee shops to do my homework 
or the union to do my homework because I couldn't stay in my room so 
much. But any class I could go to in-person I made sure to go to that. 
...

“I did struggle with the motivation aspect. But I think 
getting outside of my room, getting outside fresh air and really dialing
 in on my classes because I had an opportunity with our season being 
canceled to really focus in on school — because usually I have to 
balance volleyball and volleyball games and school and now just with 
practice and weights I could really dial in on my first semester of 
college work.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha" target="_blank">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609792564756.png" alt="Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-college-students-say-college-life-during-pandemic-ocean-dried">Kansas News Service</a>College life at public universities in Kansas had one defining trait last semester: Isolation.Yes,
 students returned to campus after the pandemic sent them home early 
last spring. But many classes remained online. Even in-person classes 
had desks spread six feet apart. Couches in student unions were 
literally taped off to keep students apart. Packed football stands and 
crowded college parties went from college staples to taboo.With 
that gloomy, lonely fall semester in the books, four students reflect on
 how the distance has defined campuses through the pandemic.The interviews have been edited for length and clarity.<h2>Tony Ibarra, Fifth-year Senior at Wichita State University and a member of a Latino-based fraternity</h2>“Greek
 Life is so social. It’s very intertwined amongst chapters and amongst 
people within chapters. And there’s all these sorts of social activities
 and initiatives and programs and what not.“And this year it’s like nothing. It’s like the ocean dried up.“People aren’t really enthusiastic about it anymore. Being in fraternity life is just completely different.“It’s
 sort of the same thing about the education, the quality of education — 
not getting the same quality of social life anymore with this pandemic. 
...“Seeing those videos of Greek Life across the country where 
students are ignoring the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 
guidelines and gathering in mass and having all these parties. … It’s 
very infuriating for the rest of us because&nbsp; we know that we’re 
criticized at a more microscopic level than other certain aspects of 
society just because we’ve already been in the spotlight beforehand. And
 so it takes one little small mistake to tear the foundation for the 
rest of Greek Life.”Elaina Hartman, Emporia State University, Freshman Basketball Player“It’s
 weird as a freshman because usually this is the year that you meet a 
bunch of new people. I’ve met the (women’s basketball) team and maybe 
four other new people. ...“It’s not necessarily a disappointment
 because I still have the team and all of them. It’s just odd because 
you see some of the girls on the team have friends outside of it and 
when you go back from practice to your dorm it’s usually just me and the
 other two freshmen so we don’t talk to anybody else. It’s just the same
 people, which comes in handy, though, when Coach says keep your circle 
small. ...“Sports, if you’re an athlete, they take this 
coronavirus serious because if you don’t then you can get shut down. 
Like, for instance, I’m in quarantine again for the second time. ... 
Even if there were parties, we don’t really attend anything or go out 
much. We just try to stay with our group of girls.”<h2>Kyle Carr, Junior At Pittsburg State University, President-elect Black Student Association</h2>“The
 biggest issue was attendance. Not a lot of people were attending 
events. And that’s for all organizations in general. Because when I 
would experience going to other people’s organization’s events — I went 
to just see for myself and check it out. Is it just us? Or are they 
experiencing this too? And they are experiencing this.“A lot of 
people don’t want to do things through virtual cause we’re all tired of 
Zoom. And doing things in person — I think a lot of people don’t want to
 leave the house.“I’m not quite sure if that’s it because I 
haven’t really been told. But some people just don’t want to go out and 
deal with having to wear masks or getting — I don’t want to say yelled 
at, but just getting scolded for not wearing their masks or doing 
something wrong cause not everyone wants to follow those rules.”<h2>Carly Rodaway, Freshman at Fort Hays State University, Freshman Volleyball Player</h2>“It
 was a week or two before we went to Hays, before we reported. And we 
got on a whole Zoom call with the whole volleyball team and our coach 
had told us our season was canceled.“And it was very emotional 
for everyone. And I think, as a freshman, I didn’t really grasp what it 
meant that our season was canceled. ... People were crying on our Zoom 
call. And it didn’t really hit me.“At first, I struggled with 
being inside my dorm room and doing my classes there. But, eventually, I
 took it outside my dorm room. I went to coffee shops to do my homework 
or the union to do my homework because I couldn't stay in my room so 
much. But any class I could go to in-person I made sure to go to that. 
...“I did struggle with the motivation aspect. But I think 
getting outside of my room, getting outside fresh air and really dialing
 in on my classes because I had an opportunity with our season being 
canceled to really focus in on school — because usually I have to 
balance volleyball and volleyball games and school and now just with 
practice and weights I could really dial in on my first semester of 
college work.”Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha" target="_blank">@SteveBisaha</a> or email him at bisaha@kmuw.org.

Kan. college students: Life during pandemic is 'like the ocean dried up' 

The Hays Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. in commission chambers at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a request for a public hearing by Jesse&nbsp; Zimmerman for a height variance to construct&nbsp;an accessory building to be 26 ft. in height (five feet higher than the principle structure) at 2901 Cottonwood Lane.

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132021-1246">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574093858004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. in commission chambers at Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.Agenda items include a request for a public hearing by Jesse&nbsp; Zimmerman for a height variance to construct&nbsp;an accessory building to be 26 ft. in height (five feet higher than the principle structure) at 2901 Cottonwood Lane.The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132021-1246">here</a>.&nbsp;

Board of Zoning Appeals meets Wednesday

NORTON&nbsp;– Over recent months, more than $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funding has been awarded to Norton County businesses and organizations through three programs - the Norton Local SPARK Fund Program, the City of Norton Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for business support, and the Norton County Community Development Block Grant Program for COVID Virus (CDBG-CV) business support program.&nbsp;

Norton Local SPARK funds of $418,367 were awarded to the cities of Almena, Lenora, and Norton, and to Norton County for COVID remediation supplies and services. These funds also provided pandemic preparedness funds to the county’s tax-supported agencies such as Norton County Health Department, Norton County Emergency Preparedness, Norton County Sheriff’s Office, and City of Norton Police Department.

The Norton Local SPARK&nbsp;Fund Program also awarded&nbsp;46 grants totaling $623,959&nbsp;during October and November.&nbsp;The program, which was designed to help strengthen and revitalize our county economy, provided funding to assist businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and childcare agencies in mitigating COVID-19 impacts, i.e. re-opening expenses, revenue loss due to required closures, and items needed to strengthen operations.

“The county’s overall strategy for SPARK fund distribution was put together by multiple stakeholders from across different agencies,” explained Tara Vance, executive director of Norton County Community Foundation (NCCC).

 “Then the actual administration of the grants was overseen by three specific organizations," she said. "Norton County&nbsp;Community Foundation oversaw the Nonprofit and Childcare support grants, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce oversaw the Business support grants and Norton City/County Economic Development oversaw the Healthcare grants.”

The SPARK grants were distributed as follows: &nbsp;

“The collaborative efforts that it took to distribute needed assistance to businesses, non-profits, healthcare and childcare through the Norton County SPARK Funding process was one of the most rewarding experiences in 2020 for the chamber,” said Donna Eastman Liddle, president &amp; CEO of Norton Area Chamber of Commerce. “In a year of ‘living on the financial edge' this represented some solid footing with which to take a few steps forward.”

The city of Norton was successful in converting CDBG funds into a COVID Virus business support grant pool. Simultaneously, Norton County acquired Federal Cares Act funding to create an additional CDBG-CV pool of grantable dollars for business support. 

As a result of these two programs, 33 local businesses received a total of $288,000. $35,000 additional CDBG funds were awarded to Norton County to create community meal programs, of which nearly $6,000 have been used to support holiday meal services and food basket deliveries.

“With so many businesses and nonprofits facing financial hardships over the past year, it was gratifying to see local, state, and federal funds strategically applied to assist businesses in keeping doors open, and more importantly, staff employed,” said Mike Posson,&nbsp;executive director of Norton City/County Economic Development.

 “It was also commendable to see the Norton County Commissioners place such a high level of trust on a group of local stakeholders to implement plans to distribute those funds. The committees that oversaw the application/submission process were united by a shared vision and commitment to serving our community,” Posson added.

For more information, please contact Tara Vance, Norton County Community Foundation (<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org" target="_blank">tara@nortonccf.org</a>), Mike Posson, Norton&nbsp;City/County Economic Development&nbsp;(<a href="mailto:mike@nortoncountyks.gov" target="_blank">mike@nortoncountyks.gov</a>), Donna&nbsp;Eastman Liddle, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce (<a href="mailto:nortoncc@ruraltel.net" target="_blank">nortoncc@ruraltel.net</a>), or&nbsp;Troy Blevins, Emergency Management (<a href="mailto:tblevins@nortoncountyks.gov" target="_blank">tblevins@nortoncountyks.gov</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610139624570.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCCCNORTON&nbsp;– Over recent months, more than $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funding has been awarded to Norton County businesses and organizations through three programs - the Norton Local SPARK Fund Program, the City of Norton Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for business support, and the Norton County Community Development Block Grant Program for COVID Virus (CDBG-CV) business support program.&nbsp;Norton Local SPARK funds of $418,367 were awarded to the cities of Almena, Lenora, and Norton, and to Norton County for COVID remediation supplies and services. These funds also provided pandemic preparedness funds to the county’s tax-supported agencies such as Norton County Health Department, Norton County Emergency Preparedness, Norton County Sheriff’s Office, and City of Norton Police Department.The Norton Local SPARK&nbsp;Fund Program also awarded&nbsp;46 grants totaling $623,959&nbsp;during October and November.&nbsp;The program, which was designed to help strengthen and revitalize our county economy, provided funding to assist businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and childcare agencies in mitigating COVID-19 impacts, i.e. re-opening expenses, revenue loss due to required closures, and items needed to strengthen operations.“The county’s overall strategy for SPARK fund distribution was put together by multiple stakeholders from across different agencies,” explained Tara Vance, executive director of Norton County Community Foundation (NCCC). “Then the actual administration of the grants was overseen by three specific organizations," she said. "Norton County&nbsp;Community Foundation oversaw the Nonprofit and Childcare support grants, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce oversaw the Business support grants and Norton City/County Economic Development oversaw the Healthcare grants.”The SPARK grants were distributed as follows: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Direct Aid: County and City civic agencies received SPARK grants totaling $418,367</li><li>Business: 24 businesses received grants totaling $280,046</li><li>Nonprofit: 12 nonprofits received grants totaling $181,954</li><li>Healthcare: 5 healthcare businesses/organizations received grants totaling $130,309</li><li>Childcare: 2 childcare agencies received grants totaling $31,650</li>
 </ul>“The collaborative efforts that it took to distribute needed assistance to businesses, non-profits, healthcare and childcare through the Norton County SPARK Funding process was one of the most rewarding experiences in 2020 for the chamber,” said Donna Eastman Liddle, president &amp; CEO of Norton Area Chamber of Commerce. “In a year of ‘living on the financial edge' this represented some solid footing with which to take a few steps forward.”The city of Norton was successful in converting CDBG funds into a COVID Virus business support grant pool. Simultaneously, Norton County acquired Federal Cares Act funding to create an additional CDBG-CV pool of grantable dollars for business support. As a result of these two programs, 33 local businesses received a total of $288,000. $35,000 additional CDBG funds were awarded to Norton County to create community meal programs, of which nearly $6,000 have been used to support holiday meal services and food basket deliveries.“With so many businesses and nonprofits facing financial hardships over the past year, it was gratifying to see local, state, and federal funds strategically applied to assist businesses in keeping doors open, and more importantly, staff employed,” said Mike Posson,&nbsp;executive director of Norton City/County Economic Development. “It was also commendable to see the Norton County Commissioners place such a high level of trust on a group of local stakeholders to implement plans to distribute those funds. The committees that oversaw the application/submission process were united by a shared vision and commitment to serving our community,” Posson added.For more information, please contact Tara Vance, Norton County Community Foundation (<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org" target="_blank">tara@nortonccf.org</a>), Mike Posson, Norton&nbsp;City/County Economic Development&nbsp;(<a href="mailto:mike@nortoncountyks.gov" target="_blank">mike@nortoncountyks.gov</a>), Donna&nbsp;Eastman Liddle, Norton Area Chamber of Commerce (<a href="mailto:nortoncc@ruraltel.net" target="_blank">nortoncc@ruraltel.net</a>), or&nbsp;Troy Blevins, Emergency Management (<a href="mailto:tblevins@nortoncountyks.gov" target="_blank">tblevins@nortoncountyks.gov</a>).

Norton County entities receive $1.3M in COVID relief funding

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 16, 2020, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;105 KA‑5953‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Kansas River Bridge north 2.1 miles to the portland concrete cement pavement south of I‑70 and U.S. 24, from the portland concrete cement pavement south of the U.S. 24/U.S. 73/K‑7 junction east to the I‑70 junction, milling and overlay, 2.9 miles,&nbsp;J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $1,884,737.81.

Cloud ‑&nbsp;24‑15 KA‑3239‑02 – U.S. 24, from a mile east of 220th Road (County Road 801), east to the Cloud/Clay county line, milling and overlay, 7.2 miles,&nbsp;Ebert Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $7,026,598.82.

Russell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑5687‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #026 over 198th Street located 13.06 miles east of the U.S. 281/I‑70 junction and bridge #030 over 200th Boulevard located 14.58 miles east of the U.S. 281/I‑70 junction, bridge repair,&nbsp;Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $428,899.19.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑4746‑02 ‑ U.S. 281, K‑18, and K‑232 in Russell County along with minimal locations in the surrounding counties of Osborne, Barton, and Lincoln, signing, 62.0 miles,&nbsp;KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H CO., Lakeville, Minnesota, $184,500.00

Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑4746‑04 ‑ I‑70 across District 3, signing, 205.0 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $796,258.61.

Anderson ‑&nbsp;31‑2 KA‑3907‑01 ‑ K‑31, bridge #030 over the North Fork of the Little Osage Drainage&nbsp;located 2.09 miles east of the east U.S. 59 junction, bridge replacement,&nbsp;WCl, Inc., Paola, Kansas, $1,499,098.77.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑5922‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the west K‑39/K‑3 junction north&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 miles to the east U.S. 54/K‑3 junction, surface recycle, 10.1 miles,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $868,507.73.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;54‑6 KA‑5936‑01 – U.S. 54, from the Allen/Bourbon county line east to 1.2 miles east of the north U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction, surfacing,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22.7 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Central, Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas, $2,753,205.53.

Cherokee ‑&nbsp;103‑11 KA‑5940‑01 ‑ K‑103, from the K‑7/K‑103 junction east to the U.S. 69 /K‑103 junction, milling and overlay, 7.0 miles, APAC-Central, Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas, $718,523.75.

Greenwood ‑&nbsp;99‑37 KA‑5939‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the east&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. 54/K‑99 junction north to the Greenwood/Lyon county line, milling and overlay, 23.8 miles,&nbsp;Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,513,389.00.

Linn ‑&nbsp;7‑54 KA‑5932‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the south K‑52/K‑7 junction north to the K‑152/K‑7 junction, milling and overlay, 15.7 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,810,782.40.

Montgomery ‑&nbsp;166‑63 KA‑5942‑01 – U.S. 166, from the south U.S. 75/U.S. 166 junction east to the west city limits of Coffeyville, milling and overlay, 14.2 miles,&nbsp;Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,719,972.65.

Montgomery ‑&nbsp;75‑63 KA‑5948‑01 – U.S. 75, from the south city limits of Caney north to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 75 junction, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile,&nbsp;Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $352,388.35.

Montgomery ‑&nbsp;63 KA‑5950‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from the south U.S. 400/U.S. 75 junction north to the Montgomery/Wilson county line; U.S. 166, from the 4-lane west of the railroad tracks east to the west city limits of Coffeyville (eastbound only); and U.S. 169, from the Kansas/ Oklahoma state line north to the south city limits of Coffeyville, pavement patching, 3.0 miles,&nbsp;Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $1,159,593.2.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5924‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑65/K‑3 junction north to the Bourbon/Linn county line and from the Bourbon/Linn county line north to the K‑31/K‑3 junction; K-7, from the west K‑31/K‑7 junction east to the east K‑31/K‑7 junction; K-31, from the K‑65/K‑31 junction east to the west K‑7/K‑31 junction; and K‑65, from the K‑3/K‑65 junction north to the K‑31/K‑65 junction in Mapleton, milling and overlay, 21.5 miles,&nbsp;Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,464,616.60.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;54‑106 KA‑5944‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, from the west K‑99/U.S. 54 junction east to the Greenwood/Woodson county line and from the Greenwood/Woodson county line east to the west city limits of Yates Center, milling and overlay, 28.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $4,695,119.26.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;56‑106 KA‑6041‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the east city limits of Ellinwood east to the Barton/Rice county line and from the Barton/Rice county line east to the west city limits of Lyons, crack repair, 19.3 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas,&nbsp;$99,810.78.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;14‑106 KA‑6044‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the K‑14/U.S. 160 junction north to the Harper/Kingman county line and from the Harper/Kingman county line north to the K‑14/K‑42 junction, crack repair, 12.5 miles,&nbsp;Scodeller Construction Inc., Wixom, Michigan, $94,929.92.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;49‑106 KA‑6048‑01 ‑ K‑49, from 2.5 miles north of the west U.S. 160/K‑49 junction north to the Sumner/Sedgwick county line and from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to the K‑42/K‑49 junction, crack repair, 12.6 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $217,825.50.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;53‑96 KA‑6047‑01 ‑ K‑53, from the U.S. 81/K‑53 junction east to the west city limits of Mulvane and from the east city limits of Mulvane east to the K‑15/K‑53 junction, crack repair, 4.9 miles, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $86,823.50.

Grant ‑&nbsp;25‑34 KA‑5826‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the north city limits of Ulysses north to the Grant/Kearny county line, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles,&nbsp;Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,508,207.82.

Greeley ‑&nbsp;27‑36 KA‑5930‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the Greeley/Hamilton county line north to the Greeley/Wallace county line with the exception of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;655 feet (between mile marker 108.319- 108.952) through the city of Tribune, surface recycle, 29.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,394,345.52.

Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑5869‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the east K‑156/U.S. 283 junction east approximately 19 miles to the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line, milling and overlay, 19.3 miles,&nbsp;Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,368,981.54.

Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;283‑42 KA‑5870‑01 ‑ U.S. 283, from the Hodgeman/ Ford county line north 11.5 miles to the Buckner Creek bridge (#042) located south of Jetmore,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,170,484.10

Kearny ‑&nbsp;50‑47 KA‑5935‑01 – U.S. 50, from the west city limits of Lakin east to the Kearny/Finney county line, milling and overlay, 10.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,446,061.80.

Morton ‑&nbsp;56‑65 KA‑5833‑01 – U.S. 56, from the Kansas/Oklahoma state line east to the west city limits of Rolla, milling and overlay, 17.2 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,111,001.46.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5843‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the east K‑190/U.S. 56 junction east to the Haskell/Gray county line and from the Haskell/Gray county line east to the west city limits of Montezuma, milling and overlay, 23.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,143,694.44.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5847‑01 ‑ K‑144, from the U.S. 83/K‑144 junction east to the Haskell/Gray county line and from the Haskell/Gray county line east to the U.S. 56/K‑144 junction, surface recycle, 16.7 miles,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,338,066.98.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5858‑01 – K-34, from the K‑34/U.S. 160 junction north to the Clark/Ford county line and from the Clark/Ford county line north to the east U.S. 54 junction, milling and overlay, 25.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,698,092.96.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597694281633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 16, 2020, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastWyandotte ‑&nbsp;105 KA‑5953‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Kansas River Bridge north 2.1 miles to the portland concrete cement pavement south of I‑70 and U.S. 24, from the portland concrete cement pavement south of the U.S. 24/U.S. 73/K‑7 junction east to the I‑70 junction, milling and overlay, 2.9 miles,&nbsp;J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $1,884,737.81.District Two — North CentralCloud ‑&nbsp;24‑15 KA‑3239‑02 – U.S. 24, from a mile east of 220th Road (County Road 801), east to the Cloud/Clay county line, milling and overlay, 7.2 miles,&nbsp;Ebert Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $7,026,598.82.District Three — NorthwestRussell ‑&nbsp;70‑84 KA‑5687‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #026 over 198th Street located 13.06 miles east of the U.S. 281/I‑70 junction and bridge #030 over 200th Boulevard located 14.58 miles east of the U.S. 281/I‑70 junction, bridge repair,&nbsp;Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $428,899.19.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑4746‑02 ‑ U.S. 281, K‑18, and K‑232 in Russell County along with minimal locations in the surrounding counties of Osborne, Barton, and Lincoln, signing, 62.0 miles,&nbsp;KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H CO., Lakeville, Minnesota, $184,500.00Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑4746‑04 ‑ I‑70 across District 3, signing, 205.0 miles,&nbsp;Martin Outdoor Enterprises Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $796,258.61.District Four — SoutheastAnderson ‑&nbsp;31‑2 KA‑3907‑01 ‑ K‑31, bridge #030 over the North Fork of the Little Osage Drainage&nbsp;located 2.09 miles east of the east U.S. 59 junction, bridge replacement,&nbsp;WCl, Inc., Paola, Kansas, $1,499,098.77.Bourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑5922‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the west K‑39/K‑3 junction north&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 miles to the east U.S. 54/K‑3 junction, surface recycle, 10.1 miles,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $868,507.73.Bourbon ‑&nbsp;54‑6 KA‑5936‑01 – U.S. 54, from the Allen/Bourbon county line east to 1.2 miles east of the north U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction, surfacing,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22.7 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Central, Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas, $2,753,205.53.Cherokee ‑&nbsp;103‑11 KA‑5940‑01 ‑ K‑103, from the K‑7/K‑103 junction east to the U.S. 69 /K‑103 junction, milling and overlay, 7.0 miles, APAC-Central, Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas, $718,523.75.Greenwood ‑&nbsp;99‑37 KA‑5939‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the east&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. 54/K‑99 junction north to the Greenwood/Lyon county line, milling and overlay, 23.8 miles,&nbsp;Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,513,389.00.Linn ‑&nbsp;7‑54 KA‑5932‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the south K‑52/K‑7 junction north to the K‑152/K‑7 junction, milling and overlay, 15.7 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,810,782.40.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;166‑63 KA‑5942‑01 – U.S. 166, from the south U.S. 75/U.S. 166 junction east to the west city limits of Coffeyville, milling and overlay, 14.2 miles,&nbsp;Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,719,972.65.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;75‑63 KA‑5948‑01 – U.S. 75, from the south city limits of Caney north to the south U.S. 166/U.S. 75 junction, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile,&nbsp;Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $352,388.35.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;63 KA‑5950‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from the south U.S. 400/U.S. 75 junction north to the Montgomery/Wilson county line; U.S. 166, from the 4-lane west of the railroad tracks east to the west city limits of Coffeyville (eastbound only); and U.S. 169, from the Kansas/ Oklahoma state line north to the south city limits of Coffeyville, pavement patching, 3.0 miles,&nbsp;Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $1,159,593.2.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5924‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑65/K‑3 junction north to the Bourbon/Linn county line and from the Bourbon/Linn county line north to the K‑31/K‑3 junction; K-7, from the west K‑31/K‑7 junction east to the east K‑31/K‑7 junction; K-31, from the K‑65/K‑31 junction east to the west K‑7/K‑31 junction; and K‑65, from the K‑3/K‑65 junction north to the K‑31/K‑65 junction in Mapleton, milling and overlay, 21.5 miles,&nbsp;Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,464,616.60.Statewide ‑&nbsp;54‑106 KA‑5944‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, from the west K‑99/U.S. 54 junction east to the Greenwood/Woodson county line and from the Greenwood/Woodson county line east to the west city limits of Yates Center, milling and overlay, 28.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $4,695,119.26.District Five — South CentralStatewide ‑&nbsp;56‑106 KA‑6041‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the east city limits of Ellinwood east to the Barton/Rice county line and from the Barton/Rice county line east to the west city limits of Lyons, crack repair, 19.3 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas,&nbsp;$99,810.78.Statewide ‑&nbsp;14‑106 KA‑6044‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the K‑14/U.S. 160 junction north to the Harper/Kingman county line and from the Harper/Kingman county line north to the K‑14/K‑42 junction, crack repair, 12.5 miles,&nbsp;Scodeller Construction Inc., Wixom, Michigan, $94,929.92.Statewide ‑&nbsp;49‑106 KA‑6048‑01 ‑ K‑49, from 2.5 miles north of the west U.S. 160/K‑49 junction north to the Sumner/Sedgwick county line and from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to the K‑42/K‑49 junction, crack repair, 12.6 miles,&nbsp;Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $217,825.50.Sumner ‑&nbsp;53‑96 KA‑6047‑01 ‑ K‑53, from the U.S. 81/K‑53 junction east to the west city limits of Mulvane and from the east city limits of Mulvane east to the K‑15/K‑53 junction, crack repair, 4.9 miles, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $86,823.50.District Six — SouthwestGrant ‑&nbsp;25‑34 KA‑5826‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the north city limits of Ulysses north to the Grant/Kearny county line, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles,&nbsp;Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,508,207.82.Greeley ‑&nbsp;27‑36 KA‑5930‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the Greeley/Hamilton county line north to the Greeley/Wallace county line with the exception of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;655 feet (between mile marker 108.319- 108.952) through the city of Tribune, surface recycle, 29.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,394,345.52.Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑5869‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the east K‑156/U.S. 283 junction east approximately 19 miles to the Hodgeman/Pawnee county line, milling and overlay, 19.3 miles,&nbsp;Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,368,981.54.Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;283‑42 KA‑5870‑01 ‑ U.S. 283, from the Hodgeman/ Ford county line north 11.5 miles to the Buckner Creek bridge (#042) located south of Jetmore,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,170,484.10Kearny ‑&nbsp;50‑47 KA‑5935‑01 – U.S. 50, from the west city limits of Lakin east to the Kearny/Finney county line, milling and overlay, 10.4 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,446,061.80.Morton ‑&nbsp;56‑65 KA‑5833‑01 – U.S. 56, from the Kansas/Oklahoma state line east to the west city limits of Rolla, milling and overlay, 17.2 miles,&nbsp;APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,111,001.46.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5843‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the east K‑190/U.S. 56 junction east to the Haskell/Gray county line and from the Haskell/Gray county line east to the west city limits of Montezuma, milling and overlay, 23.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,143,694.44.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5847‑01 ‑ K‑144, from the U.S. 83/K‑144 junction east to the Haskell/Gray county line and from the Haskell/Gray county line east to the U.S. 56/K‑144 junction, surface recycle, 16.7 miles,&nbsp;Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,338,066.98.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑5858‑01 – K-34, from the K‑34/U.S. 160 junction north to the Clark/Ford county line and from the Clark/Ford county line north to the east U.S. 54 junction, milling and overlay, 25.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,698,092.96.

Russell County I-70 bridge repairs approved by KDOT

The state economic outlook is looking much better than April, when the state forecast a $900 million budget deficit for FY2022.

Revenue reports continue to exceed projections, leaving Kansas with a more manageable $150 million deficit for legislators to deal with as they are set to begin their session on Monday, said Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

The better-than-expected fiscal forecast will likely mean Kansas schools will escape significant cuts this year, he said. The Legislature is bound by a plan approved by the Kansas Supreme Court after multiple school districts sued the state alleging inadequate funding.

The state could engage in some creative accounting delaying transfer to certain funds, as it has in the past, Waymaster said.

The state is not going to have a lot of money for additional spending in the coming year, he said. He is asking the chairmen of the other committees to look at their budgets and find areas that could be cut.

"We are going to have to be very analytical, and go back over the last couple of years and see where we had some increases in spending, whether that be in social services or health services," Waymaster said.

He added, "We need to look back and see, 'OK, we put extra money into this particular program. Was it warranted? Is it something we could possibly look at sizing down and have some sort of cost savings for the state of Kansas?' "

The governor will release her budget Tuesday as she is set to delivery her annual State of the State address that evening.

Waymaster acknowledged the upcoming session will look drastically different compared to years past.&nbsp;

Much of the state's business will be done virtually, although an in-person quorum will be required to finalize legislation.

Testimony will be done remotely and few, if any, non-elected officials or staff will be allowed in the Capitol. Committee rooms have been set up for social distancing of the members.

Waymaster said he anticipated little new legislation will be proposed this session, with the governing body focusing on only necessary business.

The state Finance Council has extended the state's emergency declaration until Jan. 26.

The governor supports mandatory contact tracing. While many Republicans in the Legislature, including Waymaster, support local control and regard contact tracing as a privacy issues.&nbsp;

"You can't have a blanket approach for the entire state, because every county is different and every county has responded to the pandemic in a different manner," Waymaster said.

Waymaster said he plans to pre-filed two bills that were introduced during the last session. One would govern the plugging of old oil and gas wells in the state (HB2022).

The other bill deals with benefits for service members and first responders during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Waymaster also has four other bills that he plans to introduce that will deal with rural economic development, primarily housing, throughout the state.

"We are entering into unprecedented times, as in the spring," Waymaster said. "As I have said in the issues facing the state in the last few years, although this one is kind of anomaly out there by itself, we'll get through it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788173848.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe state economic outlook is looking much better than April, when the state forecast a $900 million budget deficit for FY2022.Revenue reports continue to exceed projections, leaving Kansas with a more manageable $150 million deficit for legislators to deal with as they are set to begin their session on Monday, said Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.The better-than-expected fiscal forecast will likely mean Kansas schools will escape significant cuts this year, he said. The Legislature is bound by a plan approved by the Kansas Supreme Court after multiple school districts sued the state alleging inadequate funding.The state could engage in some creative accounting delaying transfer to certain funds, as it has in the past, Waymaster said.The state is not going to have a lot of money for additional spending in the coming year, he said. He is asking the chairmen of the other committees to look at their budgets and find areas that could be cut."We are going to have to be very analytical, and go back over the last couple of years and see where we had some increases in spending, whether that be in social services or health services," Waymaster said.He added, "We need to look back and see, 'OK, we put extra money into this particular program. Was it warranted? Is it something we could possibly look at sizing down and have some sort of cost savings for the state of Kansas?' "The governor will release her budget Tuesday as she is set to delivery her annual State of the State address that evening.Waymaster acknowledged the upcoming session will look drastically different compared to years past.&nbsp;Much of the state's business will be done virtually, although an in-person quorum will be required to finalize legislation.Testimony will be done remotely and few, if any, non-elected officials or staff will be allowed in the Capitol. Committee rooms have been set up for social distancing of the members.Waymaster said he anticipated little new legislation will be proposed this session, with the governing body focusing on only necessary business.The state Finance Council has extended the state's emergency declaration until Jan. 26.The governor supports mandatory contact tracing. While many Republicans in the Legislature, including Waymaster, support local control and regard contact tracing as a privacy issues.&nbsp;"You can't have a blanket approach for the entire state, because every county is different and every county has responded to the pandemic in a different manner," Waymaster said.Waymaster said he plans to pre-filed two bills that were introduced during the last session. One would govern the plugging of old oil and gas wells in the state (HB2022).The other bill deals with benefits for service members and first responders during the pandemic.&nbsp;Waymaster also has four other bills that he plans to introduce that will deal with rural economic development, primarily housing, throughout the state."We are entering into unprecedented times, as in the spring," Waymaster said. "As I have said in the issues facing the state in the last few years, although this one is kind of anomaly out there by itself, we'll get through it."

Waymaster: State budget outlook better than expected; cuts still possible

One of the many effects of the pandemic is as there may not be as many occasions to learn in an on sight forum, there are many online learning opportunities to take advantage of than ever before. My online presence has increased in the last year and I have also taken advantage of a good number of courses available to learn myself. This year, I will highlight online meetings that I will be hosting, as well as share meetings that are being held throughout the state that may be of interest. The first meeting I would like to highlight is from Chuck Otte in Geary County. Any given year there are always a good number of questions regarding leasing arrangements, and the Geary County program should be beneficial to anyone that leases ground or is looking to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Agricultural Lease Meeting, Virtual Presentation&nbsp;

The Geary County Extension Office is hosting a video conference on agricultural leases on&nbsp;Wednesday, January 13th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. and last 1 – 1½ hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to participate you will need a computer, tablet or smart phone to join on the Zoom presentation. Geary County Extension Agent, Chuck Otte, will discuss various topics on agricultural leases including: the impact of the Kansas ag lease law, crop share leases, cash leases and the importance of communication. There is no charge for the session but, participants must email Otte to register so that the connection information and Zoom password can be provided. To sign up email Chuck at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cotte@ksu.edu">cotte@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and he will respond with the needed information. This virtual presentation will be recorded and will be made available for later viewing. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

<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>One of the many effects of the pandemic is as there may not be as many occasions to learn in an on sight forum, there are many online learning opportunities to take advantage of than ever before. My online presence has increased in the last year and I have also taken advantage of a good number of courses available to learn myself. This year, I will highlight online meetings that I will be hosting, as well as share meetings that are being held throughout the state that may be of interest. The first meeting I would like to highlight is from Chuck Otte in Geary County. Any given year there are always a good number of questions regarding leasing arrangements, and the Geary County program should be beneficial to anyone that leases ground or is looking to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;Agricultural Lease Meeting, Virtual Presentation&nbsp;The Geary County Extension Office is hosting a video conference on agricultural leases on&nbsp;Wednesday, January 13th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. and last 1 – 1½ hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to participate you will need a computer, tablet or smart phone to join on the Zoom presentation. Geary County Extension Agent, Chuck Otte, will discuss various topics on agricultural leases including: the impact of the Kansas ag lease law, crop share leases, cash leases and the importance of communication. There is no charge for the session but, participants must email Otte to register so that the connection information and Zoom password can be provided. To sign up email Chuck at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cotte@ksu.edu">cotte@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and he will respond with the needed information. This virtual presentation will be recorded and will be made available for later viewing. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: Virtual session will focus on ag leases

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses-Hays; 7:27 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--27th and Country Lane, Hays; 12:53 PM 
Civil Dispute—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 3:08 PM 
Animal At Large--37th and Willow St, Hays; 3:35 PM 
MV Accident /DUI--1800 block Vine St, Hays; 5:16 PM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 5:22 PM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:04 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Fire—1300 block Main St, Hays; 7:08 AM 
Suicidal Subject—4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 9:25 AM 
Animal At Large—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:20 PM 
Civil Dispute—400 block Milner St, Hays; 6:21 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Wed., Dec. 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:15 AM 
Welfare Check—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 AM 
Animal Injured--7th and Fort, Hays; 7:44 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 10:02 AM 
Sex Offense—Hays; 10:39 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:24 AM 
Civil Dispute--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:33 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block E 21st St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Suspicious Person--200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:51 PM 
Mental Health Call—300 block E 12th St, Hays; 2:57 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 3:18 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:18 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Milner St, Hays; 4:19 PM 
Unwanted Person—700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:20 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--500 block Elm St, Hays; 12/28 10 PM; 12/30 3:45 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 6:20 PM 
Unwanted Person—300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 7:14 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/27 3:41 PM; 3:44
PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Assist - Other (not MV)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 12:02 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--200 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:32 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 1:56 AM 
Animal At Large--Vine and Allen, Hays; 9:05 AM 
Drug Offenses--200 block W 26th St, Hays; 11:05 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/30 9:04 AM; 9:11
AM 
Fraud—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 12:48 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—2800 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12/30 6:30 PM; 12/31 1 PM 
Suspicious Activity—700 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:12 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1600 block Montgomery St, Hays; 2:19 PM 
Animal At Large--41st and Kings Gate, Hays; 3:24 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/30 6:30 PM; 12/31 3 PM 
NCIC Hit--1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
HARR - Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1400 block W 43rd St, Hays; 8:52 PM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:17 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 13 traffic stops Fri., Jan. 1, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Theft (general)—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:36 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:12 AM; 3:11 AM 
Suspicious Person--6th and Ash, Hays; 2:05 AM; 2:24 AM 
Criminal Trespass—400 block E 23rd St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Theft (general)—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:12 AM 
Death by Natural Causes—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 10:57 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 11:42 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—400 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:15 AM; 4 AM 
Animal At Large-100 block W 34th St, Hays; 1:14 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 1:45 PM 
Found/Lost Property--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:53 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:58 PM 
Death by Natural Causes—400 block E 14th St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Disturbance – General—500 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:25 PM; 5:27 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Woodrow Ct, Hays; 7:37 PM 
Suicidal Subject—4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 9:33 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Sat., Jan. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Vehicle—1200 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:19 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--8th and Park St, Hays; 1:25 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2300 block Allen St, Hays; 3:15 AM 
Theft (general)—100 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:45 AM; 6 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 1/1/ 10 AM; 1/2 11 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/14/20 8 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--800 block Riley St, Hays; 11/12/20 8 AM 
&nbsp;Welfare Check—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:17
PM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:54 PM 
Disturbance – General--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 5:23 PM 
Battery – Domestic--2700 block Englewood Dr, Hays; 6:59 PM; 7:04 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—400 block W 14th St, Hays; 7:41 PM 
Suspicious Person--1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 9:03 PM; 9:18 PM 
Welfare Check—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 10:32 PM 
Unwanted Person—2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:55 PM 
Unwanted Person--2400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:53 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Sun., Jan. 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject--700 block Elm St, Hays; 12:27 AM 
Battery – Domestic--700 block Park St, Hays; 1:03 AM; 1:22 AM 
Drug Offenses—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM 
Intoxicated Subject—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:36 AM 
Disorderly Conduct—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:59 AM 
Found/Lost Property--Kansas City; 5:10 AM 
Open Door/Window—700 block E 6th St, Hays; 11:52 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:34 AM; 5:40 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:48 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3700 block Hall St, Hays; 2:41 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—300 block E 15th St, Hays; 3:08 PM 
Dead Animal Call--1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 4:19 PM 
Animal At Large—Hays; 6:05 PM 
Juvenile Complaint—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:29 PM 
Suspicious Activity—700 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:41 PM; 9:19 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Drug Offenses-Hays; 7:27 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--27th and Country Lane, Hays; 12:53 PM 
Civil Dispute—500 block E 20th St, Hays; 3:08 PM 
Animal At Large--37th and Willow St, Hays; 3:35 PM 
MV Accident /DUI--1800 block Vine St, Hays; 5:16 PM 
Animal Cruelty/Neglect—100 block E 23rd St, Hays; 5:22 PM 
Suspicious Activity—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:04 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 4 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Fire—1300 block Main St, Hays; 7:08 AM 
Suicidal Subject—4600 block Roth Ave, Hays; 9:25 AM 
Animal At Large—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:20 PM 
Civil Dispute—400 block Milner St, Hays; 6:21 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 5 traffic stops Wed., Dec. 30, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suicidal Subject—2900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:15 AM 
Welfare Check—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 6:43 AM 
Animal Injured--7th and Fort, Hays; 7:44 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 10:02 AM 
Sex Offense—Hays; 10:39 AM 
Found/Lost Property—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:24 AM 
Civil Dispute--1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:33 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block E 21st St, Hays; 11:37 AM 
Suspicious Person--200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:51 PM 
Mental Health Call—300 block E 12th St, Hays; 2:57 PM 
Animal At Large—400 block E 19th St, Hays; 3:18 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:18 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Milner St, Hays; 4:19 PM 
Unwanted Person—700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:20 PM 
MV Accident-Hit and Run--500 block Elm St, Hays; 12/28 10 PM; 12/30 3:45 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 6:20 PM 
Unwanted Person—300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 7:14 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/27 3:41 PM; 3:44
PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Thu., Dec. 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Assist - Other (not MV)—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 12:02 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--200 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:32 AM 
Domestic Disturbance—3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 1:56 AM 
Animal At Large--Vine and Allen, Hays; 9:05 AM 
Drug Offenses--200 block W 26th St, Hays; 11:05 AM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/30 9:04 AM; 9:11
AM 
Fraud—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 12:48 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—2800 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12/30 6:30 PM; 12/31 1 PM 
Suspicious Activity—700 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:12 PM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—1600 block Montgomery St, Hays; 2:19 PM 
Animal At Large--41st and Kings Gate, Hays; 3:24 PM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/30 6:30 PM; 12/31 3 PM 
NCIC Hit--1000 block E 15th St, Hays; 4:01 PM 
HARR - Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1400 block W 43rd St, Hays; 8:52 PM 
Drug Offenses—100 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:17 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 13 traffic stops Fri., Jan. 1, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Theft (general)—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:36 AM 
Drug Offenses/DUI--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:12 AM; 3:11 AM 
Suspicious Person--6th and Ash, Hays; 2:05 AM; 2:24 AM 
Criminal Trespass—400 block E 23rd St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Theft (general)—300 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:12 AM 
Death by Natural Causes—2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 10:57 AM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 11:42 AM 
Criminal Damage to Property—400 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:15 AM; 4 AM 
Animal At Large-100 block W 34th St, Hays; 1:14 PM 
Found/Lost Property—Hays; 1:45 PM 
Found/Lost Property--400 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:53 PM 
Found/Lost Property—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 3:58 PM 
Death by Natural Causes—400 block E 14th St, Hays; 5:10 PM 
Disturbance – General—500 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:25 PM; 5:27 PM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Woodrow Ct, Hays; 7:37 PM 
Suicidal Subject—4500 block Larned Cir, Hays; 9:33 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Sat., Jan. 2, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious Vehicle—1200 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:19 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--8th and Park St, Hays; 1:25 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2300 block Allen St, Hays; 3:15 AM 
Theft (general)—100 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:45 AM; 6 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block E 16th St, Hays; 1/1/ 10 AM; 1/2 11 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9/14/20 8 AM 
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--800 block Riley St, Hays; 11/12/20 8 AM 
&nbsp;Welfare Check—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:17
PM 
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:54 PM 
Disturbance – General--1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 5:23 PM 
Battery – Domestic--2700 block Englewood Dr, Hays; 6:59 PM; 7:04 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—400 block W 14th St, Hays; 7:41 PM 
Suspicious Person--1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 9:03 PM; 9:18 PM 
Welfare Check—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 10:32 PM 
Unwanted Person—2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 10:55 PM 
Unwanted Person--2400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:53 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 6 traffic stops Sun., Jan. 3, 2021, according to the HPD Activity Log.Intoxicated Subject--700 block Elm St, Hays; 12:27 AM 
Battery – Domestic--700 block Park St, Hays; 1:03 AM; 1:22 AM 
Drug Offenses—500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:54 AM 
Intoxicated Subject—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:36 AM 
Disorderly Conduct—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 3:59 AM 
Found/Lost Property--Kansas City; 5:10 AM 
Open Door/Window—700 block E 6th St, Hays; 11:52 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—200 block W 16th St, Hays; 5:34 AM; 5:40 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block W 5th St, Hays; 1:48 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—3700 block Hall St, Hays; 2:41 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—300 block E 15th St, Hays; 3:08 PM 
Dead Animal Call--1100 block Drum Ave, Hays; 4:19 PM 
Animal At Large—Hays; 6:05 PM 
Juvenile Complaint—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 8:29 PM 
Suspicious Activity—700 block E 8th St, Hays; 8:41 PM; 9:19 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, Dec. 28-Jan. 3

Three-day weather outlook

MANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, to consider the adoption of a proposed regulation to govern commercial industrial hemp production in Kansas. 

Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online. Although in-person participation is also an option, attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing and to comply with local health requirements.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to K.A.R. 4-34-1, in order to make the existing rule and regulation align with the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill and the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act, which together allow commercial hemp production in Kansas.

A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/document-services/public-comment">agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment</a>.

Anyone desiring to participate via video conference or in person must pre-register and be provided with a video link or instructions for in-person attendance. 

Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609969065674.jpeg" alt="Industrial hemp crop (Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>Industrial hemp crop (Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, to consider the adoption of a proposed regulation to govern commercial industrial hemp production in Kansas. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online. Although in-person participation is also an option, attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing and to comply with local health requirements.The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to K.A.R. 4-34-1, in order to make the existing rule and regulation align with the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill and the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act, which together allow commercial hemp production in Kansas.A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/document-services/public-comment">agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment</a>. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference or in person must pre-register and be provided with a video link or instructions for in-person attendance. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or Ronda.Hutton@ks.gov.

Virtual hearing set for proposed adoption of commercial industrial hemp regulation 

PRATT – Creating more quality opportunities for youth hunters will be just one of many items discussed by Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) commissioners during their Thu., Jan. 14, 2021 virtual meeting. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is considering raising the maximum age to participate in the state’s special youth seasons to 17.

To date, state regulations have allowed hunters age 16 and younger to participate in special youth seasons for deer, turkey and upland birds. Meanwhile, federal regulations previously only permitted hunters age 15 and younger to participate in special youth waterfowl seasons, causing much confusion for the public.

Recently, federal regulations have raised the maximum age limit to participate in youth seasons to 17. In an effort to avoid confusion, create consistency among seasons, and allow more young hunters to benefit from the highly-successful youth seasons, KDWPT will seek to mirror the new age limit established by federal regulation.

Other items of note to be discussed by commissioners during the Jan. 14, 2021 virtual meeting include:

For a complete commission agenda and to view the briefing book, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Meeting-Schedule/January-14-2021">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Meeting-Schedule/January-14-2021</a>.

Commissioners will begin the Jan. 14 meeting at 1:30 p.m., recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for a public hearing, during which time items will be voted on. 

Public input is welcomed during both the afternoon and evening sessions and time is set aside at the beginning of both sessions for comments on items not included on the meeting agenda. For specific instructions on how to participate, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Instructions-to-Participate-in-Virtual-Meeting">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Instructions-to-Participate-in-Virtual-Meeting</a>.

The next KDWPT Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Lake Shawnee Reynolds Lodge in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610128790511.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTPRATT – Creating more quality opportunities for youth hunters will be just one of many items discussed by Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) commissioners during their Thu., Jan. 14, 2021 virtual meeting. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is considering raising the maximum age to participate in the state’s special youth seasons to 17.To date, state regulations have allowed hunters age 16 and younger to participate in special youth seasons for deer, turkey and upland birds. Meanwhile, federal regulations previously only permitted hunters age 15 and younger to participate in special youth waterfowl seasons, causing much confusion for the public.Recently, federal regulations have raised the maximum age limit to participate in youth seasons to 17. In an effort to avoid confusion, create consistency among seasons, and allow more young hunters to benefit from the highly-successful youth seasons, KDWPT will seek to mirror the new age limit established by federal regulation.Other items of note to be discussed by commissioners during the Jan. 14, 2021 virtual meeting include:Migratory Bird Seasons<ul>
 <li>Tom Bidrowski, KDWPT migratory game bird program manager, will present the framework for the 2021-22 waterfowl seasons for ducks and geese. Proposed season dates, limits and management unit boundaries closely resemble Kansas’ 2020-21 waterfowl regulations. This topic will again be discussed during the Commission’s March 25 public meeting, followed by a final vote at the Commission’s April 29 public meeting.</li><li>KDWPT migratory game bird coordinator Rich Schultheis will present proposed seasons and regulations for webless migratory birds, which include species like sandhill cranes, doves, snipe and rails.</li>
 </ul>Upland Game Bird Seasons<ul>
 <li>KDWPT small game coordinator Kent Fricke and KDWPT small game specialist, Jeff Prendergast, will present updates on pheasant, quail and prairie chicken seasons, as well as proposals for 2021-22 seasons and limits that are expected to follow traditional season framework. Fricke will also share research on the effects of livestock grazing on Conservation Reserve Program grasslands.</li>
 </ul>State Park Permits Via Kiosks<ul>
 <li>Linda Lanterman, KDWPT state park director, will discuss the possibility of installing electronic payment kiosks at Kansas’ state parks. State park staff are confident these electronic self-service kiosks could make it easier for state park visitors to purchase assorted vehicle and camping permits at the user’s convenience.</li>
 </ul>Elk, Antelope Seasons<ul>
 <li>Proposed season dates and permit allocations for upcoming antelope and elk seasons will be presented by Matt Peek, KDWPT wildlife research biologist.</li>
 </ul>Deer Seasons<ul>
 <li>Levi Jaster, KDWPT big game program coordinator, will propose staff recommendations for Kansas’ 2021-2022 deer seasons, which largely resemble recent seasons.</li>
 </ul>Landowner and Tenant Deer Permits<ul>
 <li>Chris Tymeson, chief legal counsel for KDWPT, will give an in-depth explanation of Kansas’ current regulations surrounding landowner and tenant deer permits.</li>
 </ul>For a complete commission agenda and to view the briefing book, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Meeting-Schedule/January-14-2021">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Meeting-Schedule/January-14-2021</a>.Commissioners will begin the Jan. 14 meeting at 1:30 p.m., recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for a public hearing, during which time items will be voted on. Public input is welcomed during both the afternoon and evening sessions and time is set aside at the beginning of both sessions for comments on items not included on the meeting agenda. For specific instructions on how to participate, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Instructions-to-Participate-in-Virtual-Meeting">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Instructions-to-Participate-in-Virtual-Meeting</a>.The next KDWPT Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Lake Shawnee Reynolds Lodge in Topeka.

KDWPT may raise age to 17 for youth seasons participation

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The Hays USD 489 school board will look at an updated list of capital improvement projects at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administrative Center.

The meeting is a work session, and the board is likely to take no action.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will look at an updated list of capital improvement projects at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Rockwell Administrative Center.The meeting is a work session, and the board is likely to take no action.The board will also discuss the construction of a secure entrance at Wilson Elementary School.&nbsp;Three options are being considered for the entrance. The addition of an Aiphone at the entrance with doors in the corridor would cost an estimated $30,000 to $50,000.Renovation of the entrance could cost $100,000 to $200,000.Including an addition with the renovated entrance would cost an estimated $400,000 to $500,000.The board will also review board policy updates and hear a report from Lincoln Elementary School.