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🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 asks parents to reconsider in-person learning

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The six state universities in Kansas will not raise on-campus housing and dining fees next year. The Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday voted to keep those fees flat, despite higher costs and fewer students because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

University officials told the regents the schools need to keep costs affordable for students. The regents also appointed a committee to begin the search for a new Wichita State president. 

Former president Jay Golden resigned abruptly in September, after he was criticized for retracting an invitation to Ivanka Trump to speak at the university.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The six state universities in Kansas will not raise on-campus housing and dining fees next year. The Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday voted to keep those fees flat, despite higher costs and fewer students because of the coronavirus pandemic. University officials told the regents the schools need to keep costs affordable for students. The regents also appointed a committee to begin the search for a new Wichita State president. Former president Jay Golden resigned abruptly in September, after he was criticized for retracting an invitation to Ivanka Trump to speak at the university.

Universities' housing, dining fees won't rise next year

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The ladies in the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry are not just making quilts, they are blanketing people with prayers.

The group, which is a ministry of Celebration Community Church in Hays, is comprised of women — some of whom drive hours to come to the monthly meetings to sew, fellowship and pray for people they often don't know and will never meet.

When the group started in 2010, it did not have access to a long-arm quilting machine, so the quilts were all hand tied. As the women tied each knot in the quilts, they said prayers for the recipients.

Many of these quilts went to the sick, and visitors and health care workers were also encouraged to tie knots in the quilts and say prayers for the owners.&nbsp;

"When this quilt is around you, you know that God is also wrapping His arms around you to give you courage, strength and His everlasting love," says the note that goes out with each prayer quilt.

Although now the group's quilts are machine-quilted for more durability, they still come with many prayers.

"We are passionate about a couple of things. We are passionate about the quilting, but also about the prayers," one of the group members said. "No quilt leaves without us praying for the people. There is nothing magical about the quilt. It is about the prayers."

The group's latest effort, which they call being the hands and feet of Jesus, was delivery of prayer quilts to all of the nursing home residents in Ellis County on Monday.

All 140 quilts were finished in a month and a half, some with bright Christmas colors to warm local elders this holiday season.

"We just want them to know they are cared for and loved and they've not been forgotten during this pandemic time," Amanda Gittinger, group leader, said.

Another recent project was Bless Our Heroes Prayer Patches, which were square hand-size quilt pieces that were given to area first responders. Each square was blessed with a prayer for the recipient.

The ministry, which is 13-members strong, has been very prolific. In its decade of service, the group has made and given away 563 prayer quilts.

The group has also created quilts for the Pregnancy Lifeline of Fort Worth, Texas, which gives quilts to mothers who choose to not abort their babies; Teresa Boos, a clinical social worker who gives quilts to veterans who struggle with PTSD; Quilts of Compassion, of Toledo, Ohio, which distributes quilts to hospitalized patients, as well as families recovering from natural disasters; and foster families within Celebration Community Church or families who adopt.

The group has also sewn items for RedeemUnited of Haiti, Celebration's food ministry, the local special needs community, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, pillowcase dresses for children in Africa and cloth face masks during the pandemic.

The group has created 1,000 items just this year.

The group has also taught sewing classes to girls. That has been put on hold since the pandemic, but the group hopes to resurrect the classes as pandemic restrictions ease.

"He gives us all talents and He expects us to use them," a group member said. "This is our talent."

Marilyn Gittinger, quilter, said the work is fulfilling.

&nbsp;The group receives thank you notes, especially from recipients of the patriotic quilts.

"You get the stories back about how grateful they are they were even considered worthy of receiving a quilt," a group member said. "That is just so heart-touching. It just makes you want to make more and help other people."

A note just came in from a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, who is now serving as a federal law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Amanda&nbsp;Gittiner shared with the other group members the message on the card.

"I recently received a beautiful red, white and blue quit from Teresa [Boos]. It meant more to me than you may ever realize. Not only was it a true act of service, it was also beautifully made by caring and loving hands. I will proudly display and use this quilt daily.&nbsp;

Just like many other veterans and law enforcement officers, I often struggle with things I have experienced in the performance of my duties.

Receiving a gift such as this reminds me why I stepped up to serve my country and my community. It reminds me that we are not forgotten and the sacrifices that my brothers and sisters and I made are appreciated. May God bless the hands that made this quilt and all the ladies who have taken time to make a veteran feel the way I felt when I received this gift.&nbsp;

What you are doing matters. I pray that God will bless you and others who are impacted by your ministry.&nbsp;

There are two mother-daughter duos in the group, both of whom had few sewing skills when they joined the ministry.

Amanda Gittiner said she was terrified at first, starting in the group just tying quilts. Her mom, who is also in the group and drives in from Goodland for the group's monthly meetings, left her a sewing machine for Amanda when she got married.

Some of the fabric is donated. The ministry also received monetary donations and a budget from Celebration Community Church.

The women sew both together at month meetings and semi-annual retreats with what some call their "quilting family" as well as at home between meetings.

Since the group usually meets on weekends, they are sometimes called upon to sew on a button for a wedding parties or fix a hem. The ladies laughed as the recounted some of their needle-and-thread adventures.

"It is so rewarding to come when everything in the nation tends to be so negative," a group member said. "You can come here and it's like a therapy. You can come here and get renewed. Everything is positive. It is a great way to fellowship with other ladies and know you are making a difference."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608134925795.jpeg" alt="Left to right: Abigail Crandall, Kim Terrell, Jan North, Sandy Bangle, Marilyn Gittinger, Patty Legleiter, Karyl Ferguson, Amanda Gittinger, Cathy McMillin, Laurie Allen and&nbsp; Jessica Wright stand behind 140 quilts the Celebration Community Church Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry made for nursing home residents. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Left to right: Abigail Crandall, Kim Terrell, Jan North, Sandy Bangle, Marilyn Gittinger, Patty Legleiter, Karyl Ferguson, Amanda Gittinger, Cathy McMillin, Laurie Allen and&nbsp; Jessica Wright stand behind 140 quilts the Celebration Community Church Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry made for nursing home residents. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe ladies in the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry are not just making quilts, they are blanketing people with prayers.The group, which is a ministry of Celebration Community Church in Hays, is comprised of women — some of whom drive hours to come to the monthly meetings to sew, fellowship and pray for people they often don't know and will never meet.When the group started in 2010, it did not have access to a long-arm quilting machine, so the quilts were all hand tied. As the women tied each knot in the quilts, they said prayers for the recipients.Many of these quilts went to the sick, and visitors and health care workers were also encouraged to tie knots in the quilts and say prayers for the owners.&nbsp;"When this quilt is around you, you know that God is also wrapping His arms around you to give you courage, strength and His everlasting love," says the note that goes out with each prayer quilt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608135218562.jpeg" alt="The quilt ministry members sew during a monthly meeting." />
 <figcaption>The quilt ministry members sew during a monthly meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Although now the group's quilts are machine-quilted for more durability, they still come with many prayers."We are passionate about a couple of things. We are passionate about the quilting, but also about the prayers," one of the group members said. "No quilt leaves without us praying for the people. There is nothing magical about the quilt. It is about the prayers."The group's latest effort, which they call being the hands and feet of Jesus, was delivery of prayer quilts to all of the nursing home residents in Ellis County on Monday.All 140 quilts were finished in a month and a half, some with bright Christmas colors to warm local elders this holiday season."We just want them to know they are cared for and loved and they've not been forgotten during this pandemic time," Amanda Gittinger, group leader, said.Another recent project was Bless Our Heroes Prayer Patches, which were square hand-size quilt pieces that were given to area first responders. Each square was blessed with a prayer for the recipient.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608135557771.jpeg" alt="Girls practice their sewing skills in a quilt ministry class. The classes were suspended in part because of COVID-19, but the group would like to offer them again when the pandemic restricts ease." />
 <figcaption>Girls practice their sewing skills in a quilt ministry class. The classes were suspended in part because of COVID-19, but the group would like to offer them again when the pandemic restricts ease.</figcaption>
 </figure>The ministry, which is 13-members strong, has been very prolific. In its decade of service, the group has made and given away 563 prayer quilts.The group has also created quilts for the Pregnancy Lifeline of Fort Worth, Texas, which gives quilts to mothers who choose to not abort their babies; Teresa Boos, a clinical social worker who gives quilts to veterans who struggle with PTSD; Quilts of Compassion, of Toledo, Ohio, which distributes quilts to hospitalized patients, as well as families recovering from natural disasters; and foster families within Celebration Community Church or families who adopt.The group has also sewn items for RedeemUnited of Haiti, Celebration's food ministry, the local special needs community, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, pillowcase dresses for children in Africa and cloth face masks during the pandemic.The group has created 1,000 items just this year.The group has also taught sewing classes to girls. That has been put on hold since the pandemic, but the group hopes to resurrect the classes as pandemic restrictions ease."He gives us all talents and He expects us to use them," a group member said. "This is our talent."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608135300779.jpeg" alt="Members of the quilt ministry display patriotic quilts that were distributed to veterans who were being treated for PTSD." />
 <figcaption>Members of the quilt ministry display patriotic quilts that were distributed to veterans who were being treated for PTSD.</figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Gittinger, quilter, said the work is fulfilling.&nbsp;The group receives thank you notes, especially from recipients of the patriotic quilts."You get the stories back about how grateful they are they were even considered worthy of receiving a quilt," a group member said. "That is just so heart-touching. It just makes you want to make more and help other people."A note just came in from a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, who is now serving as a federal law enforcement officer.&nbsp;Amanda&nbsp;Gittiner shared with the other group members the message on the card."I recently received a beautiful red, white and blue quit from Teresa [Boos]. It meant more to me than you may ever realize. Not only was it a true act of service, it was also beautifully made by caring and loving hands. I will proudly display and use this quilt daily.&nbsp;Just like many other veterans and law enforcement officers, I often struggle with things I have experienced in the performance of my duties. Receiving a gift such as this reminds me why I stepped up to serve my country and my community. It reminds me that we are not forgotten and the sacrifices that my brothers and sisters and I made are appreciated. May God bless the hands that made this quilt and all the ladies who have taken time to make a veteran feel the way I felt when I received this gift.&nbsp;What you are doing matters. I pray that God will bless you and others who are impacted by your ministry.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608135464843.jpeg" alt="The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry has completed more than 1,000 items just this year." />
 <figcaption>The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry has completed more than 1,000 items just this year.</figcaption>
 </figure>There are two mother-daughter duos in the group, both of whom had few sewing skills when they joined the ministry.Amanda Gittiner said she was terrified at first, starting in the group just tying quilts. Her mom, who is also in the group and drives in from Goodland for the group's monthly meetings, left her a sewing machine for Amanda when she got married."I got the bug," Amanda said.Some of the fabric is donated. The ministry also received monetary donations and a budget from Celebration Community Church.The women sew both together at month meetings and semi-annual retreats with what some call their "quilting family" as well as at home between meetings.Since the group usually meets on weekends, they are sometimes called upon to sew on a button for a wedding parties or fix a hem. The ladies laughed as the recounted some of their needle-and-thread adventures."It is so rewarding to come when everything in the nation tends to be so negative," a group member said. "You can come here and it's like a therapy. You can come here and get renewed. Everything is positive. It is a great way to fellowship with other ladies and know you are making a difference."

Hays ministry gifts quilts, prayers

NORTON — Norton County Community Foundation raised nearly&nbsp;$167,000 during the fifth&nbsp;annual MyFoundation Campaign. This monthlong matching gift campaign is primarily designed to encourage giving to NCCF’s Grant Endowment fund.

To incentivize giving, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation committed matching dollars for the following:

After raising nearly $92,000 from donors, NCCF received the full $75,000 matching gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, raising a total of $167,000. Dollars raised will be invested into the foundation’s endowment funds, making funds available to award grants to support Norton County nonprofits, projects, and programs, and to provide capacity for the organization.

This year’s campaign brings the five-year total to over $725,000. 

“This community continually rises to the challenge and exceeds our expectations," said Tara Vance,&nbsp;NCCF executive director.&nbsp;“The MyFoundation Campaign is primarily about securing the future of our grant endowment fund. We’re so grateful to our community of supporters for sharing our vision and believing in the power of grant-making.”

For more information, contact Vance at (785) 874-5106,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>,&nbsp;or visit the NCCF office at the Heaton Building in downtown Norton, located at 112 S. Kansas in Norton.&nbsp;

The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.&nbsp;Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live.&nbsp;Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591823602917.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON — Norton County Community Foundation raised nearly&nbsp;$167,000 during the fifth&nbsp;annual MyFoundation Campaign. This monthlong matching gift campaign is primarily designed to encourage giving to NCCF’s Grant Endowment fund.To incentivize giving, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation committed matching dollars for the following:<ul>
 <li>Grant Endowment Match: $50,000</li><li>Operating Fund “Bonus” Match: $25,000</li>
 </ul>After raising nearly $92,000 from donors, NCCF received the full $75,000 matching gift from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, raising a total of $167,000. Dollars raised will be invested into the foundation’s endowment funds, making funds available to award grants to support Norton County nonprofits, projects, and programs, and to provide capacity for the organization.This year’s campaign brings the five-year total to over $725,000. “This community continually rises to the challenge and exceeds our expectations," said Tara Vance,&nbsp;NCCF executive director.&nbsp;“The MyFoundation Campaign is primarily about securing the future of our grant endowment fund. We’re so grateful to our community of supporters for sharing our vision and believing in the power of grant-making.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605107143728.png" alt="Tara Vance / Norton Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Tara Vance / Norton Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>For more information, contact Vance at (785) 874-5106,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tara@nortonccf.org">tara@nortonccf.org</a>,&nbsp;or visit the NCCF office at the Heaton Building in downtown Norton, located at 112 S. Kansas in Norton.&nbsp;<h2>About Norton County Community Foundation</h2>The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.&nbsp;Dedicated to serving today for tomorrow, to make our community a better place in which to live.&nbsp;Connect with the Norton County Community Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nortonccf.org/">www.nortonccf.org</a>.

Norton Co. foundation raises nearly $167,000 in monthlong campaign

MCPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college, recently recognized its highest academic achievers in its fall 2020 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.

McPherson College offers more than 20 bachelor's and pre-professional programs with curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship and career-focused education. It was ranked this year by U.S. News &amp; World Report on its "Best Colleges" list and recognized for the sixth year in a row as a "Great College to Work For" in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu/">www.mcpherson.edu</a>&nbsp;to learn more about McPherson College.

The following northwest Kansas students were honored:

Almena Alexander Van Patten, Honor Roll Goodland&nbsp; Lola Hipp, Honor Roll Gove Haelie Bland, Honor Roll Norton&nbsp; Brionnah Fessler, Honor Roll Osborne Cullen Grabast, Honor Roll Prairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor Roll Rexford Joseph Yanez-Perez, Honor Roll Russell Cole Schroeder, Honor Roll St. Francis Matthisen Witzel, Honor Roll

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576859683230.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college, recently recognized its highest academic achievers in its fall 2020 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.McPherson College offers more than 20 bachelor's and pre-professional programs with curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship and career-focused education. It was ranked this year by U.S. News &amp; World Report on its "Best Colleges" list and recognized for the sixth year in a row as a "Great College to Work For" in the Chronicle of Higher Education.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu/">www.mcpherson.edu</a>&nbsp;to learn more about McPherson College.The following northwest Kansas students were honored:Almena Alexander Van Patten, Honor Roll Goodland&nbsp; Lola Hipp, Honor Roll Gove Haelie Bland, Honor Roll Norton&nbsp; Brionnah Fessler, Honor Roll Osborne Cullen Grabast, Honor Roll Prairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor Roll Rexford Joseph Yanez-Perez, Honor Roll Russell Cole Schroeder, Honor Roll St. Francis Matthisen Witzel, Honor Roll

NW Kan. students earn spots on McPherson College honor roll

John Dewey once said that “democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” Fort Hays State University embraces this sentiment through its long-standing commitment to civic engagement in our local community, region, state – and even across the globe.&nbsp;

In fact, I will be bold and claim bragging rights on this – thanks to the fortitude of many too numerous to mention. This commitment shows up in an abundance of ways.

Accounting students offer free income tax preparation. Students studying communication sciences and disorders offer free hearing screening clinics. Leadership 310 students design local community projects of their choice in conjunction with an existing organization. Course activities include recognizing a community problem, working with other concerned citizens to develop a plan of action and implementing that plan. One such project is our beautiful downtown pavilion.

Our Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers 55 and over with children with special or exceptional needs. Our Senior Companion Program connects volunteers of the same age with adults needing support to remain independent. These few examples do not even scratch the surface of our commitment to doing good and serving others.

As I reflect upon how proud I am of the deep impact made by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, I think of one service project in particular that warms my heart every December. Teaming Up for Tots (TUFT) is the yearly construction and assembly project of wooden toys that are given to local children who otherwise might not receive a Christmas gift.

Dr. Duane Renfrow, associate professor of applied technology, explained to me how this all got started.

“Making Christmas toys for the TUFT organization was the brainchild of former Applied Technology chair, Dr. Fred Ruda, in 1990. For the past 31 years, in partnership with the Ellis County community, the Department of Applied Technology has designed and built up to 250 wooden toys each year. These toys are given to local children – through TUFT,” Renfrow said. “A variety of toys have been built through the years, including: jeeps, bug boxes, helicopters, cameras, excavators, pickups, fire trucks, piggy banks, race cars and dump trucks, to name a few. With the untimely passing of Dr. Ruda in 2012, the department decided to name the activity in his honor and call it the Dr. Fred P. Ruda TUFT Day.”

From 1990 through 1997, Ruda was in charge of organizing this event with the help of the department’s Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) members. In 1998, Renfrow was tasked with this activity and has been responsible for the development of 18 of the 31 toys.

After taking over the event, Renfrow procured the opportunity to engage students in the fundamentals of TUFT. Weeks – and even months – before the public assembly day, Renfrow formulates the parameters of the toy to be built. Students from Renfrow’s Materials, Processes and Production class research toy designs and bring their ideas to class for a brainstorming session. Several designs are chosen, and prototypes are made. Once the toy design is decided upon, the manufacturing process is developed, jigs and fixtures are built, and materials are pre-processed.&nbsp;

On assembly day, the university and community are invited to come help. In the early years in Davis Hall, there were typically about 30 people involved on assembly day. Since the department moved to the Center for Applied Technology, 125 to 130 people have attended. The variety of people who show up to help include alumni of the department, university staff and faculty and community folks ranging in age from 5-year-old youngsters to men in their 80s – and all age groups in between. Eighty-three-year-old Don Barton, a retired FHSU employee, has only missed one year of toy building. That’s 30 years of dedication to Teaming Up For Tots!

Jobs on the assembly day include sanding, gluing, running parts from station to station, attaching wheels, assembling parts and finishing. Some who have experience even get to operate some of the machines.

This activity is much bigger than just making toys. In addition to demonstrating support for local children, this activity unites the community, as businesses and individuals make donations and volunteer time to make a difference in the lives of others.

Unfortunately, with our current health concerns looming because of the pandemic, this year prevented the “open-to-the-public event.” But have no fear, like many other FHSU activities, the event, though reimagined, still resulted in 150 little pickup trucks for the TUFT organization!

Thank you, Applied Technology faculty and students for bringing joy to little children on Christmas morning – and for setting another example of how Fort Hays State University consistently demonstrates the inspiring ways we enrich our communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>John Dewey once said that “democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” Fort Hays State University embraces this sentiment through its long-standing commitment to civic engagement in our local community, region, state – and even across the globe.&nbsp;In fact, I will be bold and claim bragging rights on this – thanks to the fortitude of many too numerous to mention. This commitment shows up in an abundance of ways.Accounting students offer free income tax preparation. Students studying communication sciences and disorders offer free hearing screening clinics. Leadership 310 students design local community projects of their choice in conjunction with an existing organization. Course activities include recognizing a community problem, working with other concerned citizens to develop a plan of action and implementing that plan. One such project is our beautiful downtown pavilion.Our Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers 55 and over with children with special or exceptional needs. Our Senior Companion Program connects volunteers of the same age with adults needing support to remain independent. These few examples do not even scratch the surface of our commitment to doing good and serving others.As I reflect upon how proud I am of the deep impact made by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, I think of one service project in particular that warms my heart every December. Teaming Up for Tots (TUFT) is the yearly construction and assembly project of wooden toys that are given to local children who otherwise might not receive a Christmas gift.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607955139705.jpeg" alt="In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil." />
 <figcaption>In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Duane Renfrow, associate professor of applied technology, explained to me how this all got started.“Making Christmas toys for the TUFT organization was the brainchild of former Applied Technology chair, Dr. Fred Ruda, in 1990. For the past 31 years, in partnership with the Ellis County community, the Department of Applied Technology has designed and built up to 250 wooden toys each year. These toys are given to local children – through TUFT,” Renfrow said. “A variety of toys have been built through the years, including: jeeps, bug boxes, helicopters, cameras, excavators, pickups, fire trucks, piggy banks, race cars and dump trucks, to name a few. With the untimely passing of Dr. Ruda in 2012, the department decided to name the activity in his honor and call it the Dr. Fred P. Ruda TUFT Day.”From 1990 through 1997, Ruda was in charge of organizing this event with the help of the department’s Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) members. In 1998, Renfrow was tasked with this activity and has been responsible for the development of 18 of the 31 toys.After taking over the event, Renfrow procured the opportunity to engage students in the fundamentals of TUFT. Weeks – and even months – before the public assembly day, Renfrow formulates the parameters of the toy to be built. Students from Renfrow’s Materials, Processes and Production class research toy designs and bring their ideas to class for a brainstorming session. Several designs are chosen, and prototypes are made. Once the toy design is decided upon, the manufacturing process is developed, jigs and fixtures are built, and materials are pre-processed.&nbsp;On assembly day, the university and community are invited to come help. In the early years in Davis Hall, there were typically about 30 people involved on assembly day. Since the department moved to the Center for Applied Technology, 125 to 130 people have attended. The variety of people who show up to help include alumni of the department, university staff and faculty and community folks ranging in age from 5-year-old youngsters to men in their 80s – and all age groups in between. Eighty-three-year-old Don Barton, a retired FHSU employee, has only missed one year of toy building. That’s 30 years of dedication to Teaming Up For Tots!Jobs on the assembly day include sanding, gluing, running parts from station to station, attaching wheels, assembling parts and finishing. Some who have experience even get to operate some of the machines.This activity is much bigger than just making toys. In addition to demonstrating support for local children, this activity unites the community, as businesses and individuals make donations and volunteer time to make a difference in the lives of others.Unfortunately, with our current health concerns looming because of the pandemic, this year prevented the “open-to-the-public event.” But have no fear, like many other FHSU activities, the event, though reimagined, still resulted in 150 little pickup trucks for the TUFT organization!Thank you, Applied Technology faculty and students for bringing joy to little children on Christmas morning – and for setting another example of how Fort Hays State University consistently demonstrates the inspiring ways we enrich our communities.

MASON: Helping hands abound at FHSU

Three-day weather outlook

C&R Railroad Christmas Train Show rolling into Phillipsburg 

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

People in sports like to talk about how hard work gets a player where they want to go. Most are unwilling or unable to follow through with the commitment that is required. Gaven Haselhorst isn't most people. He is the shining example of where hard work can take a student-athlete.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the 220-pound senior defensive end signed his National Letter of Intent to play football for Kansas State University. The Wildcats offered Haselhorst a scholarship after a superb showing at the Sharp Combine in Salina over the summer. It took the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year little time to make his decision to commit. Haselhorst cites the family atmosphere as a big reason for his decision.

Hays High coach Tony Crough believes that Haselhorst hasn't even began to reach his potentional. Haselhorst is really only about three years into his football career. Track was always the go-to and he never had a natural position on the football field — that was, until his sophomore season. The coaching staff had moved Haselhorst from linebacker to running back without much success. Defensive line coach Mitch Harris told Crough to let him have Haselhorst ... the rest is history.&nbsp;

Haselhorst plastered his name all over conference and state team honors. He most recently was named to the Kansas Football Coaches Association defensive first team in 5A and listed as one of the All Class Top 11. Sports In Kansas also named him as a finalist for 5A Defensive Player of the Year.&nbsp;

As much as the seniors stalky build stood out on signing day his play on the field impressed even more. Haselhorst's #22 jersey was in the backfield as much as some running backs. The numbers backed up his play. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 77. An eye-popping 32 of those were tackles for loss including six sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. Haselhorst finished his high school career with 211 tackles, 10 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.&nbsp;

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostPeople in sports like to talk about how hard work gets a player where they want to go. Most are unwilling or unable to follow through with the commitment that is required. Gaven Haselhorst isn't most people. He is the shining example of where hard work can take a student-athlete.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the 220-pound senior defensive end signed his National Letter of Intent to play football for Kansas State University. The Wildcats offered Haselhorst a scholarship after a superb showing at the Sharp Combine in Salina over the summer. It took the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year little time to make his decision to commit. Haselhorst cites the family atmosphere as a big reason for his decision.Gaven Haselhorst<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/948963094&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/gaven-haselshorst-signs-with-ksu" title="Gaven Haselshorst signs with KSU" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gaven Haselshorst signs with KSU</a></div></div>Hays High coach Tony Crough believes that Haselhorst hasn't even began to reach his potentional. Haselhorst is really only about three years into his football career. Track was always the go-to and he never had a natural position on the football field — that was, until his sophomore season. The coaching staff had moved Haselhorst from linebacker to running back without much success. Defensive line coach Mitch Harris told Crough to let him have Haselhorst ... the rest is history.&nbsp;Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/948963433&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-tony-crough-talks-about-gaven-haselhorst" title="Coach Tony Crough talks about Gaven Haselhorst" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Tony Crough talks about Gaven Haselhorst</a></div></div>Haselhorst plastered his name all over conference and state team honors. He most recently was named to the Kansas Football Coaches Association defensive first team in 5A and listed as one of the All Class Top 11. Sports In Kansas also named him as a finalist for 5A Defensive Player of the Year.&nbsp;As much as the seniors stalky build stood out on signing day his play on the field impressed even more. Haselhorst's #22 jersey was in the backfield as much as some running backs. The numbers backed up his play. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 77. An eye-popping 32 of those were tackles for loss including six sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. Haselhorst finished his high school career with 211 tackles, 10 sacks, 54 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.&nbsp;

Hard work pays off; Haselhorst to K-State

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell slightly from 18 on Monday to 17 on Wednesday.

There were 49 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 304 active cases, including 13 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,600 recovered cases.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday, there were 26 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 30 on Tuesday, with 19 of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 21.3 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 2,935 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 30 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 15,545 tests administered, 7.8 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/2020/12/1608144005306.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell slightly from 18 on Monday to 17 on Wednesday.There were 49 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 304 active cases, including 13 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,600 recovered cases.&nbsp;As of Wednesday, there were 26 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 30 on Tuesday, with 19 of those active patients and seven in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 21.3 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 2,935 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 30 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 15,545 tests administered, 7.8 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>
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 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
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Per-day virus rate in Ellis Co. falls slightly; 49 new cases indentified

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 </figure>And the winner is ...&nbsp;

Happy Holidays Giveaways from Warren's Meat Market winner ...

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just&nbsp; before 4 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.

The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.

EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger — Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington — was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just&nbsp; before 4 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger — Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington — was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from Hays hospitalized after pickup slides, flips

Enter your info for your chance to win. The final Happy Holiday Giveaway is from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill. One lucky winner will get to eat at Whiskey Creek for an entire year. ($50 gift certificates will be allocated for each month in 2021.)

<div> <script src="https://embed-756081.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="dca40e2c-4820-41b3-9926-cdf46c0af2a6" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Enter your info for your chance to win. The final Happy Holiday Giveaway is from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill. One lucky winner will get to eat at Whiskey Creek for an entire year. ($50 gift certificates will be allocated for each month in 2021.)

Happy Holidays Giveaway from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill

&nbsp;Downtown Hays Development Corp. this week announced one new board member's appointment to serve on its board of directors.

The newly elected board member is Kristiana Molina, the catering and banquets manager at Gella's Diner &amp; Lb Brewing Co.&nbsp;

Molina was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., and arrived in Hays in 1999 to attend Fort Hays State University on a volleyball scholarship. She graduated from FHSU with a bachelor of arts degree and, already in love with the community, she stayed.

Molina began her hospitality career at Rooftops Restaurant and Lounge as a server/bartender, later becoming the front of house manager. She has been at Gella's since 2013, where she has planned and coordinated countless events, big and small, in and around Hays. She loves getting to know her clients and creating their special days. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.

"I am excited to welcome Kristiana to the DHDC Board," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "She is a successful leader with inspiring ideas. She will be an invaluable addition."

Molina will take the seat of Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry and The Strand Event Center. Roths served DHDC for six years.

"Board service to DHDC is one of the toughest volunteer roles out there," Bloom said. "We ask a lot. Dustin served with dedication and was instrumental in our Downtown Pavilion project, serving as board president during its completion. We can't thank him enough for the many roles he has filled in the past six years.”

Roths will continue to serve DHDC has the chair of the organization’s Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. Committee’s rely heavily on volunteer community members.

&nbsp;DHDC's board of directors consists of 13 members. Each board term is a three-year commitment. Board members can serve up to three terms consecutively before having to give up their seats. 
Other 2021 members include Megan Ball, Sunflower Electric Corp.; Sarah Cearley, Owner of Simply Charmed; Alaina Cunningham, Community Volunteer;&nbsp;Karen Dreiling, Owner of The Furniture Look; David Herl, Adams Brown; Mike Holiday, Eagle Radio; Sandy Keller, Owner of Regeena's Flowers; Patrick McGinnis, Owner of Breathe Coffee House; Brett Ottley, Commercial Builders; Julie Rider, Community Volunteer; Andrew Taylor, Werth Wealth Management; and Shae Veach, HaysMed.

The 2021 executive slate will include Mike Holliday, President; Julie Rider, Vice-President; Sarah Cearley, Past-President; Megan Ball, Secretary; and David Herl, Treasurer.

The DHDC is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 2000 that represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning, which enhances and secures the community's quality of life. The mission of DHDC is to foster awareness and promote Downtown Hays as a vibrant center of commerce, recreation, arts, government, and history that serves the people of Hays, the surrounding region, and visitors from around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607971925578.jpeg" alt="Molina" />
 <figcaption>Molina</figcaption>
 </figure>DHDC&nbsp;Downtown Hays Development Corp. this week announced one new board member's appointment to serve on its board of directors.The newly elected board member is Kristiana Molina, the catering and banquets manager at Gella's Diner &amp; Lb Brewing Co.&nbsp; 
Molina was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., and arrived in Hays in 1999 to attend Fort Hays State University on a volleyball scholarship. She graduated from FHSU with a bachelor of arts degree and, already in love with the community, she stayed.Molina began her hospitality career at Rooftops Restaurant and Lounge as a server/bartender, later becoming the front of house manager. She has been at Gella's since 2013, where she has planned and coordinated countless events, big and small, in and around Hays. She loves getting to know her clients and creating their special days. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs."I am excited to welcome Kristiana to the DHDC Board," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "She is a successful leader with inspiring ideas. She will be an invaluable addition."Molina will take the seat of Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry and The Strand Event Center. Roths served DHDC for six years. 
"Board service to DHDC is one of the toughest volunteer roles out there," Bloom said. "We ask a lot. Dustin served with dedication and was instrumental in our Downtown Pavilion project, serving as board president during its completion. We can't thank him enough for the many roles he has filled in the past six years.”Roths will continue to serve DHDC has the chair of the organization’s Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. Committee’s rely heavily on volunteer community members.&nbsp;DHDC's board of directors consists of 13 members. Each board term is a three-year commitment. Board members can serve up to three terms consecutively before having to give up their seats. 
Other 2021 members include Megan Ball, Sunflower Electric Corp.; Sarah Cearley, Owner of Simply Charmed; Alaina Cunningham, Community Volunteer;&nbsp;Karen Dreiling, Owner of The Furniture Look; David Herl, Adams Brown; Mike Holiday, Eagle Radio; Sandy Keller, Owner of Regeena's Flowers; Patrick McGinnis, Owner of Breathe Coffee House; Brett Ottley, Commercial Builders; Julie Rider, Community Volunteer; Andrew Taylor, Werth Wealth Management; and Shae Veach, HaysMed. 
The 2021 executive slate will include Mike Holliday, President; Julie Rider, Vice-President; Sarah Cearley, Past-President; Megan Ball, Secretary; and David Herl, Treasurer.The DHDC is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 2000 that represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning, which enhances and secures the community's quality of life. The mission of DHDC is to foster awareness and promote Downtown Hays as a vibrant center of commerce, recreation, arts, government, and history that serves the people of Hays, the surrounding region, and visitors from around the world.

DHDC announces 2021 board of directors

A group of Fort Hays State University students who&nbsp;got to know each other as members of the Tiger track and field squads&nbsp;teamed up&nbsp;for&nbsp;a different&nbsp;competition&nbsp;last month.

Mark Faber, Faith Little, Ryan Stanley and Anthony Ventura designed “MeHe,” a phone app centered on maintaining positive mental health, and&nbsp;won&nbsp;the 2020 Kansas Startup competition with their presentation.

Kansas Startup – founded by Henry&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;IV, instructor of management at FHSU, in 2013 – was run over a weekend since its beginning.&nbsp;This year the event took place in two parts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part was a workshop on Nov. 7 in the Memorial Union, facilitated by Dr. Rick&nbsp;Edgeman, chair of the Department of Management. The workshop&nbsp;– Concept to Customer: A Creative Path to Success!&nbsp;–&nbsp;focused on creating successful entrepreneurial ideas.&nbsp;The second part took place a&nbsp;week later,&nbsp;when&nbsp;teamspresented&nbsp;one at a time in&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Scholarship Hall, and the judges watched and asked questions via Zoom.

Schwaller&nbsp;is one of the major sponsors of the event, along with Commerce Bank of Hays, Midwest Energy,&nbsp;NetWorkKansas and Peter Werth, an FHSU alum,&nbsp;for whom&nbsp;FHSU’sWerth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named.

In the past,&nbsp;the experiential, hands-on experience featured students and community members who are interested in starting a business or non-profit or solving a community problem&nbsp;and&nbsp;helps guide participants through the process of generating ideas and refining those ideas into a viable opportunity.

This&nbsp;year’s participants were all FHSU students.&nbsp;The second-place team’s presentation was “Tiger Sweets,” Teammates&nbsp;Jade&nbsp;Artzer, a&nbsp;general studies&nbsp;major from&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Grace Carder, art education&nbsp;major, Concordia;&nbsp;Kimberly Stone, English&nbsp;major, Ottawa; and&nbsp;Ronald&nbsp;Storrer, business administration&nbsp;major, Hays.

The third-place team of two students from Kansas City, Kan. – Ethan Fleming (finance major) and&nbsp;Rheijan&nbsp;Villegas (information networking and telecommunications)&nbsp;–&nbsp;developed “ISO – Kinesis kit,”&nbsp;a training device/motion tracker for athletes and trainers.

Although the event took on a different look&nbsp;in 2020,&nbsp;Schwallerwas pleased with&nbsp;the outcome.

“Our judges are always pleased with how creative our students are and the innovative ideas they&nbsp;come up with,”&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;said. “This year, I noticed how compassionate the teams were, that they were all about helping people.”

Little – a communication major from Holton&nbsp;– recruited her teammates with specific goals in mind. Stanley is a business major, while Faber and Ventura are both pre-med majors. Faber had experience with Kansas Startup as a member of last year’s second-place team, and Ventura also is experienced in the technology of coding and programming.

Little said she thought the diversity of her teammates’ backgrounds and majors would prove beneficial. The team brainstormed for about two hours before coming up with their idea for the competition.

“We know that mental health is an issue that is especially relevant now during the pandemic,” she said.

The app&nbsp;concept they developed&nbsp;features a daily mental health survey for the user and&nbsp;a way for them to&nbsp;connect with friends to see how they are doing. It includes five questions about mental health indicators.

Stanley said another team goal is to provide a better understanding of mental health.

“We’ve all identified with having friends with mental health issues,” he said. “Right now, people are struggling with isolation while being quarantined because of the virus.”

Little said she learned a lot during the preparation for her team’s presentation.

“The biggest thing for me was realizing that anyone can see where there are gaps in our society,&nbsp;and everyone has the opportunity&nbsp;to take action to help the community," she said. "Anyone can make a difference."&nbsp;

Little and her teammates are excited about building the app to go live.

“We want to be able to help make people’s lives better,” Ventura said. “We wanted to capitalize on overcoming&nbsp;the stigma&nbsp;of mental health issues. It’s&nbsp;really important now with the virus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608069904522.jpeg" alt="Members of the winning team for Kansas Startup 2020 are, from left: FHSU students Faith Little, Ryan Stanley, Mark Faber and Anthony Ventura." />
 <figcaption>Members of the winning team for Kansas Startup 2020 are, from left: FHSU students Faith Little, Ryan Stanley, Mark Faber and Anthony Ventura.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA group of Fort Hays State University students who&nbsp;got to know each other as members of the Tiger track and field squads&nbsp;teamed up&nbsp;for&nbsp;a different&nbsp;competition&nbsp;last month.Mark Faber, Faith Little, Ryan Stanley and Anthony Ventura designed “MeHe,” a phone app centered on maintaining positive mental health, and&nbsp;won&nbsp;the 2020 Kansas Startup competition with their presentation.Kansas Startup – founded by Henry&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;IV, instructor of management at FHSU, in 2013 – was run over a weekend since its beginning.&nbsp;This year the event took place in two parts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part was a workshop on Nov. 7 in the Memorial Union, facilitated by Dr. Rick&nbsp;Edgeman, chair of the Department of Management. The workshop&nbsp;– Concept to Customer: A Creative Path to Success!&nbsp;–&nbsp;focused on creating successful entrepreneurial ideas.&nbsp;The second part took place a&nbsp;week later,&nbsp;when&nbsp;teamspresented&nbsp;one at a time in&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Scholarship Hall, and the judges watched and asked questions via Zoom.Schwaller&nbsp;is one of the major sponsors of the event, along with Commerce Bank of Hays, Midwest Energy,&nbsp;NetWorkKansas and Peter Werth, an FHSU alum,&nbsp;for whom&nbsp;FHSU’sWerth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named.In the past,&nbsp;the experiential, hands-on experience featured students and community members who are interested in starting a business or non-profit or solving a community problem&nbsp;and&nbsp;helps guide participants through the process of generating ideas and refining those ideas into a viable opportunity.This&nbsp;year’s participants were all FHSU students.&nbsp;The second-place team’s presentation was “Tiger Sweets,” Teammates&nbsp;Jade&nbsp;Artzer, a&nbsp;general studies&nbsp;major from&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Grace Carder, art education&nbsp;major, Concordia;&nbsp;Kimberly Stone, English&nbsp;major, Ottawa; and&nbsp;Ronald&nbsp;Storrer, business administration&nbsp;major, Hays.The third-place team of two students from Kansas City, Kan. – Ethan Fleming (finance major) and&nbsp;Rheijan&nbsp;Villegas (information networking and telecommunications)&nbsp;–&nbsp;developed “ISO – Kinesis kit,”&nbsp;a training device/motion tracker for athletes and trainers.Although the event took on a different look&nbsp;in 2020,&nbsp;Schwallerwas pleased with&nbsp;the outcome.“Our judges are always pleased with how creative our students are and the innovative ideas they&nbsp;come up with,”&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;said. “This year, I noticed how compassionate the teams were, that they were all about helping people.”Little – a communication major from Holton&nbsp;– recruited her teammates with specific goals in mind. Stanley is a business major, while Faber and Ventura are both pre-med majors. Faber had experience with Kansas Startup as a member of last year’s second-place team, and Ventura also is experienced in the technology of coding and programming.Little said she thought the diversity of her teammates’ backgrounds and majors would prove beneficial. The team brainstormed for about two hours before coming up with their idea for the competition.“We know that mental health is an issue that is especially relevant now during the pandemic,” she said.The app&nbsp;concept they developed&nbsp;features a daily mental health survey for the user and&nbsp;a way for them to&nbsp;connect with friends to see how they are doing. It includes five questions about mental health indicators.Stanley said another team goal is to provide a better understanding of mental health.“We’ve all identified with having friends with mental health issues,” he said. “Right now, people are struggling with isolation while being quarantined because of the virus.”Little said she learned a lot during the preparation for her team’s presentation.“The biggest thing for me was realizing that anyone can see where there are gaps in our society,&nbsp;and everyone has the opportunity&nbsp;to take action to help the community," she said. "Anyone can make a difference."&nbsp;Little and her teammates are excited about building the app to go live.“We want to be able to help make people’s lives better,” Ventura said. “We wanted to capitalize on overcoming&nbsp;the stigma&nbsp;of mental health issues. It’s&nbsp;really important now with the virus.”

Fort Hays State foursome wins 2020 Kansas Startup

As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.

Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.

Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.

Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.

We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.

Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.

I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.

Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.

I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.

I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.

While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Gift of tradition

A recently discharged felon was arrested last week in Hays following a reported string of vehicle burglaries that led to a vehicle theft and crash.

Around 2:49 a.m. Dec. 6, the Hays Police Department received a report of a break-in in progress of a vehicle on the 400 block of East Sixth, according to HPD Police Chief Don Scheibler.

The caller said the suspect had a gun, dropped it and picked it up, but according to HPD Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, no weapon was located by police.

Following the report, officers began searching the area for a suspect when another report came in from someone nearby saying they heard tires squealing and a crash, Scheibler said.

That person reported seeing someone who matched the description from the earlier incident flee the scene, and the search moved to the area of the crash.

Isaiah Tai Simpson, 21, was located shortly after and detained after a brief altercation with officers.

Within the crashed vehicle, police reported finding items from other suspected vehicle burglaries.

Simpson was arrested on suspicion of theft, burglary, felony interference, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while suspended.

Dawson said three vehicles were believed to burglarized by Simpson during the evening.

Simpson was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and burglary of a motor vehicle stemming from two incidents in October 2017. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections on Oct. 5 from those convictions, according to online records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608069149732.png" alt="Simpson / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Simpson / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA recently discharged felon was arrested last week in Hays following a reported string of vehicle burglaries that led to a vehicle theft and crash.Around 2:49 a.m. Dec. 6, the Hays Police Department received a report of a break-in in progress of a vehicle on the 400 block of East Sixth, according to HPD Police Chief Don Scheibler.The caller said the suspect had a gun, dropped it and picked it up, but according to HPD Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, no weapon was located by police.Following the report, officers began searching the area for a suspect when another report came in from someone nearby saying they heard tires squealing and a crash, Scheibler said.That person reported seeing someone who matched the description from the earlier incident flee the scene, and the search moved to the area of the crash.Isaiah Tai Simpson, 21, was located shortly after and detained after a brief altercation with officers.Within the crashed vehicle, police reported finding items from other suspected vehicle burglaries.Simpson was arrested on suspicion of theft, burglary, felony interference, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while suspended.Dawson said three vehicles were believed to burglarized by Simpson during the evening.Simpson was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and burglary of a motor vehicle stemming from two incidents in October 2017. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections on Oct. 5 from those convictions, according to online records.&nbsp;

Recently discharged felon suspect in vehicle burglaries, vehicle theft

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The Ellis County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the appointment of Brendan&nbsp;Mackay as the new Public Works Director. Mackay brings 12 years of day-to-day management experience, including 16 months of local government experience. 

Mackay was first a mine&nbsp;engineer and surveyor for Alliance Coal and Springfield Coal in Illinois, followed by an operations&nbsp;manager for Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minn.

In 2015, Mackay came to Kansas to work as the&nbsp;mine engineer for APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division. Mackay then filled the vacant position in&nbsp;Lincoln County as director of the Highway Department.

Mackay and his wife Kelly have two children, Malachi and James. 

“Kelly and I are very excited to join the Ellis County community. It is a beautiful area and we look forward to settling down&nbsp;and establishing roots in the area. Kelly loves crafts and baking treats and is looking forward to&nbsp;being involved in the new community," Mackay said.&nbsp;“Bill Ring has done a great job as the Public Works Director and I look forward to&nbsp;continuing on the positive path he has set forth. I enjoyed meeting the elected and appointed&nbsp;officials and am excited to join the team environment found in Ellis County.”

Mackay is slated to begin his duties in Ellis County on Jan.&nbsp; 4.

At that time, he will work&nbsp;with Ring for approximately one month until Ring's retirement.

“We are very excited to get&nbsp;Brendan on board as our new Public Works Director, as well as into our community," Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said. "We hope everyone welcomes Brendan and his family to Ellis County.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTYThe Ellis County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the appointment of Brendan&nbsp;Mackay as the new Public Works Director. Mackay brings 12 years of day-to-day management experience, including 16 months of local government experience. Mackay was first a mine&nbsp;engineer and surveyor for Alliance Coal and Springfield Coal in Illinois, followed by an operations&nbsp;manager for Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minn.In 2015, Mackay came to Kansas to work as the&nbsp;mine engineer for APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division. Mackay then filled the vacant position in&nbsp;Lincoln County as director of the Highway Department.Mackay and his wife Kelly have two children, Malachi and James. “Kelly and I are very excited to join the Ellis County community. It is a beautiful area and we look forward to settling down&nbsp;and establishing roots in the area. Kelly loves crafts and baking treats and is looking forward to&nbsp;being involved in the new community," Mackay said.&nbsp;“Bill Ring has done a great job as the Public Works Director and I look forward to&nbsp;continuing on the positive path he has set forth. I enjoyed meeting the elected and appointed&nbsp;officials and am excited to join the team environment found in Ellis County.”Mackay is slated to begin his duties in Ellis County on Jan.&nbsp; 4. At that time, he will work&nbsp;with Ring for approximately one month until Ring's retirement.“We are very excited to get&nbsp;Brendan on board as our new Public Works Director, as well as into our community," Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said. "We hope everyone welcomes Brendan and his family to Ellis County.”

New Ellis County Public Works director appointed; Ring to retire

Soon, 20 families in need will be given a very special
holiday gift though a partnership between Can You See Me?, the Schmidt
Foundation and the United Way of Ellis County for the first Ellis County Shop with a
Cop.

On Sunday and Monday, the families will be given an allotted amount
of money to purchase whatever they need for the holidays at the Walmart, 4301 Vine.

While sharing the name with a popular national program,
organizer Demetrius Chance said locally he wanted to do more, especially with
ongoing tensions surrounding police and issues of racial inequality across the
U.S.

“Rather than give a child $100 to go buy a Christmas
present, we thought about doing an event that would give a family an allotted amount
of money and then the family can actually go to Walmart and the parents can
buy food, clothing or basic necessities for that household and then we have
actually reached out to the local police departments to have the officers come,”
Chance said.

Creating a positive perception of police officers for some,
and in general, bringing communities together is a goal of the program, while
also helping those in need in Ellis County.

“I wanted to change that dynamic and change how people are
viewed and how people view police altogether,” Chance said.

Together with organizers Bill Oyet and William Charles,
Chance sees the program as an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a
positive way.

“I’ve never been able to see the other side of a police
officer,” Oyet said. “I’ve never been able to see them as a person, so I think
this is a great combination of putting those two problems, those issues, in the
light in a positive way.”

He met Demetrius in college and started working on other
projects, and officially joined the United Way of Ellis County this year, at first
serving as an intern, and now an administrative assistant.

He said growing up he saw first-hand the struggles of being
a minority and living in poverty — and never saw programs such as this one bring
aid. So with this program, he hopes to give residents an opportunity to see law enforcement interacting
with families and youth in a positive manner.

Charles sees the program as a way to help Ellis County
residents adapt to a more diverse culture.

“I thought it would be a good project to work on because of
my background,” he said.

Charles is from West Palm Beach Florida, a place he
described as diverse, and is now a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University.

“Coming here and seeing the dynamic of Hays, I feel that I
can build my perspective of being outside and having struggles with all of the
hardships that come with being in a diverse community,” he said.

Further, he hopes to change the way area residents view
diversity with programs like this one – and others he is involved with on
campus.

“So coming to Hays, not a lot of people know how to collaborate
with the outside,” he said. “Especially if they are young …,” he said. “Coming
to Hays, I feel like it is really ... it’s really a big difference and I feel like
I can do a lot of things that will help.” 

While the program is a way for organizers to bring people in
Ellis County together, 20 families will have a holiday experience thanks to the
generosity of others in the community, but Chance said the final amount that
families will be allotted will depend on donation totals — and there is still
time to help. &nbsp;

Interested parties can apply to be one of the families
chosen for the program until Dec. 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607984056571.jpeg" alt="Demetrius Chance speaks at a Can You See Me event. He created the group in February and has sponsored several events, including Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Demetrius Chance speaks at a Can You See Me event. He created the group in February and has sponsored several events, including Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSoon, 20 families in need will be given a very special
holiday gift though a partnership between Can You See Me?, the Schmidt
Foundation and the United Way of Ellis County for the first Ellis County Shop with a
Cop.On Sunday and Monday, the families will be given an allotted amount
of money to purchase whatever they need for the holidays at the Walmart, 4301 Vine.While sharing the name with a popular national program,
organizer Demetrius Chance said locally he wanted to do more, especially with
ongoing tensions surrounding police and issues of racial inequality across the
U.S.“Rather than give a child $100 to go buy a Christmas
present, we thought about doing an event that would give a family an allotted amount
of money and then the family can actually go to Walmart and the parents can
buy food, clothing or basic necessities for that household and then we have
actually reached out to the local police departments to have the officers come,”
Chance said.Creating a positive perception of police officers for some,
and in general, bringing communities together is a goal of the program, while
also helping those in need in Ellis County.“I wanted to change that dynamic and change how people are
viewed and how people view police altogether,” Chance said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607983911691.jpeg" alt="Bill Oyet, Demetrius Chance and William Charles — organizers of the first Ellis County Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Bill Oyet, Demetrius Chance and William Charles — organizers of the first Ellis County Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Together with organizers Bill Oyet and William Charles,
Chance sees the program as an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a
positive way.“I’ve never been able to see the other side of a police
officer,” Oyet said. “I’ve never been able to see them as a person, so I think
this is a great combination of putting those two problems, those issues, in the
light in a positive way.”He met Demetrius in college and started working on other
projects, and officially joined the United Way of Ellis County this year, at first
serving as an intern, and now an administrative assistant.He said growing up he saw first-hand the struggles of being
a minority and living in poverty — and never saw programs such as this one bring
aid. So with this program, he hopes to give residents an opportunity to see law enforcement interacting
with families and youth in a positive manner.Charles sees the program as a way to help Ellis County
residents adapt to a more diverse culture.“I thought it would be a good project to work on because of
my background,” he said.Charles is from West Palm Beach Florida, a place he
described as diverse, and is now a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University.“Coming here and seeing the dynamic of Hays, I feel that I
can build my perspective of being outside and having struggles with all of the
hardships that come with being in a diverse community,” he said.Further, he hopes to change the way area residents view
diversity with programs like this one – and others he is involved with on
campus.“So coming to Hays, not a lot of people know how to collaborate
with the outside,” he said. “Especially if they are young …,” he said. “Coming
to Hays, I feel like it is really ... it’s really a big difference and I feel like
I can do a lot of things that will help.” <h2>More help needed</h2>While the program is a way for organizers to bring people in
Ellis County together, 20 families will have a holiday experience thanks to the
generosity of others in the community, but Chance said the final amount that
families will be allotted will depend on donation totals — and there is still
time to help. &nbsp;Interested parties can apply to be one of the families
chosen for the program until Dec. 17.The program is open to anyone in Ellis County.With current funding, he said they are looking to help 20
families, but they are open to more if other organizations or individuals sign up to help the group.“With any additional contributions to this event we could
then take those funds and help even more families,” Chance said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607983650826.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Past this holiday season, Chance hopes the program can continue and to grow in the
future. “Let’s continue, Let’s not stop here,” he said. “We all want
to make it better. We all want to change this rhetoric and do something
positive for other people.”This event is not sponsored by the police department, but
rather in collaboration with them, so funding from outside groups is critical.“People are wanting to help others, and wanting to see
others get help and start relationships with the local police departments,”
Chance said. “We are based on trying unifying this community, all together, no
matter the race, sexual orientation, no matter socioeconomic status. It's just
about coming together as a community and helping one another.”<h2>Can You See Me comes
into its own</h2>Over the course of the year, Can You See Me has grown from an
idea and is now a full-fledged program working to find solutions to social
problems in the area, including the Shop with a Cop program.Chance said he is excited for what they have accomplished so
far this year and looks forward to even more.“For it to grow into
my own brand and to be able to partner with and meet ... people like Bill and
Will who just have that hunger to make a difference in their community and to
assist others, it’s pretty much a dream come true and I hope that this continues
and that other people catch on to being more open to help others,” he said. “This brand is focused on giving a voice to those that are struggling, those
that are faced with adversity and to those that are marginalized.”He said he wants to find ways to change communities for the
better alongside the residents.“In many situations and opportunities, people of color or
people in general are stepping up,” Chance said. “That’s the one thing about
2020 a lot of people are using their voice now, a lot of people are stepping up
and saying ‘I don’t want Hays to be the same, I want to make a change, I want
to be a part of that change, and I want to be a part of a difference.’ ”He hopes the Shop with a Cop programs can be a part of that positive
change.“Things have happened where we can make a difference and we
were given the opportunity to help others and we are going to do as much as
possible and take this as far as possible to help as many people as we can,”
Chance said.For more information about Shop with a Cop, to donate or to considered for the program, contact Chance by phone at&nbsp; 910-336-8597 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:canyouseemehays@gmail.com">canyouseemehays@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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