The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic last spring led to a rapid move to remote operations on the Fort Hays State University campus. In an effort to assist students through the challenging transition, the Division of Student Affairs launched a comprehensive effort to ensure students stayed connected to vital advising and student services resources during the opening stages of the pandemic.

The division recruited more than 100 faculty, staff and students and organized them into 15 distinctive Care Teams, each assigned a specific student group to work with ranging from first-year, on-campus freshmen to FHSU Online all over the world.

Those involved in this innovative and ambitious seven-week virtual student service program reached out to more than 10,300 students to check on their status and to help them deal with the myriad challenges they faced adjusting to FHSU’s move to remote and online operations.

“The Care Team initiative was a way to provide wrap-around support and ensure we extended our hand to every one of our students,”&nbsp;said Dr. Taylor Kriley, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. “This initiative was a true testament to how Tigers care for one another.”

The tremendous success of the initiative led to FHSU’s decision to turn a Care Team program that was created in response to a looming crisis into a permanent element in the university’s student success programming.&nbsp;

Recruitment of faculty, staff and students to serve as Care Teams members for the spring semester is already under way, as is the effort to connect with students who will benefit directly from the enhanced and personal student support provided by the Care Team program. Students who elect to participate in this opportunity will be able to choose from several direct support options, including:

“We are excited to expand on this initiative’s success and build upon our long-standing tradition of providing outstanding care and support for our students,” said Dr. Joey Linn, FHSU’s vice president for Student Affairs. “I am thrilled that the university community is coming together once again to ensure our students feel connected, encouraged and confident in continuing their educational journey during this pandemic and beyond.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607466749072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic last spring led to a rapid move to remote operations on the Fort Hays State University campus. In an effort to assist students through the challenging transition, the Division of Student Affairs launched a comprehensive effort to ensure students stayed connected to vital advising and student services resources during the opening stages of the pandemic.The division recruited more than 100 faculty, staff and students and organized them into 15 distinctive Care Teams, each assigned a specific student group to work with ranging from first-year, on-campus freshmen to FHSU Online all over the world.Those involved in this innovative and ambitious seven-week virtual student service program reached out to more than 10,300 students to check on their status and to help them deal with the myriad challenges they faced adjusting to FHSU’s move to remote and online operations.“The Care Team initiative was a way to provide wrap-around support and ensure we extended our hand to every one of our students,”&nbsp;said Dr. Taylor Kriley, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. “This initiative was a true testament to how Tigers care for one another.”The tremendous success of the initiative led to FHSU’s decision to turn a Care Team program that was created in response to a looming crisis into a permanent element in the university’s student success programming.&nbsp;Recruitment of faculty, staff and students to serve as Care Teams members for the spring semester is already under way, as is the effort to connect with students who will benefit directly from the enhanced and personal student support provided by the Care Team program. Students who elect to participate in this opportunity will be able to choose from several direct support options, including:<ul>
 <li>Level 1:&nbsp;Monthly email communication from a Care Team representative.</li><li>Level 2:&nbsp;Monthly phone call communication from a Care Team representative.</li><li>Level 3:&nbsp;Monthly Zoom meeting and email communication with a Care Team representative.</li>
 </ul>“We are excited to expand on this initiative’s success and build upon our long-standing tradition of providing outstanding care and support for our students,” said Dr. Joey Linn, FHSU’s vice president for Student Affairs. “I am thrilled that the university community is coming together once again to ensure our students feel connected, encouraged and confident in continuing their educational journey during this pandemic and beyond.”

FHSU to reinstate student Care Team program next spring

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The busy Christmas shopping season is in full swing this year at Big Creek Crossing, but with a few twists due to COVID-19.

Hays city ordinance means shoppers are required to wear masks inside the mall and Santa is meeting with children behind a plexiglass shield.

Santa will also be wearing a mask or face shield. Photos with Santa will still be available, but the children will not be able to sit on Santa's lap. They will sit on a bench next to Santa.&nbsp;

"It is a different experience, but we are still glad to have Santa here. It is still something to keep people in that holiday spirit," Branson Hoffman,&nbsp;Big Creek Crossing marketing director, said.

The shopping center has a pet night with Santa scheduled for Wednesday.

See Big Creek Crossing's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/271641067623718/">Facebook page</a> for Santa's complete schedule.

Although several of Big Creek's holiday events had to be canceled this year, including its annual wine tasting event and Fort Hays State University basketball team autograph signing event. Big Creek Crossing's annual Holiday Craft Fair is still scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.&nbsp;

Hoffman said he still has slots available for vendors, but he is filling up fast. The mall limited the number of vendors this year to allow for more social distancing. A vendor application form can be found on the mall's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/391917998710646">Facebook page</a>.

Big Creek Crossing has back some of its usual seasonal businesses. The Nut Place with its cinnamon nuts and fudge is back in center court.&nbsp;

Go! Calendar &amp; Games also has its usual seasonal kiosk in the north wing.

Western Sunset Creations by Roxane Dorzweiler is also back again this year and is occupying the former Payless Shoe space. She is selling homemade bierocks and sausage as well as other gift items. Western Sunset is open during the weekends.

If you don't have a tree yet, Ponderosa Tree Farm &amp; Nursery from Ogallah is selling Christmas trees and wreaths in the Big Creek Crossing parking lot.&nbsp;

The trees were fresh cut&nbsp;on Nov. 19 in Minnesota.&nbsp; Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

When you buy any wreath from Ponderosa a portion of the proceeds will help fund the Hays Special Olympics.

&nbsp;A mattress liquidation store opened  Nov. 20 in the former Hallmark space. The business is temporary.

The pandemic has hit mall businesses hard as it has many retail stores.

"We have obviously seen a decline in foot traffic," Hoffman said, "but we have seen some pretty positive, I would say impressive, sales numbers from a lot of our stores. ...

"A lot of these are exceeding predictions without COVID even in the picture."

The stores took a hit when they were forced to close during the shutdown this spring, he said.

"When things opened back up there was a pretty big spike in sales for a lot of these stores," Hoffman said. "They are actually pretty pleased with what they are seeing, and we are actually pretty surprised about what we came across."

Harbor Freight and Dollar Tree were deemed essential businesses and have been open throughout the pandemic.

"They have been performing very well," Hoffman said. "We are excited to have those two at the very end over there. I think they are [two] of the best additions we've made in a long time."

The mall also changed its hours this year. It is now open 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Intensity Elite Cheer/Dance/Gymnastics has rented the former RU21 space at Big Creek Crossing. The groups had been looking for a space in the area for some time, Hoffman said.

Some remodeling was required, but the group has already started using the space.

Big Creek Crossing is looking for a company to rent its large space on the north end of the mall where Gordman's was located.

Gordman's parent company, Stage, declared bankruptcy earlier this year.

Hoffman said the mall's leasing company has some promising prospects to fill that space, but nothing has been announced officially.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607550980698.jpeg" alt="Children can still visit Santa this year at Big Creek Crossing, but he will be behind a plexiglass shield and wearing a mask or face shield." />
 <figcaption>Children can still visit Santa this year at Big Creek Crossing, but he will be behind a plexiglass shield and wearing a mask or face shield.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe busy Christmas shopping season is in full swing this year at Big Creek Crossing, but with a few twists due to COVID-19.Hays city ordinance means shoppers are required to wear masks inside the mall and Santa is meeting with children behind a plexiglass shield.Santa will also be wearing a mask or face shield. Photos with Santa will still be available, but the children will not be able to sit on Santa's lap. They will sit on a bench next to Santa.&nbsp;"It is a different experience, but we are still glad to have Santa here. It is still something to keep people in that holiday spirit," Branson Hoffman,&nbsp;Big Creek Crossing marketing director, said.The shopping center has a pet night with Santa scheduled for Wednesday.See Big Creek Crossing's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/271641067623718/">Facebook page</a> for Santa's complete schedule.Although several of Big Creek's holiday events had to be canceled this year, including its annual wine tasting event and Fort Hays State University basketball team autograph signing event. Big Creek Crossing's annual Holiday Craft Fair is still scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.&nbsp;Hoffman said he still has slots available for vendors, but he is filling up fast. The mall limited the number of vendors this year to allow for more social distancing. A vendor application form can be found on the mall's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/391917998710646">Facebook page</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607551104909.jpeg" alt="Ponderosa Tree Farm of Ogallah is selling fresh-cut Christmas trees in the Big Creek Crossing parking lot." />
 <figcaption>Ponderosa Tree Farm of Ogallah is selling fresh-cut Christmas trees in the Big Creek Crossing parking lot.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Seasonal businesses&nbsp;</h2>Big Creek Crossing has back some of its usual seasonal businesses. The Nut Place with its cinnamon nuts and fudge is back in center court.&nbsp;Go! Calendar &amp; Games also has its usual seasonal kiosk in the north wing.Western Sunset Creations by Roxane Dorzweiler is also back again this year and is occupying the former Payless Shoe space. She is selling homemade bierocks and sausage as well as other gift items. Western Sunset is open during the weekends.If you don't have a tree yet, Ponderosa Tree Farm &amp; Nursery from Ogallah is selling Christmas trees and wreaths in the Big Creek Crossing parking lot.&nbsp;The trees were fresh cut&nbsp;on Nov. 19 in Minnesota.&nbsp; Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.When you buy any wreath from Ponderosa a portion of the proceeds will help fund the Hays Special Olympics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607551298740.jpeg" alt="Mattress liquidation opened in the mall in November. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mattress liquidation opened in the mall in November. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;A mattress liquidation store opened Nov. 20 in the former Hallmark space. The business is temporary.<h2>Businesses bouncing back from shutdown</h2>The pandemic has hit mall businesses hard as it has many retail stores."We have obviously seen a decline in foot traffic," Hoffman said, "but we have seen some pretty positive, I would say impressive, sales numbers from a lot of our stores. ..."A lot of these are exceeding predictions without COVID even in the picture."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607551618167.jpeg" alt="The Nut Place kiosk is back this holiday season in the Big Creek Crossing Center Court." />
 <figcaption>The Nut Place kiosk is back this holiday season in the Big Creek Crossing Center Court.</figcaption>
 </figure>The stores took a hit when they were forced to close during the shutdown this spring, he said."When things opened back up there was a pretty big spike in sales for a lot of these stores," Hoffman said. "They are actually pretty pleased with what they are seeing, and we are actually pretty surprised about what we came across."Harbor Freight and Dollar Tree were deemed essential businesses and have been open throughout the pandemic."They have been performing very well," Hoffman said. "We are excited to have those two at the very end over there. I think they are [two] of the best additions we've made in a long time."The mall also changed its hours this year. It is now open 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607551747522.jpeg" alt="Intensity Elite Cheer/Dance/Gymnastics has rented the former RU21 space. " />
 <figcaption>Intensity Elite Cheer/Dance/Gymnastics has rented the former RU21 space. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>New tenant&nbsp;</h2>Intensity Elite Cheer/Dance/Gymnastics has rented the former RU21 space at Big Creek Crossing. The groups had been looking for a space in the area for some time, Hoffman said.The group has signed a year lease.&nbsp;Some remodeling was required, but the group has already started using the space.<h2>Looking toward 2021</h2>Big Creek Crossing is looking for a company to rent its large space on the north end of the mall where Gordman's was located.Gordman's parent company, Stage, declared bankruptcy earlier this year.Hoffman said the mall's leasing company has some promising prospects to fill that space, but nothing has been announced officially.

Big Creek Crossing offering holiday cheer despite COVID

Enter your info for your chance to win! One lucky winner will receive a turkey for the holidays&nbsp;(must be picked up in December)&nbsp;and then&nbsp;10 pounds of hamburger&nbsp;every month through November 2021. This is a prize pack you don't want to miss out on.

<div> <script src="https://embed-756080.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="857fc36f-44fc-4809-a1e0-74410ad682f8" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Enter your info for your chance to win! One lucky winner will receive a turkey for the holidays&nbsp;(must be picked up in December)&nbsp;and then&nbsp;10 pounds of hamburger&nbsp;every month through November 2021. This is a prize pack you don't want to miss out on.

 Happy Holidays Giveaway from Warren's Meat Market

The Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for Dec. 16 has been canceled.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for Dec. 16 has been canceled.The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27.

Ellis Co. Planning and Zoning Committee meeting is canceled

Three-day weather outlook

The First Amendment’s protections for five core freedoms don’t extend
 outside the United States, but there are all-too-many times these days 
you wish they would.

Take the blatant disregard by Chinese officials of a free press’ 
rights in support of democratic principles in Hong Kong, in the case of 
publisher Jimmy Lai, now facing trumped-up criminal charges in connection with — get this — an office-lease issue.

Lai, 71, is a self-made billionaire, rising from penniless immigrant 
to a garment industry tycoon. He’s also publisher of the newspaper Apple Daily,
 one of the few independent news outlets in the city. Lai has been 
arrested at least four times this year, as China’s communist government 
moves to dismantle Hong Kong’s special legal protections for democratic 
rights established when Britain returned the former colony to China in 
1996. A new national security law now being applied in Hong Kong 
establishes penalties including life in prison for such vague “crimes” 
as supporting foreign interference or calling for succession.

In the latest attempt to silence Lai, officials cited him for 
allegedly trying to defraud a building owner by establishing a “private”
 office in violation of a lease with Next Digital, a company Lai owns. A
 judge recently ruled that Lai must remain in jail until at least April,
 when his case may be heard.

Lai’s situation is dire and merits world concern, as well as 
immediate attention from the incoming Biden administration, even though 
Lai called for the re-election of President Donald J. Trump
 and a Lai aide was linked in November to funding of a spurious report 
about Biden’s son Hunter and fictitious business deals in China.

In August, following Lai’s third arrest, Trump called the action “a 
terrible thing” and said Lai was a “brave man” fighting on behalf of 
democracy in China and worldwide. Lai is an open admirer of what he 
calls Trump’s hardball approach to China on economic matters.

The free press and free speech principles at stake in Hong Kong — and
 the survival of its 24-year era as special zone of freedom within China
 — are larger than any pique over the Lai-Trump relationship.

Moreover, it stands as an example of repressive regimes around the 
world that increasingly threaten the basic human rights protected in the
 U.S. by the First Amendment: Religion, speech, press, assembly and 
petition.

The Biden administration should set out right from the start — in 
word and in policy — that it is an advocate for all five of those 
freedoms. Tie U.S. support, military and financial aid and trade 
agreements to a commitment by other nations to real protection or the 
swift reintroduction of those freedoms worldwide.

The U.S. has lost moral high ground globally on freedom of the press 
as a result of not just the ongoing conflict with Trump — particularly 
with his claim that journalists are “enemies of the people” — but also 
with the collapse of the economic underpinnings of traditional media 
organizations, worsened by the disruption and disinformation spread as 
“news” through social media.

In yet another blow to the goal of First Amendment freedoms being 
deployed worldwide, Freedom House, which tracks internet freedom around 
the world, notes that the coronavirus pandemic is a factor in 
accelerating a dramatic decline in free expression globally, as 
tyrannical leaders use anti-COVID-19 measures as excuses to restrict the
 flow of news and to punish or prevent protest against government 
policies.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that 25 
journalists have been killed in 2020 around the world, with 64 more 
missing, and that more than 250 journalists remain jailed. Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan recently wrote that CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon has suggested Biden name a special envoy for press freedom, reporting to the Secretary of State.

A first stop for such an envoy certainly could be in Hong Kong — once
 thought as a possible beacon of democracy that would encourage more 
freedom throughout China. Lai is one of hundreds, if not thousands, 
caught up in moves by China’s leadership to extinguish that beacon.

“You can deliver freedom through the media,” Lai once said when asked
 why his newspaper took such bold stands despite the dangers.

Let’s hope media — calling new attention to his plight, combined with
 new U.S. government efforts as Biden takes office — can deliver in 
return: Freedom for Lai from jail in Hong Kong but also freedom in the 
larger sense, for nations from Turkey to Venezuela to Myanmar to Egypt 
and wherever else free expression and religious liberty are under 
attack.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>The First Amendment’s protections for five core freedoms don’t extend
 outside the United States, but there are all-too-many times these days 
you wish they would.Take the blatant disregard by Chinese officials of a free press’ 
rights in support of democratic principles in Hong Kong, in the case of 
publisher Jimmy Lai, now facing trumped-up criminal charges in connection with — get this — an office-lease issue.Lai, 71, is a self-made billionaire, rising from penniless immigrant 
to a garment industry tycoon. He’s also publisher of the newspaper Apple Daily,
 one of the few independent news outlets in the city. Lai has been 
arrested at least four times this year, as China’s communist government 
moves to dismantle Hong Kong’s special legal protections for democratic 
rights established when Britain returned the former colony to China in 
1996. A new national security law now being applied in Hong Kong 
establishes penalties including life in prison for such vague “crimes” 
as supporting foreign interference or calling for succession.In the latest attempt to silence Lai, officials cited him for 
allegedly trying to defraud a building owner by establishing a “private”
 office in violation of a lease with Next Digital, a company Lai owns. A
 judge recently ruled that Lai must remain in jail until at least April,
 when his case may be heard.Lai’s situation is dire and merits world concern, as well as 
immediate attention from the incoming Biden administration, even though 
Lai called for the re-election of President Donald J. Trump
 and a Lai aide was linked in November to funding of a spurious report 
about Biden’s son Hunter and fictitious business deals in China.In August, following Lai’s third arrest, Trump called the action “a 
terrible thing” and said Lai was a “brave man” fighting on behalf of 
democracy in China and worldwide. Lai is an open admirer of what he 
calls Trump’s hardball approach to China on economic matters.The free press and free speech principles at stake in Hong Kong — and
 the survival of its 24-year era as special zone of freedom within China
 — are larger than any pique over the Lai-Trump relationship.Moreover, it stands as an example of repressive regimes around the 
world that increasingly threaten the basic human rights protected in the
 U.S. by the First Amendment: Religion, speech, press, assembly and 
petition.The Biden administration should set out right from the start — in 
word and in policy — that it is an advocate for all five of those 
freedoms. Tie U.S. support, military and financial aid and trade 
agreements to a commitment by other nations to real protection or the 
swift reintroduction of those freedoms worldwide.The U.S. has lost moral high ground globally on freedom of the press 
as a result of not just the ongoing conflict with Trump — particularly 
with his claim that journalists are “enemies of the people” — but also 
with the collapse of the economic underpinnings of traditional media 
organizations, worsened by the disruption and disinformation spread as 
“news” through social media.In yet another blow to the goal of First Amendment freedoms being 
deployed worldwide, Freedom House, which tracks internet freedom around 
the world, notes that the coronavirus pandemic is a factor in 
accelerating a dramatic decline in free expression globally, as 
tyrannical leaders use anti-COVID-19 measures as excuses to restrict the
 flow of news and to punish or prevent protest against government 
policies.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that 25 
journalists have been killed in 2020 around the world, with 64 more 
missing, and that more than 250 journalists remain jailed. Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan recently wrote that CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon has suggested Biden name a special envoy for press freedom, reporting to the Secretary of State.A first stop for such an envoy certainly could be in Hong Kong — once
 thought as a possible beacon of democracy that would encourage more 
freedom throughout China. Lai is one of hundreds, if not thousands, 
caught up in moves by China’s leadership to extinguish that beacon.“You can deliver freedom through the media,” Lai once said when asked
 why his newspaper took such bold stands despite the dangers.Let’s hope media — calling new attention to his plight, combined with
 new U.S. government efforts as Biden takes office — can deliver in 
return: Freedom for Lai from jail in Hong Kong but also freedom in the 
larger sense, for nations from Turkey to Venezuela to Myanmar to Egypt 
and wherever else free expression and religious liberty are under 
attack.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: How about a new push for First Amendment freedoms?

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Despite COVID-19 economic development in Ellis County strong" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tmuz3-f4c811?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Despite COVID-19 Ellis County economy remains generally strong

Free online event offered by K-State Research and Extension.

Signup for the meeting now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/ksucattle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/ksucattle</a>&nbsp;and we will send you a link to join the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607440752011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Free online event offered by K-State Research and Extension.Signup for the meeting now at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/ksucattle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/ksucattle</a>&nbsp;and we will send you a link to join the meeting.

Free online cattle marketing program offered by KSRE

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS announced its annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest/" target="_blank">PBS KIDS Writers Contest</a>, designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning.&nbsp; The contest&nbsp;empowers children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity and build literacy skills by writing and illustrating their very own stories.

“Smoky Hills PBS is committed to helping children build valuable literacy skills through fun, hands-on opportunities to express their creativity and explore their imagination,” said Haley Gagnon,&nbsp;special events coordinator of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Through providing opportunities for Kansas kids to learn and explore through creative writing, Smoky Hills PBS is making a commitment to the children and their long term success, in school and in life.”

Starting now, children in central and western Kansas can submit their entries to the Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest by mailing us their original story, along with an entry form.&nbsp; 

Smoky Hills PBS will select local winners and award prizes and trophies in the spring of 2021.&nbsp; Additionally, local winners will be highlighted on SmokyHillsPBS.org and their stories will be featured in a special presentation of contest winners.&nbsp; This special presentation of winners will be shown on air and online.&nbsp; 

The deadline to submit stories is March 5.

For more information on entry rules and contest resources visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607525186792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS announced its annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest/" target="_blank">PBS KIDS Writers Contest</a>, designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning.&nbsp; The contest&nbsp;empowers children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity and build literacy skills by writing and illustrating their very own stories.“Smoky Hills PBS is committed to helping children build valuable literacy skills through fun, hands-on opportunities to express their creativity and explore their imagination,” said Haley Gagnon,&nbsp;special events coordinator of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Through providing opportunities for Kansas kids to learn and explore through creative writing, Smoky Hills PBS is making a commitment to the children and their long term success, in school and in life.”How the Contest WorksStarting now, children in central and western Kansas can submit their entries to the Smoky Hills PBS KIDS Writers Contest by mailing us their original story, along with an entry form.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS will select local winners and award prizes and trophies in the spring of 2021.&nbsp; Additionally, local winners will be highlighted on SmokyHillsPBS.org and their stories will be featured in a special presentation of contest winners.&nbsp; This special presentation of winners will be shown on air and online.&nbsp; The deadline to submit stories is March 5.For more information on entry rules and contest resources visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS announces annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest

LURAY — Midway Co-op Association, Inc. in conjunction with Land O’Lakes donated a total of $1,000 to the Luray UMC Food Pantry, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwayCoopInc/">social media post</a>.&nbsp;

 Midway Co-op donated $500 and Land O’Lakes matched it for a total of $1,000. 

The donations are for families in need in Luray.  The food pantry supplies nonperishable food items twice per month to families in need.

Land O’Lakes is a regional cooperative that matches dollar-for-dollar cash donations from its local cooperative members such as Midway Co-op.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607529977069.jpeg" alt="Caven Portenier, Midway Co-op Luray station manager, presents a donation check to and Dawn Rose, Luray UMC Food Pantry." />
 <figcaption>Caven Portenier, Midway Co-op Luray station manager, presents a donation check to and Dawn Rose, Luray UMC Food Pantry.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLURAY — Midway Co-op Association, Inc. in conjunction with Land O’Lakes donated a total of $1,000 to the Luray UMC Food Pantry, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwayCoopInc/">social media post</a>.&nbsp; Midway Co-op donated $500 and Land O’Lakes matched it for a total of $1,000. The donations are for families in need in Luray. The food pantry supplies nonperishable food items twice per month to families in need.Land O’Lakes is a regional cooperative that matches dollar-for-dollar cash donations from its local cooperative members such as Midway Co-op.&nbsp;

Midway Co-op donates to Luray UMC food pantry

In 2020, we may have to become more creative to connect with our family. Holidays are typically the one time of year that families from near and far gather for a family celebration. This normally allows families to build or rebuild relationships and create memories that last forever.

Strong families make building relationships a priority and plan for activities that help boost that relationship-building. The time spent together helps build resiliency in children. The term resilience has been used more this year than ever before. Elaine Johannes was the featured speaker last week on “Parenting Through a Pandemic” series with Kansas 4-H. Her topic was “Conversation about family resilience: Getting ready for the winter/holiday break together”. Elaine’s recorded presentation for all to listen to is posted&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/">www.kansas4-h.org</a>&nbsp;under Hot Topics and Parenting through a Pandemic.&nbsp;

Following are some activities that are not expensive to do and they may just help strengthen your family. Make a plan by placing a date on the calendar for one or more of the following activities:&nbsp;

One article I read reported that “Kindness boosts resilience”. Be kind and help build resilience in your family.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2020, we may have to become more creative to connect with our family. Holidays are typically the one time of year that families from near and far gather for a family celebration. This normally allows families to build or rebuild relationships and create memories that last forever.Strong families make building relationships a priority and plan for activities that help boost that relationship-building. The time spent together helps build resiliency in children. The term resilience has been used more this year than ever before. Elaine Johannes was the featured speaker last week on “Parenting Through a Pandemic” series with Kansas 4-H. Her topic was “Conversation about family resilience: Getting ready for the winter/holiday break together”. Elaine’s recorded presentation for all to listen to is posted&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/">www.kansas4-h.org</a>&nbsp;under Hot Topics and Parenting through a Pandemic.&nbsp;Following are some activities that are not expensive to do and they may just help strengthen your family. Make a plan by placing a date on the calendar for one or more of the following activities:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Have a family game night.&nbsp; Choose a game that is fun and includes everyone in the activity.</li><li>Watch a special family movie with popcorn and other snacks to make it a special night.</li><li>Cook together!&nbsp; Baking or preparing special foods or treats are a great way to instill cooking skills in youth.&nbsp; Young children can wash vegetables, set the table or frost cookies.</li><li>Make time for each child individually to build a sense of belonging.</li><li>If you are able to gather with grandparents, have them share stories of the past to help connect their values and beliefs with today.</li><li>Share or start a family tradition</li><li>List five people that you plan to connect with. Do something special for them. Make a card and give them some encouragement. Deliver a small food package or a small gift basket. Give them a call.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>One article I read reported that “Kindness boosts resilience”. Be kind and help build resilience in your family.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Parenting through a pandemic

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🎙 Post Podcast: Infrastructure developments continue in Hays

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Mustang driven by&nbsp; Kendra M. A. Georges, 28, Colorado Springs, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Oakley and lost control due to icy conditions. 

The car entered the north ditch and struck a sign post. EMS transported&nbsp;Georges to the hospital in Oakley. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Mustang driven by&nbsp; Kendra M. A. Georges, 28, Colorado Springs, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Oakley and lost control due to icy conditions. The car entered the north ditch and struck a sign post. EMS transported&nbsp;Georges to the hospital in Oakley. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after car slides on icy I-70

Dear Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall,

As you anticipate serving in the 117th&nbsp;Congress and beyond, I’m asking you to think hard about why you have become a U.S. Senator, one of 100 members of the world’s most powerful legislative body.

The easy answers are (a) that Kansans overwhelming elected you and (b) that you want to do your best for the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beyond that, the question of why you are serving is a difficult, even existential one. Indeed, why, in 2021, would you want the job?&nbsp; There’s the prestige, of course, the chance to accomplish some limited goals, and the security of six-year terms.&nbsp;

But the job also includes a Pandora’s box of downsides.

Let’s be clear, the 21st&nbsp;Century Senate is a hot mess for almost all members not named Mitch McConnell. Once reasonably labeled “the world’s greatest deliberative body,” the Senate now discourages deliberation and crushes most legislative initiatives from rank-and-file members, whether Republicans or Democrats.

Almost without exception, GOP senators have deferred to Majority Leader McConnell, who has displayed no serious interest in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues, from Covid to unemployment to climate change to income inequality.

What, then, are Republican senators to do, assuming their party maintains control in 2021?&nbsp; To be sure, all senators operate within their own policy and electoral contexts, so Jerry and Roger, you face different circumstances.

Jerry, you sit as a medium-seniority, safe-seat legislator who can hold your seat, up in 2022, for at least the next 14 years.&nbsp; You thus have the luxury of charting a path to becoming a major Senate figure in the next decade, especially if you exhibit some measured independence and initiative.

You are unlikely to become a Murkowski/Romney/Collins kind of conservative centrist. Still, you might well emulate Nancy Kassebaum, the most influential recent Kansas senator this side of Bob Dole.&nbsp; Nancy understood the depth of her popularity and understood how this freed her, on occasion, to buck Senate leaders, including Dole.&nbsp; She could stake out a position and know that if she stuck to it, several other senators might join her, as she provided an umbrella for them.&nbsp; With good personal relationships, your stock-in-trade, you might well do the same, especially if you and your colleagues restrain Mitch just a bit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Senate offers many paths to influence, and becoming a Kassebaum-like legislator, coupled with an inevitable committee chair position, could allow you to exert real influence on major issues.

Roger, you’re yet to be sworn in, and you’re unlikely to become as popular as Jerry.&nbsp; But you’re a Republican senator from western Kansas, and that’s essentially a seat for life. This means, from day one, you can plot out what kind of senator you want to become.&nbsp;

There’s no road map, but I’d seriously recommend reading Richard Fenno’s insightful study of New Mexico’s Pete Domenici, “The Emergence of a Senate Leader.” Domenici entered the Senate as a former governor but had to learn how to become influential within that body.&nbsp;&nbsp; Roger, you have the benefit of time and electoral security, take full advantage as you serve all Kansans.

In the end. Jerry and Roger, you’ve won the privilege to serve as one of 100 in a powerful legislative body.&nbsp; Please, on behalf of all Kansans, use this position of power wisely and well.

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall,As you anticipate serving in the 117th&nbsp;Congress and beyond, I’m asking you to think hard about why you have become a U.S. Senator, one of 100 members of the world’s most powerful legislative body.The easy answers are (a) that Kansans overwhelming elected you and (b) that you want to do your best for the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond that, the question of why you are serving is a difficult, even existential one. Indeed, why, in 2021, would you want the job?&nbsp; There’s the prestige, of course, the chance to accomplish some limited goals, and the security of six-year terms.&nbsp;But the job also includes a Pandora’s box of downsides.Let’s be clear, the 21st&nbsp;Century Senate is a hot mess for almost all members not named Mitch McConnell. Once reasonably labeled “the world’s greatest deliberative body,” the Senate now discourages deliberation and crushes most legislative initiatives from rank-and-file members, whether Republicans or Democrats.Almost without exception, GOP senators have deferred to Majority Leader McConnell, who has displayed no serious interest in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues, from Covid to unemployment to climate change to income inequality.What, then, are Republican senators to do, assuming their party maintains control in 2021?&nbsp; To be sure, all senators operate within their own policy and electoral contexts, so Jerry and Roger, you face different circumstances.Jerry, you sit as a medium-seniority, safe-seat legislator who can hold your seat, up in 2022, for at least the next 14 years.&nbsp; You thus have the luxury of charting a path to becoming a major Senate figure in the next decade, especially if you exhibit some measured independence and initiative.You are unlikely to become a Murkowski/Romney/Collins kind of conservative centrist. Still, you might well emulate Nancy Kassebaum, the most influential recent Kansas senator this side of Bob Dole.&nbsp; Nancy understood the depth of her popularity and understood how this freed her, on occasion, to buck Senate leaders, including Dole.&nbsp; She could stake out a position and know that if she stuck to it, several other senators might join her, as she provided an umbrella for them.&nbsp; With good personal relationships, your stock-in-trade, you might well do the same, especially if you and your colleagues restrain Mitch just a bit.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate offers many paths to influence, and becoming a Kassebaum-like legislator, coupled with an inevitable committee chair position, could allow you to exert real influence on major issues.Roger, you’re yet to be sworn in, and you’re unlikely to become as popular as Jerry.&nbsp; But you’re a Republican senator from western Kansas, and that’s essentially a seat for life. This means, from day one, you can plot out what kind of senator you want to become.&nbsp;There’s no road map, but I’d seriously recommend reading Richard Fenno’s insightful study of New Mexico’s Pete Domenici, “The Emergence of a Senate Leader.” Domenici entered the Senate as a former governor but had to learn how to become influential within that body.&nbsp;&nbsp; Roger, you have the benefit of time and electoral security, take full advantage as you serve all Kansans.In the end. Jerry and Roger, you’ve won the privilege to serve as one of 100 in a powerful legislative body.&nbsp; Please, on behalf of all Kansans, use this position of power wisely and well.Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why serve in today’s U.S. Senate?

GREAT BEND — The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy nostalgic, holiday-themed entertainment from the comfort of their own home as it presents its first-ever “virtual” Holiday Concert premiering at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. Livestream information can be found at <a href="https://bartonccc.edu/community/visual_performingarts">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Director of Choral Activities Vern Fryberger said the Holiday Concert is always an exciting show to prepare for and present. 

“The Holiday Concert is a long-time tradition at Barton,” he said. “It's usually in a variety show type format and includes various ensembles and solos performing traditional music of the Christmas season. Although we couldn't present a live concert this year, we wanted to continue the tradition. Happy holidays and merry Christmas from the Barton Music Department!”

The concert will feature Christmas music from all genres performed by Barton’s Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers, Barton Jazz Ensemble and the talented Performing Arts Faculty. Barton’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre, will perform the ballet “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” In a flurry of movement, the dancers will evoke the feeling of a winter’s first perfect snow with every spin and leap.

The concert is free and will remain posted on Facebook and YouTube after the premiere. 

All videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner, with additional videos by dance instructor Danika Bielek and Theatre Technical Director Leon Sobba. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607119754303.jpeg" alt="Students rehearse in the BCC Fine Arts Auditorium." />
 <figcaption>Students rehearse in the BCC Fine Arts Auditorium.</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy nostalgic, holiday-themed entertainment from the comfort of their own home as it presents its first-ever “virtual” Holiday Concert premiering at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. Livestream information can be found at <a href="https://bartonccc.edu/community/visual_performingarts">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.Barton Director of Choral Activities Vern Fryberger said the Holiday Concert is always an exciting show to prepare for and present. “The Holiday Concert is a long-time tradition at Barton,” he said. “It's usually in a variety show type format and includes various ensembles and solos performing traditional music of the Christmas season. Although we couldn't present a live concert this year, we wanted to continue the tradition. Happy holidays and merry Christmas from the Barton Music Department!”The concert will feature Christmas music from all genres performed by Barton’s Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers, Barton Jazz Ensemble and the talented Performing Arts Faculty. Barton’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre, will perform the ballet “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” In a flurry of movement, the dancers will evoke the feeling of a winter’s first perfect snow with every spin and leap.The concert is free and will remain posted on Facebook and YouTube after the premiere. All videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner, with additional videos by dance instructor Danika Bielek and Theatre Technical Director Leon Sobba.

Barton CC to present free virtual Holiday Concert 

State Rep. Rahjes’ infection at issue after meetings of House, Senate

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/11/kansas-house-leaders-warn-members-after-gop-colleague-tests-positive-for-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House 
speaker sent a letter to colleagues Friday notifying them a 
representative attending organizational meetings at the statehouse 
earlier in the week tested positive for COVID-19.

The letter was designed to
 inform lawmakers at meetings Monday to select new leadership for the 
2021 legislative session about the potential of being infected with 
coronavirus. Returning and first-time members of the House and Senate 
convened before breaking into partisan Republican and Democratic 
caucuses to debate, nominate and vote on top legislative offices.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman,
 an Olathe Republican who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this 
year, said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment had been 
notified that the legislator tested positive.

“We have received word 
that a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed among those attending the 
legislative preorganization meeting on Monday,” Ryckman’s letter said. 
“People who were close contacts, defined as being within 6 feet for 10 
minutes or more, have been notified that they are a close contact and 
will be monitored by public health.”

People not considered a 
close contact of the infected legislator, who wasn’t named in the letter
 from Ryckman, were told it was unnecessary to quarantine at this time. 
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 was urged to see a health 
provider, the letter said. It also said people could develop the illness
 five to seven days after exposure, but it could take longer.

The notice to members of 
the House was issued after testing confirmed Rep. Ken Rahjes, a 
Republican from Agra, had contracted coronavirus. He wasn’t immediately 
available to comment on his COVID-19 diagnosis.

Photographs affirm Rahjes 
was wearing a mask on the House floor as GOP lawmakers considered who 
would serve as speaker, majority leader and in other posts for the 
session starting in January.

In addition to spending 
the day at the Capitol on Monday, Rahjes was a guest at the Kansas State
 University football game last Saturday in Manhattan.

Not all legislators in the
 statehouse meetings adhered to common public health recommendations to 
wear a face covering. At least one legislator battling COVID-19, Sen. 
Larry Alley of Winfield, didn’t attend the meetings. Others with fragile
 medical conditions stayed away.

The issue of face 
coverings could be a potent point of contention when the 2021 session 
begins, with some objecting to any form of mask mandate and others 
demanding a requirement. As the virus has infected more Kansans, 
especially in rural areas of the state, a larger segment of legislators 
have worn a mask in public. Early in the pandemic, many Republicans 
refused as nearly all Democrats work a mask. The doubling of COVID-19 
cases and fatalities in Kansas since Nov. 1 prompted additional 
legislators to comply with KDHE recommendations on masks.

Rep. Nick Hoheisel, a 
Wichita Republican who has a desk on the House floor near Rahjes, said 
he wore a mask throughout the day and intended to comply with 
suggestions to wash hands and keep a distance from others due to the 
pandemic. He said he was an advocate for masks, even if it was modestly 
effective in discouraging spread of coronavirus.

“I truly believe wearing a
 mask is a good idea,” he said. “I’m a personal responsibility person. 
Perhaps it shouldn’t be mandated, but we should take it upon ourselves.”

Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan
 Democrat, said he was suprised by the number of Senate colleagues not 
wearing a mask when the chamber gaveled in Monday for the leadership 
caucuses.

All members of the 
Legislature should be required to wear a face covering in the Capitol, 
he said, because legislative staff, security personnel and anyone else 
in the building was expected to do so.

“I’m not going to be around people not wearing a mask,” Hawk said.

Rep. Steven Johnson, an 
Assaria Republican who endured a case of COVID-19, said all but one 
member of House leadership wore a mask during the Monday meetings. The 
inconsistency on mask wearing among rank-and-file members of the House 
is a concern, he said, but can be remedied by application of a mask rule
 covering the Capitol.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” 
Johnson said. “It’s a no-brainer. It has nothing to do with liberty. 
You’ve got to use the tools you’ve got.”

Senate President-elect Ty 
Masterson, an Andover Republican, said he would support a program of 
regularly testing legislators and legislative staff when the session 
convened. Imposing heavy limitations on people entering the Capitol, 
such as a mask mandate, does interfere with personal liberty, he said.

“I think it’s better to 
test,” Masterson said. “I’d like to have testing on a regular basis so 
we can operate as close to normal as possible. I don’t care if you’re in
 a mask-mandate county or not, people are getting COVID. It’s not a 
protection. What we need to do … is to test.”

On Friday, KDHE reported 
the number of COVID-19 fatalities had risen to 2,072, an increase of 131
 since Wednesday. The number of coronavirus-positive people in Kansas 
expanded to 185,294, which was a surge of 5,491 over a two-day period.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607727601593.png" alt="Republican state Rep. Ken Rahjes, walking at far left in this image, tested positive for COVID-19 after attending meetings Monday at the Capitol to select House and Senate leaders for the 2021 session. House GOP officials issues a letter warning lawmakers of possible exposure to the coronavirus. (Screenshot by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Republican state Rep. Ken Rahjes, walking at far left in this image, tested positive for COVID-19 after attending meetings Monday at the Capitol to select House and Senate leaders for the 2021 session. House GOP officials issues a letter warning lawmakers of possible exposure to the coronavirus. (Screenshot by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Rep. Rahjes’ infection at issue after meetings of House, Senate</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/11/kansas-house-leaders-warn-members-after-gop-colleague-tests-positive-for-covid-19/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House 
speaker sent a letter to colleagues Friday notifying them a 
representative attending organizational meetings at the statehouse 
earlier in the week tested positive for COVID-19.The letter was designed to
 inform lawmakers at meetings Monday to select new leadership for the 
2021 legislative session about the potential of being infected with 
coronavirus. Returning and first-time members of the House and Senate 
convened before breaking into partisan Republican and Democratic 
caucuses to debate, nominate and vote on top legislative offices.House Speaker Ron Ryckman,
 an Olathe Republican who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this 
year, said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment had been 
notified that the legislator tested positive.“We have received word 
that a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed among those attending the 
legislative preorganization meeting on Monday,” Ryckman’s letter said. 
“People who were close contacts, defined as being within 6 feet for 10 
minutes or more, have been notified that they are a close contact and 
will be monitored by public health.”People not considered a 
close contact of the infected legislator, who wasn’t named in the letter
 from Ryckman, were told it was unnecessary to quarantine at this time. 
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 was urged to see a health 
provider, the letter said. It also said people could develop the illness
 five to seven days after exposure, but it could take longer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607727654763.jpeg" alt="House Speaker Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, sent a letter Friday to House members notifying them that a representative attending Monday organizational meetings had tested positive for COVID-19. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, sent a letter Friday to House members notifying them that a representative attending Monday organizational meetings had tested positive for COVID-19. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The notice to members of 
the House was issued after testing confirmed Rep. Ken Rahjes, a 
Republican from Agra, had contracted coronavirus. He wasn’t immediately 
available to comment on his COVID-19 diagnosis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th District" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th District</figcaption>
 </figure>Photographs affirm Rahjes 
was wearing a mask on the House floor as GOP lawmakers considered who 
would serve as speaker, majority leader and in other posts for the 
session starting in January.In addition to spending 
the day at the Capitol on Monday, Rahjes was a guest at the Kansas State
 University football game last Saturday in Manhattan.Not all legislators in the
 statehouse meetings adhered to common public health recommendations to 
wear a face covering. At least one legislator battling COVID-19, Sen. 
Larry Alley of Winfield, didn’t attend the meetings. Others with fragile
 medical conditions stayed away.The issue of face 
coverings could be a potent point of contention when the 2021 session 
begins, with some objecting to any form of mask mandate and others 
demanding a requirement. As the virus has infected more Kansans, 
especially in rural areas of the state, a larger segment of legislators 
have worn a mask in public. Early in the pandemic, many Republicans 
refused as nearly all Democrats work a mask. The doubling of COVID-19 
cases and fatalities in Kansas since Nov. 1 prompted additional 
legislators to comply with KDHE recommendations on masks.Rep. Nick Hoheisel, a 
Wichita Republican who has a desk on the House floor near Rahjes, said 
he wore a mask throughout the day and intended to comply with 
suggestions to wash hands and keep a distance from others due to the 
pandemic. He said he was an advocate for masks, even if it was modestly 
effective in discouraging spread of coronavirus.“I truly believe wearing a
 mask is a good idea,” he said. “I’m a personal responsibility person. 
Perhaps it shouldn’t be mandated, but we should take it upon ourselves.”Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan
 Democrat, said he was suprised by the number of Senate colleagues not 
wearing a mask when the chamber gaveled in Monday for the leadership 
caucuses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607727691674.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan Democrat, said all people entering the Capitol during the upcoming 2021 legislative session should be required to wear a face covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan Democrat, said all people entering the Capitol during the upcoming 2021 legislative session should be required to wear a face covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>All members of the 
Legislature should be required to wear a face covering in the Capitol, 
he said, because legislative staff, security personnel and anyone else 
in the building was expected to do so.“I’m not going to be around people not wearing a mask,” Hawk said.Rep. Steven Johnson, an 
Assaria Republican who endured a case of COVID-19, said all but one 
member of House leadership wore a mask during the Monday meetings. The 
inconsistency on mask wearing among rank-and-file members of the House 
is a concern, he said, but can be remedied by application of a mask rule
 covering the Capitol.“Absolutely, absolutely,” 
Johnson said. “It’s a no-brainer. It has nothing to do with liberty. 
You’ve got to use the tools you’ve got.”Senate President-elect Ty 
Masterson, an Andover Republican, said he would support a program of 
regularly testing legislators and legislative staff when the session 
convened. Imposing heavy limitations on people entering the Capitol, 
such as a mask mandate, does interfere with personal liberty, he said.“I think it’s better to 
test,” Masterson said. “I’d like to have testing on a regular basis so 
we can operate as close to normal as possible. I don’t care if you’re in
 a mask-mandate county or not, people are getting COVID. It’s not a 
protection. What we need to do … is to test.”On Friday, KDHE reported 
the number of COVID-19 fatalities had risen to 2,072, an increase of 131
 since Wednesday. The number of coronavirus-positive people in Kansas 
expanded to 185,294, which was a surge of 5,491 over a two-day period.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Kan. House leader warns legislators after Rahjes tests positive for COVID-19

The TMP-Marian girls and boys basketball teams take to the road to open up Mid-Continent League play Friday night at Hill City.

The girls game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow.&nbsp;

The Hertz Rental Car Pregame show starts at 5:40.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games&nbsp; on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian girls and boys basketball teams take to the road to open up Mid-Continent League play Friday night at Hill City.The girls game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow.&nbsp;The Hertz Rental Car Pregame show starts at 5:40.Girls game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2CIT7UfN5hk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zqXSWObsglI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games&nbsp; on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 🏀WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Hill City

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7a.m. Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford truck driven by Zachary Troy Scholl, 38, Melbourne, Florida, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Kanarado.

The driver lost control due to icy roads. The truck entered the south ditch and rolled. EMS transported&nbsp;Scholl to the hospital in Goodland. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607721131274.png" alt="Icy I-70 near Goodland Friday morning -KHP photo" />
 <figcaption>Icy I-70 near Goodland Friday morning -KHP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7a.m. Friday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford truck driven by Zachary Troy Scholl, 38, Melbourne, Florida, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Kanarado.The driver lost control due to icy roads. The truck entered the south ditch and rolled. EMS transported&nbsp;Scholl to the hospital in Goodland. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after truck rolls on icy I-70

The Community Christmas Dinner has had the opportunity of providing a Christmas meal for residents of Hays and the surrounding area for the previous 11 years. It has been a blessing to serve others within our community and to see the community come together to celebrate Christmas! After consideration and conversation, the team has agreed that we are not in a position to host the annual Community Christmas Dinner this year.

We are thankful the community has several wonderful programs that assist with food provision year round.&nbsp; This year the Schmidt Foundation in collaboration with United Way are generously providing an alternative since gathering together is not an option. We encourage those who need/desire a free Christmas meal to sign up.&nbsp; The meal will be available for curbside pickup on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at either The Press (230 E. 8th St.) or Thirsty's (2704 Vine St.) from 3 to 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Please sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.liveunited.us/community-christmas-dinner" target="_blank">www.liveunited.us/community-christmas-dinner</a>.&nbsp; The deadline to sign up is Dec. 16. The physical coming together as a community to celebrate Christ has blessed and reached many, &nbsp;and for some it has become a treasured tradition.&nbsp; We are saddened to not be able to offer that again this year but encourage the community to not lose focus of the real reason for the season.&nbsp; There is and will always be hope to hang onto and His name is Jesus. Merry Christmas! ~Community Christmas Dinner Coordinators

The Community Christmas Dinner has had the opportunity of providing a Christmas meal for residents of Hays and the surrounding area for the previous 11 years. It has been a blessing to serve others within our community and to see the community come together to celebrate Christmas! After consideration and conversation, the team has agreed that we are not in a position to host the annual Community Christmas Dinner this year.We are thankful the community has several wonderful programs that assist with food provision year round.&nbsp; This year the Schmidt Foundation in collaboration with United Way are generously providing an alternative since gathering together is not an option. We encourage those who need/desire a free Christmas meal to sign up.&nbsp; The meal will be available for curbside pickup on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at either The Press (230 E. 8th St.) or Thirsty's (2704 Vine St.) from 3 to 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Please sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.liveunited.us/community-christmas-dinner" target="_blank">www.liveunited.us/community-christmas-dinner</a>.&nbsp; The deadline to sign up is Dec. 16. The physical coming together as a community to celebrate Christ has blessed and reached many, &nbsp;and for some it has become a treasured tradition.&nbsp; We are saddened to not be able to offer that again this year but encourage the community to not lose focus of the real reason for the season.&nbsp; There is and will always be hope to hang onto and His name is Jesus. Merry Christmas! ~Community Christmas Dinner Coordinators

LETTER: Sign up for free Community Christmas Dinner

PAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot overnight in Burdett, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 12:20 a.m., Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm St., in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.

Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call. Investigators from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office, the Larned Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal also responded to assist.

Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm St. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.

The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital. He is recovering from surgery and currently in serious condition.

The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. He was treated for a gunshot wound, and has since been released.

Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to call the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 285-2211.

PAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot overnight in Burdett, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 12:20 a.m., Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm St., in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call. Investigators from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office, the Larned Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal also responded to assist.Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm St. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital. He is recovering from surgery and currently in serious condition.The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. He was treated for a gunshot wound, and has since been released.Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to call the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 285-2211.

KBI: Two men shot overnight in Burdett

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell slightly from 22 on Wednesday to 20 on Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c57b0ee6-7e92-4319-a7ed-3a0947cc8375">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis Co. Health Department announces expanded drive-through testing</a>

There were 67 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 441 active cases, including 17 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,376 recovered cases.&nbsp;

As of Friday, there were 32 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 32 on Thursday, with 29 of those active patients and three in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell to 28 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 2,845 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 14,935 tests administered, 17.9 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.

Corrected 1:45 p.m. Friday to show correct seven-day average of positive tests.

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: Dec. 11, 2020" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tyn5p-f4ad66?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607710118356.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell slightly from 22 on Wednesday to 20 on Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c57b0ee6-7e92-4319-a7ed-3a0947cc8375">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis Co. Health Department announces expanded drive-through testing</a>There were 67 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 441 active cases, including 17 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,376 recovered cases.&nbsp;As of Friday, there were 32 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 32 on Thursday, with 29 of those active patients and three in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell to 28 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 2,845 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 14,935 tests administered, 17.9 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.Corrected 1:45 p.m. Friday to show correct seven-day average of positive tests.<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 falls in Ellis Co.; 67 new cases reported

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball home game against Emporia State scheduled for Tuesday, December 15 has been postponed to a later date due to COVID-19 protocols with the Lady Hornets. 

A rescheduled date will be announced at a later. This is the second time the game, originally set for November 21, has been postponed. Fort Hays State is searching for a replacement opponent to play on Tuesday. The Tigers are still good to play their contest at Newman University on Saturday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607705371756.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball home game against Emporia State scheduled for Tuesday, December 15 has been postponed to a later date due to COVID-19 protocols with the Lady Hornets. A rescheduled date will be announced at a later. This is the second time the game, originally set for November 21, has been postponed. Fort Hays State is searching for a replacement opponent to play on Tuesday. The Tigers are still good to play their contest at Newman University on Saturday.&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀 FHSU women's game against Emporia State postponed

<div><iframe title="Shop Small Shop Ellis wraps up Saturday" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/r28mu-f4c1a9?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

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