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<div><iframe title="FHSU Alumni Association evaluating future events in wake of COVID-19" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/c5hej-f4a910?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: FHSU Alumni Association assessing future events

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

You can get a preview taste of the new Bricks Rockin' BBQ in downtown Hays and help a family whose daughter is struggling with a heart defect.

Bricks Rockin' BBQ, 110 W. 11th, Hays, won't be opening until Jan. 2. However, the Bricks Rockin' BBQ's owners David and Jacob Proffitt are offering a special BBQ platter for $20 from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, to benefit the Kaitlyn Cubillo family.

All of the proceeds will go to the family.

Kaitlyn, 5, was born with a heart defect. Kaitlyn's heart condition has been worsening since she had a Fontan surgery in May 2019.&nbsp;

Although her heart was already headed toward failure, her condition worsen after she contracted COVID-19.

Kaitlyn is not a candidate for a heart transplant and is likely to soon be transferred to hospice care, said Gari Herdt, Cubillo family friend and the BBQ's general manager.

"Medically, there is nothing they can do for her. We are just trying to support the family as much as we can," Herdt said.

Kaitlyn's parents are staying at a Ronald McDonald house in Kansas City to be near her as she receives treatment at Children's Mercy Hospital.

Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased at any Proffitt business, including Tiger Burger, Taco Grande,&nbsp;Kitsune Asian Creations, Auman, The Uptown Fox and Munsch Fitness.&nbsp;

Tickets can also be purchased at Horizon Appliance. If you purchase tickets at Munsch, you can enter to win a 90-day membership to the fitness center. If you buy tickets at Horizon, you can enter to win a TV.

Tickets can also be purchased online by <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundraiser-for-kaitlyn-cubillo-tickets-129245692345?fbclid=IwAR2VG-tuCi-PyAOu2hNVXAxv0pRVlaYrCw5AiTFOvXeb3pWVoSfSDYb38ZQ">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;

Meals will be available for carry out or dine in.

Bricks Rockin' BBQ will serve KC-style pit barbecue with&nbsp;Patsy Denault of Russell serving as the pit master.

Denault has been in the restaurant business for decades. She cooked for Meridy's Restaurant in Russell for 20 years, before striking out on her own with a catering business.

Denault was friends growing up with Jacob and David's sister, so the partnership is a friendship that has come full circle, David said.

She makes her own barbecue sauce, which will be served at the restaurant.

"It is a lot of stuff that I like to eat," Denault said. "We brought out a lot of stuff off the top of my head that I would like to see on the table. I can't wait to serve it."

The restaurant will offer brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, burnt ends, smoked sausage, hot links and sliced turkey slow smoked over hickory or apple wood.

"This is my passion. This is what I love to do," she said.

Sides include fries (loaded or unloaded), sweet potato fries, loaded baked potatoes, cole slaw, fried mushrooms, cheesy corn, smoked mac and cheese, loaded nachos, and Patsy's own recipes for barbecue baked beans and potato salad.&nbsp;

Encores include sweet potato pie, cobbler, chocolate lasagna and wafered banana pudding.

The business will begin with carry-out and dine in and hopes to add deliver at a later date. When the restaurant opens, its hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The name for the new barbecue joint came from the downtown building's past. It was a record store in the 1920s. 

Bricks Rockin' BBQ has a 1980s rock theme with a signed guitar from Rob Zombie and band, a&nbsp; guitar signed by C.C. Deville of Poison, a Johnny Cash signed record,&nbsp;a poster signed by Pat Benatar, and a poster on its way signed by the late Eddie Van Halen.

The Proffitts also have a guitar on display signed by their own brother, Charles Proffitt, who is a studio guitarist in Denver and has played on many studio albums.

The Proffitts own several downtown eateries, including The Uptown Fox, Tiger Burger and Kitsune Asian Creations.

"Jacob and I, our mission has always been to bring up the downtown whenever we can get a building to redo something," David said. "We have always believed the interstate is for the travelers and downtown is for the local people."&nbsp;

David said all of the brothers's businesses have been effected by the pandemic and opening in a difficult economic climate is scary.

"For us, we don't wait for someone else to make it happen," he said.&nbsp;"We have never been the kind of guys who sit around and wait something out. We are just going to keep pushing ahead and doing what we can."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607459235506.png" alt="Cubillo family" />
 <figcaption>Cubillo family</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostYou can get a preview taste of the new Bricks Rockin' BBQ in downtown Hays and help a family whose daughter is struggling with a heart defect.Bricks Rockin' BBQ, 110 W. 11th, Hays, won't be opening until Jan. 2. However, the Bricks Rockin' BBQ's owners David and Jacob Proffitt are offering a special BBQ platter for $20 from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, to benefit the Kaitlyn Cubillo family.All of the proceeds will go to the family.Kaitlyn, 5, was born with a heart defect. Kaitlyn's heart condition has been worsening since she had a Fontan surgery in May 2019.&nbsp;Although her heart was already headed toward failure, her condition worsen after she contracted COVID-19.Kaitlyn is not a candidate for a heart transplant and is likely to soon be transferred to hospice care, said Gari Herdt, Cubillo family friend and the BBQ's general manager."Medically, there is nothing they can do for her. We are just trying to support the family as much as we can," Herdt said.Kaitlyn's parents are staying at a Ronald McDonald house in Kansas City to be near her as she receives treatment at Children's Mercy Hospital.Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased at any Proffitt business, including Tiger Burger, Taco Grande,&nbsp;Kitsune Asian Creations, Auman, The Uptown Fox and Munsch Fitness.&nbsp;Tickets can also be purchased at Horizon Appliance. If you purchase tickets at Munsch, you can enter to win a 90-day membership to the fitness center. If you buy tickets at Horizon, you can enter to win a TV.Tickets can also be purchased online by <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundraiser-for-kaitlyn-cubillo-tickets-129245692345?fbclid=IwAR2VG-tuCi-PyAOu2hNVXAxv0pRVlaYrCw5AiTFOvXeb3pWVoSfSDYb38ZQ">clicking here.</a>&nbsp;Meals will be available for carry out or dine in.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607459287515.jpeg" alt="Bricks Rockin' BBQ,&nbsp;110 W. 11th St., Hays, will open to the general public on Jan. 2." />
 <figcaption>Bricks Rockin' BBQ,&nbsp;110 W. 11th St., Hays, will open to the general public on Jan. 2.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bricks Rockin' BBQ will serve KC-style pit barbecue with&nbsp;Patsy Denault of Russell serving as the pit master.Denault has been in the restaurant business for decades. She cooked for Meridy's Restaurant in Russell for 20 years, before striking out on her own with a catering business.Denault was friends growing up with Jacob and David's sister, so the partnership is a friendship that has come full circle, David said.She makes her own barbecue sauce, which will be served at the restaurant."It is a lot of stuff that I like to eat," Denault said. "We brought out a lot of stuff off the top of my head that I would like to see on the table. I can't wait to serve it."The restaurant will offer brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, burnt ends, smoked sausage, hot links and sliced turkey slow smoked over hickory or apple wood."This is my passion. This is what I love to do," she said.Sides include fries (loaded or unloaded), sweet potato fries, loaded baked potatoes, cole slaw, fried mushrooms, cheesy corn, smoked mac and cheese, loaded nachos, and Patsy's own recipes for barbecue baked beans and potato salad.&nbsp;Encores include sweet potato pie, cobbler, chocolate lasagna and wafered banana pudding.The business will begin with carry-out and dine in and hopes to add deliver at a later date. When the restaurant opens, its hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607459353047.jpeg" alt="A guitar signed by Rob Zombie and his band is on display at Bricks Rockin' BBQ in Hays." />
 <figcaption>A guitar signed by Rob Zombie and his band is on display at Bricks Rockin' BBQ in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>The name for the new barbecue joint came from the downtown building's past. It was a record store in the 1920s. Bricks Rockin' BBQ has a 1980s rock theme with a signed guitar from Rob Zombie and band, a&nbsp; guitar signed by C.C. Deville of Poison, a Johnny Cash signed record,&nbsp;a poster signed by Pat Benatar, and a poster on its way signed by the late Eddie Van Halen.The Proffitts also have a guitar on display signed by their own brother, Charles Proffitt, who is a studio guitarist in Denver and has played on many studio albums.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607459410546.jpeg" alt="An album signed by Johnny Cash is also part of the barbecue restaurant's musical theme." />
 <figcaption>An album signed by Johnny Cash is also part of the barbecue restaurant's musical theme.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Proffitts own several downtown eateries, including The Uptown Fox, Tiger Burger and Kitsune Asian Creations."Jacob and I, our mission has always been to bring up the downtown whenever we can get a building to redo something," David said. "We have always believed the interstate is for the travelers and downtown is for the local people."&nbsp;David said all of the brothers's businesses have been effected by the pandemic and opening in a difficult economic climate is scary."For us, we don't wait for someone else to make it happen," he said.&nbsp;"We have never been the kind of guys who sit around and wait something out. We are just going to keep pushing ahead and doing what we can."

Bricks Rockin' BBQ to offer preview with fundraiser

The National Weather Service is forecasting a 50 percent chance of snow in Ellis County overnight Thursday and into Friday morning.

Dodge City NWS forecasters predict possible rain turning to snow this evening as temperatures fall, with a chance of snow all day Friday. Accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible in the Hays area, although the Goodland NWS said up to 3 inches could fall farther west.

Skies are expected to clear Saturday, with a slight chance of additional snow overnight Saturday.

Cooler temperatures will hold on through the weekend, with highs in the low 40s projected through Wednesday.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607628164047.jpeg" alt="Dodge City NWS" />
 <figcaption>Dodge City NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service is forecasting a 50 percent chance of snow in Ellis County overnight Thursday and into Friday morning.Dodge City NWS forecasters predict possible rain turning to snow this evening as temperatures fall, with a chance of snow all day Friday. Accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible in the Hays area, although the Goodland NWS said up to 3 inches could fall farther west.Skies are expected to clear Saturday, with a slight chance of additional snow overnight Saturday.Cooler temperatures will hold on through the weekend, with highs in the low 40s projected through Wednesday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607628252295.jpeg" alt="Goodland NWS" />
 <figcaption>Goodland NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Up to 2 inches of snow possible in Hays area overnight

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Hays State University’s traditional, in-person fall commencement ceremony was converted into a series of smaller, college-specific virtual ceremonies.

On Dec.11, FHSU will honor the 2020 graduates by hosting individual commencement ceremonies to represent each of its five colleges. The university’s spring 2020 commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for May of this year, was canceled due to the pandemic. This will be an opportunity for spring and summer graduates to participate in commencement.

The ceremonies will be available for viewing on the official&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYR5zmLwYI8Sa-2FrXYbOW5tG1uzHH_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaI-2FAGliaWE4D4c-2Fgr1z8lLOAzrrnoKu-2FrgTMLKGdPFbNiehVztm12fhiGn65RzRbHQcL-2F5ffDe-2BkqsQNvr98ci7SdknOsJtxrBLFKMUFJiHyb3QuKYeKHTXykwJC59dRQN1Bv9-2B9E3aUEcVVPdtk8jIOSziOrlM1eLRp4cl2qFjilDZZXyxt1yYdm2MFRc7ilA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Fort Hays State Facebook page</a>&nbsp;and on the&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtFN7kIQJTdZlnE2sWDJxmAmpxq5fBRRzHIUDXanAt321QpIK_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaPkiDCnbM3uAs-2FokXlX2SPuj7xNJCL09uaP-2F2dAa-2BZxA9hQM3tCpHQcaMGAWzNKiD5tUV9o7WentgDyTcjhgV94F-2BZOc-2BS6wPbqTDPxYCiY-2FDw-2BA47Ft-2BKP-2FPvPS-2FJYtTbr0m-2BwPeB4yTtW6W9YloGKCaoTzzpCv-2FdInjfcb-2FUVhf69xxVlwfqSxa93oMNE7YQ-3D-3D">Tiger Media Network website</a>&nbsp;as scheduled below:

Friday, Dec. 11, Central Standard Time&nbsp; 8 a.m. – College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 10 a.m. – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship Noon – College of Education 2 p.m. – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences 4 p.m. – Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics

For the latest information on FHSU’s Fall 2020 Commencement, visit the university’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKwGCSEfb6-2Fx37KuxE5mpJcnq3UXO20ENBhx-2B1UVzGlSDAvA_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaBPzl2ToRcq3gfwPTGWPsWs5T-2FlW-2Fdyy-2BlcgNvVcLnNgggInXPlVewQQ5JWJ6KlfNAPP4pKuA7rijZ8Bow-2FA-2Bk87bo7tL7EPeE1O-2Fwdcrj9-2FOylRj90DZK-2F0wZttO4Sryg4JlqE4zZDFQ8LKXXUnXKH3IcnVyV-2BSK32KiQnF6XrDo4c5P4sihYF2UGHFntOKVw-3D-3D">commencement website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607620823910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsIn response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Hays State University’s traditional, in-person fall commencement ceremony was converted into a series of smaller, college-specific virtual ceremonies.On Dec.11, FHSU will honor the 2020 graduates by hosting individual commencement ceremonies to represent each of its five colleges. The university’s spring 2020 commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for May of this year, was canceled due to the pandemic. This will be an opportunity for spring and summer graduates to participate in commencement.The ceremonies will be available for viewing on the official&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtCrpoyDrUwFCFG4KbhtETYR5zmLwYI8Sa-2FrXYbOW5tG1uzHH_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaI-2FAGliaWE4D4c-2Fgr1z8lLOAzrrnoKu-2FrgTMLKGdPFbNiehVztm12fhiGn65RzRbHQcL-2F5ffDe-2BkqsQNvr98ci7SdknOsJtxrBLFKMUFJiHyb3QuKYeKHTXykwJC59dRQN1Bv9-2B9E3aUEcVVPdtk8jIOSziOrlM1eLRp4cl2qFjilDZZXyxt1yYdm2MFRc7ilA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Fort Hays State Facebook page</a>&nbsp;and on the&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtFN7kIQJTdZlnE2sWDJxmAmpxq5fBRRzHIUDXanAt321QpIK_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaPkiDCnbM3uAs-2FokXlX2SPuj7xNJCL09uaP-2F2dAa-2BZxA9hQM3tCpHQcaMGAWzNKiD5tUV9o7WentgDyTcjhgV94F-2BZOc-2BS6wPbqTDPxYCiY-2FDw-2BA47Ft-2BKP-2FPvPS-2FJYtTbr0m-2BwPeB4yTtW6W9YloGKCaoTzzpCv-2FdInjfcb-2FUVhf69xxVlwfqSxa93oMNE7YQ-3D-3D">Tiger Media Network website</a>&nbsp;as scheduled below:Friday, Dec. 11, Central Standard Time&nbsp; 8 a.m. – College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 10 a.m. – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship Noon – College of Education 2 p.m. – College of Health and Behavioral Sciences 4 p.m. – Werth College of Science, Technology and MathematicsFor the latest information on FHSU’s Fall 2020 Commencement, visit the university’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtKwGCSEfb6-2Fx37KuxE5mpJcnq3UXO20ENBhx-2B1UVzGlSDAvA_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemAQODFfPT9ToDadgsIxOxLkA15ci07qUzPf0Sgy0zsATHfFvrlcEgjodV-2FskDWiQF-2BJAkQElCUU3Kb3SHe7YEaBPzl2ToRcq3gfwPTGWPsWs5T-2FlW-2Fdyy-2BlcgNvVcLnNgggInXPlVewQQ5JWJ6KlfNAPP4pKuA7rijZ8Bow-2FA-2Bk87bo7tL7EPeE1O-2Fwdcrj9-2FOylRj90DZK-2F0wZttO4Sryg4JlqE4zZDFQ8LKXXUnXKH3IcnVyV-2BSK32KiQnF6XrDo4c5P4sihYF2UGHFntOKVw-3D-3D">commencement website</a>.

FHSU’s virtual fall commencement set for Friday

As Christmas approaches, so does the danger from those seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to steal from frazzled holiday shoppers, but keeping a few safety tips in mind can significantly reduce the risk.

"A lot of it is what we call common sense," said Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood of measures that can keep shoppers safe.

The first step in safe holiday shopping is planning, he said.

"A lot of it simply comes back to having a plan," Greenwood said. "Decide where you want to go and what you want to do and when you have that plan in place when you run into little hiccups and challenges you are able to stay calm and things tend to go a lot smoother."

One of the most common ways to stay safe is an often repeated message — lock your car doors.

"Make sure before you leave the car that there are no valuables sitting out, especially on the seat or visible through the windows," he said.

Also, a large coat or blanket can be used to cover purchased items inside the vehicle.

He also said, when possible, it is a good idea to drop off items at home while going from store to store.

"Don't tempt those that are looking for an easy way to break a window or open a door and grab a bunch of stuff that they don't have to pay for," Greenwood said. "By covering that up and making sure your car is locked, that's a great step in the right direction."

While inside, Greenwood said shoppers should also be wary and keep personal items close.

"It's too easy to step away from that cart for just one second and when you turn back around that wallet or purse is missing," he said.&nbsp;

Limiting the amount of cash carried can also lessen a shopper's risk.

"We don't want to be flashing that cash and tempting those that have less ethics than we have," Greenwood said. "Make sure you are being discreet with that money."

With COVID concerns this year, many are opting to purchase gifts online, but those that do risk another scourge of shopping theifdom — porch pirates.

Greenwood said an easy way to make sure packages make it inside safely is to sign up for notifications that send an alert when a package has arrived.

"It's a great service they provide because we can go check that front porch and get those packages taken off the porch sooner than later," he said.

A slightly more high-tech solution is the installation of internet-based doorbell cameras that allow the resident to see and record activity around their door, he said.

Once inside the home, just like with vehicles, keeping valuables from being highly visible can be a deterrent.

"Don't provide temptation if you don't need to," Greenwood said.

And even when a resident is inside the home, he said keeping doors and windows locked is a good idea.

After gifts have been opened, keeping the packaging from being seen can also mitigate the risk of being the target of a thief.

"Before you just carry out a bunch of boxes, break those things down and get them into your recycling bag," Greenwood said.&nbsp;

He said labels and item descriptions should be folded inside.

"All they see is that brown interior on the outside; just a bunch of brown cardboard versus seeing those items that you now have inside your house," Greenwood said.

While out checking items off the Christmas list, he said he hopes everyone can stay safe — and remember to bring a face covering.

"Take some time, have a plan, and stay calm and you will enjoy your season a lot better," Greenwood said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607545905950.png" alt="Images courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Small actions can help keep holiday shopping safe" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/bji63-f48d3e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs Christmas approaches, so does the danger from those seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to steal from frazzled holiday shoppers, but keeping a few safety tips in mind can significantly reduce the risk."A lot of it is what we call common sense," said Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood of measures that can keep shoppers safe.The first step in safe holiday shopping is planning, he said."A lot of it simply comes back to having a plan," Greenwood said. "Decide where you want to go and what you want to do and when you have that plan in place when you run into little hiccups and challenges you are able to stay calm and things tend to go a lot smoother."One of the most common ways to stay safe is an often repeated message — lock your car doors."Make sure before you leave the car that there are no valuables sitting out, especially on the seat or visible through the windows," he said.Also, a large coat or blanket can be used to cover purchased items inside the vehicle.He also said, when possible, it is a good idea to drop off items at home while going from store to store."Don't tempt those that are looking for an easy way to break a window or open a door and grab a bunch of stuff that they don't have to pay for," Greenwood said. "By covering that up and making sure your car is locked, that's a great step in the right direction."While inside, Greenwood said shoppers should also be wary and keep personal items close."It's too easy to step away from that cart for just one second and when you turn back around that wallet or purse is missing," he said.&nbsp;Limiting the amount of cash carried can also lessen a shopper's risk."We don't want to be flashing that cash and tempting those that have less ethics than we have," Greenwood said. "Make sure you are being discreet with that money."With COVID concerns this year, many are opting to purchase gifts online, but those that do risk another scourge of shopping theifdom — porch pirates.Greenwood said an easy way to make sure packages make it inside safely is to sign up for notifications that send an alert when a package has arrived."It's a great service they provide because we can go check that front porch and get those packages taken off the porch sooner than later," he said.A slightly more high-tech solution is the installation of internet-based doorbell cameras that allow the resident to see and record activity around their door, he said.Once inside the home, just like with vehicles, keeping valuables from being highly visible can be a deterrent."Don't provide temptation if you don't need to," Greenwood said.And even when a resident is inside the home, he said keeping doors and windows locked is a good idea.After gifts have been opened, keeping the packaging from being seen can also mitigate the risk of being the target of a thief."Before you just carry out a bunch of boxes, break those things down and get them into your recycling bag," Greenwood said.&nbsp;He said labels and item descriptions should be folded inside."All they see is that brown interior on the outside; just a bunch of brown cardboard versus seeing those items that you now have inside your house," Greenwood said. While out checking items off the Christmas list, he said he hopes everyone can stay safe — and remember to bring a face covering."Take some time, have a plan, and stay calm and you will enjoy your season a lot better," Greenwood said.

🎙HPD: Small actions can help keep holiday shopping safe

Enter your info for your chance to win! One lucky winner will receive a gift card package that will satisfy any appetite. It includes: -&nbsp;$50 to Taco Grande - $50 Tiger Burger - $50 Kitsune Asian Creations - $50 Bricks Rockin BBQ - $100 to Uptown Fox - A 90 day Munsch Fitness Single Membership

<div> <script src="https://embed-754432.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="a2639584-699f-445d-ac7e-d61a06f5f800" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Enter your info for your chance to win! One lucky winner will receive a gift card package that will satisfy any appetite. It includes: -&nbsp;$50 to Taco Grande - $50 Tiger Burger - $50 Kitsune Asian Creations - $50 Bricks Rockin BBQ - $100 to Uptown Fox - A 90 day Munsch Fitness Single Membership

Happy Holidays Giveaway from Kitsune Asian Creations

The Hays Regional Airport announces the return of early morning departures to Denver on Jan. 6. New daily departure time will be 8:30 a.m., allowing for passengers to easily connect to flights in Denver. The evening flight arrival time in Hays will be 9:35 p.m.

An additional afternoon flight to Denver will depart at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The full flight schedule can be viewed at <a href="https://flyhays.com/new-flight-schedule/">FlyHays.com</a>&nbsp;and below.

“The Hays Regional Airport is a valuable resource to our community,” said Airport Director Jamie Salter. “We understand the most important aspect of travel from Hays is schedule, and we have worked with SkyWest to offer an early departure for our passengers. With the industry’s focus on health and safety as top priority for the traveling public, this is a great way to start the new year.”

All flight schedules are set by SkyWest, which provides contracted air service for United Airlines.

To make travel as clean and safe as possible, airport visitors will notice additional cleaning shifts and sanitizing stations. Masks are also available for passengers if needed.

To encourage bookings, United Airlines has discounted fares to Denver. United has also eliminated all change fees, allowing passengers to reschedule travel dates if needed.

In an effort to reduce waste, the bottled water in the passenger boarding area has been replaced with bottle filling stations. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle when they travel.

For more information on Hays Regional Airport and its services, visit <a href="https://flyhays.com/">FlyHays.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607523636412.jpeg" alt="Early morning departures will&nbsp; again be available at Hays Regional Airport beginning Jan. 6." />
 <figcaption>Early morning departures will&nbsp; again be available at Hays Regional Airport beginning Jan. 6.</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Regional Airport announces the return of early morning departures to Denver on Jan. 6. New daily departure time will be 8:30 a.m., allowing for passengers to easily connect to flights in Denver. The evening flight arrival time in Hays will be 9:35 p.m.An additional afternoon flight to Denver will depart at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The full flight schedule can be viewed at <a href="https://flyhays.com/new-flight-schedule/">FlyHays.com</a>&nbsp;and below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607523602661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“The Hays Regional Airport is a valuable resource to our community,” said Airport Director Jamie Salter. “We understand the most important aspect of travel from Hays is schedule, and we have worked with SkyWest to offer an early departure for our passengers. With the industry’s focus on health and safety as top priority for the traveling public, this is a great way to start the new year.”All flight schedules are set by SkyWest, which provides contracted air service for United Airlines.To make travel as clean and safe as possible, airport visitors will notice additional cleaning shifts and sanitizing stations. Masks are also available for passengers if needed.To encourage bookings, United Airlines has discounted fares to Denver. United has also eliminated all change fees, allowing passengers to reschedule travel dates if needed.In an effort to reduce waste, the bottled water in the passenger boarding area has been replaced with bottle filling stations. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle when they travel.For more information on Hays Regional Airport and its services, visit <a href="https://flyhays.com/">FlyHays.com</a>.

Early flights return to Hays Regional Airport

MANHATTAN — Saturday, more than 400 Farm Bureau members of Kansas wrapped up business for their farm organization during a virtual session for Kansas Farm Bureau’s 102nd annual meeting. &nbsp; The policies adopted will now become the organization’s road map for the 2021 legislative session. Topics of discussion included&nbsp;livestock marketing, trade and water. &nbsp; Montgomery County farmer Rich Felts was re-elected as president. Others elected to the board of directors include:

Other activities included a host of agriculture-related workshops and speakers including a keynote from Vance Crowe, an update on American Farm Bureau Federation activities from Andrew Walmsley and a townhall with members of the Kansas congressional delegation, including Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen.-elect Roger Marshall, Reps.-elect Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Sharice Davids. &nbsp; KFB also honored retiring Sen. Pat Roberts for his decades of service to Kansans, especially his dedication to ensuring farmers and ranchers had their voices heard in Washington, D.C. &nbsp; County Farm Bureaus and volunteers were recognized for their 2020 achievements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KFBMANHATTAN — Saturday, more than 400 Farm Bureau members of Kansas wrapped up business for their farm organization during a virtual session for Kansas Farm Bureau’s 102nd annual meeting. &nbsp; The policies adopted will now become the organization’s road map for the 2021 legislative session. Topics of discussion included&nbsp;livestock marketing, trade and water. &nbsp; Montgomery County farmer Rich Felts was re-elected as president. Others elected to the board of directors include:<ul>
 <li>George Pretz, Miami County</li><li>Steven McCloud, Harvey County</li><li>Doug Zillinger, Phillips County</li><li>Joe Jury, Gray County</li><li>Kevin Holle, Rawlins County</li>
 </ul>Other activities included a host of agriculture-related workshops and speakers including a keynote from Vance Crowe, an update on American Farm Bureau Federation activities from Andrew Walmsley and a townhall with members of the Kansas congressional delegation, including Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen.-elect Roger Marshall, Reps.-elect Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, and Rep. Sharice Davids. &nbsp; KFB also honored retiring Sen. Pat Roberts for his decades of service to Kansans, especially his dedication to ensuring farmers and ranchers had their voices heard in Washington, D.C. &nbsp; County Farm Bureaus and volunteers were recognized for their 2020 achievements.

NW Kan. farmers named to board of Kansas Farm Bureau

No appointment necessary — taking pictures as pets come. Please remember be mindful of social distancing while waiting your turn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607448337288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>No appointment necessary — taking pictures as pets come. Please remember be mindful of social distancing while waiting your turn.

Pet pix with Santa to benefit new WaKeeney dog park

Three-day weather outlook

The directions to a desolate farmstead northwest of Syracuse led me through mile-after-mile of huge open crop fields and immense rocky pastures where the only green plant life seemed to be seas of thriving Yuca. Occasionally, buildings appeared on the horizon several miles away only to disappear behind the next hill. If I wasn’t in the middle of nowhere, it was certainly just over the next rise.

I traveled here to spend a couple days with a friend, John Borror and to help him on his western KS trapline. There in cattle country, ranchers rely on trapping to help control coyotes and other predators that prey of young spring calves. I finally spotted the grain bins he told me to look for and drove back a long dusty lane to find his trailer set up in front a big hay shed. He converted a long horse trailer into living quarters in the front and storage for freezers and trapping supplies in the rear.&nbsp;

John has trapped around his home in southeastern KS since he was a kid. When he married and started a family, his responsibility as a husband and a dad, plus a full-time job forced a lot of his trapping to be done in the dark, either before or after work. In 2010, with his 4 girls long-since on their own, and retired from his job, John began pursuing a dream of running long, extensive trap lines in other states. The first was in Arizona, then New Mexico and Texas and this was his third-year trapping around Syracuse, KS.&nbsp;

Each morning was a new adventure as we wound our way from trap site to trap site. Traps near the barely-flowing Arkansas River yielded mostly bobcats and an occasional coyote that travel the weedy field edges and tractor paths lined with dead tamaracks as they hunt for rabbits and other small game. Farther from the river, traps placed along crop land where field edges meet weedy cover or CRP, and in field corners that are natural “funnel” areas from one type of habitat to another, catch traveling coyotes, swift foxes and badgers. In the immense, sprawling, rocky rolling tracts of land known in that country as pastures, traps set at gateways, along cattle trails and in corners also catch coyotes, swift foxes and badgers. All these trap sites also attract occasional skunks that live in borrowed burrows, and raccoons that live who-knows-where since trees out there are as scarce as rain. At last estimate, John has trapping permission on nearly 40, 000 acres of land around the Syracuse area. One wonders how that amount of land could be trapped, but a 1,000-acre pasture might only have suitable sites for ten or a dozen traps, mostly at gateways and around edges.&nbsp;

At the end of each day, animals are skinned and the pelts layered carefully in a big freezer until he can finish them later. Numerous other parts of the animal are used also; various glands are harvested for making predator trapping bait, skulls of all animals except coyotes are kept to be cleaned and sold to colleges for studies and to collectors, entire bobcat carcasses are frozen, also to be used in making predator bait and bobcat paws are kept for sale to jewelry makers who use the claws.

John figures he has harvested well over one thousand animals on his extensive out-of-state and western KS trap lines. The most exciting was a mountain lion caught in Arizona that was released back into the wild with the help of Arizona wildlife officers. John has also put together a collection of more than 350 antique traps that can be seen at the Wilson County Old Iron Club in Fredonia, KS.

When I asked him why he travels all those miles to trap, he replied “From my years of trapping at home, I know each year where I will set each trap, and it gets repetitive, more like a job, so I like to see and trap new places.” When I left John a week ago, he had caught 70 coyotes, 9 badgers, 8 raccoons, 6 swift foxes, 6 skunks and a porcupine. Wild fur is a self-sustaining crop that will yield these same number of animals each year, forever, if properly managed…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>The directions to a desolate farmstead northwest of Syracuse led me through mile-after-mile of huge open crop fields and immense rocky pastures where the only green plant life seemed to be seas of thriving Yuca. Occasionally, buildings appeared on the horizon several miles away only to disappear behind the next hill. If I wasn’t in the middle of nowhere, it was certainly just over the next rise.I traveled here to spend a couple days with a friend, John Borror and to help him on his western KS trapline. There in cattle country, ranchers rely on trapping to help control coyotes and other predators that prey of young spring calves. I finally spotted the grain bins he told me to look for and drove back a long dusty lane to find his trailer set up in front a big hay shed. He converted a long horse trailer into living quarters in the front and storage for freezers and trapping supplies in the rear.&nbsp;John has trapped around his home in southeastern KS since he was a kid. When he married and started a family, his responsibility as a husband and a dad, plus a full-time job forced a lot of his trapping to be done in the dark, either before or after work. In 2010, with his 4 girls long-since on their own, and retired from his job, John began pursuing a dream of running long, extensive trap lines in other states. The first was in Arizona, then New Mexico and Texas and this was his third-year trapping around Syracuse, KS.&nbsp;Each morning was a new adventure as we wound our way from trap site to trap site. Traps near the barely-flowing Arkansas River yielded mostly bobcats and an occasional coyote that travel the weedy field edges and tractor paths lined with dead tamaracks as they hunt for rabbits and other small game. Farther from the river, traps placed along crop land where field edges meet weedy cover or CRP, and in field corners that are natural “funnel” areas from one type of habitat to another, catch traveling coyotes, swift foxes and badgers. In the immense, sprawling, rocky rolling tracts of land known in that country as pastures, traps set at gateways, along cattle trails and in corners also catch coyotes, swift foxes and badgers. All these trap sites also attract occasional skunks that live in borrowed burrows, and raccoons that live who-knows-where since trees out there are as scarce as rain. At last estimate, John has trapping permission on nearly 40, 000 acres of land around the Syracuse area. One wonders how that amount of land could be trapped, but a 1,000-acre pasture might only have suitable sites for ten or a dozen traps, mostly at gateways and around edges.&nbsp;At the end of each day, animals are skinned and the pelts layered carefully in a big freezer until he can finish them later. Numerous other parts of the animal are used also; various glands are harvested for making predator trapping bait, skulls of all animals except coyotes are kept to be cleaned and sold to colleges for studies and to collectors, entire bobcat carcasses are frozen, also to be used in making predator bait and bobcat paws are kept for sale to jewelry makers who use the claws.John figures he has harvested well over one thousand animals on his extensive out-of-state and western KS trap lines. The most exciting was a mountain lion caught in Arizona that was released back into the wild with the help of Arizona wildlife officers. John has also put together a collection of more than 350 antique traps that can be seen at the Wilson County Old Iron Club in Fredonia, KS.When I asked him why he travels all those miles to trap, he replied “From my years of trapping at home, I know each year where I will set each trap, and it gets repetitive, more like a job, so I like to see and trap new places.” When I left John a week ago, he had caught 70 coyotes, 9 badgers, 8 raccoons, 6 swift foxes, 6 skunks and a porcupine. Wild fur is a self-sustaining crop that will yield these same number of animals each year, forever, if properly managed…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Trapping the Wild West

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days fell from 31 on Monday to 22 on Wednesday.

<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 71 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 432 active cases in the county, including 19 active hospitalizations of 19 Ellis County residents — up 10 since Monday. There have been 2,318 recovered cases.

As of Wednesday, there were 33 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 28 on Tuesday, with 29 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 27.9 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 2,778 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 14,456 tests administered, 18.1 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/2020/12/1607537870829.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 from 31 on Monday to 22 on Wednesday.<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 71 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 432 active cases in the county, including 19 active hospitalizations of 19 Ellis County residents — up 10 since Monday. There have been 2,318 recovered cases.As of Wednesday, there were 33 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, up from 28 on Tuesday, with 29 of those active patients and four in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 27.9 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 2,778 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 14,456 tests administered, 18.1 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/2020/12/1607549779191.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus rate falls in Ellis Co.; 71 new cases reported

Ellis USD 388 and Hays USD 489 will follow the&nbsp;Kansas High School Activities Association ruling Tuesday regarding spectators.

The districts will allow up to two parents or guardians per participant family to attend winter sports events and other activities.

KSHSAA had originally ruled winter activities would proceed without fans, but that decision was appealed.&nbsp;

KSHSAA's latest ruling on spectators will be in effect from&nbsp;Dec. 10 through Jan. 28.

Ellis High School has a wrestling tournament Friday, and the new rules will be in effect for that event for both visitors and the home team, said Donna Schmidt, Ellis High School principal.

Participants will provide the school with the names of the family members attending in lieu of tickets for the tournament Friday.

The Ellis school district will also continue to follow directives from the Ellis County Health Department, Schmidt said.

"We want to remind spectators to wear masks and observe social distancing and follow the mask mandate," Schmidt said.

Superintendent Ron Wilson of Hays USD 489 said Wednesday the district is still ironing out the details of the new policy.

The district hopes to release that policy Monday. Hays High School's next home varsity basketball game will be Friday, Dec. 18.

Kent Michel, superintendent of Victoria USD 432, said late Tuesday he needed to consult with his athletic director on the policy and also planned to discuss the issue with the school board at its next meeting.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis USD 388 and Hays USD 489 will follow the&nbsp;Kansas High School Activities Association ruling Tuesday regarding spectators.The districts will allow up to two parents or guardians per participant family to attend winter sports events and other activities.KSHSAA had originally ruled winter activities would proceed without fans, but that decision was appealed.&nbsp;KSHSAA's latest ruling on spectators will be in effect from&nbsp;Dec. 10 through Jan. 28.Ellis High School has a wrestling tournament Friday, and the new rules will be in effect for that event for both visitors and the home team, said Donna Schmidt, Ellis High School principal.Participants will provide the school with the names of the family members attending in lieu of tickets for the tournament Friday.The Ellis school district will also continue to follow directives from the Ellis County Health Department, Schmidt said."We want to remind spectators to wear masks and observe social distancing and follow the mask mandate," Schmidt said.<h2>Hays</h2>Superintendent Ron Wilson of Hays USD 489 said Wednesday the district is still ironing out the details of the new policy.The district hopes to release that policy Monday. Hays High School's next home varsity basketball game will be Friday, Dec. 18.<h2>Victoria</h2>Kent Michel, superintendent of Victoria USD 432, said late Tuesday he needed to consult with his athletic director on the policy and also planned to discuss the issue with the school board at its next meeting.

Ellis, Hays to allow 2 parents/guardians at sports events

<div><iframe title="Construction; COVID impacts Hays Public Library services" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cdrj4-f48ce0?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: Construction, COVID impacts Hays Public Library services

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkCjdH4QNHo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And the winner is ...

Happy Holidays Giveaway from Nex-Tech Wireless winner!

Hays High School student Jonathan Rupe claimed third place in a national Financial Literacy competition sponsored by Jobs For America’s Graduates this week.

A participant in the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Hays High School, Rupe competed virtually in the contest and was announced the winner last week.

“Seeing Jonathan leap up in excitement as we watched live the announcement brings a huge smile to my face,” said Johnny Matlock, JAG-K Career Specialist at Hays High School. “The entire Hays High JAG-K membership celebrated the news. This award, reflecting hard work and ability, immediately boosted his confidence and self-value.”

JAG National hosted the National Student Leadership Academy in virtual format Dec. 1 to 3 due to the ongoing pandemic. The event is traditionally held in Washington D.C., and a contingent from each state affiliate attends for training and competition.

This year, 10 JAG-K students reached the finals of virtual competitions that culminate the Regional and State Career Development Conferences held in the spring. The four competition categories are Public Speaking (presenting a prepared speech), Employability Skills (participating in a mock interview that includes a resume, cover letter and job application), Financial Literacy, and Project-Based Learning (the student gives a presentation about a project they created and implemented in the current year).

Six JAG-K students placed in the virtual competitions, which were announced on Dec. 3:

Employability Skills 1st Place: Ariana Jimenez, Holcomb Financial Literacy 1st Place: Erica Zhou Wang, Emporia&nbsp; Public Speaking 1st Place: Chrishayla Adams, Topeka High Financial Literacy 3rd Place: Jonathan Rupe, Hays Project-Based Learning Showcase 3rd place: Mariala Martinez &amp; Evonni Martinez, Salina South

NSLA featured leadership activities, daily plenary sessions, exhibits, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.

Although students were not permitted to travel to Washington D.C. this year, JAG sought to make the virtual NSLA event a meaningful experience.

“In this time of COVID, JAG is making sure students get the very best experience they possibly can,” said Mortimer. “Our programs really seized upon the opportunity to compete virtually, and thus we had a really strong showing in the national competitions.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades seven through 12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.&nbsp;

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 40 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include AT&amp;T, Capitol Federal, John Deere, Synchrony Financial, Taco Bell and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit <a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607445400063.jpeg" alt="Career Specialist Johnny Matlock (left) with Jonathan Rupe, Hays High School" />
 <figcaption>Career Specialist Johnny Matlock (left) with Jonathan Rupe, Hays High School</figcaption>
 </figure>JAG-KHays High School student Jonathan Rupe claimed third place in a national Financial Literacy competition sponsored by Jobs For America’s Graduates this week.A participant in the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Hays High School, Rupe competed virtually in the contest and was announced the winner last week.“Seeing Jonathan leap up in excitement as we watched live the announcement brings a huge smile to my face,” said Johnny Matlock, JAG-K Career Specialist at Hays High School. “The entire Hays High JAG-K membership celebrated the news. This award, reflecting hard work and ability, immediately boosted his confidence and self-value.”JAG National hosted the National Student Leadership Academy in virtual format Dec. 1 to 3 due to the ongoing pandemic. The event is traditionally held in Washington D.C., and a contingent from each state affiliate attends for training and competition.This year, 10 JAG-K students reached the finals of virtual competitions that culminate the Regional and State Career Development Conferences held in the spring. The four competition categories are Public Speaking (presenting a prepared speech), Employability Skills (participating in a mock interview that includes a resume, cover letter and job application), Financial Literacy, and Project-Based Learning (the student gives a presentation about a project they created and implemented in the current year).Six JAG-K students placed in the virtual competitions, which were announced on Dec. 3:Employability Skills 1st Place: Ariana Jimenez, Holcomb Financial Literacy 1st Place: Erica Zhou Wang, Emporia&nbsp; Public Speaking 1st Place: Chrishayla Adams, Topeka High Financial Literacy 3rd Place: Jonathan Rupe, Hays Project-Based Learning Showcase 3rd place: Mariala Martinez &amp; Evonni Martinez, Salina SouthNSLA featured leadership activities, daily plenary sessions, exhibits, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.Although students were not permitted to travel to Washington D.C. this year, JAG sought to make the virtual NSLA event a meaningful experience.“In this time of COVID, JAG is making sure students get the very best experience they possibly can,” said Mortimer. “Our programs really seized upon the opportunity to compete virtually, and thus we had a really strong showing in the national competitions.”JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades seven through 12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.&nbsp;The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 40 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include AT&amp;T, Capitol Federal, John Deere, Synchrony Financial, Taco Bell and Walmart.To learn more about JAG-K, visit <a href="http://www.jagkansas.org">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

Hays High student places third in national competition

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

This year, this week, we start our 103rd year at Kansas Farm Bureau having just finished our business session at our 102nd annual meeting. One hundred and three is a big number and a lot of years. Dare I say no year has been quite like the one we just finished up. Note that I did not say it was our hardest year. It was not even our first pandemic at Kansas Farm Bureau, but it was a year a lot of us would like to move past and put in the rearview mirror.

Yes, there have been harder years in the ag community. Years of more extreme drought, heat, rain or pests. I am sure we have seen years with worse markets and more trying times. Maybe not, bad years and good years are so personal to each of us. If you were touched by COVID-19, 2020 may very well have been your worst year ever, and if that is the case, my heart goes out to you.

My point is 2020 was not a good year, and I am sure that most of us hope that 2021 will be a much better one. The one thing I do know is those of us in agriculture have learned to deal with adversity and keep moving forward. We know how to absorb the blow of a bad year and pick ourselves up and keep, keeping on. That is what we do, that is who we are and that is why agriculture is the backbone of the United States.

What will 2021 look like? Who knows? I have seen long-range forecasts, but I do not put much faith in them. As far as the pandemic goes, we have no idea, even the experts are split on what the next 12 months will look like. But I do know this. We will plant the next crop this spring, we will help new lambs, calves, pigs, goats, chickens and horses come into this world. We will persevere with the faith of a farmer and rancher because that is what we do.

We will go to the field and to the pasture with the same optimism that our parents and grandparents carried with them, even through the toughest of times. I also know Kansas Farm Bureau will be right there alongside us making sure our voices are heard in Washington D.C. and Topeka. That voice is one each of us have a note in, coming up from the grassroots and making sure those of us who feed the world are heard.

No, I had no idea what was ahead of us at this time last year, but we made it through it, and I have no idea what is ahead of us in 2021. We will change and adapt just like we have for the previous 102 years, and we can all be proud knowing that we are part of an organization leading the way when it comes to ensuring our farms and ranches survive and thrive no matter what the year brings.

"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/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="brunkow crop" />
 <figcaption>brunkow crop</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher This year, this week, we start our 103rd year at Kansas Farm Bureau having just finished our business session at our 102nd annual meeting. One hundred and three is a big number and a lot of years. Dare I say no year has been quite like the one we just finished up. Note that I did not say it was our hardest year. It was not even our first pandemic at Kansas Farm Bureau, but it was a year a lot of us would like to move past and put in the rearview mirror.Yes, there have been harder years in the ag community. Years of more extreme drought, heat, rain or pests. I am sure we have seen years with worse markets and more trying times. Maybe not, bad years and good years are so personal to each of us. If you were touched by COVID-19, 2020 may very well have been your worst year ever, and if that is the case, my heart goes out to you.My point is 2020 was not a good year, and I am sure that most of us hope that 2021 will be a much better one. The one thing I do know is those of us in agriculture have learned to deal with adversity and keep moving forward. We know how to absorb the blow of a bad year and pick ourselves up and keep, keeping on. That is what we do, that is who we are and that is why agriculture is the backbone of the United States.What will 2021 look like? Who knows? I have seen long-range forecasts, but I do not put much faith in them. As far as the pandemic goes, we have no idea, even the experts are split on what the next 12 months will look like. But I do know this. We will plant the next crop this spring, we will help new lambs, calves, pigs, goats, chickens and horses come into this world. We will persevere with the faith of a farmer and rancher because that is what we do.We will go to the field and to the pasture with the same optimism that our parents and grandparents carried with them, even through the toughest of times. I also know Kansas Farm Bureau will be right there alongside us making sure our voices are heard in Washington D.C. and Topeka. That voice is one each of us have a note in, coming up from the grassroots and making sure those of us who feed the world are heard.No, I had no idea what was ahead of us at this time last year, but we made it through it, and I have no idea what is ahead of us in 2021. We will change and adapt just like we have for the previous 102 years, and we can all be proud knowing that we are part of an organization leading the way when it comes to ensuring our farms and ranches survive and thrive no matter what the year brings."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: Moving forward

A couple of years ago, I wrote an article about all of the efforts that my family went through for holiday visits.&nbsp; My grandparents lived hundreds of miles away, but every year we made a grand effort to go to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with them.&nbsp; It was a great effort on the part of my parents.&nbsp; There were times when we fought blizzards; when we were too busy, making the miles seemed difficult; and then as we grew older and schedules proved more difficult, we still powered through. When I got married, we added my in-laws to the visit schedule, but continued the tradition.

I’d like to talk to you a little bit about what’s going on right now.&nbsp; I wonder what my parents and grandparents would think about the visitation recommendations that are existing because of COVID-19.

I have to think about what my parents and grandparents had been through in their lives.&nbsp; My grandparents were married about the time of The Depression; my great grandmother lived with, and was cared for, by my grandparents for over 30 years; they went through World War II during which my grandmother’s brother was captured and spent the duration of the war in a Japanese prison camp; my grandfather was bed ridden for a year when he broke his neck in a train accident; they went through raising two hemophiliac children, one who died in a playground accident at the age of 8 and the other one who died years later, but still in his early 50s; they persevered. &nbsp;

My parents went through a divorce; they went through some tough financial times; there were multiple moves and different jobs; but in the end, they persevered.

My parents and grandparents are all deceased, but I “guess” that I believe that they would have incredible perspective about the visitation restrictions.&nbsp; I’m sure that my parents would be very concerned about giving my grandparents COVID-19, and my grandparents would be concerned about our health equally as well.&nbsp; I feel like that this one year they would say, “it is worth the effort” not to spend time together as a group. &nbsp;

I’m speculating.&nbsp; I don’t know how they feel.&nbsp; But, I know that they loved each other so much that they would do anything for each other. &nbsp;

If you find that you’re faced with a difficult decision with whom to spend Christmas or other holidays, just make your decision out of love.&nbsp; I don’t have the right or wrong answer. As long as we’re motivated out of the love and respect that we have for our families and desire to not only see them, but to keep them safe, we’ll make the best decisions we can.

What did I do this Thanksgiving?&nbsp; This year, we did not spend time with my sister and her family out of concern, but we did have our children and our grandchildren together.&nbsp; It was a small group, but we sent a lot of love to other family members through texts and phone calls.&nbsp; I feel that next year will be much different and we’ll appreciate even more the opportunity to spend the time together. &nbsp;

During our Thanksgiving meal this year, and I know this coming Christmas, I will recall an incident that occurred at our church several years ago (let me quote from that prior article that I wrote), “As I was looking out the east window of our church, through stain glass, with the sun streaming in, we sang a song ‘People, Look to the East’.&nbsp; Just as we finished that last line of the song, the dark shadow of several birds flew by the windows heading to the north.&nbsp; I felt like it was my grandparents, my parents, and my wife’s parents, flying free, but letting me know they were still with us.”

Though we cannot be together in person, we can still be with family members, both past and present, in spirit.

My sincere heartfelt wish for all of you is that you make it through this pandemic; that you give it the opportunity to bring you closer to your family; and that you see it as a time to become a more caring person with great perspective.

Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578498921842.png" alt="Randy Clinkscales" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clinkscales</figcaption>
 </figure>A couple of years ago, I wrote an article about all of the efforts that my family went through for holiday visits.&nbsp; My grandparents lived hundreds of miles away, but every year we made a grand effort to go to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with them.&nbsp; It was a great effort on the part of my parents.&nbsp; There were times when we fought blizzards; when we were too busy, making the miles seemed difficult; and then as we grew older and schedules proved more difficult, we still powered through. When I got married, we added my in-laws to the visit schedule, but continued the tradition.I’d like to talk to you a little bit about what’s going on right now.&nbsp; I wonder what my parents and grandparents would think about the visitation recommendations that are existing because of COVID-19.I have to think about what my parents and grandparents had been through in their lives.&nbsp; My grandparents were married about the time of The Depression; my great grandmother lived with, and was cared for, by my grandparents for over 30 years; they went through World War II during which my grandmother’s brother was captured and spent the duration of the war in a Japanese prison camp; my grandfather was bed ridden for a year when he broke his neck in a train accident; they went through raising two hemophiliac children, one who died in a playground accident at the age of 8 and the other one who died years later, but still in his early 50s; they persevered. &nbsp;My parents went through a divorce; they went through some tough financial times; there were multiple moves and different jobs; but in the end, they persevered.My parents and grandparents are all deceased, but I “guess” that I believe that they would have incredible perspective about the visitation restrictions.&nbsp; I’m sure that my parents would be very concerned about giving my grandparents COVID-19, and my grandparents would be concerned about our health equally as well.&nbsp; I feel like that this one year they would say, “it is worth the effort” not to spend time together as a group. &nbsp;I’m speculating.&nbsp; I don’t know how they feel.&nbsp; But, I know that they loved each other so much that they would do anything for each other. &nbsp;If you find that you’re faced with a difficult decision with whom to spend Christmas or other holidays, just make your decision out of love.&nbsp; I don’t have the right or wrong answer. As long as we’re motivated out of the love and respect that we have for our families and desire to not only see them, but to keep them safe, we’ll make the best decisions we can.What did I do this Thanksgiving?&nbsp; This year, we did not spend time with my sister and her family out of concern, but we did have our children and our grandchildren together.&nbsp; It was a small group, but we sent a lot of love to other family members through texts and phone calls.&nbsp; I feel that next year will be much different and we’ll appreciate even more the opportunity to spend the time together. &nbsp;During our Thanksgiving meal this year, and I know this coming Christmas, I will recall an incident that occurred at our church several years ago (let me quote from that prior article that I wrote), “As I was looking out the east window of our church, through stain glass, with the sun streaming in, we sang a song ‘People, Look to the East’.&nbsp; Just as we finished that last line of the song, the dark shadow of several birds flew by the windows heading to the north.&nbsp; I felt like it was my grandparents, my parents, and my wife’s parents, flying free, but letting me know they were still with us.”Though we cannot be together in person, we can still be with family members, both past and present, in spirit.My sincere heartfelt wish for all of you is that you make it through this pandemic; that you give it the opportunity to bring you closer to your family; and that you see it as a time to become a more caring person with great perspective.Merry Christmas.Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

CLINKSCALES: Christmas — it’s worth the effort

Fall is a good time to control weedy brome species, such as downy brome, Japanese brome and Cheat. This article will discuss some identifying characteristics of downy brome, as well as control measures.

Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is native to the Mediterranean area and was introduced to New York and Pennsylvania during the late 1800’s. It can be found throughout Kansas in upland settings, often in over-grazed pastures. Downy brome is a winter annual grass that typically emerges in the fall, but can also emerge in early spring (Figure 1). It produces seeds in late spring and is typically the first of the common weedy bromes to flower in spring.&nbsp;

Key identifying features of downy brome and other weedy brome species are shown in Table 1. Seedling leaves have a clockwise twist and are covered with soft hairs. The closed sheath is also covered with soft hairs. The ligule is a fringed membrane. Mature plants can reach up to 2 feet tall with leaves up to 5 inches long. Mature leaves also have long short hairs on both surfaces. Downy brome produces an extensive root system that reaches up to 4 feet deep and is very efficient at withdrawing water from the soil.

The inflorescence or seed head is in an open, droopy, loose branching clusters of seed heads about 7 inches long. Each spikelet contains 4-8 seeds. Spikelets are tipped with an awn approximately 0.75 inches long. The awns facilitate seed dispersal by attaching to animals’ coats and may cause injury to the mouths and eyes of grazing animals.

There is some evidence that once established in a native area, downy brome cannot be dislodged. However, it is possible to control downy brome in winter annual crops such as wheat or canola. Control in wheat is critical, as data suggest that downy brome infestations of approximately 9 plants per square foot can reduce wheat yields 20 to 40%.

Few herbicides labeled for winter wheat will provide excellent control of downy brome and cheat grass. However, fall applications of herbicides such as Olympus, Outrider, or PowerFlex generally provide greater suppression than spring applications. Acceptable control of downy brome and cheat can be achieved by planting Clearfield or CoAxium varieties and applying Beyond or Aggressor herbicides, respectively.

Controlling downy brome in rotational crops is an excellent integrated management strategy. For example, grass weeds are more easily controlled in roundup ready winter canola or with fall or early spring applications of glyphosate before planting a summer crop.

Information provided by Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Specialist.

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607374280839.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fall is a good time to control weedy brome species, such as downy brome, Japanese brome and Cheat. This article will discuss some identifying characteristics of downy brome, as well as control measures.Ecology of downy bromeDowny brome (Bromus tectorum) is native to the Mediterranean area and was introduced to New York and Pennsylvania during the late 1800’s. It can be found throughout Kansas in upland settings, often in over-grazed pastures. Downy brome is a winter annual grass that typically emerges in the fall, but can also emerge in early spring (Figure 1). It produces seeds in late spring and is typically the first of the common weedy bromes to flower in spring.&nbsp;IdentificationKey identifying features of downy brome and other weedy brome species are shown in Table 1. Seedling leaves have a clockwise twist and are covered with soft hairs. The closed sheath is also covered with soft hairs. The ligule is a fringed membrane. Mature plants can reach up to 2 feet tall with leaves up to 5 inches long. Mature leaves also have long short hairs on both surfaces. Downy brome produces an extensive root system that reaches up to 4 feet deep and is very efficient at withdrawing water from the soil.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607373624342.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The inflorescence or seed head is in an open, droopy, loose branching clusters of seed heads about 7 inches long. Each spikelet contains 4-8 seeds. Spikelets are tipped with an awn approximately 0.75 inches long. The awns facilitate seed dispersal by attaching to animals’ coats and may cause injury to the mouths and eyes of grazing animals.ManagementThere is some evidence that once established in a native area, downy brome cannot be dislodged. However, it is possible to control downy brome in winter annual crops such as wheat or canola. Control in wheat is critical, as data suggest that downy brome infestations of approximately 9 plants per square foot can reduce wheat yields 20 to 40%.Few herbicides labeled for winter wheat will provide excellent control of downy brome and cheat grass. However, fall applications of herbicides such as Olympus, Outrider, or PowerFlex generally provide greater suppression than spring applications. Acceptable control of downy brome and cheat can be achieved by planting Clearfield or CoAxium varieties and applying Beyond or Aggressor herbicides, respectively.Controlling downy brome in rotational crops is an excellent integrated management strategy. For example, grass weeds are more easily controlled in roundup ready winter canola or with fall or early spring applications of glyphosate before planting a summer crop.Information provided by Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Specialist.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Battling downy brome

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press

The radiology technician slept in an RV in the parking lot of his rural Kansas hospital for more than a week because his co-workers were out sick with COVID-19 and no one else was available to take X-rays.

A doctor and physician assistant tested positive on the same day in November, briefly leaving the hospital without anyone who could write prescriptions or oversee patient care. The hospital is full, but diverting patients isn’t an option because surrounding medical centers are overwhelmed.

The situation at Rush County Memorial Hospital in La Crosse illustrates the depths of the COVID-19 crisis in rural America at a time when the virus is killing more than 2,000 people a day and inundating hospitals.

The virus is sidelining nurses, doctors and medical staff nationwide, but the problem is particularly dire in rural communities like La Crosse because they don’t have much of a bullpen - or many places to send patients with regional hospitals full.

The staff shortages have forced people like Eric Lewallen, a Gulf War veteran and alfalfa farmer who moonlights as a radiology technician, to mount a last line of defense. To keep the hospital open, he had no choice but to start living in his RV in the parking lot because he needed to be on site as the only remaining healthy staffer to perform X-rays.

“I’m it,” Lewallen said shortly after begging the hospital laundry staff to start washing his scrubs because he had run out of clean ones.

“To keep a critical access hospital open, you have to have X-ray and lab functioning,” he said. “If one of those go down, you go on diversion and you lose your ER at that point. We don’t want that to happen, especially for the community.”

La Crosse, a town of 1,300 people that dubs itself as the “Barbed Wire Capital of the World” and is home to a barbed wire museum, is like many small towns struggling with the virus. Case numbers have soared, there’s an outbreak at the nursing home, and its county has opted out of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest mask mandate.

And there are few larger medical centers to send its sickest patients with the rest of the region also overrun by the virus.

The larger Hays Medical Center, which is just 25 miles (40.23 kilometers) away from La Crosse, was always willing to take patients that needed more advanced care in the past. But it turned away 103 transfers in November alone. In the 14 years prior, it had rejected transfers just twice, said Dr. Heather Harris, the medical director there.

Physician assistant Kai Englert was able to fill in for six days at La Crosse, overseeing several COVID-19 patients, one of whom died after no larger hospital would take the patient. The La Crosse hospital doesn’t have a ventilator and the oxygen it provided wasn’t sufficient with the patient’s “chest full of COVID.” But Englert doubts more advanced would have made much difference because the patient was so sick.

He said the message from large hospitals is: “We are not going to waste a bed on someone who is going to die anyway. They can die in a small town and that is the sad reality of the situation.”

In November, the hospital had to close its attached clinic and turn to a temporary staffing agency to keep the emergency room open after the doctor and physician assistant tested positive for the virus on the same day. The nurse practitioner was also out on medical leave. Currently, a certified nursing assistant is quarantining, and at least two other nurses tested positive previously.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607431447900.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rush County Memorial Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rush County Memorial Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated PressThe radiology technician slept in an RV in the parking lot of his rural Kansas hospital for more than a week because his co-workers were out sick with COVID-19 and no one else was available to take X-rays.A doctor and physician assistant tested positive on the same day in November, briefly leaving the hospital without anyone who could write prescriptions or oversee patient care. The hospital is full, but diverting patients isn’t an option because surrounding medical centers are overwhelmed.The situation at Rush County Memorial Hospital in La Crosse illustrates the depths of the COVID-19 crisis in rural America at a time when the virus is killing more than 2,000 people a day and inundating hospitals.The virus is sidelining nurses, doctors and medical staff nationwide, but the problem is particularly dire in rural communities like La Crosse because they don’t have much of a bullpen - or many places to send patients with regional hospitals full.The staff shortages have forced people like Eric Lewallen, a Gulf War veteran and alfalfa farmer who moonlights as a radiology technician, to mount a last line of defense. To keep the hospital open, he had no choice but to start living in his RV in the parking lot because he needed to be on site as the only remaining healthy staffer to perform X-rays.“I’m it,” Lewallen said shortly after begging the hospital laundry staff to start washing his scrubs because he had run out of clean ones.“To keep a critical access hospital open, you have to have X-ray and lab functioning,” he said. “If one of those go down, you go on diversion and you lose your ER at that point. We don’t want that to happen, especially for the community.”La Crosse, a town of 1,300 people that dubs itself as the “Barbed Wire Capital of the World” and is home to a barbed wire museum, is like many small towns struggling with the virus. Case numbers have soared, there’s an outbreak at the nursing home, and its county has opted out of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest mask mandate.And there are few larger medical centers to send its sickest patients with the rest of the region also overrun by the virus.The larger Hays Medical Center, which is just 25 miles (40.23 kilometers) away from La Crosse, was always willing to take patients that needed more advanced care in the past. But it turned away 103 transfers in November alone. In the 14 years prior, it had rejected transfers just twice, said Dr. Heather Harris, the medical director there.Physician assistant Kai Englert was able to fill in for six days at La Crosse, overseeing several COVID-19 patients, one of whom died after no larger hospital would take the patient. The La Crosse hospital doesn’t have a ventilator and the oxygen it provided wasn’t sufficient with the patient’s “chest full of COVID.” But Englert doubts more advanced would have made much difference because the patient was so sick.He said the message from large hospitals is: “We are not going to waste a bed on someone who is going to die anyway. They can die in a small town and that is the sad reality of the situation.”In November, the hospital had to close its attached clinic and turn to a temporary staffing agency to keep the emergency room open after the doctor and physician assistant tested positive for the virus on the same day. The nurse practitioner was also out on medical leave. Currently, a certified nursing assistant is quarantining, and at least two other nurses tested positive previously.The doctor and physician assistant returned Thursday after finishing their quarantine and were swamped with a backlog of patients.Michael Cooper, the hospital’s CEO, said it was a stroke of luck that he could find anyone to fill in while they were gone given the level of strain on the state’s hospitals. According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 42% of them are reporting staffing shortages.“You go through your contingency plans and in the back of your mind you are thinking, ‘I am going to have to go on diversion and find a bed for these patients in a time where there are no beds to be found anywhere in the state,’” he said. “That is the crisis that I was really concerned about. If I can’t find a provider that can check on these patients then I am going to have to get rid of these patients. And there is no where to send them.”Cooper said he would like to have more nurses, too, because of the volume of patients the hospital is treating, but staffing agencies are charging $140 to $240 an hour. “That is more than I pay my doctor.” Instead he is encouraging overtime, which is up about 20 or 25%.Some of the nurses have taken him up on the offer, working a week straight as the virus surges in the county of 3,300 residents.“We just kind of piece it together,” said Jolene Morgan, a registered nurse who suspects she contracted the illness in September. She quarantined for 14 days, although she was never tested.Lewallen, the radiology technician, acknowledges it might get worse but said everyone is working hard from the kitchen and laundry staff to the nurses. The veteran is trying to keep the proper perspective after his experience in the military.“It’s not like anyone shooting at us or anything, so I am confident we will get through it alright. It will just be a tough spell for awhile,” he said.

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