Thirty-six Ellis County employees were honored Monday night for their years of service with the county by the Ellis County Commission and the Kansas Association of Counties.

The employees received checks and a thank-you gift from the county.

5 Years&nbsp; Merrie Boucher (Treasury), Sharon Honeyman (Clerk), Kevin Haynes (EMS), Kody Niblock (EMS), Charles Dorzweiler (EMS), Dennis Johnson (Public Works), Charles McGinnis (Public Works), Darin Myers (Fire), Amanda Shannon (Treasury), Casey Hammond (Treasury), Janet Schmidt (Human Resources), Caleb Garner (Public Works)

8 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; Adam Comeau (EMS), Pamela Pfannenstiel (Register of Deeds), Charles Gibson (Sheriff), Amber Lang (Environmental Services), Kevin Krause (Public Works)

10 Years&nbsp; Brian Shannon (Sheriff), John Walz (Sheriff), Laura Leiker (Health), Dean Haselhorst (Commission)

15 Years&nbsp; Garrett Brening (Sheriff)

16 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; Kay Rohr (Environmental Services), Rhoda Keener (Attorney’s Office), Tabatha Deines (Sheriff), Charlene Holzmeister (Attorney’s Office), Michael Weber (Appraiser)&nbsp;

20 Years&nbsp; Joseph Wilkerson (Public Works), Scott Reese (EMS)

24 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; David Bittel (EMS), Chris Brungardt (Public Works), Brad Ricke (Sheriff)

25 Years&nbsp; Dustin Shubert (EMS)

30 Years&nbsp; Lisa Ree (Appraiser), David Shuster (Public Works)&nbsp;

35 Years Kevin Bieker (Fire Fighter)

40 Years with Ellis County and KAC&nbsp; Ed Harbin (Sheriff, retired)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612835741280.jpeg" alt="Laura Leiker , Ellis County Health Department employee, is thanked for her 10 years of service Monday night by county commissioners Neal Younger, Dean Haselhorst and Butch Schlyer, and Human Resource Generalist&nbsp;Janet Schmidt." />
 <figcaption>Laura Leiker , Ellis County Health Department employee, is thanked for her 10 years of service Monday night by county commissioners Neal Younger, Dean Haselhorst and Butch Schlyer, and Human Resource Generalist&nbsp;Janet Schmidt.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThirty-six Ellis County employees were honored Monday night for their years of service with the county by the Ellis County Commission and the Kansas Association of Counties.The employees received checks and a thank-you gift from the county.5 Years&nbsp; Merrie Boucher (Treasury), Sharon Honeyman (Clerk), Kevin Haynes (EMS), Kody Niblock (EMS), Charles Dorzweiler (EMS), Dennis Johnson (Public Works), Charles McGinnis (Public Works), Darin Myers (Fire), Amanda Shannon (Treasury), Casey Hammond (Treasury), Janet Schmidt (Human Resources), Caleb Garner (Public Works)8 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; Adam Comeau (EMS), Pamela Pfannenstiel (Register of Deeds), Charles Gibson (Sheriff), Amber Lang (Environmental Services), Kevin Krause (Public Works)10 Years&nbsp; Brian Shannon (Sheriff), John Walz (Sheriff), Laura Leiker (Health), Dean Haselhorst (Commission)15 Years&nbsp; Garrett Brening (Sheriff)16 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; Kay Rohr (Environmental Services), Rhoda Keener (Attorney’s Office), Tabatha Deines (Sheriff), Charlene Holzmeister (Attorney’s Office), Michael Weber (Appraiser)&nbsp;20 Years&nbsp; Joseph Wilkerson (Public Works), Scott Reese (EMS)24 Year KAC Awards&nbsp; David Bittel (EMS), Chris Brungardt (Public Works), Brad Ricke (Sheriff)25 Years&nbsp; Dustin Shubert (EMS)30 Years&nbsp; Lisa Ree (Appraiser), David Shuster (Public Works)&nbsp;35 Years Kevin Bieker (Fire Fighter)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612836306924.jpeg" alt="Retired Sheriff Ed Harbin poses for a picture with Ellis County commissioners marking his 40 years of service to the county. Taking the photo is the new Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun." />
 <figcaption>Retired Sheriff Ed Harbin poses for a picture with Ellis County commissioners marking his 40 years of service to the county. Taking the photo is the new Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun.</figcaption>
 </figure>40 Years with Ellis County and KAC&nbsp; Ed Harbin (Sheriff, retired)

Ellis Co. employees recognized for years of service by commissioners

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $47 per barrel after gaining another half dollar on Friday. That's up more than three dollars a barrel on the week and the best price in McPherson since January 22 of last year. U.S. crude futures prices topped $57 a barrel, while the international benchmark London Brent rose above $60 per barrel. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline had been cheaper year-over-year for more than 340 consecutive days. But AAA says that trend is likely to end soon. The auto club said regular gas is going for $2.27 a gallon in Great Bend. We spotted it as low as $2.24 a gallon at several locations in Hays. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you three dollars more than a month ago, but about three dollars less than last year at this time. Mississippi boasts the cheapest gasoline in the country, with an average price of just over $2.12 per gallon. California and Hawaii were the most expensive at $3.34 per gallon. The average across Kansas was just over $2.21. &nbsp; Operators in Kansas filed 79 intent-to-drill notices across the state last month. The Kansas Corporation Commission reported one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators last year filed just 560, continuing a four-year stretch of declining intent notices. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the rig count in eastern Kansas was down one at seven active rigs, while the count west of Wichita was unchanged at eight. They're about to spud one new well in Stafford County. Baker Hughes says the national Rotary Rig Count through Friday was 392 active rigs, an increase of four oil and four gas rigs. The count in Texas was up seven rigs.&nbsp; Canada was down three at 171 active rigs. Regulators okayed 13 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, 13 of them east of Wichita and six in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in eastern Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by one million barrels to just under 476 million barrels last week, but remain about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government says U.S. crude-oil production dropped by a thousand barrels a day and remained below 11 million barrels per day for the second straight week. EIA said imports increased by nearly one and a half million barrels last week, to 6.5 million barrels per day. Four-week average average imports are down 9.2% from the same period last year. The Association of American Railroads reports rail shipments of petroleum &amp; petroleum products in January were down 6,529 carloads or 12.1 percent from the year before. Total rail traffic last month was up more than five percent. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending January 30 were down more than 14% year over year. There were 11,291 tanker cars rolling the rails last week hauling petroleum products, down more than 12-hundred cars from the week before. Royal Dutch Shell Plc snapped up its biggest purchases of North Sea oil in over a decade, underpinning signs of sharply tightening supplies. Europe’s biggest oil company bought five cargoes last Monday (2/1) and made a further seven bids that didn’t find sellers, according to reporting by Bloomberg. American oil exports from Louisiana’s offshore supertanker port jumped to a record in January as Asian buyers are stocking up on U.S. crude for what they see as a post-pandemic rebound in fuel consumption. Eight vessels set sail last month from the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, the nation’s only facility that can fully load supertankers. Bloomberg reports they're carrying nearly 15 million barrels of crude to South Korea, China and India. That’s double the previous month’s volume and an all-time high for LOOP, as the terminal is known. The Biden Administration went to court last week in an attempt to seize two million barrels of oil that it claims came from Iran. Court filings accuse the Islamic republic of using ship-to-ship transfers to disguise the origin of the oil on board a Greek-owned tanker, and provided a false bill of lading to deceive the owners of the tanker. The owner alerted U.S. authorities to the possibility that it had unknowingly taken on Iranian crude, after initially thinking it came from Iraq, according to reporting by Bloomberg last month. Washington ordered the ship to sail to the U.S. Canceling the Keystone Pipeline expansion could also wind up costing us money. The Premier of Alberta Province in Canada believes he has a good claim for damages under provisions still in place under the NAFTA treaty. The province spent $1.2 BILLION to help jump start construction, and Premier Jason Kenney says President Biden removed the regulatory approvals that were the basis of that investment. Kenney says his claim for damages is, in his words, a slam dunk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $47 per barrel after gaining another half dollar on Friday. That's up more than three dollars a barrel on the week and the best price in McPherson since January 22 of last year. U.S. crude futures prices topped $57 a barrel, while the international benchmark London Brent rose above $60 per barrel. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline had been cheaper year-over-year for more than 340 consecutive days. But AAA says that trend is likely to end soon. The auto club said regular gas is going for $2.27 a gallon in Great Bend. We spotted it as low as $2.24 a gallon at several locations in Hays. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you three dollars more than a month ago, but about three dollars less than last year at this time. Mississippi boasts the cheapest gasoline in the country, with an average price of just over $2.12 per gallon. California and Hawaii were the most expensive at $3.34 per gallon. The average across Kansas was just over $2.21. &nbsp; Operators in Kansas filed 79 intent-to-drill notices across the state last month. The Kansas Corporation Commission reported one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators last year filed just 560, continuing a four-year stretch of declining intent notices. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the rig count in eastern Kansas was down one at seven active rigs, while the count west of Wichita was unchanged at eight. They're about to spud one new well in Stafford County. Baker Hughes says the national Rotary Rig Count through Friday was 392 active rigs, an increase of four oil and four gas rigs. The count in Texas was up seven rigs.&nbsp; Canada was down three at 171 active rigs. Regulators okayed 13 new drilling permits in Kansas last week, 13 of them east of Wichita and six in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Ellis County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in eastern Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude-oil inventories dropped by one million barrels to just under 476 million barrels last week, but remain about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The government says U.S. crude-oil production dropped by a thousand barrels a day and remained below 11 million barrels per day for the second straight week. EIA said imports increased by nearly one and a half million barrels last week, to 6.5 million barrels per day. Four-week average average imports are down 9.2% from the same period last year. The Association of American Railroads reports rail shipments of petroleum &amp; petroleum products in January were down 6,529 carloads or 12.1 percent from the year before. Total rail traffic last month was up more than five percent. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending January 30 were down more than 14% year over year. There were 11,291 tanker cars rolling the rails last week hauling petroleum products, down more than 12-hundred cars from the week before. Royal Dutch Shell Plc snapped up its biggest purchases of North Sea oil in over a decade, underpinning signs of sharply tightening supplies. Europe’s biggest oil company bought five cargoes last Monday (2/1) and made a further seven bids that didn’t find sellers, according to reporting by Bloomberg. American oil exports from Louisiana’s offshore supertanker port jumped to a record in January as Asian buyers are stocking up on U.S. crude for what they see as a post-pandemic rebound in fuel consumption. Eight vessels set sail last month from the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, the nation’s only facility that can fully load supertankers. Bloomberg reports they're carrying nearly 15 million barrels of crude to South Korea, China and India. That’s double the previous month’s volume and an all-time high for LOOP, as the terminal is known. The Biden Administration went to court last week in an attempt to seize two million barrels of oil that it claims came from Iran. Court filings accuse the Islamic republic of using ship-to-ship transfers to disguise the origin of the oil on board a Greek-owned tanker, and provided a false bill of lading to deceive the owners of the tanker. The owner alerted U.S. authorities to the possibility that it had unknowingly taken on Iranian crude, after initially thinking it came from Iraq, according to reporting by Bloomberg last month. Washington ordered the ship to sail to the U.S. Canceling the Keystone Pipeline expansion could also wind up costing us money. The Premier of Alberta Province in Canada believes he has a good claim for damages under provisions still in place under the NAFTA treaty. The province spent $1.2 BILLION to help jump start construction, and Premier Jason Kenney says President Biden removed the regulatory approvals that were the basis of that investment. Kenney says his claim for damages is, in his words, a slam dunk.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude holds at yearlong highs, other stats lag

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.

Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.

“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”

Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.

“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.

He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.

He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.

But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.

“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”

Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.

But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.

With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612878873265.png" alt="Virus variant map image GSAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant map image GSAID</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

No evidence of wide spread of virus variant so far in Kansas

Three-day weather outlook

One of my favorite 4-H events is scheduled for later this month! 4-H Club Day is a time for 4-H members to share their presentation skills in a variety of methods.

For our littlest 4-H members, we have Show and Share which is the start to communication skills as they talk to the judge for a few minutes about something they have done or made in 4-H.

Project Talks give younger 4-H members the opportunity to research and share about one of the 33 project areas that are available in Kansas 4-H.

Showing how to do something is a Demonstration and the youth provide a finished product as part of the step-by-step process.

An Illustrated Talk uses posters or other visual aids to show how to do something.

Older 4-H members can also compete in Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking. Public Speaking can be based on any topic and needs to include sources for information. Public Speaking can use visual aids and these can be either a poster or a Power Point-type presentation. Extemporaneous Speaking is probably one of the hardest events and I’m always glad to see 4-H members challenge themselves. They draw three topics and decide which they will present on; they have 15 minutes to prepare and then present their speech. Both Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking challenge youth to hone their research, organization, and overall communication skills. Talk about lessons for a lifetime!

Talking about your steer would be a project talk.&nbsp; Telling how to select a steer using a chart and identifying the points to consider would be an illustrated talk.&nbsp; Making a show halter would be a demonstration.&nbsp; Talking about the total beef industry would be a public speech.

We also offer opportunities for our 4-H members to showcase their piano, instrumental, vocal, and dramatic/comedic skills during 4-H Club Day. Having the opportunity to speak with and receive feedback from the judge is an important step in the learning process.&nbsp;

Application, Resume, and Interview or ARI is a great opportunity for 4-H youth to practice some very real-world skills! Prior to the contest, they complete an application and provide a resume which are provided to the judge. The judge then interviews them, similar to any job interview, and follows up with feedback based on all three parts of the activity.&nbsp;

Those 4-H members receiving top awards in most categories have the opportunity to compete at a Regional Club Day which will be held in March. Members receiving a Purple in Demonstrations, Illustrated Talks, Project Talks, and Readings are eligible to participate in these categories at the Kansas State Fair in September!

&nbsp;Due to our current circumstances, we’ve had to set aside a few important categories. These are Model Meetings, Gavel Games, and club skits. Model meeting is exactly what it sounds like; the 4-H club works together to show their parliamentary skills for a judge. Gavel Games gives a smaller group of youth an opportunity to show their parliamentary skills through a written test and the business portion of a meeting. Many clubs will work together to present a skit. All of these are great group activities that demonstrate planning, communication skills, and teamwork.&nbsp;

I wish that I could invite all of you to attend but we’ll save that for another year when we can get together in person to celebrate growth and learning by our youth! If you know a 4-H member, ask them how they are participating at 4-H Club Day.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One of my favorite 4-H events is scheduled for later this month! 4-H Club Day is a time for 4-H members to share their presentation skills in a variety of methods.For our littlest 4-H members, we have Show and Share which is the start to communication skills as they talk to the judge for a few minutes about something they have done or made in 4-H.Project Talks give younger 4-H members the opportunity to research and share about one of the 33 project areas that are available in Kansas 4-H.Showing how to do something is a Demonstration and the youth provide a finished product as part of the step-by-step process.An Illustrated Talk uses posters or other visual aids to show how to do something.Older 4-H members can also compete in Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking. Public Speaking can be based on any topic and needs to include sources for information. Public Speaking can use visual aids and these can be either a poster or a Power Point-type presentation. Extemporaneous Speaking is probably one of the hardest events and I’m always glad to see 4-H members challenge themselves. They draw three topics and decide which they will present on; they have 15 minutes to prepare and then present their speech. Both Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking challenge youth to hone their research, organization, and overall communication skills. Talk about lessons for a lifetime!Talking about your steer would be a project talk.&nbsp; Telling how to select a steer using a chart and identifying the points to consider would be an illustrated talk.&nbsp; Making a show halter would be a demonstration.&nbsp; Talking about the total beef industry would be a public speech.We also offer opportunities for our 4-H members to showcase their piano, instrumental, vocal, and dramatic/comedic skills during 4-H Club Day. Having the opportunity to speak with and receive feedback from the judge is an important step in the learning process.&nbsp;Application, Resume, and Interview or ARI is a great opportunity for 4-H youth to practice some very real-world skills! Prior to the contest, they complete an application and provide a resume which are provided to the judge. The judge then interviews them, similar to any job interview, and follows up with feedback based on all three parts of the activity.&nbsp;Those 4-H members receiving top awards in most categories have the opportunity to compete at a Regional Club Day which will be held in March. Members receiving a Purple in Demonstrations, Illustrated Talks, Project Talks, and Readings are eligible to participate in these categories at the Kansas State Fair in September!&nbsp;Due to our current circumstances, we’ve had to set aside a few important categories. These are Model Meetings, Gavel Games, and club skits. Model meeting is exactly what it sounds like; the 4-H club works together to show their parliamentary skills for a judge. Gavel Games gives a smaller group of youth an opportunity to show their parliamentary skills through a written test and the business portion of a meeting. Many clubs will work together to present a skit. All of these are great group activities that demonstrate planning, communication skills, and teamwork.&nbsp;I wish that I could invite all of you to attend but we’ll save that for another year when we can get together in person to celebrate growth and learning by our youth! If you know a 4-H member, ask them how they are participating at 4-H Club Day.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 4-H Club Day

PHILLIPS COUNTY —Authorities say a man drowned Tuesday in Phillips County.

The 67-year-old Agra, Kansas, resident fell through the ice at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, according to a social media report from the Phillips County Sheriff's Department.

The Phillipsburg Fire Department, Kirwin Fire Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assisted to help recover the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612922790967.png" alt="First responders on the scene Tuesday photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Tuesday photo courtesy Phillips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY —Authorities say a man drowned Tuesday in Phillips County.The 67-year-old Agra, Kansas, resident fell through the ice at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, according to a social media report from the Phillips County Sheriff's Department.The Phillipsburg Fire Department, Kirwin Fire Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assisted to help recover the victim.

Kansas man drowns after fall through ice

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams travel to Russell Tuesday night for a Mid-Continent League matchup.

&nbsp;Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with the Hertz
Rental Car Pregame Show at 5:40 on KHAZ.

&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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls basketball teams travel to Russell Tuesday night for a Mid-Continent League matchup.&nbsp;Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with the Hertz
Rental Car Pregame Show at 5:40 on KHAZ.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/14W00yfrt7s"></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/o8TKN4eZhBw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 🏀WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Russell

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board during its board meeting on Monday voted to end the school year for students early.

The new last day of school for students will be Friday, May 21.

May 24 and May 25 are scheduled for in-service days. May 26 will be a teacher work day.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the school district will still be able to meet the minimum student contact hours required by the state.

The change was OK'ed by the teacher's association, Wilson said.

Hays High School graduation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The district has an alternate plan to have an outdoor graduation similar to the one that was conducted last summer if the district can't have an indoor graduation due to COVID.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board during its board meeting on Monday voted to end the school year for students early.The new last day of school for students will be Friday, May 21.May 24 and May 25 are scheduled for in-service days. May 26 will be a teacher work day.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the school district will still be able to meet the minimum student contact hours required by the state.The change was OK'ed by the teacher's association, Wilson said.Hays High School graduation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Gross Memorial Coliseum.The district has an alternate plan to have an outdoor graduation similar to the one that was conducted last summer if the district can't have an indoor graduation due to COVID.

Hays USD 489 students to end school year early

The Hays school board approved a more than $2 million project on Monday night to replace the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School.&nbsp;

The bid of $2.035 million was from Glassman Corp. This included two alternates. The school board approved an upgrade from a lower bid of $2.019 million.&nbsp;

The higher bid included equipment and controls that were similar to what the district already has.

Rusty Lindsay, USD 489, director of buildings and grounds, said going with the higher bid would allow the district to use the same software it does with the other HVAC systems in the district. The districts would also be able to keep the same parts on hand for both systems.

"I think we will get our $16,000 back just in that—not having to bring in another system," Lindsay said.

Also any service on the system will be provided locally instead of from Wichita, Lindsay said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ec54f19eb7f1705360566b0">Joe Glassman, president/CEO of Glassman Corp.,&nbsp;said in May the HVAC system at the school, which was installed in 1967, has well outlived its life expectancy and was in "dire need" of replacement.</a>

The average lifespan for similar systems is 25 years.

Equipment will be ordered immediately. Work is estimated to start in March and take place in the evening until at least the end of the school year.

The district plans to pay for the project through a lease purchase agreement. The annual payment on the debt would be $240,000 paid over 10 years. The board will consider the financing on the project at its next meeting.

The board also approved bids on two other capital projects at its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;

It approved a low bid from&nbsp;Paul-Wertenberger Construction of Hays for $28,500 for a secure entrance at O'Loughlin Elementary School.

The board also approved the purchase of two walk-in freezers for nutrition services. The low bid was from Sunflower Restaurant and Supply of Salina for $35,994.

One of the freezers will replace the unit at Roosevelt. The other will replace a freezer at Rockwell Administration Center that is being used by Lincoln Elementary School. The new Lincoln freezer will be placed at the school instead of Rockwell.

The board also approved board policy updates and the district's audit report.

Two-year administrator contracts and district administrator contracts were tabled until the next meeting as the meeting was running late into the evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590007907309.jpeg" alt="Damaged pipes in the tunnels under Roosevelt Elementary School. The HVAC system at the school will be replaced starting in March." />
 <figcaption>Damaged pipes in the tunnels under Roosevelt Elementary School. The HVAC system at the school will be replaced starting in March.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board approved a more than $2 million project on Monday night to replace the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School.&nbsp;The bid of $2.035 million was from Glassman Corp. This included two alternates. The school board approved an upgrade from a lower bid of $2.019 million.&nbsp;The higher bid included equipment and controls that were similar to what the district already has.Rusty Lindsay, USD 489, director of buildings and grounds, said going with the higher bid would allow the district to use the same software it does with the other HVAC systems in the district. The districts would also be able to keep the same parts on hand for both systems."I think we will get our $16,000 back just in that—not having to bring in another system," Lindsay said.Also any service on the system will be provided locally instead of from Wichita, Lindsay said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ec54f19eb7f1705360566b0">Joe Glassman, president/CEO of Glassman Corp.,&nbsp;said in May the HVAC system at the school, which was installed in 1967, has well outlived its life expectancy and was in "dire need" of replacement.</a>The average lifespan for similar systems is 25 years.Equipment will be ordered immediately. Work is estimated to start in March and take place in the evening until at least the end of the school year.The district plans to pay for the project through a lease purchase agreement. The annual payment on the debt would be $240,000 paid over 10 years. The board will consider the financing on the project at its next meeting.The board also approved bids on two other capital projects at its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;It approved a low bid from&nbsp;Paul-Wertenberger Construction of Hays for $28,500 for a secure entrance at O'Loughlin Elementary School.The board also approved the purchase of two walk-in freezers for nutrition services. The low bid was from Sunflower Restaurant and Supply of Salina for $35,994.One of the freezers will replace the unit at Roosevelt. The other will replace a freezer at Rockwell Administration Center that is being used by Lincoln Elementary School. The new Lincoln freezer will be placed at the school instead of Rockwell.The board also approved board policy updates and the district's audit report.Two-year administrator contracts and district administrator contracts were tabled until the next meeting as the meeting was running late into the evening.

Hays USD 489 board approves $2M Roosevelt HVAC project

Liberal High School on Monday announced that alumnus Kerri
 Miles has been named the Activities Director, beginning the 2021-2022 
school year.&nbsp; Miles has served as Assistant Activities Director at LHS 
his past year and has served in various roles in the district since he 
started in 2013 including sixth grade teacher, physical education 
teacher, and academic advisor.

“Mr. Miles has been an asset to Liberal High School the 
past three years in the roles that he has served.&nbsp; He builds strong 
relationships with students and colleagues, leads by example, and 
communicates effectively.&nbsp; He carries himself in a professional manner, 
and he has a work ethic that is second to none.&nbsp; Most importantly, he 
takes tremendous pride in being a Liberal Redskin and is passionate 
about instilling that same pride in the students, staff, and community,”
 said Ashley Kappelmann, principal of Liberal High School.

Miles and his wife Danica have three children (Emmalee, 
Aubree, and Braxden) and another due in mid-February.&nbsp; In addition to 
being a 2005 LHS graduate, Miles holds an associates degree from Seward 
County Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State 
University, and a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead the 
Liberal High School activities program. I look forward to working with 
all stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Liberal through activities. I
 believe we have a unified vision at LHS and with the support from the 
community we will elevate Liberal activities to new heights. I also look
 forward to building upon Liberal’s storied past and would like to help 
create an even brighter future for our students, fans, alumni and the 
entire Liberal community,” Miles said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612900111042.jpeg" alt="Miles" />
 <figcaption>Miles</figcaption>
 </figure>Liberal USD 480Liberal High School on Monday announced that alumnus Kerri
 Miles has been named the Activities Director, beginning the 2021-2022 
school year.&nbsp; Miles has served as Assistant Activities Director at LHS 
his past year and has served in various roles in the district since he 
started in 2013 including sixth grade teacher, physical education 
teacher, and academic advisor.“Mr. Miles has been an asset to Liberal High School the 
past three years in the roles that he has served.&nbsp; He builds strong 
relationships with students and colleagues, leads by example, and 
communicates effectively.&nbsp; He carries himself in a professional manner, 
and he has a work ethic that is second to none.&nbsp; Most importantly, he 
takes tremendous pride in being a Liberal Redskin and is passionate 
about instilling that same pride in the students, staff, and community,”
 said Ashley Kappelmann, principal of Liberal High School.Miles and his wife Danica have three children (Emmalee, 
Aubree, and Braxden) and another due in mid-February.&nbsp; In addition to 
being a 2005 LHS graduate, Miles holds an associates degree from Seward 
County Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State 
University, and a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University.“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead the 
Liberal High School activities program. I look forward to working with 
all stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Liberal through activities. I
 believe we have a unified vision at LHS and with the support from the 
community we will elevate Liberal activities to new heights. I also look
 forward to building upon Liberal’s storied past and would like to help 
create an even brighter future for our students, fans, alumni and the 
entire Liberal community,” Miles said.

Fort Hays State alum named AD at Liberal High

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Kanorado, located in Sherman County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on February 09, 2021 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of an inability to maintain required chlorine residual levels. Inadequate chlorine residuals can lead to bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDkuMzQ5MDc0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.Arjnyv4u2IU6-g19HDT3J_gSxAbQ9XfK3GvJXZgi4ww/s/1305913623/br/97268176731-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Kanorado, located in Sherman County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on February 09, 2021 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of an inability to maintain required chlorine residual levels. Inadequate chlorine residuals can lead to bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDkuMzQ5MDc0NTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.Arjnyv4u2IU6-g19HDT3J_gSxAbQ9XfK3GvJXZgi4ww/s/1305913623/br/97268176731-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil water advisory issued for the City of Kanorado

I am a Democrat. I am a very blue Democrat. I am a very blue Democrat in a very red state, Kansas. I have a hard time making my vote count, but I don’t give up. I have not always been a Democrat. I have only been a registered Democrat since August 2020, but my conversion started before that. My real awakening started long before the first impeachment of Donald John Trump. 
The first election I was eligible to participate in was the August 1972 primary. I registered as a Republican at the same time I registered for my Selective Service card. I have never missed a primary or general election since. I did miss the draft. In all those years, I have only voted Democratic twice, and one of those was this past election. I’ll let you guess the other. 
I watched with rapt attention the Watergate hearings. I also followed closely the allegations surrounding Spiro Agnew, Nixon’s first Vice President. John Dean’s testimony, the Saturday Night Massacre, the secret White House tapes, the missing 13 minutes, all were captivating. The pressure placed on Agnew to resign or be charged with crimes; the members of the White House staff who were charged, tried, and found guilty. Then, the climactic act of members of Congress visiting the Oval Office and convincing Nixon that there was no saving his Presidency; that unless he resigned he would be impeached and he would be found guilty by the Senate. A corrupt administration was brought down.

I was very unhappy with the administration but I never once thought of leaving the party despite the dishonesty of the Nixon administration because I had developed a lot of admiration for the men who sat on the committees; Sam Irwin, Howard Baker, Daniel Inouye, (a WW II Medal of Honor winner of Japanese descent) to name but a few—statesmen from both parties who put country before party—a trait sorely lacking these days. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I believe that the Nixon administration began the denouement of the Republican Party. It wasn’t obvious at first, but slowly, things began to change. I admired Reagan, but the Iran-Contra scandal was a black mark that stained permanently and I believe it went higher than Ollie North.

The real spiral downward began with Newt Gingrich and the Moral Majority. Hardcore opposition became the byword instead of trying to find common cause and compromise. The party had forgotten its founding principles. It began to cater to the special interests and upper classes, yet I still hadn’t had my fill. 
The impeachment of Bill Clinton was another black mark in my book for the Republican Party. I considered it a private matter and nothing that other presidents hadn’t done and more before. In my mind, it did not warrant impeachment—the partisan games had begun in earnest.

I remained a Republican. I voted for W, but was somewhat bothered by the Supreme Court decision to halt the count in Florida before it was completed, thus giving the Presidency to W by a narrow margin. As a matter of “fair play” I felt the vote count should have been completed. I was bothered by the renewed conflict in Iraq. I felt it more to “get” Saddam for Daddy than a hunt for WMD. The hunt for Bin Laden I supported fully; the attack on the twin towers was inexcusable.

This was the genesis of the Tea Party Movement, which was too far right and too fiscally tight for me. I was living in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metro area for part of this time. As a healthcare professional, I saw firsthand the need for the ACA and I supported it, but I voted Republican because moderate Republicans were nominated. A few years later, I was very proud of McCain for his “thumbs-down” on repeal of the ACA. It was during this period that to me the meaning of Republican = Obstruction, especially with Mitch McConnell as majority leader of the Senate came to be. Nothing got done that the Obama administration tried to enact. If it didn’t suit Mitch, it didn’t see the light of day, the Grim Reaper ensured it. Merrick Garland’s nomination by Obama was held up for months with the excuse that a new president should have the honor of nomination of a Supreme Court judge for a vacant position. That was not right—Garland should have been given an Up or Down vote with that much time remaining in a presidential term. We would all learn how much that meant to the Republicans Senate in 2020 when RBG passed away just weeks before the general election.

First rumblings from Trump: birtherism; Obama was not qualified to be President, not a natural citizen, show us a birth certificate. It illustrated Trump’s racism; not my cup of tea. 
2015; Trump announces his candidacy. Like many, I wrote his candidacy off as a marketing and branding ploy, thinking it wouldn’t go anywhere. I never cared for the man for what little I knew of him before his candidacy and the more I saw, the less I liked. To see him degrade women and make fun of the handicapped, well, how low can you go. A little man with a huge ego. 
2016-Trump wins the nomination, then the Presidency. I listened to his acceptance speech after winning the election. It’s better than I expected. There was no braggadocio and it was somewhat (for him) humble, so I thought maybe he will be ok, maybe he’s finally realized the import of the responsibility, but then comes the dark and daunting inauguration speech and naming of a bunch of nobodies with little to no government experience to cabinet positions. “Give him a chance,” I told myself. 
The lies, the systematic dismantling of the administrative state, the cozying up to autocrats, no&nbsp; pretense of trying to unify the country upset me tremendously. The meetings with Kim Jong Un of North Korea were absolutely. It gave legitimacy to a rogue government. None of this was Presidential. It was during this time that the Lincoln Project was founded. It is a group of Republicans and former Republicans dedicated to defeating Trump and Trumpism. I joined the group in its early stages and remain a member. Meanwhile, in Congress, the massive tax cuts for the rich that opened the debt by a trillion dollars, tariffs that accomplished nothing, and a Senate that churned out right-wing conservative judges, several who were deemed non-qualified by even the Federalist Society, who vetted them for Trump.

The final straws for me came within a matter of days. The hearings for the phone call with the new president of the Ukraine seeking aid for the 2020 election in exchange for weapons to use against Russia, the firing of the Ambassador to the Ukraine, the Pentagon liaison officer all but finished it for me. The pettiness and the retribution, the denials in the face of hard evidence left no doubt. I would hold out, though to see what happened. Maybe there would be some statesmen to step up like there were in 1974.

I watched the entire hearing for the impeachment and the sham trial. The evidence presented at trial was overwhelming and, if presented in a court of law, would have been a slam dunk for 
conviction, but not in a partisan Senate where a 2/3 majority is required to convict. I realized the impeachment is a political process, but each Senator swore an oath to impartially evaluate the evidence presented and render a verdict. With one lone exception, none of the Republican senators had the spine to do so, using the excuse, “let the voters decide.” 
It was then I knew I had to change my party affiliation, but I also knew I would hold off until after the August primary so I could vote against our 1st District Representative who was running for the Senate seat Pat Roberts was vacating. As soon as the primary was over, I switched parties and have not looked back. I worked on the campaigns for Barbara Bollier, Kali Barnett and the other “Sunflower Sisters” in their quest for Congressional seats. 
The events leading up to the election, “the only way we lose this election is if it is rigged,” the continued repetition of the BIG LIE, the incitement and “conditioning” of his rabid followers to invade the Capitol have only hardened me to the fact that the GOP I once knew is dead. It has become the party of conspiracy and autocracy. 
I urge all Republicans who feel lost to look within themselves and abandon the party as I did. Don’t take as long as I did. There is not time. The Democratic Party may not be the answer to all your prayers, but I can’t see how good people could support what the Republican Party is today. We almost lost something very precious and dear on January 6th. We may not be so lucky next time. Our democracy must not be taken for granted. We must do our utmost to preserve it for our future generations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I am a Democrat. I am a very blue Democrat. I am a very blue Democrat in a very red state, Kansas. I have a hard time making my vote count, but I don’t give up. I have not always been a Democrat. I have only been a registered Democrat since August 2020, but my conversion started before that. My real awakening started long before the first impeachment of Donald John Trump. 
The first election I was eligible to participate in was the August 1972 primary. I registered as a Republican at the same time I registered for my Selective Service card. I have never missed a primary or general election since. I did miss the draft. In all those years, I have only voted Democratic twice, and one of those was this past election. I’ll let you guess the other. 
I watched with rapt attention the Watergate hearings. I also followed closely the allegations surrounding Spiro Agnew, Nixon’s first Vice President. John Dean’s testimony, the Saturday Night Massacre, the secret White House tapes, the missing 13 minutes, all were captivating. The pressure placed on Agnew to resign or be charged with crimes; the members of the White House staff who were charged, tried, and found guilty. Then, the climactic act of members of Congress visiting the Oval Office and convincing Nixon that there was no saving his Presidency; that unless he resigned he would be impeached and he would be found guilty by the Senate. A corrupt administration was brought down.I was very unhappy with the administration but I never once thought of leaving the party despite the dishonesty of the Nixon administration because I had developed a lot of admiration for the men who sat on the committees; Sam Irwin, Howard Baker, Daniel Inouye, (a WW II Medal of Honor winner of Japanese descent) to name but a few—statesmen from both parties who put country before party—a trait sorely lacking these days. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I believe that the Nixon administration began the denouement of the Republican Party. It wasn’t obvious at first, but slowly, things began to change. I admired Reagan, but the Iran-Contra scandal was a black mark that stained permanently and I believe it went higher than Ollie North.The real spiral downward began with Newt Gingrich and the Moral Majority. Hardcore opposition became the byword instead of trying to find common cause and compromise. The party had forgotten its founding principles. It began to cater to the special interests and upper classes, yet I still hadn’t had my fill. 
The impeachment of Bill Clinton was another black mark in my book for the Republican Party. I considered it a private matter and nothing that other presidents hadn’t done and more before. In my mind, it did not warrant impeachment—the partisan games had begun in earnest.<h2>The 2000 Election; Bush v Gore – FL</h2>I remained a Republican. I voted for W, but was somewhat bothered by the Supreme Court decision to halt the count in Florida before it was completed, thus giving the Presidency to W by a narrow margin. As a matter of “fair play” I felt the vote count should have been completed. I was bothered by the renewed conflict in Iraq. I felt it more to “get” Saddam for Daddy than a hunt for WMD. The hunt for Bin Laden I supported fully; the attack on the twin towers was inexcusable.<h2>2008-2016</h2>This was the genesis of the Tea Party Movement, which was too far right and too fiscally tight for me. I was living in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metro area for part of this time. As a healthcare professional, I saw firsthand the need for the ACA and I supported it, but I voted Republican because moderate Republicans were nominated. A few years later, I was very proud of McCain for his “thumbs-down” on repeal of the ACA. It was during this period that to me the meaning of Republican = Obstruction, especially with Mitch McConnell as majority leader of the Senate came to be. Nothing got done that the Obama administration tried to enact. If it didn’t suit Mitch, it didn’t see the light of day, the Grim Reaper ensured it. Merrick Garland’s nomination by Obama was held up for months with the excuse that a new president should have the honor of nomination of a Supreme Court judge for a vacant position. That was not right—Garland should have been given an Up or Down vote with that much time remaining in a presidential term. We would all learn how much that meant to the Republicans Senate in 2020 when RBG passed away just weeks before the general election.First rumblings from Trump: birtherism; Obama was not qualified to be President, not a natural citizen, show us a birth certificate. It illustrated Trump’s racism; not my cup of tea. 
2015; Trump announces his candidacy. Like many, I wrote his candidacy off as a marketing and branding ploy, thinking it wouldn’t go anywhere. I never cared for the man for what little I knew of him before his candidacy and the more I saw, the less I liked. To see him degrade women and make fun of the handicapped, well, how low can you go. A little man with a huge ego. 
2016-Trump wins the nomination, then the Presidency. I listened to his acceptance speech after winning the election. It’s better than I expected. There was no braggadocio and it was somewhat (for him) humble, so I thought maybe he will be ok, maybe he’s finally realized the import of the responsibility, but then comes the dark and daunting inauguration speech and naming of a bunch of nobodies with little to no government experience to cabinet positions. “Give him a chance,” I told myself. 
The lies, the systematic dismantling of the administrative state, the cozying up to autocrats, no&nbsp; pretense of trying to unify the country upset me tremendously. The meetings with Kim Jong Un of North Korea were absolutely. It gave legitimacy to a rogue government. None of this was Presidential. It was during this time that the Lincoln Project was founded. It is a group of Republicans and former Republicans dedicated to defeating Trump and Trumpism. I joined the group in its early stages and remain a member. Meanwhile, in Congress, the massive tax cuts for the rich that opened the debt by a trillion dollars, tariffs that accomplished nothing, and a Senate that churned out right-wing conservative judges, several who were deemed non-qualified by even the Federalist Society, who vetted them for Trump.<h2>
The Phone Call and the Firings</h2>The final straws for me came within a matter of days. The hearings for the phone call with the new president of the Ukraine seeking aid for the 2020 election in exchange for weapons to use against Russia, the firing of the Ambassador to the Ukraine, the Pentagon liaison officer all but finished it for me. The pettiness and the retribution, the denials in the face of hard evidence left no doubt. I would hold out, though to see what happened. Maybe there would be some statesmen to step up like there were in 1974.<h2>Impeachment and Trial</h2>I watched the entire hearing for the impeachment and the sham trial. The evidence presented at trial was overwhelming and, if presented in a court of law, would have been a slam dunk for 
conviction, but not in a partisan Senate where a 2/3 majority is required to convict. I realized the impeachment is a political process, but each Senator swore an oath to impartially evaluate the evidence presented and render a verdict. With one lone exception, none of the Republican senators had the spine to do so, using the excuse, “let the voters decide.” 
It was then I knew I had to change my party affiliation, but I also knew I would hold off until after the August primary so I could vote against our 1st District Representative who was running for the Senate seat Pat Roberts was vacating. As soon as the primary was over, I switched parties and have not looked back. I worked on the campaigns for Barbara Bollier, Kali Barnett and the other “Sunflower Sisters” in their quest for Congressional seats. 
The events leading up to the election, “the only way we lose this election is if it is rigged,” the continued repetition of the BIG LIE, the incitement and “conditioning” of his rabid followers to invade the Capitol have only hardened me to the fact that the GOP I once knew is dead. It has become the party of conspiracy and autocracy. 
I urge all Republicans who feel lost to look within themselves and abandon the party as I did. Don’t take as long as I did. There is not time. The Democratic Party may not be the answer to all your prayers, but I can’t see how good people could support what the Republican Party is today. We almost lost something very precious and dear on January 6th. We may not be so lucky next time. Our democracy must not be taken for granted. We must do our utmost to preserve it for our future generations.Mike Giess, Hays

LETTER: The move from the GOP to 'very blue'

<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="Hays Chamber brings new businesses into organization" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/q7gcm-fa303a?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: Hays Chamber brings new businesses into organization

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Despite several concerns voiced by nearby resident James Graham, Ellis County commissioners Monday night unanimously approved&nbsp; the Big Creek Estates Second Addition for <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02082021-387">plat development</a>.

Graham, who lives in the 2200 block of Clay Drive, told the commission the project is "not feasible for the area," citing his worries that include not enough water for more private wells, stormwater runoff, and the impact to existing lots in the adjacent Big Creek Estates First Addition where he resides.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Graham said he "wants to see Ellis County and Hays grow. I do feel however, this is not the place for development to occur. I think that there's plenty of other more suitable locations that can be found."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The land is just southeast of Hays and is co-owned by Hays residents Adam Pray, a developer, and Kerry M. Tierman along with their wives.

The 7.5 acre area is a replat of Lot 10, Block 2 and Lot 3, Block 7 of Big Creek Estates.

At the Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 Ellis County Commission meetings, Pray&nbsp;requested permission to proceed to the Hays Area Planning Commission with the development.&nbsp; He was&nbsp;given preliminary approval pending completion of a right of way support letter, a commitment to build roads to county specifications, and to conduct drainage and traffic studies.

The Hays Area Planning Commission, to which Graham also spoke, approved the final plat development at its Nov. 16 meeting.

The county's requests have been completed and a change by Pray in the final plat design removed new roads that would have intersected with Reservation Road.&nbsp;

Driggs Design Group, Hays, conducted a study of other county roads in the area which already intersect with Reservation Road.&nbsp;

County staff have told Pray the county cannot maintain a cul-de-sac and that the southern section of the new road is considered a private road and will not be maintained by Ellis County.

The remainder of the new roads will be maintained by Ellis County.

Pray said property surrounding the private road will be in a developed homeowners association to determine how they will maintain the road themselves.&nbsp;

Commissioners have been concerned about Reservation Road, which is subject to flooding, and as a result requires more maintenance work for the county.

James Meis, Driggs Design, reviewed a drainage analysis conducted by the group's engineer.

Meis told the commission stormwater will generally drain south and to the east of the project via drainage ditches and stormwater pipes under the roadway.

The analysis concluded a "minimal increase of flow [that] will not impact the overall drainage basin or any other property downstream."

"Generally speaking, the runoff will increase a little bit," Meis said, "because of&nbsp; hard-faced surfaces such as concrete driveways and roofs.&nbsp;

"Everything else is going to remain where it's catching water and you're going to have gravel roads and turf yards," Meis pointed out. "It probably won't help the issue on Reservation Road, which is already an issue. It may be exacerbated slightly."

The floodplain is located directly behind the subdivision and no additional development is expected to occur in the area.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay has reviewed the stormwater study and initial traffic study and approved both.&nbsp;

Mackay was directed by the commission to arrange for a traffic study, including speed limits, of the anticipated 26 more vehicles per day in the plat. Stop signs will be required on Josephine, Big Creek and Logan Drives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612838306603.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Commissioners approved the final plat Monday of Big Creek Estates Second Addition southeast of Hays." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Commissioners approved the final plat Monday of Big Creek Estates Second Addition southeast of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostDespite several concerns voiced by nearby resident James Graham, Ellis County commissioners Monday night unanimously approved&nbsp; the Big Creek Estates Second Addition for <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02082021-387">plat development</a>.Graham, who lives in the 2200 block of Clay Drive, told the commission the project is "not feasible for the area," citing his worries that include not enough water for more private wells, stormwater runoff, and the impact to existing lots in the adjacent Big Creek Estates First Addition where he resides.&nbsp; &nbsp;Graham said he "wants to see Ellis County and Hays grow. I do feel however, this is not the place for development to occur. I think that there's plenty of other more suitable locations that can be found."&nbsp; &nbsp;The land is just southeast of Hays and is co-owned by Hays residents Adam Pray, a developer, and Kerry M. Tierman along with their wives.The 7.5 acre area is a replat of Lot 10, Block 2 and Lot 3, Block 7 of Big Creek Estates.At the Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 Ellis County Commission meetings, Pray&nbsp;requested permission to proceed to the Hays Area Planning Commission with the development.&nbsp; He was&nbsp;given preliminary approval pending completion of a right of way support letter, a commitment to build roads to county specifications, and to conduct drainage and traffic studies.The Hays Area Planning Commission, to which Graham also spoke, approved the final plat development at its Nov. 16 meeting.The county's requests have been completed and a change by Pray in the final plat design removed new roads that would have intersected with Reservation Road.&nbsp;Driggs Design Group, Hays, conducted a study of other county roads in the area which already intersect with Reservation Road.&nbsp;County staff have told Pray the county cannot maintain a cul-de-sac and that the southern section of the new road is considered a private road and will not be maintained by Ellis County.The remainder of the new roads will be maintained by Ellis County.Pray said property surrounding the private road will be in a developed homeowners association to determine how they will maintain the road themselves.&nbsp;Commissioners have been concerned about Reservation Road, which is subject to flooding, and as a result requires more maintenance work for the county.James Meis, Driggs Design, reviewed a drainage analysis conducted by the group's engineer.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zz68frw90HU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Meis told the commission stormwater will generally drain south and to the east of the project via drainage ditches and stormwater pipes under the roadway.The analysis concluded a "minimal increase of flow [that] will not impact the overall drainage basin or any other property downstream.""Generally speaking, the runoff will increase a little bit," Meis said, "because of&nbsp; hard-faced surfaces such as concrete driveways and roofs.&nbsp;"Everything else is going to remain where it's catching water and you're going to have gravel roads and turf yards," Meis pointed out. "It probably won't help the issue on Reservation Road, which is already an issue. It may be exacerbated slightly."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612863062084.jpeg" alt="James Graham (front left) who objects to the Big Creek Estates 2nd Addition plat development, listens to Adam Pray, developer, (at podium) and James Meis (right) with Driggs Design Group engineers." />
 <figcaption>James Graham (front left) who objects to the Big Creek Estates 2nd Addition plat development, listens to Adam Pray, developer, (at podium) and James Meis (right) with Driggs Design Group engineers.</figcaption>
 </figure>The floodplain is located directly behind the subdivision and no additional development is expected to occur in the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612865959832.jpeg" alt="Brendan Mackay, public works director, addresses the Ellis County Commission about the new plat development.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brendan Mackay, public works director, addresses the Ellis County Commission about the new plat development.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Public Works Director Brendan Mackay has reviewed the stormwater study and initial traffic study and approved both.&nbsp;Mackay was directed by the commission to arrange for a traffic study, including speed limits, of the anticipated 26 more vehicles per day in the plat. Stop signs will be required on Josephine, Big Creek and Logan Drives.

🎥 Ellis Co. approves Big Creek Estates 2nd Addition final plat development

🎥🏀Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Sophia Linenberger might not have been able to watch her beloved Chiefs play in Super Bowl LV in person on Sunday, but she was there in spirit.

For the second Super Bowl in a row, Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore Linenberger's yellow "Sophia Strong" wristband during the game.

Sophia's mother, Jenny, bought decorations for the family's Super Bowl watch party, including a cutout out of Mahomes that depicted him wearing Sophia's wristband.

Hays' Northwestern Printers also donated a stadium cardboard cutout depicting Linenberger, which Mahomes' mother, Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, took to Miami for the game.

Jenny said it was Sophia's idea to send the cutout to Randi, so she could take it to Miami.

"I have seen a lot of smiles and a lot of joy," Jenny said. "We are so grateful of him and Randi for being supportive of Sophia. ....

"She is so nice and down-to-earth," Jenny said of Randi. "I am sure that is were Mahomes gets it from."

Sophia, 17, a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian, was diagnosed in January 2019 with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma. She spent much of 2019 going back and forth to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for treatment, including two surgeries to her spine.

Sophia was told she was in remission for her cancer, but the cancer appeared again in August 2020. She recently completed a round of chemo in Kansas City.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e2866dc7d7daa72b30eb7a1">Sophia was able to meet Patrick Mahomes in November 2019. </a>She was asked to represent Children's Mercy Hospital at Mahomes' charity gala, 15 and the Mahomies.

Sophia accepted a $15,000 donation for Children's Mercy from Mahomes' foundation. She also received an autographed Mahomes helmet from the Children's Mercy CEO.

Jenny said Sophia and the family were disappointed at the Chiefs' loss, but said they are sure they will come back stronger next year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612822275979.jpeg" alt="Hays teenager Sophia Linenberger's stadium cutout accompanied Patrick Mahomes' mother,&nbsp;Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, to Miami for Super Bowl LV. Photos courtesy of Randi Mahomes and Jenny Linenberger" />
 <figcaption>Hays teenager Sophia Linenberger's stadium cutout accompanied Patrick Mahomes' mother,&nbsp;Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, to Miami for Super Bowl LV. Photos courtesy of Randi Mahomes and Jenny Linenberger</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSophia Linenberger might not have been able to watch her beloved Chiefs play in Super Bowl LV in person on Sunday, but she was there in spirit.For the second Super Bowl in a row, Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore Linenberger's yellow "Sophia Strong" wristband during the game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612825677843.jpeg" alt="Hays teen Sophia Linenberger, right, and her sister, Holly Linenberger, pose with a cutout of Patrick Mahomes depicting the Chiefs' quarterback wearing Sophia's "Sophia Strong" wristband." />
 <figcaption>Hays teen Sophia Linenberger, right, and her sister, Holly Linenberger, pose with a cutout of Patrick Mahomes depicting the Chiefs' quarterback wearing Sophia's "Sophia Strong" wristband.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sophia's mother, Jenny, bought decorations for the family's Super Bowl watch party, including a cutout out of Mahomes that depicted him wearing Sophia's wristband.Hays' Northwestern Printers also donated a stadium cardboard cutout depicting Linenberger, which Mahomes' mother, Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, took to Miami for the game.Jenny said it was Sophia's idea to send the cutout to Randi, so she could take it to Miami."I have seen a lot of smiles and a lot of joy," Jenny said. "We are so grateful of him and Randi for being supportive of Sophia. ...."She is so nice and down-to-earth," Jenny said of Randi. "I am sure that is were Mahomes gets it from."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612822731107.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes' mother, Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, with Sophia Linenberger's stadium cutout in Miami this weekend. Randi had to cut off the bottom of Sophia's cutout in order to get it onto the plane and into the stadium." />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes' mother, Randi Mahomes, and his younger sister, Mia, with Sophia Linenberger's stadium cutout in Miami this weekend. Randi had to cut off the bottom of Sophia's cutout in order to get it onto the plane and into the stadium.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sophia, 17, a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian, was diagnosed in January 2019 with a rare cancer, Ewing's sarcoma. She spent much of 2019 going back and forth to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for treatment, including two surgeries to her spine.Sophia was told she was in remission for her cancer, but the cancer appeared again in August 2020. She recently completed a round of chemo in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612822949110.jpeg" alt="Sophia Linenberger, right, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Sophia's sister, Holly, at a Mahomes charity gala in November 2019. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sophia Linenberger, right, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Sophia's sister, Holly, at a Mahomes charity gala in November 2019. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e2866dc7d7daa72b30eb7a1">Sophia was able to meet Patrick Mahomes in November 2019. </a>She was asked to represent Children's Mercy Hospital at Mahomes' charity gala, 15 and the Mahomies.Sophia accepted a $15,000 donation for Children's Mercy from Mahomes' foundation. She also received an autographed Mahomes helmet from the Children's Mercy CEO.Jenny said Sophia and the family were disappointed at the Chiefs' loss, but said they are sure they will come back stronger next year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612823119656.png" alt="Randi Mahomes with Sophia's cutout before the second half of the Super Bowl." />
 <figcaption>Randi Mahomes with Sophia's cutout before the second half of the Super Bowl.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612823184827.jpeg" alt="Randi Mahomes with Sophia's cutout with the Chiefs' cheerleaders." />
 <figcaption>Randi Mahomes with Sophia's cutout with the Chiefs' cheerleaders.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612823246403.png" alt="Pictures of a note and gifts Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, sent to Sophia." />
 <figcaption>Pictures of a note and gifts Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, sent to Sophia.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612823295220.jpeg" alt="Pictures of a note and gifts Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, sent to Sophia." />
 <figcaption>Pictures of a note and gifts Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, sent to Sophia.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612824773389.jpeg" alt="Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, with Sophia's full cutout, which was donated by Hays'&nbsp; Northwestern Printers. The cutout had to be cut down to fit on the plane to Miami and into the stadium" />
 <figcaption>Randi Mahomes and her daughter, Mia, with Sophia's full cutout, which was donated by Hays'&nbsp; Northwestern Printers. The cutout had to be cut down to fit on the plane to Miami and into the stadium</figcaption>
 </figure>

Local teen with cancer 'attends' Super Bowl with Mahomes

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2ZpdG5lc3Mub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.wfcqOTU00c65MDfimKaeuk6QBd-BEf2ODs7I55S4PpE/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness</a>&nbsp;and Kansas Department of Health and Environment this week announced the appointment of four new board members, Callie Dyer, Travis Rickford of Rawlins County, Becky Tuttle and Judy Works for a three-year term starting in 2021.

“We welcome our newest members to the Council and are excited to have them join this dedicated team of leaders who are committed to improving health in Kansas,” said Miranda Steele, Council Chair. “The Council’s mission is to encourage increased physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use prevention, and we carry out this work through advisement and awareness activities in partnership with governments, businesses, schools and others to promote healthy lifestyles.”

Callie Dyer is the Executive Director of the Finney County Community Health Coalition, Inc. Dyer was recently elected to the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition Board of Director’s. She serves as an Advisory Council member for the Social Emotional Learning Council and the Wellness Committee for USD 457. Dyer is active in WorkWell Kansas and works with local employers to get involved and practice WorkWell Kansas wellness plans.

Travis Rickford, Rawlins County, is the Executive Director of LiveWell Northwest Kansas where he creates, manages and leads initiatives to address issues related to health and early childhood development for 15 counties in Northwest Kansas. During the past 14 years, Rickford has worked with urban, rural and frontier counties, communities and neighborhoods to identify and implement initiatives that improve the quality of life. He was an active participant in the healthy communities movement in Kansas and has worked extensively with community stakeholders to build an infrastructure that supported opportunities to be physically active, have access to fresh produce and live in tobacco-free environments.

Becky Tuttle serves as the District II City of Wichita Council Member. She has more than 25 years of professional experience engaging community partners through grassroots local coalition efforts focusing on tobacco, physical activity, healthy eating, oral health, fetal infant mortality and worksite wellness. Most Tuttle’s experience has focused on policy and environmental changes to improve the health of communities. Tuttle has a passion for promoting physical activity and good nutrition for every generation to come.

Judy Works is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at KS HealthWorks, PA in Iola. Throughout her professional career she has always promoted healthy lifestyles with individual patients. Five years ago, she started the Monarch HealthWorks program that strives to implement change to promote a healthy workplace environment and improve workplace wellness. Works received the Governor’s Council on Fitness 2019 Organizational Kansas Health Champion Award for exceptional efforts to model, promote and encourage health and fitness in the workplace.

The 2021 Council members are: Chair, Miranda Steele, MPA, MHSA; Vice Chair, Christi Smith, MBA, of Family Preservation for Kansas City; Amy Penrod of Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services; Brandon Skidmore of Sunflower Foundation; Candice McField of Candice McField Fitness; Erik Sartorius, of League of Kansas Municipalities; Jeff A. Usher, of Kansas Health Foundation; Jennifer Bruning, of Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs; Jody Hoener of Bourbon County; Joyce Ellis, PhD, of Fort Hays State University; Kat Wurzer of GetFIT, Inc; Katie Schoenhoff, of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund; Secretary Lee Norman, MD, of Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Mark Thompson, PhD, of Kansas Department of Education; Mary Tritsch, of AARP Kansas; Matt Messina, of Kansas Department of Transportation; Wyatt Thompson, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, of Manhattan Parks and Recreation.

About the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness

The purpose of the Governor's Council on Fitness is to advise the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices, prevention of tobacco use and to promote the improvement of the health of Kansans through the following:

To learn more about Kansas Governor’s Council on fitness visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2ZpdG5lc3Mub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.qV26xH9oltL1jw6_V6eEptjiG3wc5kQPxvC0UcX5-k8/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">www.kansasfitness.org/</a>&nbsp;and like Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness on Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9HZXRBY3RpdmVLYW5zYXMvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.lLGZUnbHEWPdCRTHWs9Iyruo9G_9QF7Zl-UgK2AxJgQ/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/GetActiveKansas/</a>.

KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2ZpdG5lc3Mub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.wfcqOTU00c65MDfimKaeuk6QBd-BEf2ODs7I55S4PpE/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness</a>&nbsp;and Kansas Department of Health and Environment this week announced the appointment of four new board members, Callie Dyer, Travis Rickford of Rawlins County, Becky Tuttle and Judy Works for a three-year term starting in 2021.“We welcome our newest members to the Council and are excited to have them join this dedicated team of leaders who are committed to improving health in Kansas,” said Miranda Steele, Council Chair. “The Council’s mission is to encourage increased physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use prevention, and we carry out this work through advisement and awareness activities in partnership with governments, businesses, schools and others to promote healthy lifestyles.”Callie DyerCallie Dyer is the Executive Director of the Finney County Community Health Coalition, Inc. Dyer was recently elected to the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition Board of Director’s. She serves as an Advisory Council member for the Social Emotional Learning Council and the Wellness Committee for USD 457. Dyer is active in WorkWell Kansas and works with local employers to get involved and practice WorkWell Kansas wellness plans.Travis RickfordTravis Rickford, Rawlins County, is the Executive Director of LiveWell Northwest Kansas where he creates, manages and leads initiatives to address issues related to health and early childhood development for 15 counties in Northwest Kansas. During the past 14 years, Rickford has worked with urban, rural and frontier counties, communities and neighborhoods to identify and implement initiatives that improve the quality of life. He was an active participant in the healthy communities movement in Kansas and has worked extensively with community stakeholders to build an infrastructure that supported opportunities to be physically active, have access to fresh produce and live in tobacco-free environments.Becky TuttleBecky Tuttle serves as the District II City of Wichita Council Member. She has more than 25 years of professional experience engaging community partners through grassroots local coalition efforts focusing on tobacco, physical activity, healthy eating, oral health, fetal infant mortality and worksite wellness. Most Tuttle’s experience has focused on policy and environmental changes to improve the health of communities. Tuttle has a passion for promoting physical activity and good nutrition for every generation to come.Judy WorksJudy Works is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at KS HealthWorks, PA in Iola. Throughout her professional career she has always promoted healthy lifestyles with individual patients. Five years ago, she started the Monarch HealthWorks program that strives to implement change to promote a healthy workplace environment and improve workplace wellness. Works received the Governor’s Council on Fitness 2019 Organizational Kansas Health Champion Award for exceptional efforts to model, promote and encourage health and fitness in the workplace.The 2021 Council members are: Chair, Miranda Steele, MPA, MHSA; Vice Chair, Christi Smith, MBA, of Family Preservation for Kansas City; Amy Penrod of Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services; Brandon Skidmore of Sunflower Foundation; Candice McField of Candice McField Fitness; Erik Sartorius, of League of Kansas Municipalities; Jeff A. Usher, of Kansas Health Foundation; Jennifer Bruning, of Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs; Jody Hoener of Bourbon County; Joyce Ellis, PhD, of Fort Hays State University; Kat Wurzer of GetFIT, Inc; Katie Schoenhoff, of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund; Secretary Lee Norman, MD, of Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Mark Thompson, PhD, of Kansas Department of Education; Mary Tritsch, of AARP Kansas; Matt Messina, of Kansas Department of Transportation; Wyatt Thompson, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, of Manhattan Parks and Recreation.About the Kansas Governor’s Council on FitnessThe purpose of the Governor's Council on Fitness is to advise the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices, prevention of tobacco use and to promote the improvement of the health of Kansans through the following:<ul>
 <li>Encourage the exchange of information about physical activity, healthy diets and tobacco use prevention and cessation.</li><li>Create private and public sector support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.</li><li>Manage a statewide awards program to recognize communities and organizations demonstrating significant support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.</li>
 </ul>To learn more about Kansas Governor’s Council on fitness visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2ZpdG5lc3Mub3JnLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.qV26xH9oltL1jw6_V6eEptjiG3wc5kQPxvC0UcX5-k8/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">www.kansasfitness.org/</a>&nbsp;and like Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness on Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDguMzQ4MjkzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9HZXRBY3RpdmVLYW5zYXMvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.lLGZUnbHEWPdCRTHWs9Iyruo9G_9QF7Zl-UgK2AxJgQ/s/1305913623/br/97212388369-l" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/GetActiveKansas/</a>.

Rawlins Co. man appointed to Kan. fitness council

Operation Christmas Child announces that individuals in Northwest Kansas packed 7,130 shoeboxes during the November 2020 Collection Week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a Shoebox Online totals were 133 shoeboxes, for a grand total of 7,263, said Rachel Albin, Northwest Kansas area coordinator

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals across the country pack shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items.&nbsp;

These boxes are then collected and shipped to countries around the world where they are distributed to children in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;For many of these children, this is the first present they have ever received. Each shoebox also contains a pamphlet in the child’s own language telling the child about the love of Jesus Christ.

Albin reported that the Lower Midwest Region, which includes Kansas, collected 623,408 shoeboxes.&nbsp;The United States collected more than 7.8 million boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Worldwide, more than 9.1 million shoeboxes were packed.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic presented challenges for volunteer teams across the country, Albin said, and resulted in no-contact curbside drop-off of shoeboxes at collection sites.

“Though last year was very different, and we had to be flexible and creative to continue our mission of sharing the Gospel through shoebox gifts, I am so very honored to serve alongside each of you,” Albin said in her report to Northwest Kansas volunteers. “I want to commend you for your vision and faithfulness to the Lord.&nbsp; We are still focused on the mission of sharing God's love with every child throughout the world.”

More information about Operation Christmas Child is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/">https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582750752139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe numbers are in!Operation Christmas Child announces that individuals in Northwest Kansas packed 7,130 shoeboxes during the November 2020 Collection Week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a Shoebox Online totals were 133 shoeboxes, for a grand total of 7,263, said Rachel Albin, Northwest Kansas area coordinatorOperation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C. Each year thousands of individuals across the country pack shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items.&nbsp;These boxes are then collected and shipped to countries around the world where they are distributed to children in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;For many of these children, this is the first present they have ever received. Each shoebox also contains a pamphlet in the child’s own language telling the child about the love of Jesus Christ.Albin reported that the Lower Midwest Region, which includes Kansas, collected 623,408 shoeboxes.&nbsp;The United States collected more than 7.8 million boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Worldwide, more than 9.1 million shoeboxes were packed.The 2020 coronavirus pandemic presented challenges for volunteer teams across the country, Albin said, and resulted in no-contact curbside drop-off of shoeboxes at collection sites.“Though last year was very different, and we had to be flexible and creative to continue our mission of sharing the Gospel through shoebox gifts, I am so very honored to serve alongside each of you,” Albin said in her report to Northwest Kansas volunteers. “I want to commend you for your vision and faithfulness to the Lord.&nbsp; We are still focused on the mission of sharing God's love with every child throughout the world.”More information about Operation Christmas Child is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/">https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/</a>.

7,263 shoeboxes packed by NW Kansas volunteers

ELLIS - The Kansas Food Bank and Ellis Food Boxes Pantry have openings for the USDA program to help provide monthly food boxes to low income seniors.&nbsp; The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is available in Ellis County to persons age 60 and above who qualify by meeting income requirements.

Interested seniors must fill out an application and provide the following:&nbsp; proof of ID, proof of income (Social Security statement) and proof of address.&nbsp; Once approved, they will receive a monthly food box.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: * $1,383 Household of one * $1,868 Household of two * $2,353 Household of three * $2,839 Household of four * $3,324 Household of five * $3,809 Household of six * $4,295 Household of seven * $4,780 Household of eight *&nbsp;Add $486 for each additional family member after eight&nbsp;&nbsp;

Applications are available by calling Debi at the Kansas Food Bank 316-265-3663.

Food packages include a variety of foods, such as nonfat dry and ultra-high temperature fluid milk, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables.

About the Kansas Food Bank The Kansas Food Bank collects and distributes donated and low-cost nutritious food to more than 500 hunger relief partners in its 85-county service area. In 2020 more than 14 million meals were provided, helping to feed nearly 215,300 different Kansans. Hunger-relief partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools in the Food4Kids backpack program, and Bob Box senior box programs. In addition, the Food Bank takes a leadership role in identifying and addressing hunger needs affecting Kansans.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasfoodbank.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasfoodbank.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedELLIS - The Kansas Food Bank and Ellis Food Boxes Pantry have openings for the USDA program to help provide monthly food boxes to low income seniors.&nbsp; The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is available in Ellis County to persons age 60 and above who qualify by meeting income requirements.Interested seniors must fill out an application and provide the following:&nbsp; proof of ID, proof of income (Social Security statement) and proof of address.&nbsp; Once approved, they will receive a monthly food box.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Income guidelines are as follows.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: * $1,383 Household of one * $1,868 Household of two * $2,353 Household of three * $2,839 Household of four * $3,324 Household of five * $3,809 Household of six * $4,295 Household of seven * $4,780 Household of eight *&nbsp;Add $486 for each additional family member after eight&nbsp;&nbsp; Applications are available by calling Debi at the Kansas Food Bank 316-265-3663.Food packages include a variety of foods, such as nonfat dry and ultra-high temperature fluid milk, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables.About the Kansas Food Bank The Kansas Food Bank collects and distributes donated and low-cost nutritious food to more than 500 hunger relief partners in its 85-county service area. In 2020 more than 14 million meals were provided, helping to feed nearly 215,300 different Kansans. Hunger-relief partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools in the Food4Kids backpack program, and Bob Box senior box programs. In addition, the Food Bank takes a leadership role in identifying and addressing hunger needs affecting Kansans. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasfoodbank.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasfoodbank.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellis Food Boxes Pantry has openings for USDA Supplemental Food Program

The situation with Kansas Department of Labor continues to take much of the focus of our time here. 

I have had many conversations, received numerous emails, texts and phone calls from those who have fallen victim to fraud or have been unable to file for unemployment benefits. I have been working with the Department of Labor but it is getting beyond frustrating we must get these issues resolved. 

Once again Kansas made national headlines this past week over failures by the Kelly administration to adequately protect the state’s unemployment system from fraud. 

The latest weekly data from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) indicates Kansas had the second highest number of unemployment claims in the nation, despite the fact that Kansas accounts for less than 1% of the nation’s population. For months, the USDOL has warned the Kelly administration about the need to take protective measures in order to prevent widespread fraud. The Legislature and Kansas employers have also been sounding the alarm since last year, urging the Governor’s office to get the state’s unemployment system in check.

It wasn’t until January 28, months after the fact, that Governor Kelly opted to respond. 

Under mounting pressure from the Legislature, the media and the public, the Kelly administration temporarily shut down the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) in effort to boost security measures. After that shutdown, Governor Kelly reported that the new security measures had blocked more than 600,000 fraudulent attempts in just a day and a half - further indication of the fraud that had been allowed to infiltrate the system all this time.

While other states have seen a steady decline in unemployment claims, Kansas claims have continued to spike. This stark contrast to national trends indicates just how serious the fraud problem is for Kansas.

Unfortunately, the Governor’s security upgrade is too little, too late. Due to the ongoing inaction at KDOL, the Kelly administration has paid out an estimated $300 to $400 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits while Kansans who are legitimately out of work have been forced to wait.

The Legislature took action this pastweek to protect Kansans from the long-term impact of this fraud.

First, the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on HB 2195. This legislation would hold employers harmless, meaning they would not be on the hook to reimburse the state for fraudulent unemployment benefits paid out without their consent.&nbsp;Additionally, the bill encourages the use of federal pandemic-related funds to replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. 

Our businesses, schools and non-profit organizations should not be forced to pay the price for the Kelly administration’s mistakes. 

I serve on this committee and shared my concerns that those affected are not simply numbers, data and spreadsheets but real men and women, citizens of Kansas just like you and me.

Second, the House Commerce Committee was briefed on HB 2196, which would require KDOL to upgrade its IT system and hold the agency accountable for long-term improvements.

Have you received an incorrect 1099 from KDOL? 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka! The situation with Kansas Department of Labor continues to take much of the focus of our time here. I have had many conversations, received numerous emails, texts and phone calls from those who have fallen victim to fraud or have been unable to file for unemployment benefits. I have been working with the Department of Labor but it is getting beyond frustrating we must get these issues resolved. Once again Kansas made national headlines this past week over failures by the Kelly administration to adequately protect the state’s unemployment system from fraud. The latest weekly data from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) indicates Kansas had the second highest number of unemployment claims in the nation, despite the fact that Kansas accounts for less than 1% of the nation’s population. For months, the USDOL has warned the Kelly administration about the need to take protective measures in order to prevent widespread fraud. The Legislature and Kansas employers have also been sounding the alarm since last year, urging the Governor’s office to get the state’s unemployment system in check.It wasn’t until January 28, months after the fact, that Governor Kelly opted to respond. Under mounting pressure from the Legislature, the media and the public, the Kelly administration temporarily shut down the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) in effort to boost security measures. After that shutdown, Governor Kelly reported that the new security measures had blocked more than 600,000 fraudulent attempts in just a day and a half - further indication of the fraud that had been allowed to infiltrate the system all this time.While other states have seen a steady decline in unemployment claims, Kansas claims have continued to spike. This stark contrast to national trends indicates just how serious the fraud problem is for Kansas.Unfortunately, the Governor’s security upgrade is too little, too late. Due to the ongoing inaction at KDOL, the Kelly administration has paid out an estimated $300 to $400 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits while Kansans who are legitimately out of work have been forced to wait.The Legislature took action this pastweek to protect Kansans from the long-term impact of this fraud.First, the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on HB 2195. This legislation would hold employers harmless, meaning they would not be on the hook to reimburse the state for fraudulent unemployment benefits paid out without their consent.&nbsp;Additionally, the bill encourages the use of federal pandemic-related funds to replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Our businesses, schools and non-profit organizations should not be forced to pay the price for the Kelly administration’s mistakes. I serve on this committee and shared my concerns that those affected are not simply numbers, data and spreadsheets but real men and women, citizens of Kansas just like you and me.Second, the House Commerce Committee was briefed on HB 2196, which would require KDOL to upgrade its IT system and hold the agency accountable for long-term improvements.Have you received an incorrect 1099 from KDOL? Unfortunately, employers aren’t the only ones impacted by this unemployment fraud. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are not liable to pay taxes on income you did not receive from fraudulent unemployment claims. If you received a Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits you never received, you may dispute the 1099 by calling the KDOL Tax Call Center at 785-575-1461 or 1-888-499-0063. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or there are forms on the Kansas Department of Labor website.Once again this year, the Governor wants to reamortize KPERS. The KPERS Board met Jan. 29 to review the Governor’s funding proposals for KPERS. This year marks the third year the Governor has attempted to reamortize KPERS in order to pull additional funds in the budget. The proposal was voted down by the Legislature in both 2019 and 2020.Following their meeting, the Board submitted a letter to Governor Kelly indicating: “These changes to the funding plan impede funding progress leaving KPERS in a more vulnerable funding position for years and costing the State an estimated $4.6 billion in additional employer contributions over time.”A bill has not yet been introduced to adopt the Governor’s KPERS reamortization plan, which is a cornerstone of her budget.Because of COVID, we are not encouraging visitors to come to Topeka but if you would like to contact me : my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. When you call or write you might hear from Terry Bernatis, my assistant during the session.It is my honor to be your representative.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich