ABILENE - The next program in the Evenings at Ease series is Tuesday, February 9 at 7 p.m. Central time featuring guest speaker Mary Jean Eisenhower. This online presentation will begin right at 7 o'clock, so please sign in 10 minutes early.

Take a journey with Mary Jean Eisenhower into Mamie's World as she introduces us to her grandmother. Through personal stories and photos, we will get to know Mamie Eisenhower as a young girl, wife, mother, grandmother...and most importantly as a good friend.

Mary Jean is the President of People to People International, which was founded September 11, 1956, by President Eisenhower. She is the recipient of numerous humanitarian awards and honorary doctorates. Mary Jean Eisenhower currently serves on the Eisenhower Foundation Board of Directors.

URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016n1tAHpOrBQ2LD_I8nEW_NekB-e_fvV1Ve9ETALiATtTotocjB7lemI_EpS01_8NPmimTQ3DqhsP76gea7YHY-WIXRaRm7rx4YKAJtV7ZDHLfYXfxeQjd1_EizsmuZ4TllJhUFdFkFnUhqHxzuEx8WGPUFcKfbXF&amp;c=_pJdHBC0eJJ2kRAa3NXrtIRu6GQC5C9AJZ4sIA2O1NPckjLovn6GEQ==&amp;ch=ECw7cja8xRY-vRUkhOK-wZfw_JNjHLghmdbmRmfMBcvEFsFPD3cd3w==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/uta-phxt-dsh</a> Phone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪781 864 172 7146‬#) [Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.]

The&nbsp;2021 Evenings at Ease series&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation with generous support from the Jeffcoat Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612370731279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - The next program in the Evenings at Ease series is Tuesday, February 9 at 7 p.m. Central time featuring guest speaker Mary Jean Eisenhower. This online presentation will begin right at 7 o'clock, so please sign in 10 minutes early.Take a journey with Mary Jean Eisenhower into Mamie's World as she introduces us to her grandmother. Through personal stories and photos, we will get to know Mamie Eisenhower as a young girl, wife, mother, grandmother...and most importantly as a good friend.Mary Jean is the President of People to People International, which was founded September 11, 1956, by President Eisenhower. She is the recipient of numerous humanitarian awards and honorary doctorates. Mary Jean Eisenhower currently serves on the Eisenhower Foundation Board of Directors. JOIN OUR VIRTUAL PUBLIC PROGRAMS:URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016n1tAHpOrBQ2LD_I8nEW_NekB-e_fvV1Ve9ETALiATtTotocjB7lemI_EpS01_8NPmimTQ3DqhsP76gea7YHY-WIXRaRm7rx4YKAJtV7ZDHLfYXfxeQjd1_EizsmuZ4TllJhUFdFkFnUhqHxzuEx8WGPUFcKfbXF&amp;c=_pJdHBC0eJJ2kRAa3NXrtIRu6GQC5C9AJZ4sIA2O1NPckjLovn6GEQ==&amp;ch=ECw7cja8xRY-vRUkhOK-wZfw_JNjHLghmdbmRmfMBcvEFsFPD3cd3w==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/uta-phxt-dsh</a> Phone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪781 864 172 7146‬#) [Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.] The&nbsp;2021 Evenings at Ease series&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation with generous support from the Jeffcoat Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Granddaughter talks about Mamie Eisenhower during 'Evenings at Ease'

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday announced appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions, including former 118th District&nbsp; state representative Don Hineman, Dighton, as well as residents from Russell and Oakley.&nbsp;

Advisory Commission for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

The Commission is tasked with consulting and advising the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on matters relating to children with special health care needs.

The Kansas Animal Health Board acts as an advisory board to the Kansas Livestock Commission.

Governor’s Council on Tax Reform

The purpose of the Council is provide the governor and the legislature perspective and counsel of a diverse group of experts and stakeholders with regard to tax policy for the State of Kansas.

State Board of Veterinary Examiners

The mission of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners is to promote animal health, safety, and welfare by examining and licensing applicants for veterinary medicine. They also inspect and register licensed veterinarians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578581434585.png" alt="Don Hineman" />
 <figcaption>Don Hineman</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday announced appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions, including former 118th District&nbsp; state representative Don Hineman, Dighton, as well as residents from Russell and Oakley.&nbsp;Advisory Commission for Children with Special Healthcare NeedsThe Commission is tasked with consulting and advising the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on matters relating to children with special health care needs.<ul>
 <li>Dr. Chet Johnson, Shawnee</li><li>Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Wichita</li>
 </ul>Kansas Animal Health BoardThe Kansas Animal Health Board acts as an advisory board to the Kansas Livestock Commission.<ul>
 <li>Crecia Reeves, Russell</li><li>Dr. Wade Taylor, Oakley (reappointment)</li><li>Dr. Megan Potter, Abilene</li>
 </ul>Governor’s Council on Tax ReformThe purpose of the Council is provide the governor and the legislature perspective and counsel of a diverse group of experts and stakeholders with regard to tax policy for the State of Kansas.<ul>
 <li>Adam Proffitt – Topeka</li><li>Anthony Hensley – Topeka</li><li>Don Hineman – Dighton</li><li>Dinah Sykes – Lenexa</li>
 </ul>State Board of Veterinary ExaminersThe mission of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners is to promote animal health, safety, and welfare by examining and licensing applicants for veterinary medicine. They also inspect and register licensed veterinarians.<ul>
 <li>Dr. Amy Ekerberg, Newton</li>
 </ul>

Former NW Kan. state rep appointed to governor’s tax reform council

SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. — Kinley M. Pfannenstiel, Hays, Kansas, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reported Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members. Visit <a href="http://www.angus.org/njaa/">NJAA.info</a> for more information about the National Junior Angus Association.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.angus.org/" target="_blank">www.angus.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612307666151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NJAASAINT JOSEPH, Mo. — Kinley M. Pfannenstiel, Hays, Kansas, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reported Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members. Visit <a href="http://www.angus.org/njaa/">NJAA.info</a> for more information about the National Junior Angus Association.For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.angus.org/" target="_blank">www.angus.org</a>.

Hays resident is new member of National Junior Angus Association

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Sales tax revenues for the city of Hays in 2020 were up more than 3 percent despite the havoc created by the coronavirus pandemic locally and across the nation.

A report last week to the Hays City Commission by Kim Rupp, city finance director, indicated collections ended the year at $7,641,323, up $230,085, or 3.1 percent.

Early in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic, Rupp and Toby Dougherty, city manager, assumed there might be a revenue loss of up to 20 percent.

"That's what the state of Kansas was projecting," Dougherty said. "There was a lot of uncertainties out there.

"We made a lot of tactical reductions in reductions in spending in preparation for that."

Instead, the pandemic turned out to be a benefit from a sales city sales tax perspective, according to Dougherty.

"More people stayed at home (in Hays) and shopped at home, so we finished the year pretty good."

Nearly 60 percent of the city's general fund is financed by a 1.25 percent sales tax levied on goods and some services.

&nbsp;The general fund pays for city services including police, fire, streets, parks, swimming pools and the municipal golf course. It also provides funding to outside agencies including Grow Hays (economic development), United Way CARE Council and Fort Hays State University City of Hays Scholarships.

Most of the city's funds finished the year in good shape, except for the transient guest tax.

"It's really the only area where we took a significant hit," Dougherty said.

With fewer people traveling in 2020, fewer people stayed in Hays hotels.

"The transient guest tax was down, 25 to 28 percent, I believe, over what our adjusted budget amount was. So, it was down significantly."

A 2 percent increase in the transient guest tax two years ago is earmarked for partial funding of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612214819959.jpeg" alt="According to Kim Rupp, Hays finance director, the city's sales tax revenues were unexpectedly up 3.1 percent in 2020." />
 <figcaption>According to Kim Rupp, Hays finance director, the city's sales tax revenues were unexpectedly up 3.1 percent in 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSales tax revenues for the city of Hays in 2020 were up more than 3 percent despite the havoc created by the coronavirus pandemic locally and across the nation.A report last week to the Hays City Commission by Kim Rupp, city finance director, indicated collections ended the year at $7,641,323, up $230,085, or 3.1 percent.Early in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic, Rupp and Toby Dougherty, city manager, assumed there might be a revenue loss of up to 20 percent."That's what the state of Kansas was projecting," Dougherty said. "There was a lot of uncertainties out there."We made a lot of tactical reductions in reductions in spending in preparation for that."Instead, the pandemic turned out to be a benefit from a sales city sales tax perspective, according to Dougherty."More people stayed at home (in Hays) and shopped at home, so we finished the year pretty good."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612302908393.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly 60 percent of the city's general fund is financed by a 1.25 percent sales tax levied on goods and some services. &nbsp;The general fund pays for city services including police, fire, streets, parks, swimming pools and the municipal golf course. It also provides funding to outside agencies including Grow Hays (economic development), United Way CARE Council and Fort Hays State University City of Hays Scholarships.Most of the city's funds finished the year in good shape, except for the transient guest tax."It's really the only area where we took a significant hit," Dougherty said.With fewer people traveling in 2020, fewer people stayed in Hays hotels."The transient guest tax was down, 25 to 28 percent, I believe, over what our adjusted budget amount was. So, it was down significantly."A 2 percent increase in the transient guest tax two years ago is earmarked for partial funding of the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.

Hays sales tax revenues up in 2020 despite COVID; pillow tax down nearly 30%

The Ellis County Bar Association has named Joseph "Joe" Jeter the recipient of the 2020 Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award.&nbsp; The award, created by the bar association to honor past and present members of the bar who have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy best exemplified, represented and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession, was first awarded posthumously to attorneys Willis Musick in 2015 and Richard Coffelt in 2016. &nbsp;

The award is not given annually but, rather, is presented up to once per year when the members of the Ellis County Bar Association offer nominations. A confidentially appointed committee of association members reviews the nominations and selects the recipient it believes is most deserving among the nominees. &nbsp;

“Joe has been an exemplary member of the legal profession for almost 50 years,” said Wendy Rohleder-Sook, bar president.&nbsp; “He exhibits all of the qualities and ideals recognized by this award, and he is well-respected in the local and state legal communities.”&nbsp; 

Jeter was recognized by his colleagues at a recent meeting of the bar association.

Jeter, a partner at Jeter Turner Sook Baxter LLP, is the first recipient of the award to be honored while still active in practice, which includes estate planning, corporate and business law, probate, oil and gas law, and real estate law. He has been involved in many community organizations throughout his career and previously served as the City of Hays’ municipal court judge for almost 10 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612306440381.jpeg" alt="Joe Jeter " />
 <figcaption>Joe Jeter </figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Bar Association has named Joseph "Joe" Jeter the recipient of the 2020 Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award.&nbsp; The award, created by the bar association to honor past and present members of the bar who have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy best exemplified, represented and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession, was first awarded posthumously to attorneys Willis Musick in 2015 and Richard Coffelt in 2016. &nbsp;The award is not given annually but, rather, is presented up to once per year when the members of the Ellis County Bar Association offer nominations. A confidentially appointed committee of association members reviews the nominations and selects the recipient it believes is most deserving among the nominees. &nbsp;“Joe has been an exemplary member of the legal profession for almost 50 years,” said Wendy Rohleder-Sook, bar president.&nbsp; “He exhibits all of the qualities and ideals recognized by this award, and he is well-respected in the local and state legal communities.”&nbsp; Jeter was recognized by his colleagues at a recent meeting of the bar association.Jeter, a partner at Jeter Turner Sook Baxter LLP, is the first recipient of the award to be honored while still active in practice, which includes estate planning, corporate and business law, probate, oil and gas law, and real estate law. He has been involved in many community organizations throughout his career and previously served as the City of Hays’ municipal court judge for almost 10 years.— Submitted

Ellis County Bar Association awards Jeter professionalism award

COLBY — In collaboration with Colby public schools, the city of Colby, and private donors, Colby Community College is raising funds to build the Colby Tennis Center.

The 21,328 square-foot building features two full-size collegiate tennis courts, two full-size pickleball courts, and a walking area. It will be the only structure of its kind between Salina and Denver and will be open 24 hours a day to the community.&nbsp;

"We are so excited to be involved with this project," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "This facility will be available to all interested patrons and helps fill the needs of northwest Kansas. The College is deeply committed to giving back because community is at the heart of everything we do, and it is central to our mission."

The cost of the project is anticipated to be just over a million dollars. CCC has already received pledges in excess of $550,000. Several grant applications have been submitted, and additional donations will be used to ensure the project is fully funded without using public monies.

All individuals contributing will be named on the Colby Tennis Center donor wall. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made to the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation.

For additional information, contact the Foundation at (785) 460-4684, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/donate" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/donate</a>, or search Colby Community College Alumni and Friends on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612278811114.jpeg" alt="An indoor tennis center will be built in Colby.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>An indoor tennis center will be built in Colby.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY — In collaboration with Colby public schools, the city of Colby, and private donors, Colby Community College is raising funds to build the Colby Tennis Center.The 21,328 square-foot building features two full-size collegiate tennis courts, two full-size pickleball courts, and a walking area. It will be the only structure of its kind between Salina and Denver and will be open 24 hours a day to the community.&nbsp;"We are so excited to be involved with this project," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "This facility will be available to all interested patrons and helps fill the needs of northwest Kansas. The College is deeply committed to giving back because community is at the heart of everything we do, and it is central to our mission."The cost of the project is anticipated to be just over a million dollars. CCC has already received pledges in excess of $550,000. Several grant applications have been submitted, and additional donations will be used to ensure the project is fully funded without using public monies.All individuals contributing will be named on the Colby Tennis Center donor wall. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made to the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation.For additional information, contact the Foundation at (785) 460-4684, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbycc.edu/donate" target="_blank">www.colbycc.edu/donate</a>, or search Colby Community College Alumni and Friends on Facebook.

Indoor tennis facility coming to Colby

February is the month of love and several Valentine's Day events are scheduled in Hays, both virtual and in-person.

The Downtown Ice Rink remains open through the month and you have a chance to win two tickets for roundtrip flights to Denver during the Saturday, Feb. 20, basketball games between Fort Hays State University and Central Missouri.

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has more highlights of activities this month in Hays.

For an updated calendar of events, check the CVB website at <a href="http://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575300742886.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFebruary is the month of love and several Valentine's Day events are scheduled in Hays, both virtual and in-person.The Downtown Ice Rink remains open through the month and you have a chance to win two tickets for roundtrip flights to Denver during the Saturday, Feb. 20, basketball games between Fort Hays State University and Central Missouri.Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, has more highlights of activities this month in Hays.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K60Us4UMhPI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For an updated calendar of events, check the CVB website at <a href="http://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 CVB: Valentines, art and basketball are all in Hays during February

Three-day weather outlook

OK, so why DID the chicken cross the road? Probably because someone on the other side was feeding them illegally. Years ago, a family member vacationing in Florida told me this tale of feral chickens roaming the streets in some Florida communities. I had a hard time believing it then, but an Associated Press story in a recent Hutchinson News suggests it’s a problem once again.

The story tells about free-roaming feral chickens in Key West Florida. It says “With the population getting out of hand, city commissioners are taking action – not by hunting down the fixings for a massive tailgate party, but by going after their human enablers.” The article goes on to tell how fat the chickens are from the popcorn, french fries and bird food they are fed by tourists. One man whose street has been invaded by the chickens, said “The population has literally exploded; they’re being fed, and when you ask anybody to stop it’s like you’re asking them for their firstborn.” When I think of feral wildlife, I imagine destructive feral hogs that wreak havoc in the south, pythons devouring native species in the Everglades, or wild dogs in Australia; you know, beasts that cannot be controlled with a pellet gun and an old-fashioned chicken catcher, but not feral chickens.

This is ridiculous! Why would your solution be to fine those feeding the chickens and not just get rid of the chickens? I have a couple suggested ways of doing that. There have to be chicken farms / ranches in Florida that would love to be given free chickens, so send the city councilmen out at night to collect them from their roosts and simply relocate them.&nbsp;

The second is more of a culinary solution. I would build a fleet of those little carts like the hot dog venders use in New York City. Each would be complete with a Coleman camp stove and a big fiberglass sprayer tank for clean water (this will require cleaning all the herbicide from your tank first.)&nbsp; Your only other investments would be a large frying pan, a couple utensils, a supply of seasonings and condiments, a fifty-pound sack of cracked corn once a week and perhaps a bicycle with which to tow the rig around. Oh, and one of those old-fashioned chicken catchers you can fashion from a piece of heavy fencing wire will also serve you well.

Find a neighborhood with feral chicken problems and get your rig set up early in the morning when the chickens first begin to scratch around. Scatter a little cracked corn around your cart, then simply stand and wait with the chicken catcher behind your back. As yardbirds get within reach, lash out with the catcher and snatch them up by the leg. Spin around in place, clean and pluck them into a trash container hidden under the counter (after all, you don’t want to offend the customers,) now quickly rinse them, cut them up, bread the pieces and chunk them into your skillet full of lard already smoking over the Coleman, and viola; fried feral fowl! A cooler full of ice might also prove handy on busy days so you can catch several birds at once; otherwise simply catch them as needed.&nbsp;

Don’t be afraid to vary your offering either. For example, Kentucky Fried has Original and Extra Crispy; you can offer both Safe and Extra Risky. Use your imagination when naming your business too, as the more exotic the name, the more attention you’ll grab. Names like Freddy’s Fried Feral Fowl or Bob’s Broasted Banties will certainly suck in the patrons.&nbsp;

Folks, the words “feral” and “chicken” should not go together. Notice this has never been a problem here in the Midwest, where we like our fried chicken and have the common sense to solve problems like this logically… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>OK, so why DID the chicken cross the road? Probably because someone on the other side was feeding them illegally. Years ago, a family member vacationing in Florida told me this tale of feral chickens roaming the streets in some Florida communities. I had a hard time believing it then, but an Associated Press story in a recent Hutchinson News suggests it’s a problem once again.The story tells about free-roaming feral chickens in Key West Florida. It says “With the population getting out of hand, city commissioners are taking action – not by hunting down the fixings for a massive tailgate party, but by going after their human enablers.” The article goes on to tell how fat the chickens are from the popcorn, french fries and bird food they are fed by tourists. One man whose street has been invaded by the chickens, said “The population has literally exploded; they’re being fed, and when you ask anybody to stop it’s like you’re asking them for their firstborn.” When I think of feral wildlife, I imagine destructive feral hogs that wreak havoc in the south, pythons devouring native species in the Everglades, or wild dogs in Australia; you know, beasts that cannot be controlled with a pellet gun and an old-fashioned chicken catcher, but not feral chickens.This is ridiculous! Why would your solution be to fine those feeding the chickens and not just get rid of the chickens? I have a couple suggested ways of doing that. There have to be chicken farms / ranches in Florida that would love to be given free chickens, so send the city councilmen out at night to collect them from their roosts and simply relocate them.&nbsp;The second is more of a culinary solution. I would build a fleet of those little carts like the hot dog venders use in New York City. Each would be complete with a Coleman camp stove and a big fiberglass sprayer tank for clean water (this will require cleaning all the herbicide from your tank first.)&nbsp; Your only other investments would be a large frying pan, a couple utensils, a supply of seasonings and condiments, a fifty-pound sack of cracked corn once a week and perhaps a bicycle with which to tow the rig around. Oh, and one of those old-fashioned chicken catchers you can fashion from a piece of heavy fencing wire will also serve you well.Find a neighborhood with feral chicken problems and get your rig set up early in the morning when the chickens first begin to scratch around. Scatter a little cracked corn around your cart, then simply stand and wait with the chicken catcher behind your back. As yardbirds get within reach, lash out with the catcher and snatch them up by the leg. Spin around in place, clean and pluck them into a trash container hidden under the counter (after all, you don’t want to offend the customers,) now quickly rinse them, cut them up, bread the pieces and chunk them into your skillet full of lard already smoking over the Coleman, and viola; fried feral fowl! A cooler full of ice might also prove handy on busy days so you can catch several birds at once; otherwise simply catch them as needed.&nbsp;Don’t be afraid to vary your offering either. For example, Kentucky Fried has Original and Extra Crispy; you can offer both Safe and Extra Risky. Use your imagination when naming your business too, as the more exotic the name, the more attention you’ll grab. Names like Freddy’s Fried Feral Fowl or Bob’s Broasted Banties will certainly suck in the patrons.&nbsp;Folks, the words “feral” and “chicken” should not go together. Notice this has never been a problem here in the Midwest, where we like our fried chicken and have the common sense to solve problems like this logically… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Feral chickens ... seriously?

The Feb. 4 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Feb. 4 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

Thursday's city commission work session canceled

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to Mid-Continent League play Tuesday night night at home against the Trego Golden Eagles.

The girls game is set for 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show.

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

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to Mid-Continent League play Tuesday night night at home against the Trego Golden Eagles.The girls game is set for 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show.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/s0rkLjwJtUY"></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/YaGeCZfcJAo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games&nbsp; on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 🏀WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Trego

The Hays High boys and girls basketball teams travel to Scott City Tuesday for a non-league matchup with the Beavers.

The girls game is set to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show.

&nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

The Hays High boys and girls basketball teams travel to Scott City Tuesday for a non-league matchup with the Beavers.The girls game is set to start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow. Our coverage begins at 5:40 with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show.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/AZPBg-L55Nc"></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/_p2RUqPS57g"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

 🏀WATCH: Hays High v Scott City

<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="Not just for business, Hays Chamber works with area non-profits" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/qasrn-f97763?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: Not just for business, Hays Chamber works with area non-profits

Dear Members of the Kansas Board of Regents,

We, the undersigned distinguished professors from Kansas Board of Regents universities, strongly urge the immediate rescinding of the KBOR’s new termination policy. We applaud Allison Garrett (Emporia State), Tisa A. Mason (Fort Hays State), Richard Myers (Kansas State), Steven A. Scott (Pittsburg State), and Richard Muma (Wichita State) for refusing to use the policy. It is harmful to our individual campuses and to the Regents system as a whole.

As Regent Shane Bangerter notes, these are indeed “extreme times.” The chronic underfunding of Kansas higher education has become suddenly acute. However, Regents universities already have a policy crafted specifically to address such extremity--declaring financial exigency allows universities to downsize in the face of financial emergency. In consultation with KBOR, each campus has already developed, via shared governance, the necessary procedures: these should be implemented if a campus determines that they are needed. Best practices for university management require transparency and proper procedure.&nbsp;

To jettison best practices with this substitute policy not only reveals a lack of respect for each campus’ system of shared governance, it threatens long-term damage to the missions of each institution. It undermines the purpose of tenure, which is to allow faculty to pursue their scholarship without fear of repercussions. Academic freedom is the foundation upon which we build discovery, robust research, scholarship and creative activities. It also fosters an environment essential to recruiting and retaining excellent faculty in the future. Finally, the new policy undermines the morale of current staff and faculty at precisely the time when each campus needs extraordinary effort and resilience from them.&nbsp;

Perry Alexander, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KU

K. Christopher Beard, Ecology &amp; Evolutionary Biology, KU

James D. Bever, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, KU

Frank Blecha, Anatomy and Physiology, K-State

George R. Bousfield, Biological Sciences, WSU

Yolanda Broyles-Gonzalez, American Ethnic Studies, K-State

M.M. Chengappa, Veterinary Medicine, K-State

C. Lewis Cocke, Emeritus, Physics, K-State

David Darwin, Civil, Environmental &amp; Architectural Engineering, KU

Jolynn A. Dowling, School of Nursing, WSU

Michael S. Engel, Ecology &amp; Evolutionary Biology, KU

Charles Epp, Public Affairs and Administration, KU

Victor S. Frost, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KU

Robert Goldstein, Department of Geology, KU

Dale Herspring, Emeritus, Political Science, K-State

Stephen Higgs, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, K-State

Duy H. Hua, Department of Chemistry, K-State

Hartmut Jaeschke, Pharmacology, Toxicology &amp; Therapeutics, KUMC

Michael Kanost, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, K-State

Barbara A. Kerr, Educational Psychology, KU

Kimberly Kirkpatrick, Psychological Sciences, K-State

Phillip E. Klebba, Biochemistry &amp; Molecular Biophysics, K-State

Susan Lunte, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU

Richard Marston, Emeritus, Geography, K-State

Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan, Emeritus, Biochemistry &amp; Molecular Biophysics, K-State

TG Nagaraja, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, K-State

Randolph J. Nudo, Rehabilitation Medicine, KUMC

Rosemary O’Leary, School of Public Affairs and Administration, KU

Anil Pahwa, Electrical and Computer Engineering, K-State

A. Townsend Peterson, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, KU

William D. Picking, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU

David C. Poole, Kinesiology, Anatomy and Physiology, K-State

Harald E.L. Prins, Emeritus, Anthropology, K-State

Mabel L. Rice, Child Language Doctoral Program, KU

Dan Rockhill, Architecture &amp; Design, KU

Robert Rohrschneider, Political Science, KU

Chistophe Royon, Physics and Astronomy, KU

Christian Schoneich, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KU

James E. Sherow, Emeritus, History, K-State

Paulette Spencer, Mechanical Engineering, KU

Sandra M. Stith, Emeritus, Applied Human Sciences, K-State

Xiuzhi Susan Sun, Grain Science and Industry, K-State

Karan S. Surana, Mechanical Engineering, KU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Members of the Kansas Board of Regents,We, the undersigned distinguished professors from Kansas Board of Regents universities, strongly urge the immediate rescinding of the KBOR’s new termination policy. We applaud Allison Garrett (Emporia State), Tisa A. Mason (Fort Hays State), Richard Myers (Kansas State), Steven A. Scott (Pittsburg State), and Richard Muma (Wichita State) for refusing to use the policy. It is harmful to our individual campuses and to the Regents system as a whole.As Regent Shane Bangerter notes, these are indeed “extreme times.” The chronic underfunding of Kansas higher education has become suddenly acute. However, Regents universities already have a policy crafted specifically to address such extremity--declaring financial exigency allows universities to downsize in the face of financial emergency. In consultation with KBOR, each campus has already developed, via shared governance, the necessary procedures: these should be implemented if a campus determines that they are needed. Best practices for university management require transparency and proper procedure.&nbsp;To jettison best practices with this substitute policy not only reveals a lack of respect for each campus’ system of shared governance, it threatens long-term damage to the missions of each institution. It undermines the purpose of tenure, which is to allow faculty to pursue their scholarship without fear of repercussions. Academic freedom is the foundation upon which we build discovery, robust research, scholarship and creative activities. It also fosters an environment essential to recruiting and retaining excellent faculty in the future. Finally, the new policy undermines the morale of current staff and faculty at precisely the time when each campus needs extraordinary effort and resilience from them.&nbsp;Sincerely yours,Christer B. Aakeröy, Chemistry, K-StateChristine Aikens, Chemistry, K-StatePerry Alexander, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KUBeth Bailey, History, KUWilliam A. Barnett, Economics, KUThomas J. Barstow, Kinesiology, K-StateAlice Bean, Physics and Astronomy, KUK. Christopher Beard, Ecology &amp; Evolutionary Biology, KUItzhak Ben-Itzhak, Physics, K-StateJames D. Bever, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, KURaj Bhala, School of Law, KUMonica Biernat, Psychology, KUJohn Blair, Division of Biology, K-StateFrank Blecha, Anatomy and Physiology, K-StateGeorge R. Bousfield, Biological Sciences, WSUNyla Branscombe, Psychology, KUYolanda Broyles-Gonzalez, American Ethnic Studies, K-StateJoyce Castle, Music, KUM.M. Chengappa, Veterinary Medicine, K-StateC. Lewis Cocke, Emeritus, Physics, K-StateBernard Cornet, Economics, KUDavid Darwin, Civil, Environmental &amp; Architectural Engineering, KULynne Davis, Music, WSUElizabeth Dodd, English, K-StateWalter Dodds, Biology, K-StateJolynn A. Dowling, School of Nursing, WSUMichael S. Engel, Ecology &amp; Evolutionary Biology, KUCharles Epp, Public Affairs and Administration, KUDavid Farber, History, KUVictor S. Frost, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KURandall Fuller, English, KUKeith Gido, Biology, K-StateBikram S. Gill, Plant Pathology, K-StateRichard Godbeer, History, KURobert Goldstein, Department of Geology, KUWayne Everett Goins, Music, K-StateJohn W. Head, Law, KUAnne D. Hedeman, Art History, KUDale Herspring, Emeritus, Political Science, K-StateStephen Higgs, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, K-StateDuy H. Hua, Department of Chemistry, K-StateAndrew C. Isenberg, History, KURyszard Jankowiak, Chemistry, K-StateHartmut Jaeschke, Pharmacology, Toxicology &amp; Therapeutics, KUMCMichael Kanost, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, K-StateBarbara A. Kerr, Educational Psychology, KUM.B. Kirkham, Agronomy, K-StateKimberly Kirkpatrick, Psychological Sciences, K-StatePhillip E. Klebba, Biochemistry &amp; Molecular Biophysics, K-StateJohn F. Leslie, Plant Pathology, K-StateRichard E. Levy, Law, KUSusan Lunte, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KURolfe Mandel, Anthropology, KURichard Marston, Emeritus, Geography, K-StateSubbaratnam Muthukrishnan, Emeritus, Biochemistry &amp; Molecular Biophysics, K-StateTG Nagaraja, Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, K-StateJoane Nagel, Sociology, KUPhilip Nel, English, K-StateDavid Nualart, Mathematics, KURandolph J. Nudo, Rehabilitation Medicine, KUMCBerl Oakley, Molecular Biosciences, KURosemary O’Leary, School of Public Affairs and Administration, KUDennis H. O’Rourke, Anthropology, KUAnil Pahwa, Electrical and Computer Engineering, K-StateA. Townsend Peterson, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, KUWilliam D. Picking, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KUDavid C. Poole, Kinesiology, Anatomy and Physiology, K-StateP.V. Vara Prasad, Agronomy, K-StateHarald E.L. Prins, Emeritus, Anthropology, K-StateBharat Ratra, Physics, K-StateCharles W. Rice, Agronomy, K-StateMabel L. Rice, Child Language Doctoral Program, KUDan Rockhill, Architecture &amp; Design, KUDavid Roediger, American Studies, KURobert Rohrschneider, Political Science, KUChistophe Royon, Physics and Astronomy, KUChristian Schoneich, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KUPaul Selden, Emeritus, Geology, KUPrakash P. Shenoy, Business, KUJames E. Sherow, Emeritus, History, K-StateTom Skrtic, Special Education, KUC. Michael Smith, Entomology, K-StateYan Soibelman, Mathematics, K-StateSteven A. Soper, Chemistry, KUChristopher Sorensen, Physics, K-StatePaulette Spencer, Mechanical Engineering, KUBrian S. Spooner, Biology, K-StateS. G. Sterrett, Philosophy, WSUSandra M. Stith, Emeritus, Applied Human Sciences, K-StateXiuzhi Susan Sun, Grain Science and Industry, K-StateKaran S. Surana, Mechanical Engineering, KUUwe Thumm, Physics, K-StateBarbara Valent, Plant Pathology, K-StateJ. Douglas Walker, Geology, KUStephen Ware, Law, KUSteven F. Warren, Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences and Disorders, KURobert Warrior, American Studies and English, KUMary A. Waters, English, WSURuth Welti, Biology, K-StateRobert E. Weems, Jr., Business History, WSUYong Zhao, Education, KUKun Yan Zhu, Entomology, K-StateDean Zollman, Emeritus, Physics, K-State

LETTER: Kan. professors critical of new termination policy

🎥🏀Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Millions of Americans are reporting they are struggling to pay rent in the midst of the pandemic.

A local housing and resource agency in Hays says it has seen some increases in those applying for assistance, but local aid workers acknowledge the actual number of local renters struggling to pay rent and utilities is likely under-represented in the agency's numbers.

The Centers for Disease Control extended its nationwide eviction moratorium through March 31. Tenants must sign&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf" target="_blank">declaration</a>s&nbsp;and present them to their landlords stating they are unable to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic to qualify for the&nbsp;moratorium protection.

Nationwide Household Pulse data indicated almost one in five renters have not been caught up on their rent during the pandemic.

Ryan Vincent, <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/">Kansas Housing’s</a> executive director, in an announcement on Jan. 6 of Tenant Based Rental Assistance grants expressed concerns about the effects of the pandemic on renters.

“A lack of quality, affordable housing across our state was a challenge even before COVID-19,” Vincent said. “With the current pandemic, this shortage has become a crisis. We’re pleased to offer this support to keep Kansans in their homes during this time of critical need.”

Harvest America, which serves Ellis County and much of western Kansas, received $400,000 from the TBRA program.

The funding, made possible through the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/renters/tenant-based-rental-assistance/">TBRA</a>&nbsp;program and funded through federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, helps income-eligible households afford rental subsidies, utility deposits and security deposits.

You can learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/renters/tenant-based-rental-assistance/">TBRA</a>&nbsp;in Ellis County by Calling Heart of America at 785-746-4321. The aid application does take time to process.

Local relief agency <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> has assisted a handful of local residents with rent and utility assistance specifically related to COVID-19, but Hays has not seen the housing crisis that more urban areas experienced in 2020.

"I don't know that we are really seeing the evictions yet," said Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director. "The landlords are really trying their best to work with [renters]."

First Call for Help received $5,000 from the Schmidt Foundation and additional private donations earmarked for COVID relief last year.

First Call for Help has used funds specifically designated for COVID-19 relief to help some families get caught up on back rent or utilities. The agency was able to increase the amount of assistance to families by combining the COVID funds with its general assistance program.

Mills noted Hays did not have the unemployment rate that urban areas had before the shutdown and cost of living in Hays is lower than in other areas of the nation.

Unemployment rates in Northwest Kansas are returning to pre-COVID numbers, according to a report of December numbers released Jan. 25. Ellis County's jobless rate fell to 2.6 percent as of December from a high of 7 percent in April.

Mills said although many workers were able to return their jobs after the spring shutdown, some households have had to deal with loss of income due to quarantines.

First Call for Help assisted six people with rent in May and three people in June who were directly affected by COVID. Several more people were assisted with utilities during this time.&nbsp;That trended continued through the end of 2020.

That did not include people who were not affected by COVID who the agency helped through other housing assistance funds.

Mills said requests for COVID-related assistance have been trickling in. She said the agency received many calls in January, but numbers on those who received assistance have yet to be posted.

The number of those seeking assistance for none COVID reasons have trended higher, Mills said. Sixteen people were helped with rent assistance in October who were not directly affected by COVID, she said.

Mills said she believes more people are struggling with rent and utilities than are seeking help from First Call for Help.

Many don't know about the agency, don't know their rights or may only reach out for assistance when they have been given notice of eviction, she said.

"We talk to renters on an one-on-one basis as far as the legal issues or when they call here and say, 'I'm getting kicked out of here in two days,'" Mills said. "We say, 'Take a breath. There are some laws you need to know about and then determine if you are getting kicked out in two days.' "

Evictions are continuing in the county, but for non-COVID reasons, said Amanda Truan, Ellis County District Court administrator.

First Call for Help refers renters to <a href="https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/">Kansas Legal Services</a> for legal questions on renting and evictions.

Landlords have to go through proper procedures. A landlord can't shut your utilities off or lock you out of the rental until all of the procedure have been followed, Mills said.

She said she First Call has dealt with renters whose landlords have tried these illegal tactics in the past. A landlord also may threaten such tactics, which can panic the renter, she said.

Although a few landlords may attempt to use unethical or illegal practices, most will follow the law and many in Hays are willing to work with renters, Mills said.

Mills urged renters who may think they will have difficulty paying their rent to contact their landlords well in advance of the rent being due.

"The landlords have been really good through all of this. I know they felt like they were limited in what they could do too, as far as not being able to evict people" she said.&nbsp;

To qualify for the moratorium, the renter must fill out a short form and give that to their landlord to sign before eviction proceedings begin. This does not mean the rent is no longer due. It must be paid in full at the end of the moratorium. Tenants also must to continue to follow all the stipulations of their leases.

"I think people are worried if they talk to the utility company or the rental agent about what they are dealing with then that will hurry the process along, and they don't want to do that" Mills said, "or they're just embarrassed. They don't want to call the rental agent and tell them they don't have the rent yet.&nbsp;

"The worst thing you can do is avoid contacting your landlord because most of our landlords are really good about working with tenants. If you don't call them, their only option is to start putting notices on your door."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612207845557.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMillions of Americans are reporting they are struggling to pay rent in the midst of the pandemic.A local housing and resource agency in Hays says it has seen some increases in those applying for assistance, but local aid workers acknowledge the actual number of local renters struggling to pay rent and utilities is likely under-represented in the agency's numbers.The Centers for Disease Control extended its nationwide eviction moratorium through March 31. Tenants must sign&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf" target="_blank">declaration</a>s&nbsp;and present them to their landlords stating they are unable to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic to qualify for the&nbsp;moratorium protection.Nationwide Household Pulse data indicated almost one in five renters have not been caught up on their rent during the pandemic.Ryan Vincent, <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/">Kansas Housing’s</a> executive director, in an announcement on Jan. 6 of Tenant Based Rental Assistance grants expressed concerns about the effects of the pandemic on renters.“A lack of quality, affordable housing across our state was a challenge even before COVID-19,” Vincent said. “With the current pandemic, this shortage has become a crisis. We’re pleased to offer this support to keep Kansans in their homes during this time of critical need.”Harvest America, which serves Ellis County and much of western Kansas, received $400,000 from the TBRA program.The funding, made possible through the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/renters/tenant-based-rental-assistance/">TBRA</a>&nbsp;program and funded through federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, helps income-eligible households afford rental subsidies, utility deposits and security deposits.You can learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/renters/tenant-based-rental-assistance/">TBRA</a>&nbsp;in Ellis County by Calling Heart of America at 785-746-4321. The aid application does take time to process.Local relief agency <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a> has assisted a handful of local residents with rent and utility assistance specifically related to COVID-19, but Hays has not seen the housing crisis that more urban areas experienced in 2020."I don't know that we are really seeing the evictions yet," said Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director. "The landlords are really trying their best to work with [renters]."First Call for Help received $5,000 from the Schmidt Foundation and additional private donations earmarked for COVID relief last year.First Call for Help has used funds specifically designated for COVID-19 relief to help some families get caught up on back rent or utilities. The agency was able to increase the amount of assistance to families by combining the COVID funds with its general assistance program.Mills noted Hays did not have the unemployment rate that urban areas had before the shutdown and cost of living in Hays is lower than in other areas of the nation.Unemployment rates in Northwest Kansas are returning to pre-COVID numbers, according to a report of December numbers released Jan. 25. Ellis County's jobless rate fell to 2.6 percent as of December from a high of 7 percent in April.Mills said although many workers were able to return their jobs after the spring shutdown, some households have had to deal with loss of income due to quarantines.First Call for Help assisted six people with rent in May and three people in June who were directly affected by COVID. Several more people were assisted with utilities during this time.&nbsp;That trended continued through the end of 2020.That did not include people who were not affected by COVID who the agency helped through other housing assistance funds.Mills said requests for COVID-related assistance have been trickling in. She said the agency received many calls in January, but numbers on those who received assistance have yet to be posted.The number of those seeking assistance for none COVID reasons have trended higher, Mills said. Sixteen people were helped with rent assistance in October who were not directly affected by COVID, she said.Mills said she believes more people are struggling with rent and utilities than are seeking help from First Call for Help.Many don't know about the agency, don't know their rights or may only reach out for assistance when they have been given notice of eviction, she said."We talk to renters on an one-on-one basis as far as the legal issues or when they call here and say, 'I'm getting kicked out of here in two days,'" Mills said. "We say, 'Take a breath. There are some laws you need to know about and then determine if you are getting kicked out in two days.' "Evictions are continuing in the county, but for non-COVID reasons, said Amanda Truan, Ellis County District Court administrator.First Call for Help refers renters to <a href="https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/">Kansas Legal Services</a> for legal questions on renting and evictions.Landlords have to go through proper procedures. A landlord can't shut your utilities off or lock you out of the rental until all of the procedure have been followed, Mills said.She said she First Call has dealt with renters whose landlords have tried these illegal tactics in the past. A landlord also may threaten such tactics, which can panic the renter, she said.Although a few landlords may attempt to use unethical or illegal practices, most will follow the law and many in Hays are willing to work with renters, Mills said.Mills urged renters who may think they will have difficulty paying their rent to contact their landlords well in advance of the rent being due."The landlords have been really good through all of this. I know they felt like they were limited in what they could do too, as far as not being able to evict people" she said.&nbsp;To qualify for the moratorium, the renter must fill out a short form and give that to their landlord to sign before eviction proceedings begin. This does not mean the rent is no longer due. It must be paid in full at the end of the moratorium. Tenants also must to continue to follow all the stipulations of their leases."I think people are worried if they talk to the utility company or the rental agent about what they are dealing with then that will hurry the process along, and they don't want to do that" Mills said, "or they're just embarrassed. They don't want to call the rental agent and tell them they don't have the rent yet.&nbsp;"The worst thing you can do is avoid contacting your landlord because most of our landlords are really good about working with tenants. If you don't call them, their only option is to start putting notices on your door."

Renters struggle to pay rent during pandemic; help available

The St. Joseph Food Pantry has been awarded a DAR Community Service.

The pantry, located in the former Kennedy Middle School, 215 W. 13th, is open from 9 a.m. to noon, on the first and third Saturday of the month.

Renee Michaud has been the pantry coordinator since it opened in 2001.

Much of the food comes from the Kansas Food Bank, some is donated and collected through service projects spearheaded by area groups. Other items are purchased with monetary donations.

As coordinator, Michaud prepares the Food Bank orders and coordinates the volunteers which includes students, 4-H groups and scout troops, as well as church volunteers. Volunteers conduct food drives and help on distribution days.

Usually there’s a way people can volunteer, and some are families of all ages, Michaud said.

Families can come to the pantry once a month, and don’t have to be affiliated with the Church.

“If you have a need, you can come,” she said.

They are asked to give their name, address, number in family and their ages. One box is allowed for every four people.&nbsp;

Boxes include nonperishable items, frozen meat and bakery items.

Groups also donate produce items based on the growing season.

“I’m proud of the (Hays) community for the many ways there are to help those in need,” Michaud said.

The award was presented by Bunnie Bowen, who nominated the Pantry for the Award, to father and daughter volunteers Jan Martin and Kayla Honnon.

A Community Service Award is given to an individual or group who has contributed to their community in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil or benevolent manner, or who has participated in or organized community activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612191249413.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Joseph Food Pantry has been awarded a DAR Community Service.The pantry, located in the former Kennedy Middle School, 215 W. 13th, is open from 9 a.m. to noon, on the first and third Saturday of the month.Renee Michaud has been the pantry coordinator since it opened in 2001.Much of the food comes from the Kansas Food Bank, some is donated and collected through service projects spearheaded by area groups. Other items are purchased with monetary donations.As coordinator, Michaud prepares the Food Bank orders and coordinates the volunteers which includes students, 4-H groups and scout troops, as well as church volunteers. Volunteers conduct food drives and help on distribution days.Usually there’s a way people can volunteer, and some are families of all ages, Michaud said.Families can come to the pantry once a month, and don’t have to be affiliated with the Church.“If you have a need, you can come,” she said.They are asked to give their name, address, number in family and their ages. One box is allowed for every four people.&nbsp;Boxes include nonperishable items, frozen meat and bakery items.Groups also donate produce items based on the growing season.“I’m proud of the (Hays) community for the many ways there are to help those in need,” Michaud said.The award was presented by Bunnie Bowen, who nominated the Pantry for the Award, to father and daughter volunteers Jan Martin and Kayla Honnon.A Community Service Award is given to an individual or group who has contributed to their community in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil or benevolent manner, or who has participated in or organized community activities.— Submitted

St. Joseph Food Pantry earns award from DAR

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $42.50 per barrel. That's unchanged on the week and nearly four dollars higher than the price posted January 1. Kansas daily crude prices have stayed above $42 since January 8th, topping $43 on six of those days. The average price for the month of January was over $42 per barrel for the first time in a year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says U.S. crude oil output in November increased by more than 10 million barrels over the month before. Kansas output reached 2.19 million barrels, or just over 73,000 barrels per day. That's also slightly higher than the month before. Intent to drill notices filed in the State of Kansas continued to decline last year. There were just 51 intents filed in December, bringing the annual total for 2020 to 560 intents, according to the Kansas Corporation Commission. That's less than half the total from the year before, which was down a third from the year before that.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reported 384 active drilling rigs this week, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up seven, while New Mexico was down three rigs for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported an increase in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There are eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up four for the week, while the count west of Wichita was up one at eight active drilling rigs. Kansas regulators approved 36 new drilling permits last week, five of them in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 20 newly-completed wells for the week across Kansas. There were 16 east of Wichita and four in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Operators have completed 55 wells across the state so far this year. The government says it's weekly tally of U.S. crude inventories dropped by nearly ten million barrels, but remained about five percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles dropped to just under 477 million barrels. EIA reported a decline in U.S. crude-oil imports of one million barrels per day.&nbsp; Over the past four weeks, imports averaged 13.9% less than the same four-week period last year. U.S. crude production last week was down 97,000 barrels per day, dropping below 11 million barrels per day for the first time since last November. Oil-by-rail shipments reached another one-year high last week, with 12,522 tanker cars hauling petroleum products, according to the Association of American Railroads.&nbsp; The running total for the year is down 11% from a year ago. The Biden administration's moratorium of oil and gas leasing on federal public land faced an immediate legal attack from an energy industry group said to represent 200 oil and gas companies. Western Energy Alliance filed a petition in U.S. court in Wyoming, asserting the suspension of leases is "unsupported and unnecessary," and represents an overreach by the government. The alliance asserts that the president doesn't have the authority to ban leasing on public lands. They claim the suspension will cost tens of thousands if not millions of jobs. The oil and gas industry in Texas paid out nearly $14 billion in taxes and royalties last year despite the pandemic. The Texas Oil and Gas Association says the total was lower than the record-high $16.3 billion in taxes and royalties paid in fiscal year 2019, when oil and natural gas production in the Lone Star State surged to records. &nbsp; A new study is prompting some energy producers to rethink proposed flaring regs in the Lone Star State. Research from the energy analysts at Rystad Energy suggests that requiring oil and gas companies to capture 98% of the natural gas produced in Texas could yield more than $440 million in additional revenue in just the next four years. For the third year in a row, lawmakers in New Mexico introduced a measure to block the process that helped make the state the number-three crude-oil producer in the U.S.&nbsp; A ban on fracking was first introduced back in 2019, and a legislative audit from that year found the idea could lead to a $3.5 billion loss in revenue. Opponents assert the move would kill some jobs, and send others across the state line into Texas. The bill's sponsor tells the Carlsbad Current Argus that the measure would not impact any current or ongoing fracking operations, but was meant to give the state some breathing room in addressing the practice’s impact on water and air quality. A Canadian trade group is predicting a slow rebound for that country's oil patch. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers expects capital investment in oil and gas to increase 14% this year, to more than 21 billion U.S. dollars. The group projects spending will remain below pre-pandemic levels, and will be less than one-third of the industry's peak investment year back in 2014.

<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 $42.50 per barrel. That's unchanged on the week and nearly four dollars higher than the price posted January 1. Kansas daily crude prices have stayed above $42 since January 8th, topping $43 on six of those days. The average price for the month of January was over $42 per barrel for the first time in a year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says U.S. crude oil output in November increased by more than 10 million barrels over the month before. Kansas output reached 2.19 million barrels, or just over 73,000 barrels per day. That's also slightly higher than the month before. Intent to drill notices filed in the State of Kansas continued to decline last year. There were just 51 intents filed in December, bringing the annual total for 2020 to 560 intents, according to the Kansas Corporation Commission. That's less than half the total from the year before, which was down a third from the year before that.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reported 384 active drilling rigs this week, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up seven, while New Mexico was down three rigs for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported an increase in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There are eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up four for the week, while the count west of Wichita was up one at eight active drilling rigs. Kansas regulators approved 36 new drilling permits last week, five of them in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 20 newly-completed wells for the week across Kansas. There were 16 east of Wichita and four in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County. Operators have completed 55 wells across the state so far this year. The government says it's weekly tally of U.S. crude inventories dropped by nearly ten million barrels, but remained about five percent above the five-year average for this time of year. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles dropped to just under 477 million barrels. EIA reported a decline in U.S. crude-oil imports of one million barrels per day.&nbsp; Over the past four weeks, imports averaged 13.9% less than the same four-week period last year. U.S. crude production last week was down 97,000 barrels per day, dropping below 11 million barrels per day for the first time since last November. Oil-by-rail shipments reached another one-year high last week, with 12,522 tanker cars hauling petroleum products, according to the Association of American Railroads.&nbsp; The running total for the year is down 11% from a year ago. The Biden administration's moratorium of oil and gas leasing on federal public land faced an immediate legal attack from an energy industry group said to represent 200 oil and gas companies. Western Energy Alliance filed a petition in U.S. court in Wyoming, asserting the suspension of leases is "unsupported and unnecessary," and represents an overreach by the government. The alliance asserts that the president doesn't have the authority to ban leasing on public lands. They claim the suspension will cost tens of thousands if not millions of jobs. The oil and gas industry in Texas paid out nearly $14 billion in taxes and royalties last year despite the pandemic. The Texas Oil and Gas Association says the total was lower than the record-high $16.3 billion in taxes and royalties paid in fiscal year 2019, when oil and natural gas production in the Lone Star State surged to records. &nbsp; A new study is prompting some energy producers to rethink proposed flaring regs in the Lone Star State. Research from the energy analysts at Rystad Energy suggests that requiring oil and gas companies to capture 98% of the natural gas produced in Texas could yield more than $440 million in additional revenue in just the next four years. For the third year in a row, lawmakers in New Mexico introduced a measure to block the process that helped make the state the number-three crude-oil producer in the U.S.&nbsp; A ban on fracking was first introduced back in 2019, and a legislative audit from that year found the idea could lead to a $3.5 billion loss in revenue. Opponents assert the move would kill some jobs, and send others across the state line into Texas. The bill's sponsor tells the Carlsbad Current Argus that the measure would not impact any current or ongoing fracking operations, but was meant to give the state some breathing room in addressing the practice’s impact on water and air quality. A Canadian trade group is predicting a slow rebound for that country's oil patch. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers expects capital investment in oil and gas to increase 14% this year, to more than 21 billion U.S. dollars. The group projects spending will remain below pre-pandemic levels, and will be less than one-third of the industry's peak investment year back in 2014.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. intent-to-drill notices continue to plummet

The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art invites you to its current exhibition, “Cartulary."

This exhibition features the works of Joel Moss and John C. Thorns. 

It is wonderful to be able to showcase the works of whom our beautiful gallery was named after. 

Come and view the works of these two amazing artists at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Gallery Lobby located at the Fort Hays State University Schmidt Foundation Art &amp; Design Hall. 

Hours of operation are&nbsp; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. “Cartulary” will be on display through Friday, Feb. 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612212688703.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art invites you to its current exhibition, “Cartulary."This exhibition features the works of Joel Moss and John C. Thorns. It is wonderful to be able to showcase the works of whom our beautiful gallery was named after. Come and view the works of these two amazing artists at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Gallery Lobby located at the Fort Hays State University Schmidt Foundation Art &amp; Design Hall. Hours of operation are&nbsp; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. “Cartulary” will be on display through Friday, Feb. 19.