Oil prices remain at eleven-month highs. Crude futures were slightly lower by midday Monday, with the benchmark Nymex contract going for $52.22 per barrel.&nbsp; WTI has settled above $52 per barrel for the last week or so, topping $53 twice during that period. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $42.50 per barrel, unchanged from a week ago and four dollars higher than at the first of the year. Baker Hughes reports a big increase in its weekly Rotary Rig Count. There are 373 active rigs across the U.S., an increase of 12 oil rigs and one gas rig. The count in Texas was up eight, while Louisiana was up four rigs. Canada reported 161 active rigs, up 44 rigs for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up two for the week, and eight in the western half of the state, which is down two. Kansas regulators approved ten new drilling permits last week, ten in the eastern half of the state, and two in Western Kansas. There are 18 new drilling permits across the state so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 newly completed wells last week, eleven in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita. That's 21 completions so far this year. The government reported a sizable drawdown in U.S. crude oil supplies. For the week ending January 8, the Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of 482.2 million barrels, down more than three million barrels on the week. EIA says inventories are about eight percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude-oil production dropped slightly according to the latest weekly numbers from the government. The Energy Information Administration says weekly output through January 8th dropped by 103,000 barrels per day, but remain above eleven million barrels per day. Imports were up by nearly a million barrels per day to 6.2 million. Over the past four weeks, crude imports averaged nearly 15% less than the same four-week period last year. Crude storage usage at Cushing ticked up slightly for the week ending January 1st.&nbsp; EIA reports the Oklahoma storage facilities are now at 75% of capacity. The nation’s highest court will address the controversial Renewable Fuels Standard of the Clean Air Act, which requires the use of renewable fuels at refineries.&nbsp; At issue are the waiver extensions granted to small refineries in Oklahoma, Wyoming and Utah that have now been rejected by a federal appeals court. The U.S. Supreme Court will review the appeals court ruling. The State of New Mexico is getting better at its energy audits. The State Land Office reported its 2020 audits of oil and gas royalty collections turned up an additional $2.3 million. The agency said that's a nearly 48% increase over the previous year and a 120% increase over what was recouped in 2018. About 85% of all royalty revenue collected by the land management agency is audited every five years. Money generated by business on state trust land is deposited into the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which is then invested by the State Investment Council. The funds help to support public schools and other beneficiaries. Crude oil production in the North Dakota dropped a million barrels per day in November, the latest numbers available. The Department of Mineral Resources reported November output of 1.22 million barrels per day. The state continues to exceed its gas-capture goals. The number-two crude-oil producing state was able to capture 93% of the natural gas produced at oil wells, reducing the amount flared or vented to just seven percent. During the spike in production in North Dakota starting in 2014, the state's operators were unable to reach much more modest gas-capture goals.&nbsp; North Dakota’s oil industry is seeking to reduce the amount of interest and penalties the state can charge companies for unpaid oil and gas royalties. The Bismarck Tribune reports a trade group is asking lawmakers for a break on late royalty payments, which currently include penalties up to 30%. The President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, called that "unnecessary punitive." The Russian state oil company is courting a new list of investors to help develop the Vostok Oil project in the Arctic, one of the world's biggest oil deposits. They're negotiating with at least three major global trading houses, which generally avoid investing directly in production. Reuters reports the new deal would give those trading houses a long-term source of supply for the Asian market. Company officials say the field has enough crude to supply the world for more than a year, but will require vast investments in new pipelines, roads and other infrastructure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAROil prices remain at eleven-month highs. Crude futures were slightly lower by midday Monday, with the benchmark Nymex contract going for $52.22 per barrel.&nbsp; WTI has settled above $52 per barrel for the last week or so, topping $53 twice during that period. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $42.50 per barrel, unchanged from a week ago and four dollars higher than at the first of the year. Baker Hughes reports a big increase in its weekly Rotary Rig Count. There are 373 active rigs across the U.S., an increase of 12 oil rigs and one gas rig. The count in Texas was up eight, while Louisiana was up four rigs. Canada reported 161 active rigs, up 44 rigs for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up two for the week, and eight in the western half of the state, which is down two. Kansas regulators approved ten new drilling permits last week, ten in the eastern half of the state, and two in Western Kansas. There are 18 new drilling permits across the state so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 15 newly completed wells last week, eleven in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita. That's 21 completions so far this year. The government reported a sizable drawdown in U.S. crude oil supplies. For the week ending January 8, the Energy Information Administration reports total stockpiles of 482.2 million barrels, down more than three million barrels on the week. EIA says inventories are about eight percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude-oil production dropped slightly according to the latest weekly numbers from the government. The Energy Information Administration says weekly output through January 8th dropped by 103,000 barrels per day, but remain above eleven million barrels per day. Imports were up by nearly a million barrels per day to 6.2 million. Over the past four weeks, crude imports averaged nearly 15% less than the same four-week period last year. Crude storage usage at Cushing ticked up slightly for the week ending January 1st.&nbsp; EIA reports the Oklahoma storage facilities are now at 75% of capacity. The nation’s highest court will address the controversial Renewable Fuels Standard of the Clean Air Act, which requires the use of renewable fuels at refineries.&nbsp; At issue are the waiver extensions granted to small refineries in Oklahoma, Wyoming and Utah that have now been rejected by a federal appeals court. The U.S. Supreme Court will review the appeals court ruling. The State of New Mexico is getting better at its energy audits. The State Land Office reported its 2020 audits of oil and gas royalty collections turned up an additional $2.3 million. The agency said that's a nearly 48% increase over the previous year and a 120% increase over what was recouped in 2018. About 85% of all royalty revenue collected by the land management agency is audited every five years. Money generated by business on state trust land is deposited into the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which is then invested by the State Investment Council. The funds help to support public schools and other beneficiaries. Crude oil production in the North Dakota dropped a million barrels per day in November, the latest numbers available. The Department of Mineral Resources reported November output of 1.22 million barrels per day. The state continues to exceed its gas-capture goals. The number-two crude-oil producing state was able to capture 93% of the natural gas produced at oil wells, reducing the amount flared or vented to just seven percent. During the spike in production in North Dakota starting in 2014, the state's operators were unable to reach much more modest gas-capture goals.&nbsp; North Dakota’s oil industry is seeking to reduce the amount of interest and penalties the state can charge companies for unpaid oil and gas royalties. The Bismarck Tribune reports a trade group is asking lawmakers for a break on late royalty payments, which currently include penalties up to 30%. The President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, called that "unnecessary punitive." The Russian state oil company is courting a new list of investors to help develop the Vostok Oil project in the Arctic, one of the world's biggest oil deposits. They're negotiating with at least three major global trading houses, which generally avoid investing directly in production. Reuters reports the new deal would give those trading houses a long-term source of supply for the Asian market. Company officials say the field has enough crude to supply the world for more than a year, but will require vast investments in new pipelines, roads and other infrastructure.

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices remain at 11-month highs

Three-day weather outlook

If you follow me at all, you know that I have closed each week for the last year with “Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness."

In a world that has grown increasingly hostile and fraught with divisiveness, I have recently seen several social media posts that gave me pause.

The first stated, “Your beliefs don’t make you a better person; your behavior does”. As a youth development professional, I try to model this every day. I have a solid faith and ethics foundation but if I allow my frustration and fear to erode the principles that I believe in, my behavior doesn’t follow. I can be angry and upset at circumstances without taking that out on others by name-calling and undermining.

Another post said, “Be careful not to dehumanize those you disagree with. In our self-righteousness, we can become the very things we criticize in others…..and not even know it.” It is easy to decry those who have different goals and standards than we do but it is harder when the person with different goals or standards is someone we know and care about. I often ask myself about the model that I or others are setting for young people. Are we modeling respectful discourse and conversation with young people? If they see us willing to throw stones, real or metaphorical, how can we expect them to act and speak respectfully?

The final post reads, “Sometimes miracles are simply good people with kind hearts”. In a world that feels weird and off-kilter, there are good people everywhere doing really good things! It is just easy to miss their kindness in the clamor.&nbsp;

Do you see a theme here? Hold open a door; take a deep breath before responding; buy the cup of coffee for someone else, walk away for a minute before hitting send/post. Look for – and BE – one of those showing kindness. The youth in our world deserve our best example. For young people, find a mentor who consistently sets an example of steady beliefs, positive behavior, and kindness.

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>If you follow me at all, you know that I have closed each week for the last year with “Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness."In a world that has grown increasingly hostile and fraught with divisiveness, I have recently seen several social media posts that gave me pause.The first stated, “Your beliefs don’t make you a better person; your behavior does”. As a youth development professional, I try to model this every day. I have a solid faith and ethics foundation but if I allow my frustration and fear to erode the principles that I believe in, my behavior doesn’t follow. I can be angry and upset at circumstances without taking that out on others by name-calling and undermining.Another post said, “Be careful not to dehumanize those you disagree with. In our self-righteousness, we can become the very things we criticize in others…..and not even know it.” It is easy to decry those who have different goals and standards than we do but it is harder when the person with different goals or standards is someone we know and care about. I often ask myself about the model that I or others are setting for young people. Are we modeling respectful discourse and conversation with young people? If they see us willing to throw stones, real or metaphorical, how can we expect them to act and speak respectfully?The final post reads, “Sometimes miracles are simply good people with kind hearts”. In a world that feels weird and off-kilter, there are good people everywhere doing really good things! It is just easy to miss their kindness in the clamor.&nbsp;Do you see a theme here? Hold open a door; take a deep breath before responding; buy the cup of coffee for someone else, walk away for a minute before hitting send/post. Look for – and BE – one of those showing kindness. The youth in our world deserve our best example. For young people, find a mentor who consistently sets an example of steady beliefs, positive behavior, and kindness.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: 'Keep showing grace and kindness'

HAYS —Christopher and Banks, a specialty women’s apparel retailer is closing all of its stores including 15 locations in Kansas. The company operates a store at Big Creek Crossing in Hays.

The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, according to a media release.

The Company has launched a store closing and liquidation process. The Company, however, will continue to operate its business in the ordinary course in the near term; and the Company is in active discussion with potential buyers for the sale of its eCommerce platform and related assets.

The company currently operates 449 stores in 44 states consisting of 315 MPW stores, 76 Outlet stores, 31 Christopher &amp; Banks stores, and 28 stores in its women’s plus size clothing division CJ Banks. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com eCommerce website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611003664699.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS —Christopher and Banks, a specialty women’s apparel retailer is closing all of its stores including 15 locations in Kansas. The company operates a store at Big Creek Crossing in Hays.The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, according to a media release.The Company has launched a store closing and liquidation process. The Company, however, will continue to operate its business in the ordinary course in the near term; and the Company is in active discussion with potential buyers for the sale of its eCommerce platform and related assets.The company currently operates 449 stores in 44 states consisting of 315 MPW stores, 76 Outlet stores, 31 Christopher &amp; Banks stores, and 28 stores in its women’s plus size clothing division CJ Banks. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com eCommerce website.

Christopher & Banks closing stores, files for bankruptcy

ROOKS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Rooks County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Norman Erickson, 88, Phillipsburg was northbound on U.S. 183 three miles south of Kansas 18.

The driver attempted to pass another vehicle, cut back into the northbound lane and struck the trailer pulled by a northbound 2018 Dodge Ram pickup and driven by Korby R. Effland, 37, White City,&nbsp; who&nbsp;slowed down to turn eastbound on AA Road.

EMS transported Erickson to the hospital in Plainvile.&nbsp;Effland was not injured.&nbsp; Erickson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ROOKS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Rooks County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Norman Erickson, 88, Phillipsburg was northbound on U.S. 183 three miles south of Kansas 18.The driver attempted to pass another vehicle, cut back into the northbound lane and struck the trailer pulled by a northbound 2018 Dodge Ram pickup and driven by Korby R. Effland, 37, White City,&nbsp; who&nbsp;slowed down to turn eastbound on AA Road.EMS transported Erickson to the hospital in Plainvile.&nbsp;Effland was not injured.&nbsp; Erickson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

88-year-old Kan. man hospitalized after U.S. 183 crash

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from nine to eight.

The department also reported an additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 47.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">RELATED: Vaccine information for state of Kansas</a>

There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,248 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose 10 percent on Friday to 16.5 percent Monday.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,388 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 47 coronavirus-related deaths.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611001192297.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from nine to eight.The department also reported an additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 47.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">RELATED: Vaccine information for state of Kansas</a>There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 93 active cases, including five active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,248 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose 10 percent on Friday to 16.5 percent Monday.Since reporting began, there have been 3,388 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 47 coronavirus-related deaths.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611001223098.png" alt="ECHD" />
 <figcaption>ECHD</figcaption>
 </figure>

 28 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co.; one additional death reported

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🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family Elementary annual chili supper set for month end

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Whether Bill Ring was on the scene of a massive train crash or tirelessly crunching numbers in his office to save the taxpayers another $2, he has always put a priority on serving the people of Ellis County.

Ring, director Ellis County director of Public Works, will retire at the end of January after working for the county for 12 and a half years.

Ring started out as the Ellis County Emergency Management director, working for eight years for that department before transferring to public works.

Ring was an unlikely transplant to Kansas. He was raised in south Florida and ran an automotive business there for 30 years. He had always been active in his community, serving as a police officer for a time as well as a volunteer firefighter.

He sold his business in Florida and moved to Hays to be close to family here. He worked for the American Red Cross for two years after moving to Kansas and was on the front lines for the Red Cross after Greensburg was destroyed by an EF5 tornado on May 4, 2007.

During disasters, the Red Cross usually assists with shelter, and provides cleaning supplies, comfort items and food.

However, the destruction in Greensburg was so complete, the houses were just gone, Ring said. There was nowhere to shelter people and nothing left to clean up.

"It makes you thank the Lord that it wasn't you," Ring said. "You hope you can provide some additional comfort to the people."

Ring was not a stranger to disasters. The first big disaster he worked, as a private business person, was Hurricane Andrew in Florida, which at the time was the largest hurricane to hit the United States.

Ring grew up just north of Homestead, Fla., which was destroyed by the hurricane — a storm that produced winds up to 200 mph.

"You see just massive destruction," he said. "In the aftermath, you have to come up with ways to do as much as you can for the people."

Ring's work with the Red Cross led him into the job working in emergency management for the county.

"I really enjoyed being able to provide people with preparedness information, hoping to have them not have to go through a disaster," he said, "or giving them some education background on what to do in the event of a disaster or the aftermath of a disaster."

The EPA honored Ring with an award for using Facebook to promote preparedness, when the social media platform was just starting to become mainstream.

Ring still posts the weather online every day, and said he will continue to do so even after he retires.

Ring said the most significant disaster he dealt with in Ellis County was the train derailment and fire in July 2013 at Vine and Eighth streets in Hays. Two trains were on the same track traveling in opposite directions and collided.&nbsp;

The area had to be evacuated and first responders were on the scene all night dealing with the aftermath and investigating the crash.

"That was all-consuming for all responders that night," Ring said.

Watch a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/R6E6L84pQs4">Heartland Truss plant fire&nbsp;</a>courtesy of&nbsp;<a href="http://luty.tv/">LUTY.tv</a>.

Ring also responded when the Heartland Truss plant burnt in March 2015. 

Dealing with fatalities has always been a challenge, especially when he knew the victims or their families.&nbsp;

"In a small community, you are probably connected somehow. I don't have a lot of relations here because I'm from Florida, but people I know, it could be their next-door neighbor or their brother," Ring said. "That was always difficult, dealing with tragedy. ...

"You hate having to deal with that, but it'll never change. We're going to have accidents. People are going to pass away. You take it hard."

Ring said Hays has been lucky in that it has suffered through wind events, but was not struck by a tornado during his tenure.

Ring had been working in Hays a short time when high winds leveled half the trees in Hays. The landfill was over run with tree debris. The line into the landfill was nonstop for two weeks straight.&nbsp;

"I think that is important—to give back when you can," he said.

Ring has always been heavily involved in the community. He helped found the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and served as president of the board for the first three years of its existence in Ellis County.&nbsp;

He has been a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as president of that group as well. He also serves on the board of the Smoky Hill Foundation, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as a Boy Scout volunteer.

Ring joked that although he manages a fleet of road graders and he has purchased several, he has never driven one himself.

As public works director, his goal has been to provide safe roads for people traveling in and around the county. His other priority is to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money.

The public works department has the largest budget in the county. Ring also noted it costs a lot of money to build a road — about&nbsp;$800,000 to pave one mile from the dirt up.

Ellis County has 1,400 miles of roads. Only 140 miles of those roads have a hard surface.

"I want to make sure that we check and double check when we buy things," he said.

Several years ago, Ring helped the county make the switch to buying equipment through Sourcewell instead of sending purchases out for bids. The buying consortium allows the county to buy directly from manufacturers at a government-guaranteed discounted price.&nbsp;

He gave the example of the county's latest major public works purchase, a $280,000 road grader. Just a 5 percent discount on that kind of purchase would be a $14,000 savings for the county.

"I watch this money closer than I watch my own," he said, "and I am proud of that. I am a taxpayer as well, but you are and all of your listeners are, all of the folks we deal with every day. I want to be able to look them in the eye and say absolutely, 'If I can save two bucks, I'm going to save two bucks.' "

County lands $7.5M for Northwest Business Corridor

Ring said his greatest accomplishment as public works director is securing a $6.5 million federal BUILD grant and an additional $1 million KDOT grant to fund the Northwest Business Corridor.

However, he said he needed to share credit with Buck Driggs Design Group and former Ellis County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes, who also helped develop the project and file for the grants.

When the project is finished, larger trucks wishing to travel south on U.S. 183 will be diverted north of Hays onto Feedlot Road and then south on the bypass.

This deals with the one pinch point on U.S. 183 from the Dakotas to Texas, which is the Interstate 70 bridge at Hays. It also keeps truck traffic off of county roads that are not designed to handle heavy loads, Ring said.

Trucks will be able to continue through the county at highway speeds and not have to stop for stoplights on Vine Street.

Although the Northwest Business Corridor project has a large price tag, Ring said all of the projects the Public Works Department completes are important, because they affect people.

"If I do a project over in Ellis, it doesn't directly affect the people in Walker, but overall it helps the transportation system in Ellis County," Ring said.

Ring has completed projects big and small, but he said the highlight of his years working for the county has been the people he has met and the relationships he has built.

"I've met a lot of super people," he said. "I've worked with a lot of really great people. I've met folks that I probably would never have had the chance to get to work with."

Once he retires at the end of the month, Ring, 66, said he plans to work on some of the many projects that have been left undone in his shop. He plans to travel to Wyoming to go fishing in the mountains and spend more time with his adult sons.

Ring also wants to visit some national parks and historical sites he has always wanted to see, including the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore.

"There is so much to see in this country," Ring said. "Hopefully, I can get out and do some of that, besides going to see family — just kind of enjoy life."

But he added, "I loved working for Ellis County."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0dd96e9d-f7b2-4755-9dc0-0ba27bb593ff">The new public works director Brendan Mackay began work on Jan. 4.</a> He will work with Ring for about one month until Ring's retirement at the end of January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610577954113.jpeg" alt="Bill Ring, outgoing Ellis County director of Public Works, poses on an Ellis County road grader. He joked that he was in charge of a fleet of graders, and even purchased a few, but his staff never let him drive one. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Bill Ring, outgoing Ellis County director of Public Works, poses on an Ellis County road grader. He joked that he was in charge of a fleet of graders, and even purchased a few, but his staff never let him drive one. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhether Bill Ring was on the scene of a massive train crash or tirelessly crunching numbers in his office to save the taxpayers another $2, he has always put a priority on serving the people of Ellis County.Ring, director Ellis County director of Public Works, will retire at the end of January after working for the county for 12 and a half years.Ring started out as the Ellis County Emergency Management director, working for eight years for that department before transferring to public works.<h2>Ring provides aid in times of disasters</h2>Ring was an unlikely transplant to Kansas. He was raised in south Florida and ran an automotive business there for 30 years. He had always been active in his community, serving as a police officer for a time as well as a volunteer firefighter.He sold his business in Florida and moved to Hays to be close to family here. He worked for the American Red Cross for two years after moving to Kansas and was on the front lines for the Red Cross after Greensburg was destroyed by an EF5 tornado on May 4, 2007.During disasters, the Red Cross usually assists with shelter, and provides cleaning supplies, comfort items and food.However, the destruction in Greensburg was so complete, the houses were just gone, Ring said. There was nowhere to shelter people and nothing left to clean up."It makes you thank the Lord that it wasn't you," Ring said. "You hope you can provide some additional comfort to the people."Ring was not a stranger to disasters. The first big disaster he worked, as a private business person, was Hurricane Andrew in Florida, which at the time was the largest hurricane to hit the United States.Ring grew up just north of Homestead, Fla., which was destroyed by the hurricane — a storm that produced winds up to 200 mph."You see just massive destruction," he said. "In the aftermath, you have to come up with ways to do as much as you can for the people."<h2>'You never get used to it'</h2>Ring's work with the Red Cross led him into the job working in emergency management for the county."I really enjoyed being able to provide people with preparedness information, hoping to have them not have to go through a disaster," he said, "or giving them some education background on what to do in the event of a disaster or the aftermath of a disaster."The EPA honored Ring with an award for using Facebook to promote preparedness, when the social media platform was just starting to become mainstream.Ring still posts the weather online every day, and said he will continue to do so even after he retires.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610657556824.jpeg" alt="Bill Ring, who was the director of Ellis County Emergency Management at the time, responded to this train derailment and fire in July 2013 at Vine and Eighth streets in Hays. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Ring, who was the director of Ellis County Emergency Management at the time, responded to this train derailment and fire in July 2013 at Vine and Eighth streets in Hays. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Ring said the most significant disaster he dealt with in Ellis County was the train derailment and fire in July 2013 at Vine and Eighth streets in Hays. Two trains were on the same track traveling in opposite directions and collided.&nbsp;The area had to be evacuated and first responders were on the scene all night dealing with the aftermath and investigating the crash."That was all-consuming for all responders that night," Ring said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610657733407.jpeg" alt="Ring,&nbsp;who was the director of Ellis County Emergency Management at the time, also worked the&nbsp;Heartland Truss plant fire in March 2015 in Ellis County. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Ring,&nbsp;who was the director of Ellis County Emergency Management at the time, also worked the&nbsp;Heartland Truss plant fire in March 2015 in Ellis County. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Watch a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/R6E6L84pQs4">Heartland Truss plant fire&nbsp;</a>courtesy of&nbsp;<a href="http://luty.tv/">LUTY.tv</a>.Ring also responded when the Heartland Truss plant burnt in March 2015. Dealing with fatalities has always been a challenge, especially when he knew the victims or their families.&nbsp;"You never get used to it," he said. ..."In a small community, you are probably connected somehow. I don't have a lot of relations here because I'm from Florida, but people I know, it could be their next-door neighbor or their brother," Ring said. "That was always difficult, dealing with tragedy. ..."You hate having to deal with that, but it'll never change. We're going to have accidents. People are going to pass away. You take it hard."Ring said Hays has been lucky in that it has suffered through wind events, but was not struck by a tornado during his tenure.Ring had been working in Hays a short time when high winds leveled half the trees in Hays. The landfill was over run with tree debris. The line into the landfill was nonstop for two weeks straight.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610658218881.jpeg" alt="Bill Ring on the scene of a fire at&nbsp;Centennial Towers on Jan. 13, 2011. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Ring on the scene of a fire at&nbsp;Centennial Towers on Jan. 13, 2011. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>It's important to give back</h2>Ring said he likes helping people."I think that is important—to give back when you can," he said.Ring has always been heavily involved in the community. He helped found the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and served as president of the board for the first three years of its existence in Ellis County.&nbsp;He has been a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as president of that group as well. He also serves on the board of the Smoky Hill Foundation, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as a Boy Scout volunteer.<h2>Public Works</h2>Ring joked that although he manages a fleet of road graders and he has purchased several, he has never driven one himself.As public works director, his goal has been to provide safe roads for people traveling in and around the county. His other priority is to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money.The public works department has the largest budget in the county. Ring also noted it costs a lot of money to build a road — about&nbsp;$800,000 to pave one mile from the dirt up.Ellis County has 1,400 miles of roads. Only 140 miles of those roads have a hard surface."I want to make sure that we check and double check when we buy things," he said.Several years ago, Ring helped the county make the switch to buying equipment through Sourcewell instead of sending purchases out for bids. The buying consortium allows the county to buy directly from manufacturers at a government-guaranteed discounted price.&nbsp;He gave the example of the county's latest major public works purchase, a $280,000 road grader. Just a 5 percent discount on that kind of purchase would be a $14,000 savings for the county."I watch this money closer than I watch my own," he said, "and I am proud of that. I am a taxpayer as well, but you are and all of your listeners are, all of the folks we deal with every day. I want to be able to look them in the eye and say absolutely, 'If I can save two bucks, I'm going to save two bucks.' "<h2>County lands $7.5M for Northwest Business Corridor</h2>Ring said his greatest accomplishment as public works director is securing a $6.5 million federal BUILD grant and an additional $1 million KDOT grant to fund the Northwest Business Corridor.However, he said he needed to share credit with Buck Driggs Design Group and former Ellis County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes, who also helped develop the project and file for the grants.When the project is finished, larger trucks wishing to travel south on U.S. 183 will be diverted north of Hays onto Feedlot Road and then south on the bypass.This deals with the one pinch point on U.S. 183 from the Dakotas to Texas, which is the Interstate 70 bridge at Hays. It also keeps truck traffic off of county roads that are not designed to handle heavy loads, Ring said.Trucks will be able to continue through the county at highway speeds and not have to stop for stoplights on Vine Street.Although the Northwest Business Corridor project has a large price tag, Ring said all of the projects the Public Works Department completes are important, because they affect people."If I do a project over in Ellis, it doesn't directly affect the people in Walker, but overall it helps the transportation system in Ellis County," Ring said.<h2>'I've met a lot of super people'</h2>Ring has completed projects big and small, but he said the highlight of his years working for the county has been the people he has met and the relationships he has built."I've met a lot of super people," he said. "I've worked with a lot of really great people. I've met folks that I probably would never have had the chance to get to work with."Once he retires at the end of the month, Ring, 66, said he plans to work on some of the many projects that have been left undone in his shop. He plans to travel to Wyoming to go fishing in the mountains and spend more time with his adult sons.Ring also wants to visit some national parks and historical sites he has always wanted to see, including the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore."There is so much to see in this country," Ring said. "Hopefully, I can get out and do some of that, besides going to see family — just kind of enjoy life."But he added, "I loved working for Ellis County."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0dd96e9d-f7b2-4755-9dc0-0ba27bb593ff">The new public works director Brendan Mackay began work on Jan. 4.</a> He will work with Ring for about one month until Ring's retirement at the end of January.

From disasters to nickels and dimes, Ring loved serving Ellis County

Plainville USD 270 is using grant money to create rooms to help staff and students deal with difficult emotions.&nbsp;

The school district received a&nbsp;$5,403 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation for the purchase of necessary supplies to create de-escalation rooms at each district school building.

The rooms will offer students and staff places to lessen anxiety or briefly reset following a stressful event.

"With COVID, it has been quite stressful on everyone, including teachers, staff and, of course, our students" Plainville Superintendent&nbsp;Lisa Gehring said.

There will be two rooms at the elementary school — one for staff and one for students.&nbsp;

What was a workroom is being transformed into a room in which teachers and staff can relax. The room will have a tables and chairs, as well as a Keurig.

The second room will be for students. The district is combining the Heartland grant funds with money from a state grant to create a combination de-escalation/sensory room for the kids. The room is supposed to help kids regroup, relax and refocus their energy.

The children's room will feature a hammock chair, as well as other comfortable and flexible seating, such as a rocking chair and yoga ball. The students will also have sensory items, such as stress balls and fidget spinners.

The room will have items on the wall that highlight a variety of textures. Gehring said the sensory items are meant to distract the students from the worrisome thoughts or troubling feelings they may be experiencing.

The room at the junior/senior high school will be adjacent to the counselor's office. It will have a couch, table and chairs, as well as a Keurig.

"Our students as well as our staff will be able to go in there and either relax for a few minutes on their own or visit with a staff member or have that opportunity to relax for a little bit," she said.

"As I mentioned in the beginning, through all of this, it has been extremely stressful, and we wanted our students and our staff to know how much we care about them and we recognize that this time may be extra difficult."

The staff room at the elementary school and the room at the junior/senior high school are nearing completion. The district is waiting on delivery of furniture. The school hopes to complete the student room at the elementary school this spring.

The time spent in one of the de-escalation rooms will vary depending on the student and the nature of their distress. A child might spend a few minutes in the room or an entire class period, Gehring said.

COVID has been tough on everyone, she said.

Groups of students have had to be in modified quarantines. If a student in a class or on an athletic team tested positive, the rest of the students in that group were allowed to be on campus, but were isolated from the rest of the school.

Even when children are not in quarantine, children at the elementary school are kept in cohort groups, so they might not be able to play at recess with friends from another class.

Gehring said the students have been very good about wearing their masks and have been doing whatever is asked of them.

"Our students have really done an amazing job," she said. "They have been very flexible and adaptable. I couldn't be more proud of them."

Stresses from home also can carry over into the school day. Some families have had members who have been unable to work, children have not been bale to spend time with their extended families and some kids have also lost loved ones to COVID.&nbsp;

"It's really been hard on all of them, our parents and guardians included," Gehring said. "That takes a toll on our kids, as well."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610643176468.jpeg" alt="A staff member recharges in a a de-escalation room at Plainville USD 270. The school district received grants to create rooms for teachers and students to recharge and regroup emotionally at both the elementary school and junior high/high school." />
 <figcaption>A staff member recharges in a a de-escalation room at Plainville USD 270. The school district received grants to create rooms for teachers and students to recharge and regroup emotionally at both the elementary school and junior high/high school.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPlainville USD 270 is using grant money to create rooms to help staff and students deal with difficult emotions.&nbsp;The school district received a&nbsp;$5,403 grant from the Heartland Community Foundation for the purchase of necessary supplies to create de-escalation rooms at each district school building.The rooms will offer students and staff places to lessen anxiety or briefly reset following a stressful event."With COVID, it has been quite stressful on everyone, including teachers, staff and, of course, our students" Plainville Superintendent&nbsp;Lisa Gehring said.There will be two rooms at the elementary school — one for staff and one for students.&nbsp;What was a workroom is being transformed into a room in which teachers and staff can relax. The room will have a tables and chairs, as well as a Keurig.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610643339282.jpeg" alt="The staff room at the elementary school includes a futon, table and chairs, massage chair, and Keurig." />
 <figcaption>The staff room at the elementary school includes a futon, table and chairs, massage chair, and Keurig.</figcaption>
 </figure>The second room will be for students. The district is combining the Heartland grant funds with money from a state grant to create a combination de-escalation/sensory room for the kids. The room is supposed to help kids regroup, relax and refocus their energy.The children's room will feature a hammock chair, as well as other comfortable and flexible seating, such as a rocking chair and yoga ball. The students will also have sensory items, such as stress balls and fidget spinners.The room will have items on the wall that highlight a variety of textures. Gehring said the sensory items are meant to distract the students from the worrisome thoughts or troubling feelings they may be experiencing.The room at the junior/senior high school will be adjacent to the counselor's office. It will have a couch, table and chairs, as well as a Keurig."Our students as well as our staff will be able to go in there and either relax for a few minutes on their own or visit with a staff member or have that opportunity to relax for a little bit," she said."As I mentioned in the beginning, through all of this, it has been extremely stressful, and we wanted our students and our staff to know how much we care about them and we recognize that this time may be extra difficult."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610643522764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The staff room at the elementary school and the room at the junior/senior high school are nearing completion. The district is waiting on delivery of furniture. The school hopes to complete the student room at the elementary school this spring.The time spent in one of the de-escalation rooms will vary depending on the student and the nature of their distress. A child might spend a few minutes in the room or an entire class period, Gehring said.COVID has been tough on everyone, she said.Groups of students have had to be in modified quarantines. If a student in a class or on an athletic team tested positive, the rest of the students in that group were allowed to be on campus, but were isolated from the rest of the school.Even when children are not in quarantine, children at the elementary school are kept in cohort groups, so they might not be able to play at recess with friends from another class.Gehring said the students have been very good about wearing their masks and have been doing whatever is asked of them."Our students have really done an amazing job," she said. "They have been very flexible and adaptable. I couldn't be more proud of them."Stresses from home also can carry over into the school day. Some families have had members who have been unable to work, children have not been bale to spend time with their extended families and some kids have also lost loved ones to COVID.&nbsp;"It's really been hard on all of them, our parents and guardians included," Gehring said. "That takes a toll on our kids, as well."

Plainville USD 270 receives grant for de-escalation rooms

BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Customer service. That was the role which began one young woman’s career in telecommunications. Now she is leading that same company which is serving customers’ technology needs in new and innovative ways.&nbsp;

Catherine Moyer is chief executive officer of Pioneer Communications, a rural telecommunications company headquartered in Ulysses. She grew up in Ulysses and went to college in Vermont. Her first job was at Pioneer Communications, where she worked as a frontline customer service representative.&nbsp;

Pioneer is one of many local telephone companies formed across rural America in the 1940s and ’50s. Some say the rural telephone business began with a farmer stringing a copper wire from one fencepost to the next. Cooperatives and local companies were formed to offer and expand service. Pioneer Communications was founded in 1950 as the Pioneer Telephone Company.&nbsp;

Catherine went to law school at Washburn University and worked at a firm in Topeka. In 2002, the Pioneer Communications Board of Directors offered her the position of director of legal and regulatory affairs. “I promised them five years, but here I am,” Catherine said. She and her husband live in Ulysses. In 2012, she was promoted to CEO. “Great people work here at Pioneer,” she said.&nbsp;

“We’ve changed dramatically through the years,” Catherine said. “In the old days, the phone company waited for the customers to come to us. Now we have to go earn their business.”&nbsp;

In response, Pioneer Communications has expanded and modernized its network while serving its customers’ growing and varied needs. The company’s website says it’s committed to being the best internet-, TV- and phone provider in southwest Kansas.&nbsp;

Today, in addition to traditional landline telephone service, Pioneer Communications offers high-speed internet access and streaming television. “Our bread and butter used to be voice (transmission),” Catherine said. “Now it’s broadband. We are deploying a state-of-the-art network, focusing on broadband and data services.”&nbsp;

In 2019, the company made the transition from traditional cable television delivery to streaming services.&nbsp;

In addition to Ulysses, Pioneer Communications has office locations in Hugoton, Johnson, Lakin, Satanta, and Syracuse. The company serves a 5,000-square-mile region of southwest Kansas. In addition to the larger towns, that territory includes such rural communities as Coolidge, population 95; Horace, population 70; and Richfield, population 43 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Catherine has been a strong voice for rural Internet access. She is vice chair of the national Precision Agriculture Task Force established by USDA and the Federal Communications Commission. She served on the Kansas Broadband Task Force in 2019. “We proposed legislation which didn’t get enacted due to the pandemic, but one of our key ideas is being implemented through the state highway plan,” Catherine said. “If KDOT is going to rebuild a highway, now (telecom) providers can have an opportunity to put in conduit during construction,” she said. This makes it much more practical to string fiber optic cable, for example.&nbsp;

Catherine also serves on the Board of Directors of CoBank, part of the Farm Credit System. “The Farm Credit System supports every aspect of the rural economy,” Catherine said.&nbsp;

Broadband is a vital element of that economy. “Internet access evens the playing field for rural opportunities,” Catherine said. “It makes it possible for families and businesses in rural Kansas to market products or work from home,” she said.&nbsp;

This has caused Pioneer to make an investment in providing high-speed access to families and businesses, even though it is costly. “If a business is being recruited to our region, we have pledged that broadband access will not be a problem,” she said.&nbsp;

“Rural Kansas deserves that,” Catherine said. “I’m going to the mat every day for the rural people of our region and the people of Pioneer.”&nbsp;

For more information about Pioneer Communications, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pioncomm.net/">www.pioncomm.net</a>.&nbsp;

Customer service. That was Catherine’s first job at Pioneer Communications.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now she is CEO, and guess what? Customer service is still her first job. We salute Catherine and the people of Pioneer Communications for their commitment to rural Internet access. They are still working to serve the customer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610547571756.png" alt="Catherine Moyer" />
 <figcaption>Catherine Moyer</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Customer service. That was the role which began one young woman’s career in telecommunications. Now she is leading that same company which is serving customers’ technology needs in new and innovative ways.&nbsp;Catherine Moyer is chief executive officer of Pioneer Communications, a rural telecommunications company headquartered in Ulysses. She grew up in Ulysses and went to college in Vermont. Her first job was at Pioneer Communications, where she worked as a frontline customer service representative.&nbsp;Pioneer is one of many local telephone companies formed across rural America in the 1940s and ’50s. Some say the rural telephone business began with a farmer stringing a copper wire from one fencepost to the next. Cooperatives and local companies were formed to offer and expand service. Pioneer Communications was founded in 1950 as the Pioneer Telephone Company.&nbsp;Catherine went to law school at Washburn University and worked at a firm in Topeka. In 2002, the Pioneer Communications Board of Directors offered her the position of director of legal and regulatory affairs. “I promised them five years, but here I am,” Catherine said. She and her husband live in Ulysses. In 2012, she was promoted to CEO. “Great people work here at Pioneer,” she said.&nbsp;“We’ve changed dramatically through the years,” Catherine said. “In the old days, the phone company waited for the customers to come to us. Now we have to go earn their business.”&nbsp;In response, Pioneer Communications has expanded and modernized its network while serving its customers’ growing and varied needs. The company’s website says it’s committed to being the best internet-, TV- and phone provider in southwest Kansas.&nbsp;Today, in addition to traditional landline telephone service, Pioneer Communications offers high-speed internet access and streaming television. “Our bread and butter used to be voice (transmission),” Catherine said. “Now it’s broadband. We are deploying a state-of-the-art network, focusing on broadband and data services.”&nbsp;In 2019, the company made the transition from traditional cable television delivery to streaming services.&nbsp;In addition to Ulysses, Pioneer Communications has office locations in Hugoton, Johnson, Lakin, Satanta, and Syracuse. The company serves a 5,000-square-mile region of southwest Kansas. In addition to the larger towns, that territory includes such rural communities as Coolidge, population 95; Horace, population 70; and Richfield, population 43 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Catherine has been a strong voice for rural Internet access. She is vice chair of the national Precision Agriculture Task Force established by USDA and the Federal Communications Commission. She served on the Kansas Broadband Task Force in 2019. “We proposed legislation which didn’t get enacted due to the pandemic, but one of our key ideas is being implemented through the state highway plan,” Catherine said. “If KDOT is going to rebuild a highway, now (telecom) providers can have an opportunity to put in conduit during construction,” she said. This makes it much more practical to string fiber optic cable, for example.&nbsp;Catherine also serves on the Board of Directors of CoBank, part of the Farm Credit System. “The Farm Credit System supports every aspect of the rural economy,” Catherine said.&nbsp;Broadband is a vital element of that economy. “Internet access evens the playing field for rural opportunities,” Catherine said. “It makes it possible for families and businesses in rural Kansas to market products or work from home,” she said.&nbsp;This has caused Pioneer to make an investment in providing high-speed access to families and businesses, even though it is costly. “If a business is being recruited to our region, we have pledged that broadband access will not be a problem,” she said.&nbsp;“Rural Kansas deserves that,” Catherine said. “I’m going to the mat every day for the rural people of our region and the people of Pioneer.”&nbsp;For more information about Pioneer Communications, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pioncomm.net/">www.pioncomm.net</a>.&nbsp;Customer service. That was Catherine’s first job at Pioneer Communications.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now she is CEO, and guess what? Customer service is still her first job. We salute Catherine and the people of Pioneer Communications for their commitment to rural Internet access. They are still working to serve the customer.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Catherine Moyer, Pioneer Communications 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610662455729.jpeg" alt="2020-21 first semester Ellis High School Honor Roll" />
 <figcaption>2020-21 first semester Ellis High School Honor Roll</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610662492217.jpeg" alt="2020-21 first semester Ellis Junior High Honor Roll" />
 <figcaption>2020-21 first semester Ellis Junior High Honor Roll</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis schools first semester honor rolls

The Walnut Creek Extension District and the Cottonwood Extension District in conjunction with North Central Extension Risk Management and the Kansas Farm Bureau would like to welcome producers to La Crosse, KS on January 21st&nbsp;for an in depth look at marketing strategies for the 2021 milo crop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This program will be held at the La Crosse City Auditorium with doors opening at noon and registration starting at 12:30.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program will conclude by 5:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;No lunch will be served but we will break for drinks and snacks.&nbsp;Topics to be covered include Market Outlooks, Effective Planning, and Cost of Production.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attendees will also develop a Marketing Strategy for a representative farm this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presenters for the afternoon are Dan O’Brien, Extension Ag Economist with Kansas State University and Mark Nelson, Director of Commodities for the Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;

Grain markets finished the fiscal 2020 year in unprecedented fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opportunities exist for producers to capitalize on the current markets for 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those attending will get see how the futures prices are illustrating the need to have an effective pre-harvest marketing plan for the 2021 crop.&nbsp;

As with many group meetings, Social Distancing will be advised, Masks are required, and attendance is limited.&nbsp;Attendance is free for only those pre-registering&nbsp;by calling the LaCrosse office at (785) 222-2710 or the Great Bend office at (620) 793-1910.&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration can also be taken by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jaredp11@ksu.edu">jaredp11@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;A live stream will also be available thru Zoom and Facebook Live as well as a recording of the afternoons presentations to be posted on the Districts’ websites.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Walnut Creek Extension District and the Cottonwood Extension District in conjunction with North Central Extension Risk Management and the Kansas Farm Bureau would like to welcome producers to La Crosse, KS on January 21st&nbsp;for an in depth look at marketing strategies for the 2021 milo crop.&nbsp;&nbsp;This program will be held at the La Crosse City Auditorium with doors opening at noon and registration starting at 12:30.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program will conclude by 5:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;No lunch will be served but we will break for drinks and snacks.&nbsp;Topics to be covered include Market Outlooks, Effective Planning, and Cost of Production.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attendees will also develop a Marketing Strategy for a representative farm this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presenters for the afternoon are Dan O’Brien, Extension Ag Economist with Kansas State University and Mark Nelson, Director of Commodities for the Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;Grain markets finished the fiscal 2020 year in unprecedented fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opportunities exist for producers to capitalize on the current markets for 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those attending will get see how the futures prices are illustrating the need to have an effective pre-harvest marketing plan for the 2021 crop.&nbsp;As with many group meetings, Social Distancing will be advised, Masks are required, and attendance is limited.&nbsp;Attendance is free for only those pre-registering&nbsp;by calling the LaCrosse office at (785) 222-2710 or the Great Bend office at (620) 793-1910.&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration can also be taken by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jaredp11@ksu.edu">jaredp11@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;A live stream will also be available thru Zoom and Facebook Live as well as a recording of the afternoons presentations to be posted on the Districts’ websites.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Milo marketing workshop scheduled in La Crosse

We often use our free speech rights at the top of our lungs and in public spaces to protest loudly, proudly and prominently.

When we do that, the First Amendment protects us from government 
punishment or censorship for what we say or write, particularly on 
matters of politics and public affairs — generally. Still, not 
everything we say or do because of such speech is protected.

Over decades, legal guardrails have been set up that indicate where 
our free speech rights end and where government may be able to step in 
to penalize speakers or prevent protests and demonstrations. Those 
guardrails are deliberately limited.

Let’s start by noting the First Amendment offers no legal shield from
 criminal prosecution for violent acts, individually or as part of a 
mob, regardless of the cause we might promote or a political position we
 take. Violence is a crime.

Our free speech rights also do not protect incitement to imminent 
violence. The key here is a connection to an immediate threat to public 
safety. In a <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/395/444.html" target="_blank">1969 decision</a>,
 the U.S. Supreme Court said there is no First Amendment protection for 
speech that is “directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless 
action and is likely to produce such action.”

A speaker who demeans a group of people to a crowd, and then points to someone and shouts “There’s one now, go get ’em!”
 steps outside of free speech protection. But when the violence takes 
place sometime later, or elsewhere, or the words are not so direct, 
prosecutors may find it difficult to establish such a direct link.

That task of linking words to actions will confront those who favor criminal charges for incitement against President Donald J. Trump
 for his Jan. 6 speech to supporters, who then moved the 16 blocks from 
his rally near the White House to Capitol Hill, where some then 
violently invaded the U.S. Capitol.

“After this, we’re going to walk down and I’ll be there 
with you,” Trump said. “We’re going walk down to the Capitol, and we’re 
going to cheer on our brave senators, and congressmen and women. We’re 
probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them because 
you’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show 
strength, and you have to be strong.”

Before Trump spoke, his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, 
called for “trial by combat.” The courts also have debated whether 
criminal charges around incitement can be brought for what is called 
“instructional speech” — for example, producing written materials 
advising on plans or offering tips to a group planning violent acts. In 
deciding not to review a lower court decision in 2002, justices offered 
differing views on whether such instruction could meet the “imminent 
lawlessness” requirement.

In November, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a lower court to again hear a case involving DeRay Mckesson,
 a Black Lives Matter organizer who was sued by a Baton Rouge, La., 
police officer injured at a protest Mckesson organized in 2016. The 
lawsuit ultimately could have dramatic dampening impact on public 
protest if the courts decide organizers can be held personally liable 
for violence by anyone at an event, under the theory that organizers 
should have known it was a likely outcome.

What other legal issues swirl around protests and demonstrations?

Courts ruled during the anti-war protests in the 1960s and later that
 authorities cannot block or disperse protesters just because 
authorities have an unspecified concern about potential disorder, or 
because demonstrators are loud or offensive, or even if they temporarily
 disrupt traffic.

In 2011, the Supreme Court upheld <a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-snyder-v-phelps" target="_blank">the right to public protest on matters of public interest</a>
 in a case involving a family-based Kansas church known for its 
controversial — many say repugnant — anti-gay protests at military 
funerals. The Westboro Baptist Church was sued by the parents of a U.S. 
Marine who died in Iraq, claiming intentional infliction of emotional 
distress.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that such protest 
was protected by the First Amendment: “Speech is powerful. It can stir 
people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it
 did here — inflict great pain … we cannot react to that pain by 
punishing the speaker. As a nation we have chosen a different course — 
to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not
 stifle public debate.”

At times, authorities seek to simply ban all public events. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
 has asked the U.S. Interior Department to cancel all permits for 
“public gatherings” in the city, citing both the Capitol riot and 
COVID-19 health concerns. In dealing with the pandemic, local and state 
officials nationwide have placed limits or banned a variety of group 
events, protests and religious services. Health officials cite a 1905 
Supreme Court ruling that <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/197/11" target="_blank">upheld the government’s quarantine (and vaccination) powers.</a>

A guiding principle in the nation’s history is that government at any
 level can only infringe on our First Amendments rights by showing an 
overriding need, such as an immediate threat to public safety, and then 
only in ways that are the least possible intrusion for the shortest time
 required to meet the need.

We need to be alert and demand that authorities balance public safety
 and First Amendment rights in the upcoming days and weeks. The core 
freedoms that protect us cannot be left unprotected by us.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>We often use our free speech rights at the top of our lungs and in public spaces to protest loudly, proudly and prominently.When we do that, the First Amendment protects us from government 
punishment or censorship for what we say or write, particularly on 
matters of politics and public affairs — generally. Still, not 
everything we say or do because of such speech is protected.Over decades, legal guardrails have been set up that indicate where 
our free speech rights end and where government may be able to step in 
to penalize speakers or prevent protests and demonstrations. Those 
guardrails are deliberately limited.Let’s start by noting the First Amendment offers no legal shield from
 criminal prosecution for violent acts, individually or as part of a 
mob, regardless of the cause we might promote or a political position we
 take. Violence is a crime.Our free speech rights also do not protect incitement to imminent 
violence. The key here is a connection to an immediate threat to public 
safety. In a <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/395/444.html" target="_blank">1969 decision</a>,
 the U.S. Supreme Court said there is no First Amendment protection for 
speech that is “directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless 
action and is likely to produce such action.”A speaker who demeans a group of people to a crowd, and then points to someone and shouts “There’s one now, go get ’em!”
 steps outside of free speech protection. But when the violence takes 
place sometime later, or elsewhere, or the words are not so direct, 
prosecutors may find it difficult to establish such a direct link.That task of linking words to actions will confront those who favor criminal charges for incitement against President Donald J. Trump
 for his Jan. 6 speech to supporters, who then moved the 16 blocks from 
his rally near the White House to Capitol Hill, where some then 
violently invaded the U.S. Capitol.“After this, we’re going to walk down and I’ll be there 
with you,” Trump said. “We’re going walk down to the Capitol, and we’re 
going to cheer on our brave senators, and congressmen and women. We’re 
probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them because 
you’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show 
strength, and you have to be strong.”Before Trump spoke, his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, 
called for “trial by combat.” The courts also have debated whether 
criminal charges around incitement can be brought for what is called 
“instructional speech” — for example, producing written materials 
advising on plans or offering tips to a group planning violent acts. In 
deciding not to review a lower court decision in 2002, justices offered 
differing views on whether such instruction could meet the “imminent 
lawlessness” requirement.In November, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a lower court to again hear a case involving DeRay Mckesson,
 a Black Lives Matter organizer who was sued by a Baton Rouge, La., 
police officer injured at a protest Mckesson organized in 2016. The 
lawsuit ultimately could have dramatic dampening impact on public 
protest if the courts decide organizers can be held personally liable 
for violence by anyone at an event, under the theory that organizers 
should have known it was a likely outcome.What other legal issues swirl around protests and demonstrations?Courts ruled during the anti-war protests in the 1960s and later that
 authorities cannot block or disperse protesters just because 
authorities have an unspecified concern about potential disorder, or 
because demonstrators are loud or offensive, or even if they temporarily
 disrupt traffic.In 2011, the Supreme Court upheld <a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-snyder-v-phelps" target="_blank">the right to public protest on matters of public interest</a>
 in a case involving a family-based Kansas church known for its 
controversial — many say repugnant — anti-gay protests at military 
funerals. The Westboro Baptist Church was sued by the parents of a U.S. 
Marine who died in Iraq, claiming intentional infliction of emotional 
distress.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that such protest 
was protected by the First Amendment: “Speech is powerful. It can stir 
people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it
 did here — inflict great pain … we cannot react to that pain by 
punishing the speaker. As a nation we have chosen a different course — 
to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not
 stifle public debate.”At times, authorities seek to simply ban all public events. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
 has asked the U.S. Interior Department to cancel all permits for 
“public gatherings” in the city, citing both the Capitol riot and 
COVID-19 health concerns. In dealing with the pandemic, local and state 
officials nationwide have placed limits or banned a variety of group 
events, protests and religious services. Health officials cite a 1905 
Supreme Court ruling that <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/197/11" target="_blank">upheld the government’s quarantine (and vaccination) powers.</a>A guiding principle in the nation’s history is that government at any
 level can only infringe on our First Amendments rights by showing an 
overriding need, such as an immediate threat to public safety, and then 
only in ways that are the least possible intrusion for the shortest time
 required to meet the need.We need to be alert and demand that authorities balance public safety
 and First Amendment rights in the upcoming days and weeks. The core 
freedoms that protect us cannot be left unprotected by us.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: First Amendment right to protest has limits

Governor Laura Kelly delivered her State of the State speech on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. This year however, she presented her speech virtually and not in the House Chamber due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday morning, the Governor’s proposed budget was released to a joint meeting with House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees.

Governor Kelly is proposing some of the same manuevers that she has for the last two years. The main component of her budget is the reamortization of the unfunded liability for the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, (KPERS). The Governor would like to reamortize for another 10 years, making it 25 years total, to utilize $158.7 million is savings in 2022 and then $160.8 million in 2023.

Reamortizing the unfunded liablilty for a total of 25 years will cost the Kansas taxpayer $4.6 billion over time. She has proposed this method in her last two budget submissions and the House has voted this down each year.

Governor Kelly also proposed generating more revenue by imposing a sales tax on digital property, such as Netflix and Hulu. The estimations from the Governor’s office state this could generate $42.7 million in additional revenue. Another revenue generating proposal would be an increase in revenues of approximately $43.1 million, called market facilitators. These collect sales tax revenue from third party sellers.

The Governor claims that with her budget proposal, the state of Kansas will have a positive ending balance in the current fiscal year of $767.5 million and $600.9 million in 2022.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/795d2286-3ca3-4056-94e5-9777c2c8ce84">SEE RELATED: Waymaster: State budget outlook better than expected; cuts still possible</a>

The 2021 session of the Kansas Legislature started this past Monday, January 11, 2021. This session will operate in a different fashion than we have in the past. 

I will continue as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and the committee format has changed. The members of the Appropriations Committee will all be in the committee room daily, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the members will be seated where social distancing can be observed. All conferees, staff, press, and guests will participate virtually during the committee time. 

The House Chamber is different, as well. The seating on the House floor is utilizing social distancing where members may be sitting on the floor or in the East and West galleries. 

We made many changes throughout the Capitol building so we could return and conduct the needs for the state of Kansas.

There are many different pieces of legislation that I have been working on prior to returning to Topeka. Here are the details of the bills that I have been working on.

The first is a bill that I introduced in committee last year. Although it did pass out of the Appropriations Committee, it never was debated on the House floor due to COVID-19. This bill would combine the two funds that can be used to plug abandoned oil and gas wells into one.

The next two bills address rural economic needs across the state of Kansas. One is a loan guarantee program for rural housing. If a home is built or renovated, this guarantees a mortgage loan through a financial institution up to 125% of the value of the home.

The other bill is also a loan guarantee program that would assist farmers in Kansas. The program would guarantee agricultural loans through a financial institution and these loans could be used by farmers to buy land, equipment, operating cash, purchase livestock, and/or seed.

Another bill will assist businesses willing to relocate to rural areas of the state. Unlike the Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act that I introduced years ago, this bill would grant tax breaks for those businesses from out of state moving to a rural area.

Anytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Rep. Troy Waymaster, 109th Dist., is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788173848.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>State of Kansas BudgetGovernor Laura Kelly delivered her State of the State speech on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. This year however, she presented her speech virtually and not in the House Chamber due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Wednesday morning, the Governor’s proposed budget was released to a joint meeting with House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees.Governor Kelly is proposing some of the same manuevers that she has for the last two years. The main component of her budget is the reamortization of the unfunded liability for the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, (KPERS). The Governor would like to reamortize for another 10 years, making it 25 years total, to utilize $158.7 million is savings in 2022 and then $160.8 million in 2023.Reamortizing the unfunded liablilty for a total of 25 years will cost the Kansas taxpayer $4.6 billion over time. She has proposed this method in her last two budget submissions and the House has voted this down each year.Governor Kelly also proposed generating more revenue by imposing a sales tax on digital property, such as Netflix and Hulu. The estimations from the Governor’s office state this could generate $42.7 million in additional revenue. Another revenue generating proposal would be an increase in revenues of approximately $43.1 million, called market facilitators. These collect sales tax revenue from third party sellers.The Governor claims that with her budget proposal, the state of Kansas will have a positive ending balance in the current fiscal year of $767.5 million and $600.9 million in 2022.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/795d2286-3ca3-4056-94e5-9777c2c8ce84">SEE RELATED: Waymaster: State budget outlook better than expected; cuts still possible</a>2021 Legislative Session BeginsThe 2021 session of the Kansas Legislature started this past Monday, January 11, 2021. This session will operate in a different fashion than we have in the past. I will continue as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and the committee format has changed. The members of the Appropriations Committee will all be in the committee room daily, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the members will be seated where social distancing can be observed. All conferees, staff, press, and guests will participate virtually during the committee time. The House Chamber is different, as well. The seating on the House floor is utilizing social distancing where members may be sitting on the floor or in the East and West galleries. We made many changes throughout the Capitol building so we could return and conduct the needs for the state of Kansas.Bill IntroductionsThere are many different pieces of legislation that I have been working on prior to returning to Topeka. Here are the details of the bills that I have been working on.The first is a bill that I introduced in committee last year. Although it did pass out of the Appropriations Committee, it never was debated on the House floor due to COVID-19. This bill would combine the two funds that can be used to plug abandoned oil and gas wells into one.The next two bills address rural economic needs across the state of Kansas. One is a loan guarantee program for rural housing. If a home is built or renovated, this guarantees a mortgage loan through a financial institution up to 125% of the value of the home.The other bill is also a loan guarantee program that would assist farmers in Kansas. The program would guarantee agricultural loans through a financial institution and these loans could be used by farmers to buy land, equipment, operating cash, purchase livestock, and/or seed.Another bill will assist businesses willing to relocate to rural areas of the state. Unlike the Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act that I introduced years ago, this bill would grant tax breaks for those businesses from out of state moving to a rural area.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Rep. Troy Waymaster, 109th Dist., is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home Jan. 15

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman. 

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: KDHE Secretary Lee Norman" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/t83ab-f7a768?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.

🎤Forward Ever: KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman

<div><iframe title="Additional COVID-19 stimulus may help local businesses" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3zvra-f7adef?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: Additional COVID-19 stimulus may help local businesses

North Central Kansas Technical College, in honor of Board Appreciation Month, is pleased to share the many aspects and knowledge that our Board of Trustee Members bring to campus.&nbsp; Members include Chairman Jim Johnson, Beloit; Vice Chairman Carolyn Finney, Beloit; Glennys Doane, Downs; Donald Miller, Downs. Members from the Hays area include Bob Becker, Stockton; Dale A. Montgomery, Hays; Lance Smith, Hays.&nbsp;

Dale A. Montgomery has been a member of the NCK Tech Board of Trustees since July, 1987.&nbsp; Over 30 years ago, Montgomery was elected to the USD 489 School Board. At that time, several school districts supported the development of what was then named North Central Kansas Vo-Tech.&nbsp; Montgomery volunteered to become one of two representatives from USD 489 to join the North Central Kansas Vo-Tech Board.&nbsp; “Seeing the success of our students, working with a team that is dedicated to student success and supporting the communities we teach in,” are Montgomery’s main reasons for serving on the board.&nbsp; “I have two nephews and a niece that have tech degrees and all are very successful.&nbsp; I believe students can benefit from a two year degree.&nbsp; The cost is less, classes are smaller, and in some instances, the income from a two year degree will exceed that of a four year degree,” Montgomery stated.&nbsp;

Montgomery, a retired hospital administrator, was one of the first 50 people inducted into the Healthcare Supply Chain Professionals International Hall of Fame.&nbsp; “If you really want to advance yourself, change the world a little bit, care about God and goodness, you have to be involved, not sit on the sidelines.&nbsp; If you give your time and talents to those in need, you gain much more than you give,” stated Montgomery in response to what advice he would give to students.&nbsp; When asked what he would like his legacy to be, Montgomery said, “I want to be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather, friend and Christian.&nbsp; In addition, my work with the Project Perfect World Foundation and the Damian House in Guayaquil, Ecuador.”

Bob Becker, retired school administrator, from Stockton, KS, joined the NCK Tech Board of Trustees in November, 2019.&nbsp; Becker became associated with NCK Tech 25 years ago when he was teaching.&nbsp; After he became a school administrator, Becker continued to direct students, who were not interested in attending a traditional college, towards NCK Tech, in order to establish a career path.&nbsp; After retiring from education, Becker wanted to stay involved with helping students attain opportunities for a career.&nbsp; “Being a part of the NCK Tech Board of Trustees has allowed me that opportunity,” stated Becker.

“Working with my fellow board members to help make NCK Tech a viable and opportunistic school for individuals looking to establish lifelong skills and a rewarding career,” Becker stated as to why he enjoys serving on the board.&nbsp; In regards to what he would like to be remembered for, Becker stated, “That I was respectful and mindful of others.&nbsp; That I was a goal oriented person who looked for the best in others and worked to help individuals attain their highest potential.”&nbsp; If Becker could be any animal he would be a wolf because they like to be with others, are respectful of others in their group, resourceful, and most importantly, do not call attention to themselves, but can be aggressive when warranted.&nbsp; “Be where your feet are, do your best in any situation, take care of the things that you can control and do not stress over the things that you cannot control,” was Becker’s response to the best advice he has ever received.&nbsp;

Lance Smith, Facility Services Director at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, joined the NCK Tech Board of Trustees in November, 2019.&nbsp; “Former board member Kevin Stramel is my neighbor.&nbsp; When he was stepping down from the board he mentioned the possibility of serving.&nbsp; In addition, Dale Montgomery was my boss at HaysMed before his retirement and he also approached me about serving on the board.&nbsp; I was happy to apply and lucky to be selected,” Smith said in regards to why he chose to join the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith’s favorite part of serving on the board is, “learning all the systems and procedures that are involved with education.&nbsp; I continually look for new ways to gain knowledge and skills.&nbsp; I also enjoy seeing others grow.”&nbsp; Smith adores the holidays with his Halloween display bringing in over 500 Trick-or-Treaters yearly to his house.&nbsp; The display that he assembles each Christmas takes over 70 hours to set up.&nbsp; In addition, he rides regularly on a motorcycle and has logged over 100,000 miles in the last 12 years.

Positions on the NCK Tech Board of Trustees are by application only and are completely volunteer.&nbsp; The time and dedication to our campuses in both Beloit and Hays are commendable by these individuals.&nbsp; Their work and legacies will be forever remembered.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610663930057.jpeg" alt="Lance Smith" />
 <figcaption>Lance Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechNorth Central Kansas Technical College, in honor of Board Appreciation Month, is pleased to share the many aspects and knowledge that our Board of Trustee Members bring to campus.&nbsp; Members include Chairman Jim Johnson, Beloit; Vice Chairman Carolyn Finney, Beloit; Glennys Doane, Downs; Donald Miller, Downs. Members from the Hays area include Bob Becker, Stockton; Dale A. Montgomery, Hays; Lance Smith, Hays.&nbsp;Dale A. Montgomery has been a member of the NCK Tech Board of Trustees since July, 1987.&nbsp; Over 30 years ago, Montgomery was elected to the USD 489 School Board. At that time, several school districts supported the development of what was then named North Central Kansas Vo-Tech.&nbsp; Montgomery volunteered to become one of two representatives from USD 489 to join the North Central Kansas Vo-Tech Board.&nbsp; “Seeing the success of our students, working with a team that is dedicated to student success and supporting the communities we teach in,” are Montgomery’s main reasons for serving on the board.&nbsp; “I have two nephews and a niece that have tech degrees and all are very successful.&nbsp; I believe students can benefit from a two year degree.&nbsp; The cost is less, classes are smaller, and in some instances, the income from a two year degree will exceed that of a four year degree,” Montgomery stated.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610663962063.jpeg" alt="Dale Montgomery" />
 <figcaption>Dale Montgomery</figcaption>
 </figure>Montgomery, a retired hospital administrator, was one of the first 50 people inducted into the Healthcare Supply Chain Professionals International Hall of Fame.&nbsp; “If you really want to advance yourself, change the world a little bit, care about God and goodness, you have to be involved, not sit on the sidelines.&nbsp; If you give your time and talents to those in need, you gain much more than you give,” stated Montgomery in response to what advice he would give to students.&nbsp; When asked what he would like his legacy to be, Montgomery said, “I want to be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather, friend and Christian.&nbsp; In addition, my work with the Project Perfect World Foundation and the Damian House in Guayaquil, Ecuador.”Bob Becker, retired school administrator, from Stockton, KS, joined the NCK Tech Board of Trustees in November, 2019.&nbsp; Becker became associated with NCK Tech 25 years ago when he was teaching.&nbsp; After he became a school administrator, Becker continued to direct students, who were not interested in attending a traditional college, towards NCK Tech, in order to establish a career path.&nbsp; After retiring from education, Becker wanted to stay involved with helping students attain opportunities for a career.&nbsp; “Being a part of the NCK Tech Board of Trustees has allowed me that opportunity,” stated Becker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610663982146.jpeg" alt="Bob Becker" />
 <figcaption>Bob Becker</figcaption>
 </figure>“Working with my fellow board members to help make NCK Tech a viable and opportunistic school for individuals looking to establish lifelong skills and a rewarding career,” Becker stated as to why he enjoys serving on the board.&nbsp; In regards to what he would like to be remembered for, Becker stated, “That I was respectful and mindful of others.&nbsp; That I was a goal oriented person who looked for the best in others and worked to help individuals attain their highest potential.”&nbsp; If Becker could be any animal he would be a wolf because they like to be with others, are respectful of others in their group, resourceful, and most importantly, do not call attention to themselves, but can be aggressive when warranted.&nbsp; “Be where your feet are, do your best in any situation, take care of the things that you can control and do not stress over the things that you cannot control,” was Becker’s response to the best advice he has ever received.&nbsp;Lance Smith, Facility Services Director at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, joined the NCK Tech Board of Trustees in November, 2019.&nbsp; “Former board member Kevin Stramel is my neighbor.&nbsp; When he was stepping down from the board he mentioned the possibility of serving.&nbsp; In addition, Dale Montgomery was my boss at HaysMed before his retirement and he also approached me about serving on the board.&nbsp; I was happy to apply and lucky to be selected,” Smith said in regards to why he chose to join the board.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith’s favorite part of serving on the board is, “learning all the systems and procedures that are involved with education.&nbsp; I continually look for new ways to gain knowledge and skills.&nbsp; I also enjoy seeing others grow.”&nbsp; Smith adores the holidays with his Halloween display bringing in over 500 Trick-or-Treaters yearly to his house.&nbsp; The display that he assembles each Christmas takes over 70 hours to set up.&nbsp; In addition, he rides regularly on a motorcycle and has logged over 100,000 miles in the last 12 years.Positions on the NCK Tech Board of Trustees are by application only and are completely volunteer.&nbsp; The time and dedication to our campuses in both Beloit and Hays are commendable by these individuals.&nbsp; Their work and legacies will be forever remembered.&nbsp;

NCK Tech offers appreciation to Hays-area board members

This past Tuesday, the people of Hays First United Methodist Church presented First Call for Help of Ellis County with a check for $25,000 to continue its First Step Housing project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610487278342.jpeg" alt="(Not in order) Representatives from the Hays First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Mike Rose, Troy Miller, and FUMC Endowment Chairman Greg Doughhetee, along with Hale Sloan representing Hays Noon Rotary present funds to Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, for the&nbsp;First Step Housing project." />
 <figcaption>(Not in order) Representatives from the Hays First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Mike Rose, Troy Miller, and FUMC Endowment Chairman Greg Doughhetee, along with Hale Sloan representing Hays Noon Rotary present funds to Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director, for the&nbsp;First Step Housing project.</figcaption>
 </figure>First Call for HelpThis past Tuesday, the people of Hays First United Methodist Church presented First Call for Help of Ellis County with a check for $25,000 to continue its First Step Housing project.Representatives from the church, Senior Pastor Mike Rose, Troy Miller, and FUMC Endowment Chair Greg Doughhetee, along with Hale Sloan representing Hays Noon Rotary, which contributed $1,000 as well, were on hand to present the gift to Linda Mills, executive director of First Call for Help.The First Step Housing project is an initiative to provide transitional housing while the participants are working through other obstacles they have encountered for housing stability.For up to six months, families have the opportunity to focus on priorities, such as gainful employment, savings, permanent housing, self-care and family. First Call also helps provide counseling for money management and budgeting during this time.“This gift will help us move into the next phase of our building plan. This puts us at 70 percent of our project goal of $250,000. We are very grateful for this wonderful gift,” Mills said.Doughhetee&nbsp;said he was very pleased with the response from the people of the church as they captured the vision of First Call and responded in such a generous way.For more information on the project or how you may partner with First Call for Help, visit <a href="http://www.firstcallelliscounty.com">www.firstcallelliscounty.com</a> or call 785-623-2800.

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