By JEFF BRULL HaysMed Foundation executive director

I’m beginning this installment of “The View From Here” with the 
understatement of the century: This year has certainly been challenging.
 We’ve all learned so much, not only about COVID, but about technology, 
adaptability, resilience, gratitude, and most importantly, kindness. 
Each day brings new challenges, but above all it presents us the 
opportunity to grow in compassion and kindness.

Reaction to the pandemic among the people with whom I interact is 
certainly varied, but in the end it all comes down to the kind of people
 we’ve always been. Western Kansans are uniquely independent, but we’ve 
always taken care of each other. Although there is much uncertainty, we 
do know that we will continue working to care for one another.

The HaysMed Foundation is one vehicle by which you can choose to do 
just that. You may want to ensure you, your family, and your neighbors 
are inoculated against the seasonal flu. You may want to ensure our 
front-line healthcare workers feel support and appreciation from their 
community. You may want to provide scholarship opportunities to an 
outstanding nurse who took care of you, your child, your spouse, or a 
parent. You may want to ensure that visitors to HaysMed can charge a 
cell phone, enjoy a reflective moment in the chapel, or receive 
comforting care and education to return to their homes the best way they
 are able.

All of these things and a hundred more are what we’ve been doing at 
the HaysMed Foundation for 25 years. To those who have helped, I offer 
my humble thanks. To those who haven’t quite gotten around to it yet, 
we’re ready to help you find the projects, programs, or people about 
which you feel most passionate. We wish each of you a joyous, loving, 
and above all, a healthy new year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608755301101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JEFF BRULL HaysMed Foundation executive directorI’m beginning this installment of “The View From Here” with the 
understatement of the century: This year has certainly been challenging.
 We’ve all learned so much, not only about COVID, but about technology, 
adaptability, resilience, gratitude, and most importantly, kindness. 
Each day brings new challenges, but above all it presents us the 
opportunity to grow in compassion and kindness.Reaction to the pandemic among the people with whom I interact is 
certainly varied, but in the end it all comes down to the kind of people
 we’ve always been. Western Kansans are uniquely independent, but we’ve 
always taken care of each other. Although there is much uncertainty, we 
do know that we will continue working to care for one another.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608755342277.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The HaysMed Foundation is one vehicle by which you can choose to do 
just that. You may want to ensure you, your family, and your neighbors 
are inoculated against the seasonal flu. You may want to ensure our 
front-line healthcare workers feel support and appreciation from their 
community. You may want to provide scholarship opportunities to an 
outstanding nurse who took care of you, your child, your spouse, or a 
parent. You may want to ensure that visitors to HaysMed can charge a 
cell phone, enjoy a reflective moment in the chapel, or receive 
comforting care and education to return to their homes the best way they
 are able.All of these things and a hundred more are what we’ve been doing at 
the HaysMed Foundation for 25 years. To those who have helped, I offer 
my humble thanks. To those who haven’t quite gotten around to it yet, 
we’re ready to help you find the projects, programs, or people about 
which you feel most passionate. We wish each of you a joyous, loving, 
and above all, a healthy new year.

The View From Here from HaysMed Foundation's Jeff Brull

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

<div><iframe title="Year of COVID-19 changes eating habits" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pevpi-f5df0d?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: Year of COVID-19 changes eating habits

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in January. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

<a>Those celebrating 40 years:</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608313221900.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in January. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.<a>Those celebrating 40 years:</a><ul>
 <li>Michael Hollis, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Rolla</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 30 years:<ul>
 <li>Roger Anderson, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Wamego</li><li>Chris Herrick, Director of Planning and Development,&nbsp;Topeka</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 20 years:<ul>
 <li>Bobby Davis, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Blue Mound</li><li>Dennis Kennedy, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Mankato</li><li>Jennifer Kern, Public Service Administrator I,&nbsp;Mayetta</li><li>Mitchell Kline, Welder,&nbsp;Norton</li><li>Ian Stringham, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Osawatomie</li><li>Karla Thies, Assistant Bureau Chief,&nbsp;Tecumseh</li><li>Benjamin Tush, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Garnett</li><li>Cody Ward, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Logan</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 10 years:<ul>
 <li>Rita Baltazor, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Salina</li><li>Michelle Burnett, Area Engineer,&nbsp;Ellinwood</li><li>Mitchell Cady, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Salina</li><li>James Cedeno, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Lyons</li><li>Jamie Davis, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Scott City</li><li>Matthew Dotson, Engineering Technician Midpoint,&nbsp;Salina</li><li>Raul Flores, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Moscow</li><li>Leonard Harding, Equipment Operator Midpoint,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Kevin Height, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Barnes</li><li>Arthur Helvie, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Haysville</li><li>Josiah Jones, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Atwood</li><li>Marcella Larrabee, State Auditor I,&nbsp;Lawrence</li><li>Brian Mallory, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Jewell</li><li>Robert Percival Jr., District Construction Engineer,&nbsp;Norton</li><li>Earl Sowers, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Corning</li><li>Peter Tobaben, Engineering Associate III,&nbsp;Lenexa</li><li>Tabitha Weigel, Accountant IV,&nbsp;Topeka</li>
 </ul>

KDOT employees from NW Kan. among those celebrating service anniversaries

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp; Unite Common Grounds Coffee House and Free Store&nbsp; inside The Gamers Guild at 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, Friday, January 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until we run out.

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

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be lentils, tomato sauce, garbanzo beans, split peas, dried cherries, orange juice, chicken, blueberries, mozzarella cheese, ground beef, and pork. 

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/" target="_blank">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp; Unite Common Grounds Coffee House and Free Store&nbsp; inside The Gamers Guild at 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street in Hays, Friday, January 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until we run out.Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,383 Household of one $1,868 Household of two $2,353 Household of three $2,839 Household of four $3,324 Household of five $3,809 Household of six $4,295 Household of seven $4,780 Household of eight Add $486 for each additional family member after eight Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be lentils, tomato sauce, garbanzo beans, split peas, dried cherries, orange juice, chicken, blueberries, mozzarella cheese, ground beef, and pork. Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/" target="_blank">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>- Submitted

Surplus food commodities to be distributed Jan. 1

LAWRENCE — A crew from the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), based at the University of Kansas, will be in western Kansas measuring groundwater levels the first week of January.

Levels are measured annually as part of a joint project conducted by the KGS and the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) to monitor the health of the state’s valuable groundwater resources.

Weather permitting, the KGS crew will be working in the following areas:

Most of the measured wells tap into the High Plains aquifer, a massive network of underground water-bearing rocks and the main source of water in the region. The rest draw from deeper aquifers or shallower alluvial aquifers along creeks and rivers.

Underlying portions of eight states, the High Plains aquifer in Kansas encompasses three individual ones — the Ogallala aquifer, the Equus Beds around Wichita and Hutchinson, and the Great Bend Prairie aquifer around Pratt and Great Bend. The largest by far, the Ogallala extends into all eight states.

“The Ogallala portion of the Kansas High Plains aquifer, essentially the western third of the state, has seen some level of drought conditions going back to last spring,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. “That is especially true for those counties bordering Colorado.”

The accumulation or lack of precipitation during the growing season influences the amount of pumping, which is the main driver in groundwater level rises and declines. In 2020, extreme drought conditions in late spring and early summer, mainly in southwest Kansas, abated somewhat only to reappear recently, especially across northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With such a dry growing season, pumping demands likely will have been higher, and I expect we'll see groundwater declines prevalent across the state,” Wilson said.&nbsp;

Groundwater levels in much of the state’s portion of the Ogallala aquifer, especially in southwest Kansas, have been on the decline since water use started to rise in the mid 20th&nbsp;century.

Because average annual precipitation rates gradually decrease across the state from east to west, the Equus Beds and Great Bend Prairie aquifer receive about 35 and 25 inches per year, respectively, compared to 15 inches along the Colorado border. Also shallower than the Ogallala aquifer, the two central Kansas aquifers are more influenced by recharge — water seeping down from the surface — which makes them less susceptible to permanent losses.&nbsp;

The KGS and DWR measure groundwater levels in December, January and February to avoid, as much as possible, short-term declines caused by widespread pumping during the growing season. Of the 1,428 wells being monitored in 48 counties, the KGS will measure 587, and crews from DWR’s field offices in Garden City, Stafford and Stockton will measure 841.

Many of the wells, accessed with landowners’ permission, have been monitored for years, although new ones are added as older wells become inaccessible or to fill in spatial gaps in the monitoring network. The majority are within the boundaries of the state’s five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are organized and governed by area landowners and water users to address local water-resource issues.

Historical annual measurements for each well are available at the KGS website (<a href="http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Magellan/WaterLevels/index.html">http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Magellan/WaterLevels/index.html</a>). Results of measurements made in January 2021 will be added in late February.

<figure>
 <img src="http://today.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2020_news/december/kgs%20well%20measurement%20533.jpg" alt="A Kansas Geological Survey crew member checks groundwater levels." />
 <figcaption>A Kansas Geological Survey crew member checks groundwater levels.</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — A crew from the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), based at the University of Kansas, will be in western Kansas measuring groundwater levels the first week of January.Levels are measured annually as part of a joint project conducted by the KGS and the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) to monitor the health of the state’s valuable groundwater resources.Weather permitting, the KGS crew will be working in the following areas:<ul>
 <li>Jan. 4:&nbsp;Near Colby and Atwood</li><li>Jan. 5:&nbsp;Goodland and St. Francis</li><li>Jan. 6:&nbsp;Tribune, Syracuse and Ulysses</li><li>Jan. 7:&nbsp;Elkhart and Liberal</li><li>Jan. 8:&nbsp;Meade and Dodge City.</li>
 </ul>Most of the measured wells tap into the High Plains aquifer, a massive network of underground water-bearing rocks and the main source of water in the region. The rest draw from deeper aquifers or shallower alluvial aquifers along creeks and rivers.Underlying portions of eight states, the High Plains aquifer in Kansas encompasses three individual ones — the Ogallala aquifer, the Equus Beds around Wichita and Hutchinson, and the Great Bend Prairie aquifer around Pratt and Great Bend. The largest by far, the Ogallala extends into all eight states.“The Ogallala portion of the Kansas High Plains aquifer, essentially the western third of the state, has seen some level of drought conditions going back to last spring,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. “That is especially true for those counties bordering Colorado.”The accumulation or lack of precipitation during the growing season influences the amount of pumping, which is the main driver in groundwater level rises and declines. In 2020, extreme drought conditions in late spring and early summer, mainly in southwest Kansas, abated somewhat only to reappear recently, especially across northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With such a dry growing season, pumping demands likely will have been higher, and I expect we'll see groundwater declines prevalent across the state,” Wilson said.&nbsp;Groundwater levels in much of the state’s portion of the Ogallala aquifer, especially in southwest Kansas, have been on the decline since water use started to rise in the mid 20th&nbsp;century.Because average annual precipitation rates gradually decrease across the state from east to west, the Equus Beds and Great Bend Prairie aquifer receive about 35 and 25 inches per year, respectively, compared to 15 inches along the Colorado border. Also shallower than the Ogallala aquifer, the two central Kansas aquifers are more influenced by recharge — water seeping down from the surface — which makes them less susceptible to permanent losses.&nbsp;The KGS and DWR measure groundwater levels in December, January and February to avoid, as much as possible, short-term declines caused by widespread pumping during the growing season. Of the 1,428 wells being monitored in 48 counties, the KGS will measure 587, and crews from DWR’s field offices in Garden City, Stafford and Stockton will measure 841.Many of the wells, accessed with landowners’ permission, have been monitored for years, although new ones are added as older wells become inaccessible or to fill in spatial gaps in the monitoring network. The majority are within the boundaries of the state’s five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are organized and governed by area landowners and water users to address local water-resource issues.Historical annual measurements for each well are available at the KGS website (<a href="http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Magellan/WaterLevels/index.html">http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Magellan/WaterLevels/index.html</a>). Results of measurements made in January 2021 will be added in late February.

NW Kansas groundwater levels to be measured by KGS in January

Three-day weather outlook

CRETE, Neb. — Doane University, Crete, Neb., has 269 students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2020 semester, including a WaKeeney resident. 

Students must achieve a minimum 3.7 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and hold 12 graded hours to qualify for this academic distinction.

The following are area students who appeared on Doane University's Fall 2020 Dean's List:

Parker Opat, freshman, Trego Community High School, WaKeeney

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608591776239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseCRETE, Neb. — Doane University, Crete, Neb., has 269 students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2020 semester, including a WaKeeney resident. Students must achieve a minimum 3.7 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and hold 12 graded hours to qualify for this academic distinction.The following are area students who appeared on Doane University's Fall 2020 Dean's List:Parker Opat, freshman, Trego Community High School, WaKeeney &nbsp;

WaKeeney student named to Doane University Dean's List

After the holidays, many municipalities allow old Christmas trees to be placed curbside. Trees are then collected and ground up for mulch or burned. If you miss the designated date, or your trash collector doesn't accept trees, there are several options to prolong the useful life of the tree.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dfeb94c5-a09d-4da7-b37f-d757e2685593">RELATED: Free Christmas tree disposal site open</a>

An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds, fish, and the landscape by placing it in a corner of your deck, and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder. The birds benefit from having escape cover nearby when hawks or cats threaten, and the dense boughs reduce the wind chill on a cold night.&nbsp;

Sinking your Christmas tree in a pond is an easy way to improve fish habitat and fishing. The tree serves as little coral reef, in that the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life. Larger fish are drawn by the shade and the presence of prey.&nbsp;

How do you sink a tree? Tie the base to a cinder block with a short, stout rope, and toss it in. Just be sure to get permission from the pond owner first! Using the little tree around the landscape requires clipping off all of the branches. Use the boughs to add extra insulation around semi-hardy perennials or to trees and shrubs that were recently planted. The leftover trunk may be used as a garden stake next spring.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Or cut and let it dry for a few weeks, and you will have some easy lighting firewood. Just beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions. This can delight the youngsters, but for safety's sake, keep an eye on the fire when burning Christmas tree logs!&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&nbsp;

<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>After the holidays, many municipalities allow old Christmas trees to be placed curbside. Trees are then collected and ground up for mulch or burned. If you miss the designated date, or your trash collector doesn't accept trees, there are several options to prolong the useful life of the tree.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dfeb94c5-a09d-4da7-b37f-d757e2685593">RELATED: Free Christmas tree disposal site open</a>An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds, fish, and the landscape by placing it in a corner of your deck, and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder. The birds benefit from having escape cover nearby when hawks or cats threaten, and the dense boughs reduce the wind chill on a cold night.&nbsp;Sinking your Christmas tree in a pond is an easy way to improve fish habitat and fishing. The tree serves as little coral reef, in that the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life. Larger fish are drawn by the shade and the presence of prey.&nbsp;How do you sink a tree? Tie the base to a cinder block with a short, stout rope, and toss it in. Just be sure to get permission from the pond owner first! Using the little tree around the landscape requires clipping off all of the branches. Use the boughs to add extra insulation around semi-hardy perennials or to trees and shrubs that were recently planted. The leftover trunk may be used as a garden stake next spring.&nbsp;&nbsp; Or cut and let it dry for a few weeks, and you will have some easy lighting firewood. Just beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions. This can delight the youngsters, but for safety's sake, keep an eye on the fire when burning Christmas tree logs!&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&nbsp;

BOOR: What to do with the Christmas tree after Christmas     

<div><iframe title="Major waterline projects on the way in Hays" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cjj39-f5dee7?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: Major waterline projects on the way in Hays

Beginning Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 3, the Hays 
Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state,
 including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Taking Down DUI&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;

The
 winter holidays are upon us, but this winter holiday is different. We 
are in the middle of a COVID pandemic. While we are all aware of the 
effects COVID has had on us, it has had a dramatic and devastating 
effect on our roads as well.

Marijuana, opioid, and alcohol use 
have increased substantially in general during the pandemic, but also 
with motor vehicle drivers. These impairing substances are now 
identified in nearly 25% of serious and fatal crashes. Remember, these 
crashes do not just affect the impaired driver — these crashes involve 
others that share the vehicle and road with us — passengers, other 
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Impaired driving crashes are 
completely preventable.

According to KDOT, in comparison with 
other holidays, the New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other
 holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is 
impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. Your choice to drive or to take 
other safe transportation rests solely with you.&nbsp;

A DUI will 
change your life forever. A DUI arrest and conviction results in jail 
time, the suspension or permanent revocation of driver’s license, 
thousands of dollars for fines, bail, court costs, attorney fees and 
increased insurance costs.

“Keep in mind that if you are going to 
be using ANY impairing substance – don’t even consider driving. Line up a
 ride with a sober acquaintance or other safe transportation BEFORE you 
go out. On the drive to zero, you are in the driver’s seat.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574697410116.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPDBeginning Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 3, the Hays 
Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state,
 including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Taking Down DUI&nbsp;traffic enforcement campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. &nbsp;The
 winter holidays are upon us, but this winter holiday is different. We 
are in the middle of a COVID pandemic. While we are all aware of the 
effects COVID has had on us, it has had a dramatic and devastating 
effect on our roads as well.Marijuana, opioid, and alcohol use 
have increased substantially in general during the pandemic, but also 
with motor vehicle drivers. These impairing substances are now 
identified in nearly 25% of serious and fatal crashes. Remember, these 
crashes do not just affect the impaired driver — these crashes involve 
others that share the vehicle and road with us — passengers, other 
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Impaired driving crashes are 
completely preventable.According to KDOT, in comparison with 
other holidays, the New Year’s Holiday period outranks most of the other
 holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is 
impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. Your choice to drive or to take 
other safe transportation rests solely with you.&nbsp;A DUI will 
change your life forever. A DUI arrest and conviction results in jail 
time, the suspension or permanent revocation of driver’s license, 
thousands of dollars for fines, bail, court costs, attorney fees and 
increased insurance costs.“Keep in mind that if you are going to 
be using ANY impairing substance – don’t even consider driving. Line up a
 ride with a sober acquaintance or other safe transportation BEFORE you 
go out. On the drive to zero, you are in the driver’s seat.”

Hays PD joins 'Taking Down DUI' campaign

Hays residents are encouraged to bring their real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building, 1002 Vine.

 This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. Directional signs are posted.

Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. 

The disposal site is open through Monday, Jan. 9. 

Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge. 

If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577473633457.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysHays residents are encouraged to bring their real Christmas trees to the free disposal site located north of the Public Works building, 1002 Vine. This area is right next to the bathrooms at Speier ball fields. Place the trees inside the orange snow fence area. Directional signs are posted.Please remove all plastic, ornaments and lights before leaving the tree. The disposal site is open through Monday, Jan. 9. Midwest Energy will provide personnel and a wood chipper to chip the trees to make mulch. The mulch will be placed at the Parks Department on the U.S. 183 Bypass and is available for pickup free of charge. If there are questions, call the Solid Waste Division at 785-628-7350.

Free Christmas tree disposal site open; trees to be mulched

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with sportscaster and author Bob Davis.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1726c09f-9b53-4650-bbc7-6d7b7b6ad57d">To read more about Davis' recent book click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Sportscaster and author Bob Davis" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tjjiv-f4aef9?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 sportscaster and author Bob Davis.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1726c09f-9b53-4650-bbc7-6d7b7b6ad57d">To read more about Davis' recent book click here.</a>

🎤Forward Ever: Sportscaster and author Bob Davis

In “The Caregiver Helpbook”, the author shares these flight attendant’s instructions, “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your oxygen mask first before helping others”. If you don’t help yourself first, you may not be able to help others. This scenario is also true with caregiving.&nbsp;

Did you know that during this last year, caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to someone they love? Roughly 80% of the care that is provided at home is delivered by family members. A big concern is that often the caregivers forget to take care of themselves.&nbsp;

Last month, I was able to attend a virtual class offered by Extension agents from the Southwest area. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class included information on helping to reduce stress and learn to relax, communicating effectively, helping make tough decisions, and learning to set goals and problem solve.&nbsp;

If you are a caregiver, consider joining an upcoming class to be offered for six consecutive Thursdays, Jan. 14, through Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 3 pm. The class will cost $5 and includes a Caregiver Helpbook that is covered by grant funds. Class size is limited, so don’t delay signing up. The link to register for the class is: <a href="https://bit.ly/tools4care">https://bit.ly/tools4care</a> If you know a caregiver who could benefit from this class, please share the information with them.&nbsp;

Are there other things that we can do to support caregivers? There certainly are:&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In “The Caregiver Helpbook”, the author shares these flight attendant’s instructions, “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your oxygen mask first before helping others”. If you don’t help yourself first, you may not be able to help others. This scenario is also true with caregiving.&nbsp;Did you know that during this last year, caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to someone they love? Roughly 80% of the care that is provided at home is delivered by family members. A big concern is that often the caregivers forget to take care of themselves.&nbsp;Last month, I was able to attend a virtual class offered by Extension agents from the Southwest area. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class included information on helping to reduce stress and learn to relax, communicating effectively, helping make tough decisions, and learning to set goals and problem solve.&nbsp;If you are a caregiver, consider joining an upcoming class to be offered for six consecutive Thursdays, Jan. 14, through Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 3 pm. The class will cost $5 and includes a Caregiver Helpbook that is covered by grant funds. Class size is limited, so don’t delay signing up. The link to register for the class is: <a href="https://bit.ly/tools4care">https://bit.ly/tools4care</a> If you know a caregiver who could benefit from this class, please share the information with them.&nbsp;Are there other things that we can do to support caregivers? There certainly are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Offer to help them with daily tasks. Running an errand or picking up a few groceries can be a big relief to the caregiver.&nbsp;</li><li>Give them a break. Stay with the care receiver while the care giver goes to the doctor for a routine checkup.</li><li>Bring a simple meal for them. The simpler and easier it is to re-heat or eat the better.</li><li>Send a card of encouragement to the caregiver and offer some positive words of encouragement to them.&nbsp;</li><li>Help them find local resources for support with their situation.</li><li>Call them on the phone frequently.</li><li>Encourage them to take time for themselves. Thinking of their own health is not selfish. Taking care of themselves benefits everyone.</li>
 </ul>	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Taking care of caregivers

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

High school football is a family affair in rural Kansas. On Friday nights, moms and dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and community members gather at the high school stadium for the weekly football game. It becomes a unifying community event. Today we’ll learn more about a Kansas family with a remarkable, multi-generational record of success in high school football.&nbsp;

Last week we learned about Roger Barta, the legendary high school football coach who led the Smith Center Redmen to the nation’s longest high school winning streak. Not only did Roger have a great career, he also coached his son Brooks, who was a tough player and an outstanding athlete at Smith Center, a rural community of 1,665 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Brooks went on to play college ball at K-State. These were the bad old days of K-State football, when the team was mired in a 27-game winless streak that would lead to the team being identified by Sports Illustrated as Futility U. But shortly after Brooks Barta arrived on campus, so did another gentleman by the name of Bill Snyder. Things began to change.&nbsp;

“The time and effort (that was required) probably doubled under coach Snyder,” Brooks said. Barta met the challenge of this demanding new work ethic and he saw the results.&nbsp;

Brooks was a four-year starter and a three-time co-captain under coach Snyder. He received First Team All-Big 8 honors and helped the Wildcats to a 7-4 record in 1991, their winningest season since 1954. He was the team leader in tackles all four years.&nbsp;

Brooks’ hometown, Smith Center, is in northern Kansas just about 15 miles south of the Nebraska line. Growing up that close to Nebraska, Brooks was well aware that Nebraska had long been the dominant football program. When NU played in Manhattan, the stadium would be more red than purple as Nebraska fans made the trip to watch another win over K-State.&nbsp;

But under coach Snyder, the balance of power began to shift. “In one game, we were ahead of Nebraska by a couple of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and we were earning respect,” Brooks said. He and his teammates laid the foundation of what has been called “the greatest turnaround in college football history” – and it’s not one to be taken lightly.&nbsp;

Brooks Barta finished his career ranking second in school history in career tackles (436) and career assisted tackles (281). He was also an achiever in the classroom. An Academic All-American and four-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, he compiled a 3.25 GPA in math education and twice received the K-State Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;

Brooks taught and coached at Abilene for three years and earned a National Football Foundation scholarship for getting his master’s degree in administration. In 1996, he accepted the head coaching position at Holton High School.&nbsp;

At Holton, he has achieved a remarkable level of success. His teams have won three state championships and made it to the state championship game seven times. What have been the keys to his success?&nbsp;

“I played for great coaches who had a great relationship with their players,” Brooks said. “Toughness, intelligence and team: Those are the three foundations we use,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a team game. We ask a lot of our kids and we want them to have a good experience. We make all our kids feel valued. It’s important for the parents to see their little boys grow into young men.&nbsp;

“Holton is a great place to raise our family,” Brooks said. His wife Tonya is president of Farmers State Bank in Holton. They have a son Mason and a daughter Tabor who are both students at K-State.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

High school football is a family affair, with family and community members coming together to support the team. We commend Roger and Brooks Barta and their families for making a difference with excellence in coaching, and in teaching young men the lessons of life.&nbsp;

And there’s more. The Bartas have another generation of football success within their family. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608734773017.png" alt="Brooks Barta" />
 <figcaption>Brooks Barta</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentHigh school football is a family affair in rural Kansas. On Friday nights, moms and dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and community members gather at the high school stadium for the weekly football game. It becomes a unifying community event. Today we’ll learn more about a Kansas family with a remarkable, multi-generational record of success in high school football.&nbsp;Last week we learned about Roger Barta, the legendary high school football coach who led the Smith Center Redmen to the nation’s longest high school winning streak. Not only did Roger have a great career, he also coached his son Brooks, who was a tough player and an outstanding athlete at Smith Center, a rural community of 1,665 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Brooks went on to play college ball at K-State. These were the bad old days of K-State football, when the team was mired in a 27-game winless streak that would lead to the team being identified by Sports Illustrated as Futility U. But shortly after Brooks Barta arrived on campus, so did another gentleman by the name of Bill Snyder. Things began to change.&nbsp;“The time and effort (that was required) probably doubled under coach Snyder,” Brooks said. Barta met the challenge of this demanding new work ethic and he saw the results.&nbsp;Brooks was a four-year starter and a three-time co-captain under coach Snyder. He received First Team All-Big 8 honors and helped the Wildcats to a 7-4 record in 1991, their winningest season since 1954. He was the team leader in tackles all four years.&nbsp;Brooks’ hometown, Smith Center, is in northern Kansas just about 15 miles south of the Nebraska line. Growing up that close to Nebraska, Brooks was well aware that Nebraska had long been the dominant football program. When NU played in Manhattan, the stadium would be more red than purple as Nebraska fans made the trip to watch another win over K-State.&nbsp;But under coach Snyder, the balance of power began to shift. “In one game, we were ahead of Nebraska by a couple of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and we were earning respect,” Brooks said. He and his teammates laid the foundation of what has been called “the greatest turnaround in college football history” – and it’s not one to be taken lightly.&nbsp;Brooks Barta finished his career ranking second in school history in career tackles (436) and career assisted tackles (281). He was also an achiever in the classroom. An Academic All-American and four-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, he compiled a 3.25 GPA in math education and twice received the K-State Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;Brooks taught and coached at Abilene for three years and earned a National Football Foundation scholarship for getting his master’s degree in administration. In 1996, he accepted the head coaching position at Holton High School.&nbsp;At Holton, he has achieved a remarkable level of success. His teams have won three state championships and made it to the state championship game seven times. What have been the keys to his success?&nbsp;“I played for great coaches who had a great relationship with their players,” Brooks said. “Toughness, intelligence and team: Those are the three foundations we use,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a team game. We ask a lot of our kids and we want them to have a good experience. We make all our kids feel valued. It’s important for the parents to see their little boys grow into young men.&nbsp;“Holton is a great place to raise our family,” Brooks said. His wife Tonya is president of Farmers State Bank in Holton. They have a son Mason and a daughter Tabor who are both students at K-State.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;High school football is a family affair, with family and community members coming together to support the team. We commend Roger and Brooks Barta and their families for making a difference with excellence in coaching, and in teaching young men the lessons of life.&nbsp;And there’s more. The Bartas have another generation of football success within their family. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Brooks Barta, football family, part 2 

&nbsp;TOPEKA — Members of the Kansas Livestock Association elected Jerry Kuckelman, a cattle feeder from Manhattan, as president during the group’s annual business meeting December 17. The membership chose Oskaloosa rancher Phil Perry as KLA president-elect. Kuckelman and Perry will lead the 5,700-member organization during the next year.

Kuckelman is the president and chief executive officer of Innovative Livestock Services, which consists of eight feedyards in central Kansas and south-central Nebraska and an extensive farming operation. He began his career as a cattle buyer for IBP, then transitioned into feedyard management where he spent 27 years, with most of that time as manager of Fairleigh Feed Yard in Scott City. Kuckelman joined ILS in early 2011 as chief operating officer.

He grew up on a diversified farm near Baileyville that involved cattle feeding, dairy and hog operations. Today, he and his wife, Linda, reside in Manhattan. The couple has three grown daughters, including Jill Miller and her husband, Justin; Amber Reynolds and her husband, Jake; and Kelsey Hess and her husband, Tyler. The Millers welcomed the family’s first grandson, Parker, in February.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He was introduced to KLA in 1985 when he was elected as Scott County KLA director. Since that time, Kuckelman has held various positions within the organization. He serves on the KLA Executive Committee and KLA Board of Directors. Kuckelman is a member of the KLA Risk Management Services Safety Committee and was chairman of the KLA Cattle Feeders Council in 2017. He also represents KLA on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors. In addition to his service to KLA and NCBA, he currently is a member of the Livestock and Meat Industry Council.

Perry has been involved in the cattle industry for more than 40 years. He and his wife, Rhonda, own a cow-calf operation and custom preconditioning business. The bulk of the Angus-based cowherd calves in the spring. Depending on marketing opportunities, the Perrys either sell calves after weaning or retain ownership through the finishing stage, which is carried out in custom feedyards in western Kansas.

Perry grew up in Oskaloosa and he and Rhonda currently reside on land that has been in his family for six generations. They have two grown children, Nickie and Nathan, and 11 grandchildren. Nickie, her husband, Gary Johnson, and their five children live in Overland Park. Nathan, his wife, Lynn, and their six children live near Oskaloosa.

Involvement in KLA has been important to Perry throughout his 37 years of membership. He currently serves on the KLA Board of Directors and the Jefferson County KLA Committee. Perry was chairman of the KLA Stockgrowers Council in 2014 and served as Jefferson County KLA Chairman from 2012 to 2014. He also has served on the NCBA Board of Directors and is a graduate of the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Additionally, Perry is a member of the Kansas Beef Council Executive Committee and represents Kansas on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KLA is a 5,700-member trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608314219109.jpeg" alt="KLA President-Elect Phil Perry, Oskaloosa, and KLA President Jerry Kuckelman of Manhattan. Kuckelman, formerly of Scott City, operates&nbsp;eight feedyards in central Kansas and south central Nebraska." />
 <figcaption>KLA President-Elect Phil Perry, Oskaloosa, and KLA President Jerry Kuckelman of Manhattan. Kuckelman, formerly of Scott City, operates&nbsp;eight feedyards in central Kansas and south central Nebraska.</figcaption>
 </figure>KLA&nbsp;TOPEKA — Members of the Kansas Livestock Association elected Jerry Kuckelman, a cattle feeder from Manhattan, as president during the group’s annual business meeting December 17. The membership chose Oskaloosa rancher Phil Perry as KLA president-elect. Kuckelman and Perry will lead the 5,700-member organization during the next year.Kuckelman is the president and chief executive officer of Innovative Livestock Services, which consists of eight feedyards in central Kansas and south-central Nebraska and an extensive farming operation. He began his career as a cattle buyer for IBP, then transitioned into feedyard management where he spent 27 years, with most of that time as manager of Fairleigh Feed Yard in Scott City. Kuckelman joined ILS in early 2011 as chief operating officer.He grew up on a diversified farm near Baileyville that involved cattle feeding, dairy and hog operations. Today, he and his wife, Linda, reside in Manhattan. The couple has three grown daughters, including Jill Miller and her husband, Justin; Amber Reynolds and her husband, Jake; and Kelsey Hess and her husband, Tyler. The Millers welcomed the family’s first grandson, Parker, in February.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was introduced to KLA in 1985 when he was elected as Scott County KLA director. Since that time, Kuckelman has held various positions within the organization. He serves on the KLA Executive Committee and KLA Board of Directors. Kuckelman is a member of the KLA Risk Management Services Safety Committee and was chairman of the KLA Cattle Feeders Council in 2017. He also represents KLA on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors. In addition to his service to KLA and NCBA, he currently is a member of the Livestock and Meat Industry Council.Perry has been involved in the cattle industry for more than 40 years. He and his wife, Rhonda, own a cow-calf operation and custom preconditioning business. The bulk of the Angus-based cowherd calves in the spring. Depending on marketing opportunities, the Perrys either sell calves after weaning or retain ownership through the finishing stage, which is carried out in custom feedyards in western Kansas.Perry grew up in Oskaloosa and he and Rhonda currently reside on land that has been in his family for six generations. They have two grown children, Nickie and Nathan, and 11 grandchildren. Nickie, her husband, Gary Johnson, and their five children live in Overland Park. Nathan, his wife, Lynn, and their six children live near Oskaloosa.Involvement in KLA has been important to Perry throughout his 37 years of membership. He currently serves on the KLA Board of Directors and the Jefferson County KLA Committee. Perry was chairman of the KLA Stockgrowers Council in 2014 and served as Jefferson County KLA Chairman from 2012 to 2014. He also has served on the NCBA Board of Directors and is a graduate of the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Additionally, Perry is a member of the Kansas Beef Council Executive Committee and represents Kansas on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.&nbsp;&nbsp;KLA is a 5,700-member trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.

Former western Kan. cattleman elected livestock association president

GREAT BEND - The Barton Music Department at Barton Community College will be featured as part of a holiday program on KAKE-TV, Wichita, on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon. 

Selections from the “Virtual Holiday Concert” will be showcased along with other performances from around the state. 

All BCC videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608591137010.jpeg" alt="The Barton Choir rehearses." />
 <figcaption>The Barton Choir rehearses.</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND - The Barton Music Department at Barton Community College will be featured as part of a holiday program on KAKE-TV, Wichita, on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon. Selections from the “Virtual Holiday Concert” will be showcased along with other performances from around the state. All BCC videos for the concert were filmed by Coordinator of Video Julie K. Munden and Public Relations Video student employees Aaron Crawford and Peyton Steiner.

Barton Virtual Holiday Concert to be featured on TV Christmas Day

7:30 p.m. service. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=216423483301322">HERE</a>.

Or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysfumc/">HERE</a>.

7:30 p.m. service. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=216423483301322">HERE</a>.10:45 p.m. service<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhaysfumc%2Fvideos%2F386192639119368%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haysfumc/">HERE</a>.

Hays First United Methodist Church Christmas Eve service

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber celebrates Showcase Challenge winners" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/5cy7w-f5ded2?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber celebrates Showcase Challenge winners

Thanks to the anonymous group called the Elves of Christmas Present, the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to deliver surprise Christmas gifts to a local teenager battling Ewing Sarcoma.

The Elves of Christmas Present is located in the Kansas City area, and their mission is to provide unique, surprise Christmas gifts and experiences for children who are suffering from life-threatening illness and families that have experienced tragedy. 

Due to COVID-19, the elves enlisted the help of local law enforcement to provide surprise Christmas deliveries to nine different children throughout Kansas and Missouri.

WDAF Fox 4 out of Kansas City will be streaming a news story and video of all the gift deliveries at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, which can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/elves">https://fox4kc.com/elves</a>.

For more information about the Elves of Christmas Present, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org/">www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608830151196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police DepartmentThanks to the anonymous group called the Elves of Christmas Present, the Hays Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to deliver surprise Christmas gifts to a local teenager battling Ewing Sarcoma.The Elves of Christmas Present is located in the Kansas City area, and their mission is to provide unique, surprise Christmas gifts and experiences for children who are suffering from life-threatening illness and families that have experienced tragedy. Due to COVID-19, the elves enlisted the help of local law enforcement to provide surprise Christmas deliveries to nine different children throughout Kansas and Missouri.WDAF Fox 4 out of Kansas City will be streaming a news story and video of all the gift deliveries at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, which can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/elves">https://fox4kc.com/elves</a>. For more information about the Elves of Christmas Present, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org/">www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org</a>.

'Elves of Christmas Present' gift delivered with help of Hays, Ellis Co. law enforcement

The Hays Community Theatre will perform the radio version of the Charles Dickens classic,  "A Christmas Carol"&nbsp; on Eagle Radio sister stations 94.3 FM and&nbsp; 1400 AM KAYS on Christmas Eve beginning at 3 p.m. and again on Friday, Christmas Day at noon. 

This production of "A Christmas Carol" is courtesy of&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre supporters Insurance Planning of Hays, Dick Werth and the staff at Auto World on 8th Street in Hays, the dental office of Dr. Daniel Loftus in Hays, and Eagle Communications…Our Community…Connected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608817321353.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Community Theatre will perform the radio version of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol"&nbsp; on Eagle Radio sister stations 94.3 FM and&nbsp; 1400 AM KAYS on Christmas Eve beginning at 3 p.m. and again on Friday, Christmas Day at noon. This production of "A Christmas Carol" is courtesy of&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre supporters Insurance Planning of Hays, Dick Werth and the staff at Auto World on 8th Street in Hays, the dental office of Dr. Daniel Loftus in Hays, and Eagle Communications…Our Community…Connected.

Enjoy 'A Christmas Carol' by Hays Community Theatre on KAYS today and Christmas Day

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The annual Community Christmas Dinner served 964 people this year.

Meals were offered for free through the United Way of Ellis County and the Schmidt Foundation.

The dinner looked a little different this year because of the pandemic. Meals provided by Thirsty's and The Press were served cold in reheatable containers.

Pick up was Wednesday afternoon and evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608766825114.jpeg" alt="A volunteer loads Christmas dinners in a vehicle during the Community Christmas Dinner meal pick up Wednesday at Thirsty's." />
 <figcaption>A volunteer loads Christmas dinners in a vehicle during the Community Christmas Dinner meal pick up Wednesday at Thirsty's.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe annual Community Christmas Dinner served 964 people this year.Meals were offered for free through the United Way of Ellis County and the Schmidt Foundation.The dinner looked a little different this year because of the pandemic. Meals provided by Thirsty's and The Press were served cold in reheatable containers.Pick up was Wednesday afternoon and evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767160658.jpeg" alt="Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County director, helps a woman with her Christmas dinner order on Wednesday at Thirsty's." />
 <figcaption>Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County director, helps a woman with her Christmas dinner order on Wednesday at Thirsty's.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767334647.jpeg" alt="Volunteers sort Christmas dinner Wednesday at Thirsty's." />
 <figcaption>Volunteers sort Christmas dinner Wednesday at Thirsty's.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767477910.jpeg" alt="Volunteers load Christmas dinners into a car&nbsp;Wednesday at The Press." />
 <figcaption>Volunteers load Christmas dinners into a car&nbsp;Wednesday at The Press.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767633648.jpeg" alt="Volunteer Tabitha Keith checks off families as they collect their holiday dinners Wednesday at The Press." />
 <figcaption>Volunteer Tabitha Keith checks off families as they collect their holiday dinners Wednesday at The Press.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767799197.jpeg" alt="Volunteers pack bags containing Christmas dinners Wednesday at The Press." />
 <figcaption>Volunteers pack bags containing Christmas dinners Wednesday at The Press.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608767964015.jpeg" alt="A volunteer hands Christmas dinners to a women Wednesday at Thirsty's." />
 <figcaption>A volunteer hands Christmas dinners to a women Wednesday at Thirsty's.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Community Christmas Dinner serves 964

Kansas Funeral Directors Association

TOPEKA — The Kansas Funeral Directors Association recently honored Keithley Funeral Home of Ellis with a “100 Years of Service Award."&nbsp;

 The award recognized the funeral home’s century of long and faithful service to the Ellis community. Presenting the Award was Kyle Beckwith, a member of the KFDA Board of Directors.

Ron Keithley has been serving families in Ellis County since 1992 starting with Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis. Since that time Keithley Funeral Services Inc. has added Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Hays, Cline’s-Keithley Mortuaries of Hays and Victoria as well as Stockton Monument Company.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608659948642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>		Kansas Funeral Directors AssociationTOPEKA — The Kansas Funeral Directors Association recently honored Keithley Funeral Home of Ellis with a “100 Years of Service Award."&nbsp; The award recognized the funeral home’s century of long and faithful service to the Ellis community. Presenting the Award was Kyle Beckwith, a member of the KFDA Board of Directors.Ron Keithley has been serving families in Ellis County since 1992 starting with Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis. Since that time Keithley Funeral Services Inc. has added Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Hays, Cline’s-Keithley Mortuaries of Hays and Victoria as well as Stockton Monument Company.&nbsp;

Keithley Funeral Home recognized for 100 years of service 

Area American Legion Riders were a part of spreading some Christmas cheer Sunday and Monday, as they brought gifts to nursing home residents, veterans, DSNWK residents and those in home health care. It’s all part of Christmas Magic, a grassroots effort to reach veterans and those who might not have anyone to remember them at Christmas. “Christmas is not a time to be forgotten,” said Janice Koshiol, one of the original organizers of the event. This is our third year of trying to bring a little 'Christmas Magic' to our veterans, homebound elderly, those in nursing homes and residents of DSNWK homes. This year, we are delivering 72 gift bags." "We usually have Boy and Girl Scouts helping us deliver the gift bags, but with this virus their activities have been sharply curtailed. We are very grateful that when the American Legion Riders heard about our predicament they stepped up to help us out." Also, without the help of Angie Rupp, Amber Koshiol and Caitlin Farrell there would be no Christmas Magic. Early in November, it was posted on the Facebook group 'You Know You’re From Hays If ...” and "Hays America' requesting donations of <a href="https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/all?asset_id=128427283889132&amp;nav_id=592804813&amp;nav_ref=fb_aymt_upsell&amp;mailbox_id=128427283889132&amp;selected_item_id=100000005981692#">$25</a> a bag. "Sadly this year when so many are hurting, we were not getting donations so we turned to local businesses and they came to our rescue." “We try to make our gift bags special. We want our recipients to feel like they’re actually getting something so they understand that first they are not alone and most importantly that people do care for and about them,” Koshiol said. Golden Belt Bank came through again for us by donating bottles of Pantene 2-in-1 shampoo, Danny Dinkel with Farm Bureau donated the gift bags, Sunflower Bank donated large bottles of lotion, Bank of Hays donated boxes of Kleenex, ABC Seamless donated a hair brush for each bag, Northwestern Printers donated note pads and pens, The Rose Garden baked cookies to be included in each bag, Dillons provided clementines and candy canes for every bag, Cindy Schmidt very generously donated substantial face masks for each bag, Walmart Optical donated eye glass cleaning kits and Nex-Tech donated calendars. Other items include a stress ball, playing cards, a puzzle book and a pair of non-slip booties from the Koshiol family. Each participant receives a dated ornament as a keepsake for helping. One of the ornaments is also placed on the Christmas trees in the various nursing homes. Normally the bags are given to individual patients in the nursing homes. Due to the virus that was impossible this year. When they delivered to individual homes some of the recipients couldn't contain themselves and reached out and hugged riders hard. The riders didn't hesitate and returned the hugs in kind. Koshiol said they start shopping for bargains to include in the bags right after Christmas and she will post in the Facebook groups in November next year with information on how people can donate to the project or to nominate a recipient.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608737727418.jpeg" alt="Pictured with Jacob Houghton, with his mother's permission to divulge his name are: Our "elves", left to right: Caitlin Farrell, Claudine Richmeir, Ray Palmer, Mark Richmeir and Vince Griego. Not pictured, but are key team members, Angie Rupp and Amber Koshiol. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Pictured with Jacob Houghton, with his mother's permission to divulge his name are: Our "elves", left to right: Caitlin Farrell, Claudine Richmeir, Ray Palmer, Mark Richmeir and Vince Griego. Not pictured, but are key team members, Angie Rupp and Amber Koshiol. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedArea American Legion Riders were a part of spreading some Christmas cheer Sunday and Monday, as they brought gifts to nursing home residents, veterans, DSNWK residents and those in home health care. It’s all part of Christmas Magic, a grassroots effort to reach veterans and those who might not have anyone to remember them at Christmas. “Christmas is not a time to be forgotten,” said Janice Koshiol, one of the original organizers of the event. This is our third year of trying to bring a little 'Christmas Magic' to our veterans, homebound elderly, those in nursing homes and residents of DSNWK homes. This year, we are delivering 72 gift bags." "We usually have Boy and Girl Scouts helping us deliver the gift bags, but with this virus their activities have been sharply curtailed. We are very grateful that when the American Legion Riders heard about our predicament they stepped up to help us out." Also, without the help of Angie Rupp, Amber Koshiol and Caitlin Farrell there would be no Christmas Magic. Early in November, it was posted on the Facebook group 'You Know You’re From Hays If ...” and "Hays America' requesting donations of <a href="https://business.facebook.com/latest/inbox/all?asset_id=128427283889132&amp;nav_id=592804813&amp;nav_ref=fb_aymt_upsell&amp;mailbox_id=128427283889132&amp;selected_item_id=100000005981692#">$25</a> a bag. "Sadly this year when so many are hurting, we were not getting donations so we turned to local businesses and they came to our rescue." “We try to make our gift bags special. We want our recipients to feel like they’re actually getting something so they understand that first they are not alone and most importantly that people do care for and about them,” Koshiol said. Golden Belt Bank came through again for us by donating bottles of Pantene 2-in-1 shampoo, Danny Dinkel with Farm Bureau donated the gift bags, Sunflower Bank donated large bottles of lotion, Bank of Hays donated boxes of Kleenex, ABC Seamless donated a hair brush for each bag, Northwestern Printers donated note pads and pens, The Rose Garden baked cookies to be included in each bag, Dillons provided clementines and candy canes for every bag, Cindy Schmidt very generously donated substantial face masks for each bag, Walmart Optical donated eye glass cleaning kits and Nex-Tech donated calendars. Other items include a stress ball, playing cards, a puzzle book and a pair of non-slip booties from the Koshiol family. Each participant receives a dated ornament as a keepsake for helping. One of the ornaments is also placed on the Christmas trees in the various nursing homes. Normally the bags are given to individual patients in the nursing homes. Due to the virus that was impossible this year. When they delivered to individual homes some of the recipients couldn't contain themselves and reached out and hugged riders hard. The riders didn't hesitate and returned the hugs in kind. Koshiol said they start shopping for bargains to include in the bags right after Christmas and she will post in the Facebook groups in November next year with information on how people can donate to the project or to nominate a recipient.— Submitted by J.M. Koshiol

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