<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aG8Gj3KYl8Q"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And the winner is ...&nbsp;

Happy Holidays Giveaways from Warren's Meat Market winner ...

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just&nbsp; before 4 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.

The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.

EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger — Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington — was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just&nbsp; before 4 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger — Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington — was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from Hays hospitalized after pickup slides, flips

Enter your info for your chance to win. The final Happy Holiday Giveaway is from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill. One lucky winner will get to eat at Whiskey Creek for an entire year. ($50 gift certificates will be allocated for each month in 2021.)

<div> <script src="https://embed-756081.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="dca40e2c-4820-41b3-9926-cdf46c0af2a6" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Enter your info for your chance to win. The final Happy Holiday Giveaway is from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill. One lucky winner will get to eat at Whiskey Creek for an entire year. ($50 gift certificates will be allocated for each month in 2021.)

Happy Holidays Giveaway from Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill

&nbsp;Downtown Hays Development Corp. this week announced one new board member's appointment to serve on its board of directors.

The newly elected board member is Kristiana Molina, the catering and banquets manager at Gella's Diner &amp; Lb Brewing Co.&nbsp;

Molina was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., and arrived in Hays in 1999 to attend Fort Hays State University on a volleyball scholarship. She graduated from FHSU with a bachelor of arts degree and, already in love with the community, she stayed.

Molina began her hospitality career at Rooftops Restaurant and Lounge as a server/bartender, later becoming the front of house manager. She has been at Gella's since 2013, where she has planned and coordinated countless events, big and small, in and around Hays. She loves getting to know her clients and creating their special days. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.

"I am excited to welcome Kristiana to the DHDC Board," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "She is a successful leader with inspiring ideas. She will be an invaluable addition."

Molina will take the seat of Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry and The Strand Event Center. Roths served DHDC for six years.

"Board service to DHDC is one of the toughest volunteer roles out there," Bloom said. "We ask a lot. Dustin served with dedication and was instrumental in our Downtown Pavilion project, serving as board president during its completion. We can't thank him enough for the many roles he has filled in the past six years.”

Roths will continue to serve DHDC has the chair of the organization’s Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. Committee’s rely heavily on volunteer community members.

&nbsp;DHDC's board of directors consists of 13 members. Each board term is a three-year commitment. Board members can serve up to three terms consecutively before having to give up their seats. 
Other 2021 members include Megan Ball, Sunflower Electric Corp.; Sarah Cearley, Owner of Simply Charmed; Alaina Cunningham, Community Volunteer;&nbsp;Karen Dreiling, Owner of The Furniture Look; David Herl, Adams Brown; Mike Holiday, Eagle Radio; Sandy Keller, Owner of Regeena's Flowers; Patrick McGinnis, Owner of Breathe Coffee House; Brett Ottley, Commercial Builders; Julie Rider, Community Volunteer; Andrew Taylor, Werth Wealth Management; and Shae Veach, HaysMed.

The 2021 executive slate will include Mike Holliday, President; Julie Rider, Vice-President; Sarah Cearley, Past-President; Megan Ball, Secretary; and David Herl, Treasurer.

The DHDC is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 2000 that represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning, which enhances and secures the community's quality of life. The mission of DHDC is to foster awareness and promote Downtown Hays as a vibrant center of commerce, recreation, arts, government, and history that serves the people of Hays, the surrounding region, and visitors from around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607971925578.jpeg" alt="Molina" />
 <figcaption>Molina</figcaption>
 </figure>DHDC&nbsp;Downtown Hays Development Corp. this week announced one new board member's appointment to serve on its board of directors.The newly elected board member is Kristiana Molina, the catering and banquets manager at Gella's Diner &amp; Lb Brewing Co.&nbsp; 
Molina was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., and arrived in Hays in 1999 to attend Fort Hays State University on a volleyball scholarship. She graduated from FHSU with a bachelor of arts degree and, already in love with the community, she stayed.Molina began her hospitality career at Rooftops Restaurant and Lounge as a server/bartender, later becoming the front of house manager. She has been at Gella's since 2013, where she has planned and coordinated countless events, big and small, in and around Hays. She loves getting to know her clients and creating their special days. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs."I am excited to welcome Kristiana to the DHDC Board," said DHDC Executive Director Sara Bloom. "She is a successful leader with inspiring ideas. She will be an invaluable addition."Molina will take the seat of Dustin Roths, owner of Diamond R Jewelry and The Strand Event Center. Roths served DHDC for six years. 
"Board service to DHDC is one of the toughest volunteer roles out there," Bloom said. "We ask a lot. Dustin served with dedication and was instrumental in our Downtown Pavilion project, serving as board president during its completion. We can't thank him enough for the many roles he has filled in the past six years.”Roths will continue to serve DHDC has the chair of the organization’s Business Recruitment and Retention Committee. Committee’s rely heavily on volunteer community members.&nbsp;DHDC's board of directors consists of 13 members. Each board term is a three-year commitment. Board members can serve up to three terms consecutively before having to give up their seats. 
Other 2021 members include Megan Ball, Sunflower Electric Corp.; Sarah Cearley, Owner of Simply Charmed; Alaina Cunningham, Community Volunteer;&nbsp;Karen Dreiling, Owner of The Furniture Look; David Herl, Adams Brown; Mike Holiday, Eagle Radio; Sandy Keller, Owner of Regeena's Flowers; Patrick McGinnis, Owner of Breathe Coffee House; Brett Ottley, Commercial Builders; Julie Rider, Community Volunteer; Andrew Taylor, Werth Wealth Management; and Shae Veach, HaysMed. 
The 2021 executive slate will include Mike Holliday, President; Julie Rider, Vice-President; Sarah Cearley, Past-President; Megan Ball, Secretary; and David Herl, Treasurer.The DHDC is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 2000 that represents Downtown Hays through open communication and strategic planning, which enhances and secures the community's quality of life. The mission of DHDC is to foster awareness and promote Downtown Hays as a vibrant center of commerce, recreation, arts, government, and history that serves the people of Hays, the surrounding region, and visitors from around the world.

DHDC announces 2021 board of directors

A group of Fort Hays State University students who&nbsp;got to know each other as members of the Tiger track and field squads&nbsp;teamed up&nbsp;for&nbsp;a different&nbsp;competition&nbsp;last month.

Mark Faber, Faith Little, Ryan Stanley and Anthony Ventura designed “MeHe,” a phone app centered on maintaining positive mental health, and&nbsp;won&nbsp;the 2020 Kansas Startup competition with their presentation.

Kansas Startup – founded by Henry&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;IV, instructor of management at FHSU, in 2013 – was run over a weekend since its beginning.&nbsp;This year the event took place in two parts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part was a workshop on Nov. 7 in the Memorial Union, facilitated by Dr. Rick&nbsp;Edgeman, chair of the Department of Management. The workshop&nbsp;– Concept to Customer: A Creative Path to Success!&nbsp;–&nbsp;focused on creating successful entrepreneurial ideas.&nbsp;The second part took place a&nbsp;week later,&nbsp;when&nbsp;teamspresented&nbsp;one at a time in&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Scholarship Hall, and the judges watched and asked questions via Zoom.

Schwaller&nbsp;is one of the major sponsors of the event, along with Commerce Bank of Hays, Midwest Energy,&nbsp;NetWorkKansas and Peter Werth, an FHSU alum,&nbsp;for whom&nbsp;FHSU’sWerth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named.

In the past,&nbsp;the experiential, hands-on experience featured students and community members who are interested in starting a business or non-profit or solving a community problem&nbsp;and&nbsp;helps guide participants through the process of generating ideas and refining those ideas into a viable opportunity.

This&nbsp;year’s participants were all FHSU students.&nbsp;The second-place team’s presentation was “Tiger Sweets,” Teammates&nbsp;Jade&nbsp;Artzer, a&nbsp;general studies&nbsp;major from&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Grace Carder, art education&nbsp;major, Concordia;&nbsp;Kimberly Stone, English&nbsp;major, Ottawa; and&nbsp;Ronald&nbsp;Storrer, business administration&nbsp;major, Hays.

The third-place team of two students from Kansas City, Kan. – Ethan Fleming (finance major) and&nbsp;Rheijan&nbsp;Villegas (information networking and telecommunications)&nbsp;–&nbsp;developed “ISO – Kinesis kit,”&nbsp;a training device/motion tracker for athletes and trainers.

Although the event took on a different look&nbsp;in 2020,&nbsp;Schwallerwas pleased with&nbsp;the outcome.

“Our judges are always pleased with how creative our students are and the innovative ideas they&nbsp;come up with,”&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;said. “This year, I noticed how compassionate the teams were, that they were all about helping people.”

Little – a communication major from Holton&nbsp;– recruited her teammates with specific goals in mind. Stanley is a business major, while Faber and Ventura are both pre-med majors. Faber had experience with Kansas Startup as a member of last year’s second-place team, and Ventura also is experienced in the technology of coding and programming.

Little said she thought the diversity of her teammates’ backgrounds and majors would prove beneficial. The team brainstormed for about two hours before coming up with their idea for the competition.

“We know that mental health is an issue that is especially relevant now during the pandemic,” she said.

The app&nbsp;concept they developed&nbsp;features a daily mental health survey for the user and&nbsp;a way for them to&nbsp;connect with friends to see how they are doing. It includes five questions about mental health indicators.

Stanley said another team goal is to provide a better understanding of mental health.

“We’ve all identified with having friends with mental health issues,” he said. “Right now, people are struggling with isolation while being quarantined because of the virus.”

Little said she learned a lot during the preparation for her team’s presentation.

“The biggest thing for me was realizing that anyone can see where there are gaps in our society,&nbsp;and everyone has the opportunity&nbsp;to take action to help the community," she said. "Anyone can make a difference."&nbsp;

Little and her teammates are excited about building the app to go live.

“We want to be able to help make people’s lives better,” Ventura said. “We wanted to capitalize on overcoming&nbsp;the stigma&nbsp;of mental health issues. It’s&nbsp;really important now with the virus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608069904522.jpeg" alt="Members of the winning team for Kansas Startup 2020 are, from left: FHSU students Faith Little, Ryan Stanley, Mark Faber and Anthony Ventura." />
 <figcaption>Members of the winning team for Kansas Startup 2020 are, from left: FHSU students Faith Little, Ryan Stanley, Mark Faber and Anthony Ventura.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsA group of Fort Hays State University students who&nbsp;got to know each other as members of the Tiger track and field squads&nbsp;teamed up&nbsp;for&nbsp;a different&nbsp;competition&nbsp;last month.Mark Faber, Faith Little, Ryan Stanley and Anthony Ventura designed “MeHe,” a phone app centered on maintaining positive mental health, and&nbsp;won&nbsp;the 2020 Kansas Startup competition with their presentation.Kansas Startup – founded by Henry&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;IV, instructor of management at FHSU, in 2013 – was run over a weekend since its beginning.&nbsp;This year the event took place in two parts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part was a workshop on Nov. 7 in the Memorial Union, facilitated by Dr. Rick&nbsp;Edgeman, chair of the Department of Management. The workshop&nbsp;– Concept to Customer: A Creative Path to Success!&nbsp;–&nbsp;focused on creating successful entrepreneurial ideas.&nbsp;The second part took place a&nbsp;week later,&nbsp;when&nbsp;teamspresented&nbsp;one at a time in&nbsp;Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Scholarship Hall, and the judges watched and asked questions via Zoom.Schwaller&nbsp;is one of the major sponsors of the event, along with Commerce Bank of Hays, Midwest Energy,&nbsp;NetWorkKansas and Peter Werth, an FHSU alum,&nbsp;for whom&nbsp;FHSU’sWerth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named.In the past,&nbsp;the experiential, hands-on experience featured students and community members who are interested in starting a business or non-profit or solving a community problem&nbsp;and&nbsp;helps guide participants through the process of generating ideas and refining those ideas into a viable opportunity.This&nbsp;year’s participants were all FHSU students.&nbsp;The second-place team’s presentation was “Tiger Sweets,” Teammates&nbsp;Jade&nbsp;Artzer, a&nbsp;general studies&nbsp;major from&nbsp;Goodland;&nbsp;Grace Carder, art education&nbsp;major, Concordia;&nbsp;Kimberly Stone, English&nbsp;major, Ottawa; and&nbsp;Ronald&nbsp;Storrer, business administration&nbsp;major, Hays.The third-place team of two students from Kansas City, Kan. – Ethan Fleming (finance major) and&nbsp;Rheijan&nbsp;Villegas (information networking and telecommunications)&nbsp;–&nbsp;developed “ISO – Kinesis kit,”&nbsp;a training device/motion tracker for athletes and trainers.Although the event took on a different look&nbsp;in 2020,&nbsp;Schwallerwas pleased with&nbsp;the outcome.“Our judges are always pleased with how creative our students are and the innovative ideas they&nbsp;come up with,”&nbsp;Schwaller&nbsp;said. “This year, I noticed how compassionate the teams were, that they were all about helping people.”Little – a communication major from Holton&nbsp;– recruited her teammates with specific goals in mind. Stanley is a business major, while Faber and Ventura are both pre-med majors. Faber had experience with Kansas Startup as a member of last year’s second-place team, and Ventura also is experienced in the technology of coding and programming.Little said she thought the diversity of her teammates’ backgrounds and majors would prove beneficial. The team brainstormed for about two hours before coming up with their idea for the competition.“We know that mental health is an issue that is especially relevant now during the pandemic,” she said.The app&nbsp;concept they developed&nbsp;features a daily mental health survey for the user and&nbsp;a way for them to&nbsp;connect with friends to see how they are doing. It includes five questions about mental health indicators.Stanley said another team goal is to provide a better understanding of mental health.“We’ve all identified with having friends with mental health issues,” he said. “Right now, people are struggling with isolation while being quarantined because of the virus.”Little said she learned a lot during the preparation for her team’s presentation.“The biggest thing for me was realizing that anyone can see where there are gaps in our society,&nbsp;and everyone has the opportunity&nbsp;to take action to help the community," she said. "Anyone can make a difference."&nbsp;Little and her teammates are excited about building the app to go live.“We want to be able to help make people’s lives better,” Ventura said. “We wanted to capitalize on overcoming&nbsp;the stigma&nbsp;of mental health issues. It’s&nbsp;really important now with the virus.”

Fort Hays State foursome wins 2020 Kansas Startup

As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.

Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.

Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.

Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.

We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.

Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.

I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.

Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.

I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.

I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.

While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Gift of tradition

A recently discharged felon was arrested last week in Hays following a reported string of vehicle burglaries that led to a vehicle theft and crash.

Around 2:49 a.m. Dec. 6, the Hays Police Department received a report of a break-in in progress of a vehicle on the 400 block of East Sixth, according to HPD Police Chief Don Scheibler.

The caller said the suspect had a gun, dropped it and picked it up, but according to HPD Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, no weapon was located by police.

Following the report, officers began searching the area for a suspect when another report came in from someone nearby saying they heard tires squealing and a crash, Scheibler said.

That person reported seeing someone who matched the description from the earlier incident flee the scene, and the search moved to the area of the crash.

Isaiah Tai Simpson, 21, was located shortly after and detained after a brief altercation with officers.

Within the crashed vehicle, police reported finding items from other suspected vehicle burglaries.

Simpson was arrested on suspicion of theft, burglary, felony interference, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while suspended.

Dawson said three vehicles were believed to burglarized by Simpson during the evening.

Simpson was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and burglary of a motor vehicle stemming from two incidents in October 2017. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections on Oct. 5 from those convictions, according to online records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608069149732.png" alt="Simpson / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Simpson / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostA recently discharged felon was arrested last week in Hays following a reported string of vehicle burglaries that led to a vehicle theft and crash.Around 2:49 a.m. Dec. 6, the Hays Police Department received a report of a break-in in progress of a vehicle on the 400 block of East Sixth, according to HPD Police Chief Don Scheibler.The caller said the suspect had a gun, dropped it and picked it up, but according to HPD Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, no weapon was located by police.Following the report, officers began searching the area for a suspect when another report came in from someone nearby saying they heard tires squealing and a crash, Scheibler said.That person reported seeing someone who matched the description from the earlier incident flee the scene, and the search moved to the area of the crash.Isaiah Tai Simpson, 21, was located shortly after and detained after a brief altercation with officers.Within the crashed vehicle, police reported finding items from other suspected vehicle burglaries.Simpson was arrested on suspicion of theft, burglary, felony interference, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while suspended.Dawson said three vehicles were believed to burglarized by Simpson during the evening.Simpson was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and burglary of a motor vehicle stemming from two incidents in October 2017. He was discharged from the Kansas Department of Corrections on Oct. 5 from those convictions, according to online records.&nbsp;

Recently discharged felon suspect in vehicle burglaries, vehicle theft

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e2218df7d7daa72b30eb31c">To read more about the Strand Event Center click here.</a>

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<div><iframe title="Chamber Cheques help keep holiday season bright for local business owners" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/p8swj-f51ec2?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/5e2218df7d7daa72b30eb31c">To read more about the Strand Event Center click here.</a><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: Chamber Cheques help keep holiday season bright for local business owners

The Ellis County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the appointment of Brendan&nbsp;Mackay as the new Public Works Director. Mackay brings 12 years of day-to-day management experience, including 16 months of local government experience. 

Mackay was first a mine&nbsp;engineer and surveyor for Alliance Coal and Springfield Coal in Illinois, followed by an operations&nbsp;manager for Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minn.

In 2015, Mackay came to Kansas to work as the&nbsp;mine engineer for APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division. Mackay then filled the vacant position in&nbsp;Lincoln County as director of the Highway Department.

Mackay and his wife Kelly have two children, Malachi and James. 

“Kelly and I are very excited to join the Ellis County community. It is a beautiful area and we look forward to settling down&nbsp;and establishing roots in the area. Kelly loves crafts and baking treats and is looking forward to&nbsp;being involved in the new community," Mackay said.&nbsp;“Bill Ring has done a great job as the Public Works Director and I look forward to&nbsp;continuing on the positive path he has set forth. I enjoyed meeting the elected and appointed&nbsp;officials and am excited to join the team environment found in Ellis County.”

Mackay is slated to begin his duties in Ellis County on Jan.&nbsp; 4.

At that time, he will work&nbsp;with Ring for approximately one month until Ring's retirement.

“We are very excited to get&nbsp;Brendan on board as our new Public Works Director, as well as into our community," Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said. "We hope everyone welcomes Brendan and his family to Ellis County.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTYThe Ellis County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the appointment of Brendan&nbsp;Mackay as the new Public Works Director. Mackay brings 12 years of day-to-day management experience, including 16 months of local government experience. Mackay was first a mine&nbsp;engineer and surveyor for Alliance Coal and Springfield Coal in Illinois, followed by an operations&nbsp;manager for Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minn.In 2015, Mackay came to Kansas to work as the&nbsp;mine engineer for APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division. Mackay then filled the vacant position in&nbsp;Lincoln County as director of the Highway Department.Mackay and his wife Kelly have two children, Malachi and James. “Kelly and I are very excited to join the Ellis County community. It is a beautiful area and we look forward to settling down&nbsp;and establishing roots in the area. Kelly loves crafts and baking treats and is looking forward to&nbsp;being involved in the new community," Mackay said.&nbsp;“Bill Ring has done a great job as the Public Works Director and I look forward to&nbsp;continuing on the positive path he has set forth. I enjoyed meeting the elected and appointed&nbsp;officials and am excited to join the team environment found in Ellis County.”Mackay is slated to begin his duties in Ellis County on Jan.&nbsp; 4. At that time, he will work&nbsp;with Ring for approximately one month until Ring's retirement.“We are very excited to get&nbsp;Brendan on board as our new Public Works Director, as well as into our community," Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said. "We hope everyone welcomes Brendan and his family to Ellis County.”

New Ellis County Public Works director appointed; Ring to retire

Soon, 20 families in need will be given a very special
holiday gift though a partnership between Can You See Me?, the Schmidt
Foundation and the United Way of Ellis County for the first Ellis County Shop with a
Cop.

On Sunday and Monday, the families will be given an allotted amount
of money to purchase whatever they need for the holidays at the Walmart, 4301 Vine.

While sharing the name with a popular national program,
organizer Demetrius Chance said locally he wanted to do more, especially with
ongoing tensions surrounding police and issues of racial inequality across the
U.S.

“Rather than give a child $100 to go buy a Christmas
present, we thought about doing an event that would give a family an allotted amount
of money and then the family can actually go to Walmart and the parents can
buy food, clothing or basic necessities for that household and then we have
actually reached out to the local police departments to have the officers come,”
Chance said.

Creating a positive perception of police officers for some,
and in general, bringing communities together is a goal of the program, while
also helping those in need in Ellis County.

“I wanted to change that dynamic and change how people are
viewed and how people view police altogether,” Chance said.

Together with organizers Bill Oyet and William Charles,
Chance sees the program as an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a
positive way.

“I’ve never been able to see the other side of a police
officer,” Oyet said. “I’ve never been able to see them as a person, so I think
this is a great combination of putting those two problems, those issues, in the
light in a positive way.”

He met Demetrius in college and started working on other
projects, and officially joined the United Way of Ellis County this year, at first
serving as an intern, and now an administrative assistant.

He said growing up he saw first-hand the struggles of being
a minority and living in poverty — and never saw programs such as this one bring
aid. So with this program, he hopes to give residents an opportunity to see law enforcement interacting
with families and youth in a positive manner.

Charles sees the program as a way to help Ellis County
residents adapt to a more diverse culture.

“I thought it would be a good project to work on because of
my background,” he said.

Charles is from West Palm Beach Florida, a place he
described as diverse, and is now a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University.

“Coming here and seeing the dynamic of Hays, I feel that I
can build my perspective of being outside and having struggles with all of the
hardships that come with being in a diverse community,” he said.

Further, he hopes to change the way area residents view
diversity with programs like this one – and others he is involved with on
campus.

“So coming to Hays, not a lot of people know how to collaborate
with the outside,” he said. “Especially if they are young …,” he said. “Coming
to Hays, I feel like it is really ... it’s really a big difference and I feel like
I can do a lot of things that will help.” 

While the program is a way for organizers to bring people in
Ellis County together, 20 families will have a holiday experience thanks to the
generosity of others in the community, but Chance said the final amount that
families will be allotted will depend on donation totals — and there is still
time to help. &nbsp;

Interested parties can apply to be one of the families
chosen for the program until Dec. 17.

The program is open to anyone in Ellis County.

With current funding, he said they are looking to help 20
families, but they are open to more if other organizations or individuals sign up to help the group.

“With any additional contributions to this event we could
then take those funds and help even more families,” Chance said.

Past this holiday season, Chance hopes the program can continue and to grow in the
future. 

“Let’s continue, Let’s not stop here,” he said. “We all want
to make it better. We all want to change this rhetoric and do something
positive for other people.”

This event is not sponsored by the police department, but
rather in collaboration with them, so funding from outside groups is critical.

“People are wanting to help others, and wanting to see
others get help and start relationships with the local police departments,”
Chance said. “We are based on trying unifying this community, all together, no
matter the race, sexual orientation, no matter socioeconomic status. It's just
about coming together as a community and helping one another.”

Over the course of the year, Can You See Me has grown from an
idea and is now a full-fledged program working to find solutions to social
problems in the area, including the Shop with a Cop program.

Chance said he is excited for what they have accomplished so
far this year and looks forward to even more.

“For it to grow into
my own brand and to be able to partner with and meet ... people like Bill and
Will who just have that hunger to make a difference in their community and to
assist others, it’s pretty much a dream come true and I hope that this continues
and that other people catch on to being more open to help others,” he said. “This brand is focused on giving a voice to those that are struggling, those
that are faced with adversity and to those that are marginalized.”

He said he wants to find ways to change communities for the
better alongside the residents.

“In many situations and opportunities, people of color or
people in general are stepping up,” Chance said. “That’s the one thing about
2020 a lot of people are using their voice now, a lot of people are stepping up
and saying ‘I don’t want Hays to be the same, I want to make a change, I want
to be a part of that change, and I want to be a part of a difference.’ ”

He hopes the Shop with a Cop programs can be a part of that positive
change.

“Things have happened where we can make a difference and we
were given the opportunity to help others and we are going to do as much as
possible and take this as far as possible to help as many people as we can,”
Chance said.

For more information about Shop with a Cop, to donate or to considered for the program, contact Chance by phone at&nbsp; 910-336-8597 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:canyouseemehays@gmail.com">canyouseemehays@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607984056571.jpeg" alt="Demetrius Chance speaks at a Can You See Me event. He created the group in February and has sponsored several events, including Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Demetrius Chance speaks at a Can You See Me event. He created the group in February and has sponsored several events, including Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSoon, 20 families in need will be given a very special
holiday gift though a partnership between Can You See Me?, the Schmidt
Foundation and the United Way of Ellis County for the first Ellis County Shop with a
Cop.On Sunday and Monday, the families will be given an allotted amount
of money to purchase whatever they need for the holidays at the Walmart, 4301 Vine.While sharing the name with a popular national program,
organizer Demetrius Chance said locally he wanted to do more, especially with
ongoing tensions surrounding police and issues of racial inequality across the
U.S.“Rather than give a child $100 to go buy a Christmas
present, we thought about doing an event that would give a family an allotted amount
of money and then the family can actually go to Walmart and the parents can
buy food, clothing or basic necessities for that household and then we have
actually reached out to the local police departments to have the officers come,”
Chance said.Creating a positive perception of police officers for some,
and in general, bringing communities together is a goal of the program, while
also helping those in need in Ellis County.“I wanted to change that dynamic and change how people are
viewed and how people view police altogether,” Chance said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607983911691.jpeg" alt="Bill Oyet, Demetrius Chance and William Charles — organizers of the first Ellis County Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Bill Oyet, Demetrius Chance and William Charles — organizers of the first Ellis County Shop with a Cop. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Together with organizers Bill Oyet and William Charles,
Chance sees the program as an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a
positive way.“I’ve never been able to see the other side of a police
officer,” Oyet said. “I’ve never been able to see them as a person, so I think
this is a great combination of putting those two problems, those issues, in the
light in a positive way.”He met Demetrius in college and started working on other
projects, and officially joined the United Way of Ellis County this year, at first
serving as an intern, and now an administrative assistant.He said growing up he saw first-hand the struggles of being
a minority and living in poverty — and never saw programs such as this one bring
aid. So with this program, he hopes to give residents an opportunity to see law enforcement interacting
with families and youth in a positive manner.Charles sees the program as a way to help Ellis County
residents adapt to a more diverse culture.“I thought it would be a good project to work on because of
my background,” he said.Charles is from West Palm Beach Florida, a place he
described as diverse, and is now a student-athlete at Fort Hays State University.“Coming here and seeing the dynamic of Hays, I feel that I
can build my perspective of being outside and having struggles with all of the
hardships that come with being in a diverse community,” he said.Further, he hopes to change the way area residents view
diversity with programs like this one – and others he is involved with on
campus.“So coming to Hays, not a lot of people know how to collaborate
with the outside,” he said. “Especially if they are young …,” he said. “Coming
to Hays, I feel like it is really ... it’s really a big difference and I feel like
I can do a lot of things that will help.” <h2>More help needed</h2>While the program is a way for organizers to bring people in
Ellis County together, 20 families will have a holiday experience thanks to the
generosity of others in the community, but Chance said the final amount that
families will be allotted will depend on donation totals — and there is still
time to help. &nbsp;Interested parties can apply to be one of the families
chosen for the program until Dec. 17.The program is open to anyone in Ellis County.With current funding, he said they are looking to help 20
families, but they are open to more if other organizations or individuals sign up to help the group.“With any additional contributions to this event we could
then take those funds and help even more families,” Chance said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607983650826.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Past this holiday season, Chance hopes the program can continue and to grow in the
future. “Let’s continue, Let’s not stop here,” he said. “We all want
to make it better. We all want to change this rhetoric and do something
positive for other people.”This event is not sponsored by the police department, but
rather in collaboration with them, so funding from outside groups is critical.“People are wanting to help others, and wanting to see
others get help and start relationships with the local police departments,”
Chance said. “We are based on trying unifying this community, all together, no
matter the race, sexual orientation, no matter socioeconomic status. It's just
about coming together as a community and helping one another.”<h2>Can You See Me comes
into its own</h2>Over the course of the year, Can You See Me has grown from an
idea and is now a full-fledged program working to find solutions to social
problems in the area, including the Shop with a Cop program.Chance said he is excited for what they have accomplished so
far this year and looks forward to even more.“For it to grow into
my own brand and to be able to partner with and meet ... people like Bill and
Will who just have that hunger to make a difference in their community and to
assist others, it’s pretty much a dream come true and I hope that this continues
and that other people catch on to being more open to help others,” he said. “This brand is focused on giving a voice to those that are struggling, those
that are faced with adversity and to those that are marginalized.”He said he wants to find ways to change communities for the
better alongside the residents.“In many situations and opportunities, people of color or
people in general are stepping up,” Chance said. “That’s the one thing about
2020 a lot of people are using their voice now, a lot of people are stepping up
and saying ‘I don’t want Hays to be the same, I want to make a change, I want
to be a part of that change, and I want to be a part of a difference.’ ”He hopes the Shop with a Cop programs can be a part of that positive
change.“Things have happened where we can make a difference and we
were given the opportunity to help others and we are going to do as much as
possible and take this as far as possible to help as many people as we can,”
Chance said.For more information about Shop with a Cop, to donate or to considered for the program, contact Chance by phone at&nbsp; 910-336-8597 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:canyouseemehays@gmail.com">canyouseemehays@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays community organizations partner for 'Shop with a Cop'

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 superintendent Monday encouraged parents of children studying at home through parent choice remote learning to consider sending their children back on site.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/336367f7-dd7f-4a17-bea2-1c20ece34b50">Education Commissioner Randy Watson on Dec. 7 at a Kansas School Board meeting cited research showing younger students do not get as ill when infected</a>&nbsp;with COVID-19.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported that as of Dec. 7, only 3.3 percent of the state’s 174,000 confirmed or probable cases and none of its more than 1,800 deaths for the pandemic were in children 9 years old or younger.

Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district has not seen transmission between children while in school. Those children who have tested positive are primarily contracting the illness from contacts at home, he said.

Wilson said district schools are also not seeing many flu cases.

He encouraged not only parents who have elementary children in parent choice remote learning, but also middle school and high school parents to consider allowing their children to come back to school on site.

The district has had COVID cases in the schools and will continue to have cases, but Wilson said he thought mitigation efforts are helping.

Board member Craig Pallister said he is seeing many people in the community not wearing masks. He said he wished people would do more to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 so kids could stay in school.

The Hays school district will follow the latest KSHSSA policy that will allow two parents/guardians per family to attend winter activities.

The policy will be in effect until Jan. 28.

Parents and guardians can attend the games of their student, but not other games. For example, a parent can watch a freshman game, but will not be allowed to stay for the varsity game if the student is not suited up.

Spectators are to wear masks and social distance.

Anyone who has a medical exemption from wearing a mask will need to show documentation, and the administrators will determine if they can be admitted.

Parents and guardians will be asked to buy tickets through the school's online portal in advance. Names and IDs will be checked at the door.

A list of parents/guardians names will be provided to the opposing school for away games.

In other business, the board • Approved a resolution finalizing the sale of the former Washington school • Approved the purchase of new business software. The cost of the new system will be $72,371, which will be paid over three years. There will be an additional $26,340 annual fee for the service. • Approved&nbsp;a&nbsp; $5,600 contract with K12ict for a district technology assessment. • Discussed the board's agenda policy, but took no action.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 superintendent Monday encouraged parents of children studying at home through parent choice remote learning to consider sending their children back on site.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/336367f7-dd7f-4a17-bea2-1c20ece34b50">Education Commissioner Randy Watson on Dec. 7 at a Kansas School Board meeting cited research showing younger students do not get as ill when infected</a>&nbsp;with COVID-19.The state Department of Health and Environment reported that as of Dec. 7, only 3.3 percent of the state’s 174,000 confirmed or probable cases and none of its more than 1,800 deaths for the pandemic were in children 9 years old or younger.Hays Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district has not seen transmission between children while in school. Those children who have tested positive are primarily contracting the illness from contacts at home, he said.Wilson said district schools are also not seeing many flu cases.He encouraged not only parents who have elementary children in parent choice remote learning, but also middle school and high school parents to consider allowing their children to come back to school on site.The district has had COVID cases in the schools and will continue to have cases, but Wilson said he thought mitigation efforts are helping.Board member Craig Pallister said he is seeing many people in the community not wearing masks. He said he wished people would do more to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 so kids could stay in school.<h2>Hays to follow KSHSAA fan rules</h2>The Hays school district will follow the latest KSHSSA policy that will allow two parents/guardians per family to attend winter activities.The policy will be in effect until Jan. 28.Parents and guardians can attend the games of their student, but not other games. For example, a parent can watch a freshman game, but will not be allowed to stay for the varsity game if the student is not suited up.Spectators are to wear masks and social distance.Anyone who has a medical exemption from wearing a mask will need to show documentation, and the administrators will determine if they can be admitted.Parents and guardians will be asked to buy tickets through the school's online portal in advance. Names and IDs will be checked at the door.A list of parents/guardians names will be provided to the opposing school for away games.In other business, the board • Approved a resolution finalizing the sale of the former Washington school • Approved the purchase of new business software. The cost of the new system will be $72,371, which will be paid over three years. There will be an additional $26,340 annual fee for the service. • Approved&nbsp;a&nbsp; $5,600 contract with K12ict for a district technology assessment. • Discussed the board's agenda policy, but took no action.

Hays superintendent encourages parents to send remote learners back on site

I took this picture this morning (Dec. 12) in Pfeifer. My children woke to such a pretty sight of snow on the ground. Excited, they looked through every window of our house and anxiously awaited until they could go out and play in the snow! They asked me to take a picture of our church because as my 4-year-old daughter said, “It is so pretty sprinkled with snow.” As I snapped the picture, a mourning dove flew into the frame! When my children and I looked at the picture, I told them that it was a sign. A sign of HOPE that PEACE would come again in this crazy world that has unfolded and changed our lives this past year.&nbsp; Again, I didn’t know who to contact for something like this and I don’t know if you can even use things like these but I thought in these times of such constant change and uncertainty, everyone could use a sign of HOPE! Thank you.&nbsp; Emily Billinger, Pfeifer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607957580195.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>I took this picture this morning (Dec. 12) in Pfeifer. My children woke to such a pretty sight of snow on the ground. Excited, they looked through every window of our house and anxiously awaited until they could go out and play in the snow! They asked me to take a picture of our church because as my 4-year-old daughter said, “It is so pretty sprinkled with snow.” As I snapped the picture, a mourning dove flew into the frame! When my children and I looked at the picture, I told them that it was a sign. A sign of HOPE that PEACE would come again in this crazy world that has unfolded and changed our lives this past year.&nbsp; Again, I didn’t know who to contact for something like this and I don’t know if you can even use things like these but I thought in these times of such constant change and uncertainty, everyone could use a sign of HOPE! Thank you.&nbsp; Emily Billinger, Pfeifer<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

LETTER: A picture of hope

Crude prices reached ten-month highs last week, reflecting optimism spawned by new vaccine developments, despite dramatic increases in U.S. crude stockpiles. The benchmark Nymex futures contract briefly topped $46 a barrel, while Brent crude in London was flirting with the $50 mark. Kansas Common crude at CHS reached $37 a barrel for the first time since late February. Monday's price in McPherson was down slightly to $36.75 per barrel.

With crude-oil prices at their highest price point in months, average gasoline prices are also on the rise, despite falling U.S. demand. The national average was nearly $2.16 a gallon last week, up a nickel from a month ago. At $1.94 per gallon, Kansas is among sixteen states with average pump prices below two dollars. Prices remain at $1.99 a gallon in Great Bend, for a third-straight month. Prices in Hays are cheaper but on the rise, with $1.93/gallon still available at a couple of stations. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about half a dollar more than a month ago, but about four dollars less than a year ago.

For the week ending December 10, there were eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and nine West of Wichita, which is up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a total of 57 rigs available across Kansas, 17 of them active, compared to 107 available and 43 active rigs a year ago. Operators reached total depth this week at one well in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

Baker Hughes reported an increase of 12 oil rigs for a total rig count of 338 nationwide. Texas was up six and the count in Wyoming was up four.

Regulators in the Sunflower State granted 12 new drilling permits last week, nine of them east of Wichita and three in Western Kansas. That makes 448 new permits year-to-date. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one newly-completed well in eastern Kansas last week and three west of Wichita. That's 765 completions so far this year statewide.

The government reports domestic crude-oil stockpiles increased over 15-million barrels last week. At over 503 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 11 percent above the five-year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration estimates U.S. crude-oil production in November was 11.2 million barrels per day, an increase of 300,000 barrels per day from September. The government said worldwide consumption was down more than six million barrels per day year-over-year, but was up two million barrels from the average for the third-quarter of 2020. EIA's weekly production tally was over 11.1 million barrels per day last week. 

U.S. crude imports increased by over a million barrels per day. The government says that over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly 11% less than the same four-week period last year.

The United States imported more crude oil and petroleum products than it exported in May and June of this year, reversing a 15-year-long trend. After being a net exporter for seven consecutive months the US became a net importer again in May and June, according to a government report.

Oil-by-rail deliveries rose nearly 30% week over week, but remain nearly 14% behind last year's totals. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,710 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending December 5. 

A new Trump administration decision has cleared the way for oil and gas drilling on more than 200,000 acres of the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota. The decision to open up the previously protected badlands acreage was celebrated by North Dakota's congressional delegation, but disparaged by local conservationists. The decision has been on the table dating back to the presidency of George W. Bush. The final version substantially shrinks the amount of "roadless" land shielded from surface drilling work.

Drooping oil field activity is having a significant impact on the Oklahoma economy. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said total collections are two percent below a year ago, with gross production taxes on oil and gas down by half. The state's oil patch has shed 20,000 jobs in the past two years. Production tax receipts have been lower year-over-year for 15 consecutive months, but have trended lower since late 2018.

The world's largest crude exporter is cutting prices to the U.S. but raising them to it's biggest customers in Asia. Saudi Aramco raised all pricing for January to Asia after OPEC and allies agreed to a gradual increase in production starting next month. The OPEC-Plus deal reduced the total production increases, from nearly two million to half a million barrels per day.

For the fourth time in a month, Saudi oil infrastructure has come under fire amid that kingdom's years-long civil war in Yemen. Authorities say a remote-controlled, bomb-laden boat slammed into a tanker sparking an explosion and fire early Monday. The incident closed the Saudi's most important shipping point. The sailors on board were safely evacuated with no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices reached ten-month highs last week, reflecting optimism spawned by new vaccine developments, despite dramatic increases in U.S. crude stockpiles. The benchmark Nymex futures contract briefly topped $46 a barrel, while Brent crude in London was flirting with the $50 mark. Kansas Common crude at CHS reached $37 a barrel for the first time since late February. Monday's price in McPherson was down slightly to $36.75 per barrel.With crude-oil prices at their highest price point in months, average gasoline prices are also on the rise, despite falling U.S. demand. The national average was nearly $2.16 a gallon last week, up a nickel from a month ago. At $1.94 per gallon, Kansas is among sixteen states with average pump prices below two dollars. Prices remain at $1.99 a gallon in Great Bend, for a third-straight month. Prices in Hays are cheaper but on the rise, with $1.93/gallon still available at a couple of stations. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about half a dollar more than a month ago, but about four dollars less than a year ago.For the week ending December 10, there were eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and nine West of Wichita, which is up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a total of 57 rigs available across Kansas, 17 of them active, compared to 107 available and 43 active rigs a year ago. Operators reached total depth this week at one well in Barton County and one in Ellis County.Baker Hughes reported an increase of 12 oil rigs for a total rig count of 338 nationwide. Texas was up six and the count in Wyoming was up four.Regulators in the Sunflower State granted 12 new drilling permits last week, nine of them east of Wichita and three in Western Kansas. That makes 448 new permits year-to-date. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one newly-completed well in eastern Kansas last week and three west of Wichita. That's 765 completions so far this year statewide.The government reports domestic crude-oil stockpiles increased over 15-million barrels last week. At over 503 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 11 percent above the five-year average for this time of year.The Energy Information Administration estimates U.S. crude-oil production in November was 11.2 million barrels per day, an increase of 300,000 barrels per day from September. The government said worldwide consumption was down more than six million barrels per day year-over-year, but was up two million barrels from the average for the third-quarter of 2020. EIA's weekly production tally was over 11.1 million barrels per day last week. U.S. crude imports increased by over a million barrels per day. The government says that over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly 11% less than the same four-week period last year.The United States imported more crude oil and petroleum products than it exported in May and June of this year, reversing a 15-year-long trend. After being a net exporter for seven consecutive months the US became a net importer again in May and June, according to a government report.Oil-by-rail deliveries rose nearly 30% week over week, but remain nearly 14% behind last year's totals. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,710 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending December 5. A new Trump administration decision has cleared the way for oil and gas drilling on more than 200,000 acres of the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota. The decision to open up the previously protected badlands acreage was celebrated by North Dakota's congressional delegation, but disparaged by local conservationists. The decision has been on the table dating back to the presidency of George W. Bush. The final version substantially shrinks the amount of "roadless" land shielded from surface drilling work.Drooping oil field activity is having a significant impact on the Oklahoma economy. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said total collections are two percent below a year ago, with gross production taxes on oil and gas down by half. The state's oil patch has shed 20,000 jobs in the past two years. Production tax receipts have been lower year-over-year for 15 consecutive months, but have trended lower since late 2018.The world's largest crude exporter is cutting prices to the U.S. but raising them to it's biggest customers in Asia. Saudi Aramco raised all pricing for January to Asia after OPEC and allies agreed to a gradual increase in production starting next month. The OPEC-Plus deal reduced the total production increases, from nearly two million to half a million barrels per day.For the fourth time in a month, Saudi oil infrastructure has come under fire amid that kingdom's years-long civil war in Yemen. Authorities say a remote-controlled, bomb-laden boat slammed into a tanker sparking an explosion and fire early Monday. The incident closed the Saudi's most important shipping point. The sailors on board were safely evacuated with no injuries.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude tops $37 for first time since Feb.

Three-day weather outlook

MANHATTAN — Now more than ever, consumers are looking to build relationships and buy their food direct from the source. 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a series of informational webinars in early January 2021 to provide information about direct-to-consumer meat sales. 

“Adding direct-to-consumer sales can be an option to diversify farm income,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We are pleased to provide innovative programing and educational opportunities to help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand market options and continue to serve as economic engines in their communities.”

During the week of Jan. 4, KDA will be offering a webinar series designed to provide more insight in the direct-to-consumer business model. This five-part webinar series will be held daily, January 4–8, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and will feature meat marketing and regulatory experts. 

This series is designed for those who wish to sell direct-to-consumer. In addition, KDA will host a second one-part webinar which will be focused on information for consumers and will address their questions about direct purchases of meat products. It will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the first webinar series,&nbsp;Kansas Meat Marketing Basics: Putting you a Cut Above, participants will learn the basics of starting a farm to fork business, including discussions about naming your business, product selection, pricing, social media marketing, regulatory considerations and more.

The series will feature presentations by Rachel Cutrer, Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc.; Danette Amstein and Myasia Burns, Midan Marketing;&nbsp;<a>and Dr. Liz Boyle with Kansas State University’s value-added meats program.</a>

At the second webinar,&nbsp;Clearing the Confusion: Meat Marketing Consumer Basics,&nbsp;participants will learn about basic meat science and meat processing and will receive recipes and resources for consumers to utilize cuts of beef.

Guest speakers will include Collette Kaster, American Meat Science Association; Chad Bontrager, Yoder Meats, Bowser Meat Processing and Heartland Meat Market; and a representative from the Kansas Beef Council.

Registration is now open for both the webinar series and the consumer webinar, and there is no cost to participate. You can participate in one or more of the webinars, as the speakers and content will be different for each session. 

Find detailed agendas and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FBusinessDevelopment&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C324474b0dd034bd36bcc08d89c535ec9%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637431229647078529%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=XQl7K0G4h2onmltpHvbzB6X1G1JU42hJ10vwER2MBVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605208576931.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — Now more than ever, consumers are looking to build relationships and buy their food direct from the source. The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a series of informational webinars in early January 2021 to provide information about direct-to-consumer meat sales. “Adding direct-to-consumer sales can be an option to diversify farm income,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We are pleased to provide innovative programing and educational opportunities to help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand market options and continue to serve as economic engines in their communities.”During the week of Jan. 4, KDA will be offering a webinar series designed to provide more insight in the direct-to-consumer business model. This five-part webinar series will be held daily, January 4–8, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and will feature meat marketing and regulatory experts. This series is designed for those who wish to sell direct-to-consumer. In addition, KDA will host a second one-part webinar which will be focused on information for consumers and will address their questions about direct purchases of meat products. It will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the first webinar series,&nbsp;Kansas Meat Marketing Basics: Putting you a Cut Above, participants will learn the basics of starting a farm to fork business, including discussions about naming your business, product selection, pricing, social media marketing, regulatory considerations and more. The series will feature presentations by Rachel Cutrer, Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc.; Danette Amstein and Myasia Burns, Midan Marketing;&nbsp;<a>and Dr. Liz Boyle with Kansas State University’s value-added meats program.</a>At the second webinar,&nbsp;Clearing the Confusion: Meat Marketing Consumer Basics,&nbsp;participants will learn about basic meat science and meat processing and will receive recipes and resources for consumers to utilize cuts of beef. Guest speakers will include Collette Kaster, American Meat Science Association; Chad Bontrager, Yoder Meats, Bowser Meat Processing and Heartland Meat Market; and a representative from the Kansas Beef Council.Registration is now open for both the webinar series and the consumer webinar, and there is no cost to participate. You can participate in one or more of the webinars, as the speakers and content will be different for each session. Find detailed agendas and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FBusinessDevelopment&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C324474b0dd034bd36bcc08d89c535ec9%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637431229647078529%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=XQl7K0G4h2onmltpHvbzB6X1G1JU42hJ10vwER2MBVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment</a>.

KDA offers free direct-to-consumer meat marketing webinars

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Carl A. Whiting has been located and is now safe.

BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Barton County, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 64-year-old Carl A. Whiting are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Whiting was last seen at approximately 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in western Barton County, near K-96 Highway.

Whiting is a white male, 6foot-2 in. tall and weighing 240 pounds. He has brown eyes and sandy hair. Whiting was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and possibly a yellow sweater. He has dementia and has a history of walking away from his home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607984784132.png" alt="Carl Whiting photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Carl Whiting photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Carl A. Whiting has been located and is now safe.--------BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a man missing from Barton County, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 64-year-old Carl A. Whiting are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Whiting was last seen at approximately 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in western Barton County, near K-96 Highway.Whiting is a white male, 6foot-2 in. tall and weighing 240 pounds. He has brown eyes and sandy hair. Whiting was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and possibly a yellow sweater. He has dementia and has a history of walking away from his home.

KBI cancels Silver Alert; missing Barton Co. man found safe

If you missed today's Tiger Talk from the Golden Q with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson, check it out here.

If you missed today's Tiger Talk from the Golden Q with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson, check it out here.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Dec. 14, 2020)" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ssrs3-f5048e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=102"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

Thomas More Prep-Marian released its winter activities spectator policy on Friday.

It will follow the Kansas High School Activities Association policy, which will allow two parents or guardians per participant family to attend school events.

The impacted interscholastic activities include basketball, debate, forensics/speech, scholars bowl and wrestling.

Parents/guardians should be prepared to state their name and provide ID in order to gain admittance.

Spectators will be required to wear masks and social distance. Concessions will be available, but this does not mean a spectator can remove his or her mask indefinitely.

Parents/guardians are there to support their child while in competition. Spectators can't attend all games in the facility on a given day, according to the policy.

For example, parents/guardians can be present for their child's JV game but that does not mean they can stay for a varsity game where their child is not suited up.

For more information on the TMP policy, contact Troy Schulte at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:schultet@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">schultet@tmpmarian.org</a>.

TMP-M&nbsp;will follow&nbsp;KSHSAA policy&nbsp;on spectator attendance

TMP-M is allowing two parents/guardians per participant for all athletic events through Jan. 28.&nbsp;All spectators will need to social distance and properly wear masks at all times while in attendance. Parents/Guardians of active participants may enter the facility&nbsp;for their child/children's activity. A pass gate will be at each MCL school and TMP-M. Non-league host schools may have different policies. The school will do its&nbsp;best to communicate non-league host policies as soon as possible. Parents/guardians should be prepared to state their name and provide ID in order to gain admittance.&nbsp;Please read the KSHSAA interpretations below carefully. TMP-Marian will be strictly following these. For example, interpretation No. 5 states that parents/guardians may be present for their child's JV game but that does not mean they can stay for a varsity game where their child is not suited up. TMP-M will have concessions available. Having food or drink is not an excuse to remove a mask indefinitely. Spectators are expected to properly wear the mask between drinks and&nbsp;bites. Please reach out to Troy Schulte with specific questions -&nbsp;<a href="mailto:schultet@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">schultet@tmpmarian.org</a>.

KSHSAA Clarification and Interpretation for Spectators:

Effective Dec.&nbsp;10 through Jan.&nbsp;28, interscholastic activities will allow for attendance of up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions.&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;Participants include:&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;Coaches may have parents/guardians or spouse/significant other. 3.&nbsp;Children of coaches and administrators do not meet the definition approved by the Board of Directors (BOD). 4.&nbsp;School Advisory Council members do not meet the criteria established by the BOD unless their child is an active participant. 5.&nbsp;Parents/guardians are there to support their child while in competition; there is no reason for them to attend “all” games in the facility on a given day. 6.&nbsp;Teams playing in that facility as part of a multi-game event may remain in the gym as long as they are socially distant. 7.&nbsp;All spectators must be masked the entire time in facility, even if they are socially distanced. 8.&nbsp;No “substitutes” for parent/guardian if they are unable to attend contest. 9.&nbsp;Event staff are not afforded parent/guardian or spouse attendance. 10.&nbsp;The impacted interscholastic activities include basketball, debate, forensics/speech, scholars bowl and wrestling. Please remember, the reason restricted attendance is necessary is to minimize exposure opportunities and support school and community health (both CDC and KDHE recommend no mass gatherings).

Hays PostThomas More Prep-Marian released its winter activities spectator policy on Friday.It will follow the Kansas High School Activities Association policy, which will allow two parents or guardians per participant family to attend school events.Participants include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Players&nbsp;</li><li>Coaches&nbsp;</li><li>Student managers&nbsp;</li><li>Cheer squads/coaches</li><li>Dance teams/coaches</li><li>Pep bands/directors</li><li>Student journalists&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The impacted interscholastic activities include basketball, debate, forensics/speech, scholars bowl and wrestling.The policy will be in effect until Jan. 28.Parents/guardians should be prepared to state their name and provide ID in order to gain admittance.Spectators will be required to wear masks and social distance. Concessions will be available, but this does not mean a spectator can remove his or her mask indefinitely.Parents/guardians are there to support their child while in competition. Spectators can't attend all games in the facility on a given day, according to the policy.For example, parents/guardians can be present for their child's JV game but that does not mean they can stay for a varsity game where their child is not suited up.For more information on the TMP policy, contact Troy Schulte at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:schultet@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">schultet@tmpmarian.org</a>.See the full policy below.<h2>TMP-M&nbsp;will follow&nbsp;KSHSAA policy&nbsp;on spectator attendance</h2>TMP-M is allowing two parents/guardians per participant for all athletic events through Jan. 28.&nbsp;All spectators will need to social distance and properly wear masks at all times while in attendance. Parents/Guardians of active participants may enter the facility&nbsp;for their child/children's activity. A pass gate will be at each MCL school and TMP-M. Non-league host schools may have different policies. The school will do its&nbsp;best to communicate non-league host policies as soon as possible. Parents/guardians should be prepared to state their name and provide ID in order to gain admittance.&nbsp;Please read the KSHSAA interpretations below carefully. TMP-Marian will be strictly following these. For example, interpretation No. 5 states that parents/guardians may be present for their child's JV game but that does not mean they can stay for a varsity game where their child is not suited up. TMP-M will have concessions available. Having food or drink is not an excuse to remove a mask indefinitely. Spectators are expected to properly wear the mask between drinks and&nbsp;bites. Please reach out to Troy Schulte with specific questions -&nbsp;<a href="mailto:schultet@tmpmarian.org" target="_blank">schultet@tmpmarian.org</a>.KSHSAA Clarification and Interpretation for Spectators:Effective Dec.&nbsp;10 through Jan.&nbsp;28, interscholastic activities will allow for attendance of up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions.&nbsp; 1.&nbsp;Participants include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Players&nbsp;</li><li>Coaches&nbsp;</li><li>Student managers&nbsp;</li><li>Cheer squads/coaches</li><li>Dance teams/coaches</li><li>Pep bands/directors</li><li>Student journalists&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>2.&nbsp;Coaches may have parents/guardians or spouse/significant other. 3.&nbsp;Children of coaches and administrators do not meet the definition approved by the Board of Directors (BOD). 4.&nbsp;School Advisory Council members do not meet the criteria established by the BOD unless their child is an active participant. 5.&nbsp;Parents/guardians are there to support their child while in competition; there is no reason for them to attend “all” games in the facility on a given day. 6.&nbsp;Teams playing in that facility as part of a multi-game event may remain in the gym as long as they are socially distant. 7.&nbsp;All spectators must be masked the entire time in facility, even if they are socially distanced. 8.&nbsp;No “substitutes” for parent/guardian if they are unable to attend contest. 9.&nbsp;Event staff are not afforded parent/guardian or spouse attendance. 10.&nbsp;The impacted interscholastic activities include basketball, debate, forensics/speech, scholars bowl and wrestling. Please remember, the reason restricted attendance is necessary is to minimize exposure opportunities and support school and community health (both CDC and KDHE recommend no mass gatherings).

TMP-M releases details of spectator policy

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for much of western Kansas, including Ellis County.

The advisory is in effect 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565273897600.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for much of western Kansas, including Ellis County.The advisory is in effect 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.The chance of snow overnight Tuesday is 70 percent, with an inch of snow possible in Hays and Ellis County. Up to 3 inches of snow could be possible in southwestern Kansas.The potential snow is expected to wane by 7 p.m. Tuesday, and skies are expected to clear Wednesday.The temperature is forecast to rise somewhat beginning Wednesday, with highs in the upper-40s expected.Weekend highs could be in the mid-50s, the NWS said.

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