After a loved one has passed, family and friends often search for ways to honor or commemorate that person’s life. Two such families found a way to do just that by establishing scholarship funds at Fort Hays State University, the alma mater of their deceased fathers – Bill Confer and Dr. Larry Good.

Bill Confer, father of Cindy Coldiron and David Confer, was an ardent advocate of higher education. After graduating from Fort Hays State University in 1955, he became a high school science teacher and encouraged all of his students to continue their education. His children have carried on his legacy by establishing a scholarship in his honor – a contribution they know he would be proud of.&nbsp;

“Although our dad grew up in Wichita, he had fond memories of his time at Fort Hays State,”&nbsp;said Confer’s daughter, Cindy. “He was always grateful for the education he received at FHSU.”&nbsp;

“The Bill E. Confer Educator in Science Scholarship will support students in the area of science or STEM education and there continues to be a need for both,” stated Janet Stramel, professor within FHSU’s College of Education. “Through the generous gift of the Confers, we can now offer another scholarship to help fill that need.”

Like the Confer family, siblings Jeffrey Good, Gretchen McIlnay and Heather Holmes took similar action in honoring their father, a 1962 graduate of FHSU. The Dr. Larry R. Good Science Scholarship will support students majoring in biology, pre-med or pre-dentistry. Preference may be given to southwest Kansas high school graduates, as Good was a native of Hugoton. His children established additional scholarship preferences that represent Good’s life and his experiences on campus.

From his time as a student until his passing, Good was an avid supporter of Fort Hays State and was well known in the community as he served Hays area residents as a family dentist for 48 years. Good – student body president and a resident assistant during his college days – knew the university well and could always recall old stories, memories and nostalgia of his alma mater to share with loved ones. Good felt that everyone should have the opportunity to get an education. According to his children, Good would often say, “Go get your degree – an education will benefit you for the rest of your life, and no one can ever take it away from you.”

“Dad had such a fantastic experience at FHSU,” daughter Gretchen said. “The university gave him an amazing foundation for his entire life. While going through the house after Dad passed, we came across letters that he’d sent to his parents (my grandparents) while he was in school at Fort Hays State. At only 21 years old, Dad wrote in one of his letters, ‘I hope that someday I’m able to repay FHSU for all that it is offering me.’ He would be so pleased with this scholarship and would have loved to have met his recipients.”

These two scholarships created in honor of their fathers’ legacies not only pay tribute to the university that their dads treasured, but they also will pave the road for future Fort Hays State students for years to come.&nbsp;

Anyone wishing to establish a scholarship in honor of a friend or family member, please contact Jared Schiel or Mary Hammond at the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7gVbP3_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2Bo9I2KEiwKi5Jaax2Xsa13KmWlDkOdAFQU-2Bl7BTZNz2KOIynLRIgsvJ2qBGckfl-2B8TlzrwHyLAxD09LZ-2FFGSXROBBIsWTcQJtXxox7JoWiSjwzNcA1pvZVRyp-2BLIBjBr9Vfh5MQesuUfIGfofqmoNlUGmIGU5PhQqpcLsu7Bg4oZx-2FlHqi1o7a-2F-2F80wzV1mdXJufhUFCkQ0Jyk47b-2FkEu-2BJsjtO1UbtX4IiBvNs969g1kcfb85pcTBqnjkSoTNgSvaQd8-2BvfPlmV3CPm2vxmeFQ-3D-3D">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607093570029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsAfter a loved one has passed, family and friends often search for ways to honor or commemorate that person’s life. Two such families found a way to do just that by establishing scholarship funds at Fort Hays State University, the alma mater of their deceased fathers – Bill Confer and Dr. Larry Good.Bill Confer, father of Cindy Coldiron and David Confer, was an ardent advocate of higher education. After graduating from Fort Hays State University in 1955, he became a high school science teacher and encouraged all of his students to continue their education. His children have carried on his legacy by establishing a scholarship in his honor – a contribution they know he would be proud of.&nbsp;“Although our dad grew up in Wichita, he had fond memories of his time at Fort Hays State,”&nbsp;said Confer’s daughter, Cindy. “He was always grateful for the education he received at FHSU.”&nbsp;“The Bill E. Confer Educator in Science Scholarship will support students in the area of science or STEM education and there continues to be a need for both,” stated Janet Stramel, professor within FHSU’s College of Education. “Through the generous gift of the Confers, we can now offer another scholarship to help fill that need.”Like the Confer family, siblings Jeffrey Good, Gretchen McIlnay and Heather Holmes took similar action in honoring their father, a 1962 graduate of FHSU. The Dr. Larry R. Good Science Scholarship will support students majoring in biology, pre-med or pre-dentistry. Preference may be given to southwest Kansas high school graduates, as Good was a native of Hugoton. His children established additional scholarship preferences that represent Good’s life and his experiences on campus.From his time as a student until his passing, Good was an avid supporter of Fort Hays State and was well known in the community as he served Hays area residents as a family dentist for 48 years. Good – student body president and a resident assistant during his college days – knew the university well and could always recall old stories, memories and nostalgia of his alma mater to share with loved ones. Good felt that everyone should have the opportunity to get an education. According to his children, Good would often say, “Go get your degree – an education will benefit you for the rest of your life, and no one can ever take it away from you.”“Dad had such a fantastic experience at FHSU,” daughter Gretchen said. “The university gave him an amazing foundation for his entire life. While going through the house after Dad passed, we came across letters that he’d sent to his parents (my grandparents) while he was in school at Fort Hays State. At only 21 years old, Dad wrote in one of his letters, ‘I hope that someday I’m able to repay FHSU for all that it is offering me.’ He would be so pleased with this scholarship and would have loved to have met his recipients.”These two scholarships created in honor of their fathers’ legacies not only pay tribute to the university that their dads treasured, but they also will pave the road for future Fort Hays State students for years to come.&nbsp;Anyone wishing to establish a scholarship in honor of a friend or family member, please contact Jared Schiel or Mary Hammond at the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDSAKvxVcchtfV1543l0Kpl6aRGqIctSqa6Magmpvb7gVbP3_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2Bo9I2KEiwKi5Jaax2Xsa13KmWlDkOdAFQU-2Bl7BTZNz2KOIynLRIgsvJ2qBGckfl-2B8TlzrwHyLAxD09LZ-2FFGSXROBBIsWTcQJtXxox7JoWiSjwzNcA1pvZVRyp-2BLIBjBr9Vfh5MQesuUfIGfofqmoNlUGmIGU5PhQqpcLsu7Bg4oZx-2FlHqi1o7a-2F-2F80wzV1mdXJufhUFCkQ0Jyk47b-2FkEu-2BJsjtO1UbtX4IiBvNs969g1kcfb85pcTBqnjkSoTNgSvaQd8-2BvfPlmV3CPm2vxmeFQ-3D-3D">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>.

Children of FHSU alumni create scholarships to honor their fathers’ legacies

LAWRENCE — The names of 918 graduates from the University of Kansas this summer have been announced by the University Registrar.

The pandemic has affected commencement celebrations for many KU graduates. Some summer graduates will choose to participate in KU’s 2021 Commencement ceremonies.

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2020/07/20/university-announces-spring-2020-graduates" target="_blank">Spring 2020 graduates</a>&nbsp;were announced in July, and fall 2020 graduates will be announced in early 2021. More Commencement information is available&nbsp;<a href="http://commencement.ku.edu/" target="_blank">online</a>.

Graduates are listed below by home city and county, state or country; and degree, based on available information.&nbsp;

Michaela Amerine, Great Bend, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology Rane Libeer, Great Bend, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tristan Martin Callis, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies Kyle Christopher Werth, Hays, Certificate in Diagnostic Radiology

Alyssa Shaine Evans, Russell, Bachelor of General Studies in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606950387926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — The names of 918 graduates from the University of Kansas this summer have been announced by the University Registrar.The pandemic has affected commencement celebrations for many KU graduates. Some summer graduates will choose to participate in KU’s 2021 Commencement ceremonies.<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2020/07/20/university-announces-spring-2020-graduates" target="_blank">Spring 2020 graduates</a>&nbsp;were announced in July, and fall 2020 graduates will be announced in early 2021. More Commencement information is available&nbsp;<a href="http://commencement.ku.edu/" target="_blank">online</a>.Graduates are listed below by home city and county, state or country; and degree, based on available information.&nbsp;Summer 2020 graduatesBarton&nbsp;Michaela Amerine, Great Bend, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology Rane Libeer, Great Bend, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies &nbsp;&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;Tristan Martin Callis, Hays, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies Kyle Christopher Werth, Hays, Certificate in Diagnostic Radiology Russell&nbsp;Alyssa Shaine Evans, Russell, Bachelor of General Studies in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

NW Kan. students among KU summer graduates

Enter your info for your chance to win! Nex-Tech Wireless is giving away a gift bundle that will certainly make you merry and bright. One lucky winner will receive a prize pack containing a Ring Video Doorbell 2, Wyze Smart Home starter bundle, a Nex-Tech Wirelss gift card, wireless earbuds, and much more! Valued at over $500! Nex- Tech Wireless has something for everyone on your list this year. And with all these great offers, you can get a lot without spending a lot. Stop in any of their locations or visit their website for more information!

<div> <script src="https://embed-754280.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="f10e1e65-3e75-4f5a-8f24-cb7d747fa7d2" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>Enter your info for your chance to win! Nex-Tech Wireless is giving away a gift bundle that will certainly make you merry and bright. One lucky winner will receive a prize pack containing a Ring Video Doorbell 2, Wyze Smart Home starter bundle, a Nex-Tech Wirelss gift card, wireless earbuds, and much more! Valued at over $500! Nex- Tech Wireless has something for everyone on your list this year. And with all these great offers, you can get a lot without spending a lot. Stop in any of their locations or visit their website for more information!

Happy Holiday Giveaways brought to you by Nex-Tech Wireless

Three-day weather outlook

Truck Driver - Local Driving - Full Time Position - Home Every Night!

Currently hiring position for a driver of rearload and sideload garbage trucks as well as roll off trucks.

Aggressive benefit package including: Competitive wage -&nbsp;Pay depending on experience 100% health insurance coverage on employee 401k matching Employee assistance Uniforms Paid life insurance And more!

MUST FILL OUT AN APPLICATION TO APPLY: In-Person: Stop by our&nbsp;office located at 1913 E. 7th St., Hays, KS By Email: Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:idealrefuse@gmail.com">idealrefuse@gmail.com</a>

Questions? -- Call 785-628-8689 or Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:idealrefuse@gmail.com">idealrefuse@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603807803689.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOIN OUR TEAM AS A DRIVER!Truck Driver - Local Driving - Full Time Position - Home Every Night!Currently hiring position for a driver of rearload and sideload garbage trucks as well as roll off trucks.Must have CDL - Class A or Class BAggressive benefit package including: Competitive wage -&nbsp;Pay depending on experience 100% health insurance coverage on employee 401k matching Employee assistance Uniforms Paid life insurance And more!MUST FILL OUT AN APPLICATION TO APPLY: In-Person: Stop by our&nbsp;office located at 1913 E. 7th St., Hays, KS By Email: Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:idealrefuse@gmail.com">idealrefuse@gmail.com</a>Questions? -- Call 785-628-8689 or Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:idealrefuse@gmail.com">idealrefuse@gmail.com</a>

 🏀WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Hays High

The Hays High and TMP-Marian basketball teams meet in the final two games of the day at the Hays City Shootout.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 5 p.m. with the pregame show at 4:40p.m. The boys game will follow.&nbsp;

Below you can find links to the Hays High broadcast.

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

The Hays High and TMP-Marian basketball teams meet in the final two games of the day at the Hays City Shootout.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 5 p.m. with the pregame show at 4:40p.m. The boys game will follow.&nbsp;Below you can find links to the Hays High broadcast.Girls game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vUD65XDkiJM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CA_OOFlP_-c"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

 🏀WATCH: Hays High vs TMP

EMPORIA – Deer hunters across Kansas can have deer they harvest during the 2020-2021 seasons tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free of charge through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). 

KDWPT, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, is undertaking a research project to better understand where CWD is present in Kansas and how the disease spreads.

As part of the research project, the cost of CWD testing will be covered for the next three years at a maximum of 450 samples per Deer Management Unit (DMU). 

Harvest location in the form of GPS coordinates, section Range-Township-Section number, or nearest intersection will be required to receive free testing.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to be able to cover the cost of CWD testing for hunters statewide for the next three years,” said Levi Jaster, KDWPT big game program coordinator. “Hunters will benefit immediately from cost-free test results, but they’ll also benefit long term from better information related to deer herd disease management as a result of this project.”&nbsp;

Hunters can benefit from cost-free CWD testing during the 2020-2021 seasons through one of several options listed below:

Manned voluntary sample collection stations will be offered at the following locations:&nbsp;

Country
Junction &nbsp;153 US 54 Toronto, KS 66777

Farmer’s
Cooperative Association (parking lot) 515 E Maple St. Columbus, KS 66725 &nbsp;

Casey’s
Gas Station 915 S. First St. Hiawatha, KS 66434 &nbsp;

Dara’s
Fast Lane - Cenex 5321 Tuttle Creek Blvd. Manhattan, KS 66502

BP
Gas Station and Car Wash 2305 South Cedar St. Ottawa, KS 66067

For more information on CWD in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FBig-Game-Information%2FChronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359343478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=5yxaEWoyHLqd1pNphRrpPXFH1GfdZxgF%2BmzhwqDCtXo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cwdks.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359343478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lDQer6ifX4smZAHIYSTpOs%2BNPl5Dey3P8PxJER5AyAo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.cwdks.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606948433560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTEMPORIA – Deer hunters across Kansas can have deer they harvest during the 2020-2021 seasons tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free of charge through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). KDWPT, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, is undertaking a research project to better understand where CWD is present in Kansas and how the disease spreads.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606948572178.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As part of the research project, the cost of CWD testing will be covered for the next three years at a maximum of 450 samples per Deer Management Unit (DMU). Harvest location in the form of GPS coordinates, section Range-Township-Section number, or nearest intersection will be required to receive free testing.&nbsp;“We’re excited to be able to cover the cost of CWD testing for hunters statewide for the next three years,” said Levi Jaster, KDWPT big game program coordinator. “Hunters will benefit immediately from cost-free test results, but they’ll also benefit long term from better information related to deer herd disease management as a result of this project.”&nbsp;Hunters can benefit from cost-free CWD testing during the 2020-2021 seasons through one of several options listed below: <ol>
 <li>Hunters may obtain collection instructions from University of Missouri staff by calling (620) 402-4195 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kscwdsurveillance@gmail.com" target="_blank">kscwdsurveillance@gmail.com</a>. And,&nbsp;hunters in DMUs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 19 may receive direct assistance from University of Missouri staff. Simply call or email to make arrangements. </li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Hunters may drop off samples to their local KDWPT district biologist. See&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FKDWPT-Info%2FLocations%2FAdministrative-Offices&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359323565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ajJFMKgjmtdyGIf3EzTx07VK2WJSz77RaA461Jkcbvk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Administrative-Offices</a>&nbsp;for KDWPT contact information. Hunters may also visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FBig-Game-Information%2FChronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD%2FCWD-Collection-Zones&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359333526%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=HZ9h7HXju%2FNGl8EvQDHYp8FLaN4PfCWTG3icx80ssUU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD/CWD-Collection-Zones</a>&nbsp;for a list of&nbsp;drop-off and sample collection locations. </li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Hunters may transport their harvested deer head to a participating taxidermist for sample collection. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FBig-Game-Information%2FChronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD%2FCWD-Collection-Zones&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359333526%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=HZ9h7HXju%2FNGl8EvQDHYp8FLaN4PfCWTG3icx80ssUU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD/CWD-Collection-Zones</a>&nbsp;for a list of participating taxidermists. </li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Hunters may utilize a manned voluntary sample collection station on Dec. 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12. See below for locations. Masks and social distancing protocols will be in place at sample stations.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Manned voluntary sample collection stations will be offered at the following locations:&nbsp;Country
Junction &nbsp;153 US 54 Toronto, KS 66777 Farmer’s
Cooperative Association (parking lot) 515 E Maple St. Columbus, KS 66725 &nbsp;Casey’s
Gas Station 915 S. First St. Hiawatha, KS 66434 &nbsp;Dara’s
Fast Lane - Cenex 5321 Tuttle Creek Blvd. Manhattan, KS 66502 BP
Gas Station and Car Wash 2305 South Cedar St. Ottawa, KS 66067For more information on CWD in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FHunting%2FBig-Game-Information%2FChronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359343478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=5yxaEWoyHLqd1pNphRrpPXFH1GfdZxgF%2BmzhwqDCtXo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cwdks.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C28ff9bc86d2c4c20034c08d896457653%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637424572359343478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lDQer6ifX4smZAHIYSTpOs%2BNPl5Dey3P8PxJER5AyAo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.cwdks.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KDWPT to offer deer hunters free Chronic Wasting Disease testing 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The first of four traffic roundabouts in the N. Vine Street Improvement Project in Hays will be completely operational Saturday.

"The hourglass-shaped roundabout at the intersection of Vine Street with 32nd and 33rd Streets will become fully functional," says John Braun, Hays project manager. The advised speed limit is 25 mph, and there are no longer any traffic signals forcing traffic to stop.&nbsp;

The city's project webpage <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/515/North-Vine-Street-Corridor-Improvements">www.haysusa.com/vine</a> has several videos to assist motorists in learning how to navigate the double roundabout, including right turns, left turns, through movements and U-turns.

Braun cautions motorists to avoid driving next to oversized vehicles in the roundabout. Vine Street is a federal north/south highway -&nbsp; U.S. 183 -&nbsp; which carries a lot of semi-truck freight as well as large wind turbine blades and towers.

Drivers should not stop in the roundabout, except for a traffic accident. 

Once pedestrian traffic is allowed, motorists will still have to yield the right-of-way.

"It is possible you'd have to stop for a crossing pedestrian while you're in the roundabout," Braun explained.&nbsp;

"The crosswalks are at all four approaches/exits from the roundabouts. Motorists are always required to yield for pedestrians in a crosswalk."&nbsp;

With tomorrow's opening of the southernmost roundabout, the two-year project by contractor Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, is exactly on schedule, according to Braun.

"Contractually, they're supposed to have everything open and complete by December fifth, and that's where they're at. No time to spare, but getting it done. A little bit of ancillary work will continue," he noted.

Pedestrian traffic will remain limited until all the sidewalks along the double roundabout are completed. Braun expects the pedestrian-activated flashing beacons to be installed next week. Updated advisories will be posted on the city of Hays website.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ecef038ebfb13423b264ef0">entire $13.1 million project</a> has a completion date of November 2021. Work will continue during the upcoming winter.

"The contractor will be working to the west of Vine Street, on Skyline, 41st Street, and 37th Street," Braun said.

In the spring of 2021 as temperatures warm up, the contractor will return to Vine Street.

Season 2 construction is scheduled to begin in March 2021 with four phases. Roundabouts will be built at 37th Street, I-70 exit ramps, and 41st and Mopar Drive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607049427415.jpeg" alt="The double, or peanut, traffic roundabout at 32nd and 33rd Streets on north Vine Street in Hays will become fully functional Sat., Dec. 5.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The double, or peanut, traffic roundabout at 32nd and 33rd Streets on north Vine Street in Hays will become fully functional Sat., Dec. 5.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe first of four traffic roundabouts in the N. Vine Street Improvement Project in Hays will be completely operational Saturday."The hourglass-shaped roundabout at the intersection of Vine Street with 32nd and 33rd Streets will become fully functional," says John Braun, Hays project manager. The advised speed limit is 25 mph, and there are no longer any traffic signals forcing traffic to stop.&nbsp;The city's project webpage <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/515/North-Vine-Street-Corridor-Improvements">www.haysusa.com/vine</a> has several videos to assist motorists in learning how to navigate the double roundabout, including right turns, left turns, through movements and U-turns.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ZkyEV-zrvU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Braun cautions motorists to avoid driving next to oversized vehicles in the roundabout. Vine Street is a federal north/south highway -&nbsp; U.S. 183 -&nbsp; which carries a lot of semi-truck freight as well as large wind turbine blades and towers.Drivers should not stop in the roundabout, except for a traffic accident. Once pedestrian traffic is allowed, motorists will still have to yield the right-of-way."It is possible you'd have to stop for a crossing pedestrian while you're in the roundabout," Braun explained.&nbsp;"The crosswalks are at all four approaches/exits from the roundabouts. Motorists are always required to yield for pedestrians in a crosswalk."&nbsp;With tomorrow's opening of the southernmost roundabout, the two-year project by contractor Smoky Hill Construction, Salina, is exactly on schedule, according to Braun."Contractually, they're supposed to have everything open and complete by December fifth, and that's where they're at. No time to spare, but getting it done. A little bit of ancillary work will continue," he noted.Pedestrian traffic will remain limited until all the sidewalks along the double roundabout are completed. Braun expects the pedestrian-activated flashing beacons to be installed next week. Updated advisories will be posted on the city of Hays website.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ecef038ebfb13423b264ef0">entire $13.1 million project</a> has a completion date of November 2021. Work will continue during the upcoming winter."The contractor will be working to the west of Vine Street, on Skyline, 41st Street, and 37th Street," Braun said.In the spring of 2021 as temperatures warm up, the contractor will return to Vine Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607054526836.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Season 2 construction is scheduled to begin in March 2021 with four phases. Roundabouts will be built at 37th Street, I-70 exit ramps, and 41st and Mopar Drive.

🎥 First roundabout in N. Vine Improvement Project opens Saturday

With an expected increase in diagnosed COVID-19 cases following the Thanksgiving holiday, Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler is encouraging&nbsp; people to "follow the city mask mandate" and practice basic hygiene, including frequent hand washing.&nbsp;

"I think everybody's confident we're going to see a spike of COVID cases in the community," Scheibler said.&nbsp;

He thanked people who are complying with the mask mandate, especially businesses.

The Hays <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance</a>, passed by the city commission July 23, requires <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3154/Mask-Frequently-Asked-Questions?bidId=">wearing face coverings indoors and outdoors</a> when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible. There are 10 exemptions, including children age 8 and younger.&nbsp;

Those violating the ordinance can be fined.

"Approximately nine tickets have been issued," Scheibler reported. "The majority of those have been warnings." 

He said police officers are first focused on educating the public about the ordinance.

The pandemic has changed procedures when a Hays police officer is requested by the public.

"When you call into our communications center, the dispatchers will ask you what we call 'COVID questions' — 'Are you having any symptoms?' — to better prepare ourselves and how to respond to those calls for service. 

"We know some people are going to need our assistance, and we want to be able to provide that assistance. [Our officers] have chosen a dangerous profession, and we're taking steps to try and keep them safe," Scheibler said.

Hays police officers wear face masks and also have PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in their vehicles, including special masks to wear if they must administer CPR to a victim.&nbsp;

Scheibler says the best tool they have is the face mask.

"We've had several situations where we've had to deal with citizens who are being arrested. We were wearing masks, and we got masks on them right away. 

"The [Ellis County] Health Department later confirmed the exposure was limited," meaning neither the offenders nor officers contracted coronavirus during those situations.&nbsp;

"It just reinforces to me the importance of wearing that mask," Scheibler said.

During a special meeting on Oct. 2, city commissioners approved <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extending the ordinance</a>&nbsp; until there is a seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County of five or fewer for 14 consecutive days.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/245c334b-22e5-4e65-b659-03bc29ed84ff">average number of new coronavirus cases per day </a>in the last seven days rose from 19 on Wednesday to 26 on Friday.

Ellis County commissioners took no action at a special meeting Nov. 23 on a proposed resolution to opt out of Gov. Laura Kelly's new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/adfe4d44-b718-438f-affc-9340829248fe">executive order for a statewide face mask mandate</a>, effectively allowing the mandate&nbsp;to go in place countywide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596805526389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith an expected increase in diagnosed COVID-19 cases following the Thanksgiving holiday, Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler is encouraging&nbsp; people to "follow the city mask mandate" and practice basic hygiene, including frequent hand washing.&nbsp;"I think everybody's confident we're going to see a spike of COVID cases in the community," Scheibler said.&nbsp;He thanked people who are complying with the mask mandate, especially businesses.The Hays <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">ordinance</a>, passed by the city commission July 23, requires <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/3154/Mask-Frequently-Asked-Questions?bidId=">wearing face coverings indoors and outdoors</a> when social distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible. There are 10 exemptions, including children age 8 and younger.&nbsp;Those violating the ordinance can be fined."Approximately nine tickets have been issued," Scheibler reported. "The majority of those have been warnings." He said police officers are first focused on educating the public about the ordinance.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KeSNInYGUOg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The pandemic has changed procedures when a Hays police officer is requested by the public."When you call into our communications center, the dispatchers will ask you what we call 'COVID questions' — 'Are you having any symptoms?' — to better prepare ourselves and how to respond to those calls for service. "We know some people are going to need our assistance, and we want to be able to provide that assistance. [Our officers] have chosen a dangerous profession, and we're taking steps to try and keep them safe," Scheibler said.Hays police officers wear face masks and also have PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in their vehicles, including special masks to wear if they must administer CPR to a victim.&nbsp;Scheibler says the best tool they have is the face mask."We've had several situations where we've had to deal with citizens who are being arrested. We were wearing masks, and we got masks on them right away. "The [Ellis County] Health Department later confirmed the exposure was limited," meaning neither the offenders nor officers contracted coronavirus during those situations.&nbsp;"It just reinforces to me the importance of wearing that mask," Scheibler said.During a special meeting on Oct. 2, city commissioners approved <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extending the ordinance</a>&nbsp; until there is a seven-day average of new cases of COVID-19 per day in Ellis County of five or fewer for 14 consecutive days.&nbsp;The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/245c334b-22e5-4e65-b659-03bc29ed84ff">average number of new coronavirus cases per day </a>in the last seven days rose from 19 on Wednesday to 26 on Friday.Ellis County commissioners took no action at a special meeting Nov. 23 on a proposed resolution to opt out of Gov. Laura Kelly's new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/adfe4d44-b718-438f-affc-9340829248fe">executive order for a statewide face mask mandate</a>, effectively allowing the mandate&nbsp;to go in place countywide.

🎥 Chief: COVID has changed how Hays PD responds to calls

“Whatever happened to the moderate Republicans of Kansas?” That’s a question I was asked this past week, and it’s not a new one. Similar questions have been asked all across America, as we have seen supporters of both parties — but especially on the Republican side over the course of Donald Trump’s presidency — become unified and defiant in a way they haven’t been in many decades. Here in Kansas, that shift away from moderation poses special complications.

Most students of politics in Kansas have long seen the parties as fairly crude instruments — organizations that roughly reflected the preferences of diverse voters, but which could also be carefully managed. The primary managers, in strongly Republican Kansas, were those moderate voters who faithfully supported the GOP, but also often rewarded those who dissented from any strict ideological line, thus keeping Kansas’s majority party somewhat flexible.

Ed Flentje, a long-time Wichita State University professor who wrote columns like this one for years, regularly presented this as the great virtue of Kansas politics: that the state’s Republican majority was divided enough that many of its representatives could move either left or right as the times warranted, thus allowing the party to adapt, innovate, and pursue good government policies, even progressive ones on occasion, without threatening its political stability.

In the introduction to a recent collection of his newspaper writings, Flentje remains confident that the patterns he often defended still hold. Though the “Brownback Revolution” took the Kansas Republican party, and thus the state, in an immoderately right-ward direction for a time, he sees that as a historical aberration, and believes the moderate Republican faction--who were essential to Governor Laura Kelly’s election in 2018--will continue to provide balance.

He may be right. But given that the 2020 election delivered a Republican majority to the Kansas House pretty much the same as the one which existed when Sam Brownback was first elected governor a decade ago, and that similarly defiant, un-moderate, Trump-centric campaigns led to Republican wins in Congress and state legislatures across the nation, perhaps it is the election of Kelly that will someday be seen as an aberration from the new, 21st-century style of party politics.

What is that style? It is, most of all, a nationalized one. Regional variations that once characterized American politics are dying out. Flentje and others long presumed that state parties were capable of local adaptation, but that is becoming difficult. Instead, in a centralizing world of instantaneous communication, party leaders and funders are quick to rally around ideological slights and crusades, whether real or perceived--and apparently many voters, fearful of being represented by their ideological opponents (or so their news feeds depict them), follow along.

Of course, 2020 was just one election. Who knows how the Republican party will evolve once Trump, whose constant Twitter declarations overwhelmed potential intra-party factions, is out of the White House? Still, we may need to start assuming that nationalized, polarized, and deeply divided parties are all we have for turning voter preferences into successful public policies.

That isn’t necessarily impossible; parliamentary democracies, with their “loyal opposition” and “shadow governments,” do it all the time. But in Republican-heavy Kansas, where deal-making moderates were so central to the whole idea of good government, nothing may be more important than figuring out how to legislate when moderate voters no longer elect to send a sufficient number of dissenters and adapters to Topeka to enable it to work as it once did.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Whatever happened to the moderate Republicans of Kansas?” That’s a question I was asked this past week, and it’s not a new one. Similar questions have been asked all across America, as we have seen supporters of both parties — but especially on the Republican side over the course of Donald Trump’s presidency — become unified and defiant in a way they haven’t been in many decades. Here in Kansas, that shift away from moderation poses special complications.Most students of politics in Kansas have long seen the parties as fairly crude instruments — organizations that roughly reflected the preferences of diverse voters, but which could also be carefully managed. The primary managers, in strongly Republican Kansas, were those moderate voters who faithfully supported the GOP, but also often rewarded those who dissented from any strict ideological line, thus keeping Kansas’s majority party somewhat flexible.Ed Flentje, a long-time Wichita State University professor who wrote columns like this one for years, regularly presented this as the great virtue of Kansas politics: that the state’s Republican majority was divided enough that many of its representatives could move either left or right as the times warranted, thus allowing the party to adapt, innovate, and pursue good government policies, even progressive ones on occasion, without threatening its political stability.In the introduction to a recent collection of his newspaper writings, Flentje remains confident that the patterns he often defended still hold. Though the “Brownback Revolution” took the Kansas Republican party, and thus the state, in an immoderately right-ward direction for a time, he sees that as a historical aberration, and believes the moderate Republican faction--who were essential to Governor Laura Kelly’s election in 2018--will continue to provide balance.He may be right. But given that the 2020 election delivered a Republican majority to the Kansas House pretty much the same as the one which existed when Sam Brownback was first elected governor a decade ago, and that similarly defiant, un-moderate, Trump-centric campaigns led to Republican wins in Congress and state legislatures across the nation, perhaps it is the election of Kelly that will someday be seen as an aberration from the new, 21st-century style of party politics.What is that style? It is, most of all, a nationalized one. Regional variations that once characterized American politics are dying out. Flentje and others long presumed that state parties were capable of local adaptation, but that is becoming difficult. Instead, in a centralizing world of instantaneous communication, party leaders and funders are quick to rally around ideological slights and crusades, whether real or perceived--and apparently many voters, fearful of being represented by their ideological opponents (or so their news feeds depict them), follow along.Of course, 2020 was just one election. Who knows how the Republican party will evolve once Trump, whose constant Twitter declarations overwhelmed potential intra-party factions, is out of the White House? Still, we may need to start assuming that nationalized, polarized, and deeply divided parties are all we have for turning voter preferences into successful public policies.That isn’t necessarily impossible; parliamentary democracies, with their “loyal opposition” and “shadow governments,” do it all the time. But in Republican-heavy Kansas, where deal-making moderates were so central to the whole idea of good government, nothing may be more important than figuring out how to legislate when moderate voters no longer elect to send a sufficient number of dissenters and adapters to Topeka to enable it to work as it once did.Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Can state function without Moderate Republicans?

WICHITA - “In the six years we’ve offered Leadership Transformation Grants, we have more
grantees than ever before,” said Ed O’Malley, president and CEO of the Kansas
Leadership Center. “In 2021, KLC will partner with 77 organizations across
Kansas to help them manage change and make lasting progress for years to come.” 
Every year, KLC provides grants to civically engaged organizations across
Kansas to participate in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a4053b30ddfb481bccd615c91&amp;id=a40bd0db51&amp;e=aa56b65127" target="_blank">KLC Path</a>, a three-step
sequence of leadership programs which teaches that leadership is an
activity—not a position—and that anyone within an organization can exercise
leadership effectively.

The grants are divided among five sectors: education,
non-profit, faith, government and business. In the past six years of awarding
these grants, KLC has given 257 grants, trained over 8,700 people and invested
$7 million in Kansas organizations and communities. The following organizations have been selected as new 2021 Leadership
Transformation Grant partners:

The Leadership Transformation Grant helps organizations develop
a shared language for problem solving, greater collaboration skills and the
internal capacity to address and intervene in the most daunting adaptive
challenges. 
 
<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a4053b30ddfb481bccd615c91&amp;id=4901be3bc4&amp;e=aa56b65127" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about our Leadership
Transformation Grants and see the complete list of 2021 partners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607036202883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KLCWICHITA - “In the six years we’ve offered Leadership Transformation Grants, we have more
grantees than ever before,” said Ed O’Malley, president and CEO of the Kansas
Leadership Center. “In 2021, KLC will partner with 77 organizations across
Kansas to help them manage change and make lasting progress for years to come.” 
Every year, KLC provides grants to civically engaged organizations across
Kansas to participate in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a4053b30ddfb481bccd615c91&amp;id=a40bd0db51&amp;e=aa56b65127" target="_blank">KLC Path</a>, a three-step
sequence of leadership programs which teaches that leadership is an
activity—not a position—and that anyone within an organization can exercise
leadership effectively. The grants are divided among five sectors: education,
non-profit, faith, government and business. In the past six years of awarding
these grants, KLC has given 257 grants, trained over 8,700 people and invested
$7 million in Kansas organizations and communities. The following organizations have been selected as new 2021 Leadership
Transformation Grant partners:Business Sector
Partners:<ol>
 <li>Ashland 2020 Inc.</li><li>Hays Area Chamber of Commerce</li>
 </ol>&nbsp; 
Education Sector Partners:<ol>
 <li>Bethany College</li><li>Chanute USD #413</li><li>Kansas State Department of
 Education (KSDE)</li>
 </ol>&nbsp; 
Faith Sector Partner:<ol>
 <li>United Church of Christ
 Kansas-Oklahoma Conference</li>
 </ol>&nbsp; 
Government Sector Partners:<ol>
 <li>City of Derby</li><li>City of Garden City</li><li>City of Leawood</li><li>City of Topeka</li>
 </ol>&nbsp; 
Non-Profit Sector Partners:<ol>
 <li>Atchison Community Health
 Clinic, Inc.</li><li>Community Care Network of
 Kansas, Inc.</li><li>District 1 CBA Core Planning
 Team</li><li>Kansas City Roller Warriors</li><li>Kansas Department for Children
 and Families</li><li>Mattie Rhodes Center</li><li>Rise Up for Youth</li><li>Strategic Leadership Academy</li><li>United Way of the Plains</li><li>United Way of Kansas</li>
 </ol>The Leadership Transformation Grant helps organizations develop
a shared language for problem solving, greater collaboration skills and the
internal capacity to address and intervene in the most daunting adaptive
challenges. 
 
<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a4053b30ddfb481bccd615c91&amp;id=4901be3bc4&amp;e=aa56b65127" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about our Leadership
Transformation Grants and see the complete list of 2021 partners.

Hays Chamber awarded 2021 leadership grant by KLC

It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.

I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;

Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;

Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.

Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;

And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.

I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;

It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;

While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Cottonwood Extension District making an impact

By TREY DANIEL Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project

The practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human 
activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently more than <a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>
 in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early 
October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety 
precautions.

This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. 
Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious 
services, including <a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a> and <a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>.
 This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a 
Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 
restrictions on places of worship in New York state.

In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett
 — considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to 
pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked 
orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of 
attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free 
Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses 
of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, 
acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from 
similar restrictions.

As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many 
of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel 
restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.

Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a> change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?

Tracking the issue in a series of orders and legal rulings in Kentucky gives us much to examine. On Nov. 18, Gov. Andy Beshear
 issued a temporary school-related restraining order and unveiled new 
restrictions that, if approved, could apply until mid-December for 
restaurants, bars, gyms, offices, indoor gatherings, weddings and 
funerals.

An executive order was then signed by Beshear requiring all schools 
to halt in-person classes starting Nov. 23, allowing elementary schools 
to reopen after Dec. 7 if their county is not in the state’s “red zone,”
 with middle and high schools unable to reopen until after Jan. 4.

Two days later, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s 
office joined a lawsuit filed by Danville Christian Academy, which took 
issue with the orders applying to private, religious schools in 
Kentucky. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order.

<a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2020/11/26/judge-rules-kentuckys-religious-schools-can-have-in-person-classes/" target="_blank">U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove</a>
 ruled that religious and private schools were exempt because the order 
“infringes on their constitutional rights.” However, the U.S Court of 
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2020/11/29/kentucky-coronavirus-appeals-court-ruling-religious-schools/6436082002/" target="_blank">struck down that temporary restraining order</a>,
 saying the Beshear order is broadly applicable and does not 
discriminate against a certain group. They also say they are “not in a 
position to second-guess the governor’s determination regarding the 
health and safety of the commonwealth at this point in time.”

Cameron, tweeting after the Court of Appeals’ decision, called it 
“frightening that the governor believes he can suspend religious 
liberty.”

Cameron continued, “We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s 
ruling allowing the governor to close religious schools, but we’re 
already hard at work to take this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 
governor is not above the law and we urge him to drop this ill-conceived
 appeal and to halt his attacks on religious freedom.”

One thing seems to be certain, whether it is New York, Kentucky or 
North Carolina — the U.S. Supreme Court will be busy sorting out all of 
these matters as COVID-19 cases continue to rise during the holiday 
season.

When the Supreme Court faced similar pandemic cases before Ginsburg 
died, the court ruled in favor of restrictions. Given Barrett’s 
background and testimony at her confirmation hearings, it’s clear she 
will be a protector of religious causes — perhaps tilting the scales 
long-term in such cases. But at what cost?

Trey Daniel is the education manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:tdaniel@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">tdaniel@freedomforum.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596246031094.jpeg" alt="Freedom Forum Georgia 3Rs.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Freedom Forum Georgia 3Rs.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By TREY DANIEL Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project The practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human 
activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Recently more than <a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>
 in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early 
October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety 
precautions.This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. 
Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious 
services, including <a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a> and <a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>.
 This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a 
Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 
restrictions on places of worship in New York state.In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett
 — considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to 
pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked 
orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of 
attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free 
Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses 
of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, 
acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from 
similar restrictions.As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many 
of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel 
restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a> change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?Tracking the issue in a series of orders and legal rulings in Kentucky gives us much to examine. On Nov. 18, Gov. Andy Beshear
 issued a temporary school-related restraining order and unveiled new 
restrictions that, if approved, could apply until mid-December for 
restaurants, bars, gyms, offices, indoor gatherings, weddings and 
funerals.An executive order was then signed by Beshear requiring all schools 
to halt in-person classes starting Nov. 23, allowing elementary schools 
to reopen after Dec. 7 if their county is not in the state’s “red zone,”
 with middle and high schools unable to reopen until after Jan. 4.Two days later, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s 
office joined a lawsuit filed by Danville Christian Academy, which took 
issue with the orders applying to private, religious schools in 
Kentucky. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order.<a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2020/11/26/judge-rules-kentuckys-religious-schools-can-have-in-person-classes/" target="_blank">U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove</a>
 ruled that religious and private schools were exempt because the order 
“infringes on their constitutional rights.” However, the U.S Court of 
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2020/11/29/kentucky-coronavirus-appeals-court-ruling-religious-schools/6436082002/" target="_blank">struck down that temporary restraining order</a>,
 saying the Beshear order is broadly applicable and does not 
discriminate against a certain group. They also say they are “not in a 
position to second-guess the governor’s determination regarding the 
health and safety of the commonwealth at this point in time.”Cameron, tweeting after the Court of Appeals’ decision, called it 
“frightening that the governor believes he can suspend religious 
liberty.”Cameron continued, “We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s 
ruling allowing the governor to close religious schools, but we’re 
already hard at work to take this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 
governor is not above the law and we urge him to drop this ill-conceived
 appeal and to halt his attacks on religious freedom.”One thing seems to be certain, whether it is New York, Kentucky or 
North Carolina — the U.S. Supreme Court will be busy sorting out all of 
these matters as COVID-19 cases continue to rise during the holiday 
season.When the Supreme Court faced similar pandemic cases before Ginsburg 
died, the court ruled in favor of restrictions. Given Barrett’s 
background and testimony at her confirmation hearings, it’s clear she 
will be a protector of religious causes — perhaps tilting the scales 
long-term in such cases. But at what cost?Trey Daniel is the education manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:tdaniel@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">tdaniel@freedomforum.org.</a>

FIRST FIVE: Religious freedom in the age of a global pandemic

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — He was born as America was recovering from the Great Depression and about to enter World War II — periods of national sacrifice his son would recall decades later in an <a href="https://priceandsons.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2456/Marvin-Farr/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR2sFpY85b47Te88ZpEqNdq003pL_chx6cQd1F4fIGMGBjkzJ9gsDMJ82-4">obituary lamenting </a>his death from COVID-19 even as many people refused to wear “a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another.”

After Dr. Marvin James Farr of Scott City, Kansas, died Tuesday in isolation at a nursing home, his son penned an&nbsp;<a href="https://priceandsons.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2456/Marvin-Farr/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR3jTmLpu-HZTT4Hd2voA3ROhkDRdoH11-m64WwMwCOHD4eIAv0RTwFD6o0" target="_blank">obituary</a>&nbsp;in which he noted that his father was preceded in death by more than 260,000 Americans infected with the coronavirus.

The obituary written by Courtney Farr has been widely shared on social media and cited in newspapers. He wrote about how his father died “being cared by people dressed in confusing and frightening ways” and said “his final days were harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary.” He also recounted how his father, a farmer and a veterinarian, filled his life with an understanding of the science of life.

“The science that guided his professional life has been disparaged and abandoned by so many of the same people who depended on his knowledge to care for their animals and to raise their food,” the obituary said.

Courtney Farr&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfarr" target="_blank">posted on Facebook&nbsp;</a>that he was in shock at the number of people who have seen the obituary.

“It’s resonated with a lot of people, and that warms my heart,” he wrote. “Often when we experience loss, pain or trauma, we feel so alone. And there’s such incredible power to learning that you are not, that someone else also knows.”

He also hit back against claims that he had made his father’s obituary political.

“Well, his death was political,” he posted. “He died in isolation with an infectious disease that is causing a national crisis. To pretend otherwise or to obfuscate is also a political decision.”

Health officials have reported 391 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and five deaths in rural Scott County, which has a population of fewer than 5,000 people.

Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported 168,295 cases of COVID-19, up 6,234 since Wednesday, and 1,786 deaths, up 107.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607116364855.png" alt="Dr. Marvin James Farr photo courtesy Price and Sons Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Marvin James Farr photo courtesy Price and Sons Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — He was born as America was recovering from the Great Depression and about to enter World War II — periods of national sacrifice his son would recall decades later in an <a href="https://priceandsons.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2456/Marvin-Farr/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR2sFpY85b47Te88ZpEqNdq003pL_chx6cQd1F4fIGMGBjkzJ9gsDMJ82-4">obituary lamenting </a>his death from COVID-19 even as many people refused to wear “a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another.”After Dr. Marvin James Farr of Scott City, Kansas, died Tuesday in isolation at a nursing home, his son penned an&nbsp;<a href="https://priceandsons.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2456/Marvin-Farr/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR3jTmLpu-HZTT4Hd2voA3ROhkDRdoH11-m64WwMwCOHD4eIAv0RTwFD6o0" target="_blank">obituary</a>&nbsp;in which he noted that his father was preceded in death by more than 260,000 Americans infected with the coronavirus.The obituary written by Courtney Farr has been widely shared on social media and cited in newspapers. He wrote about how his father died “being cared by people dressed in confusing and frightening ways” and said “his final days were harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary.” He also recounted how his father, a farmer and a veterinarian, filled his life with an understanding of the science of life.“The science that guided his professional life has been disparaged and abandoned by so many of the same people who depended on his knowledge to care for their animals and to raise their food,” the obituary said.Courtney Farr&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfarr" target="_blank">posted on Facebook&nbsp;</a>that he was in shock at the number of people who have seen the obituary.“It’s resonated with a lot of people, and that warms my heart,” he wrote. “Often when we experience loss, pain or trauma, we feel so alone. And there’s such incredible power to learning that you are not, that someone else also knows.”He also hit back against claims that he had made his father’s obituary political.“Well, his death was political,” he posted. “He died in isolation with an infectious disease that is causing a national crisis. To pretend otherwise or to obfuscate is also a political decision.”Health officials have reported 391 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and five deaths in rural Scott County, which has a population of fewer than 5,000 people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607105155093.png" alt="Dec. 4, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Dec. 4, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported 168,295 cases of COVID-19, up 6,234 since Wednesday, and 1,786 deaths, up 107.

Kansas man's obit criticizes those who won't wear masks

The Hays High Indians take on Life Prep on the second day of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.

The girls game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow.

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

The Hays High Indians take on Life Prep on the second day of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.The girls game is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow.Girls game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCwYNPTcob4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EMrQbe6Hq7s"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; You can also listen to the games on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>

 🏀WATCH: Hays High vs Life Prep

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hugoton Eagles in the second day of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.

The girls game is scheduled to tip-off at 3 p.m. with the boys to follow.

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

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hugoton Eagles in the second day of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.The girls game is scheduled to tip-off at 3 p.m. with the boys to follow.Girls game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MCUGEG_JM9E"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys game<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CmIcz4tJwTo"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; You can also listen to the games&nbsp; on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 🏀WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Hugoton

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The state has reported two COVID-19 clusters in long-term care facilities in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

The state reported&nbsp; 25 cases linked to Locust Grove Village in La Crosse and 18 cases linked to Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton.

Solomon Valley reported via Facebook on Friday it had three active cases among employees with 19 employees recovered from COVID. The facility has had one resident death, has six residents with active cases and 17 residents who have recovered.

The facility is testing weekly, and had zero deficiencies on its Targeted Infection Control Survey that was conducted Nov. 24 and 25.

Amanda Atkisson, administrator, was unavailable for further comment.

Locust Grove Administrator&nbsp;Charlotte Rathke said the facility has had staff and resident recoveries and is on the"downside of the issue."

The Rush County infection rate peaked with 19 cases on Nov. 23.

Rathke said the number of cases is constantly changing as people come out of quarantine. The facility had no new resident cases this week.&nbsp;

The facility has had two resident deaths. Both had other underlying health issues, Rathke said.

The facility is testing regularly, using PPE, quarantining sick residents and serving meals in residents' rooms in attempts to mitigate the spread of the illness.

Visitors have been restricted from the facility for some time.&nbsp;

"It has been very difficult for the residents to not interact with their families," Rathke said. 

"It is hard on the resident and the families that they are not able to come. We are trying to do other types of visitations like Facetimes and window visits, but it's just not the same as being in person with your loved one."

Staff quarantines have meant employees have had to work longer hours and non-certified staff are doing support work in various departments. The facility has also brought in temporary staff.&nbsp;

"Yes, people are tired and exhausted from not working the normal routine, but we have been able to meet all of the residents' needs," Rathke said.&nbsp;

She encouraged people to do all they could to control COVID spread in the community.

"What we do out in our community certainly impacts our elders," Rathke said. "People come into the building, so it takes all of us to be successful in guiding through this. We thank you for your support and prayers as we move through it."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe state has reported two COVID-19 clusters in long-term care facilities in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;The state reported&nbsp; 25 cases linked to Locust Grove Village in La Crosse and 18 cases linked to Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton.Solomon Valley reported via Facebook on Friday it had three active cases among employees with 19 employees recovered from COVID. The facility has had one resident death, has six residents with active cases and 17 residents who have recovered.The facility is testing weekly, and had zero deficiencies on its Targeted Infection Control Survey that was conducted Nov. 24 and 25.Amanda Atkisson, administrator, was unavailable for further comment.Locust Grove Administrator&nbsp;Charlotte Rathke said the facility has had staff and resident recoveries and is on the"downside of the issue."The Rush County infection rate peaked with 19 cases on Nov. 23.Rathke said the number of cases is constantly changing as people come out of quarantine. The facility had no new resident cases this week.&nbsp;The facility has had two resident deaths. Both had other underlying health issues, Rathke said.The facility is testing regularly, using PPE, quarantining sick residents and serving meals in residents' rooms in attempts to mitigate the spread of the illness.Visitors have been restricted from the facility for some time.&nbsp;"It has been very difficult for the residents to not interact with their families," Rathke said. "It is hard on the resident and the families that they are not able to come. We are trying to do other types of visitations like Facetimes and window visits, but it's just not the same as being in person with your loved one."Staff quarantines have meant employees have had to work longer hours and non-certified staff are doing support work in various departments. The facility has also brought in temporary staff.&nbsp;"Yes, people are tired and exhausted from not working the normal routine, but we have been able to meet all of the residents' needs," Rathke said.&nbsp;She encouraged people to do all they could to control COVID spread in the community."What we do out in our community certainly impacts our elders," Rathke said. "People come into the building, so it takes all of us to be successful in guiding through this. We thank you for your support and prayers as we move through it."

2 COVID clusters in NW Kansas long-term care homes

And the winner is ...<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-wKm5999yRw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Happy Holidays Giveaway from Chestnut Street Floral winner!

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 19 on Wednesday to 26 on Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c57b0ee6-7e92-4319-a7ed-3a0947cc8375">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis Co. Health Department announces expanded drive-through testing</a>

There were 146 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 489 active cases, including 10 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,113 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 32 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 37 on Thursday, with 22 of those active patients and 10 in the recovery phase.

The 146 cases is the second largest increase in a single report since the 148 new cases reported on Nov. 22. The department updates case counts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e8b95c3c-a4f0-4922-9af9-ac5ba4e9b1b5">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed full; rural patients waiting, traveling longer distances for care</a>

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell to 29 percent from nearly 32 percent on Wednesday.

Since reporting began, there have been 2,630 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.

Of the total 13,471 tests administered, 18.4 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

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

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: Dec. 04, 2020" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cjg3v-f41571?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607105442722.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 19 on Wednesday to 26 on Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c57b0ee6-7e92-4319-a7ed-3a0947cc8375">RELATED:&nbsp;Ellis Co. Health Department announces expanded drive-through testing</a>There were 146 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 489 active cases, including 10 active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 2,113 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 32 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, down from 37 on Thursday, with 22 of those active patients and 10 in the recovery phase.The 146 cases is the second largest increase in a single report since the 148 new cases reported on Nov. 22. The department updates case counts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e8b95c3c-a4f0-4922-9af9-ac5ba4e9b1b5">RELATED:&nbsp;HaysMed full; rural patients waiting, traveling longer distances for care</a>The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell to 29 percent from nearly 32 percent on Wednesday.Since reporting began, there have been 2,630 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 28 coronavirus-related deaths.Of the total 13,471 tests administered, 18.4 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607109886271.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rnw0R-SGsnA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 146 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co. since Wednesday; Kennedy discusses

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/4cv25-f40142?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless.