BUNKER HILL – The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $5,000.

The Foundation’s grant will support a variety of programs and initiatives at Smoky Hills PBS.

“The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation has been a trusted partner of ours for many years,” said Kelli King, Smoky Hills PBS Director of Finance and Administration. “These funds help ensure the future of Smoky Hills PBS now and for years to come.”

The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation was founded in Ellis County to support projects that include arts, culture and education.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589894008864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;BUNKER HILL – The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation has awarded Smoky Hills PBS with a grant for $5,000.The Foundation’s grant will support a variety of programs and initiatives at Smoky Hills PBS.“The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation has been a trusted partner of ours for many years,” said Kelli King, Smoky Hills PBS Director of Finance and Administration. “These funds help ensure the future of Smoky Hills PBS now and for years to come.”The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation was founded in Ellis County to support projects that include arts, culture and education.Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas and has been named the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year.

Smoky Hills PBS receives grant from Schmidt Foundation

WAKEENEY - WaKeeney, Kansas, known as the "The Christmas City of the High Plains” for the past seven decades, kicks off the Christmas season on Saturday, November 28.

&nbsp;Activities begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day with the lighting ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

 Santa will arrive and light the 35 ft. tree and then proceed down the street to his new house in the North Pole. 

 Throughout the day there will be many free activities, such as a Christmas Bazaar, “Timeless Holiday Tradition” display at the local museum, “A Christmas Carol” puppet show, Nex-Tech Express train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer to view, and a soup supper.

Plans are to continue with the lighting ceremony with safety precautions.  Many of the activities are outside.  We are asking that everyone follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks, if required.

The tree and decorations will remain through January 1, 2021, so visitors can view our traditional Christmas scene any evening until then.  The holiday tradition display will also remain at the Trego County Historical Museum until 2021.

 Every year for the past 70 years, the downtown area is turned into a magical holiday wonderland. 

Highlighting this annual tradition is a magnificent handmade 35-foot tree of fresh pine greenery with over 2,000 lights. 

The tree rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights in the middle of the main intersection of Main and Russell Ave. 

It is topped with four ivory stars, each five ft. in diameter. A four-square block area around the tree is draped with greenery garlands, handcrafted wreaths, bells, stars, and trees, and, of course, more lights. In all, there are over 6,300 lights, three miles of electrical wiring, 600 lbs. of fresh pine greenery, and 1,100 yards of greenery roping in the display. 

These one-of-a-kind decorations are still used today.

The idea was born in 1948 by two local businessmen. 

Art Keraus, the owner of Keraus Hardware, was “a man who could build anything”. His fellow businessman, J.H. “Jake” Heckman, was the local banker and a talented artist. Together these two men masterminded the holiday display, which was designed and built in the basement of Keraus Hardware. The two men spent hours in the basement of the hardware store making sure that the decorations were just right. Many local businessmen and the entire community helped build and erect the holiday decorations.

The display was first lit in 1950, and more decorations were added each year until 1956, when they announced that the project “had reached its peak.” They felt that the display was “nearing perfection.” 

Through the years there has only been one addition. During the 1990s all the downtown buildings were outlined with over 2,000 perimeter lights, which remain lit year-round. These lights were replaced with LED color-changing perimeter lights in 2018.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and remains lit until after New Year's Day. 

This annual tradition is considered one of the largest Christmas displays between Kansas City and Denver.&nbsp;

For more information, contact WaKeeney Travel &amp; Tourism at WaKeeney.org, getwakeeney@gmail.com, Facebook @ Get WaKeeney, or 785-743-8325.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2iRLykCjNiQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseWAKEENEY - WaKeeney, Kansas, known as the "The Christmas City of the High Plains” for the past seven decades, kicks off the Christmas season on Saturday, November 28.&nbsp;Activities begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day with the lighting ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Santa will arrive and light the 35 ft. tree and then proceed down the street to his new house in the North Pole. Throughout the day there will be many free activities, such as a Christmas Bazaar, “Timeless Holiday Tradition” display at the local museum, “A Christmas Carol” puppet show, Nex-Tech Express train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer to view, and a soup supper.Plans are to continue with the lighting ceremony with safety precautions. Many of the activities are outside. We are asking that everyone follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks, if required.The tree and decorations will remain through January 1, 2021, so visitors can view our traditional Christmas scene any evening until then. The holiday tradition display will also remain at the Trego County Historical Museum until 2021. Every year for the past 70 years, the downtown area is turned into a magical holiday wonderland. Highlighting this annual tradition is a magnificent handmade 35-foot tree of fresh pine greenery with over 2,000 lights. The tree rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights in the middle of the main intersection of Main and Russell Ave. It is topped with four ivory stars, each five ft. in diameter. A four-square block area around the tree is draped with greenery garlands, handcrafted wreaths, bells, stars, and trees, and, of course, more lights. In all, there are over 6,300 lights, three miles of electrical wiring, 600 lbs. of fresh pine greenery, and 1,100 yards of greenery roping in the display. These one-of-a-kind decorations are still used today.The idea was born in 1948 by two local businessmen. Art Keraus, the owner of Keraus Hardware, was “a man who could build anything”. His fellow businessman, J.H. “Jake” Heckman, was the local banker and a talented artist. Together these two men masterminded the holiday display, which was designed and built in the basement of Keraus Hardware. The two men spent hours in the basement of the hardware store making sure that the decorations were just right. Many local businessmen and the entire community helped build and erect the holiday decorations.The display was first lit in 1950, and more decorations were added each year until 1956, when they announced that the project “had reached its peak.” They felt that the display was “nearing perfection.” Through the years there has only been one addition. During the 1990s all the downtown buildings were outlined with over 2,000 perimeter lights, which remain lit year-round. These lights were replaced with LED color-changing perimeter lights in 2018.The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and remains lit until after New Year's Day. This annual tradition is considered one of the largest Christmas displays between Kansas City and Denver.&nbsp;For more information, contact WaKeeney Travel &amp; Tourism at WaKeeney.org, getwakeeney@gmail.com, Facebook @ Get WaKeeney, or 785-743-8325.

🎥 WaKeeney's Christmas City on the High Plains celebrates 70 years

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Thirty-two projects have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public use general aviation airports.

KAIP receives $5 million annually through the IKE transportation program and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project.

“Aviation currently represents $20.6 billion in total economic impact for the State of Kansas,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “Working together, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and local communities are enhancing the safety of our transportation infrastructure and expanding this economic impact.”&nbsp;

The selection board prioritized airport improvements that deliver the most significant impact across the entire state.&nbsp; Most of these projects contribute to flight safety and/or positive economic impact for their region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Aviation is a particularly important mode of transportation for Kansas industry and the delivery of healthcare services and disaster relief,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower aviation economic growth across our entire state.”

“KDOT’s Division of Aviation reviewed 93 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $27 million,” said Bob Brock, Director of Aviation. “The 32 projects we’ve selected will have positive impacts on the health, safety and economy of our state.”

Communities selected for funding and amount awarded include:

ATCHISON&nbsp;– Replace 12,800 square feet of apron and taxiway in front of north hangar - $144,000

CHANUTE&nbsp;– Reconstruct pavement in front of community hangar - $72,000

DODGE CITY&nbsp;– Crack seal runway - $25,461

ELKHART / MORTON COUNTY&nbsp;– 5% match to FAA grant for runway rehabilitation - $36,750

ELKHART / MORTON COUNTY&nbsp;– Replace runway lighting system - $12,733

EMPORIA&nbsp;– Design runway extension - $154,850

FORT SCOTT&nbsp;– Upgrade fueling system - $17,0005

GOODLAND&nbsp;– Continue Taxiway B replacement - $342,000

GREAT BEND&nbsp;– Mill and overlay 2,000 feet of Taxiway A - $148,950

HIAWATHA&nbsp;– Install edge lighting on Runway 10/28 - $136,000

KINSLEY&nbsp;– Crack and slurry seal and replace markings on taxiway and Runway 18/36 - $235,000

LAKIN / KEARNY COUNTY&nbsp;– Asphalt overlay/crack sealing/replace runway markings - $96,840

LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Repair hangar-adjacent pavements - $184,435

LEAVENWORTH&nbsp;– Replace fuel dispenser damaged in flooding - $35,550

NESS CITY&nbsp;– Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) - $214,500

OLATHE / JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Security gates - $140,250

OLATHE / JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Crack sealing materials - $14,400

OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Replace air traffic control recorders - $51,000

OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Security gates - $140,250

OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Crack sealing materials - $14,400

PARSONS / TRI CITY&nbsp;– Taxiway A rehabilitation - $135,000

PRATT&nbsp;– Rehabilitate fueling/tiedown apron - $180,000

ROSE HILL&nbsp;– Add security gates - $51,000

ROSE HILL&nbsp;– Crack seal taxiways and runways - $13,500

SABETHA&nbsp;– Survey, Airport Layout Plan and obstacle evaluation - $285,000

SCOTT CITY&nbsp;– Construct new taxiway connections - $142,080

SMITH CENTER&nbsp;– Resealing concrete joints and remarking Runway 14/32 - $235,155

ST. FRANCIS / CHEYENNE COUNTY&nbsp;– Extend taxiway for new business - $157,500

ST. FRANCIS / CHEYENNE COUNTY&nbsp;– Install light pole with LEDs - $15,750

SYRACUSE&nbsp;– Crack seal asphalt damaged by snow plowing - $18,000

ULYSSES&nbsp;– Rehabilitate Runway 17/35 - $570,000

ULYSSES&nbsp;– Replace runway edge lights - $381,000

WINFIELD&nbsp;– Construct new taxi lanes to new hangars - $288,000

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606231957192.jpeg" alt="Goodland Municipal Airport Renner Field" />
 <figcaption>Goodland Municipal Airport Renner Field</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOT&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– Thirty-two projects have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public use general aviation airports.KAIP receives $5 million annually through the IKE transportation program and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project.“Aviation currently represents $20.6 billion in total economic impact for the State of Kansas,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “Working together, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and local communities are enhancing the safety of our transportation infrastructure and expanding this economic impact.”&nbsp;The selection board prioritized airport improvements that deliver the most significant impact across the entire state.&nbsp; Most of these projects contribute to flight safety and/or positive economic impact for their region.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Aviation is a particularly important mode of transportation for Kansas industry and the delivery of healthcare services and disaster relief,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower aviation economic growth across our entire state.”“KDOT’s Division of Aviation reviewed 93 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $27 million,” said Bob Brock, Director of Aviation. “The 32 projects we’ve selected will have positive impacts on the health, safety and economy of our state.”Communities selected for funding and amount awarded include:ATCHISON&nbsp;– Replace 12,800 square feet of apron and taxiway in front of north hangar - $144,000CHANUTE&nbsp;– Reconstruct pavement in front of community hangar - $72,000DODGE CITY&nbsp;– Crack seal runway - $25,461ELKHART / MORTON COUNTY&nbsp;– 5% match to FAA grant for runway rehabilitation - $36,750ELKHART / MORTON COUNTY&nbsp;– Replace runway lighting system - $12,733EMPORIA&nbsp;– Design runway extension - $154,850FORT SCOTT&nbsp;– Upgrade fueling system - $17,0005GOODLAND&nbsp;– Continue Taxiway B replacement - $342,000GREAT BEND&nbsp;– Mill and overlay 2,000 feet of Taxiway A - $148,950HIAWATHA&nbsp;– Install edge lighting on Runway 10/28 - $136,000KINSLEY&nbsp;– Crack and slurry seal and replace markings on taxiway and Runway 18/36 - $235,000LAKIN / KEARNY COUNTY&nbsp;– Asphalt overlay/crack sealing/replace runway markings - $96,840LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Repair hangar-adjacent pavements - $184,435LEAVENWORTH&nbsp;– Replace fuel dispenser damaged in flooding - $35,550NESS CITY&nbsp;– Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) - $214,500OLATHE / JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Security gates - $140,250OLATHE / JOHNSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Crack sealing materials - $14,400OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Replace air traffic control recorders - $51,000OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Security gates - $140,250OLATHE / NEW CENTURY&nbsp;– Crack sealing materials - $14,400PARSONS / TRI CITY&nbsp;– Taxiway A rehabilitation - $135,000PRATT&nbsp;– Rehabilitate fueling/tiedown apron - $180,000ROSE HILL&nbsp;– Add security gates - $51,000ROSE HILL&nbsp;– Crack seal taxiways and runways - $13,500SABETHA&nbsp;– Survey, Airport Layout Plan and obstacle evaluation - $285,000SCOTT CITY&nbsp;– Construct new taxiway connections - $142,080SMITH CENTER&nbsp;– Resealing concrete joints and remarking Runway 14/32 - $235,155ST. FRANCIS / CHEYENNE COUNTY&nbsp;– Extend taxiway for new business - $157,500ST. FRANCIS / CHEYENNE COUNTY&nbsp;– Install light pole with LEDs - $15,750SYRACUSE&nbsp;– Crack seal asphalt damaged by snow plowing - $18,000ULYSSES&nbsp;– Rehabilitate Runway 17/35 - $570,000ULYSSES&nbsp;– Replace runway edge lights - $381,000WINFIELD&nbsp;– Construct new taxi lanes to new hangars - $288,000

NW Kansas airports receive KAIP funding for improvements

Three-day weather outlook

TOPEKA&nbsp;–Governor Laura Kelly recently announced more than $2.1 million in grant funding to fuel 59 ‘All in for Kansas Kids’ Quality Subgrants. The grants will help communities, service and child care providers, and other early childhood champions address needs and gaps in the early childhood care and education system through locally-driven ideas and approaches.

Grantees from organizations and child care providers large and small from across the state will use their awards to develop and implement new approaches that help children and families in their communities thrive. 

More than 140 applications were submitted, each focusing on addressing gaps in access, availability, and quality of child care, as well as community-level supports for families.

“Investing in early childhood care and education system is the one of the best ways we can improve outcomes for Kansas families and communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“As we continue to rebuild our state’s foundation, supporting our kids’ development from Day One will boost our communities, help recruit businesses, and encourage those in our current and future workforces to stay in the places they grew up.”

Funding for the subgrants was made possible by the federal Preschool Development Birth Through Five Renewal Grant, a 3-year grant awarded to Kansas in April 2020. Many funded projects will receive multi-year support in alignment with the federal grant to create long-term, sustainable changes.

The work is being guided by the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Plan, which maps the state’s future direction for early childhood. Grantees directly responded to findings from the statewide needs assessment conducted in 2019. More than 6,100 Kansans elevated a range of challenges that became the focus of the grant award categories: child care access, rural child care, connecting families to services, kindergarten readiness, and quality of care.

Grantees were awarded from all regions of the state and include targeted supports to help expand access to high quality child care in communities such as Leoti, Washington, Independence, St. Francis, Valley Falls, Ness City, and Ellsworth, and in Thomas, Finney, Sumner, and Allen Counties.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.TiAxHjC0Nic9aCgxtNeXkeOly1hX6DEug0aFVUel4Y0/s/1303161001/br/90368385817-l" target="_blank">View the list of programs funded by the grants.</a>

Grants will also support regional efforts to bridge gaps for families in counties surrounding sprawling Kansas communities like Lawrence, Wichita, Kansas City, and Emporia.

“Kansans across the state recognize the importance of providing their children with the best start in life possible,”&nbsp;Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, said. “We are pleased to support local early childhood care and education experts and provide financial resources to allow them to implement community-driven strategies.”

To learn more about specific funded programs and activities and connect with the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Planning efforts to strengthen the Kansas early childhood care and education system, please visit the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.A139GPIrXMdjd7NftQRs525rja1AKwUX8-LbLGruWF4/s/1303161001/br/90368385817-l" target="_blank">http://AllinforKansasKids.org</a>.&nbsp;

Funds for&nbsp;All in For Kansas Kids&nbsp;activities are partially provided through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 

The&nbsp;Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Renewal&nbsp;90TP0078-01-00 ($8,943,000) was awarded to the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are leading this work with the Children’s Cabinet.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606246293511.jpeg" alt="(Photo by&nbsp; Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by&nbsp; Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov.TOPEKA&nbsp;–Governor Laura Kelly recently announced more than $2.1 million in grant funding to fuel 59 ‘All in for Kansas Kids’ Quality Subgrants. The grants will help communities, service and child care providers, and other early childhood champions address needs and gaps in the early childhood care and education system through locally-driven ideas and approaches.Grantees from organizations and child care providers large and small from across the state will use their awards to develop and implement new approaches that help children and families in their communities thrive. More than 140 applications were submitted, each focusing on addressing gaps in access, availability, and quality of child care, as well as community-level supports for families.“Investing in early childhood care and education system is the one of the best ways we can improve outcomes for Kansas families and communities,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“As we continue to rebuild our state’s foundation, supporting our kids’ development from Day One will boost our communities, help recruit businesses, and encourage those in our current and future workforces to stay in the places they grew up.”Funding for the subgrants was made possible by the federal Preschool Development Birth Through Five Renewal Grant, a 3-year grant awarded to Kansas in April 2020. Many funded projects will receive multi-year support in alignment with the federal grant to create long-term, sustainable changes.The work is being guided by the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Plan, which maps the state’s future direction for early childhood. Grantees directly responded to findings from the statewide needs assessment conducted in 2019. More than 6,100 Kansans elevated a range of challenges that became the focus of the grant award categories: child care access, rural child care, connecting families to services, kindergarten readiness, and quality of care.Grantees were awarded from all regions of the state and include targeted supports to help expand access to high quality child care in communities such as Leoti, Washington, Independence, St. Francis, Valley Falls, Ness City, and Ellsworth, and in Thomas, Finney, Sumner, and Allen Counties. <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.TiAxHjC0Nic9aCgxtNeXkeOly1hX6DEug0aFVUel4Y0/s/1303161001/br/90368385817-l" target="_blank">View the list of programs funded by the grants.</a>Grants will also support regional efforts to bridge gaps for families in counties surrounding sprawling Kansas communities like Lawrence, Wichita, Kansas City, and Emporia.“Kansans across the state recognize the importance of providing their children with the best start in life possible,”&nbsp;Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, said. “We are pleased to support local early childhood care and education experts and provide financial resources to allow them to implement community-driven strategies.”To learn more about specific funded programs and activities and connect with the All in for Kansas Kids Strategic Planning efforts to strengthen the Kansas early childhood care and education system, please visit the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.A139GPIrXMdjd7NftQRs525rja1AKwUX8-LbLGruWF4/s/1303161001/br/90368385817-l" target="_blank">http://AllinforKansasKids.org</a>.&nbsp;Funds for&nbsp;All in For Kansas Kids&nbsp;activities are partially provided through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The&nbsp;Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Renewal&nbsp;90TP0078-01-00 ($8,943,000) was awarded to the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are leading this work with the Children’s Cabinet.&nbsp;

Grants address gaps in NW Kan. early childhood care, education

At the Freedom Forum, we’ve thought about creating T-shirts that 
read: “Free speech: Complicating Thanksgiving Dinner since 1791.”

But this pandemic-era Thanksgiving, as families and friends assemble 
around a Zoom screen or an actual dining room table to celebrate, all of
 the freedoms of the First Amendment should be high on the list as we 
count our blessings.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution set a standard for the 
world. Our founding fathers said that Americans should have the right — 
without government interference — to speak their minds, practice a faith
 or choose not to, publish their ideas, assemble to protest or support a
 cause and petition the government for change.

“This is what is so great about America,” says social strategist Philippa Hughes.
 “We should be giving thanks that we can all have these amazing 
divergent views and nobody’s going to get killed for having these 
conversations.”

Shocked by the divisions revealed during the 2016 presidential election, Hughes launched a dinner club called <a href="https://www.blueberriesandcherries.com/" target="_blank">Blueberries &amp; Cherries</a>,
 bringing into her Washington, D.C., dining room die-hard Democrats and 
righteous Republicans, armed with forks and knives, to discuss their 
beliefs in hopes of better understanding each other. Each meal ended 
with a blueberry cherry crisp, deliciously bridging the blue and red 
divide.

Later, supported by a grant, Hughes expanded her events across the country into <a href="https://www.lookingforamerica.us/" target="_blank">Looking for America</a>, which hosts art events and conversations in which people discuss what it means to be American.

Hughes’s goal is to break down the “polarization industrial complex” 
that’s often fed by social media. “That is a construct we have created,”
 she says. “There is profit and power to be had from keeping us 
polarized. I don’t profit from that, so why do we let others profit from
 that?”

Thanksgiving 2020 brings families together after a wrenching year of 
political upheaval and a deadly pandemic, when Americans exercised their
 First Amendment freedoms with newfound vigor:

On Thanksgiving, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/speech/" target="_blank">free speech</a>
 will be at the forefront of your dinner table. Can you, with your Trump
 2024 bumper sticker, keep things civil with your niece in the Black 
Lives Matter T-shirt? Hughes has some advice for how to keep this from 
being a dinner sponsored by Tums.

“A great way to begin your meal is just to be grateful we can do this
 and have this conversation at all,” Hughes says. “That’s the beauty of 
America … You can have deeply held views and express them and we don’t 
have to hate each other.”

Tip No. 1: Pretend you’re an anthropologist. Be curious and ask questions, but don’t interrogate. 
Ask the kind of questions that show you’re listening, Hughes says. “Say,
 ‘Oh, tell me more about that …’ Try to have a sense of delight and joy 
about it. It’s fun to hear stories, especially when it’s your family. 
You had fun with them before; you can continue to have fun.”

Tip No. 2: Share your experiences in a nonthreatening way. 
It can be frustrating if the other side does not seem to be curious 
about you. “Find ways to share yourself — real stories beyond the data 
and the talking points,” Hughes says.

Tip No. 3: Don’t pepper folks with facts. 
When it comes to forming opinions, <a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128490874" target="_blank">facts don’t always matter</a>. 
Studies have shown that our perceptions are formed more by our 
experiences — however limited — than anything else, Hughes says. People 
who are confronted with challenging information tend to dig in their 
heels rather than open their minds to other possibilities. “People don’t
 want to feel dumb.”

Tip No. 4: No name-calling. If things get too heated, step away. 
Hughes says conservatives may avoid conversations for good reason. 
“They’ll say … ‘I don’t want to get yelled at or called stupid by the 
liberals.’” That’s a very valid concern. The left does spend a lot of 
time calling the other side idiots.” 
A liberal in a family of conservatives, Hughes says, “We’ve gotten close
 to not speaking. If you are close to that, step away, leave the room, 
get some fresh air. Take a walk together.”

Tip No. 5: Empathy does not equal endorsement. 
“We may never reach common ground, but at least we’ll come to an 
understanding of why the person believes what they … believe,” says 
Hughes. “The only thing we can agree on is our humanity. We don’t have 
to agree on policy and how to fix problems.”

Final tip: Always pass the dishes to the right. That’s not a political statement, it’s <a href="https://emilypost.com/advice/passing-food-at-the-table/" target="_blank">just etiquette</a>.

Patty Rhule is vice president of content innovation at the Freedom Forum. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:prhule@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">prhule@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606237069718.png" alt="Patty Rhule is vice president of content innovation at the Freedom Forum. " />
 <figcaption>Patty Rhule is vice president of content innovation at the Freedom Forum. </figcaption>
 </figure>At the Freedom Forum, we’ve thought about creating T-shirts that 
read: “Free speech: Complicating Thanksgiving Dinner since 1791.”But this pandemic-era Thanksgiving, as families and friends assemble 
around a Zoom screen or an actual dining room table to celebrate, all of
 the freedoms of the First Amendment should be high on the list as we 
count our blessings.The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution set a standard for the 
world. Our founding fathers said that Americans should have the right — 
without government interference — to speak their minds, practice a faith
 or choose not to, publish their ideas, assemble to protest or support a
 cause and petition the government for change.“This is what is so great about America,” says social strategist Philippa Hughes.
 “We should be giving thanks that we can all have these amazing 
divergent views and nobody’s going to get killed for having these 
conversations.”Shocked by the divisions revealed during the 2016 presidential election, Hughes launched a dinner club called <a href="https://www.blueberriesandcherries.com/" target="_blank">Blueberries &amp; Cherries</a>,
 bringing into her Washington, D.C., dining room die-hard Democrats and 
righteous Republicans, armed with forks and knives, to discuss their 
beliefs in hopes of better understanding each other. Each meal ended 
with a blueberry cherry crisp, deliciously bridging the blue and red 
divide.Later, supported by a grant, Hughes expanded her events across the country into <a href="https://www.lookingforamerica.us/" target="_blank">Looking for America</a>, which hosts art events and conversations in which people discuss what it means to be American.Hughes’s goal is to break down the “polarization industrial complex” 
that’s often fed by social media. “That is a construct we have created,”
 she says. “There is profit and power to be had from keeping us 
polarized. I don’t profit from that, so why do we let others profit from
 that?”Thanksgiving 2020 brings families together after a wrenching year of 
political upheaval and a deadly pandemic, when Americans exercised their
 First Amendment freedoms with newfound vigor:<ul>
 <li>People in every state <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/assembly/" target="_blank">assembled</a> to protest police violence against Black Americans. Citizens also marched in support of the police;</li><li>In the 100th year since women <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petitioned</a> successfully for the right to vote, voters turned out in record numbers to make California’s Sen. Kamala Harris the first woman and woman of color elected vice president;</li><li>The free press kept people informed of campaign news, social unrest and the latest scientific advice about COVID-19;</li><li>Faith congregations, which refrained from gathering in person, 
worshipped through Zoom and Facebook or held drive-in services. Some 
filed suit, saying government rules restricting attendance <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/11/18/buckle-up-america-were-in-for-a-wild-first-amendment-ride/" target="_blank">violated their religious freedom.</a></li>
 </ul>On Thanksgiving, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/speech/" target="_blank">free speech</a>
 will be at the forefront of your dinner table. Can you, with your Trump
 2024 bumper sticker, keep things civil with your niece in the Black 
Lives Matter T-shirt? Hughes has some advice for how to keep this from 
being a dinner sponsored by Tums.“A great way to begin your meal is just to be grateful we can do this
 and have this conversation at all,” Hughes says. “That’s the beauty of 
America … You can have deeply held views and express them and we don’t 
have to hate each other.”Tip No. 1: Pretend you’re an anthropologist. Be curious and ask questions, but don’t interrogate. 
Ask the kind of questions that show you’re listening, Hughes says. “Say,
 ‘Oh, tell me more about that …’ Try to have a sense of delight and joy 
about it. It’s fun to hear stories, especially when it’s your family. 
You had fun with them before; you can continue to have fun.”Tip No. 2: Share your experiences in a nonthreatening way. 
It can be frustrating if the other side does not seem to be curious 
about you. “Find ways to share yourself — real stories beyond the data 
and the talking points,” Hughes says.Tip No. 3: Don’t pepper folks with facts. 
When it comes to forming opinions, <a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128490874" target="_blank">facts don’t always matter</a>. 
Studies have shown that our perceptions are formed more by our 
experiences — however limited — than anything else, Hughes says. People 
who are confronted with challenging information tend to dig in their 
heels rather than open their minds to other possibilities. “People don’t
 want to feel dumb.”Tip No. 4: No name-calling. If things get too heated, step away. 
Hughes says conservatives may avoid conversations for good reason. 
“They’ll say … ‘I don’t want to get yelled at or called stupid by the 
liberals.’” That’s a very valid concern. The left does spend a lot of 
time calling the other side idiots.” 
A liberal in a family of conservatives, Hughes says, “We’ve gotten close
 to not speaking. If you are close to that, step away, leave the room, 
get some fresh air. Take a walk together.”Tip No. 5: Empathy does not equal endorsement. 
“We may never reach common ground, but at least we’ll come to an 
understanding of why the person believes what they … believe,” says 
Hughes. “The only thing we can agree on is our humanity. We don’t have 
to agree on policy and how to fix problems.”Final tip: Always pass the dishes to the right. That’s not a political statement, it’s <a href="https://emilypost.com/advice/passing-food-at-the-table/" target="_blank">just etiquette</a>.Patty Rhule is vice president of content innovation at the Freedom Forum. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:prhule@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">prhule@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Thankful we can speak our minds this Thanksgiving

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🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 BOE gets COVID update from superintendent Wilson

Friday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, spent time with scientists at the K-State Agriculture Research Station in Hays, hearing some of the latest results of research from the station.

“What happens here is hugely important,” Moran told the group of researchers before heading to get a first-hand look at crops and livestock that function as a proving ground for primary research on land just south of Hays, along with centers spread across western Kansas.

Moran told the scientists the ability of Kansas agriculture to continue to compete in the global market relies directly on research completed by the research stations.

He also said often when looking at hunger the automatic move is
to look at programs such as SNAP, but he told the group he sees another factor
at play.

“I have always thought as a Kansan — and I have had the
opportunity to bring the point of view — what we put into research and the efficiency
of farming, the productivity of farming we can help end world hunger by
increasing the supply and keeping agriculture profitable,” Moran said. 

Further, he said, the work completed at research stations, such as the Hays location, is not missed at the federal level.

“We have a lot of interest in what you do here,” Moran said. “We know how important it is to Kansas and the county."

During the visit, Moran heard from beef cattle scientist John Jaeger, who shared his work into cattle yields and weaning.

Soil scientist Augustine Obour, shared his work with limited tillage and the benefits of cover crops.

And wheat breeder, Zhang Guorong shared his work with developing wheat varieties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606168998357.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., visits with K-State Agriculture Research Center scientists Friday about recent research into cover crop use." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., visits with K-State Agriculture Research Center scientists Friday about recent research into cover crop use.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFriday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, spent time with scientists at the K-State Agriculture Research Station in Hays, hearing some of the latest results of research from the station.“What happens here is hugely important,” Moran told the group of researchers before heading to get a first-hand look at crops and livestock that function as a proving ground for primary research on land just south of Hays, along with centers spread across western Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169020350.jpeg" alt="Before leaving for an impromptu tour of some of the K-State Agriculture Research Center operations, Moran speaks with business manager Spencer Casey and staff at the main office of the research station in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Before leaving for an impromptu tour of some of the K-State Agriculture Research Center operations, Moran speaks with business manager Spencer Casey and staff at the main office of the research station in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Moran told the scientists the ability of Kansas agriculture to continue to compete in the global market relies directly on research completed by the research stations.He also said often when looking at hunger the automatic move is
to look at programs such as SNAP, but he told the group he sees another factor
at play.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169036774.jpeg" alt="Moran speaks with K-State Agriculture Research Center wheat breeder Zhang Guorong as soil scientist&nbsp;Augustine Obour looks on." />
 <figcaption>Moran speaks with K-State Agriculture Research Center wheat breeder Zhang Guorong as soil scientist&nbsp;Augustine Obour looks on.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I have always thought as a Kansan — and I have had the
opportunity to bring the point of view — what we put into research and the efficiency
of farming, the productivity of farming we can help end world hunger by
increasing the supply and keeping agriculture profitable,” Moran said. Further, he said, the work completed at research stations, such as the Hays location, is not missed at the federal level.“We have a lot of interest in what you do here,” Moran said. “We know how important it is to Kansas and the county."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169075676.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., visits with K-State Agriculture Research Center beef cattle scientist John Jaeger about weening and cattle yield research with entomologist J.P. Michaud and soil scientist Augustine Obour." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., visits with K-State Agriculture Research Center beef cattle scientist John Jaeger about weening and cattle yield research with entomologist J.P. Michaud and soil scientist Augustine Obour.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the visit, Moran heard from beef cattle scientist John Jaeger, who shared his work into cattle yields and weaning.Soil scientist Augustine Obour, shared his work with limited tillage and the benefits of cover crops.And wheat breeder, Zhang Guorong shared his work with developing wheat varieties.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169142582.jpeg" alt="K-State Agreciculutre Research center wheat breeder&nbsp;Zhang Guorong speaks with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., with other scientists gathered around near a wheat field at the station." />
 <figcaption>K-State Agreciculutre Research center wheat breeder&nbsp;Zhang Guorong speaks with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., with other scientists gathered around near a wheat field at the station.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sen. Moran hears latest in agriculture research from area scientists

Monday&nbsp;afternoon at Big Creek Crossing in Hays, dozens of vehicles lined up&nbsp;for&nbsp;free&nbsp;drive-through&nbsp;COVID-19 testing.&nbsp;

Starting about 15 minutes later than planned, the first few cars moved through the line slowly. But soon after, the line was moving quicker and, by the second-day, participants&nbsp;were&nbsp;reporting&nbsp;only a&nbsp;short&nbsp;wait.&nbsp;

The testing is a&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;Ellis County Health&nbsp;Department, the Kansas Department of Health and&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;and&nbsp;@tourhealth.&nbsp;

“It’s kind of an exciting thing for Ellis County,”&nbsp;said ECHD&nbsp;Director Jason Kennedy. “Statewide, the governor has pushed a new&nbsp;agenda&nbsp;for testing — increased testing,&nbsp;and really testing for all&nbsp;—&nbsp;for the first time regardless of&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;and&nbsp;really regardless&nbsp;of contact. It is just free testing.”&nbsp;

He said he was informed of&nbsp;the&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;Sunday, but the short notice did not hamper the number of people there taking advantage of the testing when it began Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

“I think they had a good amount of people show up (Monday) and I think we will continue to see high numbers of testing,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While testing will help curtail the spread locally by virtue of people knowing if they have&nbsp;contracted COVID-19, he said it is up to&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;to use that information to influence their&nbsp;behavior&nbsp;in a positive way.&nbsp;

“I&nbsp;think&nbsp;that the biggest thing is that people continue to do their part,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;

He said the test does not keep anyone safe, but following recommendations can.&nbsp;

“A test just tells you if the virus is there, whether it is present, or not,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;“It is up to the&nbsp;individual&nbsp;at that point to make sure that they use that information to guide good decisions.”&nbsp;

Those that&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a positive test, he said, should not wait on the health department or a medical professional to begin&nbsp;quarantine.&nbsp;

“When you get those results,&nbsp;isolate&nbsp;yourself immediately,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;

And those awaiting test results should isolate as well, until a negative result is&nbsp;returned, he said.&nbsp;

“We find far too often that people go to get tested and they don’t isolate,” he said of those that&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a test without&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;or known COVID-19 contact.&nbsp;“When they come back positive that means they have potentially exposed all of those people while they are waiting on their test results.”&nbsp;

Testing is scheduled to continue until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and will resume&nbsp;after the holiday at 8:30 a.m. Friday and will continue until 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

While no details have yet been released, Kennedy said the testing will also continue next week.&nbsp;

“The testing will not leave Ellis County,” Kennedy said. “It will be here for a while.”&nbsp;

When further information about testing becomes&nbsp;available&nbsp;he said it would be shared with the public.&nbsp;

“We will keep people posted via press release and our&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;page,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Expanded testing also means COVID-19 rates and the number of positives could significantly change, but sudden jumps in numbers are secondary to the expanded testing mission.&nbsp;

“The goal of testing is to&nbsp;isolate&nbsp;COVID and hopefully to keep people from spreading it,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said the&nbsp;average&nbsp;percent of positives&nbsp;will&nbsp;almost certainly&nbsp;be&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;as results are returned, but the outcome is more important than the&nbsp;change in&nbsp;data.&nbsp;

“We put so much&nbsp;energy and&nbsp;stock in numbers&nbsp;and we forget those numbers are impacts,” Kennedy said. “So,&nbsp;if we can get people&nbsp;identified&nbsp;early on that have COVID that&nbsp;have not at that point spread it,&nbsp;we can isolate them,&nbsp;and hopefully&nbsp;over the course of time,&nbsp;lessen the impact of that individual.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606335914420.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostMonday&nbsp;afternoon at Big Creek Crossing in Hays, dozens of vehicles lined up&nbsp;for&nbsp;free&nbsp;drive-through&nbsp;COVID-19 testing.&nbsp;Starting about 15 minutes later than planned, the first few cars moved through the line slowly. But soon after, the line was moving quicker and, by the second-day, participants&nbsp;were&nbsp;reporting&nbsp;only a&nbsp;short&nbsp;wait.&nbsp;The testing is a&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;Ellis County Health&nbsp;Department, the Kansas Department of Health and&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;and&nbsp;@tourhealth.&nbsp;“It’s kind of an exciting thing for Ellis County,”&nbsp;said ECHD&nbsp;Director Jason Kennedy. “Statewide, the governor has pushed a new&nbsp;agenda&nbsp;for testing — increased testing,&nbsp;and really testing for all&nbsp;—&nbsp;for the first time regardless of&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;and&nbsp;really regardless&nbsp;of contact. It is just free testing.”&nbsp;He said he was informed of&nbsp;the&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;Sunday, but the short notice did not hamper the number of people there taking advantage of the testing when it began Monday afternoon.&nbsp;“I think they had a good amount of people show up (Monday) and I think we will continue to see high numbers of testing,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;While testing will help curtail the spread locally by virtue of people knowing if they have&nbsp;contracted COVID-19, he said it is up to&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;to use that information to influence their&nbsp;behavior&nbsp;in a positive way.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606335956174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I&nbsp;think&nbsp;that the biggest thing is that people continue to do their part,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;He said the test does not keep anyone safe, but following recommendations can.&nbsp;“A test just tells you if the virus is there, whether it is present, or not,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;“It is up to the&nbsp;individual&nbsp;at that point to make sure that they use that information to guide good decisions.”&nbsp;Those that&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a positive test, he said, should not wait on the health department or a medical professional to begin&nbsp;quarantine.&nbsp;“When you get those results,&nbsp;isolate&nbsp;yourself immediately,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;And those awaiting test results should isolate as well, until a negative result is&nbsp;returned, he said.&nbsp;“We find far too often that people go to get tested and they don’t isolate,” he said of those that&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a test without&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;or known COVID-19 contact.&nbsp;“When they come back positive that means they have potentially exposed all of those people while they are waiting on their test results.”&nbsp;Testing is scheduled to continue until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and will resume&nbsp;after the holiday at 8:30 a.m. Friday and will continue until 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;While no details have yet been released, Kennedy said the testing will also continue next week.&nbsp;“The testing will not leave Ellis County,” Kennedy said. “It will be here for a while.”&nbsp;When further information about testing becomes&nbsp;available&nbsp;he said it would be shared with the public.&nbsp;“We will keep people posted via press release and our&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;page,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expanded testing also means COVID-19 rates and the number of positives could significantly change, but sudden jumps in numbers are secondary to the expanded testing mission.&nbsp;“The goal of testing is to&nbsp;isolate&nbsp;COVID and hopefully to keep people from spreading it,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said the&nbsp;average&nbsp;percent of positives&nbsp;will&nbsp;almost certainly&nbsp;be&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;as results are returned, but the outcome is more important than the&nbsp;change in&nbsp;data.&nbsp;“We put so much&nbsp;energy and&nbsp;stock in numbers&nbsp;and we forget those numbers are impacts,” Kennedy said. “So,&nbsp;if we can get people&nbsp;identified&nbsp;early on that have COVID that&nbsp;have not at that point spread it,&nbsp;we can isolate them,&nbsp;and hopefully&nbsp;over the course of time,&nbsp;lessen the impact of that individual.”&nbsp;

Free COVID-19 testing ongoing in Hays

82 new cases of COVID-19 in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The weather forecast called for 2 to 4 inches of snow Tuesday in Hays.

Instead, the day's high temperature of 54 degrees peaked before 9 a.m. under a sunny sky and then steadily fell throughout the day as the winter-like weather and clouds moved in.

There was just a trace of snow, but 0.34 inches of rain fell, according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center, along with some small fine hail occurring about 3 p.m.

The total amount of moisture falling in Hays so far this month is 0.96 inches, already ahead of the average 0.85 inches by the end of November.

It brings the year-to-date moisture total to 21.76 inches, about one-half inch shy of the average 22.27 inches.

The Thanksgiving holiday <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6b2123e-00e8-44da-b2d1-ba93a4a47d6e">weather forecast</a> calls for sunshine and daytime highs in the upper 40s.

By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe weather forecast called for 2 to 4 inches of snow Tuesday in Hays.Instead, the day's high temperature of 54 degrees peaked before 9 a.m. under a sunny sky and then steadily fell throughout the day as the winter-like weather and clouds moved in.There was just a trace of snow, but 0.34 inches of rain fell, according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center, along with some small fine hail occurring about 3 p.m.The total amount of moisture falling in Hays so far this month is 0.96 inches, already ahead of the average 0.85 inches by the end of November.It brings the year-to-date moisture total to 21.76 inches, about one-half inch shy of the average 22.27 inches.The overnight low dropped to 25 degrees.The Thanksgiving holiday <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6b2123e-00e8-44da-b2d1-ba93a4a47d6e">weather forecast</a> calls for sunshine and daytime highs in the upper 40s.

Winter-ish weather brings rain, hail, trace snow to Hays

With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!

All Hays High School games will be broadcast on KFIX 96.9, as well as carried in video live-stream on Hays Post.

All Thomas More Prep-Marian games will be broadcast on 99.5 KZ Country, as well as carried in video live-stream on Hays Post.

And the Area Game of the Week — schedule to be determined — will be broadcast each week on 101.9 The Bull.

Eagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587646217274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!All Hays High School games will be broadcast on KFIX 96.9, as well as carried in video live-stream on Hays Post.All Thomas More Prep-Marian games will be broadcast on 99.5 KZ Country, as well as carried in video live-stream on Hays Post.And the Area Game of the Week — schedule to be determined — will be broadcast each week on 101.9 The Bull.Eagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

Eagle Radio will bring high school sports to you in 2020-21

By HOLLY DICKMAN Hays Water Conservation Specialist

The holiday season is here and while things may be a little (or a lot) different for many of us this year, I am guessing there still might be some extra food preparation, baking, and dish washing going on. There may be college kids back from school or extra house guests. 

Regardless of your situation, it is important to keep water conservation in mind. 

To keep water usage in check and hopefully save on water bills, here are a few things to consider this holiday season:

· Thaw frozen foods like turkeys and hams ahead of time in the refrigerator vs. the “speed-thaw” method in a sink full of water.

· Collect water used to rinse fruits and vegetables to water houseplants – including that live Christmas tree if you have one.

· Use the proper sized pots and pans for cooking - larger pots may require more water than necessary for the food being prepared. (i.e. for boiling potatoes)

· Scrape leftover food from plates into the garbage vs. rinsing them or washing scraps down the garbage disposal which can use gallons of water each time. Not to mention, those heavy holiday foods are bad for your pipes.

· Use the dishwasher when possible, but make sure it is full. A full dishwasher is much more efficient than washing by hand.

· If you need to wash dishes by hand, fill one basin with soapy water and fill the other with rinse water – no need to let the water run continuously.

· Check toilets for leaks before holiday guests arrive and make necessary repairs.

· Consider installing faucet aerators, low flow shower heads, high efficiency toilets and washing machines, all of which can drastically reduce water usage in the home year-round.

Remember, it is important to stay “water smart” - even during this unusual holiday season. 

For more water saving tips visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or follow us @WaterSmartHays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606239441132.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Pixabay)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Pixabay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By HOLLY DICKMAN Hays Water Conservation SpecialistThe holiday season is here and while things may be a little (or a lot) different for many of us this year, I am guessing there still might be some extra food preparation, baking, and dish washing going on. There may be college kids back from school or extra house guests. Regardless of your situation, it is important to keep water conservation in mind. To keep water usage in check and hopefully save on water bills, here are a few things to consider this holiday season:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Ueumv1Kqk4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>· Thaw frozen foods like turkeys and hams ahead of time in the refrigerator vs. the “speed-thaw” method in a sink full of water.· Collect water used to rinse fruits and vegetables to water houseplants – including that live Christmas tree if you have one.· Use the proper sized pots and pans for cooking - larger pots may require more water than necessary for the food being prepared. (i.e. for boiling potatoes)· Scrape leftover food from plates into the garbage vs. rinsing them or washing scraps down the garbage disposal which can use gallons of water each time. Not to mention, those heavy holiday foods are bad for your pipes.· Use the dishwasher when possible, but make sure it is full. A full dishwasher is much more efficient than washing by hand.· If you need to wash dishes by hand, fill one basin with soapy water and fill the other with rinse water – no need to let the water run continuously.· Check toilets for leaks before holiday guests arrive and make necessary repairs.· Consider installing faucet aerators, low flow shower heads, high efficiency toilets and washing machines, all of which can drastically reduce water usage in the home year-round.Remember, it is important to stay “water smart” - even during this unusual holiday season. For more water saving tips visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/160/Water-Conservation">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or follow us @WaterSmartHays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

🎥 DICKMAN: Water-saving tips for the holidays

SAINT FRANCIS-The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office reported they are searching for Jesse Lynn Crookston Tuesday night on facebook.

Crookston was last seen in Saint Francis at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, the announcement said. 

Anyone that has seen Crookston since that time or know of his whereabouts is asked to please call the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office with any information at 785-332-8880

SAINT FRANCIS-The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office reported they are searching for Jesse Lynn Crookston Tuesday night on facebook.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D2278839838928360%26id%3D218755288270169&show_text=true&width=552&height=811&appId" width="580" height="811" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Crookston was last seen in Saint Francis at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, the announcement said. Anyone that has seen Crookston since that time or know of his whereabouts is asked to please call the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office with any information at 785-332-8880

Cheyenne Co. Sheriff's Office searching for missing person

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

Like many this year, instead of traveling to be with family, I will cook my own Thanksgiving dinner. Honestly, I don’t mind. It is sad not to see my family, but I am relieved that I will not be putting any of them in harm’s way. And I am not mad about getting to keep all the leftovers for myself.

Holiday rituals and decorations have always paled in my mind to the comfort brought by food. A big part of my comfort comes from the promise of making this meal.

I have spent years in the kitchen as sous chef to my mom. She has taught me the simplest way to care for all people is to make sure they are well fed. When mom is in the kitchen, she is creating a physical representation of her love and care for others. She doesn’t let screaming grandkids, a crowded house or trying to make things look pretty worry her. Cooking the same meal that my mom will prepare grounds me and makes me feel closer to her and the love she shares freely.

When I was a kid my dad, like his holiday hero Clark Griswold, was adamant that we find the perfect Christmas tree to chop down. The whole family had to bundle up in our winter clothes and head out into the woods behind my grandpa’s house. We trudged through the snow for what felt like hours, examining tree after tree to find the perfect one. He was never worried about how long it took and even seemed to get an evil glint of joy in his eye when we always came back to the very first tree we had considered.

After chopping it down, we would then have to pick a second best tree to get for grandma’s house. We dragged both trees to the car with a renewed level of enthusiasm at the prospect of getting somewhere warm so we could regain feeling in our toes. Years later, I understand it was never about the perfect tree, rather it was about the shared experience.

My grandmother, who has now passed, was one of those beautiful scatterbrain types. Every year at Thanksgiving, she would forget at least one batch of rolls in the oven and let out a yelp as the smell of smoke would waft into the dining room. For Christmas, she would often make one of us grandkids feel like we won the lottery by giving us a Christmas present in July that she had hidden and forgotten.

That “second best” Christmas tree we brought her always ended up looking like an elf had thrown-up on it as she tried to “fix it” with tinsel. In all of these moments, I remember how she would throw her head back and let out a cackle of laughter at her mistakes. She never worried about the mishaps and imperfections; she embraced them and often shared the story in a tone of conspiratorial confidence. Grandma’s ability to laugh at herself taught me to love my own imperfections.

Even though I won’t be with my family this year, they will be with me. I feel them in the joy of holiday memories and the lessons that have made me full of love and thanks.

As the holiday season arrives this year, I wish you all moments of joy from imperfection, the ability to share unconventional experiences with your loved ones and fulfillment in the things that feel like home.

"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/2020/6/1592834709793.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Like many this year, instead of traveling to be with family, I will cook my own Thanksgiving dinner. Honestly, I don’t mind. It is sad not to see my family, but I am relieved that I will not be putting any of them in harm’s way. And I am not mad about getting to keep all the leftovers for myself.Holiday rituals and decorations have always paled in my mind to the comfort brought by food. A big part of my comfort comes from the promise of making this meal.I have spent years in the kitchen as sous chef to my mom. She has taught me the simplest way to care for all people is to make sure they are well fed. When mom is in the kitchen, she is creating a physical representation of her love and care for others. She doesn’t let screaming grandkids, a crowded house or trying to make things look pretty worry her. Cooking the same meal that my mom will prepare grounds me and makes me feel closer to her and the love she shares freely.When I was a kid my dad, like his holiday hero Clark Griswold, was adamant that we find the perfect Christmas tree to chop down. The whole family had to bundle up in our winter clothes and head out into the woods behind my grandpa’s house. We trudged through the snow for what felt like hours, examining tree after tree to find the perfect one. He was never worried about how long it took and even seemed to get an evil glint of joy in his eye when we always came back to the very first tree we had considered.After chopping it down, we would then have to pick a second best tree to get for grandma’s house. We dragged both trees to the car with a renewed level of enthusiasm at the prospect of getting somewhere warm so we could regain feeling in our toes. Years later, I understand it was never about the perfect tree, rather it was about the shared experience.My grandmother, who has now passed, was one of those beautiful scatterbrain types. Every year at Thanksgiving, she would forget at least one batch of rolls in the oven and let out a yelp as the smell of smoke would waft into the dining room. For Christmas, she would often make one of us grandkids feel like we won the lottery by giving us a Christmas present in July that she had hidden and forgotten.That “second best” Christmas tree we brought her always ended up looking like an elf had thrown-up on it as she tried to “fix it” with tinsel. In all of these moments, I remember how she would throw her head back and let out a cackle of laughter at her mistakes. She never worried about the mishaps and imperfections; she embraced them and often shared the story in a tone of conspiratorial confidence. Grandma’s ability to laugh at herself taught me to love my own imperfections.Even though I won’t be with my family this year, they will be with me. I feel them in the joy of holiday memories and the lessons that have made me full of love and thanks.As the holiday season arrives this year, I wish you all moments of joy from imperfection, the ability to share unconventional experiences with your loved ones and fulfillment in the things that feel like home."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: Full of love and thanks

City of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity of Hays offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

City of Hays offices closed Thursday, Friday

WICHITA&nbsp; —&nbsp;The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center announced the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Liberal, which was opened in 2018 and is co-located with the Southwest Medical Center, will no longer be open after Jan. 14.

“We are disappointed to have to make this decision,” said Candace Ifabiyi, Medical Center Director for Dole VA.&nbsp;

“We have a range of options to meet the health care needs of veterans in southwest Kansas,” Ifabiyi said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606165889596.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseWICHITA&nbsp; —&nbsp;The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center announced the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Liberal, which was opened in 2018 and is co-located with the Southwest Medical Center, will no longer be open after Jan. 14.“We are disappointed to have to make this decision,” said Candace Ifabiyi, Medical Center Director for Dole VA.&nbsp;“We have a range of options to meet the health care needs of veterans in southwest Kansas,” Ifabiyi said. “Our VA clinic in Dodge City is within driving distance for some veterans in the area. That clinic is well-staffed and a great option for many. We also provide virtual care options with VA Video Connect and robust telehealth capabilities. These virtual programs let Veterans connect by video with their VA care teams from the comfort of their home. For eligible, veterans who may not have the necessary internet service or technology to connect with the VA, we can provide them with VA-issued tablets or smartphones to provide easier access to health care.”&nbsp;Through the MISSION Act, enrolled veterans can use private urgent care facilities in the VA network. For routine care, many providers in the southwest area of the state are now authorized MISSION Act providers, as well.“We want veterans who prefer to remain in the VA system to know that the providers and staff at the Wichita VA and Dodge City VA Clinic are anxious to welcome them to either of those locations,” said Ifabiyi.For veterans currently receiving care at the Liberal CBOC, please call toll free 1-888-878-6881, Ext. 57450, or (620) 225-7146 to discuss your health care options. Veterans who would like to enroll with the Dole VA healthcare system may call toll free 1-888-878-6881, Ext. 54737.About the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is a Joint Commission accredited, Level 2 facility located in Wichita. It provides a full range of patient care services, is a longstanding teaching hospital, and is a part of VHA VISN 15 Heartland Network. The Medical Center serves about 30,000 Veterans living in 59 counties of the state.

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