<a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com">First Call for Help</a> has received a $25,000 grant award from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program.

This award will be used in the First Step Housing, Phase ll Remodeling project. This project at 607 E. 13th will provide temporary housing and support for individuals residing in Ellis County who are struggling with homelessness.

“Housing struggles are expected to increase as the pandemic continues to affect businesses and jobs. We are excited and grateful to Union Pacific for this grant and the opportunities it represents," said Linda Mills, executive director.

First Call for Help was established in 1996 and is committed to assisting others who are in crisis and need.

<a href="http://up.com/communityties">Union Pacific Railroad's Community Ties Giving Program</a> awarded $10.2 million in local grants to more than 930 nonprofit organizations across its 23-state system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605561530273.jpeg" alt="First Call for Help has received a $25,000 grant award from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program for its First Step housing project. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>First Call for Help has received a $25,000 grant award from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program for its First Step housing project. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com">First Call for Help</a> has received a $25,000 grant award from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program.This award will be used in the First Step Housing, Phase ll Remodeling project. This project at 607 E. 13th will provide temporary housing and support for individuals residing in Ellis County who are struggling with homelessness.“Housing struggles are expected to increase as the pandemic continues to affect businesses and jobs. We are excited and grateful to Union Pacific for this grant and the opportunities it represents," said Linda Mills, executive director.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605561585982.jpeg" alt="Work is underway at the First Call for Help building to add rooms for temporary housing for Hays residents as a part of First Calls' First Step program." />
 <figcaption>Work is underway at the First Call for Help building to add rooms for temporary housing for Hays residents as a part of First Calls' First Step program.</figcaption>
 </figure>First Call for Help was established in 1996 and is committed to assisting others who are in crisis and need.<a href="http://up.com/communityties">Union Pacific Railroad's Community Ties Giving Program</a> awarded $10.2 million in local grants to more than 930 nonprofit organizations across its 23-state system.

First Call for Help receives $25,000 for temporary housing project

Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates students who hold down a job during college get higher grades than those who are not employed at least part time. Research conducted by SightLine also found that students working on campus were significantly more likely to remain in good academic standing and to stay enrolled. In fact, student employment is frequently one of the top five most important factors in predicting student success.

These are just some of the reasons why Fort Hays State University continues to invest in student employment. We also know that meaningful learning and engagement opportunities can help build career readiness, provide a “home-away-from-home” experience by creating a sense of belonging, and they can help with time management as working on campus offers an incredibly convenient work environment.

When I was a student, I worked at the campus grill (great way to meet people), provided administrative support for the theatre director (loved learning how to run a soundboard, lighting and especially running the spotlight) and got to put my basic research skills to action when the director of the cafeteria hired me to walk around the dining hall and survey students on their food service likes and dislikes.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about student Hannah Dechant’s college experience as a freshman. In addition to loving her Learning Community experience, Hannah, an elementary education major from Goodland, also mentioned her on-campus job. “I work at the Fort Hays State University farm, and I love every second I am there. I have shown sheep for 13 years, so I have been around livestock for most of my life, but I am constantly learning more and more everyday while I am at work.” One of Hannah’s work experiences included helping insert and remove CIDRS (progesterone releasing implants) to synchronize the reproductive cycle for breeding does.

Honestly, I hadn’t thought about students having jobs on the university farm. So that got me curious about what other student employment opportunities exist.

Our agriculture student employees are also responsible for checking pregnant cows, using ultrasound to check pregnancy of sows and working on a feed experiment with nursery pigs. They also assist sows during the labor process, including learning how to pull pigs – definitely not the same thing as pulled pork.

Students are driving grain trucks, hauling milo to the elevator. Several student employees are learning how to halter break and gentle down calves while others have been washing, drying and working hair on the sale heifers. Honestly, I don’t even know what some of this means – but it sounds more exciting than my job at the campus grill.

We have numerous opportunities for students to engage in student academic support jobs, providing peer-to-peer assistance such as tutoring, assisting with writing, or even helping with grading, preparing class materials and monitoring labs.

Belle Finney, a junior chemistry major from Beloit, is an online tutor for general and organic chemistry, lab prep staffer and front-desk employee. Bryant Karlin, a senior biology major from Victoria, is a learning aide in the Human Cadaver Lab. He helps students with dissections and finding or identifying structures. He also maintains the lab space.

Student Makerspace assistants are printing skulls, trilobites and other artifacts for use by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Seth Colson, a Hoisington junior majoring In Applied Technology Studies, has been programming a NAO robot (humanoid) to remind people to wear masks on campus.

The Office of Global Partnerships (OGP) engages its student workers in unique experiences. Graduate student Xiao Sun (Lucia), a professional studies major from Xinzheng, China, helps translate curriculum and vital business documents from our Chinese partner schools. She also serves as an interpreter for administrators during face-to-face and Zoom meetings. Jadyn Snyder, a senior finance major from Lyons, assisted with the behind-the-scenes technical and marketing efforts for seven virtual summer camps for prospective students from China, Cameroon, Turkey and the Bahamas. She also assists with financial duties for the OGP.

Another area of student employment includes undergraduate research. I love the fact that, unlike many universities, our students get to participate in undergraduate research as early as their freshman year. These roles involve data analysis, literature reviews, practicing critical thinking and the scientific process as they evaluate results. Often, students present their research during poster sessions or at academic conferences.

Three students are working on a Laser Biophysics project in the FHSU Physics Department, the Air Force Research Lab and with a defense contractor. Their duties include research on laser effects on human tissue. Two other students are working in our Bat Molecular Biology Lab doing DNA analysis via Guano (bat droppings). I have been assured there is no direct handling of bats this year due to what is yet unknown about COVID transmissibility.

Cody Jiles, a junior physics major from Abilene, works with Dr. Gavin Buffington and lead-scientists at Virginia Tech to keep the SuperDARN radar (the field of antennas on the hill near the FHSU wind turbines) functioning at optimal levels. The knowledge gained from this research provides insight into space weather hazards, including radiation exposure for high-altitude travelers and disruption to GPS and electrical power grids.

An interesting job for student employees in the Department of Art and Design is helping Professor Toby Flores prepare the iron for iron pours and castings. According to Dean Paul Faber, this can require a couple of weeks of “stirring the pot” about once an hour to melt the scrap iron. &nbsp;

Campus programs, including Times Talks, Constitution Day, Voter Registration Day, Red Hand Day (protesting the impressing of children into military service) and Tiger Talkback are all managed by student employees together with volunteers.

That barely scratches the opportunity surface. We have student ambassadors, campus tour guides, Tiger Tots teacher assistants, Intramurals officials and coordinators, wellness center staff, students working in the Sternberg Museum Discovery Room, student athletic trainers, technology support staff and Tiger Media network producers and on-air talent. The list seems endless.

Fort Hays State believes deeply in investing in our students. Student employment maximizes university budgets and clearly produces a significant return on investment. Bottom line – on-campus student employment is a good business, delivering phenomenal value through unique and meaningful high-impact educational experiences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates students who hold down a job during college get higher grades than those who are not employed at least part time. Research conducted by SightLine also found that students working on campus were significantly more likely to remain in good academic standing and to stay enrolled. In fact, student employment is frequently one of the top five most important factors in predicting student success.These are just some of the reasons why Fort Hays State University continues to invest in student employment. We also know that meaningful learning and engagement opportunities can help build career readiness, provide a “home-away-from-home” experience by creating a sense of belonging, and they can help with time management as working on campus offers an incredibly convenient work environment.When I was a student, I worked at the campus grill (great way to meet people), provided administrative support for the theatre director (loved learning how to run a soundboard, lighting and especially running the spotlight) and got to put my basic research skills to action when the director of the cafeteria hired me to walk around the dining hall and survey students on their food service likes and dislikes.A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about student Hannah Dechant’s college experience as a freshman. In addition to loving her Learning Community experience, Hannah, an elementary education major from Goodland, also mentioned her on-campus job. “I work at the Fort Hays State University farm, and I love every second I am there. I have shown sheep for 13 years, so I have been around livestock for most of my life, but I am constantly learning more and more everyday while I am at work.” One of Hannah’s work experiences included helping insert and remove CIDRS (progesterone releasing implants) to synchronize the reproductive cycle for breeding does.Honestly, I hadn’t thought about students having jobs on the university farm. So that got me curious about what other student employment opportunities exist.Our agriculture student employees are also responsible for checking pregnant cows, using ultrasound to check pregnancy of sows and working on a feed experiment with nursery pigs. They also assist sows during the labor process, including learning how to pull pigs – definitely not the same thing as pulled pork.Students are driving grain trucks, hauling milo to the elevator. Several student employees are learning how to halter break and gentle down calves while others have been washing, drying and working hair on the sale heifers. Honestly, I don’t even know what some of this means – but it sounds more exciting than my job at the campus grill.We have numerous opportunities for students to engage in student academic support jobs, providing peer-to-peer assistance such as tutoring, assisting with writing, or even helping with grading, preparing class materials and monitoring labs.Belle Finney, a junior chemistry major from Beloit, is an online tutor for general and organic chemistry, lab prep staffer and front-desk employee. Bryant Karlin, a senior biology major from Victoria, is a learning aide in the Human Cadaver Lab. He helps students with dissections and finding or identifying structures. He also maintains the lab space.Student Makerspace assistants are printing skulls, trilobites and other artifacts for use by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Seth Colson, a Hoisington junior majoring In Applied Technology Studies, has been programming a NAO robot (humanoid) to remind people to wear masks on campus.The Office of Global Partnerships (OGP) engages its student workers in unique experiences. Graduate student Xiao Sun (Lucia), a professional studies major from Xinzheng, China, helps translate curriculum and vital business documents from our Chinese partner schools. She also serves as an interpreter for administrators during face-to-face and Zoom meetings. Jadyn Snyder, a senior finance major from Lyons, assisted with the behind-the-scenes technical and marketing efforts for seven virtual summer camps for prospective students from China, Cameroon, Turkey and the Bahamas. She also assists with financial duties for the OGP.Another area of student employment includes undergraduate research. I love the fact that, unlike many universities, our students get to participate in undergraduate research as early as their freshman year. These roles involve data analysis, literature reviews, practicing critical thinking and the scientific process as they evaluate results. Often, students present their research during poster sessions or at academic conferences.Three students are working on a Laser Biophysics project in the FHSU Physics Department, the Air Force Research Lab and with a defense contractor. Their duties include research on laser effects on human tissue. Two other students are working in our Bat Molecular Biology Lab doing DNA analysis via Guano (bat droppings). I have been assured there is no direct handling of bats this year due to what is yet unknown about COVID transmissibility.Cody Jiles, a junior physics major from Abilene, works with Dr. Gavin Buffington and lead-scientists at Virginia Tech to keep the SuperDARN radar (the field of antennas on the hill near the FHSU wind turbines) functioning at optimal levels. The knowledge gained from this research provides insight into space weather hazards, including radiation exposure for high-altitude travelers and disruption to GPS and electrical power grids.An interesting job for student employees in the Department of Art and Design is helping Professor Toby Flores prepare the iron for iron pours and castings. According to Dean Paul Faber, this can require a couple of weeks of “stirring the pot” about once an hour to melt the scrap iron. &nbsp;Campus programs, including Times Talks, Constitution Day, Voter Registration Day, Red Hand Day (protesting the impressing of children into military service) and Tiger Talkback are all managed by student employees together with volunteers.That barely scratches the opportunity surface. We have student ambassadors, campus tour guides, Tiger Tots teacher assistants, Intramurals officials and coordinators, wellness center staff, students working in the Sternberg Museum Discovery Room, student athletic trainers, technology support staff and Tiger Media network producers and on-air talent. The list seems endless.Fort Hays State believes deeply in investing in our students. Student employment maximizes university budgets and clearly produces a significant return on investment. Bottom line – on-campus student employment is a good business, delivering phenomenal value through unique and meaningful high-impact educational experiences.

MASON: On-the-job training for FHSU student workers

Three-day weather outlook

Locally sourced food has grown in popularity in recent years, leading some cow-calf producers to raise steer calves through the finishing phase rather than selling them at weaning. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“To hand-raise a steer from 700 pounds to 1,400 pounds, factoring in the purchase price of the animal, feed costs and processing expenses, the beef that you bring home is going to cost about $5 per pound,” said Bob Weaber, beef extension specialist. “It will never be as reasonably priced as what you can buy at the grocery store.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, for those who want the experience of hand-raising a steer as compared to selling it to a cattle feeder, the experts offer the following advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“You may want to find a bulk storage solution for feed because that will decrease your feed costs from buying it a bag at time,” said Brad White, veterinarian and BCI director. One option, he said, is a gravity wagon that allows producers to buy feed by the ton and carry it by the bucket to the steers that are being fed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“A finishing feed will need to have quite a bit of grain in it. For many that local source will be corn but it will also need a high energy protein source like soybean meal, cottonseed meal or distiller’s grains,” he said. “Work with your local co-op or extension agent who can help you formulate the right ration for a growing steer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The main goal for steers hand fed between 700 pounds through the finishing phase is three pounds per day, Weaber said. “To make that goal, the calf needs to be fed six pounds of feed for one pound of gain so about 2.1 tons of feed during that phase,” Weaber said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with the feed, he said the cattle need to eat hay to keep their rumen healthy. “The hay keeps the calves from going into an acidotic state with the high concentrate finishing feed,” Weaber said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Veterinarian Bob Larson explained how a severe case of acidosis can be toxic to cattle and offered suggestions on ways to keep that from happening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“You need to acclimate the cattle to a changing diet over several weeks where you are increasing the high grain concentrate and decreasing the hay. Otherwise some cattle will overeat the grain and that can have very serious consequences,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The timing of the feed delivery is also important.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Feeding them at the same time each day helps the rumen PH balance,” said Weaber, who recommends feeding twice a day, 12 hours apart. If a morning feeding is missed, he said it is better to skip that feeding rather than feeding twice in a shorter time period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Locally sourced food has grown in popularity in recent years, leading some cow-calf producers to raise steer calves through the finishing phase rather than selling them at weaning. &nbsp;&nbsp;“To hand-raise a steer from 700 pounds to 1,400 pounds, factoring in the purchase price of the animal, feed costs and processing expenses, the beef that you bring home is going to cost about $5 per pound,” said Bob Weaber, beef extension specialist. “It will never be as reasonably priced as what you can buy at the grocery store.”&nbsp;&nbsp;However, for those who want the experience of hand-raising a steer as compared to selling it to a cattle feeder, the experts offer the following advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;“You may want to find a bulk storage solution for feed because that will decrease your feed costs from buying it a bag at time,” said Brad White, veterinarian and BCI director. One option, he said, is a gravity wagon that allows producers to buy feed by the ton and carry it by the bucket to the steers that are being fed. &nbsp;&nbsp;“A finishing feed will need to have quite a bit of grain in it. For many that local source will be corn but it will also need a high energy protein source like soybean meal, cottonseed meal or distiller’s grains,” he said. “Work with your local co-op or extension agent who can help you formulate the right ration for a growing steer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The main goal for steers hand fed between 700 pounds through the finishing phase is three pounds per day, Weaber said. “To make that goal, the calf needs to be fed six pounds of feed for one pound of gain so about 2.1 tons of feed during that phase,” Weaber said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Along with the feed, he said the cattle need to eat hay to keep their rumen healthy. “The hay keeps the calves from going into an acidotic state with the high concentrate finishing feed,” Weaber said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Veterinarian Bob Larson explained how a severe case of acidosis can be toxic to cattle and offered suggestions on ways to keep that from happening.&nbsp;&nbsp;“You need to acclimate the cattle to a changing diet over several weeks where you are increasing the high grain concentrate and decreasing the hay. Otherwise some cattle will overeat the grain and that can have very serious consequences,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The timing of the feed delivery is also important.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Feeding them at the same time each day helps the rumen PH balance,” said Weaber, who recommends feeding twice a day, 12 hours apart. If a morning feeding is missed, he said it is better to skip that feeding rather than feeding twice in a shorter time period.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: A closer look at locally sourced food

RAWLINS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Rawlins County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Ford Ranger driven by Paul T.&nbsp;Rydalch, 54, Colorado Springs, CO., was eastbound on U.S. highway 36 five miles east of McDonald.

The pickup exited the roadway to the left, struck an embankment, a stop sign, went airborne briefly and landed. The driver overcorrected and the pickup rolled into the north ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;Rydalch to the hospital in Atwood. He was properly restrained at the tine of the accident, according to the KHP.

RAWLINS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Rawlins County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Ford Ranger driven by Paul T.&nbsp;Rydalch, 54, Colorado Springs, CO., was eastbound on U.S. highway 36 five miles east of McDonald.The pickup exited the roadway to the left, struck an embankment, a stop sign, went airborne briefly and landed. The driver overcorrected and the pickup rolled into the north ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;Rydalch to the hospital in Atwood. He was properly restrained at the tine of the accident, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after violent NW Kansas crash

🎥 Tiger Talk

The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from 36 on Monday to 31 on Wednesday.

The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 21.

On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>

There were 73 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,561 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests dropped to 38.5percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,981 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 21 deaths.

Of the total 11,945 tests administered, 15.5 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

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/2020/11/1605731049723.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Wednesday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days dropped from 36 on Monday to 31 on Wednesday.The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 21.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 73 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Monday. There are currently 399 active cases, including 12 active hospitalizations, and 1,561 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests dropped to 38.5percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,981 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 21 deaths.Of the total 11,945 tests administered, 15.5 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.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/2020/11/1605731172317.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

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

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

<div><iframe title="United Way of Ellis County to participate in Business Showcase Challenge" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6ihmv-f2a714?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: United Way of Ellis County to participate in Business Showcase Challenge

VICTORIA - Effective Wednesday November 18, and until further notice, Victoria City Hall will be closed to the public. 

Citizens can make utility payments online, by mail or utilize the drop box. 

City employees will still be available during regular office hours. 

If you are needing assistance feel free to call city hall at 785-735-2259. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The notice was posted late Wednesday morning on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Victoria-KS-101620189914182">social media</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584581352381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostVICTORIA - Effective Wednesday November 18, and until further notice, Victoria City Hall will be closed to the public. Citizens can make utility payments online, by mail or utilize the drop box. City employees will still be available during regular office hours. If you are needing assistance feel free to call city hall at 785-735-2259. We apologize for any inconvenience.The notice was posted late Wednesday morning on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Victoria-KS-101620189914182">social media</a>.&nbsp;

Victoria City Hall closes to public until further notice 

RUSSELL - The Russell County Commissioners will be having a special meeting this Friday, November 20 at 11 a.m. to discuss the county opting back into the Governors Executive Orders 20-52 on face mask recommendations.

The announcement was posted on social media Wed. morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605714404485.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostRUSSELL - The Russell County Commissioners will be having a special meeting this Friday, November 20 at 11 a.m. to discuss the county opting back into the Governors Executive Orders 20-52 on face mask recommendations. The public is welcome to attend.The announcement was posted on social media Wed. morning.&nbsp;

Russell Co. Commission special meeting called to discuss opting into Kan. face mask ordinance

WAKEENEY - In order to protect Trego County and Trego County employees, the Trego County Commissioners have decided to close the Trego County Courthouse, except to by appointment only.

The announcement was published on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tregocountyks">social media</a> Tuesday.

 Citizens can contact any courthouse office to set up an appointment. Anyone coming into the courthouse for an appointment must wear a mask when in the courthouse. 

 Citizens are encouraged to use the drop box on the west side of the courthouse or do business by phone or email.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605711017980.jpeg" alt="Trego Co. courthouse in WaKeeney" />
 <figcaption>Trego Co. courthouse in WaKeeney</figcaption>
 </figure>WAKEENEY - In order to protect Trego County and Trego County employees, the Trego County Commissioners have decided to close the Trego County Courthouse, except to by appointment only.The announcement was published on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tregocountyks">social media</a> Tuesday. Citizens can contact any courthouse office to set up an appointment. Anyone coming into the courthouse for an appointment must wear a mask when in the courthouse. Citizens are encouraged to use the drop box on the west side of the courthouse or do business by phone or email.Treasurer’s Office: 785-743-2001Clerk’s Office: 785-743-5773Register of Deeds Office: 785-743-6622County Attorney’s Office: 785-743-5458Appraiser’s Office: 785-743-5758District Court: 785-743-2148

Trego Co. courthouse open by appointment only due to COVID

The Hays Municipal Court has suspended all Municipal Court appearances effective immediately. 

If you currently have an upcoming court date that is scheduled through the Hays Municipal Court, we will attempt to contact you to reschedule your court appearance. 

Citizens may also call the Hays Municipal Court at (785) 625-1070 to reschedule their court appearance. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The notice was posted by the Hays Police Dept. on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/966442650049891/posts/4006300856064040/">social media</a> late Tuesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592516692814.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays Municipal Court has suspended all Municipal Court appearances effective immediately. If you currently have an upcoming court date that is scheduled through the Hays Municipal Court, we will attempt to contact you to reschedule your court appearance. Citizens may also call the Hays Municipal Court at (785) 625-1070 to reschedule their court appearance. We apologize for any inconvenience.The notice was posted by the Hays Police Dept. on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/966442650049891/posts/4006300856064040/">social media</a> late Tuesday afternoon.

Hays Municipal Court suspends appearances 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Wonder Women League is trying to help children suffering from anxiety with its latest project — self-soothing boxes.

Lori Hertel, therapist at Serenity Psychological Services, said she has seen a trend upward in anxiety among children even before the pandemic.

Strife within families including financial strain, divorce, fighting and even violence, can all be contributing factor, Hertel, who is a WWL member, said.

A self-soothing box contains different items that engage all the senses and grounds the user so they can effectively manage anxiety.

WWL volunteers met on Tuesday to pack the boxes, which contain scented silly putty, bubbles, stress ball, fidget spinner, mini puzzle cube, small hand lotion, pinwheel, Play-Doh, chewing gum, suckers, peppermints, bubble wrap, journal and colored pencils.

The boxes will also include inserts about stress and useful websites to visit and other information about mental health.

The items help connect anxiety sufferers with their senses — sight, sound, taste, touch, and hearing, which can help reduce stress.

"If they are angry or mad, they use their five senses, and it can help them in whatever situation they are at whether it is school or at home. It is based on the five senses because that is something we always have with us," Terri Braun, recovery worker at High Plains Mental Health, said.&nbsp;

Items in the box are meant to be used as tools to distract the child from worrisome thoughts or feelings.&nbsp;

Items such as the bubbles and the pinwheel help promote deep breathing.

Braun said even using the journal and pencils included in the box to draw circles can help children relax.

Braun said adults could easily put together a similar kit for themselves or their own children, specializing the items to fit their personal needs. 

Braun an adult or child does not need to be to point of needing professional counseling to benefit from some of the stress reliving techniques the boxes can offer.

Both Hertel and Braun said their mental health centers are also seeing more adults suffering from anxiety.

A survey by the National Center for Health Statistics showed&nbsp;36 percent of Americans are feeling more anxious about life now compared to eight percent last year.

"This is a time we all need to take care of ourselves," Braun said. "We are all in this together."

Hertel offered several symptoms to watch for that might indicate your child may need to receive professional help for anxiety.

This can include isolation, poor performance at school, pulling hair out, hoarding and compulsivity.&nbsp;

One-hundred-eight boxes will be split between <a href="http://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health</a>, <a href="https://www.turningpointpcs.net/">Turning Point Mental Health Clinic</a> and <a href="https://www.serenitypsc.com/">Serenity Psychological Services</a>.

"I think it is a really tremendous thing they are doing," Hertel said. "We welcome them in our agency very much."

The WWL also recently made a $1,000 donation to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f45176a-34e8-4aa4-a6a4-55cd51140e84">ARC Park</a> project. The group also supported the recent RealityU Project, which helps high school students learn to make wise financial decisions.&nbsp;

WWL also will be sending Thanksgiving baskets to the residents of long-term care homes in the community. Staff at these facilities will also receive "thank you" baskets form the league.

WWL continuing projects include <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/02/27/matthews-gift-offers-necessities-to-families-during-medical-emergencies/">Matthew's Gift</a>, which is project that gives care packages to people who have loved ones who are transferred out of HaysMed for critical care, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bfc530b-e655-426c-8149-72828ad5f50c">Project Suitcase</a>, which gives bags with pajamas, small toys and hygiene items to children who are being placed in foster care.

The Wonder Women League is a branch of United Way of Ellis County and is comprised of women donating to the WWL above and beyond their annual United Way contribution. WWL donations are used for the health and betterment of children, family, community and neighborhood. For more information on the league or to join, <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">click here</a>.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the WWL.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605662788519.jpeg" alt="From left Nancy Jeter, Wonder Women League co-chairwoman, and members Mary Karst and Terri Braun pack self-soothing boxes for children Tuesday at the Hadley Center." />
 <figcaption>From left Nancy Jeter, Wonder Women League co-chairwoman, and members Mary Karst and Terri Braun pack self-soothing boxes for children Tuesday at the Hadley Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Wonder Women League is trying to help children suffering from anxiety with its latest project — self-soothing boxes.Lori Hertel, therapist at Serenity Psychological Services, said she has seen a trend upward in anxiety among children even before the pandemic.Strife within families including financial strain, divorce, fighting and even violence, can all be contributing factor, Hertel, who is a WWL member, said.The pandemic has worsened the problems.A self-soothing box contains different items that engage all the senses and grounds the user so they can effectively manage anxiety.WWL volunteers met on Tuesday to pack the boxes, which contain scented silly putty, bubbles, stress ball, fidget spinner, mini puzzle cube, small hand lotion, pinwheel, Play-Doh, chewing gum, suckers, peppermints, bubble wrap, journal and colored pencils.The boxes will also include inserts about stress and useful websites to visit and other information about mental health.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605663299760.jpeg" alt="Some of the contents of the self-soothing boxes included Play-Doh, stress balls, puzzle games and chewing gum." />
 <figcaption>Some of the contents of the self-soothing boxes included Play-Doh, stress balls, puzzle games and chewing gum.</figcaption>
 </figure>The items help connect anxiety sufferers with their senses — sight, sound, taste, touch, and hearing, which can help reduce stress."If they are angry or mad, they use their five senses, and it can help them in whatever situation they are at whether it is school or at home. It is based on the five senses because that is something we always have with us," Terri Braun, recovery worker at High Plains Mental Health, said.&nbsp;Items in the box are meant to be used as tools to distract the child from worrisome thoughts or feelings.&nbsp;Items such as the bubbles and the pinwheel help promote deep breathing.Braun said even using the journal and pencils included in the box to draw circles can help children relax.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605663435858.jpeg" alt="Wonder Women League volunteers packed almost 100 self-soothing boxes on Tuesday. They will be given to children through three mental health centers in Hays." />
 <figcaption>Wonder Women League volunteers packed almost 100 self-soothing boxes on Tuesday. They will be given to children through three mental health centers in Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Braun said adults could easily put together a similar kit for themselves or their own children, specializing the items to fit their personal needs. Braun an adult or child does not need to be to point of needing professional counseling to benefit from some of the stress reliving techniques the boxes can offer.Both Hertel and Braun said their mental health centers are also seeing more adults suffering from anxiety.A survey by the National Center for Health Statistics showed&nbsp;36 percent of Americans are feeling more anxious about life now compared to eight percent last year."This is a time we all need to take care of ourselves," Braun said. "We are all in this together."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605663832081.jpeg" alt="WWL members pack self-soothing boxes Tuesday at the Hadley Center.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>WWL members pack self-soothing boxes Tuesday at the Hadley Center.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hertel offered several symptoms to watch for that might indicate your child may need to receive professional help for anxiety.This can include isolation, poor performance at school, pulling hair out, hoarding and compulsivity.&nbsp;One-hundred-eight boxes will be split between <a href="http://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health</a>, <a href="https://www.turningpointpcs.net/">Turning Point Mental Health Clinic</a> and <a href="https://www.serenitypsc.com/">Serenity Psychological Services</a>."I think it is a really tremendous thing they are doing," Hertel said. "We welcome them in our agency very much."The WWL also recently made a $1,000 donation to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f45176a-34e8-4aa4-a6a4-55cd51140e84">ARC Park</a> project. The group also supported the recent RealityU Project, which helps high school students learn to make wise financial decisions.&nbsp;WWL also will be sending Thanksgiving baskets to the residents of long-term care homes in the community. Staff at these facilities will also receive "thank you" baskets form the league.WWL continuing projects include <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/02/27/matthews-gift-offers-necessities-to-families-during-medical-emergencies/">Matthew's Gift</a>, which is project that gives care packages to people who have loved ones who are transferred out of HaysMed for critical care, and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3bfc530b-e655-426c-8149-72828ad5f50c">Project Suitcase</a>, which gives bags with pajamas, small toys and hygiene items to children who are being placed in foster care.The Wonder Women League is a branch of United Way of Ellis County and is comprised of women donating to the WWL above and beyond their annual United Way contribution. WWL donations are used for the health and betterment of children, family, community and neighborhood. For more information on the league or to join, <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/wonder-women-league">click here</a>.Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the WWL.

Wonder Women League donates self-soothing boxes to help kids with anxiety

The Hays Toy Show will be accepting new toys for the Teaming up for Tots program at its event this weekend at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.

The show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The event will also be donating $1 from each admission to the program.

Admission is $3. Children 10 years old and younger will be admitted free.

All funds and toys donated will stay in Ellis County to be given to needy children at Christmas.

The event will feature new and vintage toys. The show has about 25 vendors registered.

Some of the items you will likely find include Hot Wheels, cast iron, farm toys, sports cards, model kits, trains, dolls, NASCAR, action figures, tin toys, Star Wars and Star Trek collectibles, and slot cars.

The event is usually conducted in the spring, but it was delayed because of COVID. Show goers are encourages to wear masks and hand sanitizing stations will be available.&nbsp;

You can learn more by following the show's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hays-Toy-Show-1581252062120156">Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605563598103.png" alt="Hays Toy Show" />
 <figcaption>Hays Toy Show</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Toy Show will be accepting new toys for the Teaming up for Tots program at its event this weekend at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.The show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.The event will also be donating $1 from each admission to the program.Admission is $3. Children 10 years old and younger will be admitted free.All funds and toys donated will stay in Ellis County to be given to needy children at Christmas.The event will feature new and vintage toys. The show has about 25 vendors registered.Some of the items you will likely find include Hot Wheels, cast iron, farm toys, sports cards, model kits, trains, dolls, NASCAR, action figures, tin toys, Star Wars and Star Trek collectibles, and slot cars.The event is usually conducted in the spring, but it was delayed because of COVID. Show goers are encourages to wear masks and hand sanitizing stations will be available.&nbsp;You can learn more by following the show's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hays-Toy-Show-1581252062120156">Facebook page</a>.

Hays Toy Show sponsors toy drive, fundraising effort

BELOIT — Waconda USD 272 was awarded a state SPARK grant with which they purchased 35 touchless faucets for both Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City and Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in Downs.

Administration ordered the faucets in June although they did not arrive until October. To fulfill the requirements of the grant, the faucets were to be installed by the end of 2020. 

Pressed for time and resources, Jesse Janssen, Waconda superintendent, reached out to Shannon Duskie, student activities coordinator on the NCK Technical College Beloit campus. 

“I had just recently started with NCK Tech and saw a great learning and civic leadership opportunity for our PHAC students,” Duskie said.

The Beloit Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Program students first installed the faucets in Cawker City and then in Downs.

Robert Chitty, PHAC instructor, said “This project helped the students better understand what tools to use and how to use them properly. I split them into five groups of two and showed them what to expect with the first sink, as a demonstration. 

"Most of the [existing] fixtures are old, providing them experience with the many things that can go wrong while getting the old out and the new in. I think about every sink and faucet posed a different problem to overcome. The students are ready to see what other challenges they can experience and overcome as we finish.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605549229344.jpeg" alt="NCKTech Beloit PHAC students install touchless faucets." />
 <figcaption>NCKTech Beloit PHAC students install touchless faucets.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605549314508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechBELOIT — Waconda USD 272 was awarded a state SPARK grant with which they purchased 35 touchless faucets for both Lakeside Elementary School in Cawker City and Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in Downs.Administration ordered the faucets in June although they did not arrive until October. To fulfill the requirements of the grant, the faucets were to be installed by the end of 2020. Pressed for time and resources, Jesse Janssen, Waconda superintendent, reached out to Shannon Duskie, student activities coordinator on the NCK Technical College Beloit campus. “I had just recently started with NCK Tech and saw a great learning and civic leadership opportunity for our PHAC students,” Duskie said.The Beloit Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Program students first installed the faucets in Cawker City and then in Downs.Robert Chitty, PHAC instructor, said “This project helped the students better understand what tools to use and how to use them properly. I split them into five groups of two and showed them what to expect with the first sink, as a demonstration. "Most of the [existing] fixtures are old, providing them experience with the many things that can go wrong while getting the old out and the new in. I think about every sink and faucet posed a different problem to overcome. The students are ready to see what other challenges they can experience and overcome as we finish.”

NCK Tech students lend a hand to help area schools

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

Harvest is winding down or already completed. Cattle are turned out on winter pasture. And I’m sure some have already selected their turkey for Thanksgiving. Yes, the end of 2020 is approaching fast — thankfully, mercifully.

Like the previous 101 years, this one won’t end without Kansas Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. Normally we’d gather hundreds of members in person to celebrate another harvest, recognize agricultural leaders and conduct the business of this great organization.

We’ll still do all that good stuff at our 102nd annual meeting Dec. 3-4, with the slight change of beaming the workshops, speakers, panel discussions, general sessions and more to your living room, tractor cab or barn.

The virtual sessions on Thursday and Friday will allow all Farm Bureau members in Kansas to participate for free, including Vance Crowe’s keynote address to lead off the meeting Thursday morning. Members can view the annual meeting agenda and register at www.kfb.org/annualmeeting. 

Other highlights include an appearance from U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, an update from Andrew Walmsley on American Farm Bureau Activities in Washington, D.C. and a townhall with our newly elected federal officials.

Additionally, there’s time set aside for networking, chatting about sessions and providing feedback. It’s similar to what would happen in the hallways and around meals at a regular convention.

I won’t try to sell you on the notion technology will fully replicate the KFB annual meeting experience because it can’t. However, like so many other things this year, it’s the safest way for members and staff to mark the trials and tribulations of 2020 and honor the achievements of agriculture and its practitioners.

Believe me, I know social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding public spaces have become tiresome chores. But we’re getting closer to the end of this malignancy. Just last week promising news of a vaccine was announced. Others are in the works as well. With the aid of science, hopefully this will be the first and last annual meeting held over computer screens.

The fact is right now, there’s no good way to bring hundreds of people together from every corner of the state and have them gather together for an extended amount of time. Significant modifications have been made to allow delegates to conduct KFB business when they gather on Saturday.

Voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2021, elect the KFB president and board members from even-numbered Farm Bureau districts. Delegates will attend in-person at one of the 10 hubs corresponding to their district. Attendance on Saturday is limited to KFB staff and voting delegates. These will be small groups with masks and plenty of space to spread out.

The logistics behind this year’s annual meeting are mind boggling, and I’ve been impressed with how many solutions, as imperfect as they may be, are available to help connect everyone at a distance. The show will go on with or without you, but I strongly urge you to take a look at the agenda, register and make plans to join us. There’s so much to see, learn and do, I know you’ll find something to grab your attention. I hope to see you there. And, of course, as with every other virtual event this year, pants are optional.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauHarvest is winding down or already completed. Cattle are turned out on winter pasture. And I’m sure some have already selected their turkey for Thanksgiving. Yes, the end of 2020 is approaching fast — thankfully, mercifully.Like the previous 101 years, this one won’t end without Kansas Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. Normally we’d gather hundreds of members in person to celebrate another harvest, recognize agricultural leaders and conduct the business of this great organization.We’ll still do all that good stuff at our 102nd annual meeting Dec. 3-4, with the slight change of beaming the workshops, speakers, panel discussions, general sessions and more to your living room, tractor cab or barn.The virtual sessions on Thursday and Friday will allow all Farm Bureau members in Kansas to participate for free, including Vance Crowe’s keynote address to lead off the meeting Thursday morning. Members can view the annual meeting agenda and register at www.kfb.org/annualmeeting. Other highlights include an appearance from U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, an update from Andrew Walmsley on American Farm Bureau Activities in Washington, D.C. and a townhall with our newly elected federal officials.Additionally, there’s time set aside for networking, chatting about sessions and providing feedback. It’s similar to what would happen in the hallways and around meals at a regular convention.I won’t try to sell you on the notion technology will fully replicate the KFB annual meeting experience because it can’t. However, like so many other things this year, it’s the safest way for members and staff to mark the trials and tribulations of 2020 and honor the achievements of agriculture and its practitioners.Believe me, I know social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding public spaces have become tiresome chores. But we’re getting closer to the end of this malignancy. Just last week promising news of a vaccine was announced. Others are in the works as well. With the aid of science, hopefully this will be the first and last annual meeting held over computer screens.The fact is right now, there’s no good way to bring hundreds of people together from every corner of the state and have them gather together for an extended amount of time. Significant modifications have been made to allow delegates to conduct KFB business when they gather on Saturday.Voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2021, elect the KFB president and board members from even-numbered Farm Bureau districts. Delegates will attend in-person at one of the 10 hubs corresponding to their district. Attendance on Saturday is limited to KFB staff and voting delegates. These will be small groups with masks and plenty of space to spread out.The logistics behind this year’s annual meeting are mind boggling, and I’ve been impressed with how many solutions, as imperfect as they may be, are available to help connect everyone at a distance. The show will go on with or without you, but I strongly urge you to take a look at the agenda, register and make plans to join us. There’s so much to see, learn and do, I know you’ll find something to grab your attention. I hope to see you there. And, of course, as with every other virtual event this year, pants are optional."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: The show goes on

Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.&nbsp;

When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.

A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. 

When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. I wondered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!

The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends…. once I got a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. 

I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. 

Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to loosing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Ages ago when I wore a much younger man's clothes, I heated my home with wood. Cutting firewood is hard on the back but was always enjoyable to me, and I’ve had some interesting experiences whilst collecting my winter’s fuel, to include smashing the windshield out of my dad’s pickup with an errantly tossed chunk of hard hedge wood.&nbsp;When I was still in my late twenties, my dad and I got permission to cut dead trees from a patch of Ohio woods that sat well off the road at the end of a long, hilly, winding tractor path. We spent a day cutting and dragging several trees into the alfalfa field that bordered the woods. The following Saturday we again wound our way up the rutted tractor path, looking forward to a rewarding day of simply cutting-up and hauling the now easily-accessible wood. All that greeted us as we entered the field were dozens of neat little rows of sawdust, the only evidence left after someone had cut up and made-off with all our firewood.A few years later, I found a good-sized uprooted tree in the small woodlot I owned. The hole left in the ground beneath the roots was the size of a Volkswagen and three feet deep. With the tree already flat on the ground, I cut all the limbs and dragged them out of my way, then with the main trunk ready to chunk-up, I started cutting at the upper end and worked my way toward the giant root ball. I hadn’t made it very far when something happened to the saw, requiring a tool that was still at the house. I started to set the saw in the crater beneath the roots, but for some reason changed my mind and placed it on the ground a few feet away. When I returned with the tool, I thought I had stepped through a worm-hole into another dimension or something, cause the downed-tree and the saw were both gone. I wondered around in circles and finally stumbled onto the saw on the ground, but where was the uprooted tree? It took me awhile to realize that removing all the limbs and cutting off the upper part of the tree had allowed the weight of the root ball to stand the remaining trunk of the tree back upright into the crater. Good thing I decided against putting my saw there; even better that I hadn’t sat down in there for a nap!The granddaddy of all firewood mishaps took place on a dreary fall Saturday while cutting down a huge dead wild cherry tree that stood just across the driveway from our house. My firewood cutting skills were the stuff of legends…. once I got a tree on the ground, but putting it there without catastrophe often eluded me. I clambered as high into the behemoth as I could get and encircled the trunk with a log chain, then attached an old hay rope salvaged from the barn and ran it yards out into the open field where dad sat waiting on the trusty Farmall H. Cutting was a slow process with a chainsaw barely half the length of the tree’s diameter, but a notch was soon cut toward the open field. As I cut on the other side, I motioned for dad to put tension on the rope and chain. The tree began to list slightly, so I cut a bit further then stepped back to watch our prize topple into the open field. However, the sound of cracking wood was drowned out by the sound of snapping rope fibers as the old hay rope gave up the ghost. Half a year’s firewood teetered and wobbled for a few seconds before crashing the opposite direction across the drive and onto the power lines, putting the whole neighborhood out of power, during an Ohio State football game no less, which was akin to loosing power at the nursing home during Wheel of Fortune. The neighbor’s anger was matched only by the power company guys who had to come out on a Saturday. It seems our firewood heated the entire neighborhood that day…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Firewood follies

Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays City Commission meetings and work sessions will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. 

Meetings and work sessions will be broadcast live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;and scrolling down to the “City News” section.

Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>.

"We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we appreciate the public’s cooperation while we continue to implement measures to protect the health of the community," the city said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/abd8e222-e25c-4a71-8518-df0419b43c8f">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the recent increase in COVID cases, Hays City Commission meetings and work sessions will be open through remote access while physical access will be curtailed. This will be in effect until further notice. Meetings and work sessions will be broadcast live via Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel, on Nex-Tech cable channel 103, and on Eagle cable channel 14 or 614. Nex-Tech’s YouTube channel can be accessed by going to the homepage of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;and scrolling down to the “City News” section. Public comment for non-agenda items will be accepted in writing and can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:publiccomment@haysusa.com">publiccomment@haysusa.com</a>. "We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, but we appreciate the public’s cooperation while we continue to implement measures to protect the health of the community," the city said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/abd8e222-e25c-4a71-8518-df0419b43c8f">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices</a>

Hays commission meetings go remote until further notice

<div><iframe title="Ellis County commission receives resignation of county administrator" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/t3nxu-f29008?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis Co. Commission receives administrator's resignation

Effective Thursday and until further notice, City of Hays buildings will be closed to the public, the city announced in a news release Tuesday. 

All city departments will be closed except for the Hays Regional Airport, which will remain open to accommodate commercial air service and general aviation, and Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, which will remain open for play with limited clubhouse access. 

"Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, this action is being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and our employees. The City of Hays will continue to provide services to the community, and there will be no interruption to essential services," the city said in a news release.

Customers and the public will need to use the city’s online resources at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff. Staff in each department will also be available by phone.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73601be1-ad52-4725-9aaf-d336423c3f1e">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays City Commission meetings go remote until further notice</a>

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jg3VbmDXUSA"></iframe>
 <figcaption>(Video by Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Effective Thursday and until further notice, City of Hays buildings will be closed to the public, the city announced in a news release Tuesday. All city departments will be closed except for the Hays Regional Airport, which will remain open to accommodate commercial air service and general aviation, and Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, which will remain open for play with limited clubhouse access. "Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, this action is being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the public and our employees. The City of Hays will continue to provide services to the community, and there will be no interruption to essential services," the city said in a news release.Customers and the public will need to use the city’s online resources at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/">www.haysusa.com</a>&nbsp;to make utility payments, apply for permits and communicate with city staff. Staff in each department will also be available by phone.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/73601be1-ad52-4725-9aaf-d336423c3f1e">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays City Commission meetings go remote until further notice</a>

🎥 COVID spike leads to closure of Hays city offices

Effective Wednesday, High Plains Mental Health Center will transition most service delivery to a convenient telehealth model that allows most clients to receive care from the comfort and safety of their homes. 

The 20 northwest Kansas counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center have seen an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health of our clients, communities and staff. 


When possible, clients will receive therapy and medication services virtually via telephone or Zoom videoconferencing. We understand that, in some cases, in-person care is needed and our staff will make those arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Certain medication services will continue to be provided in-person at our Hays Main office, and services will continue at Schwaller Crisis Center and Westside Alternative School in Hays. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline will always be available at 1-800-432-0333 and emergency screenings will continue in our communities as usual. When possible, staff will be working remotely from home but will remain dedicated to our high standards of professional and compassionate care. 


In recent weeks, High Plains has unfortunately seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and additional quarantines due to potential exposure. Additionally, in some northwest Kansas counties, contact tracing responsibilities have been shifted to the state government due to overwhelmed county health departments. That sometimes creates lengthy wait times for contacts to be notified, making it difficult to take appropriate safety precautions to protect our clients and staff from potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. We also understand acute care hospitals in the region are experiencing capacity issues, adding to our level of concern for northwest Kansas. 


At this time, we do not know how long these changes will continue, but it is likely telehealth will be our primary service delivery platform until at least early next year. Staff will continue to work in cooperation with our county health departments and local medical officials, and will closely monitor COVID-19 positivity rates and trends across northwest Kansas. We will resume regular services as soon as we feel it is reasonably safe to do so. Clients are encouraged to contact us at (785) 628-2871 if they have questions or concerns. 


Patients and communities should rely on the excellent telehealth service delivery system we have developed to meet all needs. We plan to provide the same level of service through intensive work by our staff and we will seek feedback from clients for each service provided to ensure their needs are met. In summary, we need to protect our staff so they can remain healthy and continue to provide important mental health services to our clients and communities during this unprecedented local crisis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work together to keep our communities safe. As always, we will be “Here for You.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578344475899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>High Plains Mental Health CenterEffective Wednesday, High Plains Mental Health Center will transition most service delivery to a convenient telehealth model that allows most clients to receive care from the comfort and safety of their homes. The 20 northwest Kansas counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center have seen an unprecedented surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health of our clients, communities and staff. 
When possible, clients will receive therapy and medication services virtually via telephone or Zoom videoconferencing. We understand that, in some cases, in-person care is needed and our staff will make those arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Certain medication services will continue to be provided in-person at our Hays Main office, and services will continue at Schwaller Crisis Center and Westside Alternative School in Hays. Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline will always be available at 1-800-432-0333 and emergency screenings will continue in our communities as usual. When possible, staff will be working remotely from home but will remain dedicated to our high standards of professional and compassionate care. 
In recent weeks, High Plains has unfortunately seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and additional quarantines due to potential exposure. Additionally, in some northwest Kansas counties, contact tracing responsibilities have been shifted to the state government due to overwhelmed county health departments. That sometimes creates lengthy wait times for contacts to be notified, making it difficult to take appropriate safety precautions to protect our clients and staff from potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. We also understand acute care hospitals in the region are experiencing capacity issues, adding to our level of concern for northwest Kansas. 
At this time, we do not know how long these changes will continue, but it is likely telehealth will be our primary service delivery platform until at least early next year. Staff will continue to work in cooperation with our county health departments and local medical officials, and will closely monitor COVID-19 positivity rates and trends across northwest Kansas. We will resume regular services as soon as we feel it is reasonably safe to do so. Clients are encouraged to contact us at (785) 628-2871 if they have questions or concerns. 
Patients and communities should rely on the excellent telehealth service delivery system we have developed to meet all needs. We plan to provide the same level of service through intensive work by our staff and we will seek feedback from clients for each service provided to ensure their needs are met. In summary, we need to protect our staff so they can remain healthy and continue to provide important mental health services to our clients and communities during this unprecedented local crisis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work together to keep our communities safe. As always, we will be “Here for You.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

High Plains Mental health moves to telehealth in light of COVID

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

This is the third consecutive year the city of Hays has hired professional rehabilitation of manholes and the first year the manholes are all located in fields.

The 2020 plan includes 46 manholes generally located east of the Public Works facility (located at 1002 Vine),&nbsp;W. 27th Street near Highway 183 Bypass and the waterway draw near 19th and Harvest in east Hays.

"These manholes are on larger [sewage] collection lines, about 20 feet deep," explained Jeff Crispin, Water Resources director.&nbsp; "The average manhole in town is about 10 feet deep."

"The city does not have the equipment to fix deep failures," he said. "We have to hire a contactor, so it's important to keep everything maintained really well."

The low bid was submitted by Mayer Specialty Services of Wichita. City commissioners awarded the bid in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Mayer Specialty Services also completed the 2019 project in Hays.

The sewer system will remain in service during the rehabilitation work.

There are about 2,400 manholes in Hays. The city plans to rehab about 50 manholes every year in a 50-year schedule.

This project includes the lining of manholes with a
cement-based mix with alkaline-resistant fiberglass reinforcement called MS-2A
or a polyurethane product used in higher corrosion environments. The decision
on which materials to be used is made at the time the work is to be completed by
performing a visual inspection as well as testing pH levels in the manhole.

"I would rather be on a maintenance schedule every year, rather than have to go in and replace manholes because of failure," Crispin said.

"When we started this three years ago, we wanted to make sure we were hitting the worst-case manholes."&nbsp;

The cost of&nbsp;rehabilitation for each manhole is typically between $1,500 and $3,000, according to Crispin.&nbsp;Full manhole replacement is much more costly at&nbsp;around $15,000, with a potential to be much higher depending on depth.

Other action at the Nov. 12 city commission meeting included an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide city employees in 2021 with a triple-option partially self-funded health insurance plan with the city, not to exceed $1.99 million. It will be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.

The plan options decided on by the Employee Wage and Benefit Committee lowered the renewal rate increase from 10% to 7.75%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605567247103.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThis is the third consecutive year the city of Hays has hired professional rehabilitation of manholes and the first year the manholes are all located in fields.The 2020 plan includes 46 manholes generally located east of the Public Works facility (located at 1002 Vine),&nbsp;W. 27th Street near Highway 183 Bypass and the waterway draw near 19th and Harvest in east Hays."These manholes are on larger [sewage] collection lines, about 20 feet deep," explained Jeff Crispin, Water Resources director.&nbsp; "The average manhole in town is about 10 feet deep."Some of the manholes are under soil. "The city does not have the equipment to fix deep failures," he said. "We have to hire a contactor, so it's important to keep everything maintained really well."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7tVl7zM6_ak"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The low bid was submitted by Mayer Specialty Services of Wichita. City commissioners awarded the bid in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Mayer Specialty Services also completed the 2019 project in Hays.The sewer system will remain in service during the rehabilitation work.There are about 2,400 manholes in Hays. The city plans to rehab about 50 manholes every year in a 50-year schedule.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605572050517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This project includes the lining of manholes with a
cement-based mix with alkaline-resistant fiberglass reinforcement called MS-2A
or a polyurethane product used in higher corrosion environments. The decision
on which materials to be used is made at the time the work is to be completed by
performing a visual inspection as well as testing pH levels in the manhole."I would rather be on a maintenance schedule every year, rather than have to go in and replace manholes because of failure," Crispin said. "When we started this three years ago, we wanted to make sure we were hitting the worst-case manholes."&nbsp;The cost of&nbsp;rehabilitation for each manhole is typically between $1,500 and $3,000, according to Crispin.&nbsp;Full manhole replacement is much more costly at&nbsp;around $15,000, with a potential to be much higher depending on depth.Other action at the Nov. 12 city commission meeting included an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide city employees in 2021 with a triple-option partially self-funded health insurance plan with the city, not to exceed $1.99 million. It will be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.The plan options decided on by the Employee Wage and Benefit Committee lowered the renewal rate increase from 10% to 7.75%.

🎥 City 2020 manhole rehabilitation project approved; 3rd year of 50-year plan

TOPEKA - Recently, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) was awarded $100,000 from Playa Lakes Joint Venture’s (PLJV) ConocoPhillips Capacity Grant program to support the launch of a four-year project in western Kansas to educate ranchers on conservation easements. RTK was recently the recipient of two additional grants to make the project possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605626577697.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RTKTOPEKA - Recently, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) was awarded $100,000 from Playa Lakes Joint Venture’s (PLJV) ConocoPhillips Capacity Grant program to support the launch of a four-year project in western Kansas to educate ranchers on conservation easements. RTK was recently the recipient of two additional grants to make the project possible.RTK also received a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by the Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements (CCGA) program.Ducks Unlimited (DU) played a valuable role to help earmark NAWCA funds to secure at least one conservation easement with RTK in western Kansas as part of the PLJV conservation initiative.“We look forward to our partnership with RTK on this project. Ducks Unlimited will help facilitate funding, outreach and connect with private landowners,” said Matt Hough, DU Manager of Conservation Programs in Kansas.Partners for the Kansas Prairie Wetlands NAWCA grant proposal are not only organizations dedicated to conserving and protecting wildlife and water, but many are city and county entities or corporations who are concerned about Kansas and their community.Hough said, “Within the partnership of these great organizations, we can assist in restoration, habitat improvements and payment for the easement through NAWCA.”The next grant RTK received, thanks to the progressive approach of NRCS through the CCGA program, allows NRCS to leverage funding with private partner resources increasing the overall success in achieving mutual goals of protecting and conserving agricultural lands.“NRCS is excited to partner with RTK to spread the word on potential benefits which conservation easements can provide to producers, rural communities, and the land through the CCGA program,” said Karen Woodrich, state conservationist.Landowners in western Kansas will now have the option to enhance, increase and protect grassland habitat through this project with conservation easements. RTK’s role will be to build new relationships with ranchers to initiate dialogue between landowners and conservation partners.Woodrich said, “Through this agreement, NRCS will be working with four non-federal partners, led by RTK, to provide outreach about the opportunities available to producers to protect and ensure their lands are healthy and productive for future generations.”This project will grow long-term project capacity and will help transition RTK from a regional to a statewide land trust. This work will take RTK to the next level of conservation and expand the footprint of conservation easements.RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.