During this unprecedented year, it is only natural that we should face an unprecedented election.

It is the first in most of
 our lifetimes to occur during a pandemic, and one in which an 
unprecedented number of Kansas and nationwide voters will cast mail-in 
ballots. While we are accustomed to watching the results roll in on 
election night, this time, it may take days — possibly even weeks — to 
determine a winner.

We all should be OK with that. Accessibility and accuracy are far more important during a close election than immediate results.

As of Monday, the Kansas 
Secretary of State had mailed 508,187 advance ballots. That’s more than 
two and a half times the number of mail-in ballots sent to voters in 
2016, a positive response by responsible county election officials in 
the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Secretary of State’s 
office predicted 70% of the state’s 1.9 million eligible voters will 
cast ballots in Tuesday’s general election.

Even before the pandemic, 
voting by mail was becoming more common nationwide, but it is more 
popular than ever this year because it provides a safe, secure and 
convenient way to cast a ballot.

When the pandemic started,
 34 states including Kansas had laws permitting all eligible voters to 
cast their ballots by mail in November — leaving 16 that did not. The 
ACLU<a href="https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/let-people-vote-our-fight-for-your-right-to-vote-during-2020/"> sued</a>
 and helped ensure that five of these 16 states — Missouri, Alabama, 
Connecticut, Kentucky and South Carolina — expanded vote-by-mail 
eligibility to all voters for the general election.

It is a good thing that vote by mail has become more accessible — all eligible
 voters should have this option, pandemic or not. Still, more mail-in 
ballots means more time spent counting, because these ballots take 
longer to process. While Kansas is again leading on this issue, being 
one of 17 states that permits pre-Election Day processing of mail-in 
ballots, other states do not begin this process until the polls close on
 Election Day. This means we may not have a winner on election night. 
Again, this is not a bad thing. A lag in results is an indication the 
process is working as intended. Every vote must count.

That does not mean media 
pundits or even the candidates themselves will not preemptively declare 
victory. But just because someone says they are the winner doesn’t make 
it true. Any results reported on election night will be based 
disproportionately on votes cast in person, as mail-in votes continue to
 be counted. And there’s a distinct partisan divide based on voting 
method: A <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/09/08/americans-expectations-about-voting-in-2020-presidential-election-are-colored-by-partisan-differences/">Pew Research survey</a>
 found that 17% of Trump supporters prefer to vote by mail compared to 
58% of Biden supporters. Results based on in-person votes will 
inevitably skew along partisan lines. One candidate could easily win the
 majority of in-person votes, but could ultimately lose once all mail-in
 ballots are counted. And remember: Voters, not candidates or pundits, 
decide the winner.

Announcing a winner too soon is not just likely to be inaccurate, it is potentially dangerous.

Conflicting election 
result reports could undermine election integrity and chip away at voter
 trust. We must temper our expectations and prepare for many days, 
possibly even weeks, before a winner is announced. While it is not 
typically reflected in the nonstop metabolism of our news cycle, 
patience is a democratic virtue.

It takes more time to 
process mail-in ballots, for mundane reasons such as taking the ballots 
out of envelopes, and to apply security protocols to verify each mail-in
 ballot, just as ballots cast in person are also subject to 
verification. Ensuring security and accuracy means more time.

We may also see delays at 
the polls, which will have their own pandemic-related adjustments to 
keep voters and poll workers safe. These safety measures should be 
commended and supported. Despite those 500,000-plus mail-in ballots 
already sent out and more than 318,000 votes already cast in person in 
Kansas, we also are expecting high turnout numbers in Kansas and across 
the nation. This is a good thing: Our democracy is strongest when all 
voices are heard. But taking necessary safety precautions and counting 
every vote may mean delays in official results.

While some delays are 
inevitable, there are ways we can help the process run more smoothly. 
All voters, whether voting in person or by mail, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/01/election-day-game-plan-paramount-for-kansas-voters-amid-pandemic-record-turnout/">should have a voting plan</a>.
 We can mentally prepare ourselves for a long wait in declaring the 
winner so we know to dismiss any premature claims of victory. It is 
important to remember that we, the people of Kansas, have the power, and
 the more of us who vote, the more sound our democratic process.

The goal of any democratic
 election is to represent the will of the people, and to achieve that 
goal, we must count every single vote. Every Kansas voter’s voice 
deserves to be heard. We should prepare for an extended election process
 to make sure that happens.

Nadine Johnson is the executive director of the ACLU of Kansas. Prior to joining the ACLU in June 2019, Nadine worked at Google in Los Angeles, where she handled strategic operations and community engagement.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/02/kansans-should-prepare-for-an-extended-election-process-to-make-sure-every-vote-counts/">Republished courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604354443262.png" alt="While we are accustomed to watching the results roll in on election night, this time, it may take days — possibly even weeks — to determine a winner. We all should be OK with that, writes Nadine Johnson of the ACLU of Kansas. (File photo by Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>While we are accustomed to watching the results roll in on election night, this time, it may take days — possibly even weeks — to determine a winner. We all should be OK with that, writes Nadine Johnson of the ACLU of Kansas. (File photo by Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NADINE JOHNSON ACLU KansasDuring this unprecedented year, it is only natural that we should face an unprecedented election.It is the first in most of
 our lifetimes to occur during a pandemic, and one in which an 
unprecedented number of Kansas and nationwide voters will cast mail-in 
ballots. While we are accustomed to watching the results roll in on 
election night, this time, it may take days — possibly even weeks — to 
determine a winner.We all should be OK with that. Accessibility and accuracy are far more important during a close election than immediate results.As of Monday, the Kansas 
Secretary of State had mailed 508,187 advance ballots. That’s more than 
two and a half times the number of mail-in ballots sent to voters in 
2016, a positive response by responsible county election officials in 
the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Secretary of State’s 
office predicted 70% of the state’s 1.9 million eligible voters will 
cast ballots in Tuesday’s general election.Even before the pandemic, 
voting by mail was becoming more common nationwide, but it is more 
popular than ever this year because it provides a safe, secure and 
convenient way to cast a ballot.When the pandemic started,
 34 states including Kansas had laws permitting all eligible voters to 
cast their ballots by mail in November — leaving 16 that did not. The 
ACLU<a href="https://www.aclu.org/news/voting-rights/let-people-vote-our-fight-for-your-right-to-vote-during-2020/"> sued</a>
 and helped ensure that five of these 16 states — Missouri, Alabama, 
Connecticut, Kentucky and South Carolina — expanded vote-by-mail 
eligibility to all voters for the general election.It is a good thing that vote by mail has become more accessible — all eligible
 voters should have this option, pandemic or not. Still, more mail-in 
ballots means more time spent counting, because these ballots take 
longer to process. While Kansas is again leading on this issue, being 
one of 17 states that permits pre-Election Day processing of mail-in 
ballots, other states do not begin this process until the polls close on
 Election Day. This means we may not have a winner on election night. 
Again, this is not a bad thing. A lag in results is an indication the 
process is working as intended. Every vote must count.That does not mean media 
pundits or even the candidates themselves will not preemptively declare 
victory. But just because someone says they are the winner doesn’t make 
it true. Any results reported on election night will be based 
disproportionately on votes cast in person, as mail-in votes continue to
 be counted. And there’s a distinct partisan divide based on voting 
method: A <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/09/08/americans-expectations-about-voting-in-2020-presidential-election-are-colored-by-partisan-differences/">Pew Research survey</a>
 found that 17% of Trump supporters prefer to vote by mail compared to 
58% of Biden supporters. Results based on in-person votes will 
inevitably skew along partisan lines. One candidate could easily win the
 majority of in-person votes, but could ultimately lose once all mail-in
 ballots are counted. And remember: Voters, not candidates or pundits, 
decide the winner.Announcing a winner too soon is not just likely to be inaccurate, it is potentially dangerous.Conflicting election 
result reports could undermine election integrity and chip away at voter
 trust. We must temper our expectations and prepare for many days, 
possibly even weeks, before a winner is announced. While it is not 
typically reflected in the nonstop metabolism of our news cycle, 
patience is a democratic virtue.It takes more time to 
process mail-in ballots, for mundane reasons such as taking the ballots 
out of envelopes, and to apply security protocols to verify each mail-in
 ballot, just as ballots cast in person are also subject to 
verification. Ensuring security and accuracy means more time.We may also see delays at 
the polls, which will have their own pandemic-related adjustments to 
keep voters and poll workers safe. These safety measures should be 
commended and supported. Despite those 500,000-plus mail-in ballots 
already sent out and more than 318,000 votes already cast in person in 
Kansas, we also are expecting high turnout numbers in Kansas and across 
the nation. This is a good thing: Our democracy is strongest when all 
voices are heard. But taking necessary safety precautions and counting 
every vote may mean delays in official results.While some delays are 
inevitable, there are ways we can help the process run more smoothly. 
All voters, whether voting in person or by mail, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/01/election-day-game-plan-paramount-for-kansas-voters-amid-pandemic-record-turnout/">should have a voting plan</a>.
 We can mentally prepare ourselves for a long wait in declaring the 
winner so we know to dismiss any premature claims of victory. It is 
important to remember that we, the people of Kansas, have the power, and
 the more of us who vote, the more sound our democratic process.The goal of any democratic
 election is to represent the will of the people, and to achieve that 
goal, we must count every single vote. Every Kansas voter’s voice 
deserves to be heard. We should prepare for an extended election process
 to make sure that happens.Nadine Johnson is the executive director of the ACLU of Kansas. Prior to joining the ACLU in June 2019, Nadine worked at Google in Los Angeles, where she handled strategic operations and community engagement.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/02/kansans-should-prepare-for-an-extended-election-process-to-make-sure-every-vote-counts/">Republished courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

OPINION: Kansans should prepare for an extended election process

For those with mobility issues, finding the equipment to move
freely can be a difficult — and expensive — proposition.

Recognizing that need, Wichita-based CPRF operates mobile
wheelchair clinics in western Kansas, providing a myriad of services that help individuals
with mobility systems.

“When you think about it, just getting anywhere, going
anywhere, everything takes so much more preparation and those of us that don’t deal
with disabilities, we don’t really think about it,” said Jennifer Knight, CPRF vice
president of development. “We take it for granted.”

Since 1972, CPRF has worked to assist those that need local
repair of wheelchairs and other mobility systems and, through Wheelchair
and Posture Seating Clinics, it is able to help those in need across western
Kansas.

“That’s what we do. We keep these parts, and we refurbish
wheelchairs that need to be modified or fixed in some way,” Knight said.

The chairs are not just standard wheelchairs — they are
specially designed to match the need of the individual and can cost as much as a car.

“Basically, the reason we are in existence is to provide people
with the services, programs and equipment to be as independent as possible,”
Knight said. “People with disabilities, they want independence, just like any
of us do.” 

Those disabilities can come from a host of medical issues,
she said, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis and non-disease
causes as well, such as traumatic head injuries.

Having the local clinics helps clients and caregivers get
access to those services that otherwise might be prohibitively distant.

“Some of them can’t get their kid to get the service, because
they have to be at work or they are going to lose their job,” Knight said. “It’s different because it takes so much longer, there is so much more
that goes into it, and these (appointments) take a long time.”

She said a long road trip in itself can be a challenge, with
special vehicles sometimes needed just to make the trip.

Lorna Ford and her daughter Emma made the trip from Jetmore
to visit the clinic in Hays on Thursday to receive service on Emma’s chair
after a misalignment was causing leg pain.

“We really appreciate the service,” Lorna said.

They are from Jetmore, so making the drive to Wichita for service would take a full day.

“There is nothing out here," Lorna said. “There are no
clinics. There is no wheelchair seating. So when we do the outreach clinics that’s
even nicer so we don’t have to drive three hours one way to Wichita.”

She said without the CPRF they would likely be forced to
drive to Denver, Topeka or Kansas City.

David Kemp, CPRF vice president of technical services runs
the mobile clinics in four locations across western Kansas and worked to make
adjustments to the chair.

During the visit, he did more than just service the chair,
but also worked to secure help on an in-home lift system.

“They do more than wheelchairs,” Lorna said. “I was talking to
him about our lift, so if there are other services that we need, if they can’t
do it, they have got connections – who maybe even have connections – and can
put us in touch with people that can help us out with what we need.”

During this visit, the complexity of the wheelchair became
clear as Emma was experiencing bruising on a leg from an ill-fitting seat.

“It looks pretty simple,” Kemp said, “but it’s not a simple
chair.”

“Her wheelchair is very custom to support her so that she can
use her arms, so that she can set up and do things,” Lorna said.

Other issues such as pressure sores can also arise from a chair
in need of service.

“If her wheelchair doesn’t sit her right, then she doesn’t sit
up straight,” Lorna said. “If her wheelchair doesn’t sit her right, then she
turns her hips and her hips come out of socket, then we have to look at hip
surgery.”

“We want it to be functional,” Kemp said. For Emma, that
means a chair that can move with only one arm and comfortable for extended
seating.

“It’s not like she could set in a (normal) chair or even a
chair with straps,” he said. “Very commonly, people think anybody could sit here
and I’ll put straps on them. That doesn’t work for her.”

Kemp said, as an occupational therapist, he can help design
and recommended mobility systems.

“The best system is the one that is the least restrictive,
but provides what it needs to provide,” he said. 

Even with a warehouse full of spare parts, CPRF requires significant
resources to provide services.

“With the equipment side of it, we are willing to be the
first funds in,” Knight said.

Even with insurance, Kemp said some equipment needed on a
daily basis is sometimes not covered and is prohibitively expensive.

Kemp said their financial services help provided equipment
for children and adults and can alleviate the strain from trying to secure funds
to purchase equipment for those in need.

“It can be a lot of different stuff,” Kemp said. “It can be
lifts for a van, it can be all kinds of different things.”

With such expensive equipment keeping the program running
requires funding from a variety of sources.&nbsp;

And now a recent grant from the Dane
G. Hansen Foundation helped kick off the CPRF’s endowed fund, with a goal of funding mobility equipment.

The $100,000 donation leads off the CPRF Community Mobility
Fund with a goal of raising $725,000, which will help fund
services in Ellis, Russell, Cloud and Saline counties.

The CPRF board of directors have also pledged a 20
percent donation match.

“CPRF is truly blessed to have the generous support of the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation to assist in establishing this endowed fund,” <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d85843e2-9396-433a-9597-0e6816715075">said
Patrick Jonas, CPRF president and CEO in a recent press release.</a> “Those we
serve in northwest and north-central Kansas will undoubtedly benefit from this
initiative, and we hope to soon reach our fundraising goal to allow for the
ongoing support of these vital services for generations to come.”

<a href="http://cprf.org">For more about CPRF or donate, visit
cprf.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604086802206.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFor those with mobility issues, finding the equipment to move
freely can be a difficult — and expensive — proposition.Recognizing that need, Wichita-based CPRF operates mobile
wheelchair clinics in western Kansas, providing a myriad of services that help individuals
with mobility systems.“When you think about it, just getting anywhere, going
anywhere, everything takes so much more preparation and those of us that don’t deal
with disabilities, we don’t really think about it,” said Jennifer Knight, CPRF vice
president of development. “We take it for granted.”Since 1972, CPRF has worked to assist those that need local
repair of wheelchairs and other mobility systems and, through Wheelchair
and Posture Seating Clinics, it is able to help those in need across western
Kansas.“That’s what we do. We keep these parts, and we refurbish
wheelchairs that need to be modified or fixed in some way,” Knight said.The chairs are not just standard wheelchairs — they are
specially designed to match the need of the individual and can cost as much as a car.“Basically, the reason we are in existence is to provide people
with the services, programs and equipment to be as independent as possible,”
Knight said. “People with disabilities, they want independence, just like any
of us do.” Those disabilities can come from a host of medical issues,
she said, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis and non-disease
causes as well, such as traumatic head injuries.“It runs the gambit,” Knight said.Having the local clinics helps clients and caregivers get
access to those services that otherwise might be prohibitively distant.“Some of them can’t get their kid to get the service, because
they have to be at work or they are going to lose their job,” Knight said. “It’s different because it takes so much longer, there is so much more
that goes into it, and these (appointments) take a long time.”She said a long road trip in itself can be a challenge, with
special vehicles sometimes needed just to make the trip.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604086782414.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lorna Ford and her daughter Emma made the trip from Jetmore
to visit the clinic in Hays on Thursday to receive service on Emma’s chair
after a misalignment was causing leg pain.“We really appreciate the service,” Lorna said.They are from Jetmore, so making the drive to Wichita for service would take a full day.“There is nothing out here," Lorna said. “There are no
clinics. There is no wheelchair seating. So when we do the outreach clinics that’s
even nicer so we don’t have to drive three hours one way to Wichita.”She said without the CPRF they would likely be forced to
drive to Denver, Topeka or Kansas City.David Kemp, CPRF vice president of technical services runs
the mobile clinics in four locations across western Kansas and worked to make
adjustments to the chair.During the visit, he did more than just service the chair,
but also worked to secure help on an in-home lift system.“They do more than wheelchairs,” Lorna said. “I was talking to
him about our lift, so if there are other services that we need, if they can’t
do it, they have got connections – who maybe even have connections – and can
put us in touch with people that can help us out with what we need.”During this visit, the complexity of the wheelchair became
clear as Emma was experiencing bruising on a leg from an ill-fitting seat.“It looks pretty simple,” Kemp said, “but it’s not a simple
chair.”“Her wheelchair is very custom to support her so that she can
use her arms, so that she can set up and do things,” Lorna said.Other issues such as pressure sores can also arise from a chair
in need of service.“If her wheelchair doesn’t sit her right, then she doesn’t sit
up straight,” Lorna said. “If her wheelchair doesn’t sit her right, then she
turns her hips and her hips come out of socket, then we have to look at hip
surgery.”“We want it to be functional,” Kemp said. For Emma, that
means a chair that can move with only one arm and comfortable for extended
seating.“It’s not like she could set in a (normal) chair or even a
chair with straps,” he said. “Very commonly, people think anybody could sit here
and I’ll put straps on them. That doesn’t work for her.”Kemp said, as an occupational therapist, he can help design
and recommended mobility systems.“The best system is the one that is the least restrictive,
but provides what it needs to provide,” he said. Even with a warehouse full of spare parts, CPRF requires significant
resources to provide services.“With the equipment side of it, we are willing to be the
first funds in,” Knight said.Even with insurance, Kemp said some equipment needed on a
daily basis is sometimes not covered and is prohibitively expensive.Kemp said their financial services help provided equipment
for children and adults and can alleviate the strain from trying to secure funds
to purchase equipment for those in need.“It can be a lot of different stuff,” Kemp said. “It can be
lifts for a van, it can be all kinds of different things.”With such expensive equipment keeping the program running
requires funding from a variety of sources.&nbsp;And now a recent grant from the Dane
G. Hansen Foundation helped kick off the CPRF’s endowed fund, with a goal of funding mobility equipment.The $100,000 donation leads off the CPRF Community Mobility
Fund with a goal of raising $725,000, which will help fund
services in Ellis, Russell, Cloud and Saline counties.The CPRF board of directors have also pledged a 20
percent donation match.“CPRF is truly blessed to have the generous support of the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation to assist in establishing this endowed fund,” <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d85843e2-9396-433a-9597-0e6816715075">said
Patrick Jonas, CPRF president and CEO in a recent press release.</a> “Those we
serve in northwest and north-central Kansas will undoubtedly benefit from this
initiative, and we hope to soon reach our fundraising goal to allow for the
ongoing support of these vital services for generations to come.”<a href="http://cprf.org">For more about CPRF or donate, visit
cprf.org.</a>

Hays mobile clinic provides mobility services to those in need

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped another half dollar on Friday and to end the month at $26 a barrel. That's four dollars less than a week ago, and twenty dollars less than a year ago. The average price for the month of October was $29.69 a barrel, compared to $29.84 in September and over $47 in October of 2019. Volatility on the futures markets sent prices for West Texas Intermediate crude up and down Monday following a ten-percent weekly drop last week, the biggest since April. Prices on Friday fell to their lowest levels in five months. By midday, Monday the near-month Nymex contract was up 39 cents to $36.18 per barrel. London Brent gained 41 cents at $38.35. U.S. crude production rebounded last week to reach its highest level since the end of July. Weekly production dropped below 10 million barrels two weeks ago, but last week topped 11 million, an increase of more than 1.2 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude-oil inventories increased more than four million barrels last week. Stockpiles are now about nine percent above the five-year seasonal average. The government reports weekly crude imports to the United States were up half a million barrels last week to 5.7 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 13% below the same period last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reported a slight increase in the number of intent-to-drill notices filed across the state. October's tally of 75 intents is the highest since December. That's 468 so far this year, a little over one-fourth of the total through October of last year. There are five new intent-notices in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up two for the week, and nine west of Wichita, which is down one. Drillers reached total depth on a well in Ellis County last week, and will soon spud a new well in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported a total national rig count of 296, noting an increase of ten oil rigs, eight of them in Texas and two in New Mexico. A dry hole in Stafford County was among ten newly-completed wells in Kansas last week, four in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are 704 new completions so far this year compared to more than 1,000 up to this point last year. Kansas regulators approved permits for drilling at 28 new locations last week, 19 east of Wichita, nine of them in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. So far this year there are 386 new drilling permits across the state, down from nearly 15-hundred a year ago. The government says gasoline demand has dropped to its lowest level since mid-June, and Triple-A says that's good news for motorists. The national average pump price drops to $2.14 [["two fourteen"]] a gallon. Kansas prices are down a cent and a half from a week ago, four cents from a month ago and forty cents from a year ago.&nbsp; We spotted $1.89 at several outlets in Hays, while prices remained at $1.99 across Great Bend. You'll says more than five dollars on your 15-gallon fill-up compared to a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. is down nearly 22% from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,169 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending October 24, down nearly 10,000 cars from the week before. Canada's oil-by-rail traffic is down more than 28% year over year. Exxon Mobil Corp. will slash its global workforce by 15% over the next two years. Bloomberg reports the cuts will include 1,900 U.S. jobs, mostly in Houston, as well as an undisclosed number of positions around the world, up to a total of about 14,000 people. The world's four largest oil companies have announced plans to cut nearly 40,000 jobs between them in response to the demand slump brought on by the pandemic. Canada's Suncor Energy is hoping to sell several of its oil and gas fields in the North Sea. Bloomberg says the company could reap half a billion dollars in the planned sales. After a slow start to the year as the coronavirus crisis disrupted plans across the industry, asset-sale activity in the North Sea has picked up in the second half.&nbsp; Reuters reports that struggling oil and gas companies in the Canadian province of Alberta will get a three-year break on municipal property taxes for land where they are drilling wells or building pipelines. The provincial government last week said it would also lower property tax assessments on less-productive wells and eliminate a provincial tax on drills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped another half dollar on Friday and to end the month at $26 a barrel. That's four dollars less than a week ago, and twenty dollars less than a year ago. The average price for the month of October was $29.69 a barrel, compared to $29.84 in September and over $47 in October of 2019. Volatility on the futures markets sent prices for West Texas Intermediate crude up and down Monday following a ten-percent weekly drop last week, the biggest since April. Prices on Friday fell to their lowest levels in five months. By midday, Monday the near-month Nymex contract was up 39 cents to $36.18 per barrel. London Brent gained 41 cents at $38.35. U.S. crude production rebounded last week to reach its highest level since the end of July. Weekly production dropped below 10 million barrels two weeks ago, but last week topped 11 million, an increase of more than 1.2 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude-oil inventories increased more than four million barrels last week. Stockpiles are now about nine percent above the five-year seasonal average. The government reports weekly crude imports to the United States were up half a million barrels last week to 5.7 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 13% below the same period last year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reported a slight increase in the number of intent-to-drill notices filed across the state. October's tally of 75 intents is the highest since December. That's 468 so far this year, a little over one-fourth of the total through October of last year. There are five new intent-notices in Barton County, one in Ellis County and two in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up two for the week, and nine west of Wichita, which is down one. Drillers reached total depth on a well in Ellis County last week, and will soon spud a new well in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reported a total national rig count of 296, noting an increase of ten oil rigs, eight of them in Texas and two in New Mexico. A dry hole in Stafford County was among ten newly-completed wells in Kansas last week, four in eastern Kansas and six west of Wichita. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says there are 704 new completions so far this year compared to more than 1,000 up to this point last year. Kansas regulators approved permits for drilling at 28 new locations last week, 19 east of Wichita, nine of them in the western half of the state, including one in Ellis County. So far this year there are 386 new drilling permits across the state, down from nearly 15-hundred a year ago. The government says gasoline demand has dropped to its lowest level since mid-June, and Triple-A says that's good news for motorists. The national average pump price drops to $2.14 [["two fourteen"]] a gallon. Kansas prices are down a cent and a half from a week ago, four cents from a month ago and forty cents from a year ago.&nbsp; We spotted $1.89 at several outlets in Hays, while prices remained at $1.99 across Great Bend. You'll says more than five dollars on your 15-gallon fill-up compared to a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. is down nearly 22% from a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,169 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending October 24, down nearly 10,000 cars from the week before. Canada's oil-by-rail traffic is down more than 28% year over year. Exxon Mobil Corp. will slash its global workforce by 15% over the next two years. Bloomberg reports the cuts will include 1,900 U.S. jobs, mostly in Houston, as well as an undisclosed number of positions around the world, up to a total of about 14,000 people. The world's four largest oil companies have announced plans to cut nearly 40,000 jobs between them in response to the demand slump brought on by the pandemic. Canada's Suncor Energy is hoping to sell several of its oil and gas fields in the North Sea. Bloomberg says the company could reap half a billion dollars in the planned sales. After a slow start to the year as the coronavirus crisis disrupted plans across the industry, asset-sale activity in the North Sea has picked up in the second half.&nbsp; Reuters reports that struggling oil and gas companies in the Canadian province of Alberta will get a three-year break on municipal property taxes for land where they are drilling wells or building pipelines. The provincial government last week said it would also lower property tax assessments on less-productive wells and eliminate a provincial tax on drills.

News From the Oil Patch: U.S. production way up, prices way down

Tabitha Keith joined CASA of the High Plains as executive director on Oct. 17.

Her history with the organization will help her ease into the new position. Keith spent a year at CASA of the High Plains as a Bachelors of Social Work Practicum Student for Washburn University. In the midst of her internship, Keith was hired by CASA of the High Plains as the Transitional Age Youth Specialist.

Keith then spent two years at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center as a forensic interviewer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I may be young, but my passion and hard work for the cause give me the edge needed for the role,” Keith said. “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the organization.”

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA of the High Plains’ vision is to ensure that abused and neglected children have a voice in the court system.&nbsp; To do so, CASA recruits, trains and supports community members to advocate in court for the best interest for this vulnerable population. This organization serves children in the 23rd Judicial District in Kansas, including Ellis, Gove, Rooks and Trego counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;

CASA of the High Plains is growing and in need of volunteers and board members. To learn more and get involved, contact the office at 785-628-8641 or <a href="http://casahighplains@kansascasa.org">casahighplains@kansascasa.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604353376996.jpeg" alt="Tabitha Keith" />
 <figcaption>Tabitha Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTabitha Keith joined CASA of the High Plains as executive director on Oct. 17.Her history with the organization will help her ease into the new position. Keith spent a year at CASA of the High Plains as a Bachelors of Social Work Practicum Student for Washburn University. In the midst of her internship, Keith was hired by CASA of the High Plains as the Transitional Age Youth Specialist.Keith then spent two years at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center as a forensic interviewer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I may be young, but my passion and hard work for the cause give me the edge needed for the role,” Keith said. “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the organization.”CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA of the High Plains’ vision is to ensure that abused and neglected children have a voice in the court system.&nbsp; To do so, CASA recruits, trains and supports community members to advocate in court for the best interest for this vulnerable population. This organization serves children in the 23rd Judicial District in Kansas, including Ellis, Gove, Rooks and Trego counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;CASA of the High Plains is growing and in need of volunteers and board members. To learn more and get involved, contact the office at 785-628-8641 or <a href="http://casahighplains@kansascasa.org">casahighplains@kansascasa.org</a>.

CASA of the High Plains welcomes Keith as new director

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., this week announced he will be holding his 15th annual Conservation on Thursday. This tour will include five stops across Sheridan, Logan, Thomas and Sherman counties to focus on conservation issues important to Kansas, including water and soil conservation, wetland restoration, grazing lands and prescribed burning.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Acting Chief for Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kevin D. Norton will be participating in the tour. Media is invited on the tour, and Sen. Moran and Acting Chief Norton will hold a media availability at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604336294906.png" alt="Moran" />
 <figcaption>Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., this week announced he will be holding his 15th annual Conservation on Thursday. This tour will include five stops across Sheridan, Logan, Thomas and Sherman counties to focus on conservation issues important to Kansas, including water and soil conservation, wetland restoration, grazing lands and prescribed burning.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Acting Chief for Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kevin D. Norton will be participating in the tour. Media is invited on the tour, and Sen. Moran and Acting Chief Norton will hold a media availability at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604336189651.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Moran will tour NW Kan. counties on conservation tour

&nbsp;Join your local Ducks Unlimited Team for the DU Fun Shoot this Saturday, November 7th, from 1-5pm at the Hays City Sportsmans Club.&nbsp; Tickets are just $35 and includes 2 rounds of trap, chili feed, free BEER, DU Membership, and free raffle ticket for a gun of choice from the DU Great Gun Giveaway!!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration begins at noon, and it is first come, first served as tickets will be limited to the first 100 shooters.&nbsp; There will be chances to win up to 7 guns &nbsp;and the opportunity to shoot five stand and the “Hot Shot” shoot.&nbsp; A stretch raffle, banner raffle, and silent auction will also be included in the event.&nbsp;

Tickets can be purchased in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdu.org/">www.ksdu.org</a>&nbsp;or at the event.&nbsp; For those wanting to attend the event but not participate in the shoot, discounted tickets of $15 will be available.&nbsp;

Longtime DU committee member Mark Maskus says, “this is a great warm up for the pheasant season opener next weekend!!”&nbsp; 

This is a fun shoot and all are welcome!!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604427729115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Join your local Ducks Unlimited Team for the DU Fun Shoot this Saturday, November 7th, from 1-5pm at the Hays City Sportsmans Club.&nbsp; Tickets are just $35 and includes 2 rounds of trap, chili feed, free BEER, DU Membership, and free raffle ticket for a gun of choice from the DU Great Gun Giveaway!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration begins at noon, and it is first come, first served as tickets will be limited to the first 100 shooters.&nbsp; There will be chances to win up to 7 guns &nbsp;and the opportunity to shoot five stand and the “Hot Shot” shoot.&nbsp; A stretch raffle, banner raffle, and silent auction will also be included in the event.&nbsp; Tickets can be purchased in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksdu.org/">www.ksdu.org</a>&nbsp;or at the event.&nbsp; For those wanting to attend the event but not participate in the shoot, discounted tickets of $15 will be available.&nbsp; Longtime DU committee member Mark Maskus says, “this is a great warm up for the pheasant season opener next weekend!!”&nbsp; This is a fun shoot and all are welcome!!

Three-day weather outlook

CALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IS OWNED BY MIKE AND MARLA KNAUS FROM QUINTER, KANSAS!&nbsp; THEIR PRODUCT COMES FROM CALIFORNIA AND IS THIS YEAR'S CROP!&nbsp; THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 4 YEARS AND STRIVE TO BRING YOU QUALITY DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS!

California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE SELLING AT THE WHISKEY CREEK BANQUET ROOM (3203 VINE, USE THE SOUTH BACK DOOR) ON NOVEMBER 6 &amp; 7.&nbsp; HOURS ARE 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM!&nbsp; COME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!&nbsp; They HAVE SOME NEW PRODUCTS THIS YEAR!&nbsp; You won't want to miss it!

CALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IS OWNED BY MIKE AND MARLA KNAUS FROM QUINTER, KANSAS!&nbsp; THEIR PRODUCT COMES FROM CALIFORNIA AND IS THIS YEAR'S CROP!&nbsp; THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 4 YEARS AND STRIVE TO BRING YOU QUALITY DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS!California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE SELLING AT THE WHISKEY CREEK BANQUET ROOM (3203 VINE, USE THE SOUTH BACK DOOR) ON NOVEMBER 6 &amp; 7.&nbsp; HOURS ARE 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM!&nbsp; COME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!&nbsp; They HAVE SOME NEW PRODUCTS THIS YEAR!&nbsp; You won't want to miss it!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603311075710.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

2 hospitalized after NW Kan. rear-end crash

KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;— A&nbsp;man from Mexico pleaded guilty Monday to driving more than one kilogram of heroin to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release.

Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara, 24, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. He and another man were stopped on Interstate 70 in Logan County. Gaxiola-Guevara presented an identification that said he was from a city in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Officers found more than one kilogram of heroin hidden in the quarter panels of the car.

Sentencing is set for Jan.25. &nbsp;He could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. 

McAllister commended the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane for their work on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564606812819.png" alt="Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara photo Wyandotte Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara photo Wyandotte Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;— A&nbsp;man from Mexico pleaded guilty Monday to driving more than one kilogram of heroin to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release.Orlando Alexis Gaxiola-Guevara, 24, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. He and another man were stopped on Interstate 70 in Logan County. Gaxiola-Guevara presented an identification that said he was from a city in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Officers found more than one kilogram of heroin hidden in the quarter panels of the car.Sentencing is set for Jan.25. &nbsp;He could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. McAllister commended the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane for their work on the case.

NW Kansas stop leads to guilty plea on heroin charges

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 11 on Friday to 12 on Monday.

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.

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

There were 32 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 129 active cases, including three active hospitalizations, and 1,332 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests increase to 21.7 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,479 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

Of the total 10,612 tests administered, 13.2 percent have returned&nbsp; positive for COVID-19.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604340973668.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose from 11 on Friday to 12 on Monday.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.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/095697ac-eb4b-4005-867a-bb049ec8c10f">RELATED:&nbsp;Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance</a>There were 32 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 129 active cases, including three active hospitalizations, and 1,332 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests increase to 21.7 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 1,479 cases of coronavirus identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.Of the total 10,612 tests administered, 13.2 percent have returned&nbsp; positive for COVID-19.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AClvlGge52U"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day virus case average rises again in Ellis Co.; 32 new cases since Friday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The director of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas said he continues to look for positives despite the dark cloud of COVID-19.

Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, spoke to the Hays Chamber Membership Luncheon on Friday with a follow-up interview with the Hays Post.

"One of the biggest challenges has been remaining diligent to the point we actually had a conflict in values," he said.&nbsp;

The value of freedom and access and the need to protect people who may be medically vulnerable are in direct opposition at times, Michaud said.

Many of the people DSNWK serves both have developmental disabilities and medical conditions.&nbsp;

"This is what I was talking about in this rub between how do you honor and facilitate choice and freedoms to just move about and be about and in community with the responsibility to make sure people aren't at risk and put at risk," he said.

Michaud said DSNWK, as is the rest of society, is trying to do the best it can.

"We've struggled trying to know what is the right, what is enough, what is not enough," he said. "That struggle is real. We have experienced the negative effect of this virus on people we serve. We know the reality of what that can mean in their passing."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1116377-e693-45f8-97d1-ad0d73fc1ea9">DSNWK reported a COVID-19 cluster at one of its living facilities in September. One long-time resident who tested positive died.</a>

Michaud said he is trying to to see the glass as half full, but he and the DSNWK family all long for a solution to the pandemic.

"It has forced us to do things to respond in a way that is counter to inclusion," he said.

DSNWK is doing its due diligence to try to keep both its clients and workers safe, he said. This has included extra cleaning, social distancing, wearing masks and, at times, restricting visitors to homes or limiting the number of clients in its day center, the Reed Center.

Michaud said DSNWK has had to be flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been times the Reed Center has been closed entirely. Right now, the Reed Center is working with a type of hybrid model.

People in certain living groups are limited to certain days at the center or separate living groups are isolated in different parts of the building.

Residences have had to close to outside visitors at times depending on positive cases or quarantines. The organizations have used alternate sites when it has had residents who were COVID positive and negative living in the same home.

Michaud said as the virus slows, DSNWK has tried to open back up facilities.

"We have to be nibble enough to throw the brakes on pretty fast," he said, " and we do that."

Restricting families access to their loved ones has been especially tough. At the beginning of the pandemic, some families choose to take their loved ones out of services and keep them at home.

"It has been hard just as family members trying to go visit a nursing facility where the doors are closed," he said. "It's a struggle."

Technology has been used to help keep people connected with services, and families and clients with friends. The tech was used for telemedicine visits as well.

DSNWK has received grant funds to assist in the purchase of some of this technology.

Michaud said the pandemic has been difficult on DSNWK staff too. Some have been concerned about working in a home where residents are COVID-19 positive.

However, staff members stepped up at those homes to work longer shifts to reduce the number of people who were exposed to clients.

Staff also did caravans outside of homes that had to closed for COVID precautions to keep clients connected.

"Our staff has been absolutely stellar," he said, "in the midst of what can be pretty scary individually, because each of them had their own health situation. ...

"We've landed at this is about people. They need us, and they need our support whether they might be testing positive or not."

DSNWK is a non-profit agency. It received Payroll Protection Program funding and Ellis County SPARK CARES Act funding, which has been helpful in covering wages and purchasing PPE.

However, it has also seen a decrease in revenue as some families chose to keep loved ones home from services.

Disabled services have historically received reimbursements from the state that are lower than the cost of providing services, which means wages for workers have been low.

Service providers were supposed to receive a funding increase in July, but that has been rescinded because lower state revenues, Michaud said.

"In light of the pandemic, and it can almost serve as a dark cloud over things," Michaud said, "but in spite of that there have been some beautiful moments where you get to the core of what is really important.

"Some of those relationships with our families have become a little bit more solid because when you can't have something — the regular contact — boy do you treasure it when you do."

He added, "I long for the day we can be back to a day with better sense of connections with each other, because people miss them, miss each other. 

"People miss their friends. ... We are using technology to keep people connected. It is different than the normal rhythms of life, but we'll get through it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604089958166.jpeg" alt="Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, talks to Hays Chamber members Friday about the challenges the agency has faced during COVID-19." />
 <figcaption>Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, talks to Hays Chamber members Friday about the challenges the agency has faced during COVID-19.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe director of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas said he continues to look for positives despite the dark cloud of COVID-19.Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, spoke to the Hays Chamber Membership Luncheon on Friday with a follow-up interview with the Hays Post."One of the biggest challenges has been remaining diligent to the point we actually had a conflict in values," he said.&nbsp;The value of freedom and access and the need to protect people who may be medically vulnerable are in direct opposition at times, Michaud said.Many of the people DSNWK serves both have developmental disabilities and medical conditions.&nbsp;"This is what I was talking about in this rub between how do you honor and facilitate choice and freedoms to just move about and be about and in community with the responsibility to make sure people aren't at risk and put at risk," he said.Michaud said DSNWK, as is the rest of society, is trying to do the best it can."We've struggled trying to know what is the right, what is enough, what is not enough," he said. "That struggle is real. We have experienced the negative effect of this virus on people we serve. We know the reality of what that can mean in their passing."<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1116377-e693-45f8-97d1-ad0d73fc1ea9">DSNWK reported a COVID-19 cluster at one of its living facilities in September. One long-time resident who tested positive died.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261714960.jpeg" alt="DSNWK" />
 <figcaption>DSNWK</figcaption>
 </figure>Michaud said he is trying to to see the glass as half full, but he and the DSNWK family all long for a solution to the pandemic."It has forced us to do things to respond in a way that is counter to inclusion," he said.DSNWK is doing its due diligence to try to keep both its clients and workers safe, he said. This has included extra cleaning, social distancing, wearing masks and, at times, restricting visitors to homes or limiting the number of clients in its day center, the Reed Center.Michaud said DSNWK has had to be flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been times the Reed Center has been closed entirely. Right now, the Reed Center is working with a type of hybrid model.People in certain living groups are limited to certain days at the center or separate living groups are isolated in different parts of the building.Residences have had to close to outside visitors at times depending on positive cases or quarantines. The organizations have used alternate sites when it has had residents who were COVID positive and negative living in the same home.Michaud said as the virus slows, DSNWK has tried to open back up facilities."We have to be nibble enough to throw the brakes on pretty fast," he said, " and we do that."Restricting families access to their loved ones has been especially tough. At the beginning of the pandemic, some families choose to take their loved ones out of services and keep them at home."It has been hard just as family members trying to go visit a nursing facility where the doors are closed," he said. "It's a struggle."Technology has been used to help keep people connected with services, and families and clients with friends. The tech was used for telemedicine visits as well.DSNWK has received grant funds to assist in the purchase of some of this technology.Michaud said the pandemic has been difficult on DSNWK staff too. Some have been concerned about working in a home where residents are COVID-19 positive.However, staff members stepped up at those homes to work longer shifts to reduce the number of people who were exposed to clients.Staff also did caravans outside of homes that had to closed for COVID precautions to keep clients connected."Our staff has been absolutely stellar," he said, "in the midst of what can be pretty scary individually, because each of them had their own health situation. ..."We've landed at this is about people. They need us, and they need our support whether they might be testing positive or not."DSNWK is a non-profit agency. It received Payroll Protection Program funding and Ellis County SPARK CARES Act funding, which has been helpful in covering wages and purchasing PPE.However, it has also seen a decrease in revenue as some families chose to keep loved ones home from services.Disabled services have historically received reimbursements from the state that are lower than the cost of providing services, which means wages for workers have been low.Service providers were supposed to receive a funding increase in July, but that has been rescinded because lower state revenues, Michaud said."In light of the pandemic, and it can almost serve as a dark cloud over things," Michaud said, "but in spite of that there have been some beautiful moments where you get to the core of what is really important."Some of those relationships with our families have become a little bit more solid because when you can't have something — the regular contact — boy do you treasure it when you do."He added, "I long for the day we can be back to a day with better sense of connections with each other, because people miss them, miss each other. "People miss their friends. ... We are using technology to keep people connected. It is different than the normal rhythms of life, but we'll get through it."

DSNWK struggles to balance safety with inclusion during COVID-19

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has announced members of his 2020 Service Academy Selection Board. The 20-member board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.

“Nominating Kansas students to attend service academies is one of my greatest responsibilities as a United States Senator,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;

“Especially this year, I am proud of these young students for their desire to serve our nation, even as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19. I’m grateful to my Service Academy Selection Board for the thoughtful consideration they put into the application process. These students applying to enter service academies represent Kansas’ best qualities – hardworking, dedicated and humble – and I look forward to receiving the selection board’s recommendations and meeting with these students virtually.”

Applications will be reviewed, and selected applicants will be interviewed virtually by the selection board on Saturday, November 14. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Sen. Moran’s 2020 Service Academy Selection Board:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephonn Alcorn of Gardner&nbsp;— Former Student Body President University of Kansas, Associate of the Blackstone Group;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka&nbsp;– Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. Air Force veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Myca Bunch of Garden City&nbsp;– President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Air Force veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LTC (Ret) Larry Burks, Sr., of Wichita&nbsp;– Director, Military and Veteran Services, Wichita State University, U.S. Army veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dennis Butler of Manhattan&nbsp;– Director, Riley County Police Department;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COL John Cluck of Wathena&nbsp;– Mayor, City of Wathena, Vice Commander, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ardith Dunn, Ph.D., of Satanta&nbsp;– Retired high school mathematics/computer instructor, K-12 superintendent, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue Givens of El Dorado&nbsp;– Field Specialist, Kansas Association of School Boards, Retired K-12 superintendent;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin Jackson, Ph.D., of Hutchinson&nbsp;– Central Christian College Professor of Science and Mathematics;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cheryl Kerns of Overland Park&nbsp;– Blue Valley West High School teacher, mother of U.S. Military Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Kessens of Overland Park&nbsp;– Tortoise Capital managing director, U.S. Military Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Katrina Lewison of Manhattan&nbsp;– USD 383 Board of Education Member, Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Military Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jill McCarthy of Overland Park&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City Area Development Council Senior Executive Corporate Attraction and mother of U.S. Military Academy Graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jayne Humphrey Pearce of Wallace&nbsp;– Wallace County Visitors Bureau Marketing and Tourism Director, U.S. Air Force veteran, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sean Ritchie of Wichita&nbsp;– Cargill North American Operations Lead, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Halley Roberson of Oberlin&nbsp;– City Administrator, City of Oberlin, U.S. Army veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sam Turner of Leawood&nbsp;– Retired Shawnee Mission Medical Center CEO, Vietnam War veteran, U.S. Army veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ron Whitney of Emporia&nbsp;– American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beth Wilson of Girard&nbsp;– Business education teacher, Girard High School, mother of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacob Wood of Salina&nbsp;– Deputy City Manager, City of Salina, Major U.S. Army Reserves, Served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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 </figure>Office of Sen. MoranWASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has announced members of his 2020 Service Academy Selection Board. The 20-member board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.“Nominating Kansas students to attend service academies is one of my greatest responsibilities as a United States Senator,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Especially this year, I am proud of these young students for their desire to serve our nation, even as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19. I’m grateful to my Service Academy Selection Board for the thoughtful consideration they put into the application process. These students applying to enter service academies represent Kansas’ best qualities – hardworking, dedicated and humble – and I look forward to receiving the selection board’s recommendations and meeting with these students virtually.”Applications will be reviewed, and selected applicants will be interviewed virtually by the selection board on Saturday, November 14. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.Sen. Moran’s 2020 Service Academy Selection Board:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephonn Alcorn of Gardner&nbsp;— Former Student Body President University of Kansas, Associate of the Blackstone Group;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka&nbsp;– Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. Air Force veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Myca Bunch of Garden City&nbsp;– President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Air Force veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LTC (Ret) Larry Burks, Sr., of Wichita&nbsp;– Director, Military and Veteran Services, Wichita State University, U.S. Army veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dennis Butler of Manhattan&nbsp;– Director, Riley County Police Department;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COL John Cluck of Wathena&nbsp;– Mayor, City of Wathena, Vice Commander, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ardith Dunn, Ph.D., of Satanta&nbsp;– Retired high school mathematics/computer instructor, K-12 superintendent, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue Givens of El Dorado&nbsp;– Field Specialist, Kansas Association of School Boards, Retired K-12 superintendent;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin Jackson, Ph.D., of Hutchinson&nbsp;– Central Christian College Professor of Science and Mathematics;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cheryl Kerns of Overland Park&nbsp;– Blue Valley West High School teacher, mother of U.S. Military Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Kessens of Overland Park&nbsp;– Tortoise Capital managing director, U.S. Military Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Katrina Lewison of Manhattan&nbsp;– USD 383 Board of Education Member, Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Military Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jill McCarthy of Overland Park&nbsp;—&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City Area Development Council Senior Executive Corporate Attraction and mother of U.S. Military Academy Graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jayne Humphrey Pearce of Wallace&nbsp;– Wallace County Visitors Bureau Marketing and Tourism Director, U.S. Air Force veteran, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sean Ritchie of Wichita&nbsp;– Cargill North American Operations Lead, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Halley Roberson of Oberlin&nbsp;– City Administrator, City of Oberlin, U.S. Army veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sam Turner of Leawood&nbsp;– Retired Shawnee Mission Medical Center CEO, Vietnam War veteran, U.S. Army veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ron Whitney of Emporia&nbsp;– American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beth Wilson of Girard&nbsp;– Business education teacher, Girard High School, mother of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacob Wood of Salina&nbsp;– Deputy City Manager, City of Salina, Major U.S. Army Reserves, Served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

NW Kansans selected to Service Academy Selection Board

Jan Burkholder is still putting children first after 41 years of teaching in the Hays USD 489 school district.

Burkholder, a second-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, has been selected as the October Hays Post Teacher of the Month.

Burkholder was nominated by her son, Joshua Burkholder. Joshua's son is in Jan's class this school year.&nbsp;

"She continues to put the children in her class first, sacrificing her time to make sure they are getting the best learning experience possible in this time," he said.&nbsp;

"She continues to come back year after year in order to make sure the students who would be in her classes have the best learning experience possible.

"She has seen generations of students come and go and continues to teach in a way that makes the kids feel loved and valued as a person."

Although Jan, 65, has not made it official, she said she will likely retire at the end of this school year — another reason Joshua said he nominated his mom for the award.

"I guess I don't really think about what I do each day," she said. "It is my job. I come to school each day, do things to the best of my ability and just shower those kids with love. ...

"It is just my job to help every child every day."

Burkholder grew up in Natoma, where she said her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Tucker, was an early inspiration for her to become a teacher.

"She was that model I would like to be," Burkholder said. "She gave us lots and lots of love. She made learning fun. I just wanted to be with her all day long."

She said she always loved being with kids. She babysat and helped with Sunday school when she was a teenager.&nbsp;

She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education and later returned to earn a master's degree in elementary counseling.

However, she said she much prefers her work in the classroom and chose to apply the skills she learned in grad school in the classroom setting.

Burkholder did her student teaching at Roosevelt and was lucky to land a job right out of college at the same school teaching first grade.

Burkholder eventually moved to second grade. She spent one year doing looping with a second grade class into third grade. She said she has fond memories of spending two years with those students.&nbsp;

She said she has always enjoyed teaching younger students.

"Especially with the primary students, they look up to the teacher. They still respect the teacher," she said. "They are so anxious to learn, and they come to school every day ready to learn something new. 

"They are kind of like my little sponges. Everything that I give to them they just absorb. It is just fun to watch them grow. They gain so much ground as a primary student."

Second graders are more independent than the kindergarteners, so Burkholder said she has the best of both worlds, children who are more independent, but still love to learn.

She said she loves that each day is different.

"I can never depend on every day being exactly the same or maybe even being what I planned on it to be," she said. "Each day is different for me with new experiences, new pleasures, new challenges, and I enjoy that."

When Burkholder considers her teaching philosophy, she likes to go back to the district goal — providing the best quality education for each one of the students every day that they are in school.&nbsp;

When schools shut down in the spring because of COVID-19, Burkholder said she faced the toughest challenge she has as a teacher.

Teaching through Zoom was not the same as being on site, she said.

"The kids are so excited about being back in the classroom, and teachers love being back in the classroom too. We did the best we could," she said.

The district's decision to move to one-to-one technology for students saved the district last spring when students had to learn remotely, she said.

However, Burkholder said she thought students really need the social contact they get in the classroom. She said her classes were set up for 30-minute Zoom session in the spring, but they often went more than an hour because the kids needed the opportunity to interact with each other.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603989887733.jpeg" alt="Hays Post Teacher of the Month Jan Burkholder and her second-grade class at Roosevelt Elementary School. Submitted photos" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post Teacher of the Month Jan Burkholder and her second-grade class at Roosevelt Elementary School. Submitted photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJan Burkholder is still putting children first after 41 years of teaching in the Hays USD 489 school district.Burkholder, a second-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, has been selected as the October Hays Post Teacher of the Month.Burkholder was nominated by her son, Joshua Burkholder. Joshua's son is in Jan's class this school year.&nbsp;"She continues to put the children in her class first, sacrificing her time to make sure they are getting the best learning experience possible in this time," he said.&nbsp;"She continues to come back year after year in order to make sure the students who would be in her classes have the best learning experience possible."She has seen generations of students come and go and continues to teach in a way that makes the kids feel loved and valued as a person."Although Jan, 65, has not made it official, she said she will likely retire at the end of this school year — another reason Joshua said he nominated his mom for the award."I guess I don't really think about what I do each day," she said. "It is my job. I come to school each day, do things to the best of my ability and just shower those kids with love. ..."It is just my job to help every child every day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603990042465.jpeg" alt="Jan Burkholder outside Roosevelt Elementary School where she has taught for 41 years." />
 <figcaption>Jan Burkholder outside Roosevelt Elementary School where she has taught for 41 years.</figcaption>
 </figure>Burkholder grew up in Natoma, where she said her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Tucker, was an early inspiration for her to become a teacher."She was that model I would like to be," Burkholder said. "She gave us lots and lots of love. She made learning fun. I just wanted to be with her all day long."She said she always loved being with kids. She babysat and helped with Sunday school when she was a teenager.&nbsp;She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education and later returned to earn a master's degree in elementary counseling.However, she said she much prefers her work in the classroom and chose to apply the skills she learned in grad school in the classroom setting.Burkholder did her student teaching at Roosevelt and was lucky to land a job right out of college at the same school teaching first grade.Burkholder eventually moved to second grade. She spent one year doing looping with a second grade class into third grade. She said she has fond memories of spending two years with those students.&nbsp;She said she has always enjoyed teaching younger students."Especially with the primary students, they look up to the teacher. They still respect the teacher," she said. "They are so anxious to learn, and they come to school every day ready to learn something new. "They are kind of like my little sponges. Everything that I give to them they just absorb. It is just fun to watch them grow. They gain so much ground as a primary student."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603990134365.jpeg" alt="Jan Burkholder, Roosevelt second-grade teacher, said she has not made it official but plans to retire at the end of the school year after teaching 41 years in the district." />
 <figcaption>Jan Burkholder, Roosevelt second-grade teacher, said she has not made it official but plans to retire at the end of the school year after teaching 41 years in the district.</figcaption>
 </figure>Second graders are more independent than the kindergarteners, so Burkholder said she has the best of both worlds, children who are more independent, but still love to learn.She said she loves that each day is different."I can never depend on every day being exactly the same or maybe even being what I planned on it to be," she said. "Each day is different for me with new experiences, new pleasures, new challenges, and I enjoy that."When Burkholder considers her teaching philosophy, she likes to go back to the district goal — providing the best quality education for each one of the students every day that they are in school.&nbsp;When schools shut down in the spring because of COVID-19, Burkholder said she faced the toughest challenge she has as a teacher.Teaching through Zoom was not the same as being on site, she said."The kids are so excited about being back in the classroom, and teachers love being back in the classroom too. We did the best we could," she said.The district's decision to move to one-to-one technology for students saved the district last spring when students had to learn remotely, she said.However, Burkholder said she thought students really need the social contact they get in the classroom. She said her classes were set up for 30-minute Zoom session in the spring, but they often went more than an hour because the kids needed the opportunity to interact with each other.&nbsp;Burkholder said she has many good memories of her students, but also of the staff with whom she has worked.She chuckled as she remembered the time the Roosevelt principal got his tie stuck in the laminator and he had to cut it off."I am humbled to have this recognition, but it is not an individual accomplishment," she said. "The Roosevelt staff is so loving, so caring, so kind, plus we just like to have to have fun with each other. ..."We have always been a school that is bonded as family as well as lovin' on those kids."After four decades as a teacher, Burkholder said she has seen everything. She said teaching methods tend to cycle over the years.When she first started teaching, the emphasis was on individual instruction. Then the shift went to whole language, with a greater emphasis on the group.&nbsp; In some ways the shift has been back to a whole group experience also with some guided reading."I think it takes a little bit of all different methods to make it work," she said.&nbsp;Technology has changed, families may have changed, but Burkholder said kids are still kids and they are still learners.Burkholder said she has always loved teaching reading. She shared one of her favorite books with the children this week, "The Ghost Eye Tree" by Bill Martin. She also enjoys reading "Little House on the Prairie" by&nbsp;Laura Ingalls Wilder to the children, annually in January.She also loves offering hands-on science lessons to her students like the Can You Make Your Boat Float Challenge. The students create small boats and then compete against each other to see which boat can hold the most pennies.Burkholder has been a mentor for many student teachers. As her student teacher from the spring started her first year of teaching kindergarten this year, Burkholder encouraged her to make her classroom her own."The best thing I told her going out was use the model you have from me. Use the strategies that you saw me teaching," she said, "but still make it your classroom. Make it fit you and your personality and the students and make it the best teaching experience for them each day."&nbsp;Burkholder said she hopes to do some traveling with her husband in her retirement.<figure>
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