By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=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&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">Dena Weigel Bell</a> WaKeeney Travel Blog

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.com/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society Museum's</a>&nbsp;celebration of the 70thanniversary of the “Christmas City of the High Plains” continues into its fourth month, with an exhibit that tells the story of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wakeeney.org/" target="_blank">Downtown WaKeeney's</a>&nbsp;famous Christmas display.

The “Christmas City of the High Plains” Exhibit

Museum curators have been busy adding more items to their exhibit each month since its opening in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;The exhibit has steadily been increasing in size, with each month exploring a different phase in the history of WaKeeney’s light display.&nbsp;

In July, the museum featured Christmas tree inspired items, such as Christmas trees shaped cookie cutters, salt and pepper shakers, Christmas stockings, and many more items. Each month, fourteen more representations of Christmas trees are added until November, when the full collection of 70 items will complete the display.

The tree’s construction and its ornaments were examined in the August exhibit, with several made to scale cardboard cutouts of the wreaths, bells, and stars available to view up close. Information cards further explore how two local community leaders, Art Keraus and J.H. “Jake” Heckman came up with the concept and rallied the Trego County community to lend their time, talents, and even heavy equipment to install the very first light display in 1950.

September’s addition to the exhibit took a look at the history of the official 1988 logo and the many different items that have promoted the “Christmas City of the High Plains” through the years.

The logo was created by WaKeeney native Tracey Deines Davis, cofounder of Duncan and Davis advertising firm. It has since been used on keychains, postcards, ornaments, mugs, and many other treasured keepsakes that remind us of special Christmases spent in WaKeeney.

Celebrate with Us in the “Christmas City of the High Plains”

Explore the history of WaKeeney’s spectacular Christmas light display with a trip to the Trego County Historical Museum.

The exhibit will continue to explore a new theme every month until Saturday, November 28, 2020, when we will celebrate 70 years since WaKeeney’s first Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.&nbsp;

The museum has created a scavenger hunt to find all the trees currently on display and visitors can check back each month to find the new trees that have been added to the display.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603297380412.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;The Christmas tree in downtown WaKeeney in the 1950s. (Photo provided by Trego County Historical Society Museum)&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Christmas tree in downtown WaKeeney in the 1950s. (Photo provided by Trego County Historical Society Museum)&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&amp;bin=wpcom_email_click&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwakeeneytravelblog.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fdenaweigelbell%2F&amp;sr=1&amp;signature=70b5025880579e0dfaa613ac9b9a8e8c&amp;user=27015677&amp;_e=eyJlcnJvciI6bnVsbCwiYmxvZ19pZCI6OTQ3Mjg2OTUsImJsb2dfbGFuZyI6ImVuIiwic2l0ZV9pZF9sYWJlbCI6IndwY29tIiwiZW1haWxfbmFtZSI6ImVtYWlsX3N1YnNjcmlwdGlvbiIsIl91aSI6MjcwMTU2NzcsImVtYWlsX2lkIjoiNmE5Y2QyMzQyOGI0MWQ5NzgzY2IwOGI4ZGJmYTI5ZDQiLCJkYXRlX3NlbnQiOiIyMDIwLTEwLTA5IiwibG9jYWxlIjoiZW4iLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IlVTRCIsImNvdW50cnlfY29kZV9zaWdudXAiOiJVUyIsImRvbWFpbiI6Indha2VlbmV5dHJhdmVsYmxvZy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tIiwiZnJlcXVlbmN5IjoiMCIsImRpZ2VzdCI6IjAiLCJoYXNfaHRtbCI6IjEiLCJhbmNob3JfdGV4dCI6IkRlbmEgV2VpZ2VsIEJlbGwiLCJfZHIiOm51bGwsIl9kbCI6Ilwvd3AtY3Jvbi5waHA/ZG9pbmdfd3BfY3Jvbj0xNjAyMjc0NTYxLjc0MjM5ODk3NzI3OTY2MzA4NTkzNzUiLCJfdXQiOiJ3cGNvbTp1c2VyX2lkIiwiX3VsIjoiYmVja3llY3R2MTQiLCJfZW4iOiJ3cGNvbV9lbWFpbF9jbGljayIsIl90cyI6MTYwMjI3NDU3Mzk5NiwiYnJvd3Nlcl90eXBlIjoicGhwLWFnZW50IiwiX2F1YSI6IndwY29tLXRyYWNrcy1jbGllbnQtdjAuMyIsImJsb2dfdHoiOiItNyIsInVzZXJfbGFuZyI6ImVuIn0&amp;_z=z" target="_blank">Dena Weigel Bell</a> WaKeeney Travel BlogThe&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tregohistorical.com/" target="_blank">Trego County Historical Society Museum's</a>&nbsp;celebration of the 70thanniversary of the “Christmas City of the High Plains” continues into its fourth month, with an exhibit that tells the story of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wakeeney.org/" target="_blank">Downtown WaKeeney's</a>&nbsp;famous Christmas display.The “Christmas City of the High Plains” ExhibitMuseum curators have been busy adding more items to their exhibit each month since its opening in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;The exhibit has steadily been increasing in size, with each month exploring a different phase in the history of WaKeeney’s light display.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603297903059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In July, the museum featured Christmas tree inspired items, such as Christmas trees shaped cookie cutters, salt and pepper shakers, Christmas stockings, and many more items. Each month, fourteen more representations of Christmas trees are added until November, when the full collection of 70 items will complete the display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603297965966.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603298010753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The tree’s construction and its ornaments were examined in the August exhibit, with several made to scale cardboard cutouts of the wreaths, bells, and stars available to view up close. Information cards further explore how two local community leaders, Art Keraus and J.H. “Jake” Heckman came up with the concept and rallied the Trego County community to lend their time, talents, and even heavy equipment to install the very first light display in 1950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603298069320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>September’s addition to the exhibit took a look at the history of the official 1988 logo and the many different items that have promoted the “Christmas City of the High Plains” through the years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603298118725.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603298180235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The logo was created by WaKeeney native Tracey Deines Davis, cofounder of Duncan and Davis advertising firm. It has since been used on keychains, postcards, ornaments, mugs, and many other treasured keepsakes that remind us of special Christmases spent in WaKeeney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603298250690.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Celebrate with Us in the “Christmas City of the High Plains”Explore the history of WaKeeney’s spectacular Christmas light display with a trip to the Trego County Historical Museum.The exhibit will continue to explore a new theme every month until Saturday, November 28, 2020, when we will celebrate 70 years since WaKeeney’s first Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.&nbsp;The museum has created a scavenger hunt to find all the trees currently on display and visitors can check back each month to find the new trees that have been added to the display.

Explore the history of WaKeeney’s famous Christmas display

By LISA HERMAN <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nortontelegram">Norton Telegram</a>

At 4:27 p.m. Friday afternoon, the Office of the State Bank Commissioner sent to the Telegram a press release that indicated the Almena State Bank, based in Almena, was closed today by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was appointed as receiver. 

To protect depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Equity Bank, of Andover to acquire Almena State Bank. As of Sept. 30, Almena State Bank had approximately $65.8 million in total assets and $64.8 million in total deposits. According to the press release, Almena State Bank had operated with financial difficulties since 2018. Continued operating losses resulted in the bank's capital becoming too low to allow continued operations under federal and state law.

On Monday,the two offices of Almena State Bank (Almena and Norton) will reopen as branches of Equity Bank. Depositors of Almena State Bank will automatically become depositors of Equity Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by FDIC, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage to applicable limits.

This evening and over the weekend, depositors of Almena State Bank can access their money by writing checks, using debit cards or ATMs. Checks drawn on Almena State Bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual. 

Questions regarding this action may be addressed to the Office of the State Bank Commissioner at 785-296-2266.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603551356620.jpeg" alt="Photo by Lisa Herman / Norton Telegram" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lisa Herman / Norton Telegram</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA HERMAN <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nortontelegram">Norton Telegram</a>NORTON —&nbsp;At 4:27 p.m. Friday afternoon, the Office of the State Bank Commissioner sent to the Telegram a press release that indicated the Almena State Bank, based in Almena, was closed today by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was appointed as receiver. To protect depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Equity Bank, of Andover to acquire Almena State Bank. As of Sept. 30, Almena State Bank had approximately $65.8 million in total assets and $64.8 million in total deposits. According to the press release, Almena State Bank had operated with financial difficulties since 2018. Continued operating losses resulted in the bank's capital becoming too low to allow continued operations under federal and state law.On Monday,the two offices of Almena State Bank (Almena and Norton) will reopen as branches of Equity Bank. Depositors of Almena State Bank will automatically become depositors of Equity Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by FDIC, so customers do not need to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage to applicable limits.This evening and over the weekend, depositors of Almena State Bank can access their money by writing checks, using debit cards or ATMs. Checks drawn on Almena State Bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual. Questions regarding this action may be addressed to the Office of the State Bank Commissioner at 785-296-2266.

Equity Bank acquires Almena State Bank

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Freightliner semi driven by Manuel&nbsp;Castanon Ruiz, 58, Oklahoma City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Levant exit. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, traveled through the ditch approximately 1000 feet and rolled.

EMS transported Castanon Ruiz to the hospital in Colby. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Freightliner semi driven by Manuel&nbsp;Castanon Ruiz, 58, Oklahoma City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Levant exit. The vehicle left the roadway to the right, traveled through the ditch approximately 1000 feet and rolled.EMS transported Castanon Ruiz to the hospital in Colby. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi rolls on I-70

Fort Hays State University’s financial planning challenge team has returned to prominence among the best in the nation.

Sophomore Ethan Lang and senior Thomas Powell from Hays, along with Great Bend senior Alejo Villegas, competed as Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship entrants in the 2020 Financial Planning Association’s National Financial Planning Challenge. The trio placed fourth overall, led by a first-place finish in the quiz bowl portion of the finals.

That marks the second top-eight finish in the challenge for Fort Hays State in the past three years. FHSU secured its place among the best of the best in the Financial Planning Challenge, formerly the Ameriprise Financial Planning Invitational, from 2001 to 2011. During that time span, Fort Hays State brought home 11 top-five overall finishes from the competition, including first-place finishes in 2001, ’02 and ’11.

After a six-year absence from the competition, FHSU placed seventh in 2018 and barely missed making the “Elite Eight” last year.

The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship is one of only a handful of business schools in the state of Kansas that offers an undergraduate degree program in financial planning. FHSU did Kansas proud once again this year, finishing behind Texas Tech University, Utah Valley University and the University of Wisconsin – all Division I schools. Texas Tech and Utah Valley were winners of the competition the past three years.&nbsp; Schools that finished below FHSU this year included Kansas State University, Purdue University, Temple University, and the University of Illinois.

“We are very proud of our team that represented Fort Hays State so well again,” said Dr. Tom Johansen, professor of finance. Johansen is the long-time former advisor for the financial planning challenge team and now assists current advisor Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of finance. “We choose students for the team who are very studious, ambitious, and competitive. They are successful because they have a lot of drive and strong work ethic. They know the history of our past teams and want to be just as successful.”

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the competition was conducted online, allowing students to experience the virtual side of financial planning that real world financial advisors are currently navigating during the pandemic. Students were tested over investment principles, income tax, retirement planning, insurance, estate planning, and financial planning principles.

Phase 1 of the competition required students to provide a written comprehensive financial plan for a given case analysis.&nbsp;The first phase of the competition consisted of a financial planning case study for a hypothetical family. Students assessed the client’s needs and prepared a comprehensive financial plan for the clients based on the data provided. Use of commercially available financial planning software was prohibited.

Teams were encouraged to be creative and make assumptions where details weren’t provided. They were directed to assess the clients’ current financial condition while identifying their major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats – then discuss resolution of any conflicts between the clients’ goals and needs and the ability to satisfy them due to financial or other constraints.

The top eight teams from Phase 1 went on to compete in Phase 2, an oral presentation of the plan, and Phase 3, a “How Do You Know” quiz bowl.

The FHSU students made the top-eight finalist list and took first place in the quiz bowl portion of the finals, helping boost them into fourth place in the overall standings and number one among the teams participating from Kansas. The eight finalists were awarded $75 gift cards and 80 experience hours toward earning their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Like Dr. Johansen, Dr. Glenn was impressed by how well the Fort Hays State students performed in the competition. She noted how their first-place finish in the quiz bowl, and their overall effort, speaks volumes about the students and faculty in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“Our students had to utilize critical thinking and written and oral communication skills to develop and present a comprehensive plan to a fictional client. The case situation they were given would test most seasoned financial professional’s capability,” Glenn said. “The finalists in this competition are among the best of the best, and our students proved they belong in this elite group.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603294229349.jpeg" alt="Alejo Villegas, Thomas Powell, Ethan Lang" />
 <figcaption>Alejo Villegas, Thomas Powell, Ethan Lang</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s financial planning challenge team has returned to prominence among the best in the nation.Sophomore Ethan Lang and senior Thomas Powell from Hays, along with Great Bend senior Alejo Villegas, competed as Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship entrants in the 2020 Financial Planning Association’s National Financial Planning Challenge. The trio placed fourth overall, led by a first-place finish in the quiz bowl portion of the finals.That marks the second top-eight finish in the challenge for Fort Hays State in the past three years. FHSU secured its place among the best of the best in the Financial Planning Challenge, formerly the Ameriprise Financial Planning Invitational, from 2001 to 2011. During that time span, Fort Hays State brought home 11 top-five overall finishes from the competition, including first-place finishes in 2001, ’02 and ’11.After a six-year absence from the competition, FHSU placed seventh in 2018 and barely missed making the “Elite Eight” last year.The Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship is one of only a handful of business schools in the state of Kansas that offers an undergraduate degree program in financial planning. FHSU did Kansas proud once again this year, finishing behind Texas Tech University, Utah Valley University and the University of Wisconsin – all Division I schools. Texas Tech and Utah Valley were winners of the competition the past three years.&nbsp; Schools that finished below FHSU this year included Kansas State University, Purdue University, Temple University, and the University of Illinois.“We are very proud of our team that represented Fort Hays State so well again,” said Dr. Tom Johansen, professor of finance. Johansen is the long-time former advisor for the financial planning challenge team and now assists current advisor Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of finance. “We choose students for the team who are very studious, ambitious, and competitive. They are successful because they have a lot of drive and strong work ethic. They know the history of our past teams and want to be just as successful.”Due to COVID-19 precautions, the competition was conducted online, allowing students to experience the virtual side of financial planning that real world financial advisors are currently navigating during the pandemic. Students were tested over investment principles, income tax, retirement planning, insurance, estate planning, and financial planning principles.Phase 1 of the competition required students to provide a written comprehensive financial plan for a given case analysis.&nbsp;The first phase of the competition consisted of a financial planning case study for a hypothetical family. Students assessed the client’s needs and prepared a comprehensive financial plan for the clients based on the data provided. Use of commercially available financial planning software was prohibited.Teams were encouraged to be creative and make assumptions where details weren’t provided. They were directed to assess the clients’ current financial condition while identifying their major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats – then discuss resolution of any conflicts between the clients’ goals and needs and the ability to satisfy them due to financial or other constraints.The top eight teams from Phase 1 went on to compete in Phase 2, an oral presentation of the plan, and Phase 3, a “How Do You Know” quiz bowl.The FHSU students made the top-eight finalist list and took first place in the quiz bowl portion of the finals, helping boost them into fourth place in the overall standings and number one among the teams participating from Kansas. The eight finalists were awarded $75 gift cards and 80 experience hours toward earning their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.Like Dr. Johansen, Dr. Glenn was impressed by how well the Fort Hays State students performed in the competition. She noted how their first-place finish in the quiz bowl, and their overall effort, speaks volumes about the students and faculty in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.“Our students had to utilize critical thinking and written and oral communication skills to develop and present a comprehensive plan to a fictional client. The case situation they were given would test most seasoned financial professional’s capability,” Glenn said. “The finalists in this competition are among the best of the best, and our students proved they belong in this elite group.”

FHSU trio places 4th in national financial planning competition

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Flour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;

Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;

A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;

“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;

Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;

As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;

Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603290765990.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Flour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kansas Wheat and K-State Grain Science flour distribution 

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Mon., Oct. 12, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Phone/Mail Scam—500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 8:19 AM 
Welfare Check—2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 9:05 AM 
Tethering Violation—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:43 AM 
Identity Theft—100 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:19 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block E 19th St, Hays; 10:20 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 10:42 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 11:31 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:28 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12:57 PM 
Mental Health Call—1900 block Longfellow Rd, Hays; 1:11 PM 
Criminal Threat—1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:27 PM 
Dead Animal Call—2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 1:38 PM 
Animal At Large—1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:37 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--200 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:25 PM 
Civil Dispute—1700 block Pine St, Hays; 7 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:01 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Tue., Oct. 13, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Welfare Check—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 5:11 AM 
Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:48 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 7:33 AM 
Found/Lost Property—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 8:19 AM 
Theft (general)—3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hay; 10/12 8 PM; 10/13 8:36 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 9:15 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—3100 block Olympic Ln, Hays; 10/10 10:30 PM; 10/11 7 AM 
Juvenile Complaint—300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:31 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:01 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:35 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:48 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:51 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 3:46 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—2700 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 2 PM; 6 PM 
Welfare Check—1600 block Oakmont St, Hays; 8:27 PM 
Welfare Check—1700 block Fort St, Hays; 8:32 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:57 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Wed., Oct. 14, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Parking Complaint--400 block W 24th St, Hays; 8:40 AM 
Water Use Violation—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 9:39 AM; 10:05 AM 
Suspicious Person—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 10:55 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY--2300 block Fort St, Hays; 11:19 AM 
Parking Complaint—400 block W 24th St, Hays; 11:20 AM 
Animal At Large--2000 block Fort St, Hays; 11:43 AM 
Search Warrant—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 12:15 PM 
Drug Offenses—3900 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:17 PM 
Overdose—1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 12:23 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury--27th and Main, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1800 block Fort St, Hays; 1:40 PM 
Fire--2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 2:02 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—200 block Ash St, Hays; 3:15 PM 
Fraud—300 block W 13th St, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Identity Theft—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:55 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:16 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block 12th St, Hays; 5:03 PM 
Animal At Large—1800 block Frontier Rd, Hays; 6:32 PM 
Civil Transport—200 block E 7th St, Hays ; 7:03 PM 
Drug Offenses—1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:33 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Thu., Oct. 15, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation—500 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:52 AM 
Water Use Violation—1700 block Vine St, Hays; 3 AM 
Water Use Violation—1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:12 AM 
Water Use Violation—2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 3:47 AM 
Water Use Violation—4500 block Vista Dr, Hays; 3:46 AM 
Water Use Violation—2700 block Thunderbird Cir, Hays; 3:47 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—100 block W 34th St, Hays; 8:21 AM 
Criminal Trespass—1000 block W 28th St, Hay; 9:30 AM; 10:30 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:49 AM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 12:03 PM 
Identity Theft—2200b block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:19 PM 
&nbsp;Assist - Other (not MV)—2200 block Canterbury
Dr, Hays; 2:45 PM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 8th St, Hay; 3:29 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:27 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--19th and Main St, Hays; 4:53 PM 
Towed Vehicle--2700 block Oak St, Hays; 5:15 PM 
Animal At Large—2200 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:32 PM 
Animal At Large-1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 6:52 PM 
Identity Theft—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:09 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 7:15 PM; 7:20 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th and Ash St, Hays; 7:31 PM 
Identity Theft—200 block E 22nd St, Hays; 8:10 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:56 PM 
Disturbance – Noise—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:53 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Fri., Oct. 16, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:39 AM 
Suicidal Subject—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:17 AM; 3:16 AM 
Suspicious Activity—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 4:25 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block E 13th St, Hays; 6:41 AM 
Suspicious Activity--2200 block Fort St, Hays; 9:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9:38 AM 
Identity Theft--1800 block Elm St, Hays; 10 AM 
Identity Theft—1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 10:24 AM 
Drug Offenses—400 block W 14TH St, Hays; 10/15 
Identity Theft—1900 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 1:02 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 1:10 PM; 1:35 PM 
Civil Dispute—1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 2:24 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 2:30 PM 
Animal Call--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:55 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:49 PM 
Juvenile Complaint--300 block W 27th St, Hays; 6:06 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:15 PM; 6:41 PM 
Found/Lost Property--8th and Main, Hays; 6 PM 
Animal Call—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7:10 PM 
Parking Complaint--1100 block Main St, Hays; 8:09 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:08 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:20 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Sat., Oct. 17, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Welfare Check--1000 block Elm St, Hays; 2:21 AM 
Water Use Violation--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 2:24 AM 
Criminal Trespass--4000 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 3:08 AM 
Dead Animal Call—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 9:18 AM 
Welfare Check--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 9:24 AM 
Suspicious Activity--3200 block Tam O’Shanter Dr, Hays; 10/3 12 AM; 10/17 11:05
AM 
Criminal Trespass--800 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:26 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 1:11 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--2900 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 3:14 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—100 block E 20th St, Hay; 4 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 7:43 PM 
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ—300 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:31 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:51 PM 
Disturbance – General—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:48 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:03 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Sun., Oct. 18, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal Threat--100 block W 20th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:45 AM Animal At Large--1300 block Donald Dr, Hays;&nbsp;1:04 AM Suspicious Activity--200 block E 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:26 AM Disturbance - Noise--300 block W 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:29 AM Disturbance - General--400 block Oak St, Hays;&nbsp;2 AM Suicidal Subject--700 block Main St, Hays;&nbsp;2:13 AM Battery - Domestic--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays;&nbsp;6:40 AM; 6:59 AM Theft (general)--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM Suicidal Subject--2700 block Epworth St, Hays;&nbsp;3:13 PM Disorderly Conduct--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:25 PM; 3:30 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;3:58 PM Civil Dispute--1000 block E 17th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:24 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:40 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:41:16PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:41:30PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--200 block E 15th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:37 PM; 4:38 PM Welfare Check--400 block W 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:48 PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--500 block E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;6 PM; 6:17 PM Overdose--400 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:09 PM Burglary/residence--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 AM; 1 PM Mental Health Call--100 block E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;7:07 PM Theft (general)--3500 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 10/18 1:30 AM; 10/19

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Mon., Oct. 12, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Phone/Mail Scam—500 block W 23rd St, Hays; 8:19 AM 
Welfare Check—2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 9:05 AM 
Tethering Violation—500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:43 AM 
Identity Theft—100 block W 13th St, Hays; 10:19 AM 
Animal At Large—200 block E 19th St, Hays; 10:20 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle--300 block E 15th St, Hays; 10:42 AM 
Abandoned Vehicle—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 11:31 AM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:28 PM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 12:57 PM 
Mental Health Call—1900 block Longfellow Rd, Hays; 1:11 PM 
Criminal Threat—1500 block Haney Dr, Hays; 1:27 PM 
Dead Animal Call—2300 block Timber Dr, Hays; 1:38 PM 
Animal At Large—1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:37 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--200 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:25 PM 
Civil Dispute—1700 block Pine St, Hays; 7 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--2500 block Virginia Dr, Hays; 10:01 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 13 traffic stops Tue., Oct. 13, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Lost Animals ONLY--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:20 AM 
Welfare Check—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 5:11 AM 
Welfare Check--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 5:48 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 7:33 AM 
Found/Lost Property—3600 block Vine St, Hays; 8:19 AM 
Theft (general)—3500 block Hillcrest Dr, Hay; 10/12 8 PM; 10/13 8:36 AM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—Hays; 9:15 AM 
Burglary/vehicle—3100 block Olympic Ln, Hays; 10/10 10:30 PM; 10/11 7 AM 
Juvenile Complaint—300 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:31 PM 
Assist - Other (not MV)—100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:01 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:35 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:48 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block Pershing Ct, Hays; 2:51 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 3:46 PM 
Criminal Damage to Property—2700 block Broadway Ave, Hays; 2 PM; 6 PM 
Welfare Check—1600 block Oakmont St, Hays; 8:27 PM 
Welfare Check—1700 block Fort St, Hays; 8:32 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 8:57 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Wed., Oct. 14, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Parking Complaint--400 block W 24th St, Hays; 8:40 AM 
Water Use Violation—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 9:39 AM; 10:05 AM 
Suspicious Person—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 10:55 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY--2300 block Fort St, Hays; 11:19 AM 
Parking Complaint—400 block W 24th St, Hays; 11:20 AM 
Animal At Large--2000 block Fort St, Hays; 11:43 AM 
Search Warrant—1100 block E 17th St, Hays; 12:15 PM 
Drug Offenses—3900 block E 8th St, Hays; 12:17 PM 
Overdose—1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 12:23 PM 
MV Accident-Personal Injury--27th and Main, Hays; 1:17 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1800 block Fort St, Hays; 1:40 PM 
Fire--2700 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 2:02 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley—200 block Ash St, Hays; 3:15 PM 
Fraud—300 block W 13th St, Hays; 3:29 PM 
Identity Theft—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:55 PM 
Shoplifting—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:16 PM 
Abandoned Vehicle--200 block 12th St, Hays; 5:03 PM 
Animal At Large—1800 block Frontier Rd, Hays; 6:32 PM 
Civil Transport—200 block E 7th St, Hays ; 7:03 PM 
Drug Offenses—1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:33 AMThe Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 8 traffic stops Thu., Oct. 15, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Water Use Violation—500 block E 19th St, Hays; 2:52 AM 
Water Use Violation—1700 block Vine St, Hays; 3 AM 
Water Use Violation—1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 3:12 AM 
Water Use Violation—2700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 3:47 AM 
Water Use Violation—4500 block Vista Dr, Hays; 3:46 AM 
Water Use Violation—2700 block Thunderbird Cir, Hays; 3:47 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—100 block W 34th St, Hays; 8:21 AM 
Criminal Trespass—1000 block W 28th St, Hay; 9:30 AM; 10:30 AM 
Bicycle - Lost,Found,Stolen—400 block E 15th St, Hays; 11:49 AM 
Welfare Check—2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 12:03 PM 
Identity Theft—2200b block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:19 PM 
&nbsp;Assist - Other (not MV)—2200 block Canterbury
Dr, Hays; 2:45 PM 
Found/Lost Property—300 block W 8th St, Hay; 3:29 PM 
Theft (general)—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:27 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY--19th and Main St, Hays; 4:53 PM 
Towed Vehicle--2700 block Oak St, Hays; 5:15 PM 
Animal At Large—2200 block E 15th St, Hays; 6:32 PM 
Animal At Large-1300 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 6:52 PM 
Identity Theft—2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:09 PM 
MV Accident-Private Property—2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 7:15 PM; 7:20 PM 
MV Accident-City Street/Alley--13th and Ash St, Hays; 7:31 PM 
Identity Theft—200 block E 22nd St, Hays; 8:10 PM 
Suicidal Subject—400 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:56 PM 
Disturbance – Noise—400 block W 4th St, Hays; 11:53 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and conducted 15 traffic stops Fri., Oct. 16, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Water Use Violation--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:39 AM 
Suicidal Subject—1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:17 AM; 3:16 AM 
Suspicious Activity—2500 block Vine St, Hays; 4:25 AM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1300 block E 13th St, Hays; 6:41 AM 
Suspicious Activity--2200 block Fort St, Hays; 9:20 AM 
Driving Under the Influence--1300 block E 22nd St, Hays; 9:38 AM 
Identity Theft--1800 block Elm St, Hays; 10 AM 
Identity Theft—1800 block E 25th St, Hays; 10:24 AM 
Drug Offenses—400 block W 14TH St, Hays; 10/15 
Identity Theft—1900 block Eisenhower Rd, Hays; 1:02 PM 
Theft (general)—500 block W 32nd St, Hays; 1:10 PM; 1:35 PM 
Civil Dispute—1700 block Haney Dr, Hays; 2:24 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 2:30 PM 
Animal Call--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:55 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:49 PM 
Juvenile Complaint--300 block W 27th St, Hays; 6:06 PM 
Found/Lost Property—4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:15 PM; 6:41 PM 
Found/Lost Property--8th and Main, Hays; 6 PM 
Animal Call—1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7:10 PM 
Parking Complaint--1100 block Main St, Hays; 8:09 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—1700 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 9:08 PM 
Suicidal Subject—1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:20 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 27 traffic stops Sat., Oct. 17, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Welfare Check--1000 block Elm St, Hays; 2:21 AM 
Water Use Violation--1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 2:24 AM 
Criminal Trespass--4000 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 3:08 AM 
Dead Animal Call—500 block W 27th St, Hays; 9:18 AM 
Welfare Check--400 block W 16th St, Hays; 9:24 AM 
Suspicious Activity--3200 block Tam O’Shanter Dr, Hays; 10/3 12 AM; 10/17 11:05
AM 
Criminal Trespass--800 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:26 AM 
Harassment, Telephone/FAX—1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 1:11 PM 
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--2900 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 3:14 PM 
Lost Animals ONLY—100 block E 20th St, Hay; 4 PM 
Disturbance – Noise--1200 block E 32nd St, Hays; 7:43 PM 
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ—300 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:31 PM 
Domestic Disturbance—1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 9:51 PM 
Disturbance – General—1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 10:48 PM 
Driving Under the Influence--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 11:03 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Sun., Oct. 18, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Criminal Threat--100 block W 20th St, Hays;&nbsp;12:45 AM Animal At Large--1300 block Donald Dr, Hays;&nbsp;1:04 AM Suspicious Activity--200 block E 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:26 AM Disturbance - Noise--300 block W 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:29 AM Disturbance - General--400 block Oak St, Hays;&nbsp;2 AM Suicidal Subject--700 block Main St, Hays;&nbsp;2:13 AM Battery - Domestic--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays;&nbsp;6:40 AM; 6:59 AM Theft (general)--2700 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM Suicidal Subject--2700 block Epworth St, Hays;&nbsp;3:13 PM Disorderly Conduct--1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 3:25 PM; 3:30 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;3:58 PM Civil Dispute--1000 block E 17th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:24 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:40 PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:41:16PM Shoplifting--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:41:30PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--200 block E 15th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:37 PM; 4:38 PM Welfare Check--400 block W 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;4:48 PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--500 block E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;6 PM; 6:17 PM Overdose--400 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:09 PM Burglary/residence--1000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 AM; 1 PM Mental Health Call--100 block E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;7:07 PM Theft (general)--3500 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 10/18 1:30 AM; 10/19<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log, Oct. 12-18

Voters in Kansas have long been known as independent, intelligent and sensible when it comes to electing United States senators. But this year we see millions of dollars pouring in from places like California and New York with the goal of tricking Kansans into electing anti-gun extremist Barbara Bollier. This money is pushing an absolute lie that Bollier is a middle of the road independent.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, her votes and actions tell a different story.&nbsp;

Barbara Bollier was recently caught supporting a foreign draconian gun ban and confiscation program. She said, “It’s this amazing thing.” That’s not surprising. I served with Barbara in the Kansas Legislature and her voting record shows this was no passive comment. She has always focused on gun control and will continue to if she is elected to the U.S. Senate. In Topeka she pushed for radical confiscation laws that seize firearms without constitutional due process. There is nothing moderate about that.

Her record has earned the support of billionaire gun ban advocate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose group called her the gun control champion that Kansas deserves. Kansans deserve better. Kansans deserves a United States senator who will protect and defend our right to self-defense, not destroy it. We deserve someone who will confirm Supreme Court Justices who won’t twist the Second Amendment into allowing an Australian-style gun ban. This November, defending freedom means rejecting Barbara Bollier and electing Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady is a former Member of the Kansas House of Representatives&nbsp;and NRA Kansas State Director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Voters in Kansas have long been known as independent, intelligent and sensible when it comes to electing United States senators. But this year we see millions of dollars pouring in from places like California and New York with the goal of tricking Kansans into electing anti-gun extremist Barbara Bollier. This money is pushing an absolute lie that Bollier is a middle of the road independent.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, her votes and actions tell a different story.&nbsp;Barbara Bollier was recently caught supporting a foreign draconian gun ban and confiscation program. She said, “It’s this amazing thing.” That’s not surprising. I served with Barbara in the Kansas Legislature and her voting record shows this was no passive comment. She has always focused on gun control and will continue to if she is elected to the U.S. Senate. In Topeka she pushed for radical confiscation laws that seize firearms without constitutional due process. There is nothing moderate about that. Her record has earned the support of billionaire gun ban advocate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose group called her the gun control champion that Kansas deserves. Kansans deserve better. Kansans deserves a United States senator who will protect and defend our right to self-defense, not destroy it. We deserve someone who will confirm Supreme Court Justices who won’t twist the Second Amendment into allowing an Australian-style gun ban. This November, defending freedom means rejecting Barbara Bollier and electing Roger Marshall.&nbsp;Travis Couture-Lovelady is a former Member of the Kansas House of Representatives&nbsp;and NRA Kansas State Director.

LETTER: Bollier not the right choice for Kansas

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured just before 11a.m. Saturday in Osborne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp;Becker, Emilie L. Becker, 16, Downs, was southbound on U.S. 281 six miles north of Luray.

The pickup's wheel dropped off road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over all lanes of traffic, entered west ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Becker to the hospital in Osborne. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

OSBORNE COUNTY —One person was injured just before 11a.m. Saturday in Osborne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Dodge Ram driven by&nbsp;Becker, Emilie L. Becker, 16, Downs, was southbound on U.S. 281 six miles north of Luray.The pickup's wheel dropped off road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over all lanes of traffic, entered west ditch and rolled.EMS transported Becker to the hospital in Osborne. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after pickup rolls 

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Steve Johnson to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District effective Jan. 11 through Dec. 31, 2021.

Johnson succeeds Chief Judge Mike Keeley, who will retire in January. Keeley has served as chief judge since 2004.

The 20th Judicial District is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.

“We appreciate that Judge Johnson is willing to take on the additional responsibilities of chief judge and provide continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Supreme Court. “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Johnson was elected district judge in 2012.

"I have enjoyed the challenges of being a district judge the past eight years and look forward to the additional responsibilities as chief judge," Johnson said. "I hope to continue the long tradition of the 20th Judicial District, alongside our other judges and dedicated employees, of providing those who come before us with the fairness and dignity they deserve."

Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012.

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603569768285.jpeg" alt="Judge Steve Johnson " />
 <figcaption>Judge Steve Johnson </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Judicial AdministrationTOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Steve Johnson to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District effective Jan. 11 through Dec. 31, 2021.Johnson succeeds Chief Judge Mike Keeley, who will retire in January. Keeley has served as chief judge since 2004.The 20th Judicial District is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.“We appreciate that Judge Johnson is willing to take on the additional responsibilities of chief judge and provide continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Marla Luckert, chief justice of the Supreme Court. “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”Johnson was elected district judge in 2012."I have enjoyed the challenges of being a district judge the past eight years and look forward to the additional responsibilities as chief judge," Johnson said. "I hope to continue the long tradition of the 20th Judicial District, alongside our other judges and dedicated employees, of providing those who come before us with the fairness and dignity they deserve."Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School, Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012.Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

NW Kan. native, FHSU grad named chief judge of 21st District

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Kendy S. Rubio-Gomez, 24, Selden, was eastbound on US highway 24 eleven miles east of Colby.

The car crossed westbound traffic, traveled off the roadway to the left entered into north ditch, struck a field road, went airborne the rolled and the driver was ejected. The car came to rest on the passengers side in a corn field.

EMS transported Rubio-Gomez to Citizen's Medical Center. The safety restraint was not worn properly, according to the KHP. She was only using the lap belt.

THOMAS COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Kendy S. Rubio-Gomez, 24, Selden, was eastbound on US highway 24 eleven miles east of Colby.The car crossed westbound traffic, traveled off the roadway to the left entered into north ditch, struck a field road, went airborne the rolled and the driver was ejected. The car came to rest on the passengers side in a corn field.EMS transported Rubio-Gomez to Citizen's Medical Center. The safety restraint was not worn properly, according to the KHP. She was only using the lap belt.

NW Kansas woman dies after being ejected in crash

Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

With Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603550162306.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Efforts being made to bring large COVID outbreak under control</h2>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County ReviewWith Norton County in northwest Kansas in the midst of having the largest per capita outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States, state health and government authorities are scrambling to bring it under control there. As the disease continues spreading rapidly through the prisoner population at Norton Correction Facility, inmate evacuations are currently underway, with dozens being transported out of the pandemic zone to relative safety at Lansing Prison on Friday, where they are being placed in quarantine. The number of positive cases at the Norton prison increased from 108 on Monday to over 200 on Wednesday, and on past 300 on Friday, presently affecting close to half of the facility’s population. With over 200 new cases this week in the prison alone, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing just 77 throughout the county for the same time frame in its reporting by age groups, in response to a query from the&nbsp;Phillips County Review&nbsp;KDHE spokesman Kristi Zears advised the Review Friday night, “with the large increase in a short period of time, there is an expected lag time to when a case is identified and when it may be associated with a cluster.” In explaining KDHE efforts to tie the NCF cases as being related to one another, Zears continued, “In terms for the number of cases associated with an outbreak, cases are associated or linked to a particular location through public health investigations. After public health is notified about a case, case investigators interview the case and through the interview process may determine that the case was associated with a particular cluster.” In addition to the outbreak at NCF, Andbe Home — a Norton retirement facility for the aged — made nationwide news when it was reported five days ago all 62&nbsp; residents there had contracted&nbsp; the disease, with 10 of them dying. Another 12 Andbe Home staff members and others associated with the facility have also contracted the disease. In response to the Andbe outbreak, the&nbsp;Review&nbsp;has contacted the Kansas governor’s office and inquired regarding what was being done to assist in Norton. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald responded by stating, “After being informed of the COVID-19 outbreak at the nursing home facility in Norton [last] Saturday, Gov. Kelly immediately directed the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to provide resources to the county to help mitigate the outbreak.&nbsp; Since then, the state has provided personal protective equipment, test kits, ventilators, Remdesivir and other additional resources. KDHE has been in regular communication with the Norton County Health Department and Norton County Hospital to help provide guidance and coordinate the response to prevent any further outbreak. “Gov. Kelly remains concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 in rural Kansas communities, and strongly encourages counties to adopt her order mandating that residents wear protective masks whenever they are in public and unable to social distance.”

REVIEW: Inmate evacuations underway at Norton prison

MANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University students are winners in a video competition offered at the College of Business Administration's Inclusion Summit on Oct. 21. The summit, conducted virtually, was sponsored by the college, Union Pacific Railroad and the K-State Student Governing Association. K-State students and organizations were invited to submit a 60-second video on what inclusion means to them. Earning first place and the $1,000 top prize was Richard Gutierrez, a senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Ross Henderson, senior in human resource management and management information systems,&nbsp;Hays, won third place and a $575 prize. Second place, worth $800, was won by the Staley School of Leadership Studies Ambassadors.

Winning videos can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html">cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html</a>.&nbsp;

K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University students are winners in a video competition offered at the College of Business Administration's Inclusion Summit on Oct. 21. The summit, conducted virtually, was sponsored by the college, Union Pacific Railroad and the K-State Student Governing Association. K-State students and organizations were invited to submit a 60-second video on what inclusion means to them. Earning first place and the $1,000 top prize was Richard Gutierrez, a senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Ross Henderson, senior in human resource management and management information systems,&nbsp;Hays, won third place and a $575 prize. Second place, worth $800, was won by the Staley School of Leadership Studies Ambassadors.Winning videos can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html">cba.k-state.edu/about/inclusion-summit.html</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LE0dEKAAFJk"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Ross Henderson's submission for the Inclusion Summit 2020 video competition.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Hays student earns prize in K-State video competition

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.&nbsp; 

The money will go toward new cabinets for one of its group homes located in Hays. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 25 at the Ellis Golf Club.&nbsp; 

"DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSNWK serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas announced this week the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised more than $15,000.&nbsp; The money will go toward new cabinets for one of its group homes located in Hays. The four-person scramble tournament was held Sept. 25 at the Ellis Golf Club.&nbsp; "DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success," the organization said in a news release.&nbsp;&nbsp;DSNWK serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas.— Submitted

 Golf tournament raises funds for new cabinets in group home

Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.

Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.

What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.

Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who’s right and why?&nbsp;Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voter fraud, voter suppression or neither?

Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

LETTER: Open letter to November voters

HODGEMAN COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Hodgeman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford F250 driven by&nbsp;Vaughn, Andrew R.&nbsp;Vaughn, 28, Rossville, IL., was northbound on U.S. 283 just north of the Jetmore city limits.

The driver failed to yield right of way at the stop sign at the Kansas 156 intersection. A westbound 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by Elias Flores, 56, Ulysses, struck the Ford on the passenger side.

EMS transported Flores to Hodgeman County Health Center. Vaughn was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

HODGEMAN COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Hodgeman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford F250 driven by&nbsp;Vaughn, Andrew R.&nbsp;Vaughn, 28, Rossville, IL., was northbound on U.S. 283 just north of the Jetmore city limits.The driver failed to yield right of way at the stop sign at the Kansas 156 intersection. A westbound 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by Elias Flores, 56, Ulysses, struck the Ford on the passenger side.EMS transported Flores to Hodgeman County Health Center. Vaughn was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Kansas man hospitalized after crash with semi

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Lakin for a key 2A district matchup Friday.

Kickoff at 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>&nbsp;and on HaysPost.com.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Lakin for a key 2A district matchup Friday.Kickoff at 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>&nbsp;and on HaysPost.com.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nlu0l3__ZD4"></iframe>
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 🏈WATCH: TMP-Marian vs Lakin

The Hays High football team Kapaun Mt. Carmel in key 5A matchup Friday at Lewis Field Stadium.

Kickoff between the Indians and the Crusaders is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30 on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>&nbsp;and HaysPost.com.

The Hays High football team Kapaun Mt. Carmel in key 5A matchup Friday at Lewis Field Stadium.Kickoff between the Indians and the Crusaders is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30 on&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">96.9 KFIX</a>&nbsp;and HaysPost.com.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q99kSwl0orU"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈WATCH - Hays High v Kapaun Mt. Carmel

The Hays Community Theatre will once again present Haunted Hays City tours with tours kicking off at 7 p.m. Friday.

During the tour, participants will experience "characters of a questionable nature, haunting figures, farm animals, and firearms," as they are led by an HCT volunteer around historic Hays streets.

The one-hour tours will begin and end at 121 E. Eighth with groups set to depart every 15 minutes until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

While the tours typically draw large crowds, with the ongoing pandemic organizer Sharona Fondoble said initially the HCT was not sure the tours would happen this year.

"We waited a while to decide if we were going to do it or not," Fondoble said.

She said they asked the regular volunteers if they were even comfortable presenting the tours during the ongoing pandemic.

"A lot of people wanted to," Fondoble said, "because everything else has been canceled. Everybody wants to be able to get together and do something."

She also said because of the outdoor nature of the event, unlike most HCT performances, naturally allows for social distancing.

"We are really glad we get to do it," she said.

But this year, extra steps have been taken to help ensure social distancing, with spaced seating and a mask requirement in place for attendees.

"In the tour groups, you do walk close together, even though it is outside, you are still closer together and you have to gather around at the different places," Fondoble said.

They are also will attempt to keep the groups smaller than in previous years.

"Other than that, it is pretty much business as usual," Fondoble said.

During this year's tours, about 75 HCT volunteers will participate in a variety of different roles.

"Everybody is really excited to do it," Fondoble said.

This year, Fondoble said the tour will feature some first-time volunteers and others who are taking their first dip into the Haunted Tour but had worked on other HCT productions.

"We all like each other, but we like to get new blood in too,"&nbsp; she said.

With other productions canceled this year, not only is this an opportunity to showcase the HCT, it is will help keep funds flowing into the organization for future endeavors.

"We are a nonprofit," Fondoble said. "We are 100 percent volunteer, and nobody gets paid for anything that they do here. So, everything that we make on any (production) goes directly back into the theater."

With the tours having almost no production costs, it is one of their largest sources of revenue for the year.

"This one, in particular, is our biggest fundraiser because we don't have to pay royalties and we don't pay rental fees like we do our shows."

During the tours, they will also have tickets available for their ongoing quilt raffle, made for the HCT by friends and family of the group. 

Fondoble said there are only 250 tickets available at $25 each or five for $100.

Tickets can be ordered online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600702752021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays Community Theatre will once again present Haunted Hays City tours with tours kicking off at 7 p.m. Friday.During the tour, participants will experience "characters of a questionable nature, haunting figures, farm animals, and firearms," as they are led by an HCT volunteer around historic Hays streets.The one-hour tours will begin and end at 121 E. Eighth with groups set to depart every 15 minutes until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.While the tours typically draw large crowds, with the ongoing pandemic organizer Sharona Fondoble said initially the HCT was not sure the tours would happen this year."We waited a while to decide if we were going to do it or not," Fondoble said.She said they asked the regular volunteers if they were even comfortable presenting the tours during the ongoing pandemic."A lot of people wanted to," Fondoble said, "because everything else has been canceled. Everybody wants to be able to get together and do something."She also said because of the outdoor nature of the event, unlike most HCT performances, naturally allows for social distancing."We are really glad we get to do it," she said.But this year, extra steps have been taken to help ensure social distancing, with spaced seating and a mask requirement in place for attendees."In the tour groups, you do walk close together, even though it is outside, you are still closer together and you have to gather around at the different places," Fondoble said.They are also will attempt to keep the groups smaller than in previous years."Other than that, it is pretty much business as usual," Fondoble said.During this year's tours, about 75 HCT volunteers will participate in a variety of different roles."Everybody is really excited to do it," Fondoble said.This year, Fondoble said the tour will feature some first-time volunteers and others who are taking their first dip into the Haunted Tour but had worked on other HCT productions."We all like each other, but we like to get new blood in too,"&nbsp; she said.With other productions canceled this year, not only is this an opportunity to showcase the HCT, it is will help keep funds flowing into the organization for future endeavors."We are a nonprofit," Fondoble said. "We are 100 percent volunteer, and nobody gets paid for anything that they do here. So, everything that we make on any (production) goes directly back into the theater."With the tours having almost no production costs, it is one of their largest sources of revenue for the year."This one, in particular, is our biggest fundraiser because we don't have to pay royalties and we don't pay rental fees like we do our shows."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603476942297.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>During the tours, they will also have tickets available for their ongoing quilt raffle, made for the HCT by friends and family of the group. Fondoble said there are only 250 tickets available at $25 each or five for $100.Cost is $10 per person. Tickets can be ordered online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hctks.com/">hctks.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HCT to present Haunted Hays City tours begining Friday

There will be a Trick or Treat Drive-by Food Drive to benefit &nbsp;the Hays Community Assistance Center from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Drop-off locations include the Community Assistance Center, Walmart, both Dillions stores and Genuine Appliance.

Watch for signs at each location to drop off food. Help is also needed at each location. Groups can sign up on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">HERE</a>.

There will be a Trick or Treat Drive-by Food Drive to benefit &nbsp;the Hays Community Assistance Center from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.Drop-off locations include the Community Assistance Center, Walmart, both Dillions stores and Genuine Appliance.Watch for signs at each location to drop off food. Help is also needed at each location. Groups can sign up on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">HERE</a>.

Food drive will benefit Community Assistance Center

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again fell from 11 on Wednesday to 10 on Friday.

The department also reported two additional&nbsp; coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 18.

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 23 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 129 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,201 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.8 percent Wednesday to 15.8 percent Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 1,348 total cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.

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/2020/10/1603474345557.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days again fell from 11 on Wednesday to 10 on Friday.The department also reported two additional&nbsp; coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 18.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 23 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 129 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,201 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell from 16.8 percent Wednesday to 15.8 percent Friday.Since reporting began, there have been 1,348 total cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 18 deaths.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></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis Co. COVID-19 per-day rate falls; two additional deaths reported

I write to you in hopes of generating awareness about a legitimate presidential choice for U.S. voters who are weary of the current two-party political system. Our candidate’s name is Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and she proudly represents the Libertarian Party.

Dr. Jorgensen has seen a massive increase in support nationwide, despite efforts by Facebook and other media to ignore – even censor – publicity about her candidacy. With Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless about the two major parties, Dr. Jo offers a refreshing platform of freedom and peace. She appears on the ballot this Election Day in all 50 states and D.C.

In a time of foreign wars, Dr. Jo intends to make the United States “one giant Switzerland: armed and neutral.”

In a time of staggering national debt, she will work to reduce federal spending without leaving our most vulnerable behind.

In a time of medical strain and uncertainty, she will remove the red tape and bureaucratic regulation so that treatments can reach patients sooner and far less expensively.

Dr. Jo also stands firm on issues of criminal justice reform, education reform, and immigration.

I hope you can help me bring awareness of this exciting ballot option to disgruntled citizens, so that no one has to feel pressured into voting for “the lesser evil” this election cycle.

Read more about Dr. Jo here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jo20.com/about/" target="_blank">https://jo20.com/about/</a>

In liberty, Rusty Hockett, Hays

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I write to you in hopes of generating awareness about a legitimate presidential choice for U.S. voters who are weary of the current two-party political system. Our candidate’s name is Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and she proudly represents the Libertarian Party.Dr. Jorgensen has seen a massive increase in support nationwide, despite efforts by Facebook and other media to ignore – even censor – publicity about her candidacy. With Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless about the two major parties, Dr. Jo offers a refreshing platform of freedom and peace. She appears on the ballot this Election Day in all 50 states and D.C.In a time of foreign wars, Dr. Jo intends to make the United States “one giant Switzerland: armed and neutral.”In a time of staggering national debt, she will work to reduce federal spending without leaving our most vulnerable behind.In a time of medical strain and uncertainty, she will remove the red tape and bureaucratic regulation so that treatments can reach patients sooner and far less expensively.Dr. Jo also stands firm on issues of criminal justice reform, education reform, and immigration.I hope you can help me bring awareness of this exciting ballot option to disgruntled citizens, so that no one has to feel pressured into voting for “the lesser evil” this election cycle.Read more about Dr. Jo here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jo20.com/about/" target="_blank">https://jo20.com/about/</a>In liberty, Rusty Hockett, Hays

LETTER: There is a third choice for the White House

Every year, the annual
Community Thanksgiving Dinner brings hundreds of people from Hays together in a
celebration of community, but like so much else this year, COVID-19 threatened
to stifle the festivities.

“No, it’s not going to happen at the Rose Garden, but it’s
still going to happen in a way that I am pretty excited about,”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1cef467d7daa72b30eacfa"> said organizer Celeste
Lasich</a>.

After discussing many ideas, the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance found a way to move forward
with a little help from a well-known Hays restaurant.

“Clearly, we can’t gather 700 people in a ballroom and have a
meal together,” Lasich said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603391175488.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostEvery year, the annual
Community Thanksgiving Dinner brings hundreds of people from Hays together in a
celebration of community, but like so much else this year, COVID-19 threatened
to stifle the festivities.“No, it’s not going to happen at the Rose Garden, but it’s
still going to happen in a way that I am pretty excited about,”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e1cef467d7daa72b30eacfa"> said organizer Celeste
Lasich</a>.After discussing many ideas, the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance found a way to move forward
with a little help from a well-known Hays restaurant.“Clearly, we can’t gather 700 people in a ballroom and have a
meal together,” Lasich said. So, this year, prepackaged meals will be provided by Gella’s
Diner, 117 E. 11th, which will be available for pick up in front of the restaurant. &nbsp;“We are trying to pay
attention to all of the best practices,” Lasich said. “Under no circumstance do
we want to be the cause of any community spread.”With meal pick-up running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., organizers are planning now to ensure everything goes smoothly.“We are working with the Hays Police Department so that we
have a very good traffic control process,” Lasich said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578954592891.jpeg" alt="Pastor Celeste Lasich was honored Jan. 8 by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance for her service to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner." />
 <figcaption>Pastor Celeste Lasich was honored Jan. 8 by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance for her service to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.</figcaption>
 </figure>While being able to continue to provide the meal to those in
need is valuable, Lasich also said the gathering in itself has value and is
encouraging those who can to gather in other locations, as safely as possible.“There are some ways for us to do this that also recognizes
the importance and need of people to celebrate together,” she said.To accommodate those groups, they will package meals
together allowing one person to pick up meals for the group.“We are encouraging some creativity on the part of our
community to find some ways for people to be able to eat together,” she said.And for those unable to pick up a meal, First Call for Help will
again be offering delivery.“That delivery is for, elderly, homebound, disabled and — this
year — quarantined,” First Call for Help executive director Linda Mills said. “If
they can’t leave their house for those reasons, we can deliver a meal to them.”Because of the drive-through nature of the event and the prepackaged
meals, she said they are asking people to sign up now through a website that
has been set up to collect the number of meals requested and set pickup times.“People that want to come and pick up a meal that day, we
would appreciate if they sign up,” Mills said. “That will give us an idea about
how many and possibly what time they plan on coming.”Lasich also said they will need to turn in a total number of meals
by the first of November and encouraged anyone interested to sign up
now. “We could get more or less than we have done before,” she
said. “We are very aware that we will have to make a final decision about a
number.”<a href="http://signup.com/go/NXaeNyy"></a><a href="http://signup.com/go/NXaeNyy">To sign up, visit&nbsp;</a><a href="https://signup.com/go/NXaeNyy">signup.com/go/NXaeNyy.</a>Those requesting a delivery can do so by
calling First Call for Help at (785) 623-2800.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602003875651.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Grocery collection and distribution to accompany free Thanksgiving community meal</h2>Another big part of the annual event is the food drive and
distribution, and once again this year, organizers found a way to do so while
keeping everyone safe.“We want to provide some resources that can go with these
meals to remind people that they are connected and not alone and that as a
community we are together and were going to get through this together,” Lasich
said.Grocery donations will be solicited at Dillons and Walmart
the weekend before. What is collected will be sorted and available for pickup
at the same time as the meal pickup just down the street at the Community Assistance
Center.“That location was perfect in terms of being able to pull
around the block or people could stop there on their way to (Gella’s),” Lasich
said.To coordinate the meal drive through, to help with traffic
control and to deliver meals, volunteers are needed.“The community has been wonderful about stepping up to help
with this,” Lasich said. “We have had such incredible community support.”During a typical year, 100 volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in helping with the event can call First
Call for Help at (785) 623-2800.Donations are also being accepted and can be sent to the
Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, PO Box 173, Hays, KS. Checks can be made out
to the Alliance with Thanksgiving in the memo line.Donations also will be accepted during the meal drop-off and
grocery donation locations.

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