When I was originally ask to write a recurring article, the column initially was called Gray Matters.&nbsp; It was a double entradre—grey matter as in brain matter; but more especially, older Americans (with grey hair), really do matter.&nbsp; I think if had to summarize my relationship with my clients, it would be that:&nbsp; you matter.&nbsp; You are important.&nbsp; What you think is important; it matters.&nbsp; What you have experienced matters. What you want, matters. Your role in our society, regardless of your age, matters.&nbsp; Hence the theme of all my article—Grey Matters.

I recently read that "fewer than 1% of our population works hard to divide us, to pit people against one another for their selfish aim." &nbsp;

We have elections at our doorsteps.&nbsp; Much of the election advertisements are trying to pit us against each other. &nbsp;

It seems that each election the voter turnout is slight – generally less than 50% of the registered voters. Yet the vote decides who is going to govern us.&nbsp; That power to govern includes state and local taxation; education of our children; health care; Medicare benefits; Social Security benefits; how to deal with pandemics; providing for our safety and our security; and creating laws and policies that will support or devastate our economy. &nbsp;

It includes the power to wage, or not to wage, war; to give and take away our freedoms; to control the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. &nbsp;

Yet, we still have people who do not vote. &nbsp;

I remember a conversation with my grandparents from when I was young.&nbsp; In a particular election, my grandfather was going to vote for one political party; my grandmother the other.&nbsp; They decided not to vote, under the excuse, "We just cancel each other out."&nbsp; Voting is so much important than that. I understand that now.&nbsp;

I have an agenda when I vote.&nbsp; I want my rights and my clients’ rights to be protected.&nbsp; I want my clients not to worry about healthcare.&nbsp; I want there to be adequate and affordable health services for them. &nbsp;

I want them to have financial security.&nbsp; I want their businesses, farms, retirement, Social Security, and Medicare to be protected.&nbsp; I want them to be safe in their homes; I want them to be safe outside their homes. &nbsp;

I also want certain fundamental rights protected for those who may be of limited means or maybe a member of a minority group, as well as those who have a not so popular religion or lifestyle.&nbsp; I do not want mob rule to control us.&nbsp; I want to be sure that we have all the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights – including free speech, the right to vote, privacy, and a free press. &nbsp;

So, that is my agenda.&nbsp; That is my test. &nbsp;

Let me add something that my grandfather taught me – do not trust someone who continues to lie, no matter how big or small the lie.&nbsp; Walk away from that person.&nbsp; That too is part of my litmus test of a candidate, and whether I will support that candidate. Regardless of what that candidate proclaims as his/her beliefs, if the candidate lies, I am out of there.

Some encourage us not to vote. They make it more difficult to vote. They imply that as older Americans we somehow don’t matter. &nbsp;

I am one of the greys now.&nbsp; Greys Matter. You matter. Your vote matters.

Create your own agenda, your own litmus test. Your agenda may be a lot different than mine. That is fine. We will not cancel each other out. Vote for the person that most matches your agenda. Vote for someone you trust; someone who has earned that trust. No candidate is perfect, but we cannot just give up by not voting.&nbsp; Vote in person or by mail.&nbsp; Call the County Clerk in your county if you have questions.

Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578498921842.png" alt="Randy Clinkscales" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clinkscales</figcaption>
 </figure>When I was originally ask to write a recurring article, the column initially was called Gray Matters.&nbsp; It was a double entradre—grey matter as in brain matter; but more especially, older Americans (with grey hair), really do matter.&nbsp; I think if had to summarize my relationship with my clients, it would be that:&nbsp; you matter.&nbsp; You are important.&nbsp; What you think is important; it matters.&nbsp; What you have experienced matters. What you want, matters. Your role in our society, regardless of your age, matters.&nbsp; Hence the theme of all my article—Grey Matters.I recently read that "fewer than 1% of our population works hard to divide us, to pit people against one another for their selfish aim." &nbsp;We have elections at our doorsteps.&nbsp; Much of the election advertisements are trying to pit us against each other. &nbsp;It seems that each election the voter turnout is slight – generally less than 50% of the registered voters. Yet the vote decides who is going to govern us.&nbsp; That power to govern includes state and local taxation; education of our children; health care; Medicare benefits; Social Security benefits; how to deal with pandemics; providing for our safety and our security; and creating laws and policies that will support or devastate our economy. &nbsp;It includes the power to wage, or not to wage, war; to give and take away our freedoms; to control the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. &nbsp;Yet, we still have people who do not vote. &nbsp;I remember a conversation with my grandparents from when I was young.&nbsp; In a particular election, my grandfather was going to vote for one political party; my grandmother the other.&nbsp; They decided not to vote, under the excuse, "We just cancel each other out."&nbsp; Voting is so much important than that. I understand that now.&nbsp;I have an agenda when I vote.&nbsp; I want my rights and my clients’ rights to be protected.&nbsp; I want my clients not to worry about healthcare.&nbsp; I want there to be adequate and affordable health services for them. &nbsp;I want them to have financial security.&nbsp; I want their businesses, farms, retirement, Social Security, and Medicare to be protected.&nbsp; I want them to be safe in their homes; I want them to be safe outside their homes. &nbsp;I also want certain fundamental rights protected for those who may be of limited means or maybe a member of a minority group, as well as those who have a not so popular religion or lifestyle.&nbsp; I do not want mob rule to control us.&nbsp; I want to be sure that we have all the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights – including free speech, the right to vote, privacy, and a free press. &nbsp;So, that is my agenda.&nbsp; That is my test. &nbsp;Let me add something that my grandfather taught me – do not trust someone who continues to lie, no matter how big or small the lie.&nbsp; Walk away from that person.&nbsp; That too is part of my litmus test of a candidate, and whether I will support that candidate. Regardless of what that candidate proclaims as his/her beliefs, if the candidate lies, I am out of there.Some encourage us not to vote. They make it more difficult to vote. They imply that as older Americans we somehow don’t matter. &nbsp;I am one of the greys now.&nbsp; Greys Matter. You matter. Your vote matters.Create your own agenda, your own litmus test. Your agenda may be a lot different than mine. That is fine. We will not cancel each other out. Vote for the person that most matches your agenda. Vote for someone you trust; someone who has earned that trust. No candidate is perfect, but we cannot just give up by not voting.&nbsp; Vote in person or by mail.&nbsp; Call the County Clerk in your county if you have questions.We greys matter.&nbsp; Vote.Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

CLINKSCALES: Grey really does matter — vote

SALINE COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pilot car, 2013 Chrysler 300 driven by Darlene McCall, 57, Houston, Texas, was stopped on Interstate 135 south of Interstate 70. 

The driver was attempting to allow a 2016 Freightliner semi with an oversized load and driven by Earl James Griffin, Jr., 61, Wichita, to merge on northbound U.S. 81 from&nbsp; northbound&nbsp; Interstate 135.

The semi struck the Chrysler, traveled out of control across northbound lanes of I-135 and struck a concrete bridge railing.

The semi continued through the bridge railing and vaulted onto the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 where it came to rest. A 2017 Dodge Ram driven by Durand L. Weidman, 65, Salina, was struck by debris that were falling onto I-70.

EMS transported McCall, Griffin and a passenger in the Chryser&nbsp;Orozco, Rosa Maria Orozco, 69, Lyford, Texas, to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Weidman was not injured.

All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

UPDATE:&nbsp;Interstate 70 is open. The left northbound lane of Interstate 135/U.S.&nbsp; Highway 81 remains closed.

UPDATE:&nbsp;Eastbound Interstate 70 is open, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.

SALINE COUNTY —Interstate 70 is closed in both directions at Interstate 135 after a tractor-trailer rig went off of I-135 and landed on I-70.

Additionally, northbound I-135 is closed at I-70 because of the accident.

Watch the live feed from kandrive.org <a href="https://kandrive.org/event/CARS5-293/@-100.22113,38.90001,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar#camera/728/3473340679">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602619174800.png" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pilot car, 2013 Chrysler 300 driven by Darlene McCall, 57, Houston, Texas, was stopped on Interstate 135 south of Interstate 70. The driver was attempting to allow a 2016 Freightliner semi with an oversized load and driven by Earl James Griffin, Jr., 61, Wichita, to merge on northbound U.S. 81 from&nbsp; northbound&nbsp; Interstate 135.The semi struck the Chrysler, traveled out of control across northbound lanes of I-135 and struck a concrete bridge railing.The semi continued through the bridge railing and vaulted onto the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 where it came to rest. A 2017 Dodge Ram driven by Durand L. Weidman, 65, Salina, was struck by debris that were falling onto I-70.EMS transported McCall, Griffin and a passenger in the Chryser&nbsp;Orozco, Rosa Maria Orozco, 69, Lyford, Texas, to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Weidman was not injured.All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.UPDATE:&nbsp;Interstate 70 is open. The left northbound lane of Interstate 135/U.S.&nbsp; Highway 81 remains closed.. . .UPDATE:&nbsp;Eastbound Interstate 70 is open, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>.------SALINE COUNTY —Interstate 70 is closed in both directions at Interstate 135 after a tractor-trailer rig went off of I-135 and landed on I-70.Additionally, northbound I-135 is closed at I-70 because of the accident.Watch the live feed from kandrive.org <a href="https://kandrive.org/event/CARS5-293/@-100.22113,38.90001,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar#camera/728/3473340679">here</a>.

Update: I-70 open; 3 hospitalized after semi topples off bridge

Shirley Higgins, 86, was presented with a We Kan! Award on October 12 at the City Jail Museum in McCracken. Family and friends were in attendance for the surprise ceremony.&nbsp;

The presentation was made by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Inman-based nonprofit has been choosing 10 recipients a year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Higgins’ award had the words “You are my touchstone” engraved on a round plate made by Elk Falls Pottery. Foundation director Penner said, “Shirley exudes love for her hometown and she has always shared her hometown pride or concern with me in a way that touches me deeply.&nbsp; She doesn’t know it but her words, her volunteerism, and her love for her town motivates me to do our work. This was the most personal award we’ve ever given.”&nbsp;

On October 9, the Kansas Sampler Foundation presented a We Kan! Award to McCracken native Tim Rues, 62. Tim is the curator at Constitution Hall in Lecompton. The name of his award was “More than a curator.” The ceremony took place on a porch of the state historic site as friends, families, and dignitaries gathered below in the street.

Penner said, “Tim has been the curator since this state historic site opened in 1995. He greets, he provides interpretation, he educates visitors and students, he performs as a re-enactor, he mows the lawn, and cleans the gutters. He gives this important structure and all that happened here his all and we’re a better state because of his dedication.”

In addition to Higgins and Rues, the other 2020 award presented to date has been to Heather Fuesz of Eureka.&nbsp;

To see a list of all We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602618093512.jpeg" alt="Penner, Higgins and Rowe / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Penner, Higgins and Rowe / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Sampler FoundationShirley Higgins, 86, was presented with a We Kan! Award on October 12 at the City Jail Museum in McCracken. Family and friends were in attendance for the surprise ceremony.&nbsp;The presentation was made by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Inman-based nonprofit has been choosing 10 recipients a year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture. &nbsp; &nbsp;Higgins’ award had the words “You are my touchstone” engraved on a round plate made by Elk Falls Pottery. Foundation director Penner said, “Shirley exudes love for her hometown and she has always shared her hometown pride or concern with me in a way that touches me deeply.&nbsp; She doesn’t know it but her words, her volunteerism, and her love for her town motivates me to do our work. This was the most personal award we’ve ever given.”&nbsp;On October 9, the Kansas Sampler Foundation presented a We Kan! Award to McCracken native Tim Rues, 62. Tim is the curator at Constitution Hall in Lecompton. The name of his award was “More than a curator.” The ceremony took place on a porch of the state historic site as friends, families, and dignitaries gathered below in the street.Penner said, “Tim has been the curator since this state historic site opened in 1995. He greets, he provides interpretation, he educates visitors and students, he performs as a re-enactor, he mows the lawn, and cleans the gutters. He gives this important structure and all that happened here his all and we’re a better state because of his dedication.”In addition to Higgins and Rues, the other 2020 award presented to date has been to Heather Fuesz of Eureka.&nbsp;To see a list of all We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.

McCracken woman earns Kansas Sample Foundation award

The newly repainted one-million gallon Hays water tower next to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History is among the entries in the Tnemec Tank of the Year contest.

Fort Hays State University has completed their project to place a logo on the top of that tower.

The city is looking to get as many votes possible for the tower.

 Since 2006, Tnemec has celebrated the innovative and creative uses of its coatings on water tanks with the annual Tank of the Year contest. Each year, tanks of all varieties from across the nation and Canada have been narrowed down to determine one true Tank of the Year.

<a href="http://tankoftheyear.tnemec.com/about/">Voting will be open from Oct. 5 - Oct. 16</a>.

Once all votes are in, the top tank during the voting process and 11 runners-up will be judged by an internal panel of water tank enthusiasts to determine the winner. The Tank of the Year will be announced Oct. 23.

The winner and 11 runners-up will be featured in Tnemec's annual water tank calendar. The tank with the most votes during the polling period will be awarded as honorary People's Choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602540038266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe newly repainted one-million gallon Hays water tower next to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History is among the entries in the Tnemec Tank of the Year contest.Fort Hays State University has completed their project to place a logo on the top of that tower.The city is looking to get as many votes possible for the tower.<h2>CONTEST DETAILS</h2> Since 2006, Tnemec has celebrated the innovative and creative uses of its coatings on water tanks with the annual Tank of the Year contest. Each year, tanks of all varieties from across the nation and Canada have been narrowed down to determine one true Tank of the Year.<a href="http://tankoftheyear.tnemec.com/about/">Voting will be open from Oct. 5 - Oct. 16</a>. Once all votes are in, the top tank during the voting process and 11 runners-up will be judged by an internal panel of water tank enthusiasts to determine the winner. The Tank of the Year will be announced Oct. 23.The winner and 11 runners-up will be featured in Tnemec's annual water tank calendar. The tank with the most votes during the polling period will be awarded as honorary People's Choice.

Newly painted water tower part of 'Tank of the Year' contest; voting open now

WASHINGTON (AP) — Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for older people. Government estimates released Tuesday show the increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker. 

The estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker would be $1,543 a month. The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans. The economic fallout from the virus reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare. But there’s been no real discussion of either program in the election contest between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for older people. Government estimates released Tuesday show the increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker. The estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker would be $1,543 a month. The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans. The economic fallout from the virus reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare. But there’s been no real discussion of either program in the election contest between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Small increase planned for Social Security recipients

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Monday night's Kansas House 111th District debate was forced online by COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic was one of the concerns in numerous questions submitted to the candidates - incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays.&nbsp;

Phelps has previously served as the 111th District state representative.&nbsp;

He was defeated by Wasinger two years ago by just 35 votes, following a&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/12/28/election-lawsuit-against-rep-wasinger-dismissed/">ballot recount and lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the first questions asked of the candidates was whether it worked when Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, temporarily shut down non-essential businesses on March 30 to help stop the COVID spread. Executive orders also required Kansans to wear face masks in public and not to gather in large groups.&nbsp;

Wasinger feels "the blanket approach was wrong" and such actions should be decided by local governing bodies.

"On March 30th, more than 90 counties, including Ellis County, had no cases of COVID. When we exited the shutdown on May 3rd, there were 10 cases in Ellis County," Wasinger noted. 

"Local control is so important for all of our communities. The county commissions, the city commissions, they know what's best for their communities.

"I think it was wrong to shut down all of these businesses and pick winners and losers in this shutdown.&nbsp;

"Suddenly, it was okay for Home Depot, or Dillons or Walmart (across Kansas) to be open but we couldn't have businesses open in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

"The economic damage is considerable," Wasinger declared. "We need to use common sense and learn how to improve. The state will not be able to survive another shutdown."

Phelps considers the COVID shutdowns a "health issue" and "a threat to our safety all across this country."

"So, steps were taken in Kansas. Things worked at the very beginning. We didn't have any (local) cases. But some people looked at it as a political issue or an economic issue.

"The governor took the advice of medical science. ... County governments all over the state decided to look at it as a political issue and pushed back on the governor, saying no, we're not going to wear masks (including Ellis County).

"It was the right thing to do, with the effect of flattening the curve." Phelps said. "It was the opening up too soon, which we've also seen in Florida, Texas and Arizona, that's causing resurgence.

"In Ellis County, we jumped over 1,200 cases today, according to KDHE.&nbsp; That could have been zero if our county commission would have followed through," Phelps contends.

As of Monday, there have been 1,211 cases of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e033c059-4566-475c-bd29-8eec77237729">COVID-19 identified in Ellis County</a>, including 13 deaths.

On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the ordinance requiring face coverings</a> until the seven-day new case average is five or fewer for 14 straight days.

The number of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f8048be6-aec5-4ce3-8d21-1234a7fa4fcd">confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas</a> increased by 2055 to a total of 67,862, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 771, an increase of 8.

Asked who should have the authority to declare emergency actions regarding health issues in Kansas, Wasinger said there should be a "system of checks and balances, without partisanship."&nbsp;

Phelps, who said he believes "the worst is yet to come," wants the governor and state legislature to work together in making such declarations.

The pandemic may promote a positive for rural Kansas.

"People are leaving larger cities to live in rural areas," Wasinger said. "We must have broadband everywhere in Kansas to accommodate those workers."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Because of COVID, some employers are more willing to allow their employees to work from home, Phelps added.

Both candidates can see their way to supporting Medicaid expansion in Kansas, albeit by different paths.&nbsp;

Wasinger listed what she called "important additions" to any bill for expansion of KanCare, the state's Medicaid program.

"People need to have some skin in the game. 

"We need to have them pay a premium according to their income base.&nbsp;We also need to have some sort of pathway to work."

KanCare reimbursement needs to be improved, according to Wasinger.&nbsp;

"We have a disabled community that's waiting in line for services and they will be stepped over by Medicaid expansion," she said. "We have to clean up those lists so our most vulnerable citizens are not sitting and waiting."

Phelps said he voted for Medicaid expansion at least three times during his tenure in the legislature.&nbsp;

If Kansas had adopted it when the chance first arose in 2014, "we'd be so much further ahead budgetwise here in the state," Phelps said.&nbsp;

According to a ticker hosted on the <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/KanCareExpansion/">Kansas Hospital Association</a> (KHA) website, Kansas has so far forfeited more than $4.3 billion in federal funds.

"That's just under a million dollars a year for HaysMed. Just think what that would do for our community if they had those additional resources in their current budget."

Phelps says Governor Kelly will not veto a Medicaid expansion bill, which would affect about 150,000 uninsured Kansans.

"We have an opportunity here. Yes, it's matching funds - 90% from the federal government - but in that bill if it goes below that, the state can pull out of it."

Thirty-nine of the 50 states have adopted Medicaid expansion - including the four states surrounding Kansas - or are in the process of doing so.&nbsp;

Bringing a Medicaid expansion bill to a vote would be Phelps' immediate priority elected, he said last night.

Wasinger said her number one goal would be to fix the foster care system in Kansas and make it easier for people to become foster parents.

The candidates talked about school funding in Kansas, for K-12 and higher education.

Wasinger sits on the budget committee for higher education funding. She said she is a "strong supporter of FHSU" and sees a need for more technical school graduates. Once the legislature convenes in January, Wasinger anticipates cuts to higher ed funds to help balance the state's COVID-ravaged budget.

Wasinger wants "accountability" in K-12 funding and believes not enough dollars are going to teachers and classrooms. 

"Some Hays USD 489 teachers are making an unlivable wage," Wasinger said, "especially if they are living alone."

Approximately 65% of the state's budget is spent on education.&nbsp;

"Investing in our kids is the best thing we can do for the future of Kansas," Phelps believes.

The hour-long debate at Fort Hays State University's Hammond Hall also included discussions of affordable housing, support of the state's agriculture industry, protection of small businesses, social and racial justice in Kansas, a state increase in the minimum wage, and limiting abortion rights through constitutional change.

Kansas House District 111 includes the cities of Hays, Munjor and Victoria, as well as the townships of Big Creek (partial), Freedom, Herzog (partial),&nbsp;Lookout (partial), Victoria and Wheatland (partial).

Monday's debate was livestreamed on the FHSU Student Government Association (SGA) Facebook page by Tiger Media Network (TMN) with support from SGA, American Democracy Project, Dept. of Political Science, Docking Institute and the Hays Chamber. There was no audience in Hammond Hall.

Moderators were&nbsp; Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, asst. professor of political science and Isaiah Schindler, a political science sophomore from Hays.

Voter registration in Kansas continues through Oct. 13.&nbsp;Early voting begins Mon., Oct. 19.

&nbsp;The general election is Tue., Nov. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602555662053.jpeg" alt="Kansas House 111th District candidates Eber Phelps, D-Hays, and incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, debate online Monday evening in Hammond Hall, Fort Hays State University." />
 <figcaption>Kansas House 111th District candidates Eber Phelps, D-Hays, and incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, debate online Monday evening in Hammond Hall, Fort Hays State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostMonday night's Kansas House 111th District debate was forced online by COVID-19.The coronavirus pandemic was one of the concerns in numerous questions submitted to the candidates - incumbent Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, and challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays.&nbsp;Phelps has previously served as the 111th District state representative.&nbsp;

He was defeated by Wasinger two years ago by just 35 votes, following a&nbsp;<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/12/28/election-lawsuit-against-rep-wasinger-dismissed/">ballot recount and lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID CONCERNSOne of the first questions asked of the candidates was whether it worked when Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, temporarily shut down non-essential businesses on March 30 to help stop the COVID spread. Executive orders also required Kansans to wear face masks in public and not to gather in large groups.&nbsp;Wasinger feels "the blanket approach was wrong" and such actions should be decided by local governing bodies."On March 30th, more than 90 counties, including Ellis County, had no cases of COVID. When we exited the shutdown on May 3rd, there were 10 cases in Ellis County," Wasinger noted. "Local control is so important for all of our communities. The county commissions, the city commissions, they know what's best for their communities."I think it was wrong to shut down all of these businesses and pick winners and losers in this shutdown.&nbsp;"Suddenly, it was okay for Home Depot, or Dillons or Walmart (across Kansas) to be open but we couldn't have businesses open in downtown Hays.&nbsp;"The economic damage is considerable," Wasinger declared. "We need to use common sense and learn how to improve. The state will not be able to survive another shutdown."Phelps considers the COVID shutdowns a "health issue" and "a threat to our safety all across this country.""So, steps were taken in Kansas. Things worked at the very beginning. We didn't have any (local) cases. But some people looked at it as a political issue or an economic issue."The governor took the advice of medical science. ... County governments all over the state decided to look at it as a political issue and pushed back on the governor, saying no, we're not going to wear masks (including Ellis County)."It was the right thing to do, with the effect of flattening the curve." Phelps said. "It was the opening up too soon, which we've also seen in Florida, Texas and Arizona, that's causing resurgence."In Ellis County, we jumped over 1,200 cases today, according to KDHE.&nbsp; That could have been zero if our county commission would have followed through," Phelps contends.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DIagV-9QbPI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of Monday, there have been 1,211 cases of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e033c059-4566-475c-bd29-8eec77237729">COVID-19 identified in Ellis County</a>, including 13 deaths.On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b927d4eb-e1b4-4c57-bc57-56ad4e14516e">extend the ordinance requiring face coverings</a> until the seven-day new case average is five or fewer for 14 straight days.The number of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f8048be6-aec5-4ce3-8d21-1234a7fa4fcd">confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas</a> increased by 2055 to a total of 67,862, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 771, an increase of 8.Asked who should have the authority to declare emergency actions regarding health issues in Kansas, Wasinger said there should be a "system of checks and balances, without partisanship."&nbsp;She again advocated for local control.Phelps, who said he believes "the worst is yet to come," wants the governor and state legislature to work together in making such declarations.The pandemic may promote a positive for rural Kansas."People are leaving larger cities to live in rural areas," Wasinger said. "We must have broadband everywhere in Kansas to accommodate those workers."&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of COVID, some employers are more willing to allow their employees to work from home, Phelps added.MEDICAID EXPANSIONBoth candidates can see their way to supporting Medicaid expansion in Kansas, albeit by different paths.&nbsp;Wasinger listed what she called "important additions" to any bill for expansion of KanCare, the state's Medicaid program."People need to have some skin in the game. "We need to have them pay a premium according to their income base.&nbsp;We also need to have some sort of pathway to work."KanCare reimbursement needs to be improved, according to Wasinger.&nbsp;"We have a disabled community that's waiting in line for services and they will be stepped over by Medicaid expansion," she said. "We have to clean up those lists so our most vulnerable citizens are not sitting and waiting."Phelps said he voted for Medicaid expansion at least three times during his tenure in the legislature.&nbsp;If Kansas had adopted it when the chance first arose in 2014, "we'd be so much further ahead budgetwise here in the state," Phelps said.&nbsp;According to a ticker hosted on the <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/CriticalIssues/KanCareExpansion/">Kansas Hospital Association</a> (KHA) website, Kansas has so far forfeited more than $4.3 billion in federal funds."That's just under a million dollars a year for HaysMed. Just think what that would do for our community if they had those additional resources in their current budget."Phelps says Governor Kelly will not veto a Medicaid expansion bill, which would affect about 150,000 uninsured Kansans."We have an opportunity here. Yes, it's matching funds - 90% from the federal government - but in that bill if it goes below that, the state can pull out of it."Thirty-nine of the 50 states have adopted Medicaid expansion - including the four states surrounding Kansas - or are in the process of doing so.&nbsp;Bringing a Medicaid expansion bill to a vote would be Phelps' immediate priority elected, he said last night.Wasinger said her number one goal would be to fix the foster care system in Kansas and make it easier for people to become foster parents.EDUCATION FUNDINGThe candidates talked about school funding in Kansas, for K-12 and higher education.Wasinger sits on the budget committee for higher education funding. She said she is a "strong supporter of FHSU" and sees a need for more technical school graduates. Once the legislature convenes in January, Wasinger anticipates cuts to higher ed funds to help balance the state's COVID-ravaged budget.Wasinger wants "accountability" in K-12 funding and believes not enough dollars are going to teachers and classrooms. "Some Hays USD 489 teachers are making an unlivable wage," Wasinger said, "especially if they are living alone."Approximately 65% of the state's budget is spent on education.&nbsp;"Investing in our kids is the best thing we can do for the future of Kansas," Phelps believes.OTHER TOPICSThe hour-long debate at Fort Hays State University's Hammond Hall also included discussions of affordable housing, support of the state's agriculture industry, protection of small businesses, social and racial justice in Kansas, a state increase in the minimum wage, and limiting abortion rights through constitutional change.Kansas House District 111 includes the cities of Hays, Munjor and Victoria, as well as the townships of Big Creek (partial), Freedom, Herzog (partial),&nbsp;Lookout (partial), Victoria and Wheatland (partial).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602567093541.jpeg" alt="Debate moderators&nbsp;Isaiah Schindler and Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook from the FHSU Dept. of Political Science." />
 <figcaption>Debate moderators&nbsp;Isaiah Schindler and Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook from the FHSU Dept. of Political Science.</figcaption>
 </figure>Monday's debate was livestreamed on the FHSU Student Government Association (SGA) Facebook page by Tiger Media Network (TMN) with support from SGA, American Democracy Project, Dept. of Political Science, Docking Institute and the Hays Chamber. There was no audience in Hammond Hall.Moderators were&nbsp; Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, asst. professor of political science and Isaiah Schindler, a political science sophomore from Hays. Voter registration in Kansas continues through Oct. 13.&nbsp;Early voting begins Mon., Oct. 19.&nbsp;The general election is Tue., Nov. 3.

🎥 COVID, Medicaid expansion, education funding dominate 111th District debate

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices still low, but rising

Thank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.

About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.

Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.

Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.

You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.

Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!

Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589824071248.png" alt="Ruder" />
 <figcaption>Ruder</figcaption>
 </figure>By VERN RUDERThank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

LETTER: Ruder discusses run for treasurer's office

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday to hear two requests for public hearings.

Hays USD 489 and Overland Property Group Stonepost Lofts Partners are asking for a floodplain variance for the former Washington Grade School&nbsp; at 305 Main Street.

The building is listed as an historic property.

The school district plans to sell the facility to Overland Property Group&nbsp; which will turn it into apartments.&nbsp;

Hays Community Theatre is also asking for a public hearing regarding variance in wall signs on its building at 121 E. Eighth.

The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602274168961.jpeg" alt="Former Washington Grade School in Hays" />
 <figcaption>Former Washington Grade School in Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday to hear two requests for public hearings.Hays USD 489 and Overland Property Group Stonepost Lofts Partners are asking for a floodplain variance for the former Washington Grade School&nbsp; at 305 Main Street.The building is listed as an historic property.The school district plans to sell the facility to Overland Property Group&nbsp; which will turn it into apartments.&nbsp;Hays Community Theatre is also asking for a public hearing regarding variance in wall signs on its building at 121 E. Eighth.The meeting starts at 8:15 a.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;The complete agenda is below:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602270663983.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Floodplain variance requested in development of former Washington School

TOPEKA - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen announced Thursday that USDA is investing $40,000 toward new patrol vehicles and equipment for the City of Norton Law Enforcement Department.

“Reliable emergency equipment is necessary for communities to thrive,” Hinrichsen said. “Our first responders must have the proper tools to protect and serve our communities. USDA is dedicated to rural communities like Norton and their long-term commitments to economic prosperity because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”

The city of Norton will use a $40,000 grant to assist with the purchase of two new patrol vehicles and related equipment. The vehicles will provide law enforcement services for nearly 3,000 people in the Norton area. This public safety partnership is made possible by the additional contribution by the City of Norton of $35,000.

These investments were made through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program and can be used to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. 

Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. 

Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Interested parties should contact their local Kansas office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants a detailed overview of the application process.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. 

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602186417557.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen announced Thursday that USDA is investing $40,000 toward new patrol vehicles and equipment for the City of Norton Law Enforcement Department.“Reliable emergency equipment is necessary for communities to thrive,” Hinrichsen said. “Our first responders must have the proper tools to protect and serve our communities. USDA is dedicated to rural communities like Norton and their long-term commitments to economic prosperity because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”Background:The city of Norton will use a $40,000 grant to assist with the purchase of two new patrol vehicles and related equipment. The vehicles will provide law enforcement services for nearly 3,000 people in the Norton area. This public safety partnership is made possible by the additional contribution by the City of Norton of $35,000.These investments were made through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program and can be used to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Interested parties should contact their local Kansas office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants a detailed overview of the application process.USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.

Norton law enforcement to receive new patrol vehicles, equipment

Three-day weather outlook

Is the glass half empty or half full? It is believed that those who see the glass as half full tend to be more optimistic and those who see the glass as half empty are more pessimistic. Of course, there will be those who say, “You should be just glad to have a glass and have something to drink!”.

I have enjoyed several webinars through Illinois Extension that focused on being positive and aging. Extensive research has shown that optimism improves well-being and physical health. Studies also show that resilience and optimism are associated with greater longevity. Another study found that when employees are positive, there is a 12% increase in productivity.

Are there things we can do to stay positive? Yes, there are. However, I have found that some of the suggestions on the list have been much more difficult to do the last six months. That means we will just have to work a little harder on staying positive.

The first suggestion is to be around positive people and those who support you. While it is not possible to always be around positive people, be aware of those who bring out the best in you versus those who bring out the worst in you. If possible, find a way to limit the time you have to spend with the difficult people.

Laugh and surround yourself with things that help relieve stress. Doctors tell us that the physiological effects of laughter affect every part of the body. When we laugh, the heart rate and blood pressure speed up. Afterward, these sink below the previous levels and we feel a sense of relaxation. Author, Norman Cousins, was faced with a life-threatening disease but when he had a good belly laugh it allowed him to least two hours of pain-free relief.&nbsp;

Another suggestion is to practice positive self-talk. We most likely all have negative thoughts and self-talk, but it is possible to train your brain to turn it around. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done it before” try “It’s an opportunity to try something new.” Positive self-talk does take practice but we can mold ourselves through our thoughts. If you don’t listen to and believe what you have to say, then who should you listen to?&nbsp;

One last thought is to practice being grateful. Work to find the small things that make you happy. At the end of the day, try to list three things that you are thankful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or record them in a gratitude app. If you take the time to do this, it will become obvious there are many, many things to be thankful for. If life becomes difficult, look back at your gratitude journal and savor the memories.&nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Is the glass half empty or half full? It is believed that those who see the glass as half full tend to be more optimistic and those who see the glass as half empty are more pessimistic. Of course, there will be those who say, “You should be just glad to have a glass and have something to drink!”.I have enjoyed several webinars through Illinois Extension that focused on being positive and aging. Extensive research has shown that optimism improves well-being and physical health. Studies also show that resilience and optimism are associated with greater longevity. Another study found that when employees are positive, there is a 12% increase in productivity.Are there things we can do to stay positive? Yes, there are. However, I have found that some of the suggestions on the list have been much more difficult to do the last six months. That means we will just have to work a little harder on staying positive.The first suggestion is to be around positive people and those who support you. While it is not possible to always be around positive people, be aware of those who bring out the best in you versus those who bring out the worst in you. If possible, find a way to limit the time you have to spend with the difficult people.Laugh and surround yourself with things that help relieve stress. Doctors tell us that the physiological effects of laughter affect every part of the body. When we laugh, the heart rate and blood pressure speed up. Afterward, these sink below the previous levels and we feel a sense of relaxation. Author, Norman Cousins, was faced with a life-threatening disease but when he had a good belly laugh it allowed him to least two hours of pain-free relief.&nbsp;Another suggestion is to practice positive self-talk. We most likely all have negative thoughts and self-talk, but it is possible to train your brain to turn it around. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done it before” try “It’s an opportunity to try something new.” Positive self-talk does take practice but we can mold ourselves through our thoughts. If you don’t listen to and believe what you have to say, then who should you listen to?&nbsp;One last thought is to practice being grateful. Work to find the small things that make you happy. At the end of the day, try to list three things that you are thankful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or record them in a gratitude app. If you take the time to do this, it will become obvious there are many, many things to be thankful for. If life becomes difficult, look back at your gratitude journal and savor the memories.&nbsp;Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Positive thinking

Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, debates challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays, for the 111th District legislative election.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">Click HERE to watch.</a>

Incumbent Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, debates challenger Eber Phelps, D-Hays, for the 111th District legislative election.Courtesy Tiger Media Network:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsusga/">Click HERE to watch.</a>

🎥 Wasinger and Phelps at FHSU forum

Climate change has become a “political football” where anti-science, misinformation, and confirmation bias are regularly used to undermine progress. What do we know, what is uncertain, why are counterarguments so silly, and what can we do as citizens?

Presenter: Dr. P. Grady Dixon, Professor and Dean, Werth College of Science,&nbsp;Technology, and Mathematics, Fort Hays State University   

Go to Science Café Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/5FNsfydww" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/5FNsfydww</a>

<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a> Sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute.&nbsp;Free and open to public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602538479751.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Climate change has become a “political football” where anti-science, misinformation, and confirmation bias are regularly used to undermine progress. What do we know, what is uncertain, why are counterarguments so silly, and what can we do as citizens?Presenter: Dr. P. Grady Dixon, Professor and Dean, Werth College of Science,&nbsp;Technology, and Mathematics, Fort Hays State University Go to Science Café Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/5FNsfydww" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/5FNsfydww</a><a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a> Sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute.&nbsp;Free and open to public.

Climate change is topic of virtual FHSU Science Café

The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days held steady at 12.

The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bring the total to 13.

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 33 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 118 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,080 recovered cases.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 17.8 percent.&nbsp;

Since reporting began, there have been 1,211 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 13 deaths.&nbsp;Of the total 9,257 tests administered, 12.3 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602524634505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Monday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days held steady at 12.The department also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bring the total to 13.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 33 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Friday. There are currently 118 active cases, including five active hospitalizations, and 1,080 recovered cases.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests fell slightly to 17.8 percent.&nbsp;Since reporting began, there have been 1,211 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 13 deaths.&nbsp;Of the total 9,257 tests administered, 12.3 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602529297081.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AClvlGge52U"></iframe>
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 </figure>

COVID-19 per-day average remains steady; 13th death reported

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Prepare to be spooked. A Haunted Hotel is set to open for the Halloween season in downtown Hays.

The haunted house will be at the former bank buildings at&nbsp;1108 Main, corner of 12th and Main streets.

&nbsp;It consists of two levels with 5,000 square feet on each level and is not recommended for the faint of heart.

Stephen Brummer is leading the project with 20 years of experience creating haunted properties through CYO, which is also participating.&nbsp; 

Megan Pray and Ashley Green are co-creators, and all three have been working tirelessly to get things ready for opening day at 6 p.m. Oct. 15.&nbsp; 

General admission is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for youth 16 and younger.

The Haunted Hotel will be open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday Oct. 15 and 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 16-Oct. 17, Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31.&nbsp; 

Organizers have partnered with the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority group.

A portion of the funds raised on Oct. 31 will be donated to the Arc for the ARC Park. Platinum Group has agreed to match the funds raised on Halloween night up to $5,000 for the ARC Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602173154574.jpeg" alt="1108 Main in downtown Hays will be the site of a Haunted Hotel this Halloween season." />
 <figcaption>1108 Main in downtown Hays will be the site of a Haunted Hotel this Halloween season.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPrepare to be spooked. A Haunted Hotel is set to open for the Halloween season in downtown Hays.The haunted house will be at the former bank buildings at&nbsp;1108 Main, corner of 12th and Main streets.&nbsp;It consists of two levels with 5,000 square feet on each level and is not recommended for the faint of heart.Stephen Brummer is leading the project with 20 years of experience creating haunted properties through CYO, which is also participating.&nbsp; Megan Pray and Ashley Green are co-creators, and all three have been working tirelessly to get things ready for opening day at 6 p.m. Oct. 15.&nbsp; General admission is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for youth 16 and younger.The Haunted Hotel will be open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday Oct. 15 and 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 16-Oct. 17, Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31.&nbsp; Organizers have partnered with the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority group.A portion of the funds raised on Oct. 31 will be donated to the Arc for the ARC Park. Platinum Group has agreed to match the funds raised on Halloween night up to $5,000 for the ARC Park.

Haunted Hotel to open in downtown Hays; Halloween night to benefit ARC Park

On any given Sunday, you can find Lien and Kenny Quan and Lien's brother Luong "Lonnie" Quach at the 9th Street Diner.

"We call it our Sunday family day, because we are all here to work and help each other out," Lien said.

The restaurant business has always been a family affair. The family's newest cooperative effort is the 9th Street Diner, 230 W. Ninth.

Lonnie primarily works in the kitchen. He was working 12- and 14-hour days in the tech industry in California, but left the industry to come back and work in the culinary arts with his sister and brother-in-law.

The family operated the Western Kansas Saloon &amp; Grill in WaKeeney for 19 years, but sold that business before buying the 9th Street Diner in Hays.

The Quan and Quach families purchased the former Golden Griddle in June 2019. After renovations, including building a new bar and remodeling the kitchen, the restaurant opened for a time for breakfast and lunch. The diner had to close in March as a result of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The restaurant serves breakfast from 7 to 1:15 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The breakfast menu includes many diner staples, including pancakes, french toast, omelettes and skillets.

One of their signature skillets is the trough, which includes a little bit of everything — potatoes, biscuits, chicken fried steak, eggs, cheese and gravy.

You can also order sandwiches, burgers and salads over the the lunch hour.

The restaurant recently had a ribbon cutting to announce it was officially opening in the evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursday and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are not required.

Menu items include steak, pasta, pork, fish and shrimp. Prime rib is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.&nbsp; The diner makes its own homemade sauce for its chicken alfredo.

The restaurant also offers children's and senior menus.

The restaurant makes all its deserts in house, including cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, crème brûlée and pie. Ask for nightly dessert offerings.

9th Street has a full bar. It is available all hours the restaurant is open, which means you can order a bloody mary or mimosa with breakfast or brunch.

The bar is also known for its lemon drops and Long Island ice teas,&nbsp;Lien said.

Lien&nbsp;Quan said opening a new business during the COVID-19 pandemic has been very hard.

"People are worried and scared they might get sick," she said. "The governor shut us down, and we still had to keep our employees. To make sure they had jobs when we opened back up, we had to pay the main key employees while they were off."

The restaurant is trying to promote social distancing as well as requiring employees to wear masks during the pandemic.

"We just want people to come in and give it a try," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601913789287.jpeg" alt="9th Street Diner owners Luong "Lonnie" Quach, his wife, Diem Quach, and Luong's brother-in-law and sister Kenny and Lien Quan pose behind their remodeled bar at the restaurant." />
 <figcaption>9th Street Diner owners Luong "Lonnie" Quach, his wife, Diem Quach, and Luong's brother-in-law and sister Kenny and Lien Quan pose behind their remodeled bar at the restaurant.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostOn any given Sunday, you can find Lien and Kenny Quan and Lien's brother Luong "Lonnie" Quach at the 9th Street Diner."We call it our Sunday family day, because we are all here to work and help each other out," Lien said.The restaurant business has always been a family affair. The family's newest cooperative effort is the 9th Street Diner, 230 W. Ninth.Lonnie primarily works in the kitchen. He was working 12- and 14-hour days in the tech industry in California, but left the industry to come back and work in the culinary arts with his sister and brother-in-law.The family operated the Western Kansas Saloon &amp; Grill in WaKeeney for 19 years, but sold that business before buying the 9th Street Diner in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601914656455.jpeg" alt="Hays Chamber staff and ambassadors celebrate a ribbon cutting with the Quan and Quach families as the 9th Street Diner announces its new evening hours." />
 <figcaption>Hays Chamber staff and ambassadors celebrate a ribbon cutting with the Quan and Quach families as the 9th Street Diner announces its new evening hours.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Quan and Quach families purchased the former Golden Griddle in June 2019. After renovations, including building a new bar and remodeling the kitchen, the restaurant opened for a time for breakfast and lunch. The diner had to close in March as a result of the coronavirus.&nbsp;The restaurant serves breakfast from 7 to 1:15 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The breakfast menu includes many diner staples, including pancakes, french toast, omelettes and skillets.One of their signature skillets is the trough, which includes a little bit of everything — potatoes, biscuits, chicken fried steak, eggs, cheese and gravy.You can also order sandwiches, burgers and salads over the the lunch hour.The restaurant recently had a ribbon cutting to announce it was officially opening in the evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursday and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are not required.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601920801278.jpeg" alt="9th Street Diner dining area" />
 <figcaption>9th Street Diner dining area</figcaption>
 </figure>Menu items include steak, pasta, pork, fish and shrimp. Prime rib is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.&nbsp; The diner makes its own homemade sauce for its chicken alfredo.The restaurant also offers children's and senior menus.The restaurant makes all its deserts in house, including cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, crème brûlée and pie. Ask for nightly dessert offerings.9th Street has a full bar. It is available all hours the restaurant is open, which means you can order a bloody mary or mimosa with breakfast or brunch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601920902814.jpeg" alt="Lien Quan, co-owner of 9th Street Diner, sets out appetizers during a recent ribbon cutting." />
 <figcaption>Lien Quan, co-owner of 9th Street Diner, sets out appetizers during a recent ribbon cutting.</figcaption>
 </figure>The bar is also known for its lemon drops and Long Island ice teas,&nbsp;Lien said.Lien&nbsp;Quan said opening a new business during the COVID-19 pandemic has been very hard."People are worried and scared they might get sick," she said. "The governor shut us down, and we still had to keep our employees. To make sure they had jobs when we opened back up, we had to pay the main key employees while they were off."The restaurant is trying to promote social distancing as well as requiring employees to wear masks during the pandemic."We just want people to come in and give it a try," she said.Watch the diner's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/9th-Street-Diner-107645610939894">Facebook page</a> for daily specials.