<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579217586861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

GREAT BEND — Tenants and landlords of farm and pasture land make plans to attend a workshop on agricultural leasing presented by Mykel Taylor, K-State Extension Ag Economist on Tuesday, Jan. 21, beginning with registration at 12:30 p.m. The program starts at 1:00 and concludes at 3:00 p.m. It will be held at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street, Great Bend.&nbsp;

Topics of discussion will be differences &amp; similarities of various leasing arrangements, active management of landowner-tenant relationships through effective communication, recognition of incentives and the principles of calculating an equitable lease.&nbsp;

There is no cost to attend. RSVP by Monday, Jan. 20, at the Cottonwood Extension Office, Great Bend 620-793-1910, or email Brenda at <a href="mailto:bwalton@ksu.edu">bwalton@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574651358684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND — Tenants and landlords of farm and pasture land make plans to attend a workshop on agricultural leasing presented by Mykel Taylor, K-State Extension Ag Economist on Tuesday, Jan. 21, beginning with registration at 12:30 p.m. The program starts at 1:00 and concludes at 3:00 p.m. It will be held at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street, Great Bend.&nbsp;Topics of discussion will be differences &amp; similarities of various leasing arrangements, active management of landowner-tenant relationships through effective communication, recognition of incentives and the principles of calculating an equitable lease.&nbsp;There is no cost to attend. RSVP by Monday, Jan. 20, at the Cottonwood Extension Office, Great Bend 620-793-1910, or email Brenda at <a href="mailto:bwalton@ksu.edu">bwalton@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;— Cottonwood Extension District

Workshop will focus on farm, pasture land leases

PHILLIPSBURG — USA Clean Fuels on E. Highway 36 in Phillipsburg wrapped up a .03¢/gal fundraiser in support of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 31. 

The event, “Fill Up, Give Back” began two months prior, on November 1st in partnership with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as a way to show appreciation for the local law enforcement agency. 

“When you live in a small community, it’s about working together to stimulate the local economy and helping each other,” said CEO Joe Kreutzer.

In that span of time, 30,296 gallons of higher ethanol blends were sold amounting to a $908.88 donation to the Sheriff’s Office. 

“The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office really appreciates USA Clean Fuels’ support. Our plans are to give back to the community in some way which will be announced at a later time,” said Sheriff Charles Radabaugh.

The mission of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance the quality of life in Phillips County by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.

Prairie Horizon’s USA Clean Fuels on East Highway 36 in Phillipsburg, KS offers the consumer a fuel choice that is cleaner, more affordable and better performing. Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is a limited liability corporation, founded in November 2003 in the rural community of Phillipsburg, Kansas. Our company is owned by 300 area investors and employs thirty-six people. Annually, Prairie Horizon produces over 40 million gallons of ethanol and grinds 15 million bushels of grain; yielding just around 127,000 tons of high protein livestock feed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578928646353.jpeg" alt="Pictured (L to R): Phillips County Sergeant John Miner, Denis Miller – Prairie Horizon Board Secretary, Phillips County Sheriff Charles Radabaugh, Lloyd Culbertson – Prairie Horizon Board Member, Joe Kreutzer – Prairie Horizon CEO, Monte Abell – Prairie Horizon Board President." />
 <figcaption>Pictured (L to R): Phillips County Sergeant John Miner, Denis Miller – Prairie Horizon Board Secretary, Phillips County Sheriff Charles Radabaugh, Lloyd Culbertson – Prairie Horizon Board Member, Joe Kreutzer – Prairie Horizon CEO, Monte Abell – Prairie Horizon Board President.</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG — USA Clean Fuels on E. Highway 36 in Phillipsburg wrapped up a .03¢/gal fundraiser in support of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 31. The event, “Fill Up, Give Back” began two months prior, on November 1st in partnership with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as a way to show appreciation for the local law enforcement agency. “When you live in a small community, it’s about working together to stimulate the local economy and helping each other,” said CEO Joe Kreutzer.In that span of time, 30,296 gallons of higher ethanol blends were sold amounting to a $908.88 donation to the Sheriff’s Office. “The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office really appreciates USA Clean Fuels’ support. Our plans are to give back to the community in some way which will be announced at a later time,” said Sheriff Charles Radabaugh.The mission of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance the quality of life in Phillips County by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.Prairie Horizon’s USA Clean Fuels on East Highway 36 in Phillipsburg, KS offers the consumer a fuel choice that is cleaner, more affordable and better performing. Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is a limited liability corporation, founded in November 2003 in the rural community of Phillipsburg, Kansas. Our company is owned by 300 area investors and employs thirty-six people. Annually, Prairie Horizon produces over 40 million gallons of ethanol and grinds 15 million bushels of grain; yielding just around 127,000 tons of high protein livestock feed.&nbsp;— Submitted

USA Clean Fuels wraps up fundraiser for Phillips Co. Sheriff's office

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><div> <iframe title="Hays Arts Center staying busy over winter" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8cwan-cfd7e7?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎤Post Podcast: Arts council staying busy over winter

“My parents were smart enough to insist that I attend college after graduating from Hays High School in 1961,” said Dr. Allen Webster.&nbsp;

With Fort Hays State University nearby, Webster was able to attend the university at minimal cost by living at home.&nbsp;

With a gift to FHSU valued at approximately $2.5 million, Webster will now impact the lives of students studying business at Fort Hays State. With 75 percent of the proceeds, Webster will establish the Lester L. and Velma Mae Webster Scholarship Fund.&nbsp;

The remaining 25 percent will establish the Lester L. and Velma Mae Webster Applied Business Scholarship.&nbsp;

Webster graduated from Fort Hays State with a B.S. in business administration in 1965 and an M.S. in economics in 1967 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics at Florida State University. Webster retired this year after 53 enjoyable years teaching at colleges and universities. His most recent position was serving as a professor within the Business and Engineering Convergence Center at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.&nbsp;

Webster chose his parents as the namesake of his scholarships – not only to honor the wonderful people that they were, but for insisting that Webster step on to FHSU’s college campus back in 1961. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“For years, I had intended to put an estate plan in place. I knew it was an important thing to do, however, I assumed that it would be cumbersome and time consuming,” he said. “ I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the process is quite simple. I chose to include Fort Hays State University as beneficiary of my estate, and the FHSU Foundation office was great to work with. It feels great to have a plan in place.”&nbsp;

Looking back, he said, he believes that he would not have received a college education if FHSU were not in his backyard. Little did he know that he would spend the next five decades on a university campus and would soon develop a passion for teaching students who were just like him when he was 19 years old.&nbsp;

“When I find that my students are having to pay $300 for a single textbook these days, I can’t help but recall that my first tuition at Fort Hays State was, if I recall correctly, a whopping $77,” he said.&nbsp;

“FHSU gave me the start to a wonderful career and satisfying life, and I’m forever grateful. I have a love and appreciation for Fort Hays State as I know that my life would have been entirely different, and much less enjoyable, had I not attended years ago with the direction of my parents.”&nbsp;

To this day, Webster recalls Mr. Marcus as one of his favorite instructors at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

“Teaching Western Civic History, Mr. Marcus made the subject matter come alive and for the first time in my life instilled in me an interest in history that I still enjoy today,” he said.&nbsp;

Another memorable FHSU instructor for Webster recalls is Dr. Thomas, who taught marketing.&nbsp;

“Dr. Thomas was a great teacher,” said Webster. “I still, after all these years, pattern my own teaching based on what I saw Dr. Thomas do in the classroom.”&nbsp;

“Fort Hays State University made an incredible impact in my life. In return, I look forward to impacting the lives of students at FHSU for years to come. I know there are students within the College of Business who could use a little financial help.”&nbsp;

Established in 1945, the FHSU Foundation is committed to cultivating lasting relationships with alumni, friends, corporations and other organizations who have a passion for Fort Hays State and who want to continue its legacy of excellence.&nbsp;

As an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation’s donors have an impact on all facets of university life, and their support continues to translate into success for students and the FHSU learning environment.&nbsp;

To learn more about the FHSU Foundation and the university’s Journey campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579206011065.jpeg" alt="Dr. Allen Webster /&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Duane Zehr, Bradley University. " />
 <figcaption>Dr. Allen Webster /&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Duane Zehr, Bradley University. </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Relations“My parents were smart enough to insist that I attend college after graduating from Hays High School in 1961,” said Dr. Allen Webster.&nbsp;With Fort Hays State University nearby, Webster was able to attend the university at minimal cost by living at home.&nbsp;With a gift to FHSU valued at approximately $2.5 million, Webster will now impact the lives of students studying business at Fort Hays State. With 75 percent of the proceeds, Webster will establish the Lester L. and Velma Mae Webster Scholarship Fund.&nbsp;The remaining 25 percent will establish the Lester L. and Velma Mae Webster Applied Business Scholarship.&nbsp;Webster graduated from Fort Hays State with a B.S. in business administration in 1965 and an M.S. in economics in 1967 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics at Florida State University. Webster retired this year after 53 enjoyable years teaching at colleges and universities. His most recent position was serving as a professor within the Business and Engineering Convergence Center at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.&nbsp;Webster chose his parents as the namesake of his scholarships – not only to honor the wonderful people that they were, but for insisting that Webster step on to FHSU’s college campus back in 1961. &nbsp;&nbsp;“For years, I had intended to put an estate plan in place. I knew it was an important thing to do, however, I assumed that it would be cumbersome and time consuming,” he said. “ I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the process is quite simple. I chose to include Fort Hays State University as beneficiary of my estate, and the FHSU Foundation office was great to work with. It feels great to have a plan in place.”&nbsp;Looking back, he said, he believes that he would not have received a college education if FHSU were not in his backyard. Little did he know that he would spend the next five decades on a university campus and would soon develop a passion for teaching students who were just like him when he was 19 years old.&nbsp;“When I find that my students are having to pay $300 for a single textbook these days, I can’t help but recall that my first tuition at Fort Hays State was, if I recall correctly, a whopping $77,” he said.&nbsp;“FHSU gave me the start to a wonderful career and satisfying life, and I’m forever grateful. I have a love and appreciation for Fort Hays State as I know that my life would have been entirely different, and much less enjoyable, had I not attended years ago with the direction of my parents.”&nbsp;To this day, Webster recalls Mr. Marcus as one of his favorite instructors at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;“Teaching Western Civic History, Mr. Marcus made the subject matter come alive and for the first time in my life instilled in me an interest in history that I still enjoy today,” he said.&nbsp;Another memorable FHSU instructor for Webster recalls is Dr. Thomas, who taught marketing.&nbsp;“Dr. Thomas was a great teacher,” said Webster. “I still, after all these years, pattern my own teaching based on what I saw Dr. Thomas do in the classroom.”&nbsp;“Fort Hays State University made an incredible impact in my life. In return, I look forward to impacting the lives of students at FHSU for years to come. I know there are students within the College of Business who could use a little financial help.”&nbsp;Established in 1945, the FHSU Foundation is committed to cultivating lasting relationships with alumni, friends, corporations and other organizations who have a passion for Fort Hays State and who want to continue its legacy of excellence.&nbsp;As an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation’s donors have an impact on all facets of university life, and their support continues to translate into success for students and the FHSU learning environment.&nbsp;To learn more about the FHSU Foundation and the university’s Journey campaign, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, call 785-628-5620 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

FHSU alum creates $2.5M estate plan to benefit FHSU students

PHILLIPSBURG — The U.S. Geological Survey reported a small earthquake occurred Wednesday in Phillips County.

The quake, which measured 2.7 in magnitude, was recorded&nbsp; at 5:41 p.m. about 8 miles south-southeast of Phillipsburg — just west of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

It was the second quake recorded in Phillips County in 2020 — and only the second in northwest Kansas this year. A 2.5-magnitude earthquake occurred just after 4 p.m. Jan. 3 just northeast of the Kirwin refuge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579203469140.png" alt="Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPSBURG — The U.S. Geological Survey reported a small earthquake occurred Wednesday in Phillips County.The quake, which measured 2.7 in magnitude, was recorded&nbsp; at 5:41 p.m. about 8 miles south-southeast of Phillipsburg — just west of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.It was the second quake recorded in Phillips County in 2020 — and only the second in northwest Kansas this year. A 2.5-magnitude earthquake occurred just after 4 p.m. Jan. 3 just northeast of the Kirwin refuge.

Earthquake recorded Wednesday in Phillips County

<a href="https://tmp-m.org/beloved-educator-announces-retirement/">Thomas More Pre-Marian</a>

Longtime, beloved teacher, Carol Brull has announced her retirement from teaching at the end of the 2019-20 school year.

Mrs. Brull has an extensive and incredibly influential 
career in education. Graduating from Ellis High School in 1965, she 
attended Fort Hays State University earning a Bachelor of Science in 
Education, and a Master of Science in Education in 1973.

Mrs. Brull has taught at every Catholic school in Ellis 
County; St. Mary’s (Ellis, Holy Family Elementary (Hays) and TMP-Marian
 Jr/Sr High School.&nbsp;In addition, she is a beloved teacher of Wakeeney 
Jr. High and the former Kennedy Middle School (Hays).

Her first year of teaching was at Corey Elementary in 
Newport, RI, while her husband Randy (also a long-time educator) was 
serving in the Navy.

Carol was integral in creating the TMP-Marian Junior High. 
She was on committees that studied and promoted adding 6-8th grades so 
that Ellis County could have continuous K-12 Catholic education. At the 
closure of Kennedy Middle School, she gave her dedication to TMP-Marian 
JH as it opened in 2012.

“As a school based on the stewardship model of giving, Mrs.
 Brull is a primary example,” said Advancement Director, Troy Ruda. “To 
give of yourself, the entirety of your career, for the betterment of 
others, that is true stewardship,” concluded Ruda.

“Mrs. Brull has meant so much to so many. The number of 
lives she has touched when considering all her students, co-workers, and
 friends is almost impossible to count. She has a work ethic that all 
generations can look up to and learn from. Mrs. Brull attended almost 
every extracurricular student event, whether on a weekday or weekend, 
morning, afternoon or night. She was always there, taking photos and 
letting students know that she cared about them as children of God and 
wanting only success for them. Mrs. Brull is flexible and caring while 
still maintaining high expectations for all her students. TMP-Marian, 
and all of Ellis County, is a better place because of Mrs. Brull and her
 work,” said TMP-Marian Jr/Sr High Principal Chad Meitner.

“I graduated TMP-Marian in 1993, over 25 years 
ago. Mrs. Brull exists clearly in my history of education as my 
6th-grade math teacher at Kennedy Middle School. To think that one 
person that taught one course in one grade can have an impact on someone
 for the rest of their lives is astonishing. Thank you, Mrs. Brull, for 
being there for me when I was eleven years old and I am privileged to 
have been able to work with you as an adult in furthering Catholic 
education,” added Ruda.

For the past 8 years, Mrs. Brull has been a leader in the 
Junior High, teaching English Language Arts, sponsoring Scholars Bowl, 
Student Council, and overseeing the production of both the Junior High 
yearbook and newspaper.

Mrs. Brull is married to long-time educator Randy ‘62 Brull
 and is mother to Christopher , ’89, Plainville, KS, Peter, ’91, of 
Lawrence, KS, and Jeff, 94, of Hays, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579199878029.jpeg" alt="Photo Credit: Julie Kuhlmann" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit: Julie Kuhlmann</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://tmp-m.org/beloved-educator-announces-retirement/">Thomas More Pre-Marian</a>Longtime, beloved teacher, Carol Brull has announced her retirement from teaching at the end of the 2019-20 school year.Mrs. Brull has an extensive and incredibly influential 
career in education. Graduating from Ellis High School in 1965, she 
attended Fort Hays State University earning a Bachelor of Science in 
Education, and a Master of Science in Education in 1973.Mrs. Brull has taught at every Catholic school in Ellis 
County; St. Mary’s (Ellis, Holy Family Elementary (Hays) and TMP-Marian
 Jr/Sr High School.&nbsp;In addition, she is a beloved teacher of Wakeeney 
Jr. High and the former Kennedy Middle School (Hays).Her first year of teaching was at Corey Elementary in 
Newport, RI, while her husband Randy (also a long-time educator) was 
serving in the Navy.Carol was integral in creating the TMP-Marian Junior High. 
She was on committees that studied and promoted adding 6-8th grades so 
that Ellis County could have continuous K-12 Catholic education. At the 
closure of Kennedy Middle School, she gave her dedication to TMP-Marian 
JH as it opened in 2012.“As a school based on the stewardship model of giving, Mrs.
 Brull is a primary example,” said Advancement Director, Troy Ruda. “To 
give of yourself, the entirety of your career, for the betterment of 
others, that is true stewardship,” concluded Ruda.“Mrs. Brull has meant so much to so many. The number of 
lives she has touched when considering all her students, co-workers, and
 friends is almost impossible to count. She has a work ethic that all 
generations can look up to and learn from. Mrs. Brull attended almost 
every extracurricular student event, whether on a weekday or weekend, 
morning, afternoon or night. She was always there, taking photos and 
letting students know that she cared about them as children of God and 
wanting only success for them. Mrs. Brull is flexible and caring while 
still maintaining high expectations for all her students. TMP-Marian, 
and all of Ellis County, is a better place because of Mrs. Brull and her
 work,” said TMP-Marian Jr/Sr High Principal Chad Meitner.“I graduated TMP-Marian in 1993, over 25 years 
ago. Mrs. Brull exists clearly in my history of education as my 
6th-grade math teacher at Kennedy Middle School. To think that one 
person that taught one course in one grade can have an impact on someone
 for the rest of their lives is astonishing. Thank you, Mrs. Brull, for 
being there for me when I was eleven years old and I am privileged to 
have been able to work with you as an adult in furthering Catholic 
education,” added Ruda.For the past 8 years, Mrs. Brull has been a leader in the 
Junior High, teaching English Language Arts, sponsoring Scholars Bowl, 
Student Council, and overseeing the production of both the Junior High 
yearbook and newspaper.Mrs. Brull is married to long-time educator Randy ‘62 Brull
 and is mother to Christopher , ’89, Plainville, KS, Peter, ’91, of 
Lawrence, KS, and Jeff, 94, of Hays, KS.

Longtime Catholic school teacher announces retirement

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for much of western Kansas, including Hays and Ellis County.

While no more than an inch of snow is predicted in the Hays area overnight Thursday, the NWS is warning of potential sleet and ice accumulation.

Friday morning, freezing rain and sleet could continue until mid-morning, changing to rain between 10 a.m. and noon.

The skies are expected to clear Friday evening, with high temperatures in the mid-40s expected through the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579184627684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for much of western Kansas, including Hays and Ellis County.While no more than an inch of snow is predicted in the Hays area overnight Thursday, the NWS is warning of potential sleet and ice accumulation.Friday morning, freezing rain and sleet could continue until mid-morning, changing to rain between 10 a.m. and noon.The skies are expected to clear Friday evening, with high temperatures in the mid-40s expected through the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579184861387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Overnight front could bring sleet and ice, NWS warns

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County
received a $1,000 donation from Invenergy, owner of the Buckeye Wind Farm, this
week in support of its work with county emergency personnel.

At Monday’s
commission meeting, Invenergy's Shaun Braun presented the commission with the donation and
thanked the county first responders for working with Buckeye Wind Farm crews.

Director of Fire and
Emergency Management Darin Myers said each year county emergency personnel are
invited to the wind farm to take part in training exercises.

“Just this year, we
landed a (Eagle Med) helicopter out there (and) transported a patient down off
the top of the tower,” Myer said.

Braun thanked the
commission for the support that they get from Ellis County.

“I think we have a
really good working relationship,” said Braun. “Hopefully, we can continue to do
this practice for years to come and not ever have to actually have to put it to
use.”

Myers said the donation
will help purchase wildland fire protective gear for the Ellis County Fire Department.

The commission also held
its annual re-organization Monday and the commission appointed Butch Schlyer
to serve as commission chair for the next year. Commissioner Dustin Roths
was appointed vice-chair.

Schlyer replaces Dean Haselhorst, who said he has served as
commission chair five times in his 11 years.

“It’s just like to thank all the residents, department heads
(and) elected officials for the past year of letting me be chair again,” Haselhorst
said. “Its been an honor to work with my new fellow commissioners this past
year, and thank you again for your confidence you put into me. I hope I served
you well.”

Shlyer will also serve as president of the Public Building
Commission and Roth’s the vice president.

&nbsp;• Approved the hiring
of an intern for the IT department for the spring semester.

• Approved a list of items to be actioned through Purple
Wave.

• Instructed the Public Works Department to trade in three
dump trucks for two new ones. The commission already approved the purchase of
the new trucks.

• Discussed a schedule for commissioner to attend on executive
team meetings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579152064648.jpeg" alt="Invenergy's Shaun Braun presents the Ellis County Commission with a donation for emergency services Monday." />
 <figcaption>Invenergy's Shaun Braun presents the Ellis County Commission with a donation for emergency services Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County
received a $1,000 donation from Invenergy, owner of the Buckeye Wind Farm, this
week in support of its work with county emergency personnel.At Monday’s
commission meeting, Invenergy's Shaun Braun presented the commission with the donation and
thanked the county first responders for working with Buckeye Wind Farm crews.Director of Fire and
Emergency Management Darin Myers said each year county emergency personnel are
invited to the wind farm to take part in training exercises.“Just this year, we
landed a (Eagle Med) helicopter out there (and) transported a patient down off
the top of the tower,” Myer said.Braun thanked the
commission for the support that they get from Ellis County.“I think we have a
really good working relationship,” said Braun. “Hopefully, we can continue to do
this practice for years to come and not ever have to actually have to put it to
use.”Myers said the donation
will help purchase wildland fire protective gear for the Ellis County Fire Department.------The commission also held
its annual re-organization Monday and the commission appointed Butch Schlyer
to serve as commission chair for the next year. Commissioner Dustin Roths
was appointed vice-chair.Schlyer replaces Dean Haselhorst, who said he has served as
commission chair five times in his 11 years.“It’s just like to thank all the residents, department heads
(and) elected officials for the past year of letting me be chair again,” Haselhorst
said. “Its been an honor to work with my new fellow commissioners this past
year, and thank you again for your confidence you put into me. I hope I served
you well.”Shlyer will also serve as president of the Public Building
Commission and Roth’s the vice president.In other business the commission:&nbsp;• Approved the hiring
of an intern for the IT department for the spring semester.• Approved a list of items to be actioned through Purple
Wave.• Instructed the Public Works Department to trade in three
dump trucks for two new ones. The commission already approved the purchase of
the new trucks.• Discussed a schedule for commissioner to attend on executive
team meetings.

Ellis County Commission reorganizes, receives wind farm donation

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays High Chamber Singers will provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the despised Disney villain Ja'far in its production of "Twisted: The Untold Story of the Royal Vizier."

"Twisted" will be presented at 7:30 tonight, Friday and Saturday at the 12th Street Auditorium. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased <a href="https://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school?fbclid=IwAR1lU5obeIKmCMYqMmi9LGVkcT6T6yIJQSFUERVZqVpHJVSf2EupsK5GBA0">online</a> or at the door.&nbsp;

"Twisted," in the same vein as the Broadway hit "Wicked," tries to show a more sympathetic view of the villain and his rise to power.

"One of the most major things that separates 'Twisted' from 'Aladdin,' " Andrew Duke, director, said, 'is you see Ja'far's backstory and how he went from being an optimistic young man to be a more jaded older person by the time of the events of the movie 'Aladdin.' "

Duke said audience members will begin to see Ja'far as not just an evil sorcerer, but someone who was trying to implement change in the government.

Tom Drabkin, HHS junior, plays the role of Ja'far. He said in "Twisted," Ja'far is the misunderstood hero.

"I just try to make sure he is as charming as he can be while still having that dark undertone to him," Drabkin said.

He said the musical is really funny if you grew up on Disney movies and adds many twists to the story you may not have seen in the&nbsp;original films.

"You may learn villains are not as bad as they seem," he said.

Drabkin, a tenor, also said the music in this production has stretched his vocal range.

The musical has adult humor and is recommended for those high school age and older.

The musical is entirely student acted and directed. Duke, HHS junior, is using the project to complete his requirements for his Eagle Scout award. HHS junior Caitlin Leiker is keeping the orchestra and cast on track as the music director/conductress.

HHS usually mounts a faculty-led musical in the fall and a play in the spring. This is the first student-led project of its kind in recent memory, Duke said.

“It's an unexpected challenge directing a musical like this,” Duke told Eagle Radio's Scott Boomer. “It has definitely been rewarding and a lot of fun to do, but it has also come with a lot of unexpected areas I had to learn, things that I had to help other people figure out. 

“It’s been a new experience and its been really good.”

The cast and crew hit an&nbsp; exceptional hurdle Tuesday night when Alex Underwood, their sponsor and accompanist, was out sick. The cast banded together to make the best of a difficult situation.

Eliana Buller plays four characters in the musical and is in charge of the costumes as well.

“It’s kind of like an art project, I guess in a way,” she told the Bull earlier this week, “or like a big puzzle.”

“It is also very rewarding,” she said. “You can look at everything and say, ‘Wow, I did that.”

Sierra Adkins plays six different characters.

“It is really exciting,” she said in an interview with 101.9 the Bull. “This is one of the first musicals that I not only sing and have lines in, but I get to have multiple characters and get to do a lot of choreography  and dancing, which is something I don’t have a lot of experience with. 

"It has been really fun to learn all of those new experiences.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579121051669.jpeg" alt="Members of the cast of&nbsp;"Twisted: The Untold Story of the Royal Vizier" perform during a rehearsal Tuesday night at the 12th Street Auditorium. Performances will be 7:30 tonight, Friday and Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Members of the cast of&nbsp;"Twisted: The Untold Story of the Royal Vizier" perform during a rehearsal Tuesday night at the 12th Street Auditorium. Performances will be 7:30 tonight, Friday and Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays High Chamber Singers will provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the despised Disney villain Ja'far in its production of "Twisted: The Untold Story of the Royal Vizier.""Twisted" will be presented at 7:30 tonight, Friday and Saturday at the 12th Street Auditorium. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased <a href="https://www.ticketsource.us/hays-high-school?fbclid=IwAR1lU5obeIKmCMYqMmi9LGVkcT6T6yIJQSFUERVZqVpHJVSf2EupsK5GBA0">online</a> or at the door.&nbsp;"Twisted," in the same vein as the Broadway hit "Wicked," tries to show a more sympathetic view of the villain and his rise to power."One of the most major things that separates 'Twisted' from 'Aladdin,' " Andrew Duke, director, said, 'is you see Ja'far's backstory and how he went from being an optimistic young man to be a more jaded older person by the time of the events of the movie 'Aladdin.' "Duke said audience members will begin to see Ja'far as not just an evil sorcerer, but someone who was trying to implement change in the government.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579121462733.jpeg" alt="Gabe McGuire portrays Prince Achmed in HHS' presentation of "Twisted."" />
 <figcaption>Gabe McGuire portrays Prince Achmed in HHS' presentation of "Twisted."</figcaption>
 </figure>Tom Drabkin, HHS junior, plays the role of Ja'far. He said in "Twisted," Ja'far is the misunderstood hero."I just try to make sure he is as charming as he can be while still having that dark undertone to him," Drabkin said.He said the musical is really funny if you grew up on Disney movies and adds many twists to the story you may not have seen in the&nbsp;original films."You may learn villains are not as bad as they seem," he said.Drabkin, a tenor, also said the music in this production has stretched his vocal range.The musical has adult humor and is recommended for those high school age and older.The musical is entirely student acted and directed. Duke, HHS junior, is using the project to complete his requirements for his Eagle Scout award. HHS junior Caitlin Leiker is keeping the orchestra and cast on track as the music director/conductress.HHS usually mounts a faculty-led musical in the fall and a play in the spring. This is the first student-led project of its kind in recent memory, Duke said.“It's an unexpected challenge directing a musical like this,” Duke told Eagle Radio's Scott Boomer. “It has definitely been rewarding and a lot of fun to do, but it has also come with a lot of unexpected areas I had to learn, things that I had to help other people figure out. “It’s been a new experience and its been really good.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579121647856.jpeg" alt="Gabe McGuire portrays Prince Achmed and&nbsp;Katelyn Engel portrays the princess in the HHS' musical "Twisted."" />
 <figcaption>Gabe McGuire portrays Prince Achmed and&nbsp;Katelyn Engel portrays the princess in the HHS' musical "Twisted."</figcaption>
 </figure>The cast and crew hit an&nbsp; exceptional hurdle Tuesday night when Alex Underwood, their sponsor and accompanist, was out sick. The cast banded together to make the best of a difficult situation.Eliana Buller plays four characters in the musical and is in charge of the costumes as well.“It’s kind of like an art project, I guess in a way,” she told the Bull earlier this week, “or like a big puzzle.”“It is also very rewarding,” she said. “You can look at everything and say, ‘Wow, I did that.”Sierra Adkins plays six different characters.“It is really exciting,” she said in an interview with 101.9 the Bull. “This is one of the first musicals that I not only sing and have lines in, but I get to have multiple characters and get to do a lot of choreography and dancing, which is something I don’t have a lot of experience with. "It has been really fun to learn all of those new experiences.”<h2>Cast and Crew</h2><ul>
 <li>Tom Drabkin – Ja’far</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Katelyn Engel – Princess</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kai Kaufman – Aladdin, Vendor, Soldier</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Gabe McGuire – Achmed, Book Shop Owner, Orphan, Vice Vizier, props</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Nathan Leiker – Captain, Aladdin’s Ex’s Father, Nobleman, Soldier #1</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sam Vesper – Bread Seller, Vendor, Soldier, Vizier</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Marshall Perryman – Abdul, Baful, Soldier #3</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Da’Vontai Robinson – Gaston, crew</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Carson Brooksher – Baker, Vendor, Vizier, Sultan, Soldier, Scar, Djinn, props</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Zach Chance – Zach, Hawk, Guard, Gazeem, Soldier, props</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Hanna Dannar – Royal Vizier, Ursula, Townsperson, Vendor, Soldier</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Eliana Buller – Belle, Old Lady, Slave, Soldier, costuming</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sydney Wittkorn – Vendor, Monkey, Thief, Soldier #2, Cruella</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Alisara Arial – Sherrezade, Townsperson, Orphan, Swallow-Tail, Soldier</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Ashley Vilaysing – Bird, Aladdin’s Ex, Vizier, Soldier, Maleficent</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sierra Adkins – Townsperson, Slave, Vizier, Messenger, Soldier, Hook, costuming</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sam Rider –Unhelpful Audience Member, house manager</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Alexis White – stage manager</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Aidan DeBey – lighting</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Alex Johnson – sound</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tony Arial – spotlight</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kari Satomi – poster design</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Andrew Duke-director</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Caitlin Leiker-music director/conductress</li>
 </ul>

HHS musical 'Twisted' shows sympathetic side of Disney villain

The Hays school district is gearing up for its next round of technology purchases.

The district created a rotation schedule for replacing student and staff devices after it went to its one-to-one technology policy in the 2015-2016 school years.

The Hays school board heard a report from technology director Scott Summers during its meeting Monday.

The district is scheduled to replace devices for the third through fifth graders and high school staff in the 2020-21 school year. This fall, students at Hays Middle School received new iPads. Elementary school students are also using iPads.

The district is trying to rotate out devices every four years for students and every five years for staff. The district was having issues with the Surfaces being used at the HHS and those were replaced last school year after three years.

The replacement schedule was created to spread the cost of device replacement over multiple years and make it easier for the school board to budget.

The district has a technology committee that reviews what devices that are needed to meet the needs of students and staff.

Summer said he plans to bring that committee together later this month.

The district hopes to delay replacement of the devices for K-2 students until 2021-22, but Summers said six years on those devices may be a stretch. The district has been saving back some of the devices scheduled to be sold in replacement for the upper grades to be used as backups for the younger students.

The district sold the rest of the used HMS iPads to a technology recycling company. It received about $4o per iPad for a total of $12,000.

Summers said the district will use that money to upgrade computers in school libraries and for the custodial staff.

The technology department along with buildings and grounds will also likely come back to the board this spring with a proposal to replace phones at the high school.

The district paid for new phone lines to be installed when Nex-Tech was pulling cable for a repair to the school's clock system this summer. Although the office can page individual classrooms, the existing system does not allow classrooms to page back to the office.

Although personal devices such as cellphones and Smart watches are not banned from classrooms, Summer said the district is blocking wifi access for some devices. If too many devices are on the classroom wifi, it can cause problems with internet and can hamper the teacher's ability to teach.

The district technology department with its five staff members maintains about 4,000 devices in the district.

The technology department uses a ticket system to handle tech issues across the district. Last year, the team handled 1,900 tickets. So far this year, the department has already received 1,700 tickets.&nbsp;

Summers said his department is urging staff to use the ticket system instead of communicating issues by other means. Some of the requests are also being automated.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school district is gearing up for its next round of technology purchases.The district created a rotation schedule for replacing student and staff devices after it went to its one-to-one technology policy in the 2015-2016 school years.The Hays school board heard a report from technology director Scott Summers during its meeting Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579101377244.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The district is scheduled to replace devices for the third through fifth graders and high school staff in the 2020-21 school year. This fall, students at Hays Middle School received new iPads. Elementary school students are also using iPads.The district is trying to rotate out devices every four years for students and every five years for staff. The district was having issues with the Surfaces being used at the HHS and those were replaced last school year after three years.The replacement schedule was created to spread the cost of device replacement over multiple years and make it easier for the school board to budget.The district has a technology committee that reviews what devices that are needed to meet the needs of students and staff.Summer said he plans to bring that committee together later this month.The district hopes to delay replacement of the devices for K-2 students until 2021-22, but Summers said six years on those devices may be a stretch. The district has been saving back some of the devices scheduled to be sold in replacement for the upper grades to be used as backups for the younger students.The district sold the rest of the used HMS iPads to a technology recycling company. It received about $4o per iPad for a total of $12,000.Summers said the district will use that money to upgrade computers in school libraries and for the custodial staff.The technology department along with buildings and grounds will also likely come back to the board this spring with a proposal to replace phones at the high school.The district paid for new phone lines to be installed when Nex-Tech was pulling cable for a repair to the school's clock system this summer. Although the office can page individual classrooms, the existing system does not allow classrooms to page back to the office.Although personal devices such as cellphones and Smart watches are not banned from classrooms, Summer said the district is blocking wifi access for some devices. If too many devices are on the classroom wifi, it can cause problems with internet and can hamper the teacher's ability to teach.The district technology department with its five staff members maintains about 4,000 devices in the district.The technology department uses a ticket system to handle tech issues across the district. Last year, the team handled 1,900 tickets. So far this year, the department has already received 1,700 tickets.&nbsp;Summers said his department is urging staff to use the ticket system instead of communicating issues by other means. Some of the requests are also being automated.

Hays USD 489 looks toward 2020 computer replacement

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578697489040.jpeg" alt="Close-up of the Ellis municipal pool design by Lamp Rynearson and Associates" />
 <figcaption>Close-up of the Ellis municipal pool design by Lamp Rynearson and Associates</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — When the Ellis Pool Committee asked the city council to support the pool project last year, it committed to raising enough funds to keep the city's commitment to the project to $500,000 or less.Since the closure of the pool two weeks early and pushing project ahead by one year, their efforts have already accomplished that goal. But with months remaining before construction is likely to begin, the committee plans to continue fundraising as long as possible, including its largest event to date scheduled for Friday."I think everyone is very appreciative, very pleased with the effort so far," said Amy Burton, Ellis city clerk and pool committee chair.️"We started this one in late October/early November and will have our gun raffle and soup supper," she said. "We have also had a good response from business owners that have donated for our door raffle prizes."The soup supper and raffle is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ellis VFW, 817 Jefferson. With a home basketball game scheduled the same day, Burton said participants in the raffle are not required to be present to win.️"We want to do what we can as a committee, and keep raising money for it and garner interest in the project," Burton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577790665448.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We are just moving forward," Burton said. "Things are going well."The engineer's estimate for the project is $1.85 million and with a combination of grants, fundraising and donations they have raised all but $480,000.The largest portion of those funds came from a $1 million Community Development Block Grant. Other grants totaling $314,500 have been awarded as well, including&nbsp; $300,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, $10,000 from the Heartland Community Foundation and $14,500 from other local foundations.Over $53,000 has also come in from private donations over recent months. "I think that is awesome for a small town like ours," Burton said.Fundraising activities to date have contributed another $3,500.Outside of the local efforts work by the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission has driven a considerable amount of funds into the project."We are very grateful to the crew at the Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission," she said. "They have helped us with the award of our $1 million CDBG grant, they have helped us with other loan applications to help us facilitate other projects. ... They have done a lot of great work for us and we hope to continue that relationship in the future."Ellis County recently opted out of membership with the group.<div><iframe title="Ellis County Commission cuts ties with NWKPDC" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/7hrwb-ce6e2a&?from=usersite&skin=3&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=1&share=1&version=1&btn-skin=101" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>While the fundraising continues, construction activities are progressing.Burton said the project should go out for bids in a week or two and she hopes that the project can break ground as soon as possible in the spring and construction can begin."Our engineer is estimating about six months of construction," Burton said. "So I am cautiously optimistic about possibly having (it open) by the end of summer."Burton said the final cost won't be known until construction bids come in based on engineering designs, but is hopefull the pool comes in at or under the estimate."Most of the projects that we have bid out have come within the engineer's estimate — and that's the goal," Burton said. "We would love to trim off of that."

Ellis pool fundraising hits milestone; fundraiser Friday

In my last column I attempted to highlight the top 10 – okay 11 – FHSU accomplishments in 2019. I am so happy with our progress. As I turn my attention to a new year, I am brimming with optimism and excitement for what our university is destined to achieve in 2020. As the young novelist Josiyah Martin says, “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” To me, the “magic” of this new beginning is found in a wonderful mixture of talented people, plans, resilience, and opportunities.

I am particularly excited by the progress on the implementation of our strategic plan. I like to think of the strategic plan as the “magnetic north” where magic happens. A dedicated community embarks on a journey of discovery and creates initiatives aimed at achieving our mission: “Provide accessible quality education to Kansas, the nation, and the world through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals to develop engaged global citizens.”

Our strategic plan is designed around five goals:

Goal 1: Academic Excellence – foster evidence-based best practices in teaching and learning supported by scholarly activities and professional development.&nbsp;

Goal 2: Student Success – create opportunities for all students and empower them to identify, evaluate, and achieve their goals while becoming engaged global citizens.

Goal 3: Strategic Growth – design and implement a plan for sustainable university growth.

Goal 4: Resources and Infrastructure – maintain and improve infrastructure and resources to keep pace with growth.

Goal 5: Community and Global Engagement – cultivate impactful partnerships, internally, locally, nationally and globally.

Thanks to the dedication of the more than 100 faculty and staff driving the work of the strategic plan, we enter 2020 with strong progress on each of these goals.&nbsp;

The year 2020 also raises the question – will we achieve a 20th consecutive fall enrollment record? Of course, each year that goal becomes even more challenging as the higher education landscape becomes both more competitive and complex. Despite the trends of enrollment declines in higher education, I have great faith in our community and a deep belief that the unmatched affordability and accessibility and the quality of the educational experience we offer will propel us to new records.&nbsp;

At Fort Hays State University, we don’t rest on our laurels. With our new strategic plan, we are taking a more data-driven and strategic approach to enrollment management from first contact through graduation. Our goal is to grow our online and on-campus student populations by leveraging our current strengths, regional workforce needs and emerging career opportunities. During the past four months, we undertook three major initiatives.

First, we identified academic programs to expand and new programs to create.

Second, we introduced a revised and more inclusive scholarship program that is based on an easy-to-understand matrix of GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Our improved scholarship program also puts a greater emphasis on promoting student success by making more of our scholarships renewable each year.

And, third, focusing on our goal to be a valued resource for students considering college, we developed systems that will deliver more timely and personalized communications with prospective students at each stage of their college decision process.

The New Year also signals the kick-off of our annual Scholarship Recognition Program, designed to recognize high school and transfer students who have been awarded FHSU scholarships for the next academic year. I am eager to join our faculty and staff on our 2020 marathon across three-states and in 12 cities as we meet and celebrate our newest Tigers. This year we have more scholarships to present thanks to the generosity of our donors who believe so deeply in an FHSU education.

I love this quote from Nido Qubein, president of High Point University, North Carolina, and a successful businessman and motivational speaker: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.”

I am inspired by our strong starting position in this new year. I am renewed, as always, by the energy and aspirations of the people of Fort Hays State – its students, faculty and staff – and by the wonderful support we receive from our alumni and friends, from our home community of Hays, and from the citizens of Kansas.

Welcome, 2020. We embrace you with enthusiasm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>In my last column I attempted to highlight the top 10 – okay 11 – FHSU accomplishments in 2019. I am so happy with our progress. As I turn my attention to a new year, I am brimming with optimism and excitement for what our university is destined to achieve in 2020. As the young novelist Josiyah Martin says, “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” To me, the “magic” of this new beginning is found in a wonderful mixture of talented people, plans, resilience, and opportunities.I am particularly excited by the progress on the implementation of our strategic plan. I like to think of the strategic plan as the “magnetic north” where magic happens. A dedicated community embarks on a journey of discovery and creates initiatives aimed at achieving our mission: “Provide accessible quality education to Kansas, the nation, and the world through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals to develop engaged global citizens.”Our strategic plan is designed around five goals:Goal 1: Academic Excellence – foster evidence-based best practices in teaching and learning supported by scholarly activities and professional development.&nbsp;Goal 2: Student Success – create opportunities for all students and empower them to identify, evaluate, and achieve their goals while becoming engaged global citizens.Goal 3: Strategic Growth – design and implement a plan for sustainable university growth.Goal 4: Resources and Infrastructure – maintain and improve infrastructure and resources to keep pace with growth.Goal 5: Community and Global Engagement – cultivate impactful partnerships, internally, locally, nationally and globally.Thanks to the dedication of the more than 100 faculty and staff driving the work of the strategic plan, we enter 2020 with strong progress on each of these goals.&nbsp;The year 2020 also raises the question – will we achieve a 20th consecutive fall enrollment record? Of course, each year that goal becomes even more challenging as the higher education landscape becomes both more competitive and complex. Despite the trends of enrollment declines in higher education, I have great faith in our community and a deep belief that the unmatched affordability and accessibility and the quality of the educational experience we offer will propel us to new records.&nbsp;At Fort Hays State University, we don’t rest on our laurels. With our new strategic plan, we are taking a more data-driven and strategic approach to enrollment management from first contact through graduation. Our goal is to grow our online and on-campus student populations by leveraging our current strengths, regional workforce needs and emerging career opportunities. During the past four months, we undertook three major initiatives.First, we identified academic programs to expand and new programs to create.Second, we introduced a revised and more inclusive scholarship program that is based on an easy-to-understand matrix of GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Our improved scholarship program also puts a greater emphasis on promoting student success by making more of our scholarships renewable each year.And, third, focusing on our goal to be a valued resource for students considering college, we developed systems that will deliver more timely and personalized communications with prospective students at each stage of their college decision process.The New Year also signals the kick-off of our annual Scholarship Recognition Program, designed to recognize high school and transfer students who have been awarded FHSU scholarships for the next academic year. I am eager to join our faculty and staff on our 2020 marathon across three-states and in 12 cities as we meet and celebrate our newest Tigers. This year we have more scholarships to present thanks to the generosity of our donors who believe so deeply in an FHSU education.I love this quote from Nido Qubein, president of High Point University, North Carolina, and a successful businessman and motivational speaker: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.”I am inspired by our strong starting position in this new year. I am renewed, as always, by the energy and aspirations of the people of Fort Hays State – its students, faculty and staff – and by the wonderful support we receive from our alumni and friends, from our home community of Hays, and from the citizens of Kansas.Welcome, 2020. We embrace you with enthusiasm.

MASON: Focusing on the magic in a new year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114601433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

How about a new New Year’s resolution: To more appreciate a free press, in whatever brand, flavor or medium you prefer.

In that spirit, let’s start using a new term: Identifiable News 
Media. Time to let go of the vanilla-flavored “mainstream media” and 
drop the pejorative “lame stream” tag — its use as timely political 
snark ran out some time ago.

While we’re at it, let’s drop the identifier “new media” as not 
having any real meaning in a world where Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 
and their kin are now considered established sources of news and 
information and many, if not most, newspapers are just paper wrappers 
around web-based news operations.

So, back to that free press resolution. In 2020, in order to defend 
and support that core freedom, we will need to confront in real ways the
 storm of disinformation, news manipulation and dwindling ranks of 
journalism that’s been building for nearly a decade.

We finally have to deal in real ways with that storm: Surreptitiously
 altered videos designed to disrupt and mislead could well damage the 
2020 election process. Political spin and vacuous talking heads on cable
 TV masquerading as news reporterss will be of little value in real 
debate over issues like education, health care and the environment.

The milestone mark just reached of having about one-half as many 
working journalists as barely two decades ago is a true call to action 
in confronting “news deserts” and simply having enough people on the job
 to be effective watchdogs on government.

No sooner than the comforting fog of holiday-focused features, 
movies, music and general hoopla had dissipated, we’re right into the 
impeachment debate, punctuated by worries over terror attacks and 
possible war, and warnings about climate change driven home by images of
 the massive heat wave-drought-wildfire catastrophe spanning the entire 
Australian continent.

The assassination-missiles exchange of recent days between the U.S. 
and Iran is just one example of how we depend on a free press — not just
 government mouthpieces or unknown social media “sources” — to bring us 
facts.

Within minutes of each breaking development, network news and serious
 online news outlets let us know of the attack on U.S./Iraqi airbases, 
that there were few-to-no casualties or serious damage and what top 
Iranian leaders were telling their nation about the potential for 
full-scale conflict with the U.S. — including the false claim that 80 
U.S. soldiers died in the missile attack.

Contrast the verifiable reports from U.S. networks and online news 
outlets even as the attacks were under way — some from veteran 
correspondents in Bagdad and Tehran, with the false reports 
Buzzfeed.News reported Wednesday were firing around the web at the same 
time with a false post on Twitter that “early reports say 20 U.S. troops
 have died.” Photos from years earlier, some from other places as 
distant as Ukraine, purporting to show the Iranian missile launches. 
Fake claims in Facebook posts state that “all U.S. facilities in Iraq 
struck.”

The Buzzfeed report also noted false text messages sent to some 
Florida residents saying they had been drafted and had to “report to 
your nearest military branch for immediate departure to Iran.” There 
also were re-tweeted images appearing to show U.S. sailors on the deck 
of an aircraft carrier spelling out “Fuck Iran,” when the actual photo 
showed them spelling out “Ready Now” in an image from a decade or more 
ago.

A common thread through all this mis-and-disinformation is that the 
ultimate sources are not easily pinned down. As with the carrier photo, 
distortions and outright lies take on an online life over time that 
obscures the creators, leaving only those who pass the fakes along – and
 even most of them are not readily identified news outlets or 
individuals

So let’s hear it for those visible news sources — who by virtue of 
the vagaries of reporting on breaking news and shifting situations may 
not always get it right the first time, but who are identifiable — we 
may hold accountable for those reports.

On the Dec. 29 edition of NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B69EEvICbLQ" target="_blank">outlined the challenges</a> to factual reporting — to “truth” in news as well as the value of a free press in responding to that challenge.

“We live in an environment where people are able to spread crazy 
conspiracy theories and absolute falsehoods and lies … made possible by 
the internet and social media,” Baron said. “ …. But we still have the 
responsibility for determining what’s true and what’s false and, in 
particular, holding our government officials accountable for what they 
say and telling people whether they’re telling the truth, or they’re not
 telling the truth. That’s fundamental to the responsibilities that we 
have as a journalistic institution.”

Yes, critics of The Washington Post and other news 
operations vary in their views of how well it and others live up to 
those responsibilities. However, none can deny that the First Amendment 
protects their right to gather and report the news without government 
control — and that by being “identifiable” sources, news consumers can 
exercise their own rights to free speech and free press in assessing the
 work.

In times of possible war, environmental disasters or other serious 
news, it is more important than ever to move past the past decade of 
disruption and all-too-common disingenuous purveyors of information and 
to get on with the business of recognizing and supporting news sources 
we can identify and, hopefully, in the short and long run, once again 
trust.

Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at gpolicinski@freedomforum.org, or follow him on Twitter at @genefac." />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at gpolicinski@freedomforum.org, or follow him on Twitter at @genefac.</figcaption>
 </figure>How about a new New Year’s resolution: To more appreciate a free press, in whatever brand, flavor or medium you prefer.In that spirit, let’s start using a new term: Identifiable News 
Media. Time to let go of the vanilla-flavored “mainstream media” and 
drop the pejorative “lame stream” tag — its use as timely political 
snark ran out some time ago.While we’re at it, let’s drop the identifier “new media” as not 
having any real meaning in a world where Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 
and their kin are now considered established sources of news and 
information and many, if not most, newspapers are just paper wrappers 
around web-based news operations.So, back to that free press resolution. In 2020, in order to defend 
and support that core freedom, we will need to confront in real ways the
 storm of disinformation, news manipulation and dwindling ranks of 
journalism that’s been building for nearly a decade.We finally have to deal in real ways with that storm: Surreptitiously
 altered videos designed to disrupt and mislead could well damage the 
2020 election process. Political spin and vacuous talking heads on cable
 TV masquerading as news reporterss will be of little value in real 
debate over issues like education, health care and the environment.The milestone mark just reached of having about one-half as many 
working journalists as barely two decades ago is a true call to action 
in confronting “news deserts” and simply having enough people on the job
 to be effective watchdogs on government.No sooner than the comforting fog of holiday-focused features, 
movies, music and general hoopla had dissipated, we’re right into the 
impeachment debate, punctuated by worries over terror attacks and 
possible war, and warnings about climate change driven home by images of
 the massive heat wave-drought-wildfire catastrophe spanning the entire 
Australian continent.The assassination-missiles exchange of recent days between the U.S. 
and Iran is just one example of how we depend on a free press — not just
 government mouthpieces or unknown social media “sources” — to bring us 
facts.Within minutes of each breaking development, network news and serious
 online news outlets let us know of the attack on U.S./Iraqi airbases, 
that there were few-to-no casualties or serious damage and what top 
Iranian leaders were telling their nation about the potential for 
full-scale conflict with the U.S. — including the false claim that 80 
U.S. soldiers died in the missile attack.Contrast the verifiable reports from U.S. networks and online news 
outlets even as the attacks were under way — some from veteran 
correspondents in Bagdad and Tehran, with the false reports 
Buzzfeed.News reported Wednesday were firing around the web at the same 
time with a false post on Twitter that “early reports say 20 U.S. troops
 have died.” Photos from years earlier, some from other places as 
distant as Ukraine, purporting to show the Iranian missile launches. 
Fake claims in Facebook posts state that “all U.S. facilities in Iraq 
struck.”The Buzzfeed report also noted false text messages sent to some 
Florida residents saying they had been drafted and had to “report to 
your nearest military branch for immediate departure to Iran.” There 
also were re-tweeted images appearing to show U.S. sailors on the deck 
of an aircraft carrier spelling out “Fuck Iran,” when the actual photo 
showed them spelling out “Ready Now” in an image from a decade or more 
ago.A common thread through all this mis-and-disinformation is that the 
ultimate sources are not easily pinned down. As with the carrier photo, 
distortions and outright lies take on an online life over time that 
obscures the creators, leaving only those who pass the fakes along – and
 even most of them are not readily identified news outlets or 
individualsSo let’s hear it for those visible news sources — who by virtue of 
the vagaries of reporting on breaking news and shifting situations may 
not always get it right the first time, but who are identifiable — we 
may hold accountable for those reports.On the Dec. 29 edition of NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B69EEvICbLQ" target="_blank">outlined the challenges</a> to factual reporting — to “truth” in news as well as the value of a free press in responding to that challenge.“We live in an environment where people are able to spread crazy 
conspiracy theories and absolute falsehoods and lies … made possible by 
the internet and social media,” Baron said. “ …. But we still have the 
responsibility for determining what’s true and what’s false and, in 
particular, holding our government officials accountable for what they 
say and telling people whether they’re telling the truth, or they’re not
 telling the truth. That’s fundamental to the responsibilities that we 
have as a journalistic institution.”Yes, critics of The Washington Post and other news 
operations vary in their views of how well it and others live up to 
those responsibilities. However, none can deny that the First Amendment 
protects their right to gather and report the news without government 
control — and that by being “identifiable” sources, news consumers can 
exercise their own rights to free speech and free press in assessing the
 work.In times of possible war, environmental disasters or other serious 
news, it is more important than ever to move past the past decade of 
disruption and all-too-common disingenuous purveyors of information and 
to get on with the business of recognizing and supporting news sources 
we can identify and, hopefully, in the short and long run, once again 
trust.Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: The year to support, defend – and trust – our free press

This week, I had the opportunity to ride along with a young trapper who traps a couple hundred coyotes every year in the large wooded pastures and the CRP fields of central Kansas. Mange is a disease often found on wild coyotes caught by Kansas trappers, and he told me that over one-fourth of his catch has had mange the past few years. He talked about catching fifteen coyotes at one spot this year that all had mange so badly some could barely stand as he approached them.&nbsp;

After a discussion with my wife during which I whole-heartedly disputed a story she had heard about mange being intentionally introduced, I did some research. I found story-after-story and record-after-record verifying that fact. Between 1883 and 1918, Montana paid over $340,000 in bounties for the killing of more than 80,000 wolves. Seeking a cheaper method of control, for wolves and coyotes, a 1905 Montana law provided for the capture of a number of wild wolves and coyotes that were intentionally infected with Sarcoptic mange and released back into the wild. We will probably never know for sure if mange found in Kansas coyotes still lingers from that event.

Sarcoptic Mange is a disease found in canines, both wild and domestic, caused by Sarcoptic Mites. These parasitic mites burrow into the skin, causing intense scratching and resulting hair loss, weakness and very possibly death as the infected animal loses most or all of its fur and becomes too weak to hunt. The hair loss usually begins on the tail and hind legs then slowly works its way across the animal’s entire body. I have caught coyotes with mange so badly their tails were mere sticks with no fur at all. Mange is highly treatable in domestic canines but obviously not in wild foxes, wolves and coyotes, thus it can wreak havoc with wild populations. It’s not entirely known what kind of survival rate to expect, but that seems to be highly determined by winter conditions in the area. Last year I had a couple coyotes on which the fur buyer pointed out to me spots around their necks where the fur was very thin. One of his explanations was that the animals were possibly just recovering from mange. Our local conservation officer pointed out to me that despite some periods of frigid temperatures and a few snow storms, the last several winters have been fairly mild here in Kansas, possible allowing some infected animals to survive. It’s also thought that young coyote pups contracting mange will most certainly die. Mange is very transmittable from one animal to another, and the higher the wild population of that particular species, the more chances to transmit the disease. Coyotes are very family-oriented canines and live in family groups, so the mites have ample opportunities to spread throughout the family group.&nbsp;

Human infections of mange are extremely rare and short lived and are easily treated medically. Also, mange from wildlife very rarely transfers to domestic animals or livestock. Despite the rare likelihood of transmission, hunters and trappers should handle infected animals with gloves and should throw away or disinfect those gloves afterward. Carcasses of dead mange-infected animals can be buried or burned, or at very least left someplace where dogs or wild canines will not feed on them.

Most people take a dim view of coyotes because they can be such ruthless predators, so when trappers talk of disease problems among the coyote population most folks barely bat an eye. As stated above, the larger the coyote population, the easier it is for disease to get a foothold. Trapping is proven to be a very effective tool in controlling predator populations, and thus helping to control diseases. Besides, as a trapper I like trying to match wits with the wily buggers!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>This week, I had the opportunity to ride along with a young trapper who traps a couple hundred coyotes every year in the large wooded pastures and the CRP fields of central Kansas. Mange is a disease often found on wild coyotes caught by Kansas trappers, and he told me that over one-fourth of his catch has had mange the past few years. He talked about catching fifteen coyotes at one spot this year that all had mange so badly some could barely stand as he approached them.&nbsp;After a discussion with my wife during which I whole-heartedly disputed a story she had heard about mange being intentionally introduced, I did some research. I found story-after-story and record-after-record verifying that fact. Between 1883 and 1918, Montana paid over $340,000 in bounties for the killing of more than 80,000 wolves. Seeking a cheaper method of control, for wolves and coyotes, a 1905 Montana law provided for the capture of a number of wild wolves and coyotes that were intentionally infected with Sarcoptic mange and released back into the wild. We will probably never know for sure if mange found in Kansas coyotes still lingers from that event.Sarcoptic Mange is a disease found in canines, both wild and domestic, caused by Sarcoptic Mites. These parasitic mites burrow into the skin, causing intense scratching and resulting hair loss, weakness and very possibly death as the infected animal loses most or all of its fur and becomes too weak to hunt. The hair loss usually begins on the tail and hind legs then slowly works its way across the animal’s entire body. I have caught coyotes with mange so badly their tails were mere sticks with no fur at all. Mange is highly treatable in domestic canines but obviously not in wild foxes, wolves and coyotes, thus it can wreak havoc with wild populations. It’s not entirely known what kind of survival rate to expect, but that seems to be highly determined by winter conditions in the area. Last year I had a couple coyotes on which the fur buyer pointed out to me spots around their necks where the fur was very thin. One of his explanations was that the animals were possibly just recovering from mange. Our local conservation officer pointed out to me that despite some periods of frigid temperatures and a few snow storms, the last several winters have been fairly mild here in Kansas, possible allowing some infected animals to survive. It’s also thought that young coyote pups contracting mange will most certainly die. Mange is very transmittable from one animal to another, and the higher the wild population of that particular species, the more chances to transmit the disease. Coyotes are very family-oriented canines and live in family groups, so the mites have ample opportunities to spread throughout the family group.&nbsp;Human infections of mange are extremely rare and short lived and are easily treated medically. Also, mange from wildlife very rarely transfers to domestic animals or livestock. Despite the rare likelihood of transmission, hunters and trappers should handle infected animals with gloves and should throw away or disinfect those gloves afterward. Carcasses of dead mange-infected animals can be buried or burned, or at very least left someplace where dogs or wild canines will not feed on them.Most people take a dim view of coyotes because they can be such ruthless predators, so when trappers talk of disease problems among the coyote population most folks barely bat an eye. As stated above, the larger the coyote population, the easier it is for disease to get a foothold. Trapping is proven to be a very effective tool in controlling predator populations, and thus helping to control diseases. Besides, as a trapper I like trying to match wits with the wily buggers!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Mange in Kansas coyotes

TOPEKA - With the 2020 Kansas Democratic Presidential Party-Run Primary, the <a href="https://kansasdems.org/2020primary">Kansas Democratic Party</a> has made the most significant changes in decades to Kansas’ Democratic presidential nominating process.

This seminar, 6-8 p.m. Thu., Jan. 16, at Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill, 2704 Vine, Hays, will provide information about changes and what voters need to know in order to participate. 

Vicki Hiatt, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, will present this information and answer questions about this exciting new process for selecting our Democratic candidate for President in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579122487278.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDP TOPEKA - With the 2020 Kansas Democratic Presidential Party-Run Primary, the <a href="https://kansasdems.org/2020primary">Kansas Democratic Party</a> has made the most significant changes in decades to Kansas’ Democratic presidential nominating process. This seminar, 6-8 p.m. Thu., Jan. 16, at Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill, 2704 Vine, Hays, will provide information about changes and what voters need to know in order to participate. Vicki Hiatt, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, will present this information and answer questions about this exciting new process for selecting our Democratic candidate for President in 2020.

KDP presidential primary info seminar Thursday

ELLIS — The USD 388 Board of Education kicked off 2020 with potentially positive news Monday night as results from a survey commissioned to judge support for potential bond issue showed a majority of Ellis support passing at least some form of a bond.

If put to a ballot, this would be the third bond issue to be sent to voters since the bond that funded the building of Ellis High School ended in the late '90s.

During the presentation of the results, Docking Institute of Public Affairs Assistant Director Jian Sun told the board there is a good chance of a bond issue passing based on the survey results, which showed 74.8 percent of respondents would support a bond as high as $4 million.

Only 48.2 percent were found to support a bond as high as $5 million and only 24.5 percent would support a $7.5 million bond.

"These numbers look much more favorable than what we got back on the last (survey," said Jared Schiel, board president.

The survey was sent to all registered voters in Ellis from the most recent data available, and the institute reported 421 surveys were returned.

Along with dollar amounts, the survey asked respondents to rate their support for specific bond issue projects.&nbsp;

The survey found the replacement of HVAC systems, updating plumbing lines and fixtures, and roof repairs were highly supported.

In turn, respondents were not generally supportive of using a bond to add a daycare facility or program or replacing playground equipment at Washington Grade School.

"We are going to have to do a good job of selling what we need and what were are going to do with our $4 million," Schiel said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — The USD 388 Board of Education kicked off 2020 with potentially positive news Monday night as results from a survey commissioned to judge support for potential bond issue showed a majority of Ellis support passing at least some form of a bond.If put to a ballot, this would be the third bond issue to be sent to voters since the bond that funded the building of Ellis High School ended in the late '90s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030700615.jpeg" alt="Docking Institute of Public Affairs Assistant Director Jian Sun shares bond survey results with the Ellis Board of Education." />
 <figcaption>Docking Institute of Public Affairs Assistant Director Jian Sun shares bond survey results with the Ellis Board of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the presentation of the results, Docking Institute of Public Affairs Assistant Director Jian Sun told the board there is a good chance of a bond issue passing based on the survey results, which showed 74.8 percent of respondents would support a bond as high as $4 million.Only 48.2 percent were found to support a bond as high as $5 million and only 24.5 percent would support a $7.5 million bond."These numbers look much more favorable than what we got back on the last (survey," said Jared Schiel, board president.The survey was sent to all registered voters in Ellis from the most recent data available, and the institute reported 421 surveys were returned.Along with dollar amounts, the survey asked respondents to rate their support for specific bond issue projects.&nbsp;The survey found the replacement of HVAC systems, updating plumbing lines and fixtures, and roof repairs were highly supported.In turn, respondents were not generally supportive of using a bond to add a daycare facility or program or replacing playground equipment at Washington Grade School."We are going to have to do a good job of selling what we need and what were are going to do with our $4 million," Schiel said.

Survey suggests Ellis residents support potential USD 388 bond

The Hays USD 489 school board learned many of the challenges of maintaining an almost 100-year-old school Monday.&nbsp;

The school board met at Lincoln Elementary School and toured the school. The school was built in 1926 with an addition built in 1955.

Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds, said the building's brick and mortar is strong, but the building's infrastructure is failing.

Plumbing, electrical, heating and AC, and windows are all in need of replacement, he said.

The last USD 489 bond issue, which failed, called for closing Lincoln and constructing a new elementary school. Lindsay said unfortunately fixing all of the infrastructure problems with the almost century-old school would cost more than building a new school.

Principal Kerri Lacy showed the board members damage from where water blows in widows on the west side of the building.

Following a major storm the night before the first day of school this fall, the school had several inches of water outside of its art and music room and the adjacent classroom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038260870.jpeg" alt="School board members and guests listen to Lincoln Principal Kerri Lacy (not pictured) discuss problems with the school's basement cafeteria. Issues with sewer pipes mean there is a constant odor in the room." />
 <figcaption>School board members and guests listen to Lincoln Principal Kerri Lacy (not pictured) discuss problems with the school's basement cafeteria. Issues with sewer pipes mean there is a constant odor in the room.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board learned many of the challenges of maintaining an almost 100-year-old school Monday.&nbsp;The school board met at Lincoln Elementary School and toured the school. The school was built in 1926 with an addition built in 1955.Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds, said the building's brick and mortar is strong, but the building's infrastructure is failing.Plumbing, electrical, heating and AC, and windows are all in need of replacement, he said.The last USD 489 bond issue, which failed, called for closing Lincoln and constructing a new elementary school. Lindsay said unfortunately fixing all of the infrastructure problems with the almost century-old school would cost more than building a new school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038393350.jpeg" alt="USD 489 Board President Mike Walker stands in front of a bank&nbsp; of windows in a Lincoln classroom. Water blows in through these windows when it storms." />
 <figcaption>USD 489 Board President Mike Walker stands in front of a bank&nbsp; of windows in a Lincoln classroom. Water blows in through these windows when it storms.</figcaption>
 </figure>Principal Kerri Lacy showed the board members damage from where water blows in widows on the west side of the building.Following a major storm the night before the first day of school this fall, the school had several inches of water outside of its art and music room and the adjacent classroom.The school also has multiple places in the school where the roof is leaking.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038489043.jpeg" alt="Lincoln has multiple areas where the roof is leaking. After a heavy storm prior to the first day of school this fall, the staff found several inches of water outside of this classroom." />
 <figcaption>Lincoln has multiple areas where the roof is leaking. After a heavy storm prior to the first day of school this fall, the staff found several inches of water outside of this classroom.</figcaption>
 </figure>The school has ceiling AC units that are controlled by remote controls. The remotes are so old, they can't be replaced.The boiler gets the heaters in the classrooms so hot, teachers have to be careful not to set anything on them because they have been known to melt things.Sewer issues in the school's basement cafeteria means there is a permanent odor in that area. There is no elevator in the building, so a child who is on crutches can't eat with his or her class.&nbsp;Meals are served to the child upstairs and other children are asked to join the child for lunch and recess.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038581833.jpeg" alt="USD 489 school board members tour a kindergarten classroom at Lincoln." />
 <figcaption>USD 489 school board members tour a kindergarten classroom at Lincoln.</figcaption>
 </figure>Students who are on crutches who are on the second floor also can't go to computer classes or visit the library because those two rooms are on the the first floor. The school keeps a wheelchair at the bottom of the stairs so a child with mobility issues could quickly be wheeled out of the building in case of an emergency. The stairs are also an issue for deliveries. The school receives its hot food for lunch from Hays High School daily.Lacy said she was also concerned about the use of cafeteria as the school's storm shelter. The school has no place to put the lunch tables, so they have to be folded and pushed up against the wall.&nbsp; She is concerned those tables could become projectiles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038653844.jpeg" alt="Board members Craig Pallister and Tammy Wellbrock stand next to a wheelchair at Lincoln. Because the school has a second floor, children in classes on that floor who have mobility issues can't participate in all school activities that take place on the first floor. The wheelchair is there to be used in case of an emergency evacuation." />
 <figcaption>Board members Craig Pallister and Tammy Wellbrock stand next to a wheelchair at Lincoln. Because the school has a second floor, children in classes on that floor who have mobility issues can't participate in all school activities that take place on the first floor. The wheelchair is there to be used in case of an emergency evacuation.</figcaption>
 </figure>The school has a painful lack of storage. Closets are being used for offices. The counselor's office is adjacent to the gym and was once a ball closet.The school is required to a have a private space for lactating mothers. This also was once a closet.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579038826285.jpeg" alt="Lactating mothers have to use this closet, which is also used for storage. Storage is lacking in the building. Most of the other closets in the school are used as offices." />
 <figcaption>Lactating mothers have to use this closet, which is also used for storage. Storage is lacking in the building. Most of the other closets in the school are used as offices.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln has 216 students — two sections of each grade.The Hays school district had failed bond attempts in 2016 and 2017. The school board discussed reconfiguring the elementary schools in a third attempt for a bond, but a plan was never finalized.Four new board members took seats on the board as of Monday night — Allen Park, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister and Tammy Wellbrock.

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