PRATT – First Day Hike events will be held on New Year’s Day at 21 of Kansas’ state parks, providing the perfect opportunity to walk off some of those holiday calories, enjoy nature, and welcome in the New Year with family and friends. If you need more convincing, free First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Linda Lanterman, Parks division director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”

All states, including Kansas, began offering First Day Hikes in 2012 after originating in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Last year in the U.S., more than 75,000 people participated in 1,300 guided hikes that covered more than 150,000 miles.

First Day Hikes are generally one to two miles of exercise and led by knowledgeable park staff who offer an educational experience, as well. Native prairies, rugged woodlands and scenic lake shores may be some of the family-friendly terrain hikers will encounter. Odds are you will see wildlife – perhaps even bald eagles – so be sure to bring binoculars.

After the hike, many state parks will offer refreshments and snacks in the park office, but hikers are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks to enjoy during the outing. Leashed pets are also welcome.

While the guided hikes are free, participants will need a vehicle permit to drive into the park. Daily vehicle permits are available for $5 at self-serve stations located in each park. Some park offices will be open to sell daily vehicle permits as well as $25 annual passes for those looking to make hiking at Kansas state parks a habit!

Consider attending a First Day Hike near you. More information, including news if hikes are cancelled due to weather, may be found on select state park Facebook pages.

To learn more about what Kansas state parks can offer you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576851872740.jpeg" alt="First Day Hike at a Kansas state park" />
 <figcaption>First Day Hike at a Kansas state park</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTPRATT – First Day Hike events will be held on New Year’s Day at 21 of Kansas’ state parks, providing the perfect opportunity to walk off some of those holiday calories, enjoy nature, and welcome in the New Year with family and friends. If you need more convincing, free First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Linda Lanterman, Parks division director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”All states, including Kansas, began offering First Day Hikes in 2012 after originating in Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Last year in the U.S., more than 75,000 people participated in 1,300 guided hikes that covered more than 150,000 miles.First Day Hikes are generally one to two miles of exercise and led by knowledgeable park staff who offer an educational experience, as well. Native prairies, rugged woodlands and scenic lake shores may be some of the family-friendly terrain hikers will encounter. Odds are you will see wildlife – perhaps even bald eagles – so be sure to bring binoculars.After the hike, many state parks will offer refreshments and snacks in the park office, but hikers are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks to enjoy during the outing. Leashed pets are also welcome.While the guided hikes are free, participants will need a vehicle permit to drive into the park. Daily vehicle permits are available for $5 at self-serve stations located in each park. Some park offices will be open to sell daily vehicle permits as well as $25 annual passes for those looking to make hiking at Kansas state parks a habit!Consider attending a First Day Hike near you. More information, including news if hikes are cancelled due to weather, may be found on select state park Facebook pages.<ol>
 <li>Cedar Bluff State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.25-mile moderate terrain Bluffton Trail, open to hikers of all ages.</li><li>Cheney State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. for the 1.5-mile West Side Nature Trail hike; easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.</li><li>Clinton State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the entrance of Campground #3 at 10 a.m. to hike on the X-Country Ski Trail. The 1-mile route is through easy terrain; all ages welcome.</li><li>Crawford State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the beach shelter house at 10 a.m. to hike the 2-mile Deer Run Nature Trail, which includes easy to moderate terrain suited for all ages.</li><li>El Dorado State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the Walnut River Cabins at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile Walnut River Trail hike. The easy to moderate terrain is perfect for hikers of all ages.</li><li>Elk City State Park&nbsp;– Meet at 11 a.m. at the Overlook trailhead for a 1-mile hike on the Table Mound Hiking Trail. The trail’s moderate terrain is open to hikers of all ages.</li><li>Fall River State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the Fall River maintenance shop at 2 p.m. to hike the three-quarter-mile Post Oak Trail. The moderate terrain is ideal for hikers of all ages.</li><li>Flint Hills Trail State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the old depot in Ottawa at 2 p.m. to hike 2 miles of easy terrain perfect for all ages.</li><li>Green Recreational Trail in Pratt&nbsp;– Meet at 1 p.m. at the KDWPT barn/shop to hike 1 mile of easy to moderate terrain, open for all ages to enjoy.</li><li>Hillsdale State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike on the Hidden Springs Nature Trail. The 1.5 miles of easy terrain is recommended for hikers age six and up.</li><li>Historic Lake Scott State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the trail head at 10 a.m. to hike the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. The moderate terrain hike is 1 to 2 miles long and is open to all ages.</li><li>Kanopolis State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the Split Boulder Trail. The 1.6-mile trail can be navigated by hikers of all ages.</li><li>Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at noon for one of two hikes: Life on the Rocks Trail hike or the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail hike. The Life of the Rocks Trail is 1 to 2 miles over easy terrain, while the Little Jerusalem Badlands Off Trail is a 1-mile hike through advanced terrain. Both hikes are open to all ages.</li><li>Meade State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 3 p.m. for the Eagle Trail hike. All ages are welcome for the 2.5-mile trail of easy terrain.</li><li>Milford State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the Crystal Trail parking lot near the Walnut Grove Campground at 1 p.m. to hike on the Crystal Trail. The 2.18-mile trail includes moderate terrain and is open to hikers of all ages.</li><li>Perry State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the day use area in the Wild Horse Campground at 10 a.m. to hike the 1.5-mile Jack-O-Lope Trail. The easy terrain is ideal for all ages.</li><li>Pomona State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile hike around several campgrounds. Hikers of all ages are welcome to enjoy the easy terrain.</li><li>Prairie Dog (Norton) State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1.4-mile hike over moderate terrain open to all ages.</li><li>Sand Hills State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office/cabin at 10 a.m. to hike the 1-mile Dune and Prairie trails, which include easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome.</li><li>Tuttle Creek State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike the Western Heritage Trail. This hike is open to hikers of all ages and includes easy terrain covering 1 to 3 miles.</li><li>Wilson State Park&nbsp;– Meet at the Cedar Trail parking lot at 1 p.m. to hike 1 mile over easy terrain. &nbsp;All ages welcome.</li>
 </ol>To learn more about what Kansas state parks can offer you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks</a>.

Get out for a First Day Hike in Kansas' state parks

My brother recently sent me a video showing him releasing a bobcat he had trapped. He used a piece of plywood with a notch cut in the bottom; by keeping the plywood between him and the trapped cat, he pushed the cat back as far as it could go so the plywood was set down with the notch over the cat’s leg, keeping the trap on my brother’s side of the plywood and the bobcat on the other. He then stepped on both trap springs, and when the bobcat felt the trap release it bolted away from the other side of the plywood into the woods. One friend described the cat’s blazing but nimble departure as looking like “lightning on a leash.”

My brother Joe releases bobcats from coyote traps there in Ohio because a low bobcat population doesn’t yet allow for a legal season to harvest them. We Kansas trappers occasionally release trapped bobcats if they are young and small, especially if they are female or if they are caught early in the season and not yet well furred. Joe’s adventure reminded me of the few bobcats I have released over the years.

When releasing a bobcat from a foothold trap, I too have a piece of plywood I prefer to use, but another method is to use a catch-pole like dog-catchers carry. Something about a feline’s anatomy causes them to choke very easily, so employing a catch pole to temporarily subdue a bobcat you are trying to release from a trap is tricky. You have to cinch the catch pole tight around the cat’s throat to be able to control it and keep it a bay while you release their foot from the trap, but you can’t keep it cinched tight very long or it will choke to death. I remember the first time I released a trapped bobcat this way.

It was early in the season and I had caught a young bobcat along the river, a good distance off the road and a long way from home. I neglected to carry my piece of plywood that morning, but had my catch-pole, so the experiment began. Sometimes getting the loop of the catch-pole around a bob cat’s neck is a challenge as the cat will keep biting at it or jerking its head away, but other times if you approach the cat calmly, it will let you drop the loop right over its head. With the loop in place, you have to cinch it closed quickly, then the rodeo begins. That morning, after several tries, I got the loop dropped over the feline's head and the cat began lunging and lurching like a bucking bull coming out of the chute.

With the clock now running and time of the essence, I laid the handle of the catch-pole on the ground and put my foot on it while quickly opening the trap jaws to release the cat’s foot. It was about then that it dawned on me that while I had to hastily release tension on the catch pole, I also had to maintain a death grip on the handle or the cat might yank it from my hand and disappear with the catch pole dragging behind; not good. Releasing tension on the catch pole with a thrashing bobcat on the other end was like trying to remove the hook from a 60-pound catfish that was still trying to swim away. Finally, the loop hung limp around the cat’s neck and I lifted it over its head. The confused feline stood there 10 feet away trying to regain its bearings while I slowly backed toward the pickup and wondered what the kitties next move might be. After starring me down awhile it turned and exited stage right, back into the trees along the river.

I can’t understand why Ohio’s bobcat population does not yet warrant a legal harvest season for them while Kansas has a thriving bobcat population. According to surveys following the 2018-2019 hunting and trapping seasons, hunters and trappers together harvested just shy of 5,000 bobcats here in Kansas last year, and that number remains steady year-after-year. I guess we have just the right mix of habitat and prey for their liking, and releasing young females when possible doesn’t hurt either…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>My brother recently sent me a video showing him releasing a bobcat he had trapped. He used a piece of plywood with a notch cut in the bottom; by keeping the plywood between him and the trapped cat, he pushed the cat back as far as it could go so the plywood was set down with the notch over the cat’s leg, keeping the trap on my brother’s side of the plywood and the bobcat on the other. He then stepped on both trap springs, and when the bobcat felt the trap release it bolted away from the other side of the plywood into the woods. One friend described the cat’s blazing but nimble departure as looking like “lightning on a leash.”My brother Joe releases bobcats from coyote traps there in Ohio because a low bobcat population doesn’t yet allow for a legal season to harvest them. We Kansas trappers occasionally release trapped bobcats if they are young and small, especially if they are female or if they are caught early in the season and not yet well furred. Joe’s adventure reminded me of the few bobcats I have released over the years.When releasing a bobcat from a foothold trap, I too have a piece of plywood I prefer to use, but another method is to use a catch-pole like dog-catchers carry. Something about a feline’s anatomy causes them to choke very easily, so employing a catch pole to temporarily subdue a bobcat you are trying to release from a trap is tricky. You have to cinch the catch pole tight around the cat’s throat to be able to control it and keep it a bay while you release their foot from the trap, but you can’t keep it cinched tight very long or it will choke to death. I remember the first time I released a trapped bobcat this way.It was early in the season and I had caught a young bobcat along the river, a good distance off the road and a long way from home. I neglected to carry my piece of plywood that morning, but had my catch-pole, so the experiment began. Sometimes getting the loop of the catch-pole around a bob cat’s neck is a challenge as the cat will keep biting at it or jerking its head away, but other times if you approach the cat calmly, it will let you drop the loop right over its head. With the loop in place, you have to cinch it closed quickly, then the rodeo begins. That morning, after several tries, I got the loop dropped over the feline's head and the cat began lunging and lurching like a bucking bull coming out of the chute.With the clock now running and time of the essence, I laid the handle of the catch-pole on the ground and put my foot on it while quickly opening the trap jaws to release the cat’s foot. It was about then that it dawned on me that while I had to hastily release tension on the catch pole, I also had to maintain a death grip on the handle or the cat might yank it from my hand and disappear with the catch pole dragging behind; not good. Releasing tension on the catch pole with a thrashing bobcat on the other end was like trying to remove the hook from a 60-pound catfish that was still trying to swim away. Finally, the loop hung limp around the cat’s neck and I lifted it over its head. The confused feline stood there 10 feet away trying to regain its bearings while I slowly backed toward the pickup and wondered what the kitties next move might be. After starring me down awhile it turned and exited stage right, back into the trees along the river.I can’t understand why Ohio’s bobcat population does not yet warrant a legal harvest season for them while Kansas has a thriving bobcat population. According to surveys following the 2018-2019 hunting and trapping seasons, hunters and trappers together harvested just shy of 5,000 bobcats here in Kansas last year, and that number remains steady year-after-year. I guess we have just the right mix of habitat and prey for their liking, and releasing young females when possible doesn’t hurt either…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Release the Kitties

The Ellis County Fair Association invites you to attend our New Year's Bash!

This is a fundraiser to help repair damage to the fairgrounds from the storm in August.

The dance will be held December 31 from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. at the Unrein Building on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, featuring live music from DOC. Tickets are $25 for single or $40 per couple. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau or from a fair board member. We will also have tickets at the door.

There will be snacks throughout the night with pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and chips served later in the evening. You can bring your own bottle of liquor, but have to purchase setups at the bar along with beer.

There will be a raffle and auction with gift cards and baskets donated from a number of businesses. Some prizes include a BBQ meal for 20 people and a couple of guns.

A shuttle bus will be available if someone needs to get a ride home.

Gather your friends and family and ring in the new year while supporting a great cause!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577472414494.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Fair Association invites you to attend our New Year's Bash!This is a fundraiser to help repair damage to the fairgrounds from the storm in August.The dance will be held December 31 from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. at the Unrein Building on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, featuring live music from DOC. Tickets are $25 for single or $40 per couple. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau or from a fair board member. We will also have tickets at the door.There will be snacks throughout the night with pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and chips served later in the evening. You can bring your own bottle of liquor, but have to purchase setups at the bar along with beer.There will be a raffle and auction with gift cards and baskets donated from a number of businesses. Some prizes include a BBQ meal for 20 people and a couple of guns.A shuttle bus will be available if someone needs to get a ride home.Gather your friends and family and ring in the new year while supporting a great cause!

New Year's fundraiser for Ellis County fairgrounds storm damage

LOGAN — Take the opportunity to hear from the Artist himself and come to the museum to meet The Farmin Artist, Thomas Zimmerman. A master of capturing vibrant scenes through the lens, Thomas will be at the Dane G. Hansen Museum at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 for a meet-and-greet reception.

Thomas strives to bring a face to the American farming and ranching industries by capturing the personality of an ornery bull calf, a stunning Kansas sunset, the peaceful “blue hour" and more. The Farmin Artist’s intense style of photography creates a feeling of total immersion for his viewers, allowing you to wrap yourself up in a warm Kansas sunset, or shiver in the crusty snow as three bulls study you curiously. Each scene that Thomas captures is as unique as it is fascinating. The Farmin Artist is on display until Feb. 2.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicapped accessible and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, call 785-689-4846.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576770780470.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOGAN — Take the opportunity to hear from the Artist himself and come to the museum to meet The Farmin Artist, Thomas Zimmerman. A master of capturing vibrant scenes through the lens, Thomas will be at the Dane G. Hansen Museum at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 for a meet-and-greet reception.Thomas strives to bring a face to the American farming and ranching industries by capturing the personality of an ornery bull calf, a stunning Kansas sunset, the peaceful “blue hour" and more. The Farmin Artist’s intense style of photography creates a feeling of total immersion for his viewers, allowing you to wrap yourself up in a warm Kansas sunset, or shiver in the crusty snow as three bulls study you curiously. Each scene that Thomas captures is as unique as it is fascinating. The Farmin Artist is on display until Feb. 2.The Museum is open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 1-4; Saturdays 9-12 &amp; 1-5; Sundays and holidays 1-5. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The museum is handicapped accessible and admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information or if you have questions, call 785-689-4846.&nbsp;— Submitted

'The Farmin' Artist' will host reception at Dane G. Hansen Museum

The Management Development Center at Fort Hays State University will kick off its winter 2020 workshop series in January with two workshops – one on personal development and another on leadership strategies, which can be implemented in the workplace or at home.

The first is a crowd favorite, “CliftonStrengths Essentials,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, in the Memorial Union’s Pioneer Room on the FHSU campus.

These techniques build on participants’ natural talents to make them more productive in the workplace and at home. Strengths theory argues that it is more productive to develop strengths instead of trying to fix weaknesses. In this workshop, participants will discover their natural talents, learn how to develop them into strengths, and explore how individual strengths can be leveraged with others to create a high-performing, strengths-based team.

In the second of January’s workshops, “Women and Leadership: Becoming a Person of Influence,” participants will learn how women can energize others by projecting confidence.

Topics covered include identifying gender bias and discrimination in the workplace, examining leadership trends and the impact on women in business, barriers to leadership potential, and developing professional leadership strategies.

“Women and Leadership” will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Memorial Union’s Trails Room.

Registration can be completed online through the Registration link in the sidebar of the page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/mdc">www.fhsu.edu/mdc</a>. Early registration closes one week before each workshop. Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for a 15-percent discount on registration.

To learn more about these workshops or additional upcoming trainings, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/mdc">www.fhsu.edu/mdc</a>&nbsp;or contact Hannah Hilker at 785-628-4121 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hehilker@fhsu.edu">hehilker@fhsu.edu</a>.

Fort Hays State UniversityThe Management Development Center at Fort Hays State University will kick off its winter 2020 workshop series in January with two workshops – one on personal development and another on leadership strategies, which can be implemented in the workplace or at home.The first is a crowd favorite, “CliftonStrengths Essentials,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, in the Memorial Union’s Pioneer Room on the FHSU campus.These techniques build on participants’ natural talents to make them more productive in the workplace and at home. Strengths theory argues that it is more productive to develop strengths instead of trying to fix weaknesses. In this workshop, participants will discover their natural talents, learn how to develop them into strengths, and explore how individual strengths can be leveraged with others to create a high-performing, strengths-based team.Registration is $219.In the second of January’s workshops, “Women and Leadership: Becoming a Person of Influence,” participants will learn how women can energize others by projecting confidence.Topics covered include identifying gender bias and discrimination in the workplace, examining leadership trends and the impact on women in business, barriers to leadership potential, and developing professional leadership strategies.“Women and Leadership” will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Memorial Union’s Trails Room.Registration is $119.Registration can be completed online through the Registration link in the sidebar of the page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/mdc">www.fhsu.edu/mdc</a>. Early registration closes one week before each workshop. Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for a 15-percent discount on registration.To learn more about these workshops or additional upcoming trainings, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fhsu.edu/mdc">www.fhsu.edu/mdc</a>&nbsp;or contact Hannah Hilker at 785-628-4121 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hehilker@fhsu.edu">hehilker@fhsu.edu</a>.

MDC announces January 2020 workshops

🎥 Eagle Forum: Scott Cason, FHSU University Relations

<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="" />
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 </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/2019/12/1577677973605.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

Don't have a fireplace or just don't want to fire it up? Click the video above, enter full-screen mode and enjoy the sights and sounds of your very own holiday fire!

Brought to you by Turn-Key Property Solutions

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WhDIRNs40_E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Don't have a fireplace or just don't want to fire it up? Click the video above, enter full-screen mode and enjoy the sights and sounds of your very own holiday fire!Brought to you by Turn-Key Property Solutions<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576701305695.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Warm and cozy with the Hays Post virtual fireplace!

SHERMAN COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Jeep utility vehicle pulling a U-Haul trailer and driven by&nbsp;Susa,Derek E. Susa, 44, Colorado Springs, Co., was westbound on&nbsp; Interstate 70 one mile west of the Brewster Exit.

The driver lost control and entered the median. The Jeep spun around in the median and entered the eastbound passing lane of Interstate 70.

An eastbound 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Brandon M. White, Gardner,&nbsp;struck the trailer. Both vehicles came to rest in the median.

EMS transported White and a passenger in the Mercury&nbsp; Hannah R. Templeton, 21, Gardner, to Goodland Regional Medical Center.

Susa was not injured.&nbsp; There were two passengers in the Mercury from St. Joseph, Missouri. EMS treated 19-year-old Emily O. Ptomey at the scene. Nikki D. Nelson, 42, was not injured.

SHERMAN COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Jeep utility vehicle pulling a U-Haul trailer and driven by&nbsp;Susa,Derek E. Susa, 44, Colorado Springs, Co., was westbound on&nbsp; Interstate 70 one mile west of the Brewster Exit.The driver lost control and entered the median. The Jeep spun around in the median and entered the eastbound passing lane of Interstate 70.An eastbound 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Brandon M. White, Gardner,&nbsp;struck the trailer. Both vehicles came to rest in the median.EMS transported White and a passenger in the Mercury&nbsp; Hannah R. Templeton, 21, Gardner, to Goodland Regional Medical Center.Susa was not injured.&nbsp; There were two passengers in the Mercury from St. Joseph, Missouri. EMS treated 19-year-old Emily O. Ptomey at the scene. Nikki D. Nelson, 42, was not injured.

2 hospitalized after car strike's U-Haul trailer on I-70

&nbsp;By JAMES BELL Hays Post

In July of 1985, Carolyn McCollum-Scantlin started as a dispatcher
for Ellis County, working as a point person between emergency responders and the
public. 

She never intended to stay permanently, but when she checked
out on Dec. 13 after 34 years, she left as the department's first and last director.

McCollum-Scantlin was made the director about seven years
ago when dispatch was moved from the purview of the Hays Police Department,
but with her retirement, the position will transfer back to the HPD.

She came into the position with no experience, but it turned
into her calling.

“Having listened to a scanner for several years, I thought
that it would be something I would like to do,” she said.

She went to the station and talked to Don Deines, filed the
application and settled in on the line.

“I never intended to stay forever, nobody does, but I love it,”
McCollum-Scantlin said.

Over the years, she saw many changes in the department that
she would ultimately lead.

“The way it has changed is the amazing thing,” she said.

“When I started, we had a telephone that you answered and
stuck under your ear while you typed on the typewriter on 3-by-5 cards.”

After taking the information, an officer would stop by the
window and pick up the card.

The officer would later type on the same card.

“That was it, that was the report,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “Now
we have a headset and type it directly into the computer on CAD.”

When she started, they had a black phone with five lines for
admin and a red phone with five lines for 911 calls.

“No mapping, no addressing, if you were lucky, they would
tell you where they were,” McCollum-Scantlin said.

Most calls now come in on cell phones, which in the early days
created even more challenges as they had no idea where the call was coming from.

Current phone systems send location information.

“It will give you a location, it may not be exact, but it
will be really close. Now we even have mapping that will pinpoint it on a map,”
McCollum-Scantlin said.

With everyone having a cell phone, they often get a lot more
calls for rural incidents that help officers even more.

“So, we are getting there quicker,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “It’s
much easier than it used to be.”

While new technology continues to change the job, over her
years the technology that was the most impactful is one rarely thought of today.

“Probably the thing that impressed me the most in all of the
technology though is the fax machine,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “All of a
sudden in the middle of the night, if I needed a picture of the bad guy, I
could get a picture in the middle of the night on the fax machine.”

“I always told everybody, all of it is great, but it was the
fax machine that impressed me the most.”

She attributes the continued technological development to
leaders that understand the importance of the dispatch center.

“We are very fortunate. We have a good city and county that cares
about their population, and they help take care of them,” McCollum-Scantlin
said.

While technology changed the job, she has seen other changes
as well, including a much larger staff, going from 7 to 14 during her tenure.

“We need them. There is a lot to do,” McCollum-Scantlin
said.

She said she does not attribute that to more crime, but more
reports and reporting that needs to be entered in real-time.

Finding and retaining staff is one of the biggest challenges
facing the center now, something she attributes to changing attitudes as the workforce has different priorities than when she started. 

“I look at the younger generation and I see that they are different
than we were,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “We were happy in our generation to find
a good job that had good benefits and have settled in and stay.”

“That’s not the way it works today,” she said. “I’m not
saying it’s bad, I’m just saying it's different.”

Over the years McCollum-Scantlin dedicated her life to the
job, a quality that is rare these days.

“I’ve lived my job. This is my life,” she said. Younger
people she believes are more inclined to put their personal life in the forefront
but appreciates the different view of work and life brought in by the younger
generation.

“They aren’t satisfied with that, and I’m not sure they should
be,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed working with the younger people, and that’s probably
one of the reasons I have worked as long as I have.”

Looking back now she understands how rare it is to find a job that you love and have the good fortune to be able to do it for so long.

“I know how lucky I am because I have always been happy in
my job,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “I like what I do, and most people are not
that lucky.”

As she has trained a new generation of dispatchers, she
shares her hope they understand the importance of the job, even if it does not
come with a lot of recognition.

“You are the first, first responder, but there is no glory,”
she said. “You have to be happy knowing that without you nobody knows what is
happening, the right person doesn’t get sent, you are the true first responder.”

“Once in a while you get a pat on the back, but you don’t
work for a pat on the back. You work for making a difference and knowing you
did the right thing,” McCollum-Scantlin said.

“You have to say, somebody has to do it, I was there, I did
what I could,” she said. “If you don’t have that philosophy, you don’t stay with
this.”

&nbsp;By JAMES BELL Hays PostIn July of 1985, Carolyn McCollum-Scantlin started as a dispatcher
for Ellis County, working as a point person between emergency responders and the
public. She never intended to stay permanently, but when she checked
out on Dec. 13 after 34 years, she left as the department's first and last director.McCollum-Scantlin was made the director about seven years
ago when dispatch was moved from the purview of the Hays Police Department,
but with her retirement, the position will transfer back to the HPD.She came into the position with no experience, but it turned
into her calling.“Having listened to a scanner for several years, I thought
that it would be something I would like to do,” she said.She went to the station and talked to Don Deines, filed the
application and settled in on the line.“I never intended to stay forever, nobody does, but I love it,”
McCollum-Scantlin said.Over the years, she saw many changes in the department that
she would ultimately lead.“The way it has changed is the amazing thing,” she said.“When I started, we had a telephone that you answered and
stuck under your ear while you typed on the typewriter on 3-by-5 cards.”After taking the information, an officer would stop by the
window and pick up the card.The officer would later type on the same card.“That was it, that was the report,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “Now
we have a headset and type it directly into the computer on CAD.”When she started, they had a black phone with five lines for
admin and a red phone with five lines for 911 calls.“No mapping, no addressing, if you were lucky, they would
tell you where they were,” McCollum-Scantlin said.Most calls now come in on cell phones, which in the early days
created even more challenges as they had no idea where the call was coming from.Current phone systems send location information.“It will give you a location, it may not be exact, but it
will be really close. Now we even have mapping that will pinpoint it on a map,”
McCollum-Scantlin said.With everyone having a cell phone, they often get a lot more
calls for rural incidents that help officers even more.“So, we are getting there quicker,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “It’s
much easier than it used to be.”While new technology continues to change the job, over her
years the technology that was the most impactful is one rarely thought of today.“Probably the thing that impressed me the most in all of the
technology though is the fax machine,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “All of a
sudden in the middle of the night, if I needed a picture of the bad guy, I
could get a picture in the middle of the night on the fax machine.”“I always told everybody, all of it is great, but it was the
fax machine that impressed me the most.”She attributes the continued technological development to
leaders that understand the importance of the dispatch center.“We are very fortunate. We have a good city and county that cares
about their population, and they help take care of them,” McCollum-Scantlin
said.While technology changed the job, she has seen other changes
as well, including a much larger staff, going from 7 to 14 during her tenure.“We need them. There is a lot to do,” McCollum-Scantlin
said.She said she does not attribute that to more crime, but more
reports and reporting that needs to be entered in real-time.Finding and retaining staff is one of the biggest challenges
facing the center now, something she attributes to changing attitudes as the workforce has different priorities than when she started. “I look at the younger generation and I see that they are different
than we were,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “We were happy in our generation to find
a good job that had good benefits and have settled in and stay.”“That’s not the way it works today,” she said. “I’m not
saying it’s bad, I’m just saying it's different.”Over the years McCollum-Scantlin dedicated her life to the
job, a quality that is rare these days.“I’ve lived my job. This is my life,” she said. Younger
people she believes are more inclined to put their personal life in the forefront
but appreciates the different view of work and life brought in by the younger
generation.“They aren’t satisfied with that, and I’m not sure they should
be,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed working with the younger people, and that’s probably
one of the reasons I have worked as long as I have.”Looking back now she understands how rare it is to find a job that you love and have the good fortune to be able to do it for so long.“I know how lucky I am because I have always been happy in
my job,” McCollum-Scantlin said. “I like what I do, and most people are not
that lucky.”As she has trained a new generation of dispatchers, she
shares her hope they understand the importance of the job, even if it does not
come with a lot of recognition.“You are the first, first responder, but there is no glory,”
she said. “You have to be happy knowing that without you nobody knows what is
happening, the right person doesn’t get sent, you are the true first responder.”“Once in a while you get a pat on the back, but you don’t
work for a pat on the back. You work for making a difference and knowing you
did the right thing,” McCollum-Scantlin said.“You have to say, somebody has to do it, I was there, I did
what I could,” she said. “If you don’t have that philosophy, you don’t stay with
this.”

After 34 years Ellis County dispatch director says goodbye to job she loves

The USD 489 Early Childhood Connections program is seeking input from the community through an online survey.&nbsp; Residents of the USD 489 school district are asked to participate.

The Connections program is conducting a communication audit.&nbsp; The audit will provide a snapshot of the organization’s communication needs.&nbsp; Part of the process is to determine what people know about the program.&nbsp; The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes.

“The online survey will help us better gauge what the community knows about our program,” said Connections Coordinator, Dana Stanton.&nbsp; “We will analyze the results of the survey to identify strengths and weakness.&nbsp; This information will help us build a comprehensive communication plan for our program.”

The link to the online survey can be found here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLY3MQ5?fbclid=IwAR3rJAoEeF1oUTTZMtbobiTZ3ygZS-SPDNdsrpjqjoBYGC7wN04faMZb1-8" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLY3MQ5</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577445438840.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The USD 489 Early Childhood Connections program is seeking input from the community through an online survey.&nbsp; Residents of the USD 489 school district are asked to participate.The Connections program is conducting a communication audit.&nbsp; The audit will provide a snapshot of the organization’s communication needs.&nbsp; Part of the process is to determine what people know about the program.&nbsp; The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes.“The online survey will help us better gauge what the community knows about our program,” said Connections Coordinator, Dana Stanton.&nbsp; “We will analyze the results of the survey to identify strengths and weakness.&nbsp; This information will help us build a comprehensive communication plan for our program.”The link to the online survey can be found here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLY3MQ5?fbclid=IwAR3rJAoEeF1oUTTZMtbobiTZ3ygZS-SPDNdsrpjqjoBYGC7wN04faMZb1-8" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLY3MQ5</a>

Early Childhood Connections seeks input

Updated Entrepreneurship Tax
Credit Now Available to Banks &amp; Savings and Loans

Wichita- On Friday NetWork Kansas announced Bank of Hays has made a commitment
to be an Anchor Supporter of NetWork
Kansas in an effort to provide small businesses with additional support. Anchor
Supporters are banks making a significant contribution through participation in
the Entrepreneurship Tax Credit. Banks can now utilize up to $100,000 in
credits annually.

Bank of Hays has three branches in addition to the main bank in
Hays,&nbsp; Hanston State Bank, Farmers
State Bank of Jetmore, and Bank of Lewis.

Funds donated provide capital to the nationally-recognized
Entrepreneurship Community Partnership, statewide loan
programs, and entrepreneurship programming. E-Communities include 64
communities across the state. 

“Our E-Communities continue to innovate to ensure that
entrepreneurs and small businesses are connected to the capital and technical
assistance they need,” said Erik Pedersen, NetWork Kansas vice president. “Banks
are the number one source of capital and are, once again, stepping up to
provide support.”&nbsp; 

The Kansas Bankers Association in coordination with NetWork Kansas introduced Senate Bill 90 to allow banks and
savings and loans the opportunity to utilize the tax credit. Under the original
2004 legislation, financial institutions were not able to participate. The bill
also increases the previous cap of $50,000 for this 75 percent state tax credit for
any donor. Donors can now utilize up to $100,000 in credits. 

“We were pleased to lead efforts on Senate Bill 90 so that banks
across Kansas could support efforts to provide technical assistance and gap
funding to businesses in their area,” said Doug Wareham, KBA president &amp;
CEO. “More than 100 bankers serve on local Entrepreneurship Community
Leadership Teams that they can now support by taking advantage of the tax
credit.”

Banks interested in participating in this tax credit program can
call 877.521.8600 and ask for Steve Radley or Erik Pedersen to make a
commitment or to learn more.

NetWork Kansas was
established as a component of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to further
entrepreneurship and small business growth as a priority for economic and
community development in the State of Kansas.&nbsp;Backed by more than 500
partners statewide, the NetWork Kansas service promotes an entrepreneurial
environment by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the
expertise, education and economic resources they need in order to succeed.

NetWork Kansas facilitates
the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem within participating
communities through the E-Community Partnership. Contributing factors to
successful development include availability of financial capital, support by
local leadership and development of educational resources. All of these factors
combine to increase entrepreneurial activity in participating towns, leading to
increased startup activity, business expansion, job creation and more.

For
more information about the Entrepreneurship Community Partnership, visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=5ytsjdcab&amp;et=1108570333426&amp;s=1420&amp;e=001sikXnv3YNGc8ygcgLRMuTexs3GeA20-neOWJ6RPtMU22zf6b0-r2nZXSqJBfKWx8sGxxDqDYE4pSwPP84NweRmJoShwlbKEFU75FFIM16GrKgVpL1pHimg==">www.networkkansas.com</a>/ecommunities or
call <a href="tel:\877.521.8600">877.521.8600</a>.&nbsp;

SubmittedUpdated Entrepreneurship Tax
Credit Now Available to Banks &amp; Savings and Loans Wichita- On Friday NetWork Kansas announced Bank of Hays has made a commitment
to be an Anchor Supporter of NetWork
Kansas in an effort to provide small businesses with additional support. Anchor
Supporters are banks making a significant contribution through participation in
the Entrepreneurship Tax Credit. Banks can now utilize up to $100,000 in
credits annually. Bank of Hays has three branches in addition to the main bank in
Hays,&nbsp; Hanston State Bank, Farmers
State Bank of Jetmore, and Bank of Lewis.Funds donated provide capital to the nationally-recognized
Entrepreneurship Community Partnership, statewide loan
programs, and entrepreneurship programming. E-Communities include 64
communities across the state. “Our E-Communities continue to innovate to ensure that
entrepreneurs and small businesses are connected to the capital and technical
assistance they need,” said Erik Pedersen, NetWork Kansas vice president. “Banks
are the number one source of capital and are, once again, stepping up to
provide support.”&nbsp; The Kansas Bankers Association in coordination with NetWork Kansas introduced Senate Bill 90 to allow banks and
savings and loans the opportunity to utilize the tax credit. Under the original
2004 legislation, financial institutions were not able to participate. The bill
also increases the previous cap of $50,000 for this 75 percent state tax credit for
any donor. Donors can now utilize up to $100,000 in credits. “We were pleased to lead efforts on Senate Bill 90 so that banks
across Kansas could support efforts to provide technical assistance and gap
funding to businesses in their area,” said Doug Wareham, KBA president &amp;
CEO. “More than 100 bankers serve on local Entrepreneurship Community
Leadership Teams that they can now support by taking advantage of the tax
credit.”Banks interested in participating in this tax credit program can
call 877.521.8600 and ask for Steve Radley or Erik Pedersen to make a
commitment or to learn more. About NetWork
Kansas:NetWork Kansas was
established as a component of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to further
entrepreneurship and small business growth as a priority for economic and
community development in the State of Kansas.&nbsp;Backed by more than 500
partners statewide, the NetWork Kansas service promotes an entrepreneurial
environment by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the
expertise, education and economic resources they need in order to succeed. NetWork Kansas facilitates
the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem within participating
communities through the E-Community Partnership. Contributing factors to
successful development include availability of financial capital, support by
local leadership and development of educational resources. All of these factors
combine to increase entrepreneurial activity in participating towns, leading to
increased startup activity, business expansion, job creation and more. For
more information about the Entrepreneurship Community Partnership, visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=5ytsjdcab&amp;et=1108570333426&amp;s=1420&amp;e=001sikXnv3YNGc8ygcgLRMuTexs3GeA20-neOWJ6RPtMU22zf6b0-r2nZXSqJBfKWx8sGxxDqDYE4pSwPP84NweRmJoShwlbKEFU75FFIM16GrKgVpL1pHimg==">www.networkkansas.com</a>/ecommunities or
call <a href="tel:\877.521.8600">877.521.8600</a>.&nbsp;

NetWork Kansas Announces Another Anchor Supporter:  Bank of Hays

Effective January 1, 2020, Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball (ABBB) will be merging with M&amp;L CPA’s. M&amp;L has Kansas offices in Wichita and El Dorado, increasing ABBB’s footprint to 14 markets.&nbsp;

“This is an exciting opportunity for both our firms,” said&nbsp;Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner, ABBB. “M&amp;L expands its deep history with a new chapter that will allow it to serve clients at a deeper level. Together, we will be able to help even more businesses within our industry specialties throughout the Wichita area and across Kansas.”

ABBB is the 165th&nbsp;largest CPA firm in the country according to&nbsp;Inside Public Accounting. M&amp;L, the 5th&nbsp;largest firm in Wichita according to the&nbsp;Wichita Business Journal, has 22 employees, all whom will be joining ABBB.&nbsp;

“We are excited to expand our team and look forward to getting to know the current M&amp;L staff better. As a best place to work [in Wichita], we work hard to ensure we have happy and loyal team members who will help us exceed the expectations of those we serve,” Staats said.

The&nbsp;merged&nbsp;practices&nbsp;will&nbsp;operate under the name Adams,&nbsp;Brown,&nbsp;Beran&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Ball.

M&amp;L CPA’s Chartered was established in Wichita in 1989. The firm provides businesses and individuals with high-quality and affordable tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services.

Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and specialized CPA and consulting services to clients throughout the United States. The firm has specialties in the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, governmental, oil &amp; gas, and restaurant sectors. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 15 office locations throughout Kansas. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abbb.com/" target="_blank">www.abbb.com</a>.

ABBBEffective January 1, 2020, Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball (ABBB) will be merging with M&amp;L CPA’s. M&amp;L has Kansas offices in Wichita and El Dorado, increasing ABBB’s footprint to 14 markets.&nbsp;“This is an exciting opportunity for both our firms,” said&nbsp;Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner, ABBB. “M&amp;L expands its deep history with a new chapter that will allow it to serve clients at a deeper level. Together, we will be able to help even more businesses within our industry specialties throughout the Wichita area and across Kansas.”ABBB is the 165th&nbsp;largest CPA firm in the country according to&nbsp;Inside Public Accounting. M&amp;L, the 5th&nbsp;largest firm in Wichita according to the&nbsp;Wichita Business Journal, has 22 employees, all whom will be joining ABBB.&nbsp;“We are excited to expand our team and look forward to getting to know the current M&amp;L staff better. As a best place to work [in Wichita], we work hard to ensure we have happy and loyal team members who will help us exceed the expectations of those we serve,” Staats said.The&nbsp;merged&nbsp;practices&nbsp;will&nbsp;operate under the name Adams,&nbsp;Brown,&nbsp;Beran&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Ball.M&amp;L CPA’s Chartered was established in Wichita in 1989. The firm provides businesses and individuals with high-quality and affordable tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services.Adams, Brown, Beran &amp; Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and specialized CPA and consulting services to clients throughout the United States. The firm has specialties in the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, governmental, oil &amp; gas, and restaurant sectors. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 15 office locations throughout Kansas. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abbb.com/" target="_blank">www.abbb.com</a>.

ABBB merger to expand reach across Kansas

By DONNA KRUG District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent – Cottonwood Extension District

	Tis the season for entertaining and with the decorations and fun comes spills and stains.&nbsp; The following tips, from a newsletter I found in my files from the Whirlpool company, should help handle every drip and drizzle of the 12 stains of Christmas! &nbsp;

12 Candles dripping.&nbsp; Scrape off excess wax with a dull knife.&nbsp; Place stain between white paper towels. Press with a warm iron from back of fabric.&nbsp; Then place stain face side down on clean paper towels and sponge with a dry cleaning solvent.&nbsp; Air dry and launder as usual.&nbsp; If traces of color remain, launder again using bleach (chlorine or color-safe) according to fabric instructions.

11 Aunties kissing.&nbsp; To remove lipstick, scrape fabric stain with a dull knife.&nbsp; Use a dry-cleaning solvent or pretreat with detergent or stain treatment.&nbsp; Wash in warm water and air dry.

10 Chocolates melting.&nbsp; Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent or soak fabric in warm water using a detergent containing enzymes.&nbsp; Difficult stains may require a bleach safe for the garment.

9 Toasts a tipping.&nbsp; To remove wine, rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes in detergent, weighted with a towel to keep submerged.&nbsp; Launder in hottest water safe for fabric and color.&nbsp; Air dry and repeat if necessary.

8 Hosts perspiring.&nbsp; Dampen stain with warm water and rub with bar soap.&nbsp; Launder in hot water with appropriate bleach is safe for the fabric.&nbsp; Note:&nbsp; if perspiration has changed the color of a fabric, apply ammonia to fresh stains or vinegar to old stains and rinse.&nbsp; Launder in the hottest water safe for fabric and color.

7 Fruits a falling.&nbsp; Rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes in detergent.&nbsp; Launder in warm water.&nbsp; Air dry and repeat if necessary.

6 Cups of coffee, tea or soda.&nbsp; To remove coffee, tea or soda, sponge or rinse stain promptly in cold water.&nbsp; Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent, launder using color safe bleach and the hottest water safe for the fabric.

5 Candy canes.&nbsp; To remove colored candy stains, rinse in warm water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Wash in warm to hot water and dry as usual.

4 Meat slices.&nbsp; To remove grease or cooking oil, use a dry-cleaning solvent or pretreat with a laundry product by rubbing into stain until saturated.&nbsp; Wash in warm to hot water. Air dry and repeat if necessary.

3 Trees a tipping.&nbsp; To remove tree sap, use dry cleaning solvent and then wash in detergent in warm to hot water.&nbsp; Dry and repeat if necessary.

2 Upset egg nogs.&nbsp; To remove milk or other dairy products, rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes with detergent.&nbsp; Wash in warm water and air dry.

And one gravy boat splashing. Scrape off excess with a full knife if dried.&nbsp; Pretreat by soaking in a laundry product containing enzymes or rub with a paste of powdered laundry detergent and water. &nbsp;

	And here are some good stain removal reminders from my files.&nbsp; First, treat stains as soon as possible to avoid having them set permanently.&nbsp; Always remember to test for colorfastness prior to treatment.&nbsp; Try any treatment on an unexposed area such as an inside seam or pocket.&nbsp; Air dry treated items until you are certain the stain is removed.&nbsp; Drying in a dryer heat sets the stain.&nbsp; And finally, if the care label recommends dry cleaning, take items to your favorite drycleaners and inform them about the type of stain.

	I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that 2020 brings health and happiness to you and your family!

Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DONNA KRUG District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent – Cottonwood Extension District 	Tis the season for entertaining and with the decorations and fun comes spills and stains.&nbsp; The following tips, from a newsletter I found in my files from the Whirlpool company, should help handle every drip and drizzle of the 12 stains of Christmas! &nbsp;	12 Candles dripping.&nbsp; Scrape off excess wax with a dull knife.&nbsp; Place stain between white paper towels. Press with a warm iron from back of fabric.&nbsp; Then place stain face side down on clean paper towels and sponge with a dry cleaning solvent.&nbsp; Air dry and launder as usual.&nbsp; If traces of color remain, launder again using bleach (chlorine or color-safe) according to fabric instructions.	11 Aunties kissing.&nbsp; To remove lipstick, scrape fabric stain with a dull knife.&nbsp; Use a dry-cleaning solvent or pretreat with detergent or stain treatment.&nbsp; Wash in warm water and air dry.	10 Chocolates melting.&nbsp; Pretreat with a liquid laundry detergent or soak fabric in warm water using a detergent containing enzymes.&nbsp; Difficult stains may require a bleach safe for the garment.	9 Toasts a tipping.&nbsp; To remove wine, rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes in detergent, weighted with a towel to keep submerged.&nbsp; Launder in hottest water safe for fabric and color.&nbsp; Air dry and repeat if necessary.	8 Hosts perspiring.&nbsp; Dampen stain with warm water and rub with bar soap.&nbsp; Launder in hot water with appropriate bleach is safe for the fabric.&nbsp; Note:&nbsp; if perspiration has changed the color of a fabric, apply ammonia to fresh stains or vinegar to old stains and rinse.&nbsp; Launder in the hottest water safe for fabric and color.	7 Fruits a falling.&nbsp; Rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes in detergent.&nbsp; Launder in warm water.&nbsp; Air dry and repeat if necessary.	6 Cups of coffee, tea or soda.&nbsp; To remove coffee, tea or soda, sponge or rinse stain promptly in cold water.&nbsp; Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent, launder using color safe bleach and the hottest water safe for the fabric.	5 Candy canes.&nbsp; To remove colored candy stains, rinse in warm water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Wash in warm to hot water and dry as usual.	4 Meat slices.&nbsp; To remove grease or cooking oil, use a dry-cleaning solvent or pretreat with a laundry product by rubbing into stain until saturated.&nbsp; Wash in warm to hot water. Air dry and repeat if necessary.	3 Trees a tipping.&nbsp; To remove tree sap, use dry cleaning solvent and then wash in detergent in warm to hot water.&nbsp; Dry and repeat if necessary.	2 Upset egg nogs.&nbsp; To remove milk or other dairy products, rinse in cold water to dilute stain.&nbsp; Soak up to 30 minutes with detergent.&nbsp; Wash in warm water and air dry.	And one gravy boat splashing. Scrape off excess with a full knife if dried.&nbsp; Pretreat by soaking in a laundry product containing enzymes or rub with a paste of powdered laundry detergent and water. &nbsp;	And here are some good stain removal reminders from my files.&nbsp; First, treat stains as soon as possible to avoid having them set permanently.&nbsp; Always remember to test for colorfastness prior to treatment.&nbsp; Try any treatment on an unexposed area such as an inside seam or pocket.&nbsp; Air dry treated items until you are certain the stain is removed.&nbsp; Drying in a dryer heat sets the stain.&nbsp; And finally, if the care label recommends dry cleaning, take items to your favorite drycleaners and inform them about the type of stain.	I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that 2020 brings health and happiness to you and your family!Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

Fixing these "12 Stains of Christmas" is easy with these hints

MANHATTAN — A novel self-governance system, focused on a section of the High Plains Aquifer, will be aided by research at Kansas State University that will develop decision-support tools and understanding to help irrigators and groundwater management districts better regulate scarce groundwater and slow the trend of its depletion.

<a href="https://www.ce.ksu.edu/people/faculty/marston/">Landon Marston</a>,&nbsp;Peggy and Gary Edwards Cornerstone teaching scholar and&nbsp;assistant professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ce.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">civil engineering</a>, has been awarded more than $250,000 over a three-year period from the&nbsp;Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research toward this effort.

The foundation builds unique public-private partnerships to support innovative science addressing today's food and agriculture challenges. Its ultimate goal is to provide every person with access to affordable nutritious food grown on thriving farms.

Marston's research project, "Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Innovative Governance and Optimal Agricultural Water Use Under Conflicting Objectives," will create new knowledge and decision-making tools to help irrigators conserve scarce water resources while preserving their livelihood. 

Decision-support systems developed will aid farmers in formulating optimal, multiyear cropping and water-allocation strategies under uncertain climatic and market conditions, and conflicting objectives.

"Previous research has demonstrated that technological advances by themselves are insufficient in reducing water scarcity," Marston said. "For this reason, this study will investigate innovative stakeholder-driven water governance frameworks developing in the High Plains, the first of which has demonstrated initial success in mitigating groundwater depletion."

In further advancing the university's efforts to be a leader in sustainable agriculture and water management, the study will seek approaches to make these frameworks more functional and tractable elsewhere to preserve groundwater for future food production and other uses. 

The decision-support system developed will help answer pressing questions related to both individual and system-level water management goals, which may be competing.

"New information and decision-support tools generated by this study will lead to more sustainable water management by those seeking innovative solutions to overcoming water scarcity," Marston said

"It is anticipated that study findings, tools and stakeholder successes will be adaptable to other areas, as well as provide guidance to other states across the country who are currently exploring sustainable water management strategies."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576098139437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE NEWS&nbsp;MANHATTAN — A novel self-governance system, focused on a section of the High Plains Aquifer, will be aided by research at Kansas State University that will develop decision-support tools and understanding to help irrigators and groundwater management districts better regulate scarce groundwater and slow the trend of its depletion.<a href="https://www.ce.ksu.edu/people/faculty/marston/">Landon Marston</a>,&nbsp;Peggy and Gary Edwards Cornerstone teaching scholar and&nbsp;assistant professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ce.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">civil engineering</a>, has been awarded more than $250,000 over a three-year period from the&nbsp;Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research toward this effort.The foundation builds unique public-private partnerships to support innovative science addressing today's food and agriculture challenges. Its ultimate goal is to provide every person with access to affordable nutritious food grown on thriving farms.Marston's research project, "Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Management Through Innovative Governance and Optimal Agricultural Water Use Under Conflicting Objectives," will create new knowledge and decision-making tools to help irrigators conserve scarce water resources while preserving their livelihood. Decision-support systems developed will aid farmers in formulating optimal, multiyear cropping and water-allocation strategies under uncertain climatic and market conditions, and conflicting objectives."Previous research has demonstrated that technological advances by themselves are insufficient in reducing water scarcity," Marston said. "For this reason, this study will investigate innovative stakeholder-driven water governance frameworks developing in the High Plains, the first of which has demonstrated initial success in mitigating groundwater depletion."In further advancing the university's efforts to be a leader in sustainable agriculture and water management, the study will seek approaches to make these frameworks more functional and tractable elsewhere to preserve groundwater for future food production and other uses. The decision-support system developed will help answer pressing questions related to both individual and system-level water management goals, which may be competing."New information and decision-support tools generated by this study will lead to more sustainable water management by those seeking innovative solutions to overcoming water scarcity," Marston said"It is anticipated that study findings, tools and stakeholder successes will be adaptable to other areas, as well as provide guidance to other states across the country who are currently exploring sustainable water management strategies."

KSU study to investigate stakeholder-driven water governance frameworks developing in High Plains

<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/2019/12/1577588627909.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

WASHINGTON COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Friday in Washington County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Venture mini van driven by Michael J. Purcell, 42, Barnes, was traveling on U.S. 36 just west of Thunder Road.

The van crossed over into the westbound lanes. A 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Folk, Benjamin R. Folk, 27, Great Bend, struck the van.

EMS transported Purcell to the Washington County Hospital. Folk was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

WASHINGTON COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Friday in Washington County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Venture mini van driven by Michael J. Purcell, 42, Barnes, was traveling on U.S. 36 just west of Thunder Road.The van crossed over into the westbound lanes. A 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; Folk, Benjamin R. Folk, 27, Great Bend, struck the van.EMS transported Purcell to the Washington County Hospital. Folk was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Great Bend man avoids injury after semi struck van

At year’s end, First Amendment issues are as controversial and multi-faceted as anything in our fractured, divided society.

The least-recognized of the amendment’s five freedoms — assembly and petition — are facing perhaps the most-immediate challenges, though freedoms of press, speech and religion don’t escape unscathed.

Most immediately, a Black Lives Matter activist faces a lawsuit from a
 Baton Rouge, La., police officer who blamed the activist for injuries 
he suffered at a 2016 protest over the police killing of a black man. 
The suit doesn’t claim the activist threw or even encouraged the 
throwing of a rock; rather, it seeks damages because the man led others 
to block a highway where the violent incident occurred.

A recent Washington Post story notes that Rep. Jim Banks 
(R-Ind.) plans to introduce legislation to “hold protesters arrested 
during unpermitted demonstrations liable ‘for police overtime and other 
fees’” around such demonstrations.

In more than a dozen states in recent years, from Oregon to Florida, 
lawmakers have faced proposals to increase penalties for obstructing 
streets and highways and to limit the financial liability of drivers 
whose cars injure protesters. In Arizona, a failed 2017 proposal rooted 
in that state’s racketeering laws would have permitted the arrest and 
seizure of homes and other assets of those whom simply plan a protest in
 which some act of violence occurs.

In a similar “financial penalty” vein, several major news operations 
face defamation lawsuits seeking massive damages over their coverage of 
news events — claims certain to roil public debate once again about the 
role, credibility and performance of the nation’s free press. Critics 
also say such lawsuits — even if unlikely to succeed — are effectively 
attempts to chill reporting and intimidate corporate owners.

Prominent among those filing the lawsuits is Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Calif., who <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/12/03/devin-nunes-sues-cnn-million-alleging-it-published-false-hit-piece/" target="_blank">wants $435 million dollars from CNN</a>
 for a report he says falsely linked him to events in the ongoing 
Ukraine-Biden investigation controversy. He also is seeking $150 million
 from The Fresno Bee over a report involving a workplace scandal at a winery in which Nunes&nbsp;has a stake, $75 million from Hearst over an Esquire
 article regarding a family farm in Iowa, with the claim the magazine 
has an “axe to grind against him” and a $250 million lawsuit against 
Twitter for what he says is its intentional effort to downplay 
conservative content as well as two parody accounts that mock him.

In the introduction to the most recent lawsuit, Nunes says “CNN is 
the mother of fake news. It is the least trusted name. CNN is eroding 
the fabric of America, proselytizing, sowing distrust and disharmony. It
 must be held accountable.”

Moving to another area of contention, campus free speech issues 
continue to vex collegiate communities, from complaints that 
conservative speech and views of faculty and staff are stifled, to a 
move by President Trump that he says will fight against anti-Semitism 
but that critics say is really intended to punish student or faculty 
advocacy for the BDS Movement — “boycotts, divestiture or sanctions” — 
aimed at ending international support for Israel.

Much like the campus controversies, interpretations of religious 
liberty regarding public policy continued to swirl through the year. As 
the Supreme Court’s 2019-20 term began in October, at least eight cases 
touching on faith issues — the most in recent years — were scheduled to 
be heard. A number involved LGBTQ rights regarding employment or health 
benefits. While some cases do not directly involve religious 
organizations, the court’s decisions would affect arguments over whether
 religious beliefs can negate claims of discrimination on the basis of 
sexual preference.

An expansion of First Amendment protection for commercial speech 
(which at one time did not exist in law) continues, as courts at least 
give serious consideration to a variety of business arguments. In 
several instances, corporate lawyers are arguing that to force companies
 to make certain disclosures about product content or sources is an 
unacceptable requirement that violates the First Amendment by forcing 
companies to “speak.”

Other cases involve claims of free speech protection for hospitals 
facing a Trump administration rule requiring disclosure of secret rates.
 Industry groups filed a lawsuit earlier this month, also claiming it is
 “compelled speech” in violation of the First Amendment.

New technology continues inexorably to challenge long-standing law. 
In a mix of free speech and public safety concerns, a Texas man was 
sentenced in February to eight years in prison for using a 3-D printer 
to construct a plastic handgun and ammunition in violation of a prior 
court order against owning of a firearm. Advocates for the so-called 
“3-D gun” argue the computer instructions in such 3-D printing projects 
are “speech” and not subject to federal or state firearms regulations. 
Government officials say existing criminal law on issues such as 
possession and manufacturing should allow them to regulate — or ban — 
making or owning such weapons.

Government officials and social media critics continue to hammer 
operations such as Facebook and Twitter — which are not government 
entities, but private concerns not governed by the First Amendment — 
with regulatory threats over political advertising, hate speech and 
evidence of foreign election interference.

Threatened action ranges from using anti-trust legislation to break 
up the largest social media companies, to removal of what is known as 
“Section 230” protection for companies (from the Communications Decency 
Act of 1996) that now permits them to avoid legal responsibility for 
content they simply carry, rather than material they create or 
significantly edit.

Opponents of watering down or removing “Section 230” protection say 
either action would, in effect, end the web as we know it by shutting 
down the flow of information to the mere trickle of items or articles 
that could be independently verified by internet providers, or to bland 
factual accounts devoid of opinion or interpretation.

The year 2019 may well go down in First Amendment history as a 
turning point, in which those working to limit or control information 
avoided direct confrontations over First Amendment rights and turned to 
tactics designed to make it much more difficult, much too costly or even
 financially ruinous to exercise those rights.

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." />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>At year’s end, First Amendment issues are as controversial and multi-faceted as anything in our fractured, divided society.The least-recognized of the amendment’s five freedoms — assembly and petition — are facing perhaps the most-immediate challenges, though freedoms of press, speech and religion don’t escape unscathed.Most immediately, a Black Lives Matter activist faces a lawsuit from a
 Baton Rouge, La., police officer who blamed the activist for injuries 
he suffered at a 2016 protest over the police killing of a black man. 
The suit doesn’t claim the activist threw or even encouraged the 
throwing of a rock; rather, it seeks damages because the man led others 
to block a highway where the violent incident occurred.A recent Washington Post story notes that Rep. Jim Banks 
(R-Ind.) plans to introduce legislation to “hold protesters arrested 
during unpermitted demonstrations liable ‘for police overtime and other 
fees’” around such demonstrations.In more than a dozen states in recent years, from Oregon to Florida, 
lawmakers have faced proposals to increase penalties for obstructing 
streets and highways and to limit the financial liability of drivers 
whose cars injure protesters. In Arizona, a failed 2017 proposal rooted 
in that state’s racketeering laws would have permitted the arrest and 
seizure of homes and other assets of those whom simply plan a protest in
 which some act of violence occurs.In a similar “financial penalty” vein, several major news operations 
face defamation lawsuits seeking massive damages over their coverage of 
news events — claims certain to roil public debate once again about the 
role, credibility and performance of the nation’s free press. Critics 
also say such lawsuits — even if unlikely to succeed — are effectively 
attempts to chill reporting and intimidate corporate owners.Prominent among those filing the lawsuits is Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Calif., who <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/12/03/devin-nunes-sues-cnn-million-alleging-it-published-false-hit-piece/" target="_blank">wants $435 million dollars from CNN</a>
 for a report he says falsely linked him to events in the ongoing 
Ukraine-Biden investigation controversy. He also is seeking $150 million
 from The Fresno Bee over a report involving a workplace scandal at a winery in which Nunes&nbsp;has a stake, $75 million from Hearst over an Esquire
 article regarding a family farm in Iowa, with the claim the magazine 
has an “axe to grind against him” and a $250 million lawsuit against 
Twitter for what he says is its intentional effort to downplay 
conservative content as well as two parody accounts that mock him.In the introduction to the most recent lawsuit, Nunes says “CNN is 
the mother of fake news. It is the least trusted name. CNN is eroding 
the fabric of America, proselytizing, sowing distrust and disharmony. It
 must be held accountable.”Moving to another area of contention, campus free speech issues 
continue to vex collegiate communities, from complaints that 
conservative speech and views of faculty and staff are stifled, to a 
move by President Trump that he says will fight against anti-Semitism 
but that critics say is really intended to punish student or faculty 
advocacy for the BDS Movement — “boycotts, divestiture or sanctions” — 
aimed at ending international support for Israel.Much like the campus controversies, interpretations of religious 
liberty regarding public policy continued to swirl through the year. As 
the Supreme Court’s 2019-20 term began in October, at least eight cases 
touching on faith issues — the most in recent years — were scheduled to 
be heard. A number involved LGBTQ rights regarding employment or health 
benefits. While some cases do not directly involve religious 
organizations, the court’s decisions would affect arguments over whether
 religious beliefs can negate claims of discrimination on the basis of 
sexual preference.An expansion of First Amendment protection for commercial speech 
(which at one time did not exist in law) continues, as courts at least 
give serious consideration to a variety of business arguments. In 
several instances, corporate lawyers are arguing that to force companies
 to make certain disclosures about product content or sources is an 
unacceptable requirement that violates the First Amendment by forcing 
companies to “speak.”Other cases involve claims of free speech protection for hospitals 
facing a Trump administration rule requiring disclosure of secret rates.
 Industry groups filed a lawsuit earlier this month, also claiming it is
 “compelled speech” in violation of the First Amendment.New technology continues inexorably to challenge long-standing law. 
In a mix of free speech and public safety concerns, a Texas man was 
sentenced in February to eight years in prison for using a 3-D printer 
to construct a plastic handgun and ammunition in violation of a prior 
court order against owning of a firearm. Advocates for the so-called 
“3-D gun” argue the computer instructions in such 3-D printing projects 
are “speech” and not subject to federal or state firearms regulations. 
Government officials say existing criminal law on issues such as 
possession and manufacturing should allow them to regulate — or ban — 
making or owning such weapons.Government officials and social media critics continue to hammer 
operations such as Facebook and Twitter — which are not government 
entities, but private concerns not governed by the First Amendment — 
with regulatory threats over political advertising, hate speech and 
evidence of foreign election interference.Threatened action ranges from using anti-trust legislation to break 
up the largest social media companies, to removal of what is known as 
“Section 230” protection for companies (from the Communications Decency 
Act of 1996) that now permits them to avoid legal responsibility for 
content they simply carry, rather than material they create or 
significantly edit.Opponents of watering down or removing “Section 230” protection say 
either action would, in effect, end the web as we know it by shutting 
down the flow of information to the mere trickle of items or articles 
that could be independently verified by internet providers, or to bland 
factual accounts devoid of opinion or interpretation.The year 2019 may well go down in First Amendment history as a 
turning point, in which those working to limit or control information 
avoided direct confrontations over First Amendment rights and turned to 
tactics designed to make it much more difficult, much too costly or even
 financially ruinous to exercise those rights.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: We’re divided in new ways over core freedoms

The vote to impeach President Trump is nothing more than the fulfillment of the long-held wish of the Democratic Party’s base.&nbsp;

Many Democrats have made no secret of their desire to impeach President Trump, pushing for it since his election in 2016. Social media has been crowded with members of the Democratic Party’s base calling for impeachment over anything and everything. A member of Congress even called for impeaching President Trump hours after her own swearing-in back in January. The vote by Congress is nothing more than the Democrats finding a reason – any reason – to fulfill their long-held impeachment fantasy. &nbsp;

Democrats have rushed through this impeachment process, ignoring Republican voices. They are trying to fulfill some arbitrary deadline, rather than have a well-reasoned and researched investigation. After three years of attempting to please a voter base that wanted impeachment at all costs, Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff realized they had to impeach the President in order to placate the base that controls their party.&nbsp;

The process employed by Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler and Nancy Pelosi ignores the basic tenets of the American legal system. Due process and fairness have been tossed aside. The rights of the minority party, a basic part of our legislative process, have been ignored. Politics have dictated this entire process. This is not a surprise, because the Democratic Party has made overturning the results of the 2016 election their only priority. &nbsp;

The motives of the leaders of the impeachment are tied up in politics. Adam Schiff views impeachment as his way to break out of a crowded California congressional delegation and set himself up for statewide office. Jerry Nadler is trying to fend off a Democratic primary challenger who is even more pro-impeachment than he is and navigate a New York political scene now dominated by far-left leaders Bill deBlasio and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Nancy Pelosi has to attempt to hold her own party together, now that more and more of her caucus is dominated by the far left and those who owe their own elections to the pro-impeachment crowd. Personal politics dictates the mindset of the impeachment leaders.&nbsp;

It is also clear that no Democrat can show an independent mind on impeachment. Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey defied his party and did not support impeachment and he found himself summarily drummed out of the party, with his former allies turning on him in a nanosecond. Congressman Van Drew’s district voted for President Trump, but to Democrats voting with your constituents is not a congressman’s job.

Congressman Van Drew’s likely Democratic opponent even said in media reports that the Congressman “betrayed” the Democratic Party by voting with President Trump and not the party. No wonder other Democrats in Republican districts are voting party above country, they’ve seen that their allies will abandon them. Not exactly Profiles in Courage material.&nbsp;

Congressman Van Drew, welcome to the Republican Party.&nbsp;

Democrats even turned the impeachment debate into a chance to twist the words of our Founding Fathers to fit the views of their base. Democrats said that Alexander Hamilton’s own written words in the Federalist Papers do not mean what he wrote, but rather, they have come up with their own definition to fit their own world view. Makes one wonder, were Democrats holding a séance in the backroom?&nbsp;

Our Founding Fathers envisioned impeachment as a rare and serious event, one that looked at serious high crimes. The serious event is being greeted by Democrats on social media as a joyous occasion, that is a cause for celebration. That’s because instead of being a solemn occasion, impeachment is instead a fulfillment of what they have wished for and called for since November 2016.&nbsp;

What we should be cheering instead is 50 year low in unemployment that we are seeing under President Trump. We should be cheering the passage of the USMCA, which will deliver new manufacturing jobs, new trade rules that will grow small businesses and growth for our farmers. We should be cheering economic growth in our country. We should be cheering that Brexit will give us a chance to negotiate a new trade deal with the British that can and will grow the American economy.&nbsp;

Our country has seen success under President Trump and the only thing that we do not know is how much more success we’d be seeing if Democrats focused on actually governing rather than on trying to overturn the 2016 election.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576860566850.jpeg" alt="Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and was the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and was the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By WINK HARTMANThe vote to impeach President Trump is nothing more than the fulfillment of the long-held wish of the Democratic Party’s base.&nbsp;Many Democrats have made no secret of their desire to impeach President Trump, pushing for it since his election in 2016. Social media has been crowded with members of the Democratic Party’s base calling for impeachment over anything and everything. A member of Congress even called for impeaching President Trump hours after her own swearing-in back in January. The vote by Congress is nothing more than the Democrats finding a reason – any reason – to fulfill their long-held impeachment fantasy. &nbsp;Democrats have rushed through this impeachment process, ignoring Republican voices. They are trying to fulfill some arbitrary deadline, rather than have a well-reasoned and researched investigation. After three years of attempting to please a voter base that wanted impeachment at all costs, Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff realized they had to impeach the President in order to placate the base that controls their party.&nbsp;The process employed by Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler and Nancy Pelosi ignores the basic tenets of the American legal system. Due process and fairness have been tossed aside. The rights of the minority party, a basic part of our legislative process, have been ignored. Politics have dictated this entire process. This is not a surprise, because the Democratic Party has made overturning the results of the 2016 election their only priority. &nbsp;The motives of the leaders of the impeachment are tied up in politics. Adam Schiff views impeachment as his way to break out of a crowded California congressional delegation and set himself up for statewide office. Jerry Nadler is trying to fend off a Democratic primary challenger who is even more pro-impeachment than he is and navigate a New York political scene now dominated by far-left leaders Bill deBlasio and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Nancy Pelosi has to attempt to hold her own party together, now that more and more of her caucus is dominated by the far left and those who owe their own elections to the pro-impeachment crowd. Personal politics dictates the mindset of the impeachment leaders.&nbsp;It is also clear that no Democrat can show an independent mind on impeachment. Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey defied his party and did not support impeachment and he found himself summarily drummed out of the party, with his former allies turning on him in a nanosecond. Congressman Van Drew’s district voted for President Trump, but to Democrats voting with your constituents is not a congressman’s job.Congressman Van Drew’s likely Democratic opponent even said in media reports that the Congressman “betrayed” the Democratic Party by voting with President Trump and not the party. No wonder other Democrats in Republican districts are voting party above country, they’ve seen that their allies will abandon them. Not exactly Profiles in Courage material.&nbsp;Congressman Van Drew, welcome to the Republican Party.&nbsp;Democrats even turned the impeachment debate into a chance to twist the words of our Founding Fathers to fit the views of their base. Democrats said that Alexander Hamilton’s own written words in the Federalist Papers do not mean what he wrote, but rather, they have come up with their own definition to fit their own world view. Makes one wonder, were Democrats holding a séance in the backroom?&nbsp;Our Founding Fathers envisioned impeachment as a rare and serious event, one that looked at serious high crimes. The serious event is being greeted by Democrats on social media as a joyous occasion, that is a cause for celebration. That’s because instead of being a solemn occasion, impeachment is instead a fulfillment of what they have wished for and called for since November 2016.&nbsp;What we should be cheering instead is 50 year low in unemployment that we are seeing under President Trump. We should be cheering the passage of the USMCA, which will deliver new manufacturing jobs, new trade rules that will grow small businesses and growth for our farmers. We should be cheering economic growth in our country. We should be cheering that Brexit will give us a chance to negotiate a new trade deal with the British that can and will grow the American economy.&nbsp;Our country has seen success under President Trump and the only thing that we do not know is how much more success we’d be seeing if Democrats focused on actually governing rather than on trying to overturn the 2016 election.&nbsp;Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and was the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

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