The Hays Police Department is attempting to locate Michael Emerick for questioning regarding multiple vehicle burglaries and thefts, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD/photos/a.966552643372225/3104573849570083/?type=3&amp;theater">social media post</a>.

He is believed to be residing with associates within the Hays or Plainville area. 

Emerick is a 23-year-old white male, 6'02" tall and weighs 245 pounds. 

Emerick is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 Those with information about the location of Emerick should telephone the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577470664243.png" alt="Michael Emerick&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michael Emerick&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HPDThe Hays Police Department is attempting to locate Michael Emerick for questioning regarding multiple vehicle burglaries and thefts, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysPD/photos/a.966552643372225/3104573849570083/?type=3&amp;theater">social media post</a>.He is believed to be residing with associates within the Hays or Plainville area. Emerick is a 23-year-old white male, 6'02" tall and weighs 245 pounds. Emerick is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Those with information about the location of Emerick should telephone the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011.

Hays police searching for man in connection with vehicle burglaries and thefts

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><div><iframe title="Fort Hays soccer player makes bid for the pros" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pnf8b-cadec8?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎤Post Podcast: Fort Hays soccer player makes bid for the pros

Most of western Kansas is in drought according to the most recent conditions released Dec. 24 by the National Drought Monitor.

A small portion of extreme southeast Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from northwest corner) is considered abnormally dry (D1, as is much of northwest Kansas.

Conditions in southwest Kansas range from moderate to severe drought.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?KS">here</a> for an interactive map.&nbsp;

The weather forecast calls for rain in Hays Friday and Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577442359717.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577442436644.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577442623769.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS POSTMost of western Kansas is in drought according to the most recent conditions released Dec. 24 by the National Drought Monitor.A small portion of extreme southeast Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from northwest corner) is considered abnormally dry (D1, as is much of northwest Kansas.Conditions in southwest Kansas range from moderate to severe drought.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?KS">here</a> for an interactive map.&nbsp;The weather forecast calls for rain in Hays Friday and Saturday.

Most of western Kansas in drought; Ellis Co. is exception

McPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college located in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its fall 2019 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.

To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.

Norton Brionnah Fessler, Honor Roll

Oberlin Naomi Cartmell, Honor Roll

Osborne Cullen Grabast, Honor Roll &nbsp;Jacob Tiernan, Honor Roll

Prairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor Roll

Russell Cole Schroeder, Honor Roll

St. Francis Matthisen Witzel, Honor Roll

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576859683230.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON — McPherson College, a four-year private college located in central Kansas, recognizes its highest academic achievers in its fall 2019 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention.To qualify for the honor roll, students must be a full-time student and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the previous term. Students earning a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the honorable mention.Northwest Kansas students included:Norton Brionnah Fessler, Honor RollOberlin Naomi Cartmell, Honor RollOsborne Cullen Grabast, Honor Roll &nbsp;Jacob Tiernan, Honor RollPrairie View Makenzie Jansonius, Honor RollRussell Cole Schroeder, Honor RollSt. Francis Matthisen Witzel, Honor Roll<figure>
 <img src="http://tracking.linklinemedia.com/l.gif?ref=AhwAAPATF19DjYwW5zxMFgKXM7KH2w3xAQAAAKpSydm3NnlTeF2Rfko_07YfgKBZ0Z6KWFRBwyWOl3X3Qrb_mWEDke7EYCpJRJ377w2LCUwJ1YoitGsGi1tVC3qDqrIW4-OQfLupQSVgWls5s8vHojH5JjrOZd-8A8AW7r4mEGrv7Mxpzb_PNaevdfQ" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. students earn spots on McPherson College honor roll

RUSSELL - Russell County Economic Development &amp; CVB is taking applications for the 2020 Storefront/Signage Grant Program.

This program offers a $2,000 grant towards projects totaling $4,000 or more that include the development or improvement of business storefronts and/or business signage and was designed to help create or enhance the promotion and physical appearance of businesses in Russell County.

A maximum of 7 projects totaling $14,000 are available per year and are funded by the half-cent sales tax for economic development and capital improvements.

Applications are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.russellcountyks.org%2Fresources%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2kfFX7Y7hiH8v8dckaFpcGUfQgeOdEbKdwrFGv-cb3TLi3zU8MW58nXIo&amp;h=AT3xAR8t3VorQh6okPLGWoFttTnGjUmf1m3xTC4HwuUO_VQX_8IlDFNxsSaI9SXU_ejxlsP3HuLyLJ8-Q2bcFIwlbA1Zypaow72xNZUieM6uyToLaIBMyQDCUslC1Ge-1JEPPBnfTqiAC4XeEFwvfOdb2Y66Y6wZjnhqGTfdY9fj6y6dxRLuoo7t8xMfYp4c2FnYfR9N1cgyCghbBFmS0TjKGH8CYys9q0pCB6W0J8kRZFuGkxDR_03k7SmmuXJJ5Go9RRw-7zC0rfliFIa7uOqNpclYhyivCvSU-lB-z1jMQnPeAXY5qoz0uNHMlwkPjz_Y3UKqYZ3c_qA3cOEjo3sAfsX_EiB19RcHHOiq2_0U1ZzMwK6Nr744IHhKwmQ4o9k7lMEyCw8RUVN7QgmqY8Qe2mn61K5il7_gPJg7Hg82kIU09aDZGa5cZWKOV22cJ4RSymc2ZdmJ7Fxps_t4q84qVhSQgyl1LIMbH9P_P_1Tixh_bpxOgx8iSP_V-RSDTGsrPbL7WmjV9c1GXolv5_v5qhSk5ielYBjQwAo9JbIC2j-xKNA6wKXDdYwnZ1ddohk2uasPblua5hn8H8kx-kf2nlrQOUfQK3OvvC3L6ZGhhBoZykMH4JbQqHn7DBMtqh1EXvLyfTes1POI1ma2YexXBZjSYxjWS54HkQblXYs" target="_blank">https://www.russellcountyks.org/resources</a>&nbsp;and are due to the office by Friday January 3rd, 2020. Applications are reviewed by a committee of professionals outside of the county.

Contact the Russell County Economic Development &amp; CVB office at 483-4000 if you have any questions.

RUSSELL - Russell County Economic Development &amp; CVB is taking applications for the 2020 Storefront/Signage Grant Program.This program offers a $2,000 grant towards projects totaling $4,000 or more that include the development or improvement of business storefronts and/or business signage and was designed to help create or enhance the promotion and physical appearance of businesses in Russell County.A maximum of 7 projects totaling $14,000 are available per year and are funded by the half-cent sales tax for economic development and capital improvements.Applications are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.russellcountyks.org%2Fresources%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2kfFX7Y7hiH8v8dckaFpcGUfQgeOdEbKdwrFGv-cb3TLi3zU8MW58nXIo&amp;h=AT3xAR8t3VorQh6okPLGWoFttTnGjUmf1m3xTC4HwuUO_VQX_8IlDFNxsSaI9SXU_ejxlsP3HuLyLJ8-Q2bcFIwlbA1Zypaow72xNZUieM6uyToLaIBMyQDCUslC1Ge-1JEPPBnfTqiAC4XeEFwvfOdb2Y66Y6wZjnhqGTfdY9fj6y6dxRLuoo7t8xMfYp4c2FnYfR9N1cgyCghbBFmS0TjKGH8CYys9q0pCB6W0J8kRZFuGkxDR_03k7SmmuXJJ5Go9RRw-7zC0rfliFIa7uOqNpclYhyivCvSU-lB-z1jMQnPeAXY5qoz0uNHMlwkPjz_Y3UKqYZ3c_qA3cOEjo3sAfsX_EiB19RcHHOiq2_0U1ZzMwK6Nr744IHhKwmQ4o9k7lMEyCw8RUVN7QgmqY8Qe2mn61K5il7_gPJg7Hg82kIU09aDZGa5cZWKOV22cJ4RSymc2ZdmJ7Fxps_t4q84qVhSQgyl1LIMbH9P_P_1Tixh_bpxOgx8iSP_V-RSDTGsrPbL7WmjV9c1GXolv5_v5qhSk5ielYBjQwAo9JbIC2j-xKNA6wKXDdYwnZ1ddohk2uasPblua5hn8H8kx-kf2nlrQOUfQK3OvvC3L6ZGhhBoZykMH4JbQqHn7DBMtqh1EXvLyfTes1POI1ma2YexXBZjSYxjWS54HkQblXYs" target="_blank">https://www.russellcountyks.org/resources</a>&nbsp;and are due to the office by Friday January 3rd, 2020. Applications are reviewed by a committee of professionals outside of the county.Contact the Russell County Economic Development &amp; CVB office at 483-4000 if you have any questions.- NEWS RELEASE -

Russell County storefront/signage grant program

By BURDETT LOOMIS In this holiday season,
gifts take center stage, for better or worse.&nbsp;
We often give and receive gifts that are curious, strange, or useless,
as well as those we genuinely desire. Sometimes, however, we get a gift that we
never anticipated, one that we appreciate in part because of its very surprise.

This fall, the Kansas
News Service, a consortium of public radio stations, gave Kansans such a gift –
a podcast series that addressed the decline of rural Kansas.&nbsp; Hosted by veteran journalist Jim McLean, “My
Fellow Kansans” (do an internet search) explores the century-long trend of smaller
rural population in seven clear-headed episodes that explore the context of
this decline and the implications for 900,000 Kansans who remain in (mostly)
shrinking towns and rural areas.

The series begins with an
interview with Los Angeles reporter Corie Brown, a Kansas native, who returned
to the state to explore first-hand the intricacies and implications of rural
decline.&nbsp; Despite re-discovering the
beauty of western Kansas, Brown eventually wrote a downbeat story, titled “Rural
Kansas is dying. I drove 1800 miles to discover why.”

This line of analysis buttresses,
to an extent, the early 1990s analyses of academics Frank and Deborah Popper,
who wrote of a future, virtually unpopulated “Buffalo Commons” that included
most of western Kansas.

Conversely, as McLean
notes, almost all recent governors, including Laura Kelly, have promoted plans
for revitalizing rural communities, fueled by free land, subsidized high-speed
internet, and various incentives to assist small towns across the state.

What makes this series
so valuable is its willingness to essentially accept the broad, statistically
unassailable narrative of rural decline while addressing how some communities
have found ways to slow and manage that trend.&nbsp;


The catchphrase, coined
by Iowa sociologists, is “shrinking smart.”&nbsp;
That is, recognizing the overall decline but finding ways to produce
healthy, vibrant communities that will survive, and even thrive, in years to
come.

“My Fellow Kansans”
addresses several familiar issues and policies.&nbsp;
These include: (1) the availability of health care and how small
communities can downsize from a standard hospital while still retaining
adequate, even improved, levels of care.; (2) the conundrum of growing farms
and shrinking numbers of farmers, which contributes mightily toward the
emptying out of the plains, well-told in an interview with farmer and state
legislator Don Hineman; (3) and most importantly, perhaps, how some communities
manage to remain vital, even as they lose population, while others simply
wither on the vine.

Although there is no
magic formula, the centerpiece of “shrinking smart” is an involved population,
incorporating both formal and informal leaders, as McLean found in Phillipsburg
and Beloit, two strong small towns.&nbsp; Representative
Hineman, a long-time student of rural affairs, told my KU legislative interns
last year that it was the power of people that separated successful communities
from others in decline.&nbsp; McLean’s
reporting makes this clear, but with no sugar-coating.&nbsp; Rural population loss is a complex problem, which
his work more than confirms.

Still, the first step in
effectively addressing these problems is to identify them clearly and then
seek some tentative answers.&nbsp; “My Fellow
Kansans” has done that, and the Kansas News Service has thus offered all Kansans
a valuable, welcome gift of clarity, realism, and more than a bit of
optimism.&nbsp; For that, we should all be grateful.

Burdett Loomis is an
emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BURDETT LOOMIS In this holiday season,
gifts take center stage, for better or worse.&nbsp;
We often give and receive gifts that are curious, strange, or useless,
as well as those we genuinely desire. Sometimes, however, we get a gift that we
never anticipated, one that we appreciate in part because of its very surprise.This fall, the Kansas
News Service, a consortium of public radio stations, gave Kansans such a gift –
a podcast series that addressed the decline of rural Kansas.&nbsp; Hosted by veteran journalist Jim McLean, “My
Fellow Kansans” (do an internet search) explores the century-long trend of smaller
rural population in seven clear-headed episodes that explore the context of
this decline and the implications for 900,000 Kansans who remain in (mostly)
shrinking towns and rural areas.The series begins with an
interview with Los Angeles reporter Corie Brown, a Kansas native, who returned
to the state to explore first-hand the intricacies and implications of rural
decline.&nbsp; Despite re-discovering the
beauty of western Kansas, Brown eventually wrote a downbeat story, titled “Rural
Kansas is dying. I drove 1800 miles to discover why.”This line of analysis buttresses,
to an extent, the early 1990s analyses of academics Frank and Deborah Popper,
who wrote of a future, virtually unpopulated “Buffalo Commons” that included
most of western Kansas.Conversely, as McLean
notes, almost all recent governors, including Laura Kelly, have promoted plans
for revitalizing rural communities, fueled by free land, subsidized high-speed
internet, and various incentives to assist small towns across the state.What makes this series
so valuable is its willingness to essentially accept the broad, statistically
unassailable narrative of rural decline while addressing how some communities
have found ways to slow and manage that trend.&nbsp;
The catchphrase, coined
by Iowa sociologists, is “shrinking smart.”&nbsp;
That is, recognizing the overall decline but finding ways to produce
healthy, vibrant communities that will survive, and even thrive, in years to
come.“My Fellow Kansans”
addresses several familiar issues and policies.&nbsp;
These include: (1) the availability of health care and how small
communities can downsize from a standard hospital while still retaining
adequate, even improved, levels of care.; (2) the conundrum of growing farms
and shrinking numbers of farmers, which contributes mightily toward the
emptying out of the plains, well-told in an interview with farmer and state
legislator Don Hineman; (3) and most importantly, perhaps, how some communities
manage to remain vital, even as they lose population, while others simply
wither on the vine.Although there is no
magic formula, the centerpiece of “shrinking smart” is an involved population,
incorporating both formal and informal leaders, as McLean found in Phillipsburg
and Beloit, two strong small towns.&nbsp; Representative
Hineman, a long-time student of rural affairs, told my KU legislative interns
last year that it was the power of people that separated successful communities
from others in decline.&nbsp; McLean’s
reporting makes this clear, but with no sugar-coating.&nbsp; Rural population loss is a complex problem, which
his work more than confirms.Still, the first step in
effectively addressing these problems is to identify them clearly and then
seek some tentative answers.&nbsp; “My Fellow
Kansans” has done that, and the Kansas News Service has thus offered all Kansans
a valuable, welcome gift of clarity, realism, and more than a bit of
optimism.&nbsp; For that, we should all be grateful.Burdett Loomis is an
emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: “My Fellow Kansans”: Public Radio’s Gift to Kansas

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension Golden Prairie Extension District is hosting a Calving School in WaKeeney on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Trego County Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building located at 13th and Russell Avenue.

“Producers have a significant investment to get each cow to a full term pregnancy. Losing calves at or near birth is an economic loss but can be a personal loss too and leave producers asking themselves 'what if' questions on how they might have saved a particular calf,” said Sandy Johnson, Extension beef specialist based at K-State’s Northwest Research Extension Center in Colby. “Continued sharpening of our skills when it comes to saving calves is time well spent for anyone that calves cows.”

The program will feature Calf Delivery and Problem Solving with Veterinarian Instructor Dr. AJ Tarpoff where he presents life-like delivery methods and gives tips for when problems arise using a model cow, internal camera and model calf.&nbsp;

The program also focuses on Pre/Post Weaning Nutrition with Dr. Justin Waggoner where he presents the nuts and bolts of healthy feeding regimes for before, during, and after weaning for both the cow and the calf.&nbsp;

Also included will be a brief presentation on Vaccine Handling where KSRE Agents will present and demonstrate safe and proper vaccine handling protocols for aiming to keep the whole herd healthy.&nbsp;

There is no cost to participate. To ensure adequate meals and materials, those wishing to attend are asked to register by Jan. 9 by calling 785-743-6361 or online by visiting&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/7W1ECaoqyuC8DGAG9">https://forms.gle/7W1ECaoqyuC8DGAG9</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574651358684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WAKEENEY —&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension Golden Prairie Extension District is hosting a Calving School in WaKeeney on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Trego County Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building located at 13th and Russell Avenue.“Producers have a significant investment to get each cow to a full term pregnancy. Losing calves at or near birth is an economic loss but can be a personal loss too and leave producers asking themselves 'what if' questions on how they might have saved a particular calf,” said Sandy Johnson, Extension beef specialist based at K-State’s Northwest Research Extension Center in Colby. “Continued sharpening of our skills when it comes to saving calves is time well spent for anyone that calves cows.”The program will feature Calf Delivery and Problem Solving with Veterinarian Instructor Dr. AJ Tarpoff where he presents life-like delivery methods and gives tips for when problems arise using a model cow, internal camera and model calf.&nbsp;The program also focuses on Pre/Post Weaning Nutrition with Dr. Justin Waggoner where he presents the nuts and bolts of healthy feeding regimes for before, during, and after weaning for both the cow and the calf.&nbsp;Also included will be a brief presentation on Vaccine Handling where KSRE Agents will present and demonstrate safe and proper vaccine handling protocols for aiming to keep the whole herd healthy.&nbsp;There is no cost to participate. To ensure adequate meals and materials, those wishing to attend are asked to register by Jan. 9 by calling 785-743-6361 or online by visiting&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/7W1ECaoqyuC8DGAG9">https://forms.gle/7W1ECaoqyuC8DGAG9</a>

Extension will host calving school in Wakeeney

Seven years ago recently retired Ellis Chief of Police Taft Yates found himself in a position he never aspired to as the head of the town's police department but continued a lifetime of serving others.

As a child, Yates moved with frequently as many military families do but found his calling early.

His father was a Korean War veteran and was serving on a base in Germany when as a small child on a base he saw people jumping from planes.

"I told my mom that's what I wanted to do," he said.

Fifteen years later he was doing exactly that.

He joined the army and entered into the 2nd Ranger Battalion, based near Seattle.

"It was phenomenal," he said. But knew he had a lot to live up to as a Ranger that has a history that dates to the earliest days of the U.S.

"I got paid to do what I wanted to do," he said. "I got paid to jump out of airplanes."

During his military career he was a part of the team that rescued students in Grenada in Oct. 0f 1983.

"For many of us that was our first time in actual combat," he said.

He would be called into combat again in 1989 as a part of the mission to find Noriega in Panama.

In his last duty assignment, he served at the Ranger School in Fort Benning, retiring from the Army in 1995.

He had attended high school in Salina, and after retiring from the Army, he decided to make western Kansas home.

He went to Lincoln, working for the Department of Corrections, in his first law enforcement position as a corrections officer.

 In 2002 he started at Hays Police Department, coming up with several officers that are still there today.

"We had a lot of good officers, we still do," Yates said.

Three years later he would once again be called on to serve oversees, helping train U.S. collation forces in Kuwait before they crossed in Iraq in 2005 as a contractor for the Department of Defense and Department of State.

"We were doing what we do best," Yates said. "We were training these guys to survive."

"Going to war isn't all about shooting and killing people, it's about humanity and survival."

A couple of years later, he was training forces in Africa going into places like Darfur and Somalia.

It was during that time his name was floated to the Ellis Chief of Police for a part-time position.&nbsp;

"I would come home every month or so and visit with my buddies at HPD and was told my name was given," Yates said.

And so when not working oversees he was working as an officer in Ellis.

In 2012 after coming back from a year tour in the Middle East and Afghanistan, he was informed the current chief was leaving and was asked to put his name in the hat.

"There was hesitation, but no reluctance," Yates said. "When doing this job it has to be in your guts and in your heart. If you have a family you have to make sure your family realizes they will be a part of this job."

"This job, no matter what, is not a job that you can turn off and go home at night."

So after consulting his family Yates applied and was offered the job of chief.

"I enjoy and did enjoy the community, the citizens."

During his tenure in law enforcement, he said the biggest change he has seen is in the way police respond to incidents and the tools that are available on the job.

When he started they only had a sidearm and OC, more commonly known as pepper spray.

"That was it," Yates said. "Then it started evolving and we wound up with collapsible batons, so it was more training in the use, but also in executing the reasonable and responsible response to whatever was coming at you."

Later tasers would add even more complexity to training and response options.

"There is a lot of responsibility that comes with that," Yates said.&nbsp;

Those tools give the officers more ability to execute the "appropriate response," he said.

In recent years the ubiquitousness of social media has increased the complexity of law enforcement even further.

"Things like that can be of great assistance when properly used," but he said they can also be a "great hindrance," when used allowed to negatively affect the outcome of a situation.

Any job will have ups and downs, and law enforcement often sees the worst, but despite the countless emergencies, he reflects on his time as chief as generally positive.

"There is an amount of bad out there, but there is a lot of good," Yates said.

Even after retirement, he does not plan to stop serving others and will continue his work with the ongoing pool and the campground improvement projects in Ellis, but is also looking forward to spending time with family and staying active in the Ranger community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390802212.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Former Ellis Police Chief reflects on life of service" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cxbr2-cca904?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSeven years ago recently retired Ellis Chief of Police Taft Yates found himself in a position he never aspired to as the head of the town's police department but continued a lifetime of serving others.As a child, Yates moved with frequently as many military families do but found his calling early."I was born into the Army," Yates said.His father was a Korean War veteran and was serving on a base in Germany when as a small child on a base he saw people jumping from planes."I told my mom that's what I wanted to do," he said.Fifteen years later he was doing exactly that.He joined the army and entered into the 2nd Ranger Battalion, based near Seattle."It was phenomenal," he said. But knew he had a lot to live up to as a Ranger that has a history that dates to the earliest days of the U.S.But he loved it."I got paid to do what I wanted to do," he said. "I got paid to jump out of airplanes."During his military career he was a part of the team that rescued students in Grenada in Oct. 0f 1983."For many of us that was our first time in actual combat," he said.He would be called into combat again in 1989 as a part of the mission to find Noriega in Panama.In his last duty assignment, he served at the Ranger School in Fort Benning, retiring from the Army in 1995.He had attended high school in Salina, and after retiring from the Army, he decided to make western Kansas home.He went to Lincoln, working for the Department of Corrections, in his first law enforcement position as a corrections officer."It was a good assignment," he said. In 2002 he started at Hays Police Department, coming up with several officers that are still there today."We had a lot of good officers, we still do," Yates said.Three years later he would once again be called on to serve oversees, helping train U.S. collation forces in Kuwait before they crossed in Iraq in 2005 as a contractor for the Department of Defense and Department of State."We were doing what we do best," Yates said. "We were training these guys to survive.""Going to war isn't all about shooting and killing people, it's about humanity and survival."A couple of years later, he was training forces in Africa going into places like Darfur and Somalia.It was during that time his name was floated to the Ellis Chief of Police for a part-time position.&nbsp;"I would come home every month or so and visit with my buddies at HPD and was told my name was given," Yates said.And so when not working oversees he was working as an officer in Ellis.In 2012 after coming back from a year tour in the Middle East and Afghanistan, he was informed the current chief was leaving and was asked to put his name in the hat."There was hesitation, but no reluctance," Yates said. "When doing this job it has to be in your guts and in your heart. If you have a family you have to make sure your family realizes they will be a part of this job.""This job, no matter what, is not a job that you can turn off and go home at night."So after consulting his family Yates applied and was offered the job of chief."I enjoy and did enjoy the community, the citizens."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390915761.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>During his tenure in law enforcement, he said the biggest change he has seen is in the way police respond to incidents and the tools that are available on the job.When he started they only had a sidearm and OC, more commonly known as pepper spray."That was it," Yates said. "Then it started evolving and we wound up with collapsible batons, so it was more training in the use, but also in executing the reasonable and responsible response to whatever was coming at you."Later tasers would add even more complexity to training and response options.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390926329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"There is a lot of responsibility that comes with that," Yates said.&nbsp;Those tools give the officers more ability to execute the "appropriate response," he said.In recent years the ubiquitousness of social media has increased the complexity of law enforcement even further."Things like that can be of great assistance when properly used," but he said they can also be a "great hindrance," when used allowed to negatively affect the outcome of a situation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390786311.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Any job will have ups and downs, and law enforcement often sees the worst, but despite the countless emergencies, he reflects on his time as chief as generally positive."There is an amount of bad out there, but there is a lot of good," Yates said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390933633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Even after retirement, he does not plan to stop serving others and will continue his work with the ongoing pool and the campground improvement projects in Ellis, but is also looking forward to spending time with family and staying active in the Ranger community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577390816729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎤Former Ellis Police Chief reflects on life of service

“We are very excited to announce that Kaiti Dinges has been promoted from Assistant Director to Executive Director of Jana’s Campaign” says Curt Brungardt, Jana’s Campaign co-founder. “She has been an outstanding violence prevention educator and she will be a great administrator as well.”

Dinges holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. She has served as a staff member of Jana’s Campaign since 2016, starting as an Education &amp; Prevention Specialist.

 “I am so very humbled and excited to lead this organization,” Dinges said. “We play a significant role in reducing gender and relationship violence through prevention education, which is provided to elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges and universities, and in communities. This social disease can be eradicated, and I am eager to continue the mission of Jana’s Campaign to do so.”

Jana’s Campaign is a national education and gender violence prevention organization located in Hays, Kansas. Jana’s Campaign was created in honor of Jana Mackey who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008. Mackey, a Hays High School graduate, was a law student at the University of Kansas and had spent years herself volunteering and helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Lawrence, Kansas.

More information about Jana’s Campaign can be found at <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.janascampaign.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577360164487.jpeg" alt="Kaiti Dinges" />
 <figcaption>Kaiti Dinges</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are very excited to announce that Kaiti Dinges has been promoted from Assistant Director to Executive Director of Jana’s Campaign” says Curt Brungardt, Jana’s Campaign co-founder. “She has been an outstanding violence prevention educator and she will be a great administrator as well.”Dinges holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. She has served as a staff member of Jana’s Campaign since 2016, starting as an Education &amp; Prevention Specialist. “I am so very humbled and excited to lead this organization,” Dinges said. “We play a significant role in reducing gender and relationship violence through prevention education, which is provided to elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges and universities, and in communities. This social disease can be eradicated, and I am eager to continue the mission of Jana’s Campaign to do so.”Jana’s Campaign is a national education and gender violence prevention organization located in Hays, Kansas. Jana’s Campaign was created in honor of Jana Mackey who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008. Mackey, a Hays High School graduate, was a law student at the University of Kansas and had spent years herself volunteering and helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Lawrence, Kansas.More information about Jana’s Campaign can be found at <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">www.janascampaign.org</a>.- NEWS RELEASE -

Dinges named new Executive Director for Jana’s Campaign

The flu bugs are nasty this year, and with so many families spending time together over the holidays, it is likely that you or someone close to you may catch it. The most important step to include in your daily routine if you want to avoid contagious illnesses is to wash your hands often.

Washing your hands at every step in the food preparation process will certainly help from spreading those germs. Whenever you touch your face or hair, or after sneezing our coughing into your hand you will want to wash. Reminding children to wash up after they have been playing outside, or with the family pet is another key.

The correct way to wash hands is to wet them with warm water. Lather with soap and rinse; the whole process should take around 20 seconds. Make sure you wash the cuticle area and around jewelry especially well. Keep a clean hand towel near every sink or consider switching to paper towels that can be disposed of.

The use of hand sanitizers may sound like a good idea, but when we have shared our glow germ activity, we found lots of germs survive the use of such cleansers. The use of warm water and soap works best.

Besides regular handwashing there are some other things you can do to avoid becoming ill. Getting plenty of rest and eating right, including lots of fruits and vegetables, is a great idea. Make time in your day for some quiet time to reflect and relax.

Keeping the stress level down can help promote health. Make time for regular exercise during this busy time of year. Limit visits with people who have a compromised immune system, especially if you have any symptoms of illness.&nbsp;

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug</figcaption>
 </figure>The flu bugs are nasty this year, and with so many families spending time together over the holidays, it is likely that you or someone close to you may catch it. The most important step to include in your daily routine if you want to avoid contagious illnesses is to wash your hands often.Washing your hands at every step in the food preparation process will certainly help from spreading those germs. Whenever you touch your face or hair, or after sneezing our coughing into your hand you will want to wash. Reminding children to wash up after they have been playing outside, or with the family pet is another key.The correct way to wash hands is to wet them with warm water. Lather with soap and rinse; the whole process should take around 20 seconds. Make sure you wash the cuticle area and around jewelry especially well. Keep a clean hand towel near every sink or consider switching to paper towels that can be disposed of.The use of hand sanitizers may sound like a good idea, but when we have shared our glow germ activity, we found lots of germs survive the use of such cleansers. The use of warm water and soap works best.Besides regular handwashing there are some other things you can do to avoid becoming ill. Getting plenty of rest and eating right, including lots of fruits and vegetables, is a great idea. Make time in your day for some quiet time to reflect and relax.Keeping the stress level down can help promote health. Make time for regular exercise during this busy time of year. Limit visits with people who have a compromised immune system, especially if you have any symptoms of illness.&nbsp;Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu

KRUG: Spread joy, not germs this winter

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577384541285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

TOPEKA – Twenty-one scholarship winners for the 2019-20 school year were recognized during the annual Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention on December 4 in Wichita. A total of $23,000 was presented by the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) and its partners.

&nbsp;Three students attending the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine have been awarded $1,500 Cartridges for Cash (CFC) scholarships from Merck Animal Health and KLF.&nbsp;Joel Nelson&nbsp;of Soldier is the son of Jerry and Jo Ann Nelson. He is a first-year veterinary student in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.&nbsp;Alexis Pedrow, a second-year veterinary student, is the daughter Jeff and Teresa Pedrow of Richmond.&nbsp;Boyd Roenne&nbsp;is the son of Jason and Heather Roenne of Meriden. He is a first-year veterinary student. This award recognizes K-State veterinary school students with a career goal of being a large animal veterinarian.

Ryann Allison&nbsp;of Fort Scott and&nbsp;Kyndall Norris&nbsp;of Riley each received a $1,000 CFC scholarship through KLF. Allison is the daughter of Tim and Carol Allison. She is a junior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. Norris&nbsp;is the daughter of Kirk and Janice Norris. She is a senior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. This scholarship is presented to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field. CFC scholarships were funded by Merck’s donation of 25¢ for each used Ralgro wheel or Revalor cartridge turned in to KLA.

Two K-State students each received a $1,500 Douglas A. Laue Memorial Scholarship.&nbsp;Shanie Adams&nbsp;is the daughter of Brian and Stacie Adams from Meriden. She is a senior majoring in agricultural business.&nbsp;Grady Schuster, son of David and Kathy Schuster of Richmond, is a junior, also majoring in agricultural business. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gatlin Clawson&nbsp;of Meade has been awarded the $1,000 Cattlemen’s Scholarship from GoBob Pipe &amp; Steel and KLF. Clawson is the son of Dan and Tamra Clawson. He is a freshman at K-State dual majoring in agricultural economics and marketing. This scholarship is awarded to a student entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two $1,000 Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac Scholarships have been presented to K-State students.&nbsp;Kinsey Griffith, daughter of John and Terry Griffith from WaKeeney, is a junior dual majoring in agricultural economics and animal science.&nbsp;Thomas Smith&nbsp;is the son of Jeff and Holly Smith from Windom. He is a junior majoring in agricultural economics with a specialty in global food systems leadership. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agronomy, agribusiness or ag economics. Preference is given to applicants with a career goal of being actively engaged in a farming or feedyard enterprise.

Five K-State students from across the state have received $1,000 “Youth in Agriculture” scholarships from KLF.&nbsp;William A. Holeman&nbsp;is the son of William B. and Lora Holeman from Bronson. He is a sophomore majoring in feed science and management.&nbsp;Jamie Rock&nbsp;of Hope is the daughter of Brian and Candace Rock. She is a sophomore majoring in biological systems engineering.&nbsp;Courtney Sherbert, Morganville, is the daughter of Mike and Robin Sherbert. She is a sophomore majoring in agribusiness.&nbsp;Jordan Vandervort&nbsp;is the daughter of Jerry and Ingrid Vandervort of Wakarusa. She is a sophomore majoring in agricultural milling science and management.Kristopher Wagner, Satanta, is the son of Kevin and Maureen Wagner. He is a freshman majoring in agricultural economics. Funded by the KLF Club Calf Sale held during the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, these scholarships recognize students entering or returning to a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field.

&nbsp;The Kansas CattleWomen (KCW) awarded $1,000 scholarships to five Kansas students.&nbsp;Grace Aust, daughter of Brad and Janell Aust from LaCygne, is a freshman dual majoring in animal science and agricultural communications and journalism at K-State.&nbsp;Taylor Dieball, the daughter of Cory and Sally Dieball from Little River, is a freshman majoring in animal science at Butler Community College.&nbsp;Samantha Fischer&nbsp;is the daughter of Dan and Connie Fischer from Silver Lake. She is a junior dual majoring in food science and industry and global food systems leadership at K-State.&nbsp;Katelyn Pinkston&nbsp;is the daughter of Jay and Brenda Bohnenblust from Clay Center. She is a senior at K-State majoring in agricultural education.&nbsp;Marie Reveles, daughter of LaVerna Reveles from Hays, is a junior at K-State majoring in agricultural education. These scholarships, funded by the KCW silent auction held in the KLA Convention Tradeshow, are awarded to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in dietetics, food safety, agriculture or a related field.

Kristina Zerger&nbsp;was awarded the $500 Fred H. Woodbury Memorial Scholarship through KLF. Zerger is the daughter of Tarry and Nancy Zerger of Cheney. She is a senior majoring in animal science at K-State. This scholarship is presented to a student attending a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture. Preference is given to students residing within Chase, Franklin, Lyon, Osage or Wabaunsee county.

KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. For information about KLF scholarship opportunities or to receive an application, contact the foundation at 6031 S.W. 37th St., Topeka, KS 66614 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:letty@kla.org">letty@kla.org</a>.

KLA is a trade organization protecting the business interests of independent ranchers, feeders and dairy farmers. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep. The association’s work is funded by voluntary dues dollars paid by its 5,600 members.

Submitted<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576159938100.jpeg" alt="Pictured from left to right (row one) Kristina Zerger, Cheney; Jordan Vandervort, Wakarusa; Kinsey Griffith, Wakeeney; Grace Aust, LaCygne; Taylor Dieball, Little River; Alexis Pedrow, Richmond; (row two) Samantha Fischer, Silver Lake; Courtney Sherbert, Morganville; Jamie Rock, Hope; Katelyn Pinkston, Clay Center; (row three) Kristopher Wagner; Satanta; Gatlin Clawson, Meade; Thomas Smith, Windom; Boyd Roenne, Meriden; Grady Schuster, Richmond." />
 <figcaption>Pictured from left to right (row one) Kristina Zerger, Cheney; Jordan Vandervort, Wakarusa; Kinsey Griffith, Wakeeney; Grace Aust, LaCygne; Taylor Dieball, Little River; Alexis Pedrow, Richmond; (row two) Samantha Fischer, Silver Lake; Courtney Sherbert, Morganville; Jamie Rock, Hope; Katelyn Pinkston, Clay Center; (row three) Kristopher Wagner; Satanta; Gatlin Clawson, Meade; Thomas Smith, Windom; Boyd Roenne, Meriden; Grady Schuster, Richmond.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Twenty-one scholarship winners for the 2019-20 school year were recognized during the annual Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention on December 4 in Wichita. A total of $23,000 was presented by the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) and its partners.&nbsp;Three students attending the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine have been awarded $1,500 Cartridges for Cash (CFC) scholarships from Merck Animal Health and KLF.&nbsp;Joel Nelson&nbsp;of Soldier is the son of Jerry and Jo Ann Nelson. He is a first-year veterinary student in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.&nbsp;Alexis Pedrow, a second-year veterinary student, is the daughter Jeff and Teresa Pedrow of Richmond.&nbsp;Boyd Roenne&nbsp;is the son of Jason and Heather Roenne of Meriden. He is a first-year veterinary student. This award recognizes K-State veterinary school students with a career goal of being a large animal veterinarian.Ryann Allison&nbsp;of Fort Scott and&nbsp;Kyndall Norris&nbsp;of Riley each received a $1,000 CFC scholarship through KLF. Allison is the daughter of Tim and Carol Allison. She is a junior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. Norris&nbsp;is the daughter of Kirk and Janice Norris. She is a senior at K-State majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary option. This scholarship is presented to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field. CFC scholarships were funded by Merck’s donation of 25¢ for each used Ralgro wheel or Revalor cartridge turned in to KLA.Two K-State students each received a $1,500 Douglas A. Laue Memorial Scholarship.&nbsp;Shanie Adams&nbsp;is the daughter of Brian and Stacie Adams from Meriden. She is a senior majoring in agricultural business.&nbsp;Grady Schuster, son of David and Kathy Schuster of Richmond, is a junior, also majoring in agricultural business. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gatlin Clawson&nbsp;of Meade has been awarded the $1,000 Cattlemen’s Scholarship from GoBob Pipe &amp; Steel and KLF. Clawson is the son of Dan and Tamra Clawson. He is a freshman at K-State dual majoring in agricultural economics and marketing. This scholarship is awarded to a student entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Two $1,000 Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac Scholarships have been presented to K-State students.&nbsp;Kinsey Griffith, daughter of John and Terry Griffith from WaKeeney, is a junior dual majoring in agricultural economics and animal science.&nbsp;Thomas Smith&nbsp;is the son of Jeff and Holly Smith from Windom. He is a junior majoring in agricultural economics with a specialty in global food systems leadership. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agronomy, agribusiness or ag economics. Preference is given to applicants with a career goal of being actively engaged in a farming or feedyard enterprise.Five K-State students from across the state have received $1,000 “Youth in Agriculture” scholarships from KLF.&nbsp;William A. Holeman&nbsp;is the son of William B. and Lora Holeman from Bronson. He is a sophomore majoring in feed science and management.&nbsp;Jamie Rock&nbsp;of Hope is the daughter of Brian and Candace Rock. She is a sophomore majoring in biological systems engineering.&nbsp;Courtney Sherbert, Morganville, is the daughter of Mike and Robin Sherbert. She is a sophomore majoring in agribusiness.&nbsp;Jordan Vandervort&nbsp;is the daughter of Jerry and Ingrid Vandervort of Wakarusa. She is a sophomore majoring in agricultural milling science and management.Kristopher Wagner, Satanta, is the son of Kevin and Maureen Wagner. He is a freshman majoring in agricultural economics. Funded by the KLF Club Calf Sale held during the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, these scholarships recognize students entering or returning to a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field.&nbsp;The Kansas CattleWomen (KCW) awarded $1,000 scholarships to five Kansas students.&nbsp;Grace Aust, daughter of Brad and Janell Aust from LaCygne, is a freshman dual majoring in animal science and agricultural communications and journalism at K-State.&nbsp;Taylor Dieball, the daughter of Cory and Sally Dieball from Little River, is a freshman majoring in animal science at Butler Community College.&nbsp;Samantha Fischer&nbsp;is the daughter of Dan and Connie Fischer from Silver Lake. She is a junior dual majoring in food science and industry and global food systems leadership at K-State.&nbsp;Katelyn Pinkston&nbsp;is the daughter of Jay and Brenda Bohnenblust from Clay Center. She is a senior at K-State majoring in agricultural education.&nbsp;Marie Reveles, daughter of LaVerna Reveles from Hays, is a junior at K-State majoring in agricultural education. These scholarships, funded by the KCW silent auction held in the KLA Convention Tradeshow, are awarded to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in dietetics, food safety, agriculture or a related field.Kristina Zerger&nbsp;was awarded the $500 Fred H. Woodbury Memorial Scholarship through KLF. Zerger is the daughter of Tarry and Nancy Zerger of Cheney. She is a senior majoring in animal science at K-State. This scholarship is presented to a student attending a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture. Preference is given to students residing within Chase, Franklin, Lyon, Osage or Wabaunsee county.KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. For information about KLF scholarship opportunities or to receive an application, contact the foundation at 6031 S.W. 37th St., Topeka, KS 66614 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:letty@kla.org">letty@kla.org</a>.KLA is a trade organization protecting the business interests of independent ranchers, feeders and dairy farmers. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep. The association’s work is funded by voluntary dues dollars paid by its 5,600 members.

Hays & WaKeeney natives, other KS youth receive $23,000 in scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he will join Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland, Ellis County Commissioners and local officials for a BUILD Grant presentation on Fri., Dec. 27 in Hays.

Sen. Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2D10D33E-11B2-40EF-9E58-84DD2CF08D88">recently announced</a>&nbsp;a $6.5 million BUILD Grant to Ellis County that will allow for continued progress on the Northwest Business Corridor.

Tomorrow's presentation is at 1:30 p.m. in the commissioners' chambers of the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577386207103.jpeg" alt="The Northwest Business Corridor project improves the width&nbsp;and surface condition of two existing county&nbsp;roads along a four-mile stretch north and west&nbsp;of Hays. (Map courtesy Ellis County)" />
 <figcaption>The Northwest Business Corridor project improves the width&nbsp;and surface condition of two existing county&nbsp;roads along a four-mile stretch north and west&nbsp;of Hays. (Map courtesy Ellis County)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he will join Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland, Ellis County Commissioners and local officials for a BUILD Grant presentation on Fri., Dec. 27 in Hays.Sen. Moran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2D10D33E-11B2-40EF-9E58-84DD2CF08D88">recently announced</a>&nbsp;a $6.5 million BUILD Grant to Ellis County that will allow for continued progress on the Northwest Business Corridor.Tomorrow's presentation is at 1:30 p.m. in the commissioners' chambers of the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays.The public is invited to attend.

Sen. Moran, KS Commerce Secretary to be part of BUILD Grant presentation

Hays Middle School art instructor Kimberly Schneweis is&nbsp; one of 45 public educators receiving the 2020 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.

On Dec. 18, California Casualty’s Shawn Courtney presented Schneweis with a certificate and $150 stipend to purchase educational materials for her classroom. Schneweis will use the funds to buy an art portfolio to protect her students’ artwork.

Schneweis was nominated for the award by her peers in the Kansas National Education Association, and will represent Kansas at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on Feb. 7 in Washington, D.C.

A 30-year teacher, Schneweis believes educators need to advocate for their students beyond the classroom. She feels strongly that more committed people need to be attracted to the profession to continue their important work.

The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence highlight educators from around the country cited by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.

“This year’s awardees are fulfilling the promise of public education in the classrooms, schools and communities from coast to coast,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO, the NEA Foundation. “Each awardee has met a very high standard, and together, they are celebrated for a shared commitment to educational excellence, innovation approaches to student learning, and support for their peers. We are grateful to California Casualty for its recognition and celebration of the very best in education, and we look forward to honoring the 2020 California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence awardees.”

“We are proud to honor these exceptional educators and show our appreciation for their incredible work,” said Beau Brown, chairman of the California Casualty Board. “The California Casualty awardees exemplify educators’ ability to be a positive force in their student’s lives.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577118321788.jpeg" alt="L to R: Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, CCATE recipient&nbsp;Kimberly Schneweis, and California Casualty’s Shawn Courtney." />
 <figcaption>L to R: Hays Middle School Principal Tom Albers, CCATE recipient&nbsp;Kimberly Schneweis, and California Casualty’s Shawn Courtney.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays Middle School art instructor Kimberly Schneweis is&nbsp; one of 45 public educators receiving the 2020 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.On Dec. 18, California Casualty’s Shawn Courtney presented Schneweis with a certificate and $150 stipend to purchase educational materials for her classroom. Schneweis will use the funds to buy an art portfolio to protect her students’ artwork.Schneweis was nominated for the award by her peers in the Kansas National Education Association, and will represent Kansas at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on Feb. 7 in Washington, D.C.A 30-year teacher, Schneweis believes educators need to advocate for their students beyond the classroom. She feels strongly that more committed people need to be attracted to the profession to continue their important work.The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence highlight educators from around the country cited by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.“This year’s awardees are fulfilling the promise of public education in the classrooms, schools and communities from coast to coast,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO, the NEA Foundation. “Each awardee has met a very high standard, and together, they are celebrated for a shared commitment to educational excellence, innovation approaches to student learning, and support for their peers. We are grateful to California Casualty for its recognition and celebration of the very best in education, and we look forward to honoring the 2020 California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence awardees.”“We are proud to honor these exceptional educators and show our appreciation for their incredible work,” said Beau Brown, chairman of the California Casualty Board. “The California Casualty awardees exemplify educators’ ability to be a positive force in their student’s lives.”

Hays educator receives California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis County Bar Association on Friday donated $5,000 to <a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>'s campaign to construct transitional housing. The program is called First Step for Help.

The nonprofit First Step building campaign is a capital campaign to raise funds to 
remodel and renovate the First Call building at 607 E. 13th St. to provide transitional housing and supportive services for up to six months.

The First Step gift is part of the Ellis County Bar Association’s efforts to positively impact the community by using funds raised from member dues and proceeds from the annual CLE Seminar, which the Ellis County Bar conducts in Hays. The seminar, in its 21st year, serves primarily western Kansas lawyers who are able to attain their continuing legal education without expensive travel and time away from their hometowns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We hope that this donation will spur other organizations in Ellis County and the surrounding area to donate to this worthy cause," said Ellis County Bar President Colton Eikenberry and Secretary-Treasurer Wendy Rohleder-Sook in a press release. “We ask that people interested in helping prevent homelessness join Ellis County lawyers by donating to the First Call project."

First Step is not an emergency 
homeless shelter and is intended to be used by individuals and families who will focus on success in the areas of stable employment, money management, housing stability and caring for self and family.

To qualify to live in the multi-bedroom facility, participants must be employed and drug and alcohol-free, with a budget intended to allow them to transition into permanent housing within six months.&nbsp;

"They are probably facing eviction about every two or three months because they have to make decisions every day on what they are going to be able to pay," Mills said. "Sometimes rent doesn't get paid, and they are facing eviction again.&nbsp;

"We want to help them get on their feet and get stable, save the funds that they need, increase their knowledge and skills in financial matters and decision making as far as finances are concerned."

She said the program will also provide information on renting and how to work with landlords.&nbsp;

Mills said she thinks participants in the program will be more successful if First Step can help them become employed, stay employed or get a better job.

The program also gives participants the opportunity to save the money they need to get off to a good start. Some landlords let renters move in with only a partial deposit, but that means the renter is behind from the start, and often never can get caught up, Mills said.

First Call has raised almost $50,000 toward its $250,000 goal for the project. A $25,000 donation from the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance was used to renovate the First Call distribution area.

Mills said First Call plans to complete the rest of the renovations in phases as funds become available.&nbsp;

The next phase of the project will be work on heating and plumping for the four-bedroom living area for the transitional housing program.

Information on First Step went out with the organization's annual holiday giving campaign, and Mills said the First Step program had been receiving some donations.&nbsp;

For more information about First Call for Help and the First Step Building Campaign or to donate <a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/First-Step-Housing-Campaign">click here</a>.

You can also send donations to&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays, KS  67601. Please denote First Step Program on your check.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577157277608.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Bar President Colton Eikenberry presents a $5,000 donation to Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, for the organization's First Step transitional housing program." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Bar President Colton Eikenberry presents a $5,000 donation to Linda Mills, First Call for Help director, for the organization's First Step transitional housing program.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Bar Association on Friday donated $5,000 to <a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>'s campaign to construct transitional housing. The program is called First Step for Help.The nonprofit First Step building campaign is a capital campaign to raise funds to 
remodel and renovate the First Call building at 607 E. 13th St. to provide transitional housing and supportive services for up to six months.The First Step gift is part of the Ellis County Bar Association’s efforts to positively impact the community by using funds raised from member dues and proceeds from the annual CLE Seminar, which the Ellis County Bar conducts in Hays. The seminar, in its 21st year, serves primarily western Kansas lawyers who are able to attain their continuing legal education without expensive travel and time away from their hometowns.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We hope that this donation will spur other organizations in Ellis County and the surrounding area to donate to this worthy cause," said Ellis County Bar President Colton Eikenberry and Secretary-Treasurer Wendy Rohleder-Sook in a press release. “We ask that people interested in helping prevent homelessness join Ellis County lawyers by donating to the First Call project."First Step is not an emergency 
homeless shelter and is intended to be used by individuals and families who will focus on success in the areas of stable employment, money management, housing stability and caring for self and family.To qualify to live in the multi-bedroom facility, participants must be employed and drug and alcohol-free, with a budget intended to allow them to transition into permanent housing within six months.&nbsp;"They are probably facing eviction about every two or three months because they have to make decisions every day on what they are going to be able to pay," Mills said. "Sometimes rent doesn't get paid, and they are facing eviction again.&nbsp;"We want to help them get on their feet and get stable, save the funds that they need, increase their knowledge and skills in financial matters and decision making as far as finances are concerned."She said the program will also provide information on renting and how to work with landlords.&nbsp;Mills said she thinks participants in the program will be more successful if First Step can help them become employed, stay employed or get a better job.The program also gives participants the opportunity to save the money they need to get off to a good start. Some landlords let renters move in with only a partial deposit, but that means the renter is behind from the start, and often never can get caught up, Mills said.First Call has raised almost $50,000 toward its $250,000 goal for the project. A $25,000 donation from the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance was used to renovate the First Call distribution area.Mills said First Call plans to complete the rest of the renovations in phases as funds become available.&nbsp;The next phase of the project will be work on heating and plumping for the four-bedroom living area for the transitional housing program.Information on First Step went out with the organization's annual holiday giving campaign, and Mills said the First Step program had been receiving some donations.&nbsp;For more information about First Call for Help and the First Step Building Campaign or to donate <a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/First-Step-Housing-Campaign">click here</a>.You can also send donations to&nbsp;607 E. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601. Please denote First Step Program on your check.

Bar association donation moves First Step program closer to construction

<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/2019/12/1577203955696.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Battle of the Badges launches Friday

Online ranker <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/restaurant-road-trip-checklist-ks/">OnlyInYourState.com</a> has named two northwest Kansas restaurants to its list of "can't miss" road trip stops.

Town's End Tavern in Sharon Springs and Don's Rainbow Drive-In in Oakley earned spots on the list.

Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/restaurant-road-trip-checklist-ks/">HERE</a> for the entire story from Only In Your State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576854585197.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Online ranker <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/restaurant-road-trip-checklist-ks/">OnlyInYourState.com</a> has named two northwest Kansas restaurants to its list of "can't miss" road trip stops.Town's End Tavern in Sharon Springs and Don's Rainbow Drive-In in Oakley earned spots on the list.Click <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/restaurant-road-trip-checklist-ks/">HERE</a> for the entire story from Only In Your State.

NW Kan. restaurants named 'can't miss' road trip stops

The
Cottonwood Extension District is looking for new master gardeners to
fill the ranks of it’s community-based program.

“[Master gardener] is
an educational, volunteer community program sponsored by K-State Research and
Extension,” said Margie Hammerschmidt, master gardener. “Through this program volunteers
are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas.”

Those
individuals will then use their knowledge in the community through volunteer
work. &nbsp;

“You
get the benefit of learning about gardening and horticulture, but then [you] also
get to have fun and help your community,” said Lauren Fick, horticulture extension
agent.

The
programs will include 40 hours of classroom training from K-State professors
that travel to Hays to teach the courses.

The
program runs eight weeks with a full day of training every Wednesday, starting
Jan. 29.

“We
open the program up to anyone that wants to be a master gardener,” Fick said. “That’s
the beauty of this training, you get all of the knowledge to be a master
gardener.”



The
program draws interest from a diverse group in the community.

 “We have a wide range of folks that are in the
program,” Fick said and she encouraged anyone with an interest in gardening to
check out the program.

After
the volunteers complete their training, they apply those skills in community service projects,
with another 40 hours of volunteer work required to become certified.

“There’s
plenty in place. It’s not a problem finding projects to do,” Fick said.

After
the person completes the first year and becomes a certified master gardener,
they then must complete eight hours of horticulture-related training per year and volunteer 20 hours to remain certified.

Those
projects are chosen and completed by the gardener.

“It
really is their own group,” Fick said.

“There
is so much to learn, and giving back to the community doesn’t have to feel like
a chore,” Fick said. “Gardening is truly fun and therapeutic.”

One project is the demonstration gardens at the Ag Research Center. While
the program helps the community, it also helps the center to complete research
into a variety of areas related to horticulture.

“A
part of the master gardener, being a partner with K-State,&nbsp; is that you do get access to do the research,
or you get to help them with it," Fick said, "which might seem daunting to some people, but
honestly doing the research is fun, because it's created just for your
community.

“You get to test things out. You get to say, ‘We like
this,’ or ‘We don’t like this.’ You get to do the research and then you get to
start promoting that stuff to the community, telling them all about it.

That
research keeps master gardeners at the leading edge of the field.

“You
are the one that did the research, so, in my opinion, that’s super amazing. You
are the expert.”

K-State gives the gardener a lot of flexibility in picking a research area, and then they
assist the master gardener with the project.

Hammerschmidt pointed to a recent example of researching mulch use to help conserve water in
Hays.

“We
learn during the process, then we go out and share that information with the
community,” Hammerschmidt said.

The
master gardeners work out of the extension office, 601 Main St.

The
application deadline for the program is Jan. 13. 

The
program cost is $110, including course materials and can be broken into three
payments.

For
more information about the program, or to sign up visit <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html</a>.
&nbsp;

Applications can also be filled out at
the extension office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577121015318.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Kick your gardening up a notch with the master gardener program " height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/7qqeg-cc5de6?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe
Cottonwood Extension District is looking for new master gardeners to
fill the ranks of it’s community-based program.“[Master gardener] is
an educational, volunteer community program sponsored by K-State Research and
Extension,” said Margie Hammerschmidt, master gardener. “Through this program volunteers
are trained and certified in horticulture and related areas.”Those
individuals will then use their knowledge in the community through volunteer
work. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577131035991.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners</figcaption>
 </figure>“You
get the benefit of learning about gardening and horticulture, but then [you] also
get to have fun and help your community,” said Lauren Fick, horticulture extension
agent.The
programs will include 40 hours of classroom training from K-State professors
that travel to Hays to teach the courses.The
program runs eight weeks with a full day of training every Wednesday, starting
Jan. 29.“We
open the program up to anyone that wants to be a master gardener,” Fick said. “That’s
the beauty of this training, you get all of the knowledge to be a master
gardener.”

The
program draws interest from a diverse group in the community. “We have a wide range of folks that are in the
program,” Fick said and she encouraged anyone with an interest in gardening to
check out the program.After
the volunteers complete their training, they apply those skills in community service projects,
with another 40 hours of volunteer work required to become certified.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577131232286.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners</figcaption>
 </figure>“There’s
plenty in place. It’s not a problem finding projects to do,” Fick said.After
the person completes the first year and becomes a certified master gardener,
they then must complete eight hours of horticulture-related training per year and volunteer 20 hours to remain certified.Those
projects are chosen and completed by the gardener.“It
really is their own group,” Fick said.“There
is so much to learn, and giving back to the community doesn’t have to feel like
a chore,” Fick said. “Gardening is truly fun and therapeutic.”One project is the demonstration gardens at the Ag Research Center. While
the program helps the community, it also helps the center to complete research
into a variety of areas related to horticulture.“A
part of the master gardener, being a partner with K-State,&nbsp; is that you do get access to do the research,
or you get to help them with it," Fick said, "which might seem daunting to some people, but
honestly doing the research is fun, because it's created just for your
community.“You get to test things out. You get to say, ‘We like
this,’ or ‘We don’t like this.’ You get to do the research and then you get to
start promoting that stuff to the community, telling them all about it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577131302207.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis County Master Gardeners</figcaption>
 </figure>That
research keeps master gardeners at the leading edge of the field.“You
are the one that did the research, so, in my opinion, that’s super amazing. You
are the expert.”K-State gives the gardener a lot of flexibility in picking a research area, and then they
assist the master gardener with the project.Hammerschmidt pointed to a recent example of researching mulch use to help conserve water in
Hays.“We
learn during the process, then we go out and share that information with the
community,” Hammerschmidt said.The
master gardeners work out of the extension office, 601 Main St.The
application deadline for the program is Jan. 13. The
program cost is $110, including course materials and can be broken into three
payments.For
more information about the program, or to sign up visit <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html</a>.
&nbsp;Applications can also be filled out at
the extension office.

Applications open for master gardener training program

The Kansas State Department of Education has issued the following awards to the Salina Diocesan Catholic Schools, through its Kansans Can Star Recognition Program;  Postsecondary Effectiveness: Silver,  Graduation Rate: Gold, and Academically Prepared for Postsecondary Success: Copper.

In addition to these awards, Hays Catholic Schools exceeded state average benchmark scores for students being ready for college in the areas of English, math, social science and biology.

TMPThe Kansas State Department of Education has issued the following awards to the Salina Diocesan Catholic Schools, through its Kansans Can Star Recognition Program; Postsecondary Effectiveness: Silver, Graduation Rate: Gold, and Academically Prepared for Postsecondary Success: Copper.In addition to these awards, Hays Catholic Schools exceeded state average benchmark scores for students being ready for college in the areas of English, math, social science and biology.Hays Catholic schools’ composite ACT average for 2018-19 is 23.9 against the Kansas State average of 21.2.Hays Catholic schools, Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary, fall within the Salina Diocesan Catholic School district and have a distinct 111 year history of academic excellence.The schools would like to credit the combination of depth of curriculum combined with a rich educational staff for its history of academic success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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