<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>

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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/2019/12/1576957304008.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Here we are at a winery in Massachusetts. Between the samples of wine, we are offered some wine-tasting crackers which help cleanse the palate between wine tastings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where did they come from? They came from halfway across the country in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s one of the healthy products offered by this innovative store in the heartland of the nation.

Last week we met Joel Gaeddert who founded Flint Hills Design in North Newton. His younger brother Aaron also operates a small business.

Aaron came to Newton to attend Bethel College, as had his parents and his older brother Joel. When Joel founded Flint Hills Design, Aaron worked for him during college and after graduation. In 2014, he had the opportunity to pursue a business of his own.

Newton had a local food cooperative that closed in 2000. After it closed, a couple of women bought some of the supplies and equipment and opened a bulk health food store of their own. It was called Prairie Harvest. They later relocated into a historic 1892 building in downtown Newton.

In 2014, Aaron Gaeddert and family had the opportunity to purchase the business. He has expanded it over time.

The business has recently been rebranded as Prairy. That’s Prairy spelled with a Y as in the title of the book PrairyErth by the author William Least-Heat Moon. That book is about Chase County in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Prairy is now the overall name for this multifaceted business. “We began as a full line natural foods store but we have branched out and expanded,” Aaron said. The business now includes a deli restaurant, catering, wholesale products, and online sales.

“When we started, natural foods was a niche,” he noted. “Now it has become more mainstream. We’re evolving toward specialty foods and drinks, with an emphasis on locally grown products.”

The Prairy store now offers local and organic produce, locally supplied meat from area farmers and ranchers, and bulk foods and spices. These include bulk grains, beans, coffee, tea, and more. Customers of the bulk products can buy containers and then pick up as much or as little of the products as needed.

Prairy has also opened a juice bar which offers made-in-Kansas kombucha and cold brewed coffee. The in-store restaurant offers a hot lunch, Monday through Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hot food options usually include soup and homemade comfort foods such as pot pie, mac and cheese, taco bar, or something similar.

Their historic building downtown has a mezzanine which has been converted into a beautiful event space. The next natural progression was to do catering there. Prairy catering can cover everything from formal five-course meals to party platters and appetizers.

Another product line is offered for online shopping. Those products include Prairy Bites, Prairy Provisions, and Prairy Life.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairy Bites are bite-size cookies and crackers, inspired by the German Mennonite tradition of pfeffernusse. “Our grandmother made German spice cookies,” Aaron said. The previous owners had purchased a peppernut cookie business from a woman in the nearby rural community of Goessel, population 539 people. Now, that’s rural.

They used these classic family recipes and expanded the business. “My sister-in-law’s grandmother had a Swedish cookie recipe,” Aaron said. They added other cookie flavors such as chocolate crunch, orange dream and lemon sugar, in addition to the afore-mentioned wine tasting crackers. There are wheat-free and anise-free options as well.

Prairy Provisions includes various types of trail mixes and granola, plus coffee, peanut butter, and more. Prairy Life refers to a line of prairie-themed greeting cards and candles.

All these products are available online. These products have gone from California to New York.

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairy.com/">www.prairy.com</a>.

It’s time to leave this winery in Massachusetts where we found wine-tasting crackers which came from Kansas. We salute Aaron Gaeddert for making a difference with entrepreneurial expansion based on healthy foods. It certainly leaves a good taste in my mouth.

And there’s more. We’ve met Aaron and Joel, but there was one more brother. He followed the entrepreneurial trail also. We’ll learn about his business next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576687533462.png" alt="Aaron&nbsp;Gaeddert" />
 <figcaption>Aaron&nbsp;Gaeddert</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentHere we are at a winery in Massachusetts. Between the samples of wine, we are offered some wine-tasting crackers which help cleanse the palate between wine tastings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where did they come from? They came from halfway across the country in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s one of the healthy products offered by this innovative store in the heartland of the nation.Last week we met Joel Gaeddert who founded Flint Hills Design in North Newton. His younger brother Aaron also operates a small business.Aaron came to Newton to attend Bethel College, as had his parents and his older brother Joel. When Joel founded Flint Hills Design, Aaron worked for him during college and after graduation. In 2014, he had the opportunity to pursue a business of his own.Newton had a local food cooperative that closed in 2000. After it closed, a couple of women bought some of the supplies and equipment and opened a bulk health food store of their own. It was called Prairie Harvest. They later relocated into a historic 1892 building in downtown Newton.In 2014, Aaron Gaeddert and family had the opportunity to purchase the business. He has expanded it over time.The business has recently been rebranded as Prairy. That’s Prairy spelled with a Y as in the title of the book PrairyErth by the author William Least-Heat Moon. That book is about Chase County in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas.Prairy is now the overall name for this multifaceted business. “We began as a full line natural foods store but we have branched out and expanded,” Aaron said. The business now includes a deli restaurant, catering, wholesale products, and online sales.“When we started, natural foods was a niche,” he noted. “Now it has become more mainstream. We’re evolving toward specialty foods and drinks, with an emphasis on locally grown products.”The Prairy store now offers local and organic produce, locally supplied meat from area farmers and ranchers, and bulk foods and spices. These include bulk grains, beans, coffee, tea, and more. Customers of the bulk products can buy containers and then pick up as much or as little of the products as needed.Prairy has also opened a juice bar which offers made-in-Kansas kombucha and cold brewed coffee. The in-store restaurant offers a hot lunch, Monday through Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hot food options usually include soup and homemade comfort foods such as pot pie, mac and cheese, taco bar, or something similar.Their historic building downtown has a mezzanine which has been converted into a beautiful event space. The next natural progression was to do catering there. Prairy catering can cover everything from formal five-course meals to party platters and appetizers.Another product line is offered for online shopping. Those products include Prairy Bites, Prairy Provisions, and Prairy Life.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairy Bites are bite-size cookies and crackers, inspired by the German Mennonite tradition of pfeffernusse. “Our grandmother made German spice cookies,” Aaron said. The previous owners had purchased a peppernut cookie business from a woman in the nearby rural community of Goessel, population 539 people. Now, that’s rural.They used these classic family recipes and expanded the business. “My sister-in-law’s grandmother had a Swedish cookie recipe,” Aaron said. They added other cookie flavors such as chocolate crunch, orange dream and lemon sugar, in addition to the afore-mentioned wine tasting crackers. There are wheat-free and anise-free options as well.Prairy Provisions includes various types of trail mixes and granola, plus coffee, peanut butter, and more. Prairy Life refers to a line of prairie-themed greeting cards and candles.All these products are available online. These products have gone from California to New York.For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairy.com/">www.prairy.com</a>.It’s time to leave this winery in Massachusetts where we found wine-tasting crackers which came from Kansas. We salute Aaron Gaeddert for making a difference with entrepreneurial expansion based on healthy foods. It certainly leaves a good taste in my mouth.And there’s more. We’ve met Aaron and Joel, but there was one more brother. He followed the entrepreneurial trail also. We’ll learn about his business next week.

Now That’s Rural: Aaron Gaeddert, Prairy

THOMAS COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Taurus driven by Joy I.&nbsp; Davis, 97, Colby,&nbsp;was northbound on Country Club Road south of U.S. 24.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 24 and collided with an eastbound 2011 Ford Expedition driven by Cortney Lynn Dorn, 35, Goodland.

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Baalmann Mortuary.

EMS transported Dorn and passengers Natalie Dorn, 16, and&nbsp; Elsie Dorn, 2, both of Goodland to the hospital in Colby. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Taurus driven by Joy I.&nbsp; Davis, 97, Colby,&nbsp;was northbound on Country Club Road south of U.S. 24.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 24 and collided with an eastbound 2011 Ford Expedition driven by Cortney Lynn Dorn, 35, Goodland.Davis was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Baalmann Mortuary.EMS transported Dorn and passengers Natalie Dorn, 16, and&nbsp; Elsie Dorn, 2, both of Goodland to the hospital in Colby. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

97-year-old NW Kansas woman dies, 3 hospitalized after crash

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Fri., Dec. 16, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sex Offense—2700 block Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;9:17 AM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block&nbsp;W 11th St, Hays;&nbsp;12 AM&nbsp;

Suspicious Activity 2010 E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:44 AM&nbsp;

Incident, Miscellaneous—1600 Main St, Hays;&nbsp;11:09 AM&nbsp;

Welfare Check—1400 block&nbsp;E 29th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:12 PM&nbsp;

Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--500 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays;&nbsp;1:18 PM&nbsp;

Abandoned Vehicle—200 block&nbsp;W 9th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:37 PM&nbsp;

Phone/Mail Scam—1800 block&nbsp;E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;2:06 PM&nbsp;

Traffic/Driving Complaint--400 block W 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;3:16 PM&nbsp;

Found/Lost Property—1600 block&nbsp;Main St, Hays;&nbsp;3:56 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;

Found/Lost Property—4300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:49 PM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;6:13 PM&nbsp;

Theft (general)--400 block&nbsp;E 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;11/25 8:41 PM;&nbsp;12/16 8:41 PM&nbsp;

Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--2600 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;10:56 PM&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department responded to&nbsp;4&nbsp;animal calls&nbsp;and conducted&nbsp;6&nbsp;traffic stops&nbsp;Tue., Dec. 17, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suspicious Person—300 block&nbsp;E 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:55 AM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;7:57 AM&nbsp;

Suspicious Activity—2700 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;9:30 AM&nbsp;

Lost Animals ONLY—300 block&nbsp;W 32nd St, Hays;&nbsp;10:33 AM&nbsp;

Suicidal Subject—200 block&nbsp;E 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:42 AM&nbsp;

Civil Dispute—1900 block&nbsp;Whittier Rd, Hays;&nbsp;11:42 AM&nbsp;

Found/Lost Property--200 block E 22nd St, Hays;&nbsp;12:25 PM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2500 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;12:54 PM&nbsp;

Animal At Large—2800 block&nbsp;Grant Ave, Hays;&nbsp;1:27 PM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1000 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:03 PM&nbsp;

Suicidal Subject—200 block&nbsp;W 34th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:52 PM&nbsp;

False Report—1600 Elm St, Hays;&nbsp;6:54 PM&nbsp;

Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1200 block Main St, Hays;&nbsp;7:56 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;

Found/Lost Property—1700 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;8:13 PM&nbsp;

Battery – Domestic—500 block&nbsp;E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;10 PM;&nbsp;10:14 PM&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department responded to&nbsp;8&nbsp;animal calls and conducted&nbsp;11&nbsp;traffic stops&nbsp;Wed., Dec. 18, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--2700 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:58 AM;&nbsp;6:28 AM&nbsp;

Theft of Vehicle--3000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:59 AM;&nbsp;7:45 AM&nbsp;

MV Accident-City Street/Alley--700 block E 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:02 AM&nbsp;

Battery – simple—2200 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12/17 8:31 AM&nbsp;

Criminal Damage to Property—300 block&nbsp;E 14th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:38 AM&nbsp;

Animal Cruelty/Neglect--100 block&nbsp;E 15th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:09 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;

Criminal Damage to Property—1300 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;12:49 PM&nbsp;

Theft (general)--1900&nbsp;block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;1 PM;&nbsp;1:13 PM&nbsp;

Animal At Large—2100 block&nbsp;Walnut St, Hays;&nbsp;1:22 PM&nbsp;

Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--500 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays;&nbsp;12/14&nbsp;

Abandoned Vehicle—2000 block&nbsp;Milner St, Hays;&nbsp;2:42 PM;&nbsp;3:50 PM&nbsp;

Animal At Large—4300&nbsp;block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:10 PM&nbsp;

Dead Animal Call—1500 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;4:35 PM&nbsp;

Suspicious Activity—600 block&nbsp;E 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:35 PM&nbsp;

Found/Lost Property—100 block&nbsp;W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:15 PM&nbsp;

Animal At Large--15th and Milner, Hays;&nbsp;6:25 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lost Animals ONLY—400 block&nbsp;W 3rd St, Hays;&nbsp;7:54 PM&nbsp;

Domestic Disturbance—200 block&nbsp;W 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:45 PM&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 10 traffic stops Fri., Dec. 16, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sex Offense—2700 block Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;9:17 AM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block&nbsp;W 11th St, Hays;&nbsp;12 AM&nbsp;Suspicious Activity 2010 E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:44 AM&nbsp;Incident, Miscellaneous—1600 Main St, Hays;&nbsp;11:09 AM&nbsp;Welfare Check—1400 block&nbsp;E 29th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:12 PM&nbsp;Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--500 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays;&nbsp;1:18 PM&nbsp;Abandoned Vehicle—200 block&nbsp;W 9th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:37 PM&nbsp;Phone/Mail Scam—1800 block&nbsp;E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;2:06 PM&nbsp;Traffic/Driving Complaint--400 block W 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;3:16 PM&nbsp;Found/Lost Property—1600 block&nbsp;Main St, Hays;&nbsp;3:56 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Found/Lost Property—4300 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:49 PM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;6:13 PM&nbsp;Theft (general)--400 block&nbsp;E 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;11/25 8:41 PM;&nbsp;12/16 8:41 PM&nbsp;Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--2600 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;10:56 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to&nbsp;4&nbsp;animal calls&nbsp;and conducted&nbsp;6&nbsp;traffic stops&nbsp;Tue., Dec. 17, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suspicious Person—300 block&nbsp;E 13th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:55 AM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1900 block E 27th St, Hays;&nbsp;7:57 AM&nbsp;Suspicious Activity—2700 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;9:30 AM&nbsp;Lost Animals ONLY—300 block&nbsp;W 32nd St, Hays;&nbsp;10:33 AM&nbsp;Suicidal Subject—200 block&nbsp;E 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:42 AM&nbsp;Civil Dispute—1900 block&nbsp;Whittier Rd, Hays;&nbsp;11:42 AM&nbsp;Found/Lost Property--200 block E 22nd St, Hays;&nbsp;12:25 PM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--2500 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;12:54 PM&nbsp;Animal At Large—2800 block&nbsp;Grant Ave, Hays;&nbsp;1:27 PM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--1000 block Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:03 PM&nbsp;Suicidal Subject—200 block&nbsp;W 34th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:52 PM&nbsp;False Report—1600 Elm St, Hays;&nbsp;6:54 PM&nbsp;Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1200 block Main St, Hays;&nbsp;7:56 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Found/Lost Property—1700 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;8:13 PM&nbsp;Battery – Domestic—500 block&nbsp;E 16th St, Hays;&nbsp;10 PM;&nbsp;10:14 PM&nbsp;The Hays Police Department responded to&nbsp;8&nbsp;animal calls and conducted&nbsp;11&nbsp;traffic stops&nbsp;Wed., Dec. 18, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--2700 block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;5:58 AM;&nbsp;6:28 AM&nbsp;Theft of Vehicle--3000 block E 8th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:59 AM;&nbsp;7:45 AM&nbsp;MV Accident-City Street/Alley--700 block E 7th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:02 AM&nbsp;Battery – simple—2200 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12/17 8:31 AM&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property—300 block&nbsp;E 14th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:38 AM&nbsp;Animal Cruelty/Neglect--100 block&nbsp;E 15th St, Hays;&nbsp;10:09 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property—1300 block&nbsp;Hall St, Hays;&nbsp;12:49 PM&nbsp;Theft (general)--1900&nbsp;block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;1 PM;&nbsp;1:13 PM&nbsp;Animal At Large—2100 block&nbsp;Walnut St, Hays;&nbsp;1:22 PM&nbsp;Assist - Other (not&nbsp;MV)--500 block&nbsp;Pine St, Hays;&nbsp;12/14&nbsp;Abandoned Vehicle—2000 block&nbsp;Milner St, Hays;&nbsp;2:42 PM;&nbsp;3:50 PM&nbsp;Animal At Large—4300&nbsp;block&nbsp;Vine St, Hays;&nbsp;4:10 PM&nbsp;Dead Animal Call—1500 block&nbsp;Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;4:35 PM&nbsp;Suspicious Activity—600 block&nbsp;E 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;5:35 PM&nbsp;Found/Lost Property—100 block&nbsp;W 12th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:15 PM&nbsp;Animal At Large--15th and Milner, Hays;&nbsp;6:25 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Lost Animals ONLY—400 block&nbsp;W 3rd St, Hays;&nbsp;7:54 PM&nbsp;Domestic Disturbance—200 block&nbsp;W 5th St, Hays;&nbsp;8:45 PM&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log Dec. 16-18

<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="DHDC preparing for first responder breakfast" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3y8tp-cc2c9c?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎤Post Podcast: DHDC preparing for first responder breakfast

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The City of Hays on Dec. 12 approved annexation of property for a proposed travel plaza at exit 157 of Interstate 70.

Annexation will allow connection to city services, including water and sewer, and will also allow financing of improvements to 230th Avenue adjacent to the development.

The annexation included six pieces of property. The largest piece of property is owned by Hess Land LLC and is being developed for the travel plaza.

The other four owners requesting annexation were Ellis County, Celebration Church of Hays, Doonan Peterbilt and the City of Hays.

The other five pieces of property are much smaller and being annexed for right of way and to facilitate improvements to 230th Avenue.

The Ellis County Commission had already given approval to the annexation. The county commission also has asked KDOT to transfer a $1.5 million grant that was awarded to Ellis County in 2013 to the City of Hays for improvements to the intersection at 230th Avenue and 55th Street.

A design engineering agreement for improvements to lighting for the crosswind runway at the Hays Regional Airport was approved by the city commission on Dec. 12.&nbsp;

The cost of the engineering agreement will be $95,050. Ninety percent is being paid by the FFA, and the remaining 10 percent will be paid out of the&nbsp;Airport Improvement Fund.

The total cost of the project will be about $1.2 million — about $111,000, paid from the Airport Improvement Fund. John Braun, City of Hays project manager, said there is enough money in the fund to pay for the city's portion of the project.

The new lighting will be cans and conduits instead of direct bury lighting, which will make the system easier to maintain. New precision approach path indicators will be included, which helps alert pilots they are on the correct approach. The new lighting will be LED, which will last longer and use less energy. Other enhancements are also included.&nbsp;

The useful life of the current system was estimated at 10 to 12 years, but the system has been in use since 2003.&nbsp;

Construction will be done on this project during summer and fall. The work will not affect commercial air traffic at the airport.

<div><iframe title="Hotel and convention center development continues" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/a2yes-cb4801?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><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576701983458.jpeg" alt="Dirt work continued Wednesday at exit 157 of Interstate 70, where a developer hopes to build a travel plaza. The city of Hays annexed the land at its meeting Dec. 12." />
 <figcaption>Dirt work continued Wednesday at exit 157 of Interstate 70, where a developer hopes to build a travel plaza. The city of Hays annexed the land at its meeting Dec. 12.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe City of Hays on Dec. 12 approved annexation of property for a proposed travel plaza at exit 157 of Interstate 70.Annexation will allow connection to city services, including water and sewer, and will also allow financing of improvements to 230th Avenue adjacent to the development.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576689899557.jpeg" alt="A map of the area that was annexed last week for a proposed travel plaza north of exit 157 of I-70." />
 <figcaption>A map of the area that was annexed last week for a proposed travel plaza north of exit 157 of I-70.</figcaption>
 </figure>The annexation included six pieces of property. The largest piece of property is owned by Hess Land LLC and is being developed for the travel plaza.The other four owners requesting annexation were Ellis County, Celebration Church of Hays, Doonan Peterbilt and the City of Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576702411072.jpeg" alt="Six pieces of property were annexed for the development. Five of them are smaller than the main lot and will be used for right of way and improvements to 230th Avenue." />
 <figcaption>Six pieces of property were annexed for the development. Five of them are smaller than the main lot and will be used for right of way and improvements to 230th Avenue.</figcaption>
 </figure>The other five pieces of property are much smaller and being annexed for right of way and to facilitate improvements to 230th Avenue.The Ellis County Commission had already given approval to the annexation. The county commission also has asked KDOT to transfer a $1.5 million grant that was awarded to Ellis County in 2013 to the City of Hays for improvements to the intersection at 230th Avenue and 55th Street.<h2>Airport crosswind runway</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576691031260.png" alt="The crosswind runway at Hays Regional Airport that will receive new lighting in 2020." />
 <figcaption>The crosswind runway at Hays Regional Airport that will receive new lighting in 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>A design engineering agreement for improvements to lighting for the crosswind runway at the Hays Regional Airport was approved by the city commission on Dec. 12.&nbsp;The cost of the engineering agreement will be $95,050. Ninety percent is being paid by the FFA, and the remaining 10 percent will be paid out of the&nbsp;Airport Improvement Fund.The total cost of the project will be about $1.2 million — about $111,000, paid from the Airport Improvement Fund. John Braun, City of Hays project manager, said there is enough money in the fund to pay for the city's portion of the project.The new lighting will be cans and conduits instead of direct bury lighting, which will make the system easier to maintain. New precision approach path indicators will be included, which helps alert pilots they are on the correct approach. The new lighting will be LED, which will last longer and use less energy. Other enhancements are also included.&nbsp;The useful life of the current system was estimated at 10 to 12 years, but the system has been in use since 2003.&nbsp;Construction will be done on this project during summer and fall. The work will not affect commercial air traffic at the airport.

Hays annexes land for travel plaza, takes step in runway lighting improvement

Ellis Police Department Officer Christopher Krom is set to take the reins of the department after serving as interim chief since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df3f8bac2f9fe096b7d5602">retirement of Taft Yates last month</a>.

The city council approved the recommendation from the search committee at a special meeting Thursday.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Krom said. “I look forward to serving the city of Ellis, maintaining
our department and helping it grow and taking it into the future.”

Krom has served as an officer in the five-man department for almost nine years after moving from Great Bend where he worked as a corrections officer.

“I’ve been doing this job most of my adult life,” Krom said.

The department will begin looking for another officer soon to
fill the spot opened by the promotion.

“I will begin advertising that in the next few days,” Krom said.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostEllis Police Department Officer Christopher Krom is set to take the reins of the department after serving as interim chief since the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df3f8bac2f9fe096b7d5602">retirement of Taft Yates last month</a>.The city council approved the recommendation from the search committee at a special meeting Thursday.“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Krom said. “I look forward to serving the city of Ellis, maintaining
our department and helping it grow and taking it into the future.”Krom has served as an officer in the five-man department for almost nine years after moving from Great Bend where he worked as a corrections officer.“I’ve been doing this job most of my adult life,” Krom said.The department will begin looking for another officer soon to
fill the spot opened by the promotion.“I will begin advertising that in the next few days,” Krom said.

Ellis Police gets new chief

Teams from Fort Hays State University brought home first-place awards in four of the seven competitions at the recent Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association conference and competition in Pittsburg at Pittsburg State University’s Technology Center.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State placed first in Live Manufacturing, Transportation, Technology, and Robotics.&nbsp;

Tiger TEECA teams from the Department of Applied Technology also brought home five second-place and two third-place finishes. Of the seven competitions, FHSU placed in six and was shut out only in the Problem Solving competition.&nbsp;

In Robotics, university teams took all three top spots. In three other competitions, FHSU placed first and second – Transportation, Technology Challenge and Robotics. In Teaching Lesson, FHSU took second and third.&nbsp;

“Dedicated to their department, profession, and careers, these individuals showcased their skillsets and talents amassing six podium finishes with four first-place finishes,” said Eric Deneault, associate professor and team sponsor.&nbsp;

“A dominant regional performance is a testament to their desire and determination to achieve success at the highest level,” he said. “These students have earned the right to be called champions!”&nbsp;

Fort Hays State teams will next complete at the International Technology and Engoineering Educators Association conference in Baltimore from March 11 to March 14, 2020.&nbsp;

Live Manufacturing – First place This year’s competition required students to design, engineer, manufacture and present a desktop organizer. Each team had to draft the part files as well as the jigs and fixtures used in their production run. They were given four hours from start to finish to develop the most efficient assembly line production run with the highest overall part quality.&nbsp;

The Fort Hays State team was:&nbsp;

BENTON:&nbsp;Casey Shinkle, junior;&nbsp;

GREAT BEND:&nbsp;Jordan Boone, sophomore;&nbsp;

HAYS:&nbsp;Michael Dick, sophomore, and Jerry Hoffman, senior;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN:&nbsp;Eric Prockish, junior;&nbsp;

MINNEAPOLIS:&nbsp;Dason Sweat, junior;&nbsp;

RUSSELL:&nbsp;Nathan Bitter, freshman.&nbsp;

Live Communications – Second place The Live Communication challenge is to create a 90-second multimedia video program that introduces student design teams in a TEE classroom to principles and practices that will assist them in learning to become dynamic, high functioning teams.&nbsp;

Students had to produce an industry-quality, informative video.&nbsp;

AURORA, Colo.:&nbsp;Benjamin Windom, junior;&nbsp;

GARDEN CITY:&nbsp;Alex Vazquez-Visoso, junior;&nbsp;

HAYS:&nbsp;Mark Schuckman, sophomore;&nbsp;

SALINA:&nbsp;Edgar Silvestre, freshman;&nbsp;

Transportation – First and second place In the Transportation Challenge, the task is to design, engineer and construct a propulsion driven airplane. The plane must take off on its own, fly or glide in a circle and land safely. &nbsp;Primary goal was to stay in flight for the longest duration possible.&nbsp;

Two FHSU teams competed in this event:&nbsp;

ALMA, Neb.:&nbsp;Jesus Felix, junior;&nbsp;

BENTLEY:&nbsp;Bryant Odendahl, freshman;&nbsp;

CAWKER CITY:&nbsp;Caleb Hake, freshman;&nbsp;

HALSTEAD:&nbsp;Andrew Blaylock, sophomore;&nbsp;

NATOMA:&nbsp;Dylan Pruter, junior;&nbsp;

VALLEY CENTER:&nbsp;Owen Casey, freshman.&nbsp;

Problem Solving Pittsburg State took all three top spots in this challenge, which involved building a “Rube Goldberg” mechanism that would launch a ball up a skee ball ramp into the target zone.&nbsp;

Technology Challenge – First and second place

The Technology challenge is a quiz bowl style event.&nbsp;

ALMA:&nbsp;Luke Barber, freshman;&nbsp;

HAYS:&nbsp;Derek Steede, special student (a full-time but not degree-seeking student);&nbsp;

ULYSSES:&nbsp;Bryan Garcia, sophomore;&nbsp; and Bitter, Blaylock, Hoffman, Schuckman and Shinkle.&nbsp;

Teaching Lesson – Second and third place This year’s teaching lesson topic was “The Impacts of Technology on the Environment.” FHSU was represented by Matthew Freel,&nbsp;Minneapolis&nbsp;sophomore, and Zach Peach,&nbsp;La Crosse&nbsp;sophomore.&nbsp;

Robotics Challenge – First, second and third place The 2019 robotics competition was designing, building and programing a robot that could place different sized rings over poles of differing heights, scoring points on either side of the arena by crossing over a teeter-totter. Each pole could then be capped with a ball by the scoring team or the opponent to prevent further scoring during the round.&nbsp;

FHSU dominated this event placing three teams on the podium. This year was unique in that for the first time in school history students from the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science and the Academy of Mathematics and Science programs competed with students from the Department of Applied Technology.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State’s representatives on the three teams were:&nbsp;

ANSHAN, China:&nbsp;Yuxuan Ma, AMS student;&nbsp;

DAEGU, South Korea:&nbsp;Hwuiyun “Jacob” Park, AMS student;&nbsp;

GALVA:&nbsp;Vincent Evans, senior;&nbsp;

GWANGJU, South Korea:&nbsp;Hanbit Kim, AMS student;&nbsp;

RANSOM:&nbsp;Jordan Sargent, senior;&nbsp;

RUSSELL:&nbsp;Micah Nuss, sophomore;&nbsp;

SALINA:&nbsp;Aum Patel, KAMS student;&nbsp;

SEOUL, South Korea:&nbsp;Jaeyol Lee, AMS student;&nbsp;

SILVER LAKE:&nbsp;Kayla Brannick, KAMS student;&nbsp;

ST. FRANCIS:&nbsp;Brady Schoenrogge, KAMS student;&nbsp;

SUPERIOR, Neb.:&nbsp;Tage Rothchild, sophomore;&nbsp;

YONGIN, South Korea:&nbsp;Hyunjun “Brian” Chang, AMS student;&nbsp; and Freel.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576677603057.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsTeams from Fort Hays State University brought home first-place awards in four of the seven competitions at the recent Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association conference and competition in Pittsburg at Pittsburg State University’s Technology Center.&nbsp;Fort Hays State placed first in Live Manufacturing, Transportation, Technology, and Robotics.&nbsp;Tiger TEECA teams from the Department of Applied Technology also brought home five second-place and two third-place finishes. Of the seven competitions, FHSU placed in six and was shut out only in the Problem Solving competition.&nbsp;In Robotics, university teams took all three top spots. In three other competitions, FHSU placed first and second – Transportation, Technology Challenge and Robotics. In Teaching Lesson, FHSU took second and third.&nbsp;“Dedicated to their department, profession, and careers, these individuals showcased their skillsets and talents amassing six podium finishes with four first-place finishes,” said Eric Deneault, associate professor and team sponsor.&nbsp;“A dominant regional performance is a testament to their desire and determination to achieve success at the highest level,” he said. “These students have earned the right to be called champions!”&nbsp;Fort Hays State teams will next complete at the International Technology and Engoineering Educators Association conference in Baltimore from March 11 to March 14, 2020.&nbsp;The events and competitors:&nbsp;Live Manufacturing – First place This year’s competition required students to design, engineer, manufacture and present a desktop organizer. Each team had to draft the part files as well as the jigs and fixtures used in their production run. They were given four hours from start to finish to develop the most efficient assembly line production run with the highest overall part quality.&nbsp;The Fort Hays State team was:&nbsp; BENTON:&nbsp;Casey Shinkle, junior;&nbsp;GREAT BEND:&nbsp;Jordan Boone, sophomore;&nbsp;HAYS:&nbsp;Michael Dick, sophomore, and Jerry Hoffman, senior;&nbsp;MANHATTAN:&nbsp;Eric Prockish, junior;&nbsp;MINNEAPOLIS:&nbsp;Dason Sweat, junior;&nbsp;RUSSELL:&nbsp;Nathan Bitter, freshman.&nbsp;Live Communications – Second place The Live Communication challenge is to create a 90-second multimedia video program that introduces student design teams in a TEE classroom to principles and practices that will assist them in learning to become dynamic, high functioning teams.&nbsp;Students had to produce an industry-quality, informative video.&nbsp;The FHSU team was:&nbsp;AURORA, Colo.:&nbsp;Benjamin Windom, junior;&nbsp;GARDEN CITY:&nbsp;Alex Vazquez-Visoso, junior;&nbsp;HAYS:&nbsp;Mark Schuckman, sophomore;&nbsp;SALINA:&nbsp;Edgar Silvestre, freshman;&nbsp;and Dick and Hoffman.&nbsp;Transportation – First and second place In the Transportation Challenge, the task is to design, engineer and construct a propulsion driven airplane. The plane must take off on its own, fly or glide in a circle and land safely. &nbsp;Primary goal was to stay in flight for the longest duration possible.&nbsp;Two FHSU teams competed in this event:&nbsp;ALMA, Neb.:&nbsp;Jesus Felix, junior;&nbsp;BENTLEY:&nbsp;Bryant Odendahl, freshman;&nbsp;CAWKER CITY:&nbsp;Caleb Hake, freshman;&nbsp;HALSTEAD:&nbsp;Andrew Blaylock, sophomore;&nbsp;NATOMA:&nbsp;Dylan Pruter, junior;&nbsp;VALLEY CENTER:&nbsp;Owen Casey, freshman.&nbsp;Problem Solving Pittsburg State took all three top spots in this challenge, which involved building a “Rube Goldberg” mechanism that would launch a ball up a skee ball ramp into the target zone.&nbsp;Technology Challenge – First and second placeThe Technology challenge is a quiz bowl style event.&nbsp;FHSU competitors were:&nbsp;ALMA:&nbsp;Luke Barber, freshman;&nbsp;HAYS:&nbsp;Derek Steede, special student (a full-time but not degree-seeking student);&nbsp;ULYSSES:&nbsp;Bryan Garcia, sophomore;&nbsp; and Bitter, Blaylock, Hoffman, Schuckman and Shinkle.&nbsp;Teaching Lesson – Second and third place This year’s teaching lesson topic was “The Impacts of Technology on the Environment.” FHSU was represented by Matthew Freel,&nbsp;Minneapolis&nbsp;sophomore, and Zach Peach,&nbsp;La Crosse&nbsp;sophomore.&nbsp;Robotics Challenge – First, second and third place The 2019 robotics competition was designing, building and programing a robot that could place different sized rings over poles of differing heights, scoring points on either side of the arena by crossing over a teeter-totter. Each pole could then be capped with a ball by the scoring team or the opponent to prevent further scoring during the round.&nbsp;FHSU dominated this event placing three teams on the podium. This year was unique in that for the first time in school history students from the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science and the Academy of Mathematics and Science programs competed with students from the Department of Applied Technology.&nbsp;Fort Hays State’s representatives on the three teams were:&nbsp;ANSHAN, China:&nbsp;Yuxuan Ma, AMS student;&nbsp;DAEGU, South Korea:&nbsp;Hwuiyun “Jacob” Park, AMS student;&nbsp;GALVA:&nbsp;Vincent Evans, senior;&nbsp;GWANGJU, South Korea:&nbsp;Hanbit Kim, AMS student;&nbsp;RANSOM:&nbsp;Jordan Sargent, senior;&nbsp;RUSSELL:&nbsp;Micah Nuss, sophomore;&nbsp;SALINA:&nbsp;Aum Patel, KAMS student;&nbsp;SEOUL, South Korea:&nbsp;Jaeyol Lee, AMS student;&nbsp;SILVER LAKE:&nbsp;Kayla Brannick, KAMS student;&nbsp;ST. FRANCIS:&nbsp;Brady Schoenrogge, KAMS student;&nbsp;SUPERIOR, Neb.:&nbsp;Tage Rothchild, sophomore;&nbsp;YONGIN, South Korea:&nbsp;Hyunjun “Brian” Chang, AMS student;&nbsp; and Freel.&nbsp;

FHSU technology teams take 4 firsts at regional competition

BY BERNY UNRUH Cottonwood Extension District

	It is so close to Christmas and gifts have still not been purchased and wrapped.&nbsp; Ask yourself this question, “Do I really need to buy a gift?”&nbsp; Are there gifts that our children need that cannot be bought, but come from the heart?

	Here are ten gifts that I believe we need to give our children. These were shared by a speaker at a national 4-H meeting many years ago. &nbsp;

1.&nbsp; The joy of learning.&nbsp; Hopefully, we never stop learning. We can encourage our children to listen to others and learn from them. Teachers and all those who are interested in their well-being have a gift to share.

2.&nbsp; The gift of hope. Isn’t it nice to know there’s still hope for our young people? Give them hope in a world that weighs a little too heavy on the negative.

3.&nbsp; The gift of communication. Learn to communicate with your spouse and with your children.&nbsp; Communication involves listening and then responding and then listening again.

4.&nbsp; The gift of laughter. Experts say we need to laugh 15 times a day to stay healthy.

5.&nbsp; The gift of uniqueness. Let’s teach our children to be themselves.&nbsp; We do need role models, but we do not need our children to be just like so-and-so.

6.&nbsp; The gift of flexibility. Try new things. Do new things. Today is different than yesterday.

7.&nbsp; The gift of balance. We all need a good balance of work and play. Maybe as grownups we need to go fly a kite or play a game of dominos.

8.&nbsp; The gift of respect. To earn respect, you must be respectful. Our children’s thoughts and opinions are very important and we need to respect them.

9.&nbsp; The gift of spirituality. Time to get to know ourselves is needed in today’s busy lifestyle.&nbsp; Preschooler often get a “time out” to think about it.&nbsp; Maybe adults need the same thing?

10.&nbsp; The gift of love. The most personal and special present is YOU!&nbsp; Your time may be the best way to share your love.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576703168607.png" alt="Berny Unruh" />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>BY BERNY UNRUH Cottonwood Extension District 	It is so close to Christmas and gifts have still not been purchased and wrapped.&nbsp; Ask yourself this question, “Do I really need to buy a gift?”&nbsp; Are there gifts that our children need that cannot be bought, but come from the heart?	Here are ten gifts that I believe we need to give our children. These were shared by a speaker at a national 4-H meeting many years ago. &nbsp;1.&nbsp; The joy of learning.&nbsp; Hopefully, we never stop learning. We can encourage our children to listen to others and learn from them. Teachers and all those who are interested in their well-being have a gift to share.2.&nbsp; The gift of hope. Isn’t it nice to know there’s still hope for our young people? Give them hope in a world that weighs a little too heavy on the negative.3.&nbsp; The gift of communication. Learn to communicate with your spouse and with your children.&nbsp; Communication involves listening and then responding and then listening again.4.&nbsp; The gift of laughter. Experts say we need to laugh 15 times a day to stay healthy.5.&nbsp; The gift of uniqueness. Let’s teach our children to be themselves.&nbsp; We do need role models, but we do not need our children to be just like so-and-so.6.&nbsp; The gift of flexibility. Try new things. Do new things. Today is different than yesterday.7.&nbsp; The gift of balance. We all need a good balance of work and play. Maybe as grownups we need to go fly a kite or play a game of dominos.8.&nbsp; The gift of respect. To earn respect, you must be respectful. Our children’s thoughts and opinions are very important and we need to respect them.9.&nbsp; The gift of spirituality. Time to get to know ourselves is needed in today’s busy lifestyle.&nbsp; Preschooler often get a “time out” to think about it.&nbsp; Maybe adults need the same thing?10.&nbsp; The gift of love. The most personal and special present is YOU!&nbsp; Your time may be the best way to share your love.	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: The gifts we need to give

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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>
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Three graduates of Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing were recognized in a pinning ceremony with Leora B. Stroup Awards as outstanding fall 2019 graduates.&nbsp;

Jillian Fabela,&nbsp;Boerne, Texas,&nbsp;received the Master of Science in Nursing Award. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her MSN as a nurse educator. She earned her Associate in Nursing in 2010 from Cayuga Community College, New York, and her BSN in 2017 from Fort Hays State. She works as the education coordinator at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.&nbsp;

Her capstone project studied the influences of mentorship programs on new graduates.&nbsp;

The RN to BSN Award went to Kylie Geist,&nbsp;Hays,&nbsp;an RN who is working in the surgical unit and acute care at Hays Medical Center. She earned her Associate Degree in nursing in 2013 at North Central Kansas Technical College.&nbsp;

“She is the type of nurse that we hope all nurses strive to be,” said the award letter. The letter continued, “When she is in charge, you know the day will go well. This reward is a great validation for her hard work.”&nbsp;

Geist completed her degree while continuing to work full time and raise her family.&nbsp;

Claire Kringen,&nbsp;Manhattan,&nbsp;received the On-Campus BSN Award. The award letter recognized her as an active and devoted member of the nursing program.&nbsp;

“She is a devoted and dedicated student, has persevered against many obstacles, has an inquiring mind and is constantly challenging herself in all academic areas,” said the letter.&nbsp;

Kringen was active in the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and served as house manager for the sorority. She was also a Panhellenic Council delegate.&nbsp;

The Stroup Awards, named for the founder of FHSU’s nursing program, recognize outstanding clinical performance, community involvement and academic achievement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576865609241.jpeg" alt="Claire Kringen, left, and Kylie Geist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Claire Kringen, left, and Kylie Geist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThree graduates of Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing were recognized in a pinning ceremony with Leora B. Stroup Awards as outstanding fall 2019 graduates.&nbsp;Jillian Fabela,&nbsp;Boerne, Texas,&nbsp;received the Master of Science in Nursing Award. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her MSN as a nurse educator. She earned her Associate in Nursing in 2010 from Cayuga Community College, New York, and her BSN in 2017 from Fort Hays State. She works as the education coordinator at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.&nbsp;Her capstone project studied the influences of mentorship programs on new graduates.&nbsp;The RN to BSN Award went to Kylie Geist,&nbsp;Hays,&nbsp;an RN who is working in the surgical unit and acute care at Hays Medical Center. She earned her Associate Degree in nursing in 2013 at North Central Kansas Technical College.&nbsp;“She is the type of nurse that we hope all nurses strive to be,” said the award letter. The letter continued, “When she is in charge, you know the day will go well. This reward is a great validation for her hard work.”&nbsp;Geist completed her degree while continuing to work full time and raise her family.&nbsp;Claire Kringen,&nbsp;Manhattan,&nbsp;received the On-Campus BSN Award. The award letter recognized her as an active and devoted member of the nursing program.&nbsp;“She is a devoted and dedicated student, has persevered against many obstacles, has an inquiring mind and is constantly challenging herself in all academic areas,” said the letter.&nbsp;Kringen was active in the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and served as house manager for the sorority. She was also a Panhellenic Council delegate.&nbsp;The Stroup Awards, named for the founder of FHSU’s nursing program, recognize outstanding clinical performance, community involvement and academic achievement.&nbsp;

Outstanding FHSU nursing grads recognized with Stroup Awards 

Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in November. This was unchanged from 3.1 percent in October and a decrease from 3.3 percent in November 2018.

“This month's report shows continued improvement in labor market conditions in Kansas. The state gained jobs and maintained the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years,” said Secretary Delía García. “Unemployment insurance claims data shows widespread improvement over the last twelve months, but there is still room for improvement.”

The jobless rate in Ellis County was unchanged at 2 percent. The only county in northwest Kansas with an unemployment rate at 3 percent was Graham County. Wichita County posted the state's lowest jobless rate in November at 1.5 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,200 from October. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 900 from the previous month.

“Preliminary estimates for November show a modest increase in jobs for the state,” said Senior Labor Economist, Tyler Tenbrink. “The industry showing the most notable increase is transportation equipment manufacturing where workers returned to the payroll after being on strike in October.”

Since November 2018, Kansas gained 16,800 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 11,800 private sector jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576858557380.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in November. This was unchanged from 3.1 percent in October and a decrease from 3.3 percent in November 2018.“This month's report shows continued improvement in labor market conditions in Kansas. The state gained jobs and maintained the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years,” said Secretary Delía García. “Unemployment insurance claims data shows widespread improvement over the last twelve months, but there is still room for improvement.”The jobless rate in Ellis County was unchanged at 2 percent. The only county in northwest Kansas with an unemployment rate at 3 percent was Graham County. Wichita County posted the state's lowest jobless rate in November at 1.5 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,200 from October. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 900 from the previous month.“Preliminary estimates for November show a modest increase in jobs for the state,” said Senior Labor Economist, Tyler Tenbrink. “The industry showing the most notable increase is transportation equipment manufacturing where workers returned to the payroll after being on strike in October.”Since November 2018, Kansas gained 16,800 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 11,800 private sector jobs.<figure>
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Unemployment rate remains extremely low across NW Kan.

Fort Hays State University announced today the selection of Dr. Grady Dixon as the new dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576858171061.jpeg" alt="Dr. Grady Dixon" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Grady Dixon</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University announced today the selection of Dr. Grady Dixon as the new dean of the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.&nbsp;His selection follows 18 months of service as the interim dean of the college. Prior to this, he served as the chair of the Department of Geosciences at FHSU.&nbsp;“I am thrilled that Dr. Dixon has accepted this position and look forward to working closely with him to advance the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics and Fort Hays State University,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president of academic affairs at FHSU.&nbsp;“He is an exceptionally innovative scholar, a dynamic leader and a skilled administrator with a unique ability to engage with and inspire others,” she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Dixon sees the Werth College as an essential and expanding contributor to the university’s nearly two-decade-long record of annual enrollment growth.&nbsp;“This is a special place, and I think we have strong leadership in all roles, from the president’s office down to each department in our college,” said Dixon.&nbsp;He went on to note that the college he now leads enjoys a strong reputation for producing highly-qualified science, math, and technology professionals as well as exceptional pre-professional candidates.&nbsp;“Our graduates are finding success around the world, and they are contributing to quality of life in their communities as well as at FHSU,” said Dixon.&nbsp;A&nbsp;physical geographer with expertise in meteorology and climatology, Dixon’s research topics are broad, but they consistently involve applying weather data to real-world problems across multiple disciplines. Much of his most recent research focuses on tornado climatology, weather-suicide relationships, and the effects of weather on wildlife.&nbsp;Dixon earned his bachelor’s degree in geosciences from Mississippi State University, his master’s degree in geography from the University of Georgia and his doctoral degree in geography from Arizona State University.&nbsp;

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