By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An abandoned goldendoodle puppy who was given a second lease on life thanks to a local rescue is now in training to help others grasp new lives themselves.

Fonzie, who is estimated to be four or five months old, was a part of a litter of four puppies who were found abandoned about a month ago outside of Hays. They were turned in to the Humane Society of the High Plains. The other three dogs were adopted by private individuals.

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services was looking to replace its therapy dog, Sunny, a golden retriever, who was ready for retirement. Sunny worked at Options for three years as a therapy dog.

Once he is fully trained, Fonzie will be working with Options clients, both adults and children, visiting the Options shelter and making appearances at community events.

"Some of the support they need is just reconnecting with a soft, furry friend," Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said. "Often survivors have to leave their pets behind when they leave, so that is a loss they feel."

Hecker told the story of one boy who was having a very difficult time talking about what happened to him and his family. 

"About the third session, I introduced him to Sunny. It was like working with a different little boy," she said. "We talked about who our friends are. We talked a lot about trust. We talked about how dogs are really good secret keepers.&nbsp;

"In that session, he laid down on the floor and picked up Sunny's ear and whispered every terrible, awful thing that had happened to him, that had happened to his mother and his sisters, everything that he had seen and experienced.&nbsp;

"I still get really emotional thinking about it," Hecker said.

After the boy had the breakthrough with Sunny, he was able to make strides quickly and more easily talk about what happened to him.&nbsp;

"Dogs don't judge. Dogs don't blame. Dogs love you unconditionally," Hecker said. "I think when people experience domestic violence in particularly, they don't have those experiences. A furry friend is someone you can tell those things to."

In a similar instance, a rape survivor was also having difficultly talking about the attack against her. She would shake and cry when she tried to talk about the rape. The dog helped her open up. She would take all her nervous energy and stroke Sunny and talk to Sunny, Hecker said.

"When it was difficult for her to say something, she often said it through the dog. The dog was there to validate her feelings. She would say, 'You understand what I mean, don't you, Sunny?' and she would give him a hug," Hecker said.

"She was able to keep moving because she knew that was someone who would not judge or blame her."

Hecker said people often have an immediate bond with pets, especially dogs.

"I think that is one of the reasons why pet therapy is so powerful," she said. "I think it is innate. I think it is a part of who we are to have a connection with animals."

Hecker said the staff also benefits from having a therapy dog in the office.

"Sometimes when the staff are working with people with very difficult cases, they take on some of the emotional pain the survivors are feeling," she said. "Therapy dogs are also really great for staff to help them decompress after a particularly difficult case they are working with."&nbsp;

Goldendoodles are known for being the fourth smartest dog breed, learning quickly, being very good with children and being very gentle, Hecker said.

Fonzie is named after character&nbsp;Arthur Fonzarelli,&nbsp;on TV's "Happy Days." He has been spending half days training with Hecker at the Options office. When he is not on the job, he is a family pet at the Hecker home.

As Fonzie, a soft, blonde bundle of playful energy, rolled around on the floor and tried to eat leaves, Hecker explained Fonzie will be working on obedience training and socialization for at least six&nbsp; to eight months before he is ready to meet clients.

"He needs to learn to be a polite dog and not jump on people or not nibble hands when you pet him," she said.&nbsp;

Fonzie's training will then progress to distraction training. He will have to learn to be around a lot of movement, loud noises and people coming and going from the Options building.&nbsp;

Fonzie will be a therapy dog, which is different than a service dog. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, such as alerting a handler of an oncoming seizure, serving as a guide dog or alerting to low blood sugar, Hecker said.

Therapy dogs are pets who provide emotional support and comfort, usually to more than one person.

"Often people think what we do is to rescue our victims, and that is not what we do," Hecker said. "Victims rescue themselves. Our job is to give them the life preserver that they need to cling on to along the way. There is something really beautiful that comes full circle that the dog—he is a rescue pet, and he is helping people rescue themselves.

"I think that is just a beautiful, beautiful thing to offer to the victims and survivors that we work with."

In Fonzie's honor, Options had a pet supply drive on Giving Tuesday. Those items were donated to the Humane Society of the High Plains, who aided in Fonzie's rescue.

Jessica Freib, Humane Society shelter assistant manager, said the story of the abandoned pups has ended happily.

"Any time a dog gets adopted it makes you feel pretty good," she said. "To know [Fonzie] is helping out, women and children in our community and even men who have gone through all the terrible things that can happen—sexual assault and domestic abuse and even sex trafficking—makes you feel good.

"In a small way you feel like you have done a good job for not only the dog, but for the community and the people too."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576271982950.jpeg" alt="Fonzie, the rescue dog, is training to be a therapy dog for&nbsp;Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Fonzie, the rescue dog, is training to be a therapy dog for&nbsp;Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn abandoned goldendoodle puppy who was given a second lease on life thanks to a local rescue is now in training to help others grasp new lives themselves.Fonzie, who is estimated to be four or five months old, was a part of a litter of four puppies who were found abandoned about a month ago outside of Hays. They were turned in to the Humane Society of the High Plains. The other three dogs were adopted by private individuals.Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services was looking to replace its therapy dog, Sunny, a golden retriever, who was ready for retirement. Sunny worked at Options for three years as a therapy dog.Once he is fully trained, Fonzie will be working with Options clients, both adults and children, visiting the Options shelter and making appearances at community events."Some of the support they need is just reconnecting with a soft, furry friend," Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said. "Often survivors have to leave their pets behind when they leave, so that is a loss they feel."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576272318577.jpeg" alt="Fonzie and Options executive director Jennifer Hecker." />
 <figcaption>Fonzie and Options executive director Jennifer Hecker.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hecker told the story of one boy who was having a very difficult time talking about what happened to him and his family. "About the third session, I introduced him to Sunny. It was like working with a different little boy," she said. "We talked about who our friends are. We talked a lot about trust. We talked about how dogs are really good secret keepers.&nbsp;"In that session, he laid down on the floor and picked up Sunny's ear and whispered every terrible, awful thing that had happened to him, that had happened to his mother and his sisters, everything that he had seen and experienced.&nbsp;"I still get really emotional thinking about it," Hecker said.After the boy had the breakthrough with Sunny, he was able to make strides quickly and more easily talk about what happened to him.&nbsp;"Dogs don't judge. Dogs don't blame. Dogs love you unconditionally," Hecker said. "I think when people experience domestic violence in particularly, they don't have those experiences. A furry friend is someone you can tell those things to."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576272384363.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a similar instance, a rape survivor was also having difficultly talking about the attack against her. She would shake and cry when she tried to talk about the rape. The dog helped her open up. She would take all her nervous energy and stroke Sunny and talk to Sunny, Hecker said."When it was difficult for her to say something, she often said it through the dog. The dog was there to validate her feelings. She would say, 'You understand what I mean, don't you, Sunny?' and she would give him a hug," Hecker said."She was able to keep moving because she knew that was someone who would not judge or blame her."Hecker said people often have an immediate bond with pets, especially dogs."I think that is one of the reasons why pet therapy is so powerful," she said. "I think it is innate. I think it is a part of who we are to have a connection with animals."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576272408855.jpeg" alt="Fonzie out in his play yard with a tug rope." />
 <figcaption>Fonzie out in his play yard with a tug rope.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hecker said the staff also benefits from having a therapy dog in the office."Sometimes when the staff are working with people with very difficult cases, they take on some of the emotional pain the survivors are feeling," she said. "Therapy dogs are also really great for staff to help them decompress after a particularly difficult case they are working with."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576274147053.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Goldendoodles are known for being the fourth smartest dog breed, learning quickly, being very good with children and being very gentle, Hecker said.Fonzie is named after character&nbsp;Arthur Fonzarelli,&nbsp;on TV's "Happy Days." He has been spending half days training with Hecker at the Options office. When he is not on the job, he is a family pet at the Hecker home.As Fonzie, a soft, blonde bundle of playful energy, rolled around on the floor and tried to eat leaves, Hecker explained Fonzie will be working on obedience training and socialization for at least six&nbsp; to eight months before he is ready to meet clients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576274172105.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"He needs to learn to be a polite dog and not jump on people or not nibble hands when you pet him," she said.&nbsp;Fonzie's training will then progress to distraction training. He will have to learn to be around a lot of movement, loud noises and people coming and going from the Options building.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576274201738.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fonzie will be a therapy dog, which is different than a service dog. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, such as alerting a handler of an oncoming seizure, serving as a guide dog or alerting to low blood sugar, Hecker said.Therapy dogs are pets who provide emotional support and comfort, usually to more than one person."Often people think what we do is to rescue our victims, and that is not what we do," Hecker said. "Victims rescue themselves. Our job is to give them the life preserver that they need to cling on to along the way. There is something really beautiful that comes full circle that the dog—he is a rescue pet, and he is helping people rescue themselves."I think that is just a beautiful, beautiful thing to offer to the victims and survivors that we work with."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576274230809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Fonzie's honor, Options had a pet supply drive on Giving Tuesday. Those items were donated to the Humane Society of the High Plains, who aided in Fonzie's rescue.Jessica Freib, Humane Society shelter assistant manager, said the story of the abandoned pups has ended happily."Any time a dog gets adopted it makes you feel pretty good," she said. "To know [Fonzie] is helping out, women and children in our community and even men who have gone through all the terrible things that can happen—sexual assault and domestic abuse and even sex trafficking—makes you feel good."In a small way you feel like you have done a good job for not only the dog, but for the community and the people too."

Rescue dog trains to be life preserver for violence victims

This may be the year that lawmakers tussle over a complicated issue that probably seems fairly simple to most of us, but which is rife with politics.

The issue is just what the Kansas Supreme Court, the Legislature, and the incredibly complex K-12 public school industry believe is an “at-risk” pupil, oh, and how to help those students get a good education in public schools that prepares them for living among us grown-ups.

State and federal law as a starting point considers children whose families’ income qualify them for federally assisted or free or reduced-price lunch at school as “at risk” of not performing well in school and preparing themselves for jobs, for more education, for, well, being the prosperous and well-behaved Kansans that we all hope move in next door.

Of course, there are children who are “at risk” for many reasons. It can be a jumbled and complicated home life, it can be health issues, it can be trying to absorb knowledge in English when that’s not their first-learned language or the language that is spoken in their home or foster home. Lots of things put children at risk for getting the education that the Legislature hopes state and local spending on public education will deliver.&nbsp;

The free lunch program is probably a starting point for “at-risk” from a purely procedural aspect. Everyone wants children to get a good lunch at school so they can concentrate and get all the education they can get during the school day.&nbsp; But then, we probably all went to school with kids who were poorer than us and smarter than us, or richer than us and dumber than us.

Not sure lunch is the definitive issue, but statistically, those children who receive free lunches are more likely to under-perform for a lot of reasons that stretch beyond lunch, and those kids are the most identifiable for making sure they are achieving well. So, we label them “at risk” because some are, and sorting out those who aren’t is socially and educationally tricky.

Well, the Supreme Court told lawmakers to pump more than $400 million in additional funding for school districts to make sure that they have the resources to take care of at-risk children.&nbsp; Now, that’s a pretty good order, but it didn’t define “at-risk,” just referred to the number of pupils who are under-performing in school, indicating that those pupils need more attention and more spending on them. The goal is a very clear, but legislators are starting to wonder whether just more money—or how much–gets every child access to the best education he/she can absorb.

A recent Legislative Post Audit of a narrow sliver of the state’s 286 unified school districts showed that some districts spent that additional state aid on programs that didn’t directly appear aimed at those pupils, at least to the auditors.&nbsp;

Districts have generally used that money to hire more teachers so they have more time to interact individually with all pupils, at-risk and others. That helps everyone. And most used the extra money for additional programs designed to improve pupil performance.

Some legislators looked at the audit and are unsure whether that at-risk aid is getting to the right kids or just boosting budgets.

Legislators are likely to want to narrowly focus that additional money on at-risk kids. That focus is going to be hard to define, especially to legislators who are holding the checkbook.

But…look for lawmakers to try to define “at-risk” and require districts to target the additional funds specifically to those students.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>This may be the year that lawmakers tussle over a complicated issue that probably seems fairly simple to most of us, but which is rife with politics.The issue is just what the Kansas Supreme Court, the Legislature, and the incredibly complex K-12 public school industry believe is an “at-risk” pupil, oh, and how to help those students get a good education in public schools that prepares them for living among us grown-ups.Just what is “at risk?”State and federal law as a starting point considers children whose families’ income qualify them for federally assisted or free or reduced-price lunch at school as “at risk” of not performing well in school and preparing themselves for jobs, for more education, for, well, being the prosperous and well-behaved Kansans that we all hope move in next door.Of course, there are children who are “at risk” for many reasons. It can be a jumbled and complicated home life, it can be health issues, it can be trying to absorb knowledge in English when that’s not their first-learned language or the language that is spoken in their home or foster home. Lots of things put children at risk for getting the education that the Legislature hopes state and local spending on public education will deliver.&nbsp;The free lunch program is probably a starting point for “at-risk” from a purely procedural aspect. Everyone wants children to get a good lunch at school so they can concentrate and get all the education they can get during the school day.&nbsp; But then, we probably all went to school with kids who were poorer than us and smarter than us, or richer than us and dumber than us.Not sure lunch is the definitive issue, but statistically, those children who receive free lunches are more likely to under-perform for a lot of reasons that stretch beyond lunch, and those kids are the most identifiable for making sure they are achieving well. So, we label them “at risk” because some are, and sorting out those who aren’t is socially and educationally tricky.Well, the Supreme Court told lawmakers to pump more than $400 million in additional funding for school districts to make sure that they have the resources to take care of at-risk children.&nbsp; Now, that’s a pretty good order, but it didn’t define “at-risk,” just referred to the number of pupils who are under-performing in school, indicating that those pupils need more attention and more spending on them. The goal is a very clear, but legislators are starting to wonder whether just more money—or how much–gets every child access to the best education he/she can absorb.A recent Legislative Post Audit of a narrow sliver of the state’s 286 unified school districts showed that some districts spent that additional state aid on programs that didn’t directly appear aimed at those pupils, at least to the auditors.&nbsp;Districts have generally used that money to hire more teachers so they have more time to interact individually with all pupils, at-risk and others. That helps everyone. And most used the extra money for additional programs designed to improve pupil performance.Some legislators looked at the audit and are unsure whether that at-risk aid is getting to the right kids or just boosting budgets.Legislators are likely to want to narrowly focus that additional money on at-risk kids. That focus is going to be hard to define, especially to legislators who are holding the checkbook.But…look for lawmakers to try to define “at-risk” and require districts to target the additional funds specifically to those students.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: The highly political definition of an 'at-risk' student

The Hays school board approved a bid Monday night for a new activity bus.

The board opted to purchase a bus for $259,950 from National Bus Sales that had more safety features than a similar bus for $221,000. The school district had budgeted&nbsp;$304,000 for the bus purchase.

These extra features included a stronger steel frame, better flooring, air ride on the front and year, and motion control to help compensate when the bus hits a bumps, swerves or encounters wind.

Considering the amount of wind that northwest Kansas receives, Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought the motion control feature would be worth the cost.

Russ Henningsen, transportation director, said he recommended the less expensive bus, because that is what other districts in the area have been purchasing for their schools.

The bus was scheduled to be purchased out of the 2020-21 capital outlay budget, but the board voted at its November meeting to purchase the bus this year.

This will reduce the amount of carry over in the capital outlay budget, but board members said the money would be replenished out of next year's budget.

Board member Sophia Rose Young said she would rather discuss maintenance and make sure there is enough money in the capital improvement fund for summer projects. However, she voted to approve the bus bid.

The board also agreed to set aside money from the transportation budget to do a graphic wrap of the bus. The wrap could cost $2,000 to $8,000.

The board only received bids from one company for the bus. A second company submitted a bid, but pulled the bid at the last minute because it was not allowed to sell this model of bus in this territory.

Henningsen said the bus should last 10 to 15 years. The bus will have 52 seats compared to the current activity bus, which has 42 seats. The new wide-body design will also have a wider aisle.

By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Hays school board approved a bid Monday night for a new activity bus.The board opted to purchase a bus for $259,950 from National Bus Sales that had more safety features than a similar bus for $221,000. The school district had budgeted&nbsp;$304,000 for the bus purchase.These extra features included a stronger steel frame, better flooring, air ride on the front and year, and motion control to help compensate when the bus hits a bumps, swerves or encounters wind.Considering the amount of wind that northwest Kansas receives, Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought the motion control feature would be worth the cost.Russ Henningsen, transportation director, said he recommended the less expensive bus, because that is what other districts in the area have been purchasing for their schools.The bus was scheduled to be purchased out of the 2020-21 capital outlay budget, but the board voted at its November meeting to purchase the bus this year.This will reduce the amount of carry over in the capital outlay budget, but board members said the money would be replenished out of next year's budget.Board member Sophia Rose Young said she would rather discuss maintenance and make sure there is enough money in the capital improvement fund for summer projects. However, she voted to approve the bus bid.The board also agreed to set aside money from the transportation budget to do a graphic wrap of the bus. The wrap could cost $2,000 to $8,000.The board only received bids from one company for the bus. A second company submitted a bid, but pulled the bid at the last minute because it was not allowed to sell this model of bus in this territory.Henningsen said the bus should last 10 to 15 years. The bus will have 52 seats compared to the current activity bus, which has 42 seats. The new wide-body design will also have a wider aisle.

Hays school board approves bid for activity bus

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $50.25 per barrel after gaining 75 cents a barrel on Friday.

There are five active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from the previous weekly report.&nbsp; West of Wichita the count dropped by two to 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Ellis County, two in Russell County and one in Stafford County.

Baker Hughes reports 799 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decline of four gas rigs.&nbsp; Canada checks in with 153 rigs, up 15 for the week.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a lot of completion activity across the state as we approach the new year. Operators completed 30 wells last week in the eastern half of the state, and 24 in western Kansas. That includes one in Barton County and one in Stafford County, but both were dry holes.&nbsp; So far this year there are 1,357 newly completed wells. &nbsp;

Regulators gave their okay to 21 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas, 1,049 so far this year, including nine in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita.&nbsp; There's one new drilling permit in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.

Preliminary numbers from North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources show another all-time record in that state's crude production. North Dakota operators produced more than one and a half million barrels per day in October, according to the latest numbers available.&nbsp;

Lawmakers in New Mexico say revenues from oil and gas production will be a bit lower than originally forecast, but still a "bonanza." Experts project an extra $797 million for the next fiscal year. That’s a dip from an earlier estimate but it’s still enough for lawmakers to consider budget increases for schools, health care, and crime-fighting initiatives.&nbsp;

U.S. crude production dropped slightly last week from the all-time record set the week before. The government reports domestic output of 12.788 million barrels per day, which is down about 100,000 barrels per day from the record. The four-week production average in the U.S. is ten percent higher than for the same period last year.

The Energy Information Administration reported a slight increase in domestic crude-oil stockpiles.&nbsp; For the week ending December 6, inventories were 447.9 million barrels. That's up 800,000 barrels from the week before and about four percent above the five-year seasonal average.

EIA reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in gasoline stockpiles, while demand dropped.&nbsp; AAA says that should produce some downward pressure on prices at the pump.&nbsp; The national average dropped to just over $2.57/gal. The average across Kansas was just shy of $2.30. We spotted $2.12 at several locations in Hays and $2.20 across Great Bend. Your average cost to fill a 15-gallon tank will be about the same as last week, a dollar less than last month and five dollars less than six months ago.

In the monthly report, the government says crude oil prices will drop next year, but not as much as expected.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration now predicts London Brent will average $61 per barrel next year, a dollar more than the prediction they made last month. The agency pegs the average WTI price next year at about $55.50.

Next year is expected to be a good one for the nation's refineries, with increasing margins for diesel fuel, and record high volumes. The government credits upcoming international efforts to reduce the sulfur content in shipping fuel. EIA now predicts U.S. refinery runs will jump three percent next year to a record 17.5 million barrels per day.

Chevron on Wednesday reduced its long-term outlook for oil and gas prices because of that glut. The nation's No. 2 oil company plans to write down assets by ten to eleven billion dollars to reflect its price pessimism.

Trading began in Saudi Arabia for shares in Saudi Aramco in the world's largest-ever initial public stock offering. Shares surged in the first day of trading, giving the company a valuation of $1.88 trillion. That makes Aramco the largest listed company in the world, comfortably ahead of Microsoft and Apple.

Mexico announced the biggest oil discovery in that country since 1987.&nbsp; Officials said the on-shore field in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco has 500 million barrels of crude in proven, probable and possible reserves.&nbsp;

The International Energy Agency says in its monthly Oil Market Report that last week's extension of the OPEC+ production cuts may not be enough to stave off next year's predicted oil glut. IEA reports production could exceed consumption by upwards of 700,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Analysts say the new production agreement last week did not have the full expected effect, largely because ongoing cheating by some OPEC members.

Goldman Sachs announced over the weekend that it will no longer finance Arctic energy development. The bank also said it will stop investing in new thermal coal mines anywhere in the world. The move is a mixed bag for the oil patch. Analysts say if other banks follow suit, coal financing could become "unbankable" according to a report in The Guardian newspaper.

Acts of piracy on shipping in West Africa have been steadily increasing in recent weeks. An oil tanker was attacked on Sunday in West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea. Bloomberg reports most of its crew were kidnapped. Earlier this month 19 sailors were kidnapped from a supertanker off the coast of Nigeria, and four crew members were taken from a smaller Greek tanker docked at a port in Togo in early November. According to the International Maritime Bureau, crew kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea make up more than 80% of the worldwide total. Passing ships have been advised to stay at least 200 nautical miles and preferably 250 miles away from the coast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140802303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $50.25 per barrel after gaining 75 cents a barrel on Friday.There are five active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one from the previous weekly report.&nbsp; West of Wichita the count dropped by two to 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports drilling underway on one lease in Ellis County, two in Russell County and one in Stafford County.Baker Hughes reports 799 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decline of four gas rigs.&nbsp; Canada checks in with 153 rigs, up 15 for the week.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a lot of completion activity across the state as we approach the new year. Operators completed 30 wells last week in the eastern half of the state, and 24 in western Kansas. That includes one in Barton County and one in Stafford County, but both were dry holes.&nbsp; So far this year there are 1,357 newly completed wells. &nbsp;Regulators gave their okay to 21 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas, 1,049 so far this year, including nine in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita.&nbsp; There's one new drilling permit in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.Preliminary numbers from North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources show another all-time record in that state's crude production. North Dakota operators produced more than one and a half million barrels per day in October, according to the latest numbers available.&nbsp;Lawmakers in New Mexico say revenues from oil and gas production will be a bit lower than originally forecast, but still a "bonanza." Experts project an extra $797 million for the next fiscal year. That’s a dip from an earlier estimate but it’s still enough for lawmakers to consider budget increases for schools, health care, and crime-fighting initiatives.&nbsp;U.S. crude production dropped slightly last week from the all-time record set the week before. The government reports domestic output of 12.788 million barrels per day, which is down about 100,000 barrels per day from the record. The four-week production average in the U.S. is ten percent higher than for the same period last year.The Energy Information Administration reported a slight increase in domestic crude-oil stockpiles.&nbsp; For the week ending December 6, inventories were 447.9 million barrels. That's up 800,000 barrels from the week before and about four percent above the five-year seasonal average.EIA reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in gasoline stockpiles, while demand dropped.&nbsp; AAA says that should produce some downward pressure on prices at the pump.&nbsp; The national average dropped to just over $2.57/gal. The average across Kansas was just shy of $2.30. We spotted $2.12 at several locations in Hays and $2.20 across Great Bend. Your average cost to fill a 15-gallon tank will be about the same as last week, a dollar less than last month and five dollars less than six months ago.In the monthly report, the government says crude oil prices will drop next year, but not as much as expected.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration now predicts London Brent will average $61 per barrel next year, a dollar more than the prediction they made last month. The agency pegs the average WTI price next year at about $55.50.Next year is expected to be a good one for the nation's refineries, with increasing margins for diesel fuel, and record high volumes. The government credits upcoming international efforts to reduce the sulfur content in shipping fuel. EIA now predicts U.S. refinery runs will jump three percent next year to a record 17.5 million barrels per day.Chevron on Wednesday reduced its long-term outlook for oil and gas prices because of that glut. The nation's No. 2 oil company plans to write down assets by ten to eleven billion dollars to reflect its price pessimism.Trading began in Saudi Arabia for shares in Saudi Aramco in the world's largest-ever initial public stock offering. Shares surged in the first day of trading, giving the company a valuation of $1.88 trillion. That makes Aramco the largest listed company in the world, comfortably ahead of Microsoft and Apple.Mexico announced the biggest oil discovery in that country since 1987.&nbsp; Officials said the on-shore field in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco has 500 million barrels of crude in proven, probable and possible reserves.&nbsp;The International Energy Agency says in its monthly Oil Market Report that last week's extension of the OPEC+ production cuts may not be enough to stave off next year's predicted oil glut. IEA reports production could exceed consumption by upwards of 700,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Analysts say the new production agreement last week did not have the full expected effect, largely because ongoing cheating by some OPEC members.Goldman Sachs announced over the weekend that it will no longer finance Arctic energy development. The bank also said it will stop investing in new thermal coal mines anywhere in the world. The move is a mixed bag for the oil patch. Analysts say if other banks follow suit, coal financing could become "unbankable" according to a report in The Guardian newspaper.Acts of piracy on shipping in West Africa have been steadily increasing in recent weeks. An oil tanker was attacked on Sunday in West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea. Bloomberg reports most of its crew were kidnapped. Earlier this month 19 sailors were kidnapped from a supertanker off the coast of Nigeria, and four crew members were taken from a smaller Greek tanker docked at a port in Togo in early November. According to the International Maritime Bureau, crew kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea make up more than 80% of the worldwide total. Passing ships have been advised to stay at least 200 nautical miles and preferably 250 miles away from the coast.

News From the Oil Patch, Dec. 16

<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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Three-day weather outlook

My patient was in severe pain, suffering from an obstruction in his gastrointestinal tract as a result of spreading cancer. I knew that morphine, one of the opioids, would provide immediate and merciful relief, and it did. We are thankful that we have something that can palliate pain and provide comfort for severe acute pain, especially for patients at the end of their lives. That’s good!

In contrast to the good that opioids can do for certain acute pain, we know they are not very effective for musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain and fail terribly in helping long term pain and chronic pain syndrome. Despite this inadequacy, opioids are still being over-prescribed for most post-operative musculoskeletal pain.&nbsp;

Also, our bodies quickly develop tolerance to opioids, thus continually requiring increased doses to get the same effect. In addition, withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be significant making it difficult to stop taking opioids once hooked. It is estimated that about 75 percent of those taking illicit opioids got started from a prescription, more than 100,000 people are regularly using heroin and about 12 million people are taking non-prescribed illicit opioids. That’s bad!

It gets worse. Opioids have an insidious potential for overdose which depresses the drive to breathe so much as to suffocate people to death. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 70,000 people die each year from opioid overdose. In comparison, 83,000 die from diabetes, 56,000 from influenza and pneumonia, 47,000 from suicide and 40,000 from motor vehicle crashes. That’s very bad!

Ultimately, care providers need to prescribe opioids very judiciously and people must be careful when taking prescribed opioids. AND people need to avoid dangerous illicit forms. We do have an antidote to opioid overdose called naloxone (or Narcan®). If given soon enough, it displaces the opioid from the brain pain receptor and the victim starts breathing again. Thus, every ambulance and emergency room have multiple doses of this lifesaving reversal agent readily available.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, in response to this opioid epidemic, the drug manufacturer of naloxone, which costs 50 cents to six dollars to make, raised its price up to $4,000 for a dual pen auto-injector. Fortunately, a generic version will be available soon with a two-pack of auto-injectors for $180. Until then, we pay the higher price. That’s ugly!

Bottom line: If we hope to find help for this crisis, we need to understand the good, the bad and the ugly about opioids.

Richard P. Holm, MD is founder of The Prairie Doc® and author of “Life’s Final Season, A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace” available on Amazon. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit <a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org">www.prairiedoc.org</a> and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564767685515.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DR. RICHARD P. HOLMMy patient was in severe pain, suffering from an obstruction in his gastrointestinal tract as a result of spreading cancer. I knew that morphine, one of the opioids, would provide immediate and merciful relief, and it did. We are thankful that we have something that can palliate pain and provide comfort for severe acute pain, especially for patients at the end of their lives. That’s good!In contrast to the good that opioids can do for certain acute pain, we know they are not very effective for musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain and fail terribly in helping long term pain and chronic pain syndrome. Despite this inadequacy, opioids are still being over-prescribed for most post-operative musculoskeletal pain.&nbsp;Also, our bodies quickly develop tolerance to opioids, thus continually requiring increased doses to get the same effect. In addition, withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be significant making it difficult to stop taking opioids once hooked. It is estimated that about 75 percent of those taking illicit opioids got started from a prescription, more than 100,000 people are regularly using heroin and about 12 million people are taking non-prescribed illicit opioids. That’s bad!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508816063.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It gets worse. Opioids have an insidious potential for overdose which depresses the drive to breathe so much as to suffocate people to death. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 70,000 people die each year from opioid overdose. In comparison, 83,000 die from diabetes, 56,000 from influenza and pneumonia, 47,000 from suicide and 40,000 from motor vehicle crashes. That’s very bad!Ultimately, care providers need to prescribe opioids very judiciously and people must be careful when taking prescribed opioids. AND people need to avoid dangerous illicit forms. We do have an antidote to opioid overdose called naloxone (or Narcan®). If given soon enough, it displaces the opioid from the brain pain receptor and the victim starts breathing again. Thus, every ambulance and emergency room have multiple doses of this lifesaving reversal agent readily available.&nbsp;Unfortunately, in response to this opioid epidemic, the drug manufacturer of naloxone, which costs 50 cents to six dollars to make, raised its price up to $4,000 for a dual pen auto-injector. Fortunately, a generic version will be available soon with a two-pack of auto-injectors for $180. Until then, we pay the higher price. That’s ugly!Bottom line: If we hope to find help for this crisis, we need to understand the good, the bad and the ugly about opioids.Richard P. Holm, MD is founder of The Prairie Doc® and author of “Life’s Final Season, A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace” available on Amazon. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit <a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org">www.prairiedoc.org</a> and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central. &nbsp;

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Opioids — the good, the bad, the ugly

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575911837053.png">FHSU University Relations Fort Hays State University students recently competed against over 400 singers in the West Central Region National Association of Teachers of Singing Students Auditions in Manhattan.&nbsp; “Congratulations and an enormous thank you to our pianists Randy Allen, Lori Davidson, Leann Hillmer, Stacey Lee and Pam McGowne for a brilliant weekend. We couldn’t do it without you,” said Dr. Joseph Perniciaro, associate professor of music and theater.&nbsp; The regional finalists have qualified to compete in the 2020 NATS National Student Auditions.&nbsp; REGIONAL FINALISTS/AWARD WINNERS&nbsp;From the studio of Dr. Joseph Perniciaro:&nbsp;Austin Cramer,&nbsp;WaKeeney, third place,&nbsp;Freshmen Men Classical Division.&nbsp;Eric Adams,&nbsp;Hays,&nbsp;fifth place,&nbsp;Sophomore Men Classical Division.&nbsp; From the studio of Dr. Ivalah Allen, associate professor of music and theatre:&nbsp;Luis Valencia,&nbsp;Leoti, third place,&nbsp;Sophomore Men Classical Division.&nbsp; REGIONAL SEMI-FINALISTS&nbsp;From the studio of Dr. Joseph Perniciaro:&nbsp;Katy Walters,&nbsp;Hays, Sophomore, Lower College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Sarah Wyse,&nbsp;Hays, Sophomore, Lower College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Adams,&nbsp;Lower College Men Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Shelby Knoll,&nbsp;Hays, Sophomore, Sophomore Women Classical Division.&nbsp;Walters,&nbsp;Sophomore Women Classical Division.&nbsp;Wyse,&nbsp;Sophomore Women Classical Division.&nbsp;Adams,&nbsp;Sophomore Men Classical Division.&nbsp;Ciara Calhoon,&nbsp;Kensington, Senior, Upper College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Jenna Confer,&nbsp;St. Francis, Senior Upper College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Jared Thom,&nbsp;Hays, Senior, Upper College Men Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Confer,&nbsp;Junior Women Classical Division.&nbsp; From the studio of Dr. Ivalah Allen:&nbsp;Luis Valencia,&nbsp;Leoti, Sophomore, Lower College Men Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Rebecca Anderson,&nbsp;Hays, Freshman, Lower College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Danni Dickerson,&nbsp;Riley, Senior, Upper College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Ryan Will,&nbsp;Hays, Sophomore, Lower College Men Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;Roslind Finlay,&nbsp;Carbondale, Senior, Lower College Women Music Theatre Division.&nbsp;

FHSU singers place regionally in national competition

On Dec. 16 the Hays
Police Department received a report that a juvenile female had been sexually
assaulted near Massey Park, 17th and Allen.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The assault reportedly occurred at about 6:15
p.m. that day. The victim reported that she met a young man on social media and
agreed to meet him at the park. 

At the
park, the young man reportedly physically restrained the victim and then
sexually assaulted her. The suspect then fled the park.&nbsp; The victim ran from the scene with another
female and then called the police. 

The suspect has been described as a
white male about 6-foot-tall, medium/athletic build, short brown hair, and beard.
The suspect was reportedly wearing shoes, jeans and a dark hoodie. A possible
blue vehicle may have been driven by the suspect. 

The investigation continues into this
sexual assault of a child and you are encouraged to contact the Hays Police Department
if you have any information reference this reported crime.

The Hays Police Department would like
to remind parents of the importance of speaking with their child about the
dangers of social media and meeting people online. The following are safety
tips from the FBI. 

Contact
the Hays Police Department if you have any information reference this or any
other crime. 

Hays Police DepartmentOn Dec. 16 the Hays
Police Department received a report that a juvenile female had been sexually
assaulted near Massey Park, 17th and Allen.&nbsp;&nbsp; The assault reportedly occurred at about 6:15
p.m. that day. The victim reported that she met a young man on social media and
agreed to meet him at the park. At the
park, the young man reportedly physically restrained the victim and then
sexually assaulted her. The suspect then fled the park.&nbsp; The victim ran from the scene with another
female and then called the police. The suspect has been described as a
white male about 6-foot-tall, medium/athletic build, short brown hair, and beard.
The suspect was reportedly wearing shoes, jeans and a dark hoodie. A possible
blue vehicle may have been driven by the suspect. The investigation continues into this
sexual assault of a child and you are encouraged to contact the Hays Police Department
if you have any information reference this reported crime.The Hays Police Department would like
to remind parents of the importance of speaking with their child about the
dangers of social media and meeting people online. The following are safety
tips from the FBI. <h2>On-Line Safety Tips for Parents</h2><ul>
 <li>Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep your Internet computer in an open, common room of the house. Don’t forget cell phones!</li><li>Tell your kids why it’s so important not to disclose personal information online.</li><li>Check your kids’ profiles and what they post online.</li><li>Read and follow the safety tips provided on the sites.</li><li>Report inappropriate activity to the website or law enforcement immediately.</li><li>Only allow your kids to post photos or any type of personally-identifying information on websites with your knowledge and consent.</li><li>Instruct your kids to use privacy settings to restrict access to profiles so only the individuals on their contact lists are able to view their profiles.</li><li>Remind kids to only add people they know in real life to their contact lists.</li><li>Encourage kids to choose appropriate screen names or nicknames.</li><li>Talk to your kids about creating strong passwords.</li><li>Visit social networking websites with your kids, and exchange ideas about acceptable versus potentially risky websites.</li><li>Ask your kids about the people they are communicating with online.</li><li>Make it a rule with your kids that they can never give out personal information or meet anyone in person without your prior knowledge and consent. If you agree to a meeting between your child and someone they met online, talk to the parents/guardians of the other individual first and accompany your kids to the meeting in a public place.</li><li>Encourage your kids to consider whether a message is harmful, dangerous, hurtful, or rude before posting or sending it online, and teach your kids not to respond to any rude or harassing remarks or messages that make them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused and to show you the messages instead.&nbsp;</li><li>Educate yourself on the websites, software and apps that your child uses.</li>
 </ul>Contact
the Hays Police Department if you have any information reference this or any
other crime.

HPD investigating sexual assult

The Hays school board will hear results on&nbsp;Kansans Can Star Recognition Program for the 2018-19 school year at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

USD 489 received bronze recognition in being prepared for postsecondary success, and copper awards for graduation rate and&nbsp; academically prepared for postsecondary success.&nbsp;The district also received a commissioner's honor.

The average student composite score on the ACT for district students in 2018-19 was a 22. The state average was 21.2.

More Hays students than the state average reached benchmark scores for being ready for college in the areas of English, math, social science and biology.

Seventy-three percent of Hays students taking the ACT hit the benchmark for being ready for taking English Composition, compared to 64 percent for the state average.

The district's 2018 graduation rate was 88.5 percent compared to the state, which was 87.5 percent.

The board will also consider bids for the purchase of an activity bus. The bus was scheduled to be purchased during the 2020-21 school year. However, board members voted&nbsp;at their November meeting to move up the purchase of the bus.&nbsp;

Curtis Brown, USD 489 Foundation president, will also present information on proceeds from the foundation auction, which was on Oct. 26.

There will be a reception for the outgoing school board members from 6 to 6:30 tonight at Rockwell Administration Center.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will hear results on&nbsp;Kansans Can Star Recognition Program for the 2018-19 school year at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.USD 489 received bronze recognition in being prepared for postsecondary success, and copper awards for graduation rate and&nbsp; academically prepared for postsecondary success.&nbsp;The district also received a commissioner's honor.The average student composite score on the ACT for district students in 2018-19 was a 22. The state average was 21.2.More Hays students than the state average reached benchmark scores for being ready for college in the areas of English, math, social science and biology.Seventy-three percent of Hays students taking the ACT hit the benchmark for being ready for taking English Composition, compared to 64 percent for the state average.The district's 2018 graduation rate was 88.5 percent compared to the state, which was 87.5 percent.Activity busThe board will also consider bids for the purchase of an activity bus. The bus was scheduled to be purchased during the 2020-21 school year. However, board members voted&nbsp;at their November meeting to move up the purchase of the bus.&nbsp;Curtis Brown, USD 489 Foundation president, will also present information on proceeds from the foundation auction, which was on Oct. 26.There will be a reception for the outgoing school board members from 6 to 6:30 tonight at Rockwell Administration Center.

Hays school board to hear report on Kansas Can recognition

<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="Ellis County EMS helping community with food drive Monday" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fvbqx-cb97c4?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><figure>
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🎤Post Podcast: Ellis County EMS helping community with food drive Monday

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df7bc5257544d3fe90e7aac">Click HERE for the 2019 parade winners</a>

<h2>Scenes from the 2019 FrostFest Parade</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df7bc5257544d3fe90e7aac">Click HERE for the 2019 parade winners</a><figure>
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📷A look at the FrostFest Parade

Two Hays High teachers are attempting to revive the dying art of letter writing.

This semester Luke Lundmark, history teacher, and&nbsp;Diane Mason, English teacher, have recruited 30 students and 30 seniors to be pen pals.

The first round of letters from students were due to go out Friday.

Lundmark was inspired to start the program after he went caroling with his son and his Cub Scout Pack at Homestead Health last year. He saw how the boys and the seniors interacted and wanted to find a way to translate that into a project at the high school.

Last year, all the history classes sent cards once a month to the residents at Homestead Health. Lundmark was given authorization to expand the project into an ongoing pen pal program with seniors.

The pen pal program is open to all students at Hays High. The minimum requirement is to write two letters per month — by hand.

"I wanted there to be an ongoing conversation and the development of a relationship," Lundmark said. "I would hope we would get a freshman who would do this, have the same pen pal for four years and then let that continue to grow. I feel both sides can learn a lot from each other."

We live in a technological world, but Mason said she thinks being able to simply practice handwriting will be beneficial to the students.

"Officer (Brian) Dawson of the Hays Police Department tells me when he has people fill out an incident report after an accident, a lot of people struggle with even filling out the form because it is right there on the spot in their own hand," Mason said. "He said it is still a skill that they need."

Mason will be assisting students with editing and composition and said she hoped the letters will help the students learn how to organize their thoughts.

Lundmark said he thought connecting with seniors will help the students learn another perspective on history.

"In the history classes, we learn the big picture," he said. "These senior citizens, they can lace their interactions with those big ideas and those stories. It also teaches local history."

Both teachers said they hoped the pen pal program would help the students and seniors make meaningful connections.

"I think even though students use [cellphones], I still think there is a level of loneliness where they don't really feel a connection to someone who cares about who they are," Lundmark said, "and the same on the flip side with senior citizens.&nbsp;

"They don't have that connection. Maybe family has moved away, so they are stuck in a localized area and they may not have a lot of connections. This is a way to open a door to both of them to at least know there is a person to connect with and who wants to know them on a personal level."

Lundmark said writing letters slows down communication and causes the students to be thoughtful about what they are saying.&nbsp;

"You can have 600 friends on Facebook, but how many of those know you have a favorite band or that you had a favorite dog growing up or your favorite time of year is not Christmas, but Thanksgiving?" he said. "These are stories you are able to put in letters."

Mason said she still has letters her mother wrote when she was alive. Many were about daily life, saying things such as, "I'm making a tuna sandwich" and "Your dad's cutting the grass."

"I don't think this generation understands the real joy of getting a real letter in the mail," Mason said.

Lundmark's wife's family has thousands of letters her grandmother wrote to her children. The family had them bound into a book so they could be shared with future generations.

All outgoing and incoming letters in the pen pal program will be screened. The students will only be using their first names for safety reasons. Both letters from students and senior pen pals must meet high school conduct standards and not include any profanity or references to sex or alcohol.&nbsp;

Any senior 55 and older can participate. You do not have to live in Hays to participate. The project already has a couple of pen pals who live out of state.

If you are a senior citizen interested in participating, contact Lundmark at <a href="http://llundmark@usd489.com">llundmark@usd489.com</a>, Mason at <a href="http://dmason@usd489.com">dmason@usd489.com</a>, call HHS at 785-623-2600 or send a letter to Hays High School, Attn: Senior Pen Pal Program, 2300 E. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601.

For those senior pen pals who live in the area, Lundmark hopes to have a coffee and doughnuts event at the school at the end of the semester so the pen pals can meet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576186172492.jpeg" alt="Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@helloquence?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Helloquence</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/man-writing?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@helloquence?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Helloquence</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/man-writing?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTwo Hays High teachers are attempting to revive the dying art of letter writing.This semester Luke Lundmark, history teacher, and&nbsp;Diane Mason, English teacher, have recruited 30 students and 30 seniors to be pen pals.The first round of letters from students were due to go out Friday.Lundmark was inspired to start the program after he went caroling with his son and his Cub Scout Pack at Homestead Health last year. He saw how the boys and the seniors interacted and wanted to find a way to translate that into a project at the high school.Last year, all the history classes sent cards once a month to the residents at Homestead Health. Lundmark was given authorization to expand the project into an ongoing pen pal program with seniors.The pen pal program is open to all students at Hays High. The minimum requirement is to write two letters per month — by hand."I wanted there to be an ongoing conversation and the development of a relationship," Lundmark said. "I would hope we would get a freshman who would do this, have the same pen pal for four years and then let that continue to grow. I feel both sides can learn a lot from each other."We live in a technological world, but Mason said she thinks being able to simply practice handwriting will be beneficial to the students."Officer (Brian) Dawson of the Hays Police Department tells me when he has people fill out an incident report after an accident, a lot of people struggle with even filling out the form because it is right there on the spot in their own hand," Mason said. "He said it is still a skill that they need."Mason will be assisting students with editing and composition and said she hoped the letters will help the students learn how to organize their thoughts.Lundmark said he thought connecting with seniors will help the students learn another perspective on history."In the history classes, we learn the big picture," he said. "These senior citizens, they can lace their interactions with those big ideas and those stories. It also teaches local history."Both teachers said they hoped the pen pal program would help the students and seniors make meaningful connections."I think even though students use [cellphones], I still think there is a level of loneliness where they don't really feel a connection to someone who cares about who they are," Lundmark said, "and the same on the flip side with senior citizens.&nbsp;"They don't have that connection. Maybe family has moved away, so they are stuck in a localized area and they may not have a lot of connections. This is a way to open a door to both of them to at least know there is a person to connect with and who wants to know them on a personal level."Lundmark said writing letters slows down communication and causes the students to be thoughtful about what they are saying.&nbsp;"You can have 600 friends on Facebook, but how many of those know you have a favorite band or that you had a favorite dog growing up or your favorite time of year is not Christmas, but Thanksgiving?" he said. "These are stories you are able to put in letters."Mason said she still has letters her mother wrote when she was alive. Many were about daily life, saying things such as, "I'm making a tuna sandwich" and "Your dad's cutting the grass.""I don't think this generation understands the real joy of getting a real letter in the mail," Mason said.Lundmark's wife's family has thousands of letters her grandmother wrote to her children. The family had them bound into a book so they could be shared with future generations.All outgoing and incoming letters in the pen pal program will be screened. The students will only be using their first names for safety reasons. Both letters from students and senior pen pals must meet high school conduct standards and not include any profanity or references to sex or alcohol.&nbsp;Any senior 55 and older can participate. You do not have to live in Hays to participate. The project already has a couple of pen pals who live out of state.If you are a senior citizen interested in participating, contact Lundmark at <a href="http://llundmark@usd489.com">llundmark@usd489.com</a>, Mason at <a href="http://dmason@usd489.com">dmason@usd489.com</a>, call HHS at 785-623-2600 or send a letter to Hays High School, Attn: Senior Pen Pal Program, 2300 E. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601.For those senior pen pals who live in the area, Lundmark hopes to have a coffee and doughnuts event at the school at the end of the semester so the pen pals can meet.

Hays High program seeks to revive dying art of letter writing

🎥 FrostFest Parade 2019

Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

<h2>Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:</h2><div>Sleep Inn and Suites - Dec 10 1902 Vine, HaysA follow-up inspection found no violations.</div>

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections, 12/9 – 12/15

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12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 10!

The Downtown Hays Development Corp. on Monday announced the winners of Saturday's annual FrostFest Parade.

The parade, presented by Eagle Communications and the Hays Convention and Visitor'sVisitor's Bureau, took place Saturday on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. This year's parade theme was "A Kansas Christmas," submitted by Melissa Chaney. Chaney served as the 2019 parade grand marshal, accompanied her family.&nbsp;

Six judges from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce judged the parade entries on the use of theme, lighting and creativity. The winners in each category will receive $75 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques. The winners are as follows:

Animals: 1st place – Kansas Western Horseman's Association, 2nd place – Plainville Saddle Club, 3rd place – Ellis County Rodeo

Business: 1st place – Elements of Massage, 2nd place – Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, 3rd place – Dillons

Non-Profit/Other: 1st place – Bethesda Place, 2nd place – Donna Fleischacker, 3rd place - NCK Technical College

The judge's overall favorite from the evening and winner of $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques was the Hays Public Library.

2019 was also the 10th year for the Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice award, which was voted on by parade-goers via text message. The winner of this award receives $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques.

Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice: 1st place – NCK Tech College, 2nd place – Ellis County EMS, 3rd place - Bethesda Place

The theme for the 2020 parade — "Do You Hear What I Hear?" — was revealed at the end of the parade. The Kansas Western Horseman's Association submitted it during the annual Frostfest Theme Contest, and the organization will serve as next year's grand marshal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574087920388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Downtown Hays Development Corp. on Monday announced the winners of Saturday's annual FrostFest Parade.The parade, presented by Eagle Communications and the Hays Convention and Visitor'sVisitor's Bureau, took place Saturday on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. This year's parade theme was "A Kansas Christmas," submitted by Melissa Chaney. Chaney served as the 2019 parade grand marshal, accompanied her family.&nbsp;Six judges from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce judged the parade entries on the use of theme, lighting and creativity. The winners in each category will receive $75 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques. The winners are as follows:Animals: 1st place – Kansas Western Horseman's Association, 2nd place – Plainville Saddle Club, 3rd place – Ellis County RodeoBusiness: 1st place – Elements of Massage, 2nd place – Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, 3rd place – DillonsNon-Profit/Other: 1st place – Bethesda Place, 2nd place – Donna Fleischacker, 3rd place - NCK Technical CollegeThe judge's overall favorite from the evening and winner of $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques was the Hays Public Library.2019 was also the 10th year for the Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice award, which was voted on by parade-goers via text message. The winner of this award receives $150 in Downtown Dollars and Chamber Cheques.Nex-Tech Wireless People's Choice: 1st place – NCK Tech College, 2nd place – Ellis County EMS, 3rd place - Bethesda PlaceThe theme for the 2020 parade — "Do You Hear What I Hear?" — was revealed at the end of the parade. The Kansas Western Horseman's Association submitted it during the annual Frostfest Theme Contest, and the organization will serve as next year's grand marshal.

 Frostfest 2019 parade winners announced

Siblings – even twins – have different career goals. But Jenice Hernandez said she feels blessed that she followed her twin sister, Jasmine, to Fort Hays State University following their senior year at Liberal High School.

Jenice graduated Friday with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and plans to take her talents to the Kansas City area.

During her presidential remarks at commencement – the first at FHSU following the fall semester – Dr. Tisa Mason asked all first generation graduates to stand. Jenice was honored to do so and pleased to celebrate with her family as a first generation graduate, joining Jasmine in that distinction. Jasmine graduated last spring with a degree in health and human performance and is working with an athletic trainer at a high school in Tyler, Texas, while pursuing her master’s.

Jenice chose the creative arts path and plans to continue her education. Her goal is to become an esthetician (a skincare specialist) and eventually operate her own business. And she feels her experiences at FHSU will carry her far.

“I feel like I grew a lot as a person at Fort Hays State,” she said. “I’m a little nervous about graduating and going out into the world but excited at the same time.”

“Feelings of nostalgia are important,” she told the graduates. “They mean we have etched a place in your heart and you are tied to your alma mater. Don’t ever forget that your education is a privilege, and a Fort Hays State University education is a special privilege. Cherish it.”

Jenice reminisced about her career during finals week while talking about the importance of a college education, especially at Fort Hays State. She was particularly impressed with the hands-on opportunities available so early in her college career. Jenice worked as a student graphic designer in the office of University Relations and Marketing for two and a half years.

“It was a great opportunity to be able to use my design skills,” she said. “It’s so awesome to be able to get the experience here instead of having to wait until you graduate and are out in the real world before you get started.”

Jenice was surprised at first with – and appreciative of – the support that FHSU students get from the Hays community.

“It’s sometimes hard to reach audiences with your art,” Jenice said. “But Hays has several community art walks a year where we can display our work, and we have shows in the art and design building. Those are such great opportunities for us.”

Even though she didn’t even visit the FHSU campus until late in her senior year, Jenice said she was able to obtain enough financial aid to graduate with little debt. She was considering two other colleges during her senior year at Liberal but accompanied Jasmine to Fort Hays State on a campus visit.

Jenice immediately fell in love with the campus and soon felt the same about the graphic design program, which she says covers all aspects of the creative process.

“Our program not only emphasizes the design but to think in depth what it means,” she said. “We learn the planning, the organizing, the perception, how to tell a story.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576509682881.jpeg" alt="Jenice Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Jenice Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN FHSU University Relations</div>Siblings – even twins – have different career goals. But Jenice Hernandez said she feels blessed that she followed her twin sister, Jasmine, to Fort Hays State University following their senior year at Liberal High School.Jenice graduated Friday with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and plans to take her talents to the Kansas City area.During her presidential remarks at commencement – the first at FHSU following the fall semester – Dr. Tisa Mason asked all first generation graduates to stand. Jenice was honored to do so and pleased to celebrate with her family as a first generation graduate, joining Jasmine in that distinction. Jasmine graduated last spring with a degree in health and human performance and is working with an athletic trainer at a high school in Tyler, Texas, while pursuing her master’s.Jenice chose the creative arts path and plans to continue her education. Her goal is to become an esthetician (a skincare specialist) and eventually operate her own business. And she feels her experiences at FHSU will carry her far.“I feel like I grew a lot as a person at Fort Hays State,” she said. “I’m a little nervous about graduating and going out into the world but excited at the same time.”Mason said those feelings are natural.“Feelings of nostalgia are important,” she told the graduates. “They mean we have etched a place in your heart and you are tied to your alma mater. Don’t ever forget that your education is a privilege, and a Fort Hays State University education is a special privilege. Cherish it.”Jenice reminisced about her career during finals week while talking about the importance of a college education, especially at Fort Hays State. She was particularly impressed with the hands-on opportunities available so early in her college career. Jenice worked as a student graphic designer in the office of University Relations and Marketing for two and a half years.“It was a great opportunity to be able to use my design skills,” she said. “It’s so awesome to be able to get the experience here instead of having to wait until you graduate and are out in the real world before you get started.”Jenice was surprised at first with – and appreciative of – the support that FHSU students get from the Hays community.“It’s sometimes hard to reach audiences with your art,” Jenice said. “But Hays has several community art walks a year where we can display our work, and we have shows in the art and design building. Those are such great opportunities for us.”Even though she didn’t even visit the FHSU campus until late in her senior year, Jenice said she was able to obtain enough financial aid to graduate with little debt. She was considering two other colleges during her senior year at Liberal but accompanied Jasmine to Fort Hays State on a campus visit.Jenice immediately fell in love with the campus and soon felt the same about the graphic design program, which she says covers all aspects of the creative process.“Our program not only emphasizes the design but to think in depth what it means,” she said. “We learn the planning, the organizing, the perception, how to tell a story.”

Different goals, same kind of FHSU success for twin Liberal sisters

The 11th annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW in Hays, located at 22nd and Vine.&nbsp; 

The Christmas meal is donated and prepared by the men of the VFW, who give their time Christmas Day, and prior, to prepare the meal. The dinner is free to the community, with donations accepted. Donations are in turn given to organizations in Hays that reach the community of Hays.&nbsp;

Eleven years ago, the Community Christmas Dinner began with the vision to bring the community of Hays together to eat a Christmas meal, and to return to the true reason for the season — celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The season of Christmas can quickly become a time of losing focus of why it is truly celebrated, overshadowed by the busyness that can arise with the holiday season. The Community Christmas Dinner offers a time to refocus on the birth of Christ, and it is a means to walk out the love of Christ. 

The Community Christmas Dinner provides the opportunity for community members to serve and be served by the provision of a Christmas meal in a loving and peaceful environment. Service also extends&nbsp;beyond the walls of the VFW through the delivery of meals to those who are unable to make it to the dinner. The Community Christmas Dinner stands upon the scripture that “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8, and the dinner has continued to be an example of this love, thanks to Christ’s leading and the community members volunteering their time each year.

For those wishing to&nbsp;volunteer, volunteer opportunities will be available on Christmas Day prior to the meal, during the meal, and after in decorating and cleaning the VFW Hall. Volunteer opportunities can&nbsp;include directing traffic, filling to-go boxes for delivery, greeting community members, filling and providing drinks, assisting with carrying plates, clearing tables, delivering meals, washing dishes, cleaning after the event, and other miscellaneous tasks that arise.&nbsp;Desserts&nbsp;for the meal are also provided by community members, and these remain needed at this time. For community members who cannot make it to the dinner and would like meal&nbsp;delivery, please contact using the information below. If wishing to volunteer, provide desserts, or make a&nbsp;donation,&nbsp;please also use the following contact information:<a href="tel:785-625-5528" target="_blank">785-625-5528</a>&nbsp;(thru 12/19/20)<a href="tel:785-259-9735" target="_blank">785-259-9735</a>&nbsp;(12/20/19 thru 12/24/19)email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com" target="_blank">communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576505847337.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe 11th annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW in Hays, located at 22nd and Vine.&nbsp; The Christmas meal is donated and prepared by the men of the VFW, who give their time Christmas Day, and prior, to prepare the meal. The dinner is free to the community, with donations accepted. Donations are in turn given to organizations in Hays that reach the community of Hays.&nbsp;Eleven years ago, the Community Christmas Dinner began with the vision to bring the community of Hays together to eat a Christmas meal, and to return to the true reason for the season — celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The season of Christmas can quickly become a time of losing focus of why it is truly celebrated, overshadowed by the busyness that can arise with the holiday season. The Community Christmas Dinner offers a time to refocus on the birth of Christ, and it is a means to walk out the love of Christ. The Community Christmas Dinner provides the opportunity for community members to serve and be served by the provision of a Christmas meal in a loving and peaceful environment. Service also extends&nbsp;beyond the walls of the VFW through the delivery of meals to those who are unable to make it to the dinner. The Community Christmas Dinner stands upon the scripture that “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8, and the dinner has continued to be an example of this love, thanks to Christ’s leading and the community members volunteering their time each year.For those wishing to&nbsp;volunteer, volunteer opportunities will be available on Christmas Day prior to the meal, during the meal, and after in decorating and cleaning the VFW Hall. Volunteer opportunities can&nbsp;include directing traffic, filling to-go boxes for delivery, greeting community members, filling and providing drinks, assisting with carrying plates, clearing tables, delivering meals, washing dishes, cleaning after the event, and other miscellaneous tasks that arise.&nbsp;Desserts&nbsp;for the meal are also provided by community members, and these remain needed at this time. For community members who cannot make it to the dinner and would like meal&nbsp;delivery, please contact using the information below. If wishing to volunteer, provide desserts, or make a&nbsp;donation,&nbsp;please also use the following contact information:<a href="tel:785-625-5528" target="_blank">785-625-5528</a>&nbsp;(thru 12/19/20)<a href="tel:785-259-9735" target="_blank">785-259-9735</a>&nbsp;(12/20/19 thru 12/24/19)email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com" target="_blank">communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com</a><figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576505931507.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy photos

11th annual Community Christmas Dinner scheduled at VFW

Kansas State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, represents the state’s largest district centered in northwest Kansas with a total square mileage twice the size of New Jersey.&nbsp; 

The 40th District senator said being a farm owner and operator keeps him very familiar with agricultural issues important to the state and particularly his district.&nbsp; 

“It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to advocate for the western part of this great state,” said Billinger, who travels throughout the vast district and back to Topeka on a regular basis.

Billinger is not only an agriculture advocate but also understands small business as owner and operator of a successful retail manufactured home business in his earlier career.&nbsp; 

“I am a common-sense conservative, family man with grown children and school-aged grandchildren who knows and values and importance of education," he said, describing himself as “pro-life, pro-business and pro-Second Amendment.”

Billinger began his political service as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives in 2011 before being elected to the Senate in 2017 where he serves as vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee and chair of that group’s Corrections and Labor and Human Rights Subcommittees. &nbsp; He is also the vice chair of the Joint Committee on State Building Construction and vice chair of the Financial Institutions, Insurance Committee and Pensions and Benefits. Billinger also serves as a member of the Agricultural Committee.

Rick has been married to his wife, Rita, for 44 years.&nbsp; They have three grown children and five grandchildren and have lived in northwest Kansas for their entire lives.

Democrat Larry Dreiling of Hays <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5de540ed897d147ad4bb1c93">also has announced his candidacy</a> for the seat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576518852593.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, represents the state’s largest district centered in northwest Kansas with a total square mileage twice the size of New Jersey.&nbsp; The 40th District senator said being a farm owner and operator keeps him very familiar with agricultural issues important to the state and particularly his district.&nbsp; “It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to advocate for the western part of this great state,” said Billinger, who travels throughout the vast district and back to Topeka on a regular basis.Billinger is not only an agriculture advocate but also understands small business as owner and operator of a successful retail manufactured home business in his earlier career.&nbsp; “I am a common-sense conservative, family man with grown children and school-aged grandchildren who knows and values and importance of education," he said, describing himself as “pro-life, pro-business and pro-Second Amendment.”Billinger began his political service as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives in 2011 before being elected to the Senate in 2017 where he serves as vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee and chair of that group’s Corrections and Labor and Human Rights Subcommittees. &nbsp; He is also the vice chair of the Joint Committee on State Building Construction and vice chair of the Financial Institutions, Insurance Committee and Pensions and Benefits. Billinger also serves as a member of the Agricultural Committee.Rick has been married to his wife, Rita, for 44 years.&nbsp; They have three grown children and five grandchildren and have lived in northwest Kansas for their entire lives.Democrat Larry Dreiling of Hays <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5de540ed897d147ad4bb1c93">also has announced his candidacy</a> for the seat.

Billinger announces candidacy for re-election as 40th District senator

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