<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574357784424.jpeg">Options On Saturday, Dec. 7, <a href="http://help4abuse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services</a> will host a launch party at Defiance Brewery in Hays for their first ever 100 Men Campaign.&nbsp; The campaign launch party will take place at 5 p.m. The free event will include a tour of the brewery, a beer sampling, and plenty of food. Men who sign up and join the campaign will receive a free pint glass, pin and other goodies. Options' goal is to have 100 men across northwestern Kansas join the campaign by Dec. 31. The event is open to the public and invite men of all ages and walks of life to join the fun and learn about the campaign. RSVP by calling 785-625-4202. Those who can't attend the launch party can still sign up to join the campaign. The 100 Men Campaign was born out of the belief that men have a crucial role to play in the movement to end violence against women and girls. The campaign aims to develop male leaders who are willing to stand up and oppose violence; and create a ripple effect–encouraging more men to get involved, ultimately creating a safer community for our families, our friends, and our neighbors. It's about creating space for men to come together, in whatever roles they hold, to take action, while connecting with other men who have the same passion for building a safer community for everyone. Men who join the campaign are asked to <ul><li>Be a vocal advocate and take a stand to end violence against women and girls</li><li>Recruit other likeminded men to join the campaign</li><li>Donate $10 a month for 12 months</li></ul> "Through community awareness about this issue, more and more men are becoming part of the solution to ending one of the most critical social issues of our time," said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director. "National campaigns like #MeToo and Time's Up have done wonderful things to raise awareness, but there is still so much work to be done. We can do more as a community."&nbsp; 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. According to the most recent data from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, the average domestic violence victim is a woman and the average offender is a white man, most often the spouse or intimate partner of the victim. In Kansas, a domestic violence incident occurs every 21 minutes and a domestic violence murder occurs every nine days. In fact, almost 25 percent of all murders in Kansas are due to domestic violence. "The 100 Men Campaign is important to me because it allows me to make a change in the male community. By joining this cause, I feel I am able to raise awareness, provide a service, and lead by example for the male gender. By doing this, I believe we can have a serious impact in lessening the occurrences of domestic and sexual violence," said Campaign Chair Kameron Schmidt, a student at Fort Hays State University. "Domestic and sexual violence is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue.&nbsp;We need good men to stand with Options and help us take action," Hecker said. "Our campaign cannot thrive without their support."&nbsp; To learn more about the 100 Men Campaign or to make a $10 per month tax-deductible donation, call the Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services main office at 785-625-4202 or visit their Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OptionsHays</a>. If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, call Options free Helpline at 1-800-794-4624 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Options is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing options for help, hope and healing to victims of violence and abuse. Options provides services to 18 counties in northwest Kansas. Services are always provided free of charge, and with complete confidentiality.

Options announces launch of 100 Men Campaign

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141417887.jpeg">November is National Diabetes Month, so it is the perfect time to bring awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and families. There is a strong link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so in order to equip individuals and communities with information that will increase awareness of the diabetes-heart disease link, there are some excellent resources at my fingertips. Care for self is a key element in healthy relationships. Similar to the airline reminder that in an emergency you should “put on your oxygen mask before attempting to help others”, taking care of your own health is critical to caring for your family. A lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables can improve physical and mental health.&nbsp; According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD, one in four Americans has diabetes and does not know it. The American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk Test provides a quick and easy way to determine risk for type 2 diabetes. I took the test, located at the following website: <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.diabetes.org/risk-test</a>&nbsp;I was happy to learn that I am currently at low risk for developing diabetes. Of course that can change as we age, or if we experience other health issues, like high blood pressure. Factors like getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important determinants for whether or not diabetes will be in your future. And, if you are the parents of young children you need to be aware that nearly 1/3 of American youth are overweight. This fact directly relates to the increase in kids who have type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old. Parents have the power to make healthy changes that give kids the best chance to prevent type 2 diabetes. And when the whole family makes changes together, it is easier to create healthy habits that stick. Get started with these simple but effective tips for healthy eating and being active family style. <ul><li>Drink more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/drinks.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">water</a>&nbsp;and fewer sugary drinks.</li><li>Eat more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fruits and vegetables</a>.</li><li>Make favorite foods healthier.</li><li>Get kids involved in making healthier meals.</li><li>Eat slowly—it takes at least 20 minutes to start feeling full.</li><li>Eat at the dinner table only, not in front of the TV or computer.</li><li>Shop for food together.</li><li>Shop on a full stomach so you’re not tempted to buy unhealthy food.</li><li>Teach your kids to read food labels to understand which foods are healthiest.</li><li>Don’t insist kids clean their plates.</li><li>Serve small portions; let kids ask for seconds.</li><li>Reward kids with praise instead of food.</li></ul>Getting Physical<ul><li>Aim for your child to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, in several 10- or 15-minute sessions or all at once.</li><li>Start slow and build up.</li><li>Keep it positive—focus on progress.</li><li>Take parent and kid fitness classes together.</li><li>Make physical activity more fun; try new things.</li><li>Ask kids what activities they like best—everyone is different.</li><li>Encourage kids to join a sports team.</li><li>Have a “fit kit” available—a jump rope, hand weights, resistance bands.</li><li>Limit screen time to 2 hours a day.</li><li>Plan active outings, like hiking or biking.</li><li>Take walks together.</li><li>Move more in and out of the house—vacuuming, raking leaves, gardening.</li><li>Turn chores into games, like racing to see how fast you can clean the house.</li></ul> Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Marking Diabetes Awareness Month

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png">As we move into fall and the slowly, or not so slowly, falling temperatures, not only dowe get to deal with 6 and 8 legged invaders to our homes and buildings, but also some 4 legged types: rodents! While we can spray for the 6 and 8 legged invaders, we can’t spray for the 4-legged ones and we have to take some different tactics. The good thing is that anything that we do to seal the structure against insects, also helps to reduce the chance of invasion by rats and mice. Obviously rats and mice need bigger openings than crickets and spiders, but the simple act of sealing openings into the house is a good first step. Secondly, don’t allow excessive plant growth to occur around your house. This simply provides hiding places for rodents as they try to figure out how to get in to your home. The next step is a very simple but very important one. Always keep doors closed. It canbe an easy thing to leave the door from the kitchen to the garage open while you carry in bags of groceries. But this 30 or 60 or 90 second window of opportunity is all that is needed to let all sorts of critters into your home. Make no mistake, these rascals are fast and once they are in your house they will disappear in a heartbeat to who knows what little hiding places they can find. There’s no less than a half dozen species of mice or mice like critters that will find theirway into your house. While many people use poison baits for control I’m not a big fan of this as mice can go outside to ultimately die where predators can find them, eat them and then become sick from secondary poisoning. Additionally, there’s no poison that will keep the mouse from stinking if it dies in your home. With a trap, you’ve got it, you know you’ve got it and you can dispose of it! Traps arevery effective when properly set. There’s all sorts of “better” mousetraps out there but I like the good old standby snap trap, easy and effective. Place them with the trigger against the wall, even two side by side to improve effectiveness. I frequently bait mousetraps with peanut butter, the cheaper and oilier the better! I’m not a fan of glue boards or sticky traps though. While they work, you then have a live mouse you have to deal with. The disgusting Norway rat, the big rat with a naked tail that is often the culprit of “ratinfested tenement buildings” is not normally found around homes. It is more likely to be seen in large commercial structures. We do have two native rats, the hispid cotton rat and the eastern woodrat, the latter is better known as the pack rat. Cotton rats are not likely to enter into homes as they feel far more at home in grasslands, field edges and the edges of timbered areas. The woodrat builds huge stick nests, outside of homes and are a big problem becausethey love to collect manmade items to store in their nest. They are often attracted to oneparticular color or one type of object and they can become just a little bit obsessive going after those items. The biggest issue is that they like to get up inside engine compartments of vehicles and start biting off wires to haul back to the nest. The damage that they cause can run into the thousands of dollars. Baits often aren’t effective as they haul it back to the nest but don’t eat it. Trapping can work better especially if you’ve figured out what color they like and then put something that color on the trigger. If you aren’t sure, start with baiting some traps with peanut butter and on others wrap the trigger with aluminum foil. You can also leave hoods of cars ajar or put lights in the engine compartment to discourage packrat activity. Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Dealing with autumn rodents

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099003602.png"><a href="https://www.hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here. </a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574534733505.jpeg">

Three-day weather outlook

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574458336916.png">Organizers of the first Resist chapter in northwest Kansas will host the Taking Down Tobacco 101 Course from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Hays Recreation Commission, 1105 Canterbury. All students who want to become a Resist member are invited. RSVP to Alisha Dinges at (785) 625-5521 or <a href="shfalisha@media-net.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shfalisha@media-net.net</a>. Click <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/02/nonprofit-seeks-to-create-student-anti-vaping-club-at-hays-middle-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more on the organization. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574458323335.png">

Taking Down Tobacco course will be Saturday at Hays Rec

🎤 Post Podcast: Williams talks Fuzzy’s Tacos, housing, roads

RUSSELL COUNTY — Three people were hospitalized after an accident at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Russell County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Buick Park Avenue driven by Marlyn F. Kaufman, 83, Russell, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Bunker Hill exit.&nbsp;She lost control of the vehicle, the KHP said, crossed through the center media and struck an eastbound 2019 Toyota van head-on. Kaufman and two occupants of the van — Antonio L. Fahardo, 44, Bedford, Texas, and Edith Jurdo-Ochoa, 42, La Vergne, Texas — were transported to Russell Regional Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries. All were properly restrained at the time of the accident, the KHP said.

Three hospitalized after head-on accident on I-70 in Russell Co.

🎤 Elliott returns to Hays to share experience of trauma from war

RUSH COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 7:30 a.m. Friday in Rush County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Taylor Page Calcara, 32, Great Bend, was southbound on U.S. 183 a half mile south of La Crosse. The Jeep struck the rear passenger side of a 2002 Chevy Impala driven by Terra Dawn Davis, 44, La Crosse, that had spun when the driver lost control, according to the KHP. EMS transported Davis to Rush County Memorial Hospital, where she died. EMS transported a passenger in the Jeep —&nbsp;Mark Douglas Calcara, 70, Great Bend —&nbsp;to the hospital in Great Bend.&nbsp;Taylor Calcara was not transported for treatment.&nbsp; Davis was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Rush County woman dies after 2-vehicle crash

ELLIS COUNTY— Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Friday in Ellis County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by John L. Veh, 82, Hill City, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at Yocemento passing an unidentified semi and trailer. The semi’s trailer bumped into the Chevy causing it to hit the guardrail and come to rest in the median. EMS transported Veh and a passenger Sandra S. Veh, 77, Hill City, to Hays Medical Center. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 from Hill City hospitalized after I-70 crash

🎥 Snowfall is first measurable moisture this month in Hays

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574350544652.png">Cooper / courtesy photos Submitted If <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177970/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darin Cooper</a> and his best friend, Craig Karlin had known as eighth-grade boys that Cooper would be in a major Hollywood motion picture about the birth of the Ford GT40 and acting opposite Matt Damon and Christian Bale, they probably wouldn’t have believed it.&nbsp; Cooper and Karlin were born in Oakley just nine days apart, and bothabout as far from Hollywood as two friends could get. At age 14, Cooper’s step-father urged him to buy a beat-up 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback from the Gfeller family in Winona. It had been used as a coyote wagon, tearing across fields and pastures in western Kansas hunting coyotes in the middle of the night. Needless to say, the collector’s item needed a lot of work. Over the course of the next four years, from his earnings as a carry-out boy and checker/cashier at the local grocery store, Cooper dropped every nickel into turning the beat-up clunker into a dazzling, albeit annoyingly loud, hot rod. And his best pal, Karlin was always along for the ride. Cooper performed in high school plays but went off to Fort Hays State University to pursue a career as a graphic artist. He and Karlin pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in the fall of 1984 and lived in the original fraternity house, then located at 403 W. Sixth. In 1989, Cooper moved to Los Angeles after earning a B.F.A. in graphic design. Even though he worked as a freelancer for two years, he knew in his heart that the real reason he moved to L.A. was to pursue acting in Hollywood movies.&nbsp; Today, Karlin and Cooper speak frequently staying caught up with each other’s lives andfamilies. Having been in Hollywood for 30 years, Cooper has acted in nearly 150 television, film, and theater roles. Two of his highest profile films have been 2010's "The Social Network" and 2014's "Gone Girl" — both directed by David Fincher.<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574350575007.jpeg">Cooper Cooper’s latest film, "Ford v Ferrari," is about the birth of the Mustang. The film isset in the early 1960s and stars Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby, who created the ShelbyMustang. Christian Bale plays a top-notch race car driver and Cooper plays Sam, who has a history with Shelby.&nbsp; The movie is directed by James Mangold and opened nationwide on Nov. 15. EDITED, 3:20 p.m. Friday to clarify plot of movie. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574350616958.jpeg">

'Ford v Ferrari' actor has roots in western Kansas

A donation drive has been organized to help a family who home <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd5674d897d147ad4bb1225" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">was destroyed by a fire Wednesday.</a> Organizers are asking people to sign up for donations <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c4eaeaa2fa4ff2-franco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> to ensure a variety of items can be provided to the family. Items ranging from clothing to toiletries, baby supplies to coats, are being sought. Items can be dropped off at Breathe Coffee House, 703B Main, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A GoFundMe page also has been created. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1076553706/posts/10218382581690665?d=n&amp;sfns=mo">HERE</a> for more.<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574362346290.png">

Drive organized to help family whose home was destroyed by fire

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574107349565.jpeg">FHSU University Relations The wonderful musical range of the human voice will be on full display at the next Encore Series performance at Fort Hays State University when the world-renowned pop-jazz a cappella group M-PACT takes the stage for its “White Christmas” production.&nbsp;The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in FHSU’s Sheridan Hall. Tickets are now on sale at the Memorial Union Student Service Center, by calling 785-628-5306 or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/encore</a>.&nbsp; As seen in the PBS “Christmas from LA” special, the warmth and elegance of M-PACT come together perfectly with an evening of holiday favorites.&nbsp;The show features selections from their award-winning Christmas album – plus a few surprises.&nbsp; M-PACT is respected worldwide as a trailblazer in the realm of vocal music. Emerging from an age of auto-tuned, over-produced electronic music, this sextet has cultivated a new generation of ears hungry for the fresh, raw power of nature’s “first instrument” – the human voice.&nbsp; The group has toured renowned performing arts centers and festivals across four continents, performing with pop superstars Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men, Liza Minnelli, and Rick Springfield to name a few, as well as with jazz legends Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Take 6, and the New York Voices. Over the last dozen years, their signature sound has been used in both TV themes and Disney feature films and is enjoyed on syndicated radio worldwide.&nbsp; Around the globe, audiences have buzzed from the M-PACT’s vocal acrobatics, innovative orchestrations, and commanding stage presence. People of all ages, having come to a concert expecting entertainment, left feeling enriched from the experience.&nbsp; This performance is sponsored by Chartwells Catering.&nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets for the general public are $30 reserved and $20 unreserved; for seniors, tickets are $25 reserved and $15 unreserved; and for FHSU students and children ages 5-17, tickets are $20 reserved and $10 unreserved.&nbsp; About the Special Events CommitteeThrough the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee strives to educate, inspire, evoke thought and entertain. The goal is to promote artistic expression, cultural understanding and social awareness at Fort Hays State University and throughout western Kansas through the presentation of diverse, high-caliber performing arts programs. Information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fhsu.edu/encore</a>.

Encore Series will feature vocal virtuosity with 'White Christmas'

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574391777329.jpeg">As of the evening of Nov. 21, four properties (represented by cross hatches) in the North Vine Street Corridor project have not reached an agreement with the city of Hays regarding acquisitions of easements and rights of way. The city could begin condemnation proceedings next week. By BECKY KISERHays Post Four property owners have not yet reached an agreement with the city of Hays for acquisition of easements and rights of way necessary for the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project. City commissioners Thursday night reviewed an ordinance authorizing condemnation proceedings against the owners of the real estate. The ordinance would take effect upon its adoption and publication in the official city newspaper, the Hays Daily News. A petition would then be filed with the court. "Everything has been resolved that we can," John Bird, city attorney, said. "Then there are a few that could still theoretically fall out before the next meeting." The commission will meet in regular session Tuesday, Nov. 26, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Adoption of the ordinance will be on the agenda. The bureaucratic process has slowed response from some property owners. Paperwork from a different property owner arrived at city hall just Thursday, according to Bird. "There is one counteroffer on the table to discuss," added Toby Dougherty, city manager. The largest amount of property required is for extension of West 27th Street through the location of the former Ambassador Hotel, which has been razed and is now a vacant lot. "The other three are basically just corners of the lots," said John Braun, city project manager. The other three are properties are Pheasant Run restaurant, Golden Ox truckstop and the Super 8 motel.&nbsp; "We're not taking any buildings, no businesses," Braun clarified. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574391478246.jpeg"> Commissioner Eber Phelps said he had talked with residents earlier in the day who are concerned about the issue of eminent domain. "I pointed out that compensation was offered to every property owner. In addition to that everybody has an opportunity for a counter offer," Phelps said. "It's not like we're going in and scraping an area out. We're just taking a small piece." <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hz2d340NdYE" height="315" width="560"></iframe> Bird reminded commissioners they had directed city staff to work with&nbsp;WSP engineers, Lenexa, in designing the corridor improvements to take the least amount of land from private property owners. "It is absolutely being done to according to the law and also taking into account some of the human factors brought to us early on. "We redesigned one of the intersections pretty significantly to make sure we did not create a taking that would have been from our point of view, expensive, but from their point of view, destructive," Bird said. City commissioner Sandy Jacobs says she looks at the project as something that will keep Hays economically sound and accommodate its growth. "We're not doing this lightly," Jacobs said. "I'm really proud of our staff and the engineers and how they've been able to go about this and take the slightest amount possible from anybody." KDOT has set a deadline of Dec. 6 for right of way clearance for the project. Bid opening is scheduled for the KDOT project is March 25, 2020 with a construction start in May or June of 2020. The project design is just wrapping up, according to Dougherty. Shaun Musil, vice-mayor, asked if the design could change. "No, not unless the commission tells us to change it," Dougherty answered. "It is what it is." "We're acquiring land. It's been designed for the land the commission is in the process of acquiring and what we have acquired access to." Musil wanted to confirm the project designers are sure "this is the right way to do it." Three design/engineering groups looked at the project, Dougherty reminded the commission. "We took the concept. We hired WSP as our engineers to design the project. They hired a group called <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/02/06/%f0%9f%8e%a5-teardrop-added-at-i-70-exit-ramp-vine-st-project-cost-now-9m/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64);">Kittelson &amp; Associates </a><a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/02/06/%f0%9f%8e%a5-teardrop-added-at-i-70-exit-ramp-vine-st-project-cost-now-9m/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">to check their (WSP) work</a>. And we also had KDOT looking over our shoulder because anything we came up with had to pass KDOT muster." <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574395974305.jpeg">Dougherty added that KDOT has somewhat analogous situations across the state. "They're looking at the solutions we're putting in place here to see if that's something they can scale and put into those other areas. "So, there were a lot of engineers looking at this," Dougherty said, "trying to find the most efficient way to do it."

🎥 Four properties unresolved in acquisition, right of way on North Vine project

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099003602.png"><a href="https://www.hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here. </a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574353282087.jpeg">

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573954635889.jpeg">By RON WILSONHuck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development “What if?” That can be a powerful question. Today we’ll meet a group of Kansans who essentially asked “what if” a version of a statewide leadership development program could be implemented in their home county. That led to the creation of a county leadership development program which is still going strong after 20 years. Curt Frasier is an attorney at Beloit. In the 1990s, he was serving on the board of directors of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership or KARL program, a highly successful statewide development initiative for farm, agribusiness, and rural citizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several Mitchell countians had participated in the KARL program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One KARL graduate was Lucille Heller, then a teacher in Mitchell County. “Curt came back from the KARL board and thought we should have a program like KARL at the county level,” Lucille said. “He brought together some recent KARL graduates like Doug Palen, Fred Severance and I to see if we could put together a program.” A committee of KARL graduates and other volunteers developed plans, with help from a Huck Boyd Institute mini-grant and the local extension agent. The organizers also found a valuable resource in a K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;&nbsp;curriculum called LEADS – Leadership Excellence And Dynamic Solutions. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574280005850.png">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The notebook included sample committee structures, sample bylaws, and other materials that the program organizers could utilize. In 1999, Leadership Mitchell County launched its first class. Every year since then, the volunteer board of Leadership Mitchell County has provided this training experience for 15 to 20 citizens of Mitchell and then adjoining counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The class schedule includes an opening get-acquainted picnic followed by several sessions in and around Mitchell County. The first session is a leadership retreat at Mitchell County’s Ringneck Ranch. Subsequent sessions include tours of various businesses in Beloit and surrounding communities. One eye-opening experience is a tour of the correctional facility in Ellsworth. The class makes an annual trip to Manhattan and Topeka, including visits with legislators and the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State faculty such as Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh have presented sessions to Leadership Mitchell County every year. Skill development components are built in to the curriculum, along with informative tours and networking opportunities. Class members are required to individually attend some local government meeting and to do a group class project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class members take turns leading the sessions by taking notes and introducing speakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Session topics include leadership skills, tourism, corrections, agriculture, health care, education, government, economic development, and more. Class graduation is in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A quarterly newsletter, “The Connection,” goes to alumni and donors. The curriculum has been infused with key leadership concepts developed by the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. Mark Palen, Mary Jane Chapman, and Carol Cordell were instrumental in this effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More than 300 Mitchell County citizens have participated in the program through the years. The program is led by volunteers on the board and committees, including several alumni. The program strives to be county-wide, engaging people in the county seat of Beloit as well as outlying communities. Class members and board members have come from Beloit as well as other rural areas. These include Cawker City, population 463; Glen Elder, population 429; Tipton, population 210; and Hunter, population 57 people. Now, that’s rural. What are the benefits of the Leadership Mitchell County program? “There’s social growth as well as skill development,” Lucille Heller said. “It’s brought the whole area together, which has had benefits for a lot of things in the community,” Curt Frasier said. “The program lets them know that they’re needed and gives them confidence and skills to step up.”&nbsp; Lucille retired from teaching and became tourism director for Mitchell County in 2017. “I continue to volunteer with this program because working with these people is so energizing,” she said. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leadershipmitchellcounty.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.leadershipmitchellcounty.org</a>. “What if?” That powerful question led to the Leadership Mitchell County program 20 years ago. We commend Curt Frasier, Lucille Heller and the many volunteers and class participants who are making a difference with their participation and leadership. Hmm.&nbsp;&nbsp;What if every county had access to a similar leadership program?

Now That’s Rural: Lucille Heller, Leadership Mitchell County

🎤 USD 489 preparing for Hays City Shootout

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574273064706.jpeg">MWE The eastbound lanes of 22nd&nbsp;Street, from Vine Street to General Hays Road in Hays will be closed on Thursday, November 21&nbsp;from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., to allow Midwest Energy crews to change out a pole at the VFW.&nbsp; This closure only affects eastbound traffic coming off of Vine Street; westbound traffic, as well as the left turn lane from 22nd&nbsp;Street to Vine, will remain open.&nbsp; Please watch out for utility crews in this area during these times.&nbsp; Midwest Energy thanks you for your patience.&nbsp;

Part of 22nd Street closed today for Midwest Energy project

Hays Police Department receives a complete uniform overhaul <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574297924827.jpeg"> By JAMES BELLHays Post Guns, tasers, batons and handcuffs are typically what is considered police department equipment. But an often overlooked, but vital, part of the police inventory is the uniform. Recognizing the importance of safety, comfort and functionality for officers, the Hays Police Department has completed the switch to a new uniform system, while at the same time keeping alive a traditional police look. Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler said the HPD uniform had not changed since the 1950s and it was becoming challenging to maintain. A recent picture of officer graduation in which the pants every officer was wearing was a slightly different color highlighted the need for Scheibler. “Quickly, our uniform became non-uniform,” he said. The search for new uniforms began in 2018 when a group of department employees, called the roundtable committee, began looking at new options. “We knew there we better options out there for our officers in terms of wellness,” Scheibler said. “Those guys researched, tested and evaluated several different brands of uniforms.” And the timing was perfect for change. “We had gotten to a place where we had gotten through a lot of our inventory so the timing was good for this uniform change,” said HPD Lt. Brandon Wright. <a href="https://www.blauer.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5dPuBRCrARIsAJL7oejMfkswIuqAGuhX3BVGw8Hm7i4AhjoHDMH0JmdFlqbH87xU1DdGEH8aAg9IEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">While the gear attached to it is the same he said, he said, the underlying uniform system from Blauer is a complete overhaul.&nbsp;</a> “It’s a one-stop-shop,” Wright said of Blauer. "They produce all parts of the uniform, meaning colors will always match and the pieces of the system will work together." Among the upgrades with the new system is an outer carrier suspension system that moves weight from the hips to the shoulders. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574298124510.jpeg"> “Wearing that extra 25 pounds of weight on the hips causes all kinds of back problems,” Scheibler said, adding many older officers have needed surgery to repair long-term damage to the back from years of wearing heavy police belts loaded with equipment. The new system shifts the weight with an underlying suspender system that goes under the external vest carrier that looks like a traditional police shirt, Wright said. The system also allows for better airflow, freedom of motion, and it is easily removable, giving officers the option to quickly pull it off when working in the office. It accomplishes this while looking innocuously like a traditional shirt. “We really like the crisp traditional professional police look and for a long time the external carriers had the bulky, pockets and pouches — giving it a militaristic look," Wright said. "We really wanted to stick to the traditional police look.” And many additional pockets in the shirt and pants make up for the missing storage capacity of the old vest system the department deployed. “The extra pockets gives them the ability to carry the extra gear they need while maintaining the professional look that we are going for,” Wright said. The traditional uniform style also helps keep the officers safe, Scheibler said, as studies have shown it is a deterrent to attacks. “If you look professional and act professional, people are less likely to assault or attack you,” he said. The traditional police uniform style is sported by other larger departments in the state, such as the Topeka and Wichita departments and the Kansas Highway Patrol. While the improved performance and added safety is important, some ascetic features of the new uniforms also help achieve the look the department is working toward. The old-style belt went from basket weave to a high gloss. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574298062256.jpeg"> “We think that looks sharp and professional,” Wright said. A redesigned Hays Police Department Badge is another notable feature of the new uniform. The previous badge featured an image of the Monarch of the Plains along with an image of old Fort Hays. The Fort has been a feature on all of the Hays Police badges over the years and is also on the new badge. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574297854057.jpeg"> “The history of the Fort is the history of our community,” Scheibler said. “It’s really the first place where we put our flag and said we would defend this ground, and this is where we will raise our family, start our businesses and make our community.” But the statue has been removed. “It’s a beautiful statue and an amazing thing to see, but I don’t think we were doing it justice on the badge,” Scheibler said. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574298017565.jpeg"> The badge was designed by Fort Hays State University student MaKinlie Hennes. “She did amazing work for us,” Scheibler said. “We have a modern, professional-looking patch that has ties to the history of our community.”

Hays PD: Protecting and serving in style

A story published Monday in <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newsweek </a>featured recent discoveries by a Fort Hays State University paleontologist and a Sternberg Museum research associate from a 91 million-year-old shark fossil found in Kansas. The 17-foot specimen was found near Tipton in 2010. <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/prehistoric-shark-kansas-great-white-cannibal-babies-1472074" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The full story can be found here.</a>

Newsweek story features FHSU paleontologist, Sternberg ties

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574202747444.jpeg">First Call for Help accepts a $25,000 donation from the Ministerial Alliance. Left to right: Mike Rose, First United Methodist Church and ECMA president; Dave Buller, North Oak Community Church and ECMA vice president; Linda Mills, First Call for Help executive director; Marie Sager, Trinity Lutheran Church; and Michael Drees, First Call for Help board president. The donation was used to remodel First Call's conference room.<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574203026987.jpeg">New First Call for Help conference room.

Ministerial Alliance donates $25,000 to First Call for Help

<img src="https://newshub.eagleradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-18-at-9.57.50-AM-300x269.png" height="269" width="300"> Image courtesy Union Pacific Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy has returned to the rails and is traveling across Kansas. The Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 is touring the Union Pacific (UP) system throughout 2019 to commemorate the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary, according to the UP website. According to UP, running times and scheduled stops are subject to change. Tuesday, November 19Kansas City, Mo. Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd.	Depart	8:00 a.m. CT Lawrence, Kan. 402 N. 2nd St.	Arrival Depart	10:15 a.m. CT 10:45 a.m. CT Topeka, Kan. Great Overland Station 701 N. Kansas Ave.	Arrival Depart	11:45 p.m. CT 12:30 p.m. CT Topeka, Kan. NW Norris &amp; Clay St.	Arrival	1:00 p.m. CT Wednesday, November 20 Topeka, Kan. NW Norris &amp; Clay St.	Depart	8:00 a.m. CT Manhattan, Kan. S. Manhattan Ave. Crossing	Arrival Depart	9:30 a.m. CT 10:15 a.m. CT Junction City, Kan. 8th St. Crossing	Arrival Depart	11:00 a.m. CT 11:15 a.m. CT Abilene, Kan. 201 NW 2nd St.	Arrival Depart	12:15 p.m. CT 12:35 p.m. CT Salina, Kan. 400 N. 13th St	Arrival	2:15 p.m. CT Thursday, November 21 Salina, Kan. 400 N. 13th St	Depart	8:00 a.m. CT Ellsworth, Kan. Lincoln Ave. Crossing	Arrival Depart	9:30 a.m. CT 10:15 a.m. CT Russell, Kan. Lincoln St. Crossing	Arrival Depart	Noon CT 12:15 p.m. CT Hays, Kan. E. 9th St. &amp; Milner St.	Arrival	1:45 p.m. CT Friday, November 22Hays, Kan. E. 9th St. &amp; Milner St. Depart	8:00 a.m. CT Ellis, Kan. Washington St. Crossing	Arrival Depart	8:45 a.m. CT 9:00 a.m. CT Quinter, Kan. Long St. Crossing	Arrival Depart	10:30 a.m. CT 11:00 a.m. CT Oakley, Kan. E. Front St. &amp; Center Ave.	Arrival Depart	12:30 p.m. CT 1:00 p.m. CT Sharon Springs, Kan. N. Front St. &amp; N. Boeke St.	Arrival	2:15 p.m. MT Saturday, November 23 Sharon Springs, Kan. N. Front St. &amp; N. Boeke St.	Depart	8:00 a.m. MT

Historic steam locomotive making stops in northwest Kansas

Forecasters are warning of the possibility of light rain switching to snow overnight and into Friday morning. The chance of precipitation in the Hays area is 40 percent, according to the Dodge City National Weather Service. Area of extreme southwest Kansas could receive as much as 2 inches of snow, but lesser amounts are expected locally. Potential rain is expected to turn to snow between 7 and 10 p.m. Thursday, with the 40 percent chance of snow continuing until 10 a.m. Friday. Skies will clear Saturday through Monday, with highs near 60 degrees. A chance of rain or snow returns Tuesday, as forecasters are predicting a winter storm moving into western Kansas. Stay tuned to your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather, cancellations and delays.

NWS: Possibility of rain turning to snow overnight, into Friday

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099003602.png"><a href="https://www.hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here. </a><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574300537519.jpeg">

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