By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

On this historic day for downtown Salina, Steve Howard was filled with gratitude.

As Howard's Cozy Inn celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday, Howard did a little bit of everything. He greeted people. He checked on orders. He delivered bags of burgers to hungry customers waiting outside. A large part of his day, however, was spent thanking people for being customers and for participating in the little downtown burger joint's 100th anniversary celebration.

The festivities kicked off about 8:30 a.m. as Hurts Donut of Wichita made an appearance with its Emergency Donut Vehicle.

"We love Cozy Inn! We love the people, the atmosphere, and especially the food! We make sure we stop every time we are in the area. Over the past few years we have gotten to know Steve and his family. We have shared several laughs by their grill while talking business. We were honored to be apart of their 100th birthday," Jenni Courtney of Hurts Donut told Salina Post.

Courtney, her husband, Aaron, and her son, Judah, made the truck run from Wichita to Cozy Inn. She said they sold 120 dozen donuts, 100 bacon bars, and 75 apple fritters.

Even as the donuts were being sold, the aroma of onions cooking on the Cozy Inn's historic grill wafted through the air as Cozy Inn staff prepared to begin selling burgers at 9 a.m. Burger sales were scheduled to run until 9 p.m. Saturday.

At about 6 p.m., Howard said that Cozy Inn had started the day with 300 pounds of hamburger. At that point, they had 75 pounds left. A Cozy Inn employee noted that thousands of burgers had already been sold.

From the time donut sales began, hundreds of people flocked to the Cozy Inn to be part of the 100th anniversary celebration. Many were locals, but a number had come from out of town to participate in the festivities.

People took selfies in front of the 100th anniversary sign or under one of the Cozy Inn sign. Some even requested photos with Howard.

At noon, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Eric Brown, chamber president and CEO, told those assembled that 100 years ago "the population of Salina was 25,000. Warren G. Harding was president. The price of gas was 26 cents a gallon. You could get a sedan for $1,400. A loaf of bread was five cents. A Cozy burger was five cents." 

"If you take away a thousand days, give or take, for weekends, the Cozy Inn has been open about 27,500 days," Brown continued. "And if you averaged simply a thousand burgers a day, which they do, easily, that's over 27.5 million Cozy sliders the last 100 years!"

"And keep in mind, that's the same grill from day one, seasoned to perfection," Brown added.

Brown then thanked Cozy Inn and all of its owners, current and past, for what they have done to help put Salina on the map.

Howard said the celebration was "pretty overwhelming."

"Great turnout. The weather's awesome. A little chilly this morning, but it will warm up. I just thank everybody for their patience and being part of this celebration," Howard told Salina Post at lunchtime.

After the ribbon cutting, the celebration continued with prizes, a bouncy house for the kids, and, of course, Cozy burgers. Special 100th anniversary T-shirts also were for sale.

As the sun began to set on Salina Saturday evening, people were still lining up at the carryout window to place or pickup orders or were sitting on one of the six stools inside. Business was still brisk enough at 6 p.m. that there was an approximate 45-minute wait on burger orders. Nonetheless, people waited and continued to place orders.

After all, Salinans do love their Cozy burgers!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647140077746.jpeg" alt="Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard (yellow hat) visits with some of the customers who showed up Saturday evening during the restaurant's 100th anniversary celebration. All photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Cozy Inn owner Steve Howard (yellow hat) visits with some of the customers who showed up Saturday evening during the restaurant's 100th anniversary celebration. All photos by Leslie Eikleberry/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostOn this historic day for downtown Salina, Steve Howard was filled with gratitude.As Howard's Cozy Inn celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday, Howard did a little bit of everything. He greeted people. He checked on orders. He delivered bags of burgers to hungry customers waiting outside. A large part of his day, however, was spent thanking people for being customers and for participating in the little downtown burger joint's 100th anniversary celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647140492499.jpeg" alt="People lined up in sub-freezing temperatures to purchase Hurts Donuts during the Cozy Inn 100th anniversary celebration Saturday." />
 <figcaption>People lined up in sub-freezing temperatures to purchase Hurts Donuts during the Cozy Inn 100th anniversary celebration Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The festivities kicked off about 8:30 a.m. as Hurts Donut of Wichita made an appearance with its Emergency Donut Vehicle."We love Cozy Inn! We love the people, the atmosphere, and especially the food! We make sure we stop every time we are in the area. Over the past few years we have gotten to know Steve and his family. We have shared several laughs by their grill while talking business. We were honored to be apart of their 100th birthday," Jenni Courtney of Hurts Donut told Salina Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647140877157.jpeg" alt="Hurts Donut business was brisk, as was the temperature Saturday morning." />
 <figcaption>Hurts Donut business was brisk, as was the temperature Saturday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtney, her husband, Aaron, and her son, Judah, made the truck run from Wichita to Cozy Inn. She said they sold 120 dozen donuts, 100 bacon bars, and 75 apple fritters.Even as the donuts were being sold, the aroma of onions cooking on the Cozy Inn's historic grill wafted through the air as Cozy Inn staff prepared to begin selling burgers at 9 a.m. Burger sales were scheduled to run until 9 p.m. Saturday.At about 6 p.m., Howard said that Cozy Inn had started the day with 300 pounds of hamburger. At that point, they had 75 pounds left. A Cozy Inn employee noted that thousands of burgers had already been sold.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647140743794.jpeg" alt="As lunchtime neared, the crowd gathered for&nbsp; a ribbon-cutting and to purchase bags of burgers. A bounce house also was added to the festivities." />
 <figcaption>As lunchtime neared, the crowd gathered for&nbsp; a ribbon-cutting and to purchase bags of burgers. A bounce house also was added to the festivities.</figcaption>
 </figure>From the time donut sales began, hundreds of people flocked to the Cozy Inn to be part of the 100th anniversary celebration. Many were locals, but a number had come from out of town to participate in the festivities.People took selfies in front of the 100th anniversary sign or under one of the Cozy Inn sign. Some even requested photos with Howard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647140965158.jpeg" alt="Howard, right, pauses for a photo with a customer Saturday evening." />
 <figcaption>Howard, right, pauses for a photo with a customer Saturday evening.</figcaption>
 </figure>At noon, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony.Eric Brown, chamber president and CEO, told those assembled that 100 years ago "the population of Salina was 25,000. Warren G. Harding was president. The price of gas was 26 cents a gallon. You could get a sedan for $1,400. A loaf of bread was five cents. A Cozy burger was five cents." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647141047539.jpeg" alt="Eric Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, addresses the crowd assembled during the noontime ribbon-cutting ceremony." />
 <figcaption>Eric Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, addresses the crowd assembled during the noontime ribbon-cutting ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>"If you take away a thousand days, give or take, for weekends, the Cozy Inn has been open about 27,500 days," Brown continued. "And if you averaged simply a thousand burgers a day, which they do, easily, that's over 27.5 million Cozy sliders the last 100 years!""And keep in mind, that's the same grill from day one, seasoned to perfection," Brown added.Brown then thanked Cozy Inn and all of its owners, current and past, for what they have done to help put Salina on the map.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647141193730.jpeg" alt="Howard thanks the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony." />
 <figcaption>Howard thanks the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard said the celebration was "pretty overwhelming.""Great turnout. The weather's awesome. A little chilly this morning, but it will warm up. I just thank everybody for their patience and being part of this celebration," Howard told Salina Post at lunchtime.After the ribbon cutting, the celebration continued with prizes, a bouncy house for the kids, and, of course, Cozy burgers. Special 100th anniversary T-shirts also were for sale.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647141248190.jpeg" alt="Part of the crowd at Cozy Inn Saturday evening." />
 <figcaption>Part of the crowd at Cozy Inn Saturday evening.</figcaption>
 </figure>As the sun began to set on Salina Saturday evening, people were still lining up at the carryout window to place or pickup orders or were sitting on one of the six stools inside. Business was still brisk enough at 6 p.m. that there was an approximate 45-minute wait on burger orders. Nonetheless, people waited and continued to place orders.After all, Salinans do love their Cozy burgers!

Cozy Inn: A day of gratitude and thousands of burgers

The Hays Symphony will be presenting a Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at FHSU.

The concert features Sergei Prokofiev’s&nbsp;Symphony No. 1, Igor Stravinsky’s&nbsp;Pulcinella Suite, and conductor Brian Buckstead as violin soloist on Max Richter’s&nbsp;The Four Seasons Recomposed.

The Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, also known as the "Classical" was Sergei Prokofiev's first numbered symphony.&nbsp; Prokofiev composed this work as a modern reinterpretation of the classical style of Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The symphony follows the standard four-movement format but is much shorter in length than the symphonies of the classical period.

Stravinsky’s&nbsp;Pulcinella Suite&nbsp;was written for Les Ballet Russes and began a new compositional trend for the composer. The Suite is a shortened version of the ballet with the instrumental passages replacing the singing roles. Stravinsky believed that “Pulcinella&nbsp;was my discovery of the past, the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.”&nbsp; In&nbsp;Pulcinella, Stravinsky weaves the charm of the classical style with the harmonic and rhythmic energy of twentieth century compositional techniques.

Max Richter’s&nbsp;The Four Seasons Reimagined&nbsp;will feature Dr. Brian Buckstead as the violin soloist. The musical themes of the original Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi are familiar to the general public through popular culture. Excerpts can be heard on the soundtrack of The&nbsp;Simpsons,&nbsp;the Secret Life’s of Pets, Disney’s&nbsp;Fantasia&nbsp;andMuzak. Max Richter says, “it's everywhere. For me, in this project I’m trying to reclaim the piece, to fall in love with it again." Richter takes Vivaldi’s opening theme and creates a loop to engage the listener into the current musical trend of dance music and bring classical sentiments into the 21st&nbsp;century.

Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Buckstead is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The post-concert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website (<a href="http://hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>). Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633364673862.png" alt="Dr. Brian Buckstead" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Brian Buckstead</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Symphony will be presenting a Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at FHSU.The concert features Sergei Prokofiev’s&nbsp;Symphony No. 1, Igor Stravinsky’s&nbsp;Pulcinella Suite, and conductor Brian Buckstead as violin soloist on Max Richter’s&nbsp;The Four Seasons Recomposed.The Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, also known as the "Classical" was Sergei Prokofiev's first numbered symphony.&nbsp; Prokofiev composed this work as a modern reinterpretation of the classical style of Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The symphony follows the standard four-movement format but is much shorter in length than the symphonies of the classical period.Stravinsky’s&nbsp;Pulcinella Suite&nbsp;was written for Les Ballet Russes and began a new compositional trend for the composer. The Suite is a shortened version of the ballet with the instrumental passages replacing the singing roles. Stravinsky believed that “Pulcinella&nbsp;was my discovery of the past, the epiphany through which the whole of my late work became possible.”&nbsp; In&nbsp;Pulcinella, Stravinsky weaves the charm of the classical style with the harmonic and rhythmic energy of twentieth century compositional techniques.Max Richter’s&nbsp;The Four Seasons Reimagined&nbsp;will feature Dr. Brian Buckstead as the violin soloist. The musical themes of the original Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi are familiar to the general public through popular culture. Excerpts can be heard on the soundtrack of The&nbsp;Simpsons,&nbsp;the Secret Life’s of Pets, Disney’s&nbsp;Fantasia&nbsp;andMuzak. Max Richter says, “it's everywhere. For me, in this project I’m trying to reclaim the piece, to fall in love with it again." Richter takes Vivaldi’s opening theme and creates a loop to engage the listener into the current musical trend of dance music and bring classical sentiments into the 21st&nbsp;century.Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor.&nbsp;Buckstead is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.The post-concert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website (<a href="http://hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>). Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.

Hays Symphony's winter concert set for next month

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about protecting animals during cold weather.

With winter weather well in place in the area, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun says it's time to think about those animals that are outside. He talks to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.

We've got a lot of animals out there, this is about the time when we start getting a lot of phone calls from concerned citizens and, and a lot of times, it's justified. But I just want to touch on what's required by state statute doesn't mean that you can't go above and beyond, it just means that this is the minimum. So by state statute, they have to have shelter, they have to have water, and they have to have food. And so we get a lot of phone calls from, from concerned citizens about not having those things, and we do do those checks on a regular basis, if we receive them. Unfortunately, we cannot make them take them inside, if they meet all those requirements, and it's been pretty cold, I would encourage those people to take their dogs inside and animals to, to make sure they're safe. You know. But as far as an enforcement action, we can't take any unless they're not meeting one of those standards. So a lot of people are, are concerned with that. And when we leave, we kind of leave sometimes with a feeling that we didn't do anything, it's because we just can't, and I want to explain that to the people and and we do encourage you to call in if there are those concerns, and we'll definitely take a look at it for sure. 

So that's got to be difficult to not be able to, you know, take that action, because I'm sure you know, any of your deputies, you know, dog, cat, whatever is out there, and it's cold, and you just got to walk away, that's got to be rough.

Yeah, it is, you know, and again, it's extremely cold in animals are really tough there, you know, but at the same time, you know, they get cold, like everything, like we do. And so if we can give them that safe environment, I would encourage people to do so. But I can't make them do that. Yeah, so I have a husky at home and stays outside most of the time. But when it was really cold, put him put the dog in the garage, got him out of the wind, even though they have a dog house. So that type of thing. And, and that dog loves the cold. So

I was gonna say Huskies are like the one you don't have to worry about. They'll go play in the snow all day long.

Oh, yeah, lays in the middle of the pile. So so I get that. But we were just concerned with the extreme cold and we have a place to put him so we put her inside and just getting up there in age. So it wasn't a big deal. So I encourage people to do that. So the other thing I'd like to talk about is talking about the cold. You know, we're traveling right now we're gonna have some extreme colds again on Friday, I believe it is coming in. Yeah, I'm hearing zeros. Yeah. So make sure your batteries are good to go. Make sure you have a blanket in there. Possibly a heat source if you can, make sure you have a cell phone charger. And also let people know I know, we're so used to being on the road and talking and those types of things. But let people know your plans, maybe the road you're going to take, if you're two couple hours later, something like that. contact law enforcement. And we'll run those roads to look for them. We'll put an ATL out to try to locate that vehicle, make sure they're safe. Sometimes things happen. And we want to make sure that no one freezes. So make sure you have gloves and hats and a heavy coat. Maybe throw some coveralls in there if you have them, those types of things and just be safe and try to stay with your vehicle if you can do not get out and walk unless you can see a farmstead or something close by if you're running those roads, but obviously cell phones work pretty well. But everything fails. So take some precautions.

Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that. Because this is something I'm teaching my kids as they're growing up in this world of technology, and they've always got access to the internet, they've always got a cell phone in their hands. If that's not always the case, and those old school precautions that we used to think about 2030 years ago, are just as relevant even though most of the time unnecessary.

Yeah, it doesn't hurt to put it in your trunk. It's there, you know, it's not like it's gonna cost you any more fuel to haul that around. Right? So I would encourage you to do so. And again, make sure people know the route you're going to take and in approximate time that you're going to be there that will help us and where they're coming from. So And last but not least, I know that we've heard a lot about this. The fires up north that started out west and worked away through Russell County. I want to recognize the Rural Fire Ellis County rural fire and those other agencies that came in to assist during the fires. I also want to definitely thank our dispatch center, all of the staff that was working the amount of call volume that they received and that was overwhelming. I tell you what, they are all true heroes for What they do, and they kept us safe.

Yeah, and for those of us that kind of see a little bit behind the scenes with what you guys do, I mean, a lot of things went wrong that day and not in a bad way unexpectedly. But everything like we're and you know, everybody came together and made it all work and it ended up I think the best outcome we could have hoped for in that day.

Yeah, obviously, the best outcome is not having it happen at all, but unfortunately did and I'm with you. It is amazing how the community pulls together. Law enforcement, first responders, just in general how counties that were not affected by we're sending people by the groves to help help with those fires to get them out and protect farmsteads and homes. There were obviously some buildings damaged in that but I tell you what our rural fire people were trying to save homes for the for our farmers and there were homes lost and unfortunately, we lost the life too. And that's really sad. But in overall think it could have been a lot worse and I think everybody did an outstanding job and I just want to thank you.

<div><iframe title="Cold weather can be harmful to outdoor animals" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iavtk-117224c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about protecting animals during cold weather.<h2>Transcript</h2>James Bell With winter weather well in place in the area, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun says it's time to think about those animals that are outside. He talks to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.Scott Braun We've got a lot of animals out there, this is about the time when we start getting a lot of phone calls from concerned citizens and, and a lot of times, it's justified. But I just want to touch on what's required by state statute doesn't mean that you can't go above and beyond, it just means that this is the minimum. So by state statute, they have to have shelter, they have to have water, and they have to have food. And so we get a lot of phone calls from, from concerned citizens about not having those things, and we do do those checks on a regular basis, if we receive them. Unfortunately, we cannot make them take them inside, if they meet all those requirements, and it's been pretty cold, I would encourage those people to take their dogs inside and animals to, to make sure they're safe. You know. But as far as an enforcement action, we can't take any unless they're not meeting one of those standards. So a lot of people are, are concerned with that. And when we leave, we kind of leave sometimes with a feeling that we didn't do anything, it's because we just can't, and I want to explain that to the people and and we do encourage you to call in if there are those concerns, and we'll definitely take a look at it for sure. James Bell So that's got to be difficult to not be able to, you know, take that action, because I'm sure you know, any of your deputies, you know, dog, cat, whatever is out there, and it's cold, and you just got to walk away, that's got to be rough.Scott Braun Yeah, it is, you know, and again, it's extremely cold in animals are really tough there, you know, but at the same time, you know, they get cold, like everything, like we do. And so if we can give them that safe environment, I would encourage people to do so. But I can't make them do that. Yeah, so I have a husky at home and stays outside most of the time. But when it was really cold, put him put the dog in the garage, got him out of the wind, even though they have a dog house. So that type of thing. And, and that dog loves the cold. SoJames Bell I was gonna say Huskies are like the one you don't have to worry about. They'll go play in the snow all day long.Scott Braun Oh, yeah, lays in the middle of the pile. So so I get that. But we were just concerned with the extreme cold and we have a place to put him so we put her inside and just getting up there in age. So it wasn't a big deal. So I encourage people to do that. So the other thing I'd like to talk about is talking about the cold. You know, we're traveling right now we're gonna have some extreme colds again on Friday, I believe it is coming in. Yeah, I'm hearing zeros. Yeah. So make sure your batteries are good to go. Make sure you have a blanket in there. Possibly a heat source if you can, make sure you have a cell phone charger. And also let people know I know, we're so used to being on the road and talking and those types of things. But let people know your plans, maybe the road you're going to take, if you're two couple hours later, something like that. contact law enforcement. And we'll run those roads to look for them. We'll put an ATL out to try to locate that vehicle, make sure they're safe. Sometimes things happen. And we want to make sure that no one freezes. So make sure you have gloves and hats and a heavy coat. Maybe throw some coveralls in there if you have them, those types of things and just be safe and try to stay with your vehicle if you can do not get out and walk unless you can see a farmstead or something close by if you're running those roads, but obviously cell phones work pretty well. But everything fails. So take some precautions.James Bell Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that. Because this is something I'm teaching my kids as they're growing up in this world of technology, and they've always got access to the internet, they've always got a cell phone in their hands. If that's not always the case, and those old school precautions that we used to think about 2030 years ago, are just as relevant even though most of the time unnecessary.Scott Braun Yeah, it doesn't hurt to put it in your trunk. It's there, you know, it's not like it's gonna cost you any more fuel to haul that around. Right? So I would encourage you to do so. And again, make sure people know the route you're going to take and in approximate time that you're going to be there that will help us and where they're coming from. So And last but not least, I know that we've heard a lot about this. The fires up north that started out west and worked away through Russell County. I want to recognize the Rural Fire Ellis County rural fire and those other agencies that came in to assist during the fires. I also want to definitely thank our dispatch center, all of the staff that was working the amount of call volume that they received and that was overwhelming. I tell you what, they are all true heroes for What they do, and they kept us safe.James Bell Yeah, and for those of us that kind of see a little bit behind the scenes with what you guys do, I mean, a lot of things went wrong that day and not in a bad way unexpectedly. But everything like we're and you know, everybody came together and made it all work and it ended up I think the best outcome we could have hoped for in that day.Scott Braun Yeah, obviously, the best outcome is not having it happen at all, but unfortunately did and I'm with you. It is amazing how the community pulls together. Law enforcement, first responders, just in general how counties that were not affected by we're sending people by the groves to help help with those fires to get them out and protect farmsteads and homes. There were obviously some buildings damaged in that but I tell you what our rural fire people were trying to save homes for the for our farmers and there were homes lost and unfortunately, we lost the life too. And that's really sad. But in overall think it could have been a lot worse and I think everybody did an outstanding job and I just want to thank you.

🎙Post Podcast: Cold weather can be harmful to outdoor animals

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A firearms store and gun range in suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City refused to let a Muslim woman use the range unless she removed her hijab, a Muslim civil rights organization alleged in a federal lawsuit.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the law firm of Baldwin &amp; Vernon in Independence alleges that the gun range at Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit enforces its dress code in a discriminatory way that disproportionately affects Muslim women.

A message left with store officials Wednesday was not immediately returned.

Rania Barakat and her husband went to Frontier Justice on Jan. 1 to shoot at the gun range. According to the lawsuit, Barakat was told she would not be allowed to use the range unless she removed her hijab, a religious head covering typically worn by Muslim women.

The gun range requires shooters to remove all head coverings except baseball caps facing forward. A store manager explained that shrapnel could cause the hijab and skin to burn.

The couple told the manager they had used several other shooting ranges with no problems caused by the hijab, and that people wear long sleeves and shirts that cover their necks to protect them from shrapnel, according to the lawsuit.

The manager said the gun range had different rules, according to the lawsuit. The couple left the store after the manager became “aggressive and loud," the suit alleged.

The lawsuit contends that it is Frontier Justice's policy to turn away Muslims wearing hijabs, citing several social media posts from other Muslims about being refused use of the shooting range. It also claims that Instagram posts from Frontier Justice show customers wearing baseball caps turned backward, and hats and scarves.

“It is completely unacceptable for a business establishment to deny service to customers based on their religious beliefs — and that is exactly what Frontier Justice has done," Moussa Elbayoumy, chairman of the board of CAIR-Kansas, said in a statement. "The claim that a hijab somehow presents a safety issue is merely a bad excuse in an attempt to justify a pattern of discriminatory treatment of Muslim women.”

CAIR had asked the U.S. Department of Justice in July to investigate civil rights practices at Frontier Justice.

At the time, Bren Brown, Frontier Justice’s president, said Barakat was not discriminated against and was asked to follow a dress code that is applied to all patrons equally, The Kansas City Star reported.

The lawsuit asks the federal court to find that Frontier Justice's policies regarding the wearing of hijabs violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act and prohibit the gun range and its employees from acting in ways that discriminate against anyone based on their religion.

By MARGARET STAFFORD, Associated PressKANSAS CITY (AP) — A firearms store and gun range in suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City refused to let a Muslim woman use the range unless she removed her hijab, a Muslim civil rights organization alleged in a federal lawsuit.In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the law firm of Baldwin &amp; Vernon in Independence alleges that the gun range at Frontier Justice in Lee's Summit enforces its dress code in a discriminatory way that disproportionately affects Muslim women.A message left with store officials Wednesday was not immediately returned.Rania Barakat and her husband went to Frontier Justice on Jan. 1 to shoot at the gun range. According to the lawsuit, Barakat was told she would not be allowed to use the range unless she removed her hijab, a religious head covering typically worn by Muslim women.The gun range requires shooters to remove all head coverings except baseball caps facing forward. A store manager explained that shrapnel could cause the hijab and skin to burn.The couple told the manager they had used several other shooting ranges with no problems caused by the hijab, and that people wear long sleeves and shirts that cover their necks to protect them from shrapnel, according to the lawsuit.The manager said the gun range had different rules, according to the lawsuit. The couple left the store after the manager became “aggressive and loud," the suit alleged.The lawsuit contends that it is Frontier Justice's policy to turn away Muslims wearing hijabs, citing several social media posts from other Muslims about being refused use of the shooting range. It also claims that Instagram posts from Frontier Justice show customers wearing baseball caps turned backward, and hats and scarves.“It is completely unacceptable for a business establishment to deny service to customers based on their religious beliefs — and that is exactly what Frontier Justice has done," Moussa Elbayoumy, chairman of the board of CAIR-Kansas, said in a statement. "The claim that a hijab somehow presents a safety issue is merely a bad excuse in an attempt to justify a pattern of discriminatory treatment of Muslim women.”CAIR had asked the U.S. Department of Justice in July to investigate civil rights practices at Frontier Justice.At the time, Bren Brown, Frontier Justice’s president, said Barakat was not discriminated against and was asked to follow a dress code that is applied to all patrons equally, The Kansas City Star reported.The lawsuit asks the federal court to find that Frontier Justice's policies regarding the wearing of hijabs violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act and prohibit the gun range and its employees from acting in ways that discriminate against anyone based on their religion.

Suit: KC-area shooting range made Muslim woman remove hijab

The demand for “quarantine puppies” 
and other pets increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a
 spike in scams that has persisted even as virus-related lockdowns have 
abated. Online pet scams -- in which an online search ends with a 
would-be pet owner paying hundreds of dollars or more to adopt a pet 
that ultimately doesn’t exist -- are especially pervasive during the 
holiday season, when families may be looking to add a furry family 
member as a gift. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises extreme caution 
if shopping for a pet online.&nbsp;

In addition to a shortage of puppies available due to high demand, earlier this year, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.html#:~:text=As%20of%20July%2014%2C%202021,in%20the%20past%206%20months." target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspended imports of dogs</a>
 to the U.S. from&nbsp; countries deemed at high risk of rabies. The U.S. 
typically imports 1 million dogs each year and have since updated the 
restrictions.

People currently shopping for pets online 
are very likely to encounter a scam listing in an online ad or website. 
Knowing the red flags associated with this scam can help people avoid 
heartache and loss of money.&nbsp;

Online shopping scam reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pet scams make up 35% of 
those reports in 2021. While pet scam-related reports are down slightly 
from 2020, they are expected to double this year to those reported in 
2019, and more than four times as many were reported in 2017, when BBB 
published its <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams/puppy-scams-full-study" target="_blank">first investigative study about online puppy scams.</a>&nbsp;

Scammers frequently capitalize on the high
 demand during the holidays by posting pictures of pets in Christmas 
hats and other gear. When a would-be pet parent pursues the listing, the
 scammer refuses to let the consumer meet the pet before buying – often 
claiming COVID-19 considerations. The scammer claims that they must use a
 pet delivery agency of some kind, often an airline. BBB Scam Tracker 
has received many reports of fake web pages impersonating real 
businesses for this purpose. The scammer also may demand fees for 
vaccinations or other last-minute “needs.” Ultimately, the pet does not 
exist, and the consumer has lost money and emotional investment.&nbsp;

The largest group of victims by age are 
those 25-35, followed by those 35-44. The average financial loss 
reported to BBB Scam Tracker was $1,088. While 82% of pet scam reports 
involved dogs, other reports included cats, birds and iguanas.&nbsp;

The tactics used in <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams</a>
 continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly ask for payment through 
untraceable cash apps such as Zelle, Google Pay, Cash App, Venmo and 
Apple Pay.&nbsp; A review of BBB Scam Tracker data finds that the vast 
majority of reports listed Zelle as the payment method involving the 
purchase of online pets. &nbsp;

A St. Louis woman told BBB Scam Tracker in
 April 2021 that she paid a $500 deposit via Zelle for a cavapoo puppy 
she had seen online. The seller sent her several photos and then asked 
for the remaining balance on the puppy via Zelle -- a transaction that 
the would-be buyer’s bank flagged as fraudulent. The woman requested a 
refund but never received it, and the puppy is still listed on the 
seller’s website.&nbsp;

A Castro Valley, California, woman 
reported losing $1,350 during the summer of 2021 when she and her 
husband tried to buy a samoyed puppy online. The woman told BBB Scam 
Tracker she signed a contract to purchase a puppy from a “breeder” who 
contacted her via email; she paid the “breeder” $1,350 via Zelle. She 
said she knew she had been scammed when the “shipping company” handling 
the puppy’s delivery contacted her and asked her to rent a 
temperature-regulated crate. &nbsp;

Pet scams are a worldwide problem, with 
the United Kingdom and Australia reporting large increases in pet scam 
complaints in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;Many pet scams originate in Cameroon, 
according to data from Petscams.com, which tracks and catalogues puppy 
scams.&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and 
abroad have worked to apprehend pet scammers. In December 2020, the U.S.
 Department of Justice announced criminal charges against a Cameroonian 
national living in Romania; among other tactics, the suspect had claimed
 the&nbsp;pets he was selling had COVID-19 and required would-be buyers to 
purchase a “vaccine guarantee document.”&nbsp;

BBB recommendations for buying pets online:&nbsp;

Who to contact if you are the victim of a pet scam:&nbsp;

Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams on BBB.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639068796110.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe demand for “quarantine puppies” 
and other pets increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a
 spike in scams that has persisted even as virus-related lockdowns have 
abated. Online pet scams -- in which an online search ends with a 
would-be pet owner paying hundreds of dollars or more to adopt a pet 
that ultimately doesn’t exist -- are especially pervasive during the 
holiday season, when families may be looking to add a furry family 
member as a gift. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises extreme caution 
if shopping for a pet online.&nbsp;In addition to a shortage of puppies available due to high demand, earlier this year, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.html#:~:text=As%20of%20July%2014%2C%202021,in%20the%20past%206%20months." target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspended imports of dogs</a>
 to the U.S. from&nbsp; countries deemed at high risk of rabies. The U.S. 
typically imports 1 million dogs each year and have since updated the 
restrictions.People currently shopping for pets online 
are very likely to encounter a scam listing in an online ad or website. 
Knowing the red flags associated with this scam can help people avoid 
heartache and loss of money.&nbsp;Online shopping scam reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pet scams make up 35% of 
those reports in 2021. While pet scam-related reports are down slightly 
from 2020, they are expected to double this year to those reported in 
2019, and more than four times as many were reported in 2017, when BBB 
published its <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams/puppy-scams-full-study" target="_blank">first investigative study about online puppy scams.</a>&nbsp;Scammers frequently capitalize on the high
 demand during the holidays by posting pictures of pets in Christmas 
hats and other gear. When a would-be pet parent pursues the listing, the
 scammer refuses to let the consumer meet the pet before buying – often 
claiming COVID-19 considerations. The scammer claims that they must use a
 pet delivery agency of some kind, often an airline. BBB Scam Tracker 
has received many reports of fake web pages impersonating real 
businesses for this purpose. The scammer also may demand fees for 
vaccinations or other last-minute “needs.” Ultimately, the pet does not 
exist, and the consumer has lost money and emotional investment.&nbsp;The largest group of victims by age are 
those 25-35, followed by those 35-44. The average financial loss 
reported to BBB Scam Tracker was $1,088. While 82% of pet scam reports 
involved dogs, other reports included cats, birds and iguanas.&nbsp;The tactics used in <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams</a>
 continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly ask for payment through 
untraceable cash apps such as Zelle, Google Pay, Cash App, Venmo and 
Apple Pay.&nbsp; A review of BBB Scam Tracker data finds that the vast 
majority of reports listed Zelle as the payment method involving the 
purchase of online pets. &nbsp;A St. Louis woman told BBB Scam Tracker in
 April 2021 that she paid a $500 deposit via Zelle for a cavapoo puppy 
she had seen online. The seller sent her several photos and then asked 
for the remaining balance on the puppy via Zelle -- a transaction that 
the would-be buyer’s bank flagged as fraudulent. The woman requested a 
refund but never received it, and the puppy is still listed on the 
seller’s website.&nbsp;A Castro Valley, California, woman 
reported losing $1,350 during the summer of 2021 when she and her 
husband tried to buy a samoyed puppy online. The woman told BBB Scam 
Tracker she signed a contract to purchase a puppy from a “breeder” who 
contacted her via email; she paid the “breeder” $1,350 via Zelle. She 
said she knew she had been scammed when the “shipping company” handling 
the puppy’s delivery contacted her and asked her to rent a 
temperature-regulated crate. &nbsp;Pet scams are a worldwide problem, with 
the United Kingdom and Australia reporting large increases in pet scam 
complaints in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;Many pet scams originate in Cameroon, 
according to data from Petscams.com, which tracks and catalogues puppy 
scams.&nbsp;Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and 
abroad have worked to apprehend pet scammers. In December 2020, the U.S.
 Department of Justice announced criminal charges against a Cameroonian 
national living in Romania; among other tactics, the suspect had claimed
 the&nbsp;pets he was selling had COVID-19 and required would-be buyers to 
purchase a “vaccine guarantee document.”&nbsp;BBB recommendations for buying pets online:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>See the pet in person before paying any money.
 Consider a video call with the seller if there are concerns about 
meeting in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This way, you are 
able to see the seller and the actual pet for sale. More often than not,
 scammers won't comply with the request and help avoid a scam.&nbsp;</li><li>Conduct a reverse image search of the photo of the pet and search for a distinctive phrase in the description.&nbsp;</li><li>Research the breed to get a sense of a fair price&nbsp;
 you are considering. Think twice if someone advertises a purebred dog 
for free or at a deeply discounted price … it could be a fraudulent 
offer.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out a local animal shelter for pets to meet in person before adopting.&nbsp;</li><li>BBB urges more law enforcement action against pet scammers.&nbsp;</li><li>The media and public should help to educate those looking for pets online by sharing BBB’s tips and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams" target="_blank">study</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Who to contact if you are the victim of a pet scam:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Petscams.com&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://petscams.com/report-pet-scam-websites/" target="_blank">petscams.com/report-pet-scam-websites</a>&nbsp;tracks complaints, catalogues puppy scammers and endeavors to get fraudulent pet sales websites taken down.&nbsp;</li><li>Federal Trade Commission (FTC)&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a> to file a complaint online or call 877-FTC-Help.</li><li>Better Business Bureau&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;to report a scam online.&nbsp;</li><li>Canadian Antifraud Centre&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm" target="_blank">antifraudcentre-centreantifraude</a>&nbsp;or call 1-888-495-8501 for scams involving Canada.&nbsp;</li><li>Your credit card issuer&nbsp;– report the incident&nbsp;if you&nbsp;shared&nbsp;your credit card number, even if the transaction was not completed.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams on BBB.org</a>.

SIT, STAY: Purchasing a puppy online remains extremely risky

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Akin and Olubukola Ogunsakin moved to Hays from Nigeria six months ago so Olubukola could work at Hays Med as a nurse.

Their children, two boys and a girl, don't have coats, scarves, hats or gloves. They didn't need those clothing items living in Africa. 

They took advantage of a clothing and toy giveaway Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School to find some of theses items for their children.

"It's in the spirit of Christmas," Olubukola said. "I think it is a very good thing. We have this gift, and we are happy to be here."

She said the family loves Hays. The community focuses on family and&nbsp; is not crowded or rough, she said.

Marla and Shelby Waterhouse also picked out gifts and clothing for their son and daughter. 

"It means a lot," Marla said. "The kids grow fast. It's hard to keep them in clothes. We bought a bunch at the first of school and now half of them don't fit any more."

More than 20 families with 34 children were assisted through the event. The staff at Lincoln reached out through CarePortal and local churches donated new toys and new or gently used clothing for the children. 

More than $2,000 in monetary donations were also given.

The families were able to chose a toy for each child in the family and up to seven clothing items.

Volunteers both worked before the event to sort items and during the event to help families find and box their items. An interpreter was on hand to help parents whose native language is Spanish.

Daphne Brown, Lincoln counselor, said the need for these items is great. Lincoln has the highest rate of low-income students among the elementary schools in the Hays district.

"I had a student come to school with only one shoe," she said. "I keep things in my office for those instances, but I can't handle it all. This helps."

Kerri Lacy, principal,&nbsp; said conducting this event is part of the school's larger school redesign, which focus on improving family and community partnerships with the school.

"One thing we have learned is in order to increase the success of our students is to recognize the importance of educating the 'whole student,' and this may not always mean core instruction is first," she said. "For instance, if a child is hungry or worried about where they will sleep at night, there is no way they will be successful in school that day.

"Families everywhere are struggling, and if we can help ease some of that stress and build relationships, our students will be more successful than ever before.  

"Building the partnerships with community businesses and resources makes this a more achievable goal for everyone.  The Hays community really pulled through with this project. The donations and support we received made this event possible" 

&nbsp;Lacy said the families have expressed their gratitude for the event. 

"The response we had was just awesome as far as the comments that we hear and [the families] thanking us," she said. "We're just happy to do it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638392028690.jpeg" alt="Akin and Olubukola Ogunsakin, parents of Lincoln students, pick out some socks for their children at a clothing and toy giveaway at the school Tuesday night. " />
 <figcaption>Akin and Olubukola Ogunsakin, parents of Lincoln students, pick out some socks for their children at a clothing and toy giveaway at the school Tuesday night. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAkin and Olubukola Ogunsakin moved to Hays from Nigeria six months ago so Olubukola could work at Hays Med as a nurse.Their children, two boys and a girl, don't have coats, scarves, hats or gloves. They didn't need those clothing items living in Africa. They took advantage of a clothing and toy giveaway Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School to find some of theses items for their children."It's in the spirit of Christmas," Olubukola said. "I think it is a very good thing. We have this gift, and we are happy to be here."She said the family loves Hays. The community focuses on family and&nbsp; is not crowded or rough, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638392339945.jpeg" alt="Marla and Shelby Waterhouse pick out a jacket for one of their children at a toy and clothing give away Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School. The event was supported by local churches. " />
 <figcaption>Marla and Shelby Waterhouse pick out a jacket for one of their children at a toy and clothing give away Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary School. The event was supported by local churches. </figcaption>
 </figure>Marla and Shelby Waterhouse also picked out gifts and clothing for their son and daughter. "It means a lot," Marla said. "The kids grow fast. It's hard to keep them in clothes. We bought a bunch at the first of school and now half of them don't fit any more." More than 20 families with 34 children were assisted through the event. The staff at Lincoln reached out through CarePortal and local churches donated new toys and new or gently used clothing for the children. More than $2,000 in monetary donations were also given. The families were able to chose a toy for each child in the family and up to seven clothing items.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638392497660.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers both worked before the event to sort items and during the event to help families find and box their items. An interpreter was on hand to help parents whose native language is Spanish. Daphne Brown, Lincoln counselor, said the need for these items is great. Lincoln has the highest rate of low-income students among the elementary schools in the Hays district."I had a student come to school with only one shoe," she said. "I keep things in my office for those instances, but I can't handle it all. This helps."Kerri Lacy, principal,&nbsp; said conducting this event is part of the school's larger school redesign, which focus on improving family and community partnerships with the school. "One thing we have learned is in order to increase the success of our students is to recognize the importance of educating the 'whole student,' and this may not always mean core instruction is first," she said. "For instance, if a child is hungry or worried about where they will sleep at night, there is no way they will be successful in school that day."Families everywhere are struggling, and if we can help ease some of that stress and build relationships, our students will be more successful than ever before. "Building the partnerships with community businesses and resources makes this a more achievable goal for everyone. The Hays community really pulled through with this project. The donations and support we received made this event possible" &nbsp;Lacy said the families have expressed their gratitude for the event. "The response we had was just awesome as far as the comments that we hear and [the families] thanking us," she said. "We're just happy to do it."

Christmas comes early for some Lincoln Elementary families

When you are a student in Kayla North's kindergarten class at Holy Family Elementary School, everything is an adventure.

This includes learning your letters with Bee-Bots, learning to draw with ArtHub or getting your giggles out with a dance from GoNoodle.

Jami Breit's son is in North's class. She nominated North for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.

"Mrs. North always goes above and beyond for her students," Breit said. "All of my boys have had her, and all of them have loved her. 

"She updates the parents and keeps us actively involved in what the children are doing, which is wonderful because I think it really shows that she cares about each one of them."

Breit said North makes learning fun and is quick to adapt technology in the classroom.

"My son always comes home happy to have been at school and showing me all he has learned," Breit said. "Mrs. North has a loving heart and is always making time for the kids."

North, who's been a teacher for 12 years, said teaching kindergarten allows her to be uniquely herself.

"You can be silly. You can be serious, and they love you the same," she said.

Kindergarten-age children love to learn, North said. They love doing a simple math problems the same as they love to read or do a craft. 

"They come in and say, 'What are we doing for math today?!' 'What are we doing for reading today?!' Even if it's just a regular math lesson, they're ready to do it, and they'll go home and tell their parents about it," she said.

North is a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and incorporates a Dr. Seuss week into her lessons every year.

"I have loved Dr. Seuss as long as I can remember," North said. "My grandma had a set of Dr. Seuss books, and I can remember thumbing through them growing up ... couldn't read them yet."

When North was teaching second grade, her entire room was Dr. Seuss-themed. She had a chair she and her mother had covered in fake blue fur to represent Thing One and Thing Two. 

One of the boys in her class was having behavior problems, but he loved sitting in that blue fuzzy chair.

"He would do anything to sit in that chair," she said. ... "He's in high school now, but his mother said he still remembers that fuzzy chair."

Last year, North and her co-teacher turned the week into a series of STEM lessons, borrowing ideas from Pinterest. The kids played with kinetic sand, and North always caps off the week by dressing up as the Cat in the Hat.

The kids in North's class are learning basic coding through Bee-Bots, which are about the size of an adult palm. They are yellow and black and look like smiling bees. The kids press buttons on the bee's backs to tell them were to travel on a grid on the floor.

North incorporates reading by having a child program the Bee-Bot to go to a specific letter or rhyming word. The kids can program the Bee-Bots for multiple stops to spell words. North is ordering jackets for the Bee-Bots so they can hold pencils and the kids can use them to draw letters.

"They're getting the same material, but in a fun way," North said.

The kindergartners at Holy Family go to school for the full day. North said having brain breaks for the kids is important. She uses technology for that sometimes as well.

GoNoodle is a free app that lets the kids watch short funny videos. Many of them include funny songs or dances so the kids can be active when they can't go outside for recess or they're just getting fidgety.

&nbsp;"Sometimes we will literally just stand and shake our arms and be silly," North said.

Art Hub is a YouTube channel that was created by a dad and shows kids how to step by step draw fun images. North uses the art lessons in conjunction with the students' letters of the week. 

The children draw the images, can take pictures of the art with their iPads and then share them with their parents on a secure online account.

"I just want to show kids they can learn and have fun at the same time," North said. "I'm not normally a serious person, so I want to show the kids that it's OK to make mistakes and it's OK to have fun. I want kids to enjoy school and get the most of it as they possibly can."

Kindergarten can fun, but it also can be rough. Some of the kids come to Holy Family as kindergartners and have never been to school before. 

There's a lot more tears in kindergarten, North said. She hopes everything is good for the kids at home. Holy Family has many great families, but you never really know what is going on at home, and the kids don't know how to tell you what's wrong, she said.

"You never know when something's going on," she said. "They might come in crying, but they can't tell you why or they might start crying and you might ask them what's wrong and 'I don't know.' They just can't communicate that.

"Just having the patient. 'OK, take a minute. It'll be OK.' Take their mind off of it. We'll go for walks in the hallway. We'll do a silly dance, just something to get their mind off it. But you never know what they're going through."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637766468670.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637767185433.jpeg" alt="Hays Post's November Teacher of the Month is Kayla North, kindergarten teacher at Holy Family Elementary School. " />
 <figcaption>Hays Post's November Teacher of the Month is Kayla North, kindergarten teacher at Holy Family Elementary School. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhen you are a student in Kayla North's kindergarten class at Holy Family Elementary School, everything is an adventure.This includes learning your letters with Bee-Bots, learning to draw with ArtHub or getting your giggles out with a dance from GoNoodle.Jami Breit's son is in North's class. She nominated North for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award."Mrs. North always goes above and beyond for her students," Breit said. "All of my boys have had her, and all of them have loved her. "She updates the parents and keeps us actively involved in what the children are doing, which is wonderful because I think it really shows that she cares about each one of them."Breit said North makes learning fun and is quick to adapt technology in the classroom."My son always comes home happy to have been at school and showing me all he has learned," Breit said. "Mrs. North has a loving heart and is always making time for the kids."North, who's been a teacher for 12 years, said teaching kindergarten allows her to be uniquely herself."You can be silly. You can be serious, and they love you the same," she said. Kindergarten-age children love to learn, North said. They love doing a simple math problems the same as they love to read or do a craft. "They come in and say, 'What are we doing for math today?!' 'What are we doing for reading today?!' Even if it's just a regular math lesson, they're ready to do it, and they'll go home and tell their parents about it," she said. North is a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and incorporates a Dr. Seuss week into her lessons every year. "I have loved Dr. Seuss as long as I can remember," North said. "My grandma had a set of Dr. Seuss books, and I can remember thumbing through them growing up ... couldn't read them yet."When North was teaching second grade, her entire room was Dr. Seuss-themed. She had a chair she and her mother had covered in fake blue fur to represent Thing One and Thing Two. One of the boys in her class was having behavior problems, but he loved sitting in that blue fuzzy chair."He would do anything to sit in that chair," she said. ... "He's in high school now, but his mother said he still remembers that fuzzy chair." Last year, North and her co-teacher turned the week into a series of STEM lessons, borrowing ideas from Pinterest. The kids played with kinetic sand, and North always caps off the week by dressing up as the Cat in the Hat.The kids in North's class are learning basic coding through Bee-Bots, which are about the size of an adult palm. They are yellow and black and look like smiling bees. The kids press buttons on the bee's backs to tell them were to travel on a grid on the floor.North incorporates reading by having a child program the Bee-Bot to go to a specific letter or rhyming word. The kids can program the Bee-Bots for multiple stops to spell words. North is ordering jackets for the Bee-Bots so they can hold pencils and the kids can use them to draw letters."They're getting the same material, but in a fun way," North said.The kindergartners at Holy Family go to school for the full day. North said having brain breaks for the kids is important. She uses technology for that sometimes as well.GoNoodle is a free app that lets the kids watch short funny videos. Many of them include funny songs or dances so the kids can be active when they can't go outside for recess or they're just getting fidgety.&nbsp;"Sometimes we will literally just stand and shake our arms and be silly," North said. Art Hub is a YouTube channel that was created by a dad and shows kids how to step by step draw fun images. North uses the art lessons in conjunction with the students' letters of the week. The children draw the images, can take pictures of the art with their iPads and then share them with their parents on a secure online account."I just want to show kids they can learn and have fun at the same time," North said. "I'm not normally a serious person, so I want to show the kids that it's OK to make mistakes and it's OK to have fun. I want kids to enjoy school and get the most of it as they possibly can."Kindergarten can fun, but it also can be rough. Some of the kids come to Holy Family as kindergartners and have never been to school before. There's a lot more tears in kindergarten, North said. She hopes everything is good for the kids at home. Holy Family has many great families, but you never really know what is going on at home, and the kids don't know how to tell you what's wrong, she said. "You never know when something's going on," she said. "They might come in crying, but they can't tell you why or they might start crying and you might ask them what's wrong and 'I don't know.' They just can't communicate that."Just having the patient. 'OK, take a minute. It'll be OK.' Take their mind off of it. We'll go for walks in the hallway. We'll do a silly dance, just something to get their mind off it. But you never know what they're going through." <figure>
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Hays Post Teacher of the Month embraces silly of kindergarten

On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations, Allie Glidewell shares information about Small Business Saturday and more.

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

As the holidays are quickly approaching the downtown Hays Development Corporation is getting ready for their series of events. Executive Director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations Allie Glidewell. stopped by to talk to us about a little bit what's going on this season on this episode of the post podcast.

So right now we have the downtown dollar giveaway, which is going on participating businesses. So what that is, when you when you shop participating stores, whenever you spend their denote $1 amount, it could be $10, it could be $100. Depending on the store, you get a ticket, this ticket enters you to win in the downtown dollar giveaway, which is taking place on December 18, where you could win $1,000 or $2,000 in Downtown dollars.

and other great prizes are participating businesses.

Yes, so that's going on that started that first weekend in November the fourth all the way through December 18. So you have so much time to gather bunches of chances to win.

And if you want to get at like the top of the pile and earn double tickets, that customer appreciation weekend starts on December 9 10th and 11th. When you shop at those businesses you get not one but two tickets every time you spend that minimum amount which ranges from everything from like $10 It breeds to $50 at Refine and Simply Charmed and&nbsp;

It's 100 at the Furniture Look it's actually only 25 It's Simply Charmed, Breath, The Gamers Guild there's a ton of places,

So and lots of different ways in amounts that you have to spend. So yeah, check that out. coupon books are also happening.

Yep. So many of those participating businesses also are selling coupon bucks or $10. But they have hundreds and hundreds of dollars in saving. So if you're trying to get some Christmas shopping done, but also want to earn tickets, the coupon bucks are great way to do that.

Awesome win win win. Yeah, it'll relate. Yeah, and no wait for wins because it's a win for the community. Because you're shopping local. We're gonna talk more about that as well.

I mean, I think we promote shopping local all the time, especially in downtown Hays supporting your friends and your neighbors you're supporting the people that are supporting your auctions and your sports teams and your fundraisers, all the things.

Great way to segue into Small Business Saturday, which is November 27, and the day after Black Friday. So we understand that you can't get necessarily every single product in downtown Hays or Hays America, we get that. But also, there's so much that you can't get so remember to keep your very small businesses top of mind this year, we will actually be doing a fun little giveaway the beginning of that week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday on social media where we're giving away a cute little tote bag and coupon books as well. And then Sara is actually gonna be going around on Small Business Saturday.

I'm very excited about this nicely. So we have partnered with brief Coffee House in downtown Hays. And if you don't know if you weren't at one of the parade, they have purchased a coffee mobile it's so cute. Very cute. So I get to drive around in the coffee mobile for three hours on Small Business Saturday literally yelling Thank you for shopping small Thank you for shopping downtown Hayes and giving away coffee and hot chocolate and cookies. So watch for the automobile. I'll be wearing a Santa hat and driving around and they will be very big.

It does it reminds me something like a Dr. Seuss mobile. I just keep calling it the put put mobile.

We better lighten it up we better make it look pretty fast.&nbsp;

It's going very fun. Yeah. And then immediately after Small Business Saturday, we have a Giving Tuesday campaign which is gonna start on November 30. So we our office did several things last year or this year that supported small businesses or the teacher program things like that. We want to do something to help the nonprofits as well. So Sarah contacted Redeem Design. If you want to finish those you can sure so.

With redeem designs, and basically said we want to sell something really cool that we can you have have support nonprofits so essentially they have created this really unique graphic T design. It has a bison it's a little hard on his chest. It says together we give which is the National Giving Tuesday slogan and then it's got 67601 which is of course our zip code on it. And you can purchase it in three different styles and three different colors so short sleeve T Long Sleeve tee or hoodie in black, navy or maroon. So we've got something for the Hayes Hi Pam, we've got something for P fans. We've got something for generic. We did make it a very simple design so men or women can wear it you don't have to worry about the soft pink. Yeah interview. Good luck. But essentially you can go to downtown hayes.com backslash Giving Tuesday. You can check out the designs now. But then we will the store will open on the 30th it will last for six days through that Sunday, December 5 And then you can select from a drop down every time you make a purchase and it will support a local nonprofit And we did not limit it to downtown nonprofits. Any nonprofit in Hays can get signed up for this. I think we have almost 20 signed up right now they have until November 29. To sign up was like, literally the day before we start selling these T shirts. If you're not on our list, you can still get on our list. And then hopefully, at the end of that week, we can write some pretty large tricks. And we loved getting to support the retailers and restaurants. And now we're excited to support the nonprofits as well. And if it goes, well, maybe this is an annual thing. Maybe we do a GivingTuesday shirt every year. But we're a 501 C three nonprofits reached out to us and asked what are you doing? And we thought, you guys are really smart. We should really do that. We should we should support ourselves, maybe. So we're excited for that. I'm 30th.

Yeah, it'll be very cute. So that will end on December 5. December 3, though, so taking just like a little step back is our annual frost fest. Christmas tree lighting, which is very fun. Last year, our organization tripled the amount of lights on that tree in Union Pacific park next to the pavilion. So it's gonna be huge and beautiful. And they're actually already up. The city took advantage of all the warm weather. So the the lights are there. We're just gonna wait until the third to light it up.

Honestly, because they're the best. But we'll have a storytime from the library. There. They're a little chilly mascot there penguin will come down, read a story, his little book that they put out every year. We'll have little carolers Tiger tots are going to Carroll, which is going to be very cute. I'm very excited about that. Santa Mrs. Claus will be their breed again. We'll be giving out hot cocoa.

And the sunflower Clydesdales. carriage rides

We're excited. That's so popular. Yes. They were excited a lot. We're really excited.

We're always excited. If we aren't excited, we're not doing something right. Because we can't get excited about our own stuff. What are we doing?

Yes, but yeah, lots of things happening that night as well. Yeah, so

that'll be from five to seven. But the Clydesdales the carriage rides are going to go until eight.

And the tree will actually be lit by our mayor at 6 pm. So make sure you're there before six if you want to see the lights turn on but we'll have activities throughout the night.

Yeah, should be really good. The following day, that Saturday, December 4 Is the winter Artwalk. We are we do not organize, just promoting.

We had Brenda on actually this week, Brenda Meder from the Arts Council. we talked a little bit about this. So yes, well, yeah, shouldn't be in tuned in on that one. Hopefully,

perfect. But we'll be hosting a winter craft fair and market in conjunction with the artwork that's inside the fox, you can sign up now if you'd like to be a vendor for just $25 runs from 9 am to noon, check it out. There is a Facebook event already. You can sign up with Fox. They're the ones accepting the payments in the forums. Yeah.

Yeah, very cool scenarios, super small business.&nbsp;

Those crafters that you know, that's&nbsp;equally as important and also pay. I mean, they're still paying take sales tax as well. They're still supporting the economy and putting money back in our community. So yeah, equally as important.

Yeah. December 9 is our customer appreciation weekend that Sarah was talking about where you get double tickets. Again, just keep shopping local.

And if you're listening to this in your business, we highly encourage you to get signed up for the process parade as well. We'll be back on to talk about all of the events happening on December 18, which include the parade and movie nights and stuff at the library. But right now, we need you to sign up for that illuminated parade and get excited that we're back in person this year, because we weren't last year and are back in person. They should again, once again, we're very excited to be back in person and to bring the fastest parade back.

Yeah. Yes. So if you have any questions about registration for the parade, like feel free to go ahead and reach out but it's a story Christmas night is the theme. So it should be very, very live up this year. Very beautiful, very fun. I love that.

It's like that's, to me. Frost Fest is like the epitome of living in Hays. When it comes together. You know, it's just it's a beautiful celebration. It's it's not commercial. I mean, there is some commercial aspect to it. But it's just a great way to get the community together. And there's always the hot cocoa and the I don't know, it's just It warms the heart warms my heart anyway, I can't speak for anybody else. I love

We love it too. Also, if you want to volunteer for the frost fest parade, if you want to help guide traffic, maybe judge a float, helped you registration, things like that we have we have corn and a movie night, Movie Night, all sorts of things. Feel free to reach out because we love it when the community gets involved.

That's the case. In any event, we are always looking for volunteers whether you want to sit on a board or a committee or just volunteer that day. Get involved. We love seeing you downtown and helping out and we really try to make it worth your while and we do Yeah, we usually have pretty good freebies for our volunteers to try to use. Yeah.

Very cool. Well, guys, we got to get over the news. Any last thoughts where we go?

Shop local, think downtown first downtown, he's calm. We're on Facebook. We're on Twitter, we're on Instagram, all the things check us out and thanks for supporting local Happy holidays.

Have you excellent Yeah. So Thanksgiving are all the holidays. Oh, it's ever except for Halloween is gone. My kids very sad about that he doesn't care about Christmas for Thanksgiving he just wants to

Trick or treat was amazing. Just thanks for everyone. That was awesome.

<div><iframe title="Downtown Hays ready for Small Business Saturday" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hgbuz-113fd27-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=1b1b1b&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Downtown Hays Development Corporation executive director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations, Allie Glidewell shares information about Small Business Saturday and more.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a><h2>Transctipt</h2>James Bell&nbsp;As the holidays are quickly approaching the downtown Hays Development Corporation is getting ready for their series of events. Executive Director Sara Bloom and director of events and operations Allie Glidewell. stopped by to talk to us about a little bit what's going on this season on this episode of the post podcast.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;So right now we have the downtown dollar giveaway, which is going on participating businesses. So what that is, when you when you shop participating stores, whenever you spend their denote $1 amount, it could be $10, it could be $100. Depending on the store, you get a ticket, this ticket enters you to win in the downtown dollar giveaway, which is taking place on December 18, where you could win $1,000 or $2,000 in Downtown dollars.Sara Bloom&nbsp;and other great prizes are participating businesses.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yes, so that's going on that started that first weekend in November the fourth all the way through December 18. So you have so much time to gather bunches of chances to win.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And if you want to get at like the top of the pile and earn double tickets, that customer appreciation weekend starts on December 9 10th and 11th. When you shop at those businesses you get not one but two tickets every time you spend that minimum amount which ranges from everything from like $10 It breeds to $50 at Refine and Simply Charmed and&nbsp;Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It's 100 at the Furniture Look it's actually only 25 It's Simply Charmed, Breath, The Gamers Guild there's a ton of places,Sara Bloom&nbsp;So and lots of different ways in amounts that you have to spend. So yeah, check that out. coupon books are also happening.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yep. So many of those participating businesses also are selling coupon bucks or $10. But they have hundreds and hundreds of dollars in saving. So if you're trying to get some Christmas shopping done, but also want to earn tickets, the coupon bucks are great way to do that.James Bell&nbsp;Awesome win win win. Yeah, it'll relate. Yeah, and no wait for wins because it's a win for the community. Because you're shopping local. We're gonna talk more about that as well.Sara Bloom&nbsp;I mean, I think we promote shopping local all the time, especially in downtown Hays supporting your friends and your neighbors you're supporting the people that are supporting your auctions and your sports teams and your fundraisers, all the things.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Great way to segue into Small Business Saturday, which is November 27, and the day after Black Friday. So we understand that you can't get necessarily every single product in downtown Hays or Hays America, we get that. But also, there's so much that you can't get so remember to keep your very small businesses top of mind this year, we will actually be doing a fun little giveaway the beginning of that week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday on social media where we're giving away a cute little tote bag and coupon books as well. And then Sara is actually gonna be going around on Small Business Saturday.Sara Bloom&nbsp;I'm very excited about this nicely. So we have partnered with brief Coffee House in downtown Hays. And if you don't know if you weren't at one of the parade, they have purchased a coffee mobile it's so cute. Very cute. So I get to drive around in the coffee mobile for three hours on Small Business Saturday literally yelling Thank you for shopping small Thank you for shopping downtown Hayes and giving away coffee and hot chocolate and cookies. So watch for the automobile. I'll be wearing a Santa hat and driving around and they will be very big.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It does it reminds me something like a Dr. Seuss mobile. I just keep calling it the put put mobile.Sara Bloom&nbsp;We better lighten it up we better make it look pretty fast.&nbsp;Allie Glidewell&nbsp;It's going very fun. Yeah. And then immediately after Small Business Saturday, we have a Giving Tuesday campaign which is gonna start on November 30. So we our office did several things last year or this year that supported small businesses or the teacher program things like that. We want to do something to help the nonprofits as well. So Sarah contacted Redeem Design. If you want to finish those you can sure so.Sara Bloom&nbsp;With redeem designs, and basically said we want to sell something really cool that we can you have have support nonprofits so essentially they have created this really unique graphic T design. It has a bison it's a little hard on his chest. It says together we give which is the National Giving Tuesday slogan and then it's got 67601 which is of course our zip code on it. And you can purchase it in three different styles and three different colors so short sleeve T Long Sleeve tee or hoodie in black, navy or maroon. So we've got something for the Hayes Hi Pam, we've got something for P fans. We've got something for generic. We did make it a very simple design so men or women can wear it you don't have to worry about the soft pink. Yeah interview. Good luck. But essentially you can go to downtown hayes.com backslash Giving Tuesday. You can check out the designs now. But then we will the store will open on the 30th it will last for six days through that Sunday, December 5 And then you can select from a drop down every time you make a purchase and it will support a local nonprofit And we did not limit it to downtown nonprofits. Any nonprofit in Hays can get signed up for this. I think we have almost 20 signed up right now they have until November 29. To sign up was like, literally the day before we start selling these T shirts. If you're not on our list, you can still get on our list. And then hopefully, at the end of that week, we can write some pretty large tricks. And we loved getting to support the retailers and restaurants. And now we're excited to support the nonprofits as well. And if it goes, well, maybe this is an annual thing. Maybe we do a GivingTuesday shirt every year. But we're a 501 C three nonprofits reached out to us and asked what are you doing? And we thought, you guys are really smart. We should really do that. We should we should support ourselves, maybe. So we're excited for that. I'm 30th.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah, it'll be very cute. So that will end on December 5. December 3, though, so taking just like a little step back is our annual frost fest. Christmas tree lighting, which is very fun. Last year, our organization tripled the amount of lights on that tree in Union Pacific park next to the pavilion. So it's gonna be huge and beautiful. And they're actually already up. The city took advantage of all the warm weather. So the the lights are there. We're just gonna wait until the third to light it up.Sara Bloom&nbsp;Thank your parks department.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Honestly, because they're the best. But we'll have a storytime from the library. There. They're a little chilly mascot there penguin will come down, read a story, his little book that they put out every year. We'll have little carolers Tiger tots are going to Carroll, which is going to be very cute. I'm very excited about that. Santa Mrs. Claus will be their breed again. We'll be giving out hot cocoa.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And the sunflower Clydesdales. carriage ridesAllie Glidewell&nbsp;Are back baby. Nice. Yeah,Sara Bloom&nbsp;We're excited. That's so popular. Yes. They were excited a lot. We're really excited.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;We're always excited. If we aren't excited, we're not doing something right. Because we can't get excited about our own stuff. What are we doing?Sara Bloom&nbsp;Yes, but yeah, lots of things happening that night as well. Yeah, soAllie Glidewell&nbsp;that'll be from five to seven. But the Clydesdales the carriage rides are going to go until eight.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And the tree will actually be lit by our mayor at 6 pm. So make sure you're there before six if you want to see the lights turn on but we'll have activities throughout the night.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah, should be really good. The following day, that Saturday, December 4 Is the winter Artwalk. We are we do not organize, just promoting.James Bell&nbsp;We had Brenda on actually this week, Brenda Meder from the Arts Council. we talked a little bit about this. So yes, well, yeah, shouldn't be in tuned in on that one. Hopefully,Sara Bloom&nbsp;perfect. But we'll be hosting a winter craft fair and market in conjunction with the artwork that's inside the fox, you can sign up now if you'd like to be a vendor for just $25 runs from 9 am to noon, check it out. There is a Facebook event already. You can sign up with Fox. They're the ones accepting the payments in the forums. Yeah.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;So that should be really fun.James Bell&nbsp;Yeah, very cool scenarios, super small business.&nbsp;Sara Bloom&nbsp;Those crafters that you know, that's&nbsp;equally as important and also pay. I mean, they're still paying take sales tax as well. They're still supporting the economy and putting money back in our community. So yeah, equally as important.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah. December 9 is our customer appreciation weekend that Sarah was talking about where you get double tickets. Again, just keep shopping local.Sara Bloom&nbsp;And if you're listening to this in your business, we highly encourage you to get signed up for the process parade as well. We'll be back on to talk about all of the events happening on December 18, which include the parade and movie nights and stuff at the library. But right now, we need you to sign up for that illuminated parade and get excited that we're back in person this year, because we weren't last year and are back in person. They should again, once again, we're very excited to be back in person and to bring the fastest parade back.Allie Glidewell&nbsp;Yeah. Yes. So if you have any questions about registration for the parade, like feel free to go ahead and reach out but it's a story Christmas night is the theme. So it should be very, very live up this year. Very beautiful, very fun. I love that.James Bell&nbsp;It's like that's, to me. Frost Fest is like the epitome of living in Hays. When it comes together. You know, it's just it's a beautiful celebration. It's it's not commercial. I mean, there is some commercial aspect to it. But it's just a great way to get the community together. And there's always the hot cocoa and the I don't know, it's just It warms the heart warms my heart anyway, I can't speak for anybody else. I loveAllie Glidewell&nbsp;We love it too. Also, if you want to volunteer for the frost fest parade, if you want to help guide traffic, maybe judge a float, helped you registration, things like that we have we have corn and a movie night, Movie Night, all sorts of things. Feel free to reach out because we love it when the community gets involved.Sara Bloom&nbsp;That's the case. In any event, we are always looking for volunteers whether you want to sit on a board or a committee or just volunteer that day. Get involved. We love seeing you downtown and helping out and we really try to make it worth your while and we do Yeah, we usually have pretty good freebies for our volunteers to try to use. Yeah.James Bell&nbsp;Very cool. Well, guys, we got to get over the news. Any last thoughts where we go?Sara Bloom&nbsp;Shop local, think downtown first downtown, he's calm. We're on Facebook. We're on Twitter, we're on Instagram, all the things check us out and thanks for supporting local Happy holidays.James Bell&nbsp;Have you excellent Yeah. So Thanksgiving are all the holidays. Oh, it's ever except for Halloween is gone. My kids very sad about that he doesn't care about Christmas for Thanksgiving he just wants toSara Bloom&nbsp;Trick or treat was amazing. Just thanks for everyone. That was awesome.

🎙Post Podcast: Downtown Hays ready for Small Business Saturday

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Police say the suspect in a deadly Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee was in a domestic disturbance just minutes before he killed five people and injured 48. 

Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Monday there is no evidence of terrorism in the event. He says police were preparing five charges of intentional homicide against Darrell Brooks, 39, of Milwaukee. 

Thompson identified those killed as four women including 71-year-old&nbsp; LeAnna Owen, 52-year-old&nbsp;Tamara Durand,  52-year-old&nbsp;Jane Kulich,  79-year-old Virginia Sorenson, and 81-year-old&nbsp;Wilhelm Hospel. The women were members of the “Dancing Grannies” club. One victim was an employee of Citizens Bank.

Police also asked for video footage of the suspect vehicle in the parade route or fleeing from the scene, and&nbsp; contact information here&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FxVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT28TAPqZPihnp52yENNCzSj5vQvCys-BgyykyIxvOnaI6tUuKTBGuHYZ7yHmjcd1srEmohI5OoLdBk9TKC7iYo7dm5osh5YNAs1hmFfSLIswdOk5iamYd-QhSMWXBvOzcI2VNQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/xVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8</a>. Police are looking for video that a person captured themselves – not video they saw on someone’s social media page.

Police were&nbsp; only looking for footage of the incident, not the aftermath of the event. We know that members of the community want to help out and help the victims. 

The Waukesha County Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee &amp; Waukesha County have joined together to create the “United for Waukesha Community Fund.” This fund will support the needs of the families impacted. You can donate at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waukeshafoundation.org%2Fparade%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT0vPdb2ej3cTm6ebcFaexXTTLgibJPw_XgcStSi-Hceb6lez1ee6gFcTpi-DvnjJEvMzJjsxJf4sZFsptUIsXzl-wT1H1odLPQpIoEjAJiBH3bCajr7KcYXJQWtlckgB5WbqoI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">www.waukeshafoundation.org/parade</a>.

Many people witnessed traumatic events last evening. If you need to talk to someone, you can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor - they are available 24/7. Please only call 911 for emergencies. There will be a Friends and Family Resource Center set up at Carroll University in the Campus Center ballroom for all the victims from 2pm-6pm on Tuesday and 9am-1pm on Wednesday. The District Attorney Victim Assistance Program is also available to assist. You can email help4victims@da.wi.gov

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.

Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.

In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.

The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.

A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.

The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.

Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.

“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”

A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.

Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.

Then he walked forward to see the damage.

“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.

Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.

“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”

The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.

Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”

The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637579510864.png" alt="photo courtesy city of Waukesha&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy city of Waukesha&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Police say the suspect in a deadly Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee was in a domestic disturbance just minutes before he killed five people and injured 48. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Monday there is no evidence of terrorism in the event. He says police were preparing five charges of intentional homicide against Darrell Brooks, 39, of Milwaukee. Thompson identified those killed as four women including 71-year-old&nbsp; LeAnna Owen, 52-year-old&nbsp;Tamara Durand, 52-year-old&nbsp;Jane Kulich, 79-year-old Virginia Sorenson, and 81-year-old&nbsp;Wilhelm Hospel. The women were members of the “Dancing Grannies” club. One victim was an employee of Citizens Bank.Police also asked for video footage of the suspect vehicle in the parade route or fleeing from the scene, and&nbsp; contact information here&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FxVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT28TAPqZPihnp52yENNCzSj5vQvCys-BgyykyIxvOnaI6tUuKTBGuHYZ7yHmjcd1srEmohI5OoLdBk9TKC7iYo7dm5osh5YNAs1hmFfSLIswdOk5iamYd-QhSMWXBvOzcI2VNQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/xVKV6n9JbwUNjwvC8</a>. Police are looking for video that a person captured themselves – not video they saw on someone’s social media page. Police were&nbsp; only looking for footage of the incident, not the aftermath of the event. We know that members of the community want to help out and help the victims. The Waukesha County Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee &amp; Waukesha County have joined together to create the “United for Waukesha Community Fund.” This fund will support the needs of the families impacted. You can donate at: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waukeshafoundation.org%2Fparade%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR13auXRfLNUfRcHbQoUcYfn4B1IFUV4h1iT3Ie5Vqzunfas8jCnV9GjLRA&amp;h=AT0vPdb2ej3cTm6ebcFaexXTTLgibJPw_XgcStSi-Hceb6lez1ee6gFcTpi-DvnjJEvMzJjsxJf4sZFsptUIsXzl-wT1H1odLPQpIoEjAJiBH3bCajr7KcYXJQWtlckgB5WbqoI&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1LbqzdggqSJeQqQG_iCkHYASPrRkKaFA51uDoKTxK7bUmKePuPW-Tog56U46qQ6Asf84vnlR7eyCP2a8mC5hDIqVFMfW5DCbVP6dbJq3UVccxQ6ji8JGlZTO7fmNEHGrpfd8Xgih3ot73LGrjd4LjQYn_q9wzNhsp9y1dW" target="_blank">www.waukeshafoundation.org/parade</a>. Many people witnessed traumatic events last evening. If you need to talk to someone, you can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor - they are available 24/7. Please only call 911 for emergencies. There will be a Friends and Family Resource Center set up at Carroll University in the Campus Center ballroom for all the victims from 2pm-6pm on Tuesday and 9am-1pm on Wednesday. The District Attorney Victim Assistance Program is also available to assist. You can email help4victims@da.wi.gov<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637624207281.png" alt="Brooks photo Waukesha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Waukesha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637581922928.png" alt="Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.-----------WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637579510864.png" alt="Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody.&mdash; cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWaukesha/status/1462659959544594433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.Then he walked forward to see the damage.“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”Waukesha is a western suburb of Milwaukee, and about 55 miles north of Kenosha, where Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted Friday of charges stemming from the shooting of three men during unrest in that city in August 2020.