Hays pet tags due March 1

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Community Service Officer Nikki Hausler discusses pet registration and safety during the winter.

Stay safe while holiday shopping with these tips from the Hays Police Department

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood shares ways to stay safe while shopping for gifts this holiday season.

Ellis Co. Sheriff: Now is a good time to prepare winter safety measures

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares winter safety preparation tips.

Facility improvements underway at Ellis County Health Department

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Health Department director and public health officer Kim Reel stops by to share details of ongoing renovations.

HPD Chief shares back-to-school safety tips

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Cheif of Police Don Schiebler shares back-to-school safety tips.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
As students ease into the school year, it's time to be a little bit extra cautious. Hays Police Department Chief Don Scheibler stops by to share some tips to stay safe and out of trouble. On this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
 
you can definitely tell what's changed with the pulse of the community. For K State being back in session, Technical College, Academy Hair Design, all these students are back in town really makes the town enjoyable. That increase in traffic and school being session really gotta be very cautious with our driving, especially in those school zones, we have to remind people that a school is going to you got to slow down to 20 Going by the school districts, school areas, find that those fines are doubled. We just issued a $200 ticket yesterday for 17 miles over the school zone out 30 miles over the speed limit is just too fast, because kids out there on bicycles walking. So that's just a reminder on that day to slow down and make sure they buckle up and drive safe. But we were like having buddy back in town, it definitely creates more excitement for us.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. You know, I always like about the college. There's always that learning period for those new kids. And the one ways and I was there 20 years ago, and I'm sure I made it the wrong way more than once. But I've seen a few. Those poor kids, they always look so shocked when you're like No, no, no, you're going the wrong way. But I'm glad to hear that there's been real no major incidents or accidents least yet right?
 
 
No, no major incident, like you said that first month for us is Roya educational period, we try and educate people, a lot of communities a lot of I came from a town of 500 people what side of the street you parked on right didn't matter in Bennington, Kansas. But when they come here, we have to make sure they're parking the right way, going the right way on a one way streets and driving the speed limit wearing the seat belts. But again, just a little things. And at first, that first month truly is an educational period of trying to get people in line. So we have seen a bit of an increase. We haven't seen this in the past. We used to see a lot of house parties. But in recent years, we haven't seen house parties. But we're starting to see house parties with 150 200 people and I think COVID has eventually over to pandemics eventually over people were out socializing again. But we're seeing a lot of underage drinking. So we want to remind everybody yet to be 21 Make sure that everybody's aware that in the city haze, there's the public possession ordinance, even if you're 21, you can't be on a public street or public sidewalk with an open container. And we really encourage those people having house parties. So a couple of different things that we can do. They can number one, they can register their party with the Hayes Police Department, through the Student Government Association for the State University. That gives us a contact person gives them a party pack on some things to not to do during the party and how to be successful. But most importantly for us, it gives us a contact number for somebody to reach out to. And if we get a phone call saying hey, the party is too loud, can you do something about that? Well, supervisor would do we'll call that person up tape, we got to complain about your party, we need you to quiet it down. Most of time that works. And the police department have to go to the party then. So that's worked out very well for us. But if they don't, we have to go there and a person can be issued a citation for a loud noise disturbance. We're also having some morning NAFTA issues. A lot of times we have this big party and the next day you have this huge mess in the front yard. Going by and knocking on the door telling people we have to get that cleaned up. And for the most part, they're cooperative for that too. They're, they're good kids, they're just having a good time. And we just have to remind them that they're their neighbors. Now you have to be a good neighbor. So it's a it's a learning experience, and we appreciate them being here.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. I like to hear that, you know, it will be so easy, I think for for any police department to take that adversarial role, but I like that you're kind of taking that we're a community partner, do the right things and we won't bother you just you know, stay safe and be careful and let us know what's going on.
 
 
And absolutely and those students are so important to our to our community. And we do see them as community partners we do see them as as part of our community. More importantly for us parents from across the state from across the country from around the world and send us their most protecting the most prized possession their children. And our goal is to keep them safe while they're going to school here and getting their education. And I start when we take that responsible very served seriously so we really have to make sure that we're being educational but holding them keeping them safe at the same time. So it works out pretty well for us. So
 
James Bell 
very good. Well any other last thoughts or anything else you want hit on before we
 
 
go? No, I really don't. And then the fact that this reminder again, there's a lot more increase in traffic. Make sure that you slow down through those school zones. Let's buckle up. Stop the stop sign is because be extra careful. Forex people say it's successful

Return to school marks good opportunity to check fire prevention equipment

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Fire Chief and County Administrator, Darin Myers shares tips for keeping safe through preventative measures.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
As Fort State University students move back into Hays for the upcoming semester, it's a good time to check those fire prevention measures. Fire Chief and County Administrator Darin Meyers stops by to share with us some safety tips on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Darin Myers 
October 9 through the 15th is fire prevention this week, and state fire marshal starting to send out information in regards to what is going to catch capsulate this year, but I think time fire prevention week and just general fire safety topics is kind of a good thing to bring in, we got a lot of people moving back into the area for Fort Hays. And I thought it'd be good just to kind of mention is, you know, some of the new freshmen are moving into a new apartment new dorm, new fraternity sorority is just make yourself familiar with the place that you're living. Now, where the fire alarm panels are at how to activate the fire alarm, and one of the biggest savers lifesavers is smoke detectors. So if you're in an apartment, make sure you have them, they should be in every bedroom, in your in the residence, and then they should be outside of every living area, as well as on every floor. So make sure you have them. And then the second step is make sure they actually work. You know, if you can't reach them, you know, get you a broom handle or something and push the test button on there and make sure that they work and make sure the batteries are in there. And if not contact your landlord and get the batteries replaced. And it's the best thing that can happen in the middle of night. And the best way and the fastest way to detect a fire in the residence is having the smoke detectors in there.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. And what a simple and small measure. I mean, I'll give you an example in my home. Last time I moved in or not, I think it was the place before but I never tested them. They were there. They looked good. And I thought oh, okay, I finally after like three or four months oh my gosh, should hit that button. I did and it didn't do anything. There was no battery yet. There was no battery in it.
 
Darin Myers 
Don't Don't don't assume that just because someone else isn't there before you that they didn't pull out the detectors or the batteries. Like you said. One thing to also consider nowadays, they always used to teach or we always used to teach as you change your batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, every time you change your clock for spring and fall you replace your batteries. Smoke detectors nowadays, we're coming out with a lithium ion batteries that last you know, they're saying 10 years, we never have to replace them. But don't take that for granted that they are still working. If they you know their batteries do become faulty and they don't last always as long as you expect them to so you still want to test them. And you know, testing them drains the battery and it'll start chirping at you if it's not a full full alarm, but it will just do little chirps. And I'll let you know that the batteries are dead on. And to get the to get it either replace the battery or replace the smoke detector as well. And in the other piece to that is not just your smoke alarms, but your co detectors detecting the carbon monoxide, we get a lot of calls starting the city in the county, but throughout the nation about this time of year, not quite yet. But once it starts cooling down, everybody starts turning their furnaces on. And a faulty furnace or a hot water heater or stove can emit carbon monoxide in your home. And so it's nice to have a carbon monoxide detector as well. And make sure that those were actually working, some of them actually plug in down on the floor. But those those are are typically placed as was Frequenters. As often in your home as a smoke detector. Those are supposed to be just one on every floor. don't necessarily want them close to your kitchen or your furnace room though you want them separated more likely in your living area and sleeping area. But you don't want them close to those areas because when it is common to have carbon dioxide actually in your home at all times. But if they're too close to those servers like the the furnace, the sensors can actually become saturated. And then they can give you false readings and maybe not go off as when they're supposed to or go off too quickly because they're saturated. So make sure you have your smoke detectors and make sure you have your carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
 
James Bell 
You don't want those carbon monoxide alarms to I wonder what's the best placement Do you want them high up near the ceiling Do you want to towards the floor I and I've seen it kind of everywhere in the in all the years that I've moved around.
 
Darin Myers 
You're testing me on that one because I don't remember what the the vapor did stupid the the relation of carbon dioxide is to air if it's heavier or lighter. You always have smoke detectors up top because smoke rises so you just fold detectors up low. However, I've always seen carbon monoxide detectors, usually about a foot two off the floor and plugged into your your power outlets. And so it may be that it's best to have but you caught me on that one. I can't. I might be able to Google that while we continue to
 
James Bell 
talk about you I think probably the most important thing is just have them in the house. Yeah, right. If it gets to a point where you're in danger, I would think no matter where it's at, it's gonna be beeping at you in one way or another. Yep. Very good. And you know, another question I had and when it comes to the fire safety in the home fire extinguishers, I've lived in places that have the little tiny ones I've lived in you don't they have the big full on ones, what's the what's the best recommendation there for you
 
Darin Myers 
definitely have one just like.
 
James Bell 
Again, the most important thing is have one Walmart and Home Depot may
 
Darin Myers 
like us after this, everybody's gonna be running into the store and pick up some more. Yes, definitely have one one of the best place to always keep it to good places, but the best and the most common place to put it underneath your kitchen, sink your your base cabinet there. But an ABC fire extinguisher. And what an ABC fire extinguisher is it is acceptable use for three different types of fires a type A fire, which is natural, so woods and trees, and then Class B is liquids and Class C would be electricity. So you have that ABC that will lay this electrical fire grease fire. Or if you just light your fire on a stove, your pizza in the stove on fire, you can use it. So definitely have that. They usually make him there, they're about biggest size you'd probably need is they're about four inches in diameter. They make home versions at the at the store, you can buy as big as you want. Because it just depends on how much space you want to take up. But they also make an extinguisher specifically for kitchens, which is a class que so it's more designed for your kitchen fires. If you want to buy one of those there, they are a little bit more expensive than a regular ABC extinguisher though.
 
James Bell 
Alright, for safety, what's the what's a few dollars for safety? Exactly. I always I always love to be more prepared. My my wife teases me all the time, because I'm always like about that stuff. But anyway, that maybe that's just me. Well, before we run out of time, we've got our shift gears here. You've got a Fire School coming up from what I understand, right?
 
Darin Myers 
Yeah. So each year, well, every month actually. So the Kansas State Firefighters Association has host different fire schools around the state. Not every single month because we have a conference in April, which we actually just hosted the annual State Conference here this year. But here in September, the 10th and 11th. We're hosting the regional Fire School. And so I guess it's somewhat of an invite if there's any fire departments for firefighters that are listed in this morning. We welcome everybody to come out on September 10 and 11th. And we'll be hosting it again this year at the high school. While vehicle extrication class, we'll have some chief officer classes, some skills training, we'll have a live burn trailer. Then we're also we'll be cooking up the day before a couple of pork butts to be able to feed everybody for lunch. So we'll have some free food for everybody for the lunch period. But one of the neat things this year's our fire school that we got approved for is on September 10 and 11th. But you know, it's been over 20 years now since 911 happened and last year was the first year that Fort Hays started it but they started a memorial stair climb out of Lewis field. And we're partnering up with Fort Hays this year. So it won't be on the 11th just because it's a Sunday, but on September 10 That morning, registration will start out at the Fort Hays lose field. And for registration of the stair climb, because everybody registered and at 747 which is our time for when the first tower was hit. We'll start the stair climb. And if you just want to do a walk around the track or he can actually climb the stairs and they'll have it all set up on the on the bleachers that you'll be able to climb 110 flights of stairs in honor and remembrance of those who sacrifice their lives back on 911 of 2001.
 
James Bell 
But are good you know what a powerful way to help remember all of those victims?
 
Darin Myers 
They are they are I've never actually attended one, we usually send our firefighters because I believe it's good to let them go out and promote that and experience that and fire departments from around the state to around the nation that happens that weekend every year. And we usually send several most we've ever sent was about seven down to a one time down to the one in which top but hopefully we'll have quite a few area firefighters joining us this year and come out to Lucasfilm It's a free event. It's just a you got to put some blood sweat and tears into climbing, climbing the stairs and walking the track to to complete it.
 
James Bell 
Sure. Do they need to sign up at all? Or is it just kind of a show up and be
 
Darin Myers 
there just show up. You don't have to for the stair climb. We actually don't even have to be on the fire department if you just want to come out and take part of the event. It's just registrations at seven and we'll give it about 30 minutes. Everybody lined up ready to go.
 
James Bell 
Very good. We've got about a minute or so left. I want to hit on this. I saw you guys driving around. I think you're probably heading to a fire. He got some new vehicles in the fleet, right?
 
Darin Myers 
Yeah. Not too long ago since well, it's been a while since we've actually Been in near to visit but we did get a new fire truck. We ordered it actually last January so about a year and a half ago but with the production delays and everything it took to get the actual the chassis up to South Dakota where they built the truck. We finally got it and the fire department, the members of company five here in Hayes spent about a month training on it they had to go out and do driver training and pump training, draft training and a lot of drills driving it around and etc. To make sure that they were fluent with the truck driving it safely and then operating it during a fire so got it in it's nice it's a very nice truck. I appreciate the County Commission support letting us purchase it it was well needed it replaced a truck that was about 27 years old. And got it and service. It's out and about it's it's a neat truck the let the firefighters have a lot of input on it and it's kind of a new color scheme that will have county fire departments black over red so the top of the cab and everything is black and the bottom half is red and looks pretty sharp and like said I'm appreciate appreciative that we got it. The firefighters are liking it, enjoying it. And it's kind of neat because it's it's a 27 year newer truck, but it's simpler to operate and kind of stopped us a few times because we thought it would be more complicated. It was simpler than it was. So that's I guess that's good news.

Help keep school age children safe with these tips

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share safety tips for the school year.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
Keeping children safe as they go back to school this August is up to the entire community his Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston stops by to share some safety tips on this episode of the post podcast
 
Shane Preston 
are some parents are excited for school to start back up just in a matter of time of their hair and get back to the activities maybe it'll slow down a little bit. But, you know, school is coming just right around the corner. So some of the things we want to kind of talk about today some school stuff remember, you know, the school zones and you know, with increased traffic in those areas, obey the traffic, flashing signals and, and speed limits in those areas. And in those areas, just remember the kids are gonna be walking, riding their bikes or skateboards or, you know, whatever it may be, may not always be in the car with the parents. And just make sure you plan ahead all that extra time. You know, plan for it to be crazy. I know it is and I'm not a big fan of doing the whole drop off and pickup thing myself but if I can do it everybody else can do so just remember when you are picking up your child or dropping them off parking in the emergency vehicle areas Please do not do that that is that is for us if there is an issue there usually there'll be a sign there that says you know no parking emergency vehicles or it'll be a curb will be painted red in that area. So you know, there are designated pickup pickup drop off areas at the schools. But we also have kind of our own little spot where you know, if something bad did happen, we have a place to go.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, and you might think well I'm only going to be there for a minute but in an emergency holy smokes that minute might be life and death for somebody and you don't want to be the one that's in
 
Shane Preston 
the way and then you know everybody else trying to get out of the you know out of the way it just if you if you've ever done this school pickup stuff you know the traffic is kind of insane it's something you know everybody wants to get going and everything and then you throw an emergency in there and it just you know raises the stress levels up a little bit more and then people are trying to you know, get their kid but yeah, get out of the way and it's it it gets a little cumbersome. So just park where you should Yes. Remember we have crossing guards signals remember there's crossing guards that that do that the just like over here to a Laughlin we do have crossing guards there and and make sure you allow enough time you see them stop ahead you know let's get his kids moving so phones in the school zones you know if you don't need to be on it don't and if you do you know there's so many options now going hands free with your cell phone and you know things like that use those options if you need to be on it you know in the vehicle just good general practice to do that.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, I think I'd heard and correct me if I'm wrong I mean we may know may not but someone somewhere I'd seen that distracted driving so cell phone usage is now the number one killer or the number one cause of traffic acts fatal traffic accidents over drunk driving.
 
Shane Preston 
I don't I haven't seen that but it couldn't be wrong no I think I think it's right up there with it if it's not you know if it hasn't been taken over that that stat yet but you know the whole texting and driving and it's just even you know if you're talking on and you got it up to your you know your ear you're you're involved in the conversation and you're just going through the motions of driving instead of you know I need to be driving and be defensive and looking for things and all that so it really does take take take you away from where you need to be when you're driving
 
James Bell 
and when you got little kiddos running around I mean it's they just pop up out and they do I ended up my my daughter almost got hit coming out school not not in haste This was back in when our previous location but thank goodness that driver was paying attention because she caught it like, right just this kid was popping under our wheels. I didn't know what she was doing. But she immediately took her back to our house and said you guys should have a talk with your daughter. And we did we did but you know had she been on a cell phone or been distracted at all it may have been a very different
 
Shane Preston 
and also remember to we have young teenage drivers out there for high school who are going to be you know now driving, talk with them. If you have a teenager in the home, you know just work with them and you know make sure hey put the Phone down when you're driving, it's not that important. If it's not important and pull over Park, then use the phone you don't, you know, it's one of those. Because, you know, as a young driver, you don't want to be involved in an accident and might hurt another small child too. So but anyway, school buses. Now remember, you know, the school bus has its flashing lights on and the stop signs out. That means traffic stops both sides, both
 
James Bell 
sides. Oh, so that's something that I learned recently, and probably you that taught me this. The segment's but yeah, both ways, you can't just stop if you're behind it, it should be a complete stop. That's
 
Shane Preston 
correct. And, and the reason is, is because when the kids get off, they get out the passenger side of the of the bus, now they may need to go to cross the street. Well, that stop sign the flashing lights provides basically, you know, a school crossing guard type thing provides a safe zone for them to be able to get off the bus and go, you know, walk around in front of the bus and go across the street and get on the sidewalk and meet their parents or go home from there. Now, a lot of times, the kids just get off the bus, and they just go they don't pay attention to the, you know, the cars, traffic, they get snacks, a TV, video game, they want to go play or you know, whatever it may be. And so yeah, just be aware of that. And we do have, you know, not just school buses out in the rural communities, but we have school buses here in town in Hays that do drop offs, pickups and drop offs. So just remember, if you do have a school bus, stop in your area, make sure you plan around that to know where those are at. But teach the kid teacher if you have a kid that does ride the school bus teach him to play it safe. Stay five steps away from the curb. Always wait until the bus comes to complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board the bus. So, you know, you know there's, the kids want to hurry up, jump on well, you know, the driver doesn't even have the door open and they're trying to get on you know, so wait wait for the vehicle to come to complete stop. And then face forward, you know, after finding the seat sit in your seat, you know, when I was in school, the school buses did not have seat belts. So you know, we were just we just wrote along. But we still had the same rules you sit down you face for you know you don't jump up over the seat to talk to your friend that's behind you or anything like that. So and then when exiting the bus, wait till it stops. Make sure you look in make sure you talk to your child about looking both ways across the street even though the bus may have its lights on the stop sign out and there may be some a drivers that stopped each year we do have an incident with a driver not yielding to the stop sign of a school bus. And you know, sometimes people get hurt and sometimes they don't. But let's just be aware of that and, and help help everybody be safe. And just reminder, the kids to be courteous to this to the bus driver and listen to their directions and and because the drivers there, they just want to we want to make sure the kids get home safely get to school safely. So that's that's their big push there. And lastly, I know we usually talk about it every time but we still have our smoke detector program. So if you do have any questions about a smoke detector or even a carbon monoxide detector, let us know and we will assist you in any way we can.
 
James Bell 
Very good. Well, all righty, Shane, any other last thoughts or anything you want to touch on before we go? No, I
 
Shane Preston 
just want to say it's a beautiful day out. I know it's a little cloudy or foggy but the temperature is great.
 
James Bell 
It looks like 70 degrees, the little chart saying here and yeah,
 
Shane Preston 
usually that's around you know, like two o'clock in the morning. 830 in the morning so everybody's going to enjoy the nice little weather we have here.

Ellis Co. Sheriff Braun shares UTV information for county riders

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about riding UTV's on Ellis County roads.

Warmer outdoor temperatures brings fire danger

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans shares tips on staying safe during spring and summer.
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
As summer approaches new fire dangers also pop up paced Fire Department Chief Ryan Hagen's stops by to share with us some ways to stay safe this spring and summer as well as share updates from the department on this episode of the post podcast that we hit on this a little bit last month the fire hydrant testing was going on. I think that's still kind of wrapping up in it.
 
Ryan Hagans 
Yeah, it's still going on, we usually start that the first part of March because he knows well as I do. Springtime in western Kansas, flip a coin on the weather conditions. It's either gonna be nice, or it's gonna we're gonna have some cold weather. So we we just kind of picked march to get started on that so we can get it wrapped up before water restrictions kick in place. We're probably about three quarters away done. So we go around and pressure flow test every hydrant in town to make sure that they're working properly and kind of helps out to our water resources department by getting water quality back where it should be.
 
James Bell 
You know, I It's funny, you mentioned that you guys were over in my neighborhood the other day and did it and the the water went from it had kind of a murky gun, a fishy taste to that super chlorinated taste, is there backfill in the lines? And then now Yeah, absolutely. There's quite a bit better than a headache. And even really,
 
Ryan Hagans 
it's just the water moving throughout the town. Yeah, it definitely improves the quality.
 
James Bell 
And it's always good to have those ready and know that they work. If you're in an emergency. That's not the time you want to find out, hey, we don't have the proper pressure here.
 
Ryan Hagans 
Right. And so we want to make sure that the hydrants themselves are in good, good condition.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. Speaking of being prepared for emergencies, you guys recently conducted your the FFA Turner FAA. Yes, fire training.
 
Ryan Hagans 
On April 20. We conducted our annual our live burn requirements which are for AR f f, which is airport rescue and firefighting. That is training as mandated, like I said, by the FAA, and several years ago, we partnered up with the DoD City Fire Department and they they'll send anywhere between eight and 12 other staff up to join us as well. So that's a it's a good time it's an all day event but it's it's good training hot
 
James Bell 
that's what I went out there one year maybe not this last one but went out there one year to photography you guys working out there and holy smokes the the that simulated airplane fire you can feel it from so far away. And I can even imagine and all that gear, how hot that is. Even on a nice day.
 
Ryan Hagans 
You get the gear on then you go inside the plane and all that heats just trapped in its little warm.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. Let's see what else you also did some. What is this fact training?
 
Ryan Hagans 
Yeah, that was put on by Fort Hays State. And yes, and Debbie K. Fact was dead for a first responder art, collaboration and training. It was a four day event and what it does, it was a good interaction between how do how to interact with people with some cognitive disability. So we really enjoyed that. All of our guys have went down narratives and all that we had so much fun with the DSM Debbie Kay clients, for Hey, students, it was a good time.
 
James Bell 
Very cool, very cool. I know you guys really love to be out in the community and make your or be a positive presence in the community. And you got some events coming up to that kind of a center on that day idea as well. Right, right.
 
Ryan Hagans 
Earlier this week, Lieutenant Tim de tree, was invited to speak with the Hays High School jag class, which that jag J G stands for jobs available for graduates. He did an excellent job, I was up there with him and watched him do his thing. And just did an outstanding job and I think he is going to try and go back again next week.
 
James Bell 
Very cool. You know, I remember as a kid, I had a desire to be a fire firefighter. I think a lot of kids do and it's really cool that you can go in there and interact with them and maybe help keep that dream alive a little bit.
 
Ryan Hagans 
You know, was one thing that was interesting. When they were getting this all planned out, you know, they got it. How do how do you get involved in the fire service and Lieutenant d3 That gave a chance to tell his story you know, and what what led him into it? And it was it was it was good to hear it I got to witness his journey also but it was as good hearing his side of it. And as the kids I think really appreciated him sharing his story.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. And as picking up kiddos bringing back the front door Fridays we were talking a little bit before we got on here I got to bring in my four year old down there check out the trucks because what a cool way to interact with the department
 
Ryan Hagans 
Yeah, every starting in May through October the third Friday of every month 7pm to 9pm we'll be down in the apparatus Bay down there station one 1507 main doors will be up stop on by this for a quick drop into are we be glad to have anyone everyone come by.
 
James Bell 
Yeah love that. and it is that time of year that you know, the weather's getting nicer school is coming to an end those kiddos is going to be out more and more, aren't they?
 
Ryan Hagans 
Oh, yeah, we just want to monitor but just be paying a little bit more attention. Obviously the weather's turning Nice. Kids are going to be outside riding bikes running down the sidewalks out in the parks. Yeah, we can get to some days the winds not blown, though beyond about even more. This one reminder, buddy, it's that time here. Let's be on the lookout. And it's a crazy thought. But here we are about to wrap up another school year. You know, just be prepared. Once again, graduations are coming up. So we'll see an increase in traffic throughout the community.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. And you know, with the weather warming up to people will be out celebrating cooking barbecues and parties and all that as well. Right? That's
 
Ryan Hagans 
right. You know, this is if you haven't already, but a good reminder to make sure that that barbecue grills in good clean working order. Gas Grill, you have no leaks and everything. Just reminded Don't, don't try barbecuing in the garage unless you got some really good ventilation, but it still can build up carbon monoxide. So we want to just want everybody to be safe and have a good time.
 
James Bell 
Absolutely. And if you're on a road trip, right, you need to be maintained on that vehicle.
 
Ryan Hagans 
Oh, that's that's for sure, too. We don't want to have anybody break down alongside the road. So if you got a good family vacation planned, now's a good time to make sure that vehicle is go get checked over. That way you know your road ready? Absolutely.
 
James Bell 
Already, sir. Well, we've got just about a minute or so left. Any last thoughts where we go?
 
Ryan Hagans 
Yeah, we still have a funny smoke alarms to give away. If you're interested in that program, and to see the qualifications for that. This give us a call at the office at 628730 glad to help you out.

Hays Police Department celebrates dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Police Department communications Lt. Jeff Ridgeway shares information about the department's dispatchers as they celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators.
 
Transcript:
EDITORS NOTE: Transcripts are provided by an automated service and are not verified for accuracy.
 
James Bell 
The Hays Police Department is celebrating their dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators week Communications Lieutenant Jeff Ridgeway stops by to talk to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Just a week of giving thanks to our dispatchers are 911 operators across the nation. They have a job that typically goes without, you know, I can't say they go unnoticed, because they are very much a key part of first responders and I will one calls and even the administrative calls. So this is just a week to be able to just say, Hey, thanks, thanks for taking that call answering the call being that life link and helping getting resources, those first response resources to where they need to go.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, you know, I think it was maybe a year or two ago, you were kind enough to take me down into the dispatch center. We were working on a story. I don't know if the story is now but I was really taken aback by kind of the the professionalism of these folks, but also the stories that I heard, you know, of being that first first responder, and it's really, you know, they are kind of, in some ways behind the scenes, because he's on the phone. But some of the things that they have to deal with are just as heavy and serious as what you would think of as a street officer, right?
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Well, the people calling, these are some low points in some people's lives, they are in crisis, desperate need for help, just from a wide range of aspects eating anywhere from people who are contemplating taking their own life to crimes that just occurred, whether it be a robbery a homicide, or, or, or even something, perhaps not as critical as as you know, hey, my dog got out of the backyard, which might be critical for some, you know, so they definitely get a wide range of phone calls. And whether it be through the 911 system or just a non administrative or the non emergency line. They are definitely that first point of contact with the public safety agencies and are just able to route the the assistance that's needed redirect people to where they need to go or or just be that lifeline when needed.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. Well, and they also have to deal with people like me calling down they're asking questions all the time. What was this? We heard sirens will tell us about it.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
They have they have a good filter system? So they know. Absolutely.
 
James Bell 
Always professional, but also always. What's the word I'm looking for? Not correct. But you know, direct to the point very direct.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Yeah, they, you know, we have a limited number of like 911 lines, we've only we've only got 5 911 lines in the county that come and of course, we serve for the whole county here in Ellis County. So when you have just a limited number lines, they're very, pretty much say we gotta get off the phone because somebody else might be needed next. So they're very mindful of that concept. Yeah.
 
James Bell 
So you know, what is this? What are we doing this week to help kind of recognize those folks?
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Well, just as an agency for us, we're just kind of getting a couple extra treats and give him some thank you cards and stuff like that, you know, buying them lunch, dinner a couple times this week, getting some ice cream, and just doing some different activities like that just as appreciation. They've kind of come up as a team, they've came up with special themed days where they're kind of getting to relax a little bit not being in their their normal, uniform expectations and being able to dress down for example, today, it's kind of America Day, so they're wearing America style thing. outfits, and then tomorrow will be their favorite shirt day. And yesterday, they were dressed up with your favorite sports. So I mean, just different things for for everyday this week. As we just again, our focus is just to make sure they understand that they're appreciated. They are definitely kind of forgotten at times. But they're very much a very critical part of our emergency response system.
 
James Bell 
Oh, absolutely. Yeah. And again, that first first responder, right,
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
yes, absolutely.
 
James Bell 
So you know, I don't know if we want to talk a little bit about kind of how that all works and kind of the jobs down there in the communication center. Because, you know, it's been what I think about two years now since the Hayes Police Department took over the responsibilities of running the center again,
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Well, actually the Hays Police Department has well, You're correct. The Hays police department in the city of Hays is operated for many years and the county has provided the equipment. It was prior to a couple of years ago it was their own department within the city and it got combined back down to the police department. And you know, in 2021, they answered over 70,000 phone calls down there. Over 11,000 was being 911 calls but so they they're constantly getting a lot of phone calls down there. We serve and dispatch for 10 public safety agencies in our county five law enforcement for fire and of course, are county wide EMS. So they're constantly being busy. And one of the really needs information was looking back at some numbers from last year is our dispatch staff are able to answer 99% of the 91 calls within 10 seconds of it ringing. Wow, that is just an outstanding ability that's much, significantly higher than the national average of about 90%. Or that's national standard, I should say. So we're definitely doing really good in that aspect. We just have a phenomenal staff down there that is committed to their job committed to the the the role in making sure they can provide that service to our community.
 
James Bell 
That's incredible. You're looking for a couple more to join the ranks.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
At the moment, we've got two openings that we're trying to get filled. We've got a couple of candidates that are going through our process and but we're always looking for a good, good dispatcher.
 
James Bell 
You know, I'm curious what you think about police officers in general the physicality the build a rundown somebody or the, you know, the quick action, quick thinking, you know, what kind of skills that does a dispatcher need to be effective at that job?
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
All right. You know, that's, that's a real tough question. I'll try to get that answered here. But from, from my observation, the ability to think fast, limited information, deal with unusual problems, just some common sense is probably the most common or most needed. skill set is just having that ability to, and, of course, he's always the doesn't hurt if you can stay calm when someone's upset on that on that phone. And even if they are redirecting their anger, you know, at the dispatcher and unfortunate it happens at time. So just being able to manage that that are definitely valuable skill sets,
 
James Bell 
I would think there's a pretty heavy tech component kind of involved in there, right. And especially right now, when you're redoing your system down there.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
We just went last month ago, we spent transitions to a new computer aided dispatch software program and some other software that that the long term goal will make the I believe will make the job for our dispatchers easier. And so we've got four consoles in our 911 Center, that the average six monitors on each console. So there's a lot of screens, a lot of information that they're able to see lots of stuff coming in. So there is a bit of a tech skill set. They're working with the different software and stuff. But again, all that's intended to help them one, be able to do their job easier and give them access to the resources and information. Not only does the dispatchers need, but then that they can relay to the first responders you're out in the field.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, even before when I was down in there, the amount of information at their fingertips is actually it's it's mind boggling to me what they can access. And I can't even imagine what this new system I've got kind of an inkling of what it does.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Bringing in a new employee, I feel like without counting them, there's like 20 different resources that we have to set up the user profiles and give them access to ranging anywhere from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to the FBI to various intelligence resources that we're able to provide them, again, the goal being there that they can read that information on to the first responders.
 
James Bell 
And I also thought it was it was pretty cool. They had, they had some entertainment going on, they had a TV show playing as well, because there is there's those times I imagine in a dispatch center where you're you're got a little bit of a lull, but then it's like you got to be ready to go on a moment's notice
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Definitely has its ups and downs, there's moments of where the phones don't ring, perhaps more often than the early morning hours. And so there are moments where there are that downtime. And so to help get them through that downtime, we do have some opportunities, or we got a couple TV screens that are up on the wall, just they typically just have the video going they normally don't have much audio there. But but they all recognize that even though that's there, that phone rings, that's that's your focus on that. And it's a quick transition over and they're never seen there being an issue as far as not getting things done that they need to get done. And but you just have to recognize that it's not constant all the time something go go go there is some downtime. So to help break up that those downtimes we do provide some alternatives to help them.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, and I had to imagine it helps keep focus because you know, if you're zoning out, I think that would probably be the worst kind of situation just sitting there waiting for something to happen at your desk. You know, you have to be in that mind frame at all times. Right.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
I mean, I don't think it's fair to expect anybody to just to sit there for hours and during those quiet times and just wait for the phone and you've you've, I mean, there's other tasks that they have that they'll take care of too, but I think we have realistic expectations on that aspect.
 
James Bell 
And I think, you know, Jim, generally across the city, I think everybody recognizes the tremendous work that they all do down there.
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. Well,
 
James Bell  
I'll tell you, we've got just about a minute or so left. Any other last thoughts or anything you want to hit on before we go?
 
Jeff Ridgeway 
Well, again, I just want to express an appreciation to our staff down there, they're a great staff. They, even when we've been short handed over the last couple months, and they'll come in on their days off to help cover if someone is ill. It's just a great team that we've got down here and I really, the community has, I feel very lucky to have such an awesome staff that we have here. And it's really it's really great to to be able to work with such a great crew and a great staff and know what the expectations have the skill set that they need and translates very well into our first responder system. Very effective at what they're doing.

As springs takes hold these steps can help keep you safe

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares summer bike and walking safety tips.

Cold weather can be harmful to outdoor animals

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

Hays Fire Department wraps busy year; looks ahead to 2022

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Fire Department chief Ryan Hagans recaps 2021 and shares updates for next year.

Ellis Co. Sheriff shares holiday shopping safety tips

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares tips on how to keep safe during the busy holiday shopping season.
 
Transcript
 
James Bell 
The holiday season means increased shopping and increased risk of theft. Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun stops by to talk to us a little bit about how to stay safe while out collecting those holiday guests. On this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Scott Braun 
You know, there's a couple of things we can do to protect ourselves. One, if we're buying gifts online, go to a reputable site, make sure that you're using some type of card or something that has some security to it, monitor your, your purchases through that. Get on some of those sites that will tell you if you have some things to charge to you is monitored closely. As we know scams go up during this time, this year will be no different than any other year, that will be a large percentage, a large percentage of fraud cases being reported to law enforcement to investigate the pretty difficult for us to do. Typically, they're out of our jurisdiction. But unfortunately, you know, the card companies are pretty good about working with people, but monitor that because they can get away from you pretty quick, cancel those cards, if it happens. Regards to gifts, you know, everybody's going to all of the stores around town or out of our community or wherever they might be. Make sure that when you're parking your car, that it's secure. Try to cover those gifts in the back. You know, it just takes a brief moment for somebody to break a window. Or if you leave that door open by accident, kids getting in and out. We're busy. We forgot, forget to check our doors and our kids. Did you lock your door? Yes, well, we all know that sometimes happens, right? And they take the gifts and it cost you some money. And we have some kids unhappy and so just make sure that you're covering those items up and securing your vehicle. And And ladies, please make sure your purses when you're in the stores that you're not letting them by themselves in the cart while you're trying on something or you're dealing with your kids. I know what happens. But please be cautious. You know, those increase every year also. And if anybody's been watching the news, we've been seeing a lot of that stuff in the eastern and western part of the states. Not in Kansas necessarily. We'll knock on wood on that. But there's been a lot of thefts from from stores, a lot of looting and things of that nature. And so unfortunately, that's a trickle effect. Sometimes we hope that doesn't enter our community, but we just want everybody to be cautious.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. And, you know, I heard a story a while back about some booze, doing some shopping and turned her back just turned her back from home to grab the purse out of the car. And then somebody tried to grab it from her. And more or less.
 
Scott Braun 
Yes, you know, and and that's a good point. I know my reaction is to fight that person or, or the ad and I and I get that I can't say that I would be any different. But you know, it is a purse. And I don't want anybody to be harmed, because there are some people that will harm other people to get that item. So just be careful with that. And you just got to be aware of your surroundings. When when, during this time or any time to be for that matter of fact, just be careful around your surroundings. And if you get that kind of funny feeling. Probably something not right.
 
James Bell 
Yeah, better safe than sorry.
 
Scott Braun 
Yeah. So you know, the last the other thing, and we'll kind of get off because I talked about it briefly of people traveling. Again, and I know I spoke about this a long time ago, but please have some precautionary items in your vehicle. Let's get some blankets in there. And let's make sure we have a you know, charger cell phone might have some type of heating item in there. If you're stuck, watch the weather in, you know, years ago, it may have been more difficult. But now we get weather notifications, they pop up all the time on our phones, if you have a smartphone, make sure people know when you're going to arrive approximately at a location. So if you're extended a significant amount, they can start making some phone calls and say, hey, my loved ones not here. Please keep in contact with them. But travel safe. Take a little extra time if the roads aren't good, because the last thing we want to do is have someone injured and and we do see quite a few accidents. There's a lot of travel during Christmas time. And our weather changes in Kansas as we know 30 seconds from now. It could be snowing, who knows? You know? Yeah. So just take a few extra minutes.
 
James Bell 
Yeah. And you know, I was talking to some friends of mine that are a little bit younger, just the other day about this very thing. And they said well, we have a cell phone failing happens. Let's make a phone call. And I'm like, oh gosh, I remember growing up and you know, we lived in a real small town. So travel was part of our daily life 30 minutes, 40 minutes every day. And we didn't have any way of contacting so those those that like the candle in the can and the blankets and all that you know still lives in my trunk. But these younger folks, I think they rely on the cell phones and just think well if I get in trouble I'm going to call but sometimes in service There's situations, you're going to wish that you had some way of staying warm, at least till somebody gets there. And you know, if you're stuck, pros are terrible, whatever it might be.
 
Scott Braun 
You know, technology fails us. And maybe that cell phone's not working, or you were on an all day, and you're gonna make that last phone call. And for whatever reason, your battery just died and you're in this snowstorm, and you can't make that phone call. We don't know where you are, we can't get to you. So you're absolutely right, we've got to take care of ourselves a little bit. We got to make sure we have some means of staying for a period of time. I remember a few years ago, we had some pretty good it's been a number of years ago, pretty good blizzards where I 70 was shut down and, and we were having a hard time getting to people stranded, we actually had to call the National Guard and they started running up and down the road because they had the vehicles to do it. So those people sat there for a couple hours before we get to him. But the point is, is we've got to gotta have some precautionary things and it doesn't take anything, throw something in a bag and put it in the trunk.
 
James Bell 
And just sit there for multiple years if you're like me.
 
Scott Braun 
Yeah, correct. And you have it when you need it. So yeah, so just a few things to think about. And probably last but not least, I know we're probably close on time. On behalf of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, we'd like to wish everyone a happy, happy New Year and Merry Christmas and I kind of turn those around but I think you get the idea. We want everyone to travel safely and want everyone to have a joyous Christmas for sure. We've had some tough years and everyone gets together as just a wonderful holiday.
 

ECHS COVID-19 update: Oct. 27, 2021

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy shares recent information about COVID-19 in Ellis County.
 
Transcript
 
James Bell 
COVID-19 booster shots are available in Ellis County. Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy talks to us about that and more on this episode of the Post Podcast.
 
Jason Kennedy 
Last Friday, late last Friday, they approved booster shots really kind of for anybody that was able to get the additional shot. So right now that is individuals over 12 If you're looking at Pfizer, and then adults if you're looking at Moderna, J&J, so over 18, for those two, so I will tell you, this is probably one of the most I think COVID hasn't been confusing enough. But the FDA, the CDC and the KDHE have decided to make this booster rollout about as confusing as they possibly can so that the public is just generally has no idea what's going on, which is which is great. So
 
James Bell 
Makes your job easier, right?
 
Jason Kennedy 
Yeah, it does. It does. Um, so I think the easiest way to say this right now is boosters are approved kid vaccines or not, as of right now, and the primary focus is still getting primary vaccines into people that it's approved for. So the booster doses Yes, sir. there if you want one, absolutely. Come get one we have posted. We posted a couple of different locations or different options for people in town on our Facebook page, but essentially the private pharmacies, Dillons, both Dillons locations Walgreens, Walmart, pharmacy, and then Ellis County Health Department, we are all providing booster dose vaccines as well as primary vaccines. So if you if you're able to jump on our Facebook page, or if you give the office call, we can kind of direct you to not every location has every vaccine. But the health department does have every vaccine we have we have Pfizer, we have Moderna and we have Johnson and Johnson. So right now, if you want a booster dose, come get one. The boosters are safe. It is I've seen some misinformation about this, that it's a new formulation or it's a new there's new chemical there is there is nothing different or new about the booster doses it is the exact same same thing that was that was given as an initial primary dose. And so if if you didn't have any issues with with the initial shot, come get your booster shot if you want it. I will say that there is not a time critical crunch to getting booster doses done right now. We we don't see waning immunity with the initial vaccinations, we actually see them still very highly effective at that reduction in hospitalizations and really reduction in deaths. So yeah, we're giving them Yes, absolutely. Go get one if if it makes sense for you, if if you talk to your doctor, your doctor wants you to get it the patients that we still see some breakthrough infections that are leading to issues are the immunocompromised, And likely that is not due to waning immunity, it is just due to the fact that the vaccine just didn't work for them because they are unable to mount an immune response because of their their pre existing medical conditions. So boosters are a good thing. It is the exact same dose, there's there's nothing different about it, it will increase your level of immunity. It will hopefully you know continue to keep us safe here through the winter. But if if you're not able to get one today, it is not a it's not a giant thing like it your your your current vaccine is working. And it's working well. And we're not seeing any changes to that. So the people that aren't vaccinated, the vaccines work. The vaccines are safe. I know there's there's a there's a large political following with with with vaccines and they've really been attached to a political agenda, a political party. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Not that there's anything that says you're a bad person if you're unvaccinated. The unvaccinated people are not creating problems for people. They're creating problems for themselves. They are they are increasing the risk of hospitalization. They are increasing the risk of death, but they're not hurting anyone else. If if you want to be vaccinated, be vaccinated. I do highly encourage anyone that's eligible, be vaccinated. They are they are working and they work really well.
 
James Bell 
You know, on the on the booster note, you know, I've heard a little bit about that they're they're looking at mixing the vaccines. So if you got Maderna you could maybe get a Pfizer booster to help boost up the little bit of remaining  efficacy that might be missing. I'm wondering if you want to share with us the latest you've heard on that.
 
Jason Kennedy 
So yeah, you can you can mix boosters. Primary doses you still don't want to mix. So if you if you're on your first shot to Moderna get your second shot of Moderna. If you're on a first shot of Pfizer get your second shot of Pfizer if you're fully vaccinated with either Moderna, Pfizer or J&J, you can mix and match booster doses, you can get a booster dose of an mRNA if you had the J&J, you know, they asked the head of the CDC this weekend on the news, you know, what, what did she recommend? And she not duck the question, but but wisely said, hey, you know, we don't really have a recommendation of a better vaccine. I share that sentiment, we I don't have a recommendation of a better vaccine, they all work. They're all highly effective. We're not seeing, we're not seeing hospitalizations, and deaths of any vaccine. So it really is up to you, I would say, you know, if you didn't have issues with your first vaccine, stay with it. If you had issues with your first vaccine, call your doctor, talk to your doctor, see what they recommend as far as moving forward with a booster dose. But if if you had no issues with the first one, all these vaccines are safe, they're all effective. We really are seeing great response with the vaccine. So there's not a huge issue to fret over which one I got? Or did I get the right one that I get the wrong one? No, because they all work. And so if you didn't have any issues, stick with it. If you have questions or you you really are concerned you would you would like to get one over the other because you've read this call and talk to your doctor about it, they're gonna be the best people to guide your medical decision. You know, we don't rarely, it's pretty rare that that someone just decides like some internet research and then they're like, oh, you know what, I'm gonna start treatment on my own cancer. Like, you know, we go we go to the doctor, we trust the doctor to make the best decision, because it's, that's what they do. That's, that's what they're good at. And so same thing with this, if you if you have questions, give your doctor.
 
James Bell 
Excellent. You know, I wonder if you want to talk a little bit to I'm hearing some new treatments are maybe coming down the pike or or are getting, I don't know what the right word but certified? I don't know, if you have anything there you'd like to share as well.
 
Jason Kennedy 
Sure, um, you know, it's still pretty early on well, not not really, actually they, they've studied it there, there are effective treatments, they are still in the approval process. So as far as you know, running out and get them or anything like that they're not available. I do think that all in all, we've the medical system has gotten better at treating COVID-19. We know that some of the early on things that we were doing were leading to poor patient outcomes, they have they have changed that treatment course they have returned to kind of a standard course of treatment for other viruses. And then with these new over the counter treatments coming out, they they are effective. However, the most effective way to battle any viruses to not get it. So the best way to help yourself is to not get COVID then you don't have to worry about whether the treatments effective or not just don't get it. And so it's right now the best way to do that is really be vaccinated. And, you know, kind of just take those basic hygiene measures and live your life but there are there are some some good treatments on the horizon or some good evidence to support that. At least the treatments will will have a reduction in hospitalizations, deaths and that kind of stuff.
 
James Bell 
Excellent. Well, sir, we've just about that time got to get over to news but any last thoughts before we go?
 
Jason Kennedy 
No, you know, it's right now it's confusing for everybody. We understand that. If you if you have questions, talk to your doctor. If you have questions, call the health department. If you want to be vaccinated or want to if you want to get your initial vaccine, absolutely do it if you want to get a shot there. As far as the kid vaccines almost there, they're still in the process but likely in the next couple of weeks.

HPD reminds residents to be cautious driving on Halloween

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department, Lt. Tim Greenwood talks about Haloween safety.
 
Transcript
James Bell  The Hays Police Department wants everyone to have a fun but safe holiday this Halloween weekend Lt. Tim Greenwood stops by to talk a little bit about Halloween safety on this episode of The Post Podcast.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  Yeah absolutely, Haloween safety.
James Bell  Yeah, it always adds a layer of complexity when you're out there driving or even just kind of walking around town to I would imagine.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  You know that's the big thing that I want to touch on is the challenges we have from a law enforcement perspective surrounding Halloween always come between pedestrians and vehicles and you know that's a scary good way to ruin an awesome holiday is for those accidents to take place.
James Bell  We get pretty lucky here in Hays though I think, don't we? Like there hasn't been, that I remember over the last few years, any major accidents or incidents on Halloween.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  We do pretty good. We have had some in my career that unfortunately didn't turn out so well. But yeah, for the most part, we do have good drivers just gotta have that reminder every now and then the big one is to put the phone down whether you're a pedestrian or whether you're out with the kids you know enjoying the festivities that go along with the holiday got to put that phone down Don't be driving and looking at the photos or calling the next house you're driving to or whatnot but the dang phone down.
James Bell  That's good advice just in general I think.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  Absolutely. So you know and we do a really good job for the most part with our pedestrian staying on the sidewalk and you know crossing at the corners. Parents good reminder if you're sending your kids out without going with them. Make sure not only looking for those cars but make eye contact with the drivers whenever possible on that corner. So that driver sees you it's really easy to get distracted especially if they're looking for a house number trying to remember where you know Joe or Bob or whoever they're going to which houses there's got to make sure they're paying attention especially pulling in out of those driveways too. You know that's always a danger zone for us.
James Bell  Yeah, yeah. So you know for those kiddos what's uh you know, I think that a lot of that relies on them being visible any thoughts or anything you want to share on that front?
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  Yeah, that's a great point make sure that those costumes are brightly colored there's a lot of highly reflective costumes out there and if you're going with the traditional witch or Goblin or whatnot that's kind of dark and mysterious make them put some of that reflective tape on you know their hands or ankles a little bit around their neck so they are reflective and visible. Got a lot of these Oh, glow sticks we used to call them I'm not sure what the official term is. But you're cracking me shake them up and they're they you know they glow kids like having fun with those and they are helping keep those kids safe when they're walking in the low light hours.
James Bell  Okay.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  So another big thing if your kids are out walking really consider not wearing masks but going with the makeup it's those masks often fall down and you know when they're all excited about the candy and their friends and whatnot. It's really easy to get distracted by a mask whereas that makeup doesn't obstruct your vision near as much and is not near as problematic when you're out trick or treating.
James Bell  Yeah, absolutely I remember I think it was maybe two years ago we had a pretty strong wind and one of my kids had a mask on and that's exactly what's happening but it just kept getting blown around and so instead of walking while watching where she was walking she was watching the mask and trying to figure that out.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  And we used to have in our family used as a rule you put the mask down you hit two steps for the porch other than that take that mask off so you can see so we don't lose it you know that kind of thing so just another one of those good general safety practices.
James Bell  Very good yeah nothing groundbreaking or difficult. It's really just kind of common sense stuff that keeps everybody safe and on holidays like this. 
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  Absolutely. You know the just those subtle reminders that you know, we got to do our part to help keep everybody safe. Police Department's going to be out there they're going to be working if you need something you can always holler at a police officer for some assistance. But yeah, do your part and help the community stay safe.
James Bell  Very good. Do you guys do enhanced enforcement on that day I mean and I don't mean for the kiddos and I'm not even sure which maybe you know which day Halloween is on this year is 
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  I believe it's on a Sunday this year.
James Bell  Okay so probably not a lot of parties going on that Sunday.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  No, but I tell you what, it's always a good party, if you will, a good party night. Typically the Saturday before Halloween will see a lot of it's when he some of your bar scenes to the costume parties and that kind of thing or, or just your house parties turned into a costume party. So we do tend to do some saturation patrols on those nights that's where we have officers come in on overtime and their emphasis is to deter and detect impaired drivers. So you will see some increased activity out there. And Halloween the ghouls and goblins can get a little crazy sometimes. We've had some notable Halloweens in the past, always an exciting time to be a police officer, one of those fun weekends to work, if you will. But speaking of which we are needing more police officers. So if you're thinking about a career change, or you're a roofer that's got a pretty good record and thinking about a career change. Go to Haysusa.com and fill out an application. We need some good people out here.
James Bell  Absolutely. And you'd be joining a group good group of people. 
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  Absolutely. 
James Bell  At least every one I've met down there.
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  It's a good place to work. I enjoy it. 
James Bell  Absolutely. All righty, sir. Well, anything else? People should know about Halloween before we move on?
HPD Lt. Tim Greenwood  You know, I think we hit all the big spots and like you said, common sense dictates you know, just be careful and I've said it at least six times, if not more. Put the phone down. You know, you get those snapshots at home, put the phone down, have fun with the kids, watch for kids and make sure it stays a safe and happy home.

Ellis County Sherriff warns of increasing scammer activity

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun shares information about area scams activity.

Ellis County COVID-19 update: Oct. 8, 2021

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy shares recent information about COVID-19 in Ellis County.
 
Transcript
 
 
Jason Kennedy  Yeah, absolutely. You know, and it is, it is not just a local trend, it is a statewide trend and a in a nationwide trend. That is obviously good. Less cases, less impacts. We've, you know, we've talked about this many, many times. But I think what has been lost in the entire COVID pandemic is the fact that the numbers are not the important part it is the the individuals the impact and that kind of stuff. So as we as we look at the numbers, less numbers means less impacts our communities, less people infected less people sick. And those are all good things for our community.
James Bell  Absolutely. You know, I wonder if you want to speak to you know, and I know there's there's probably a million different ideas out there, and everybody's talking about why but I wonder kind of, if you want to share with us what your reasoning, or what you're thinking is is to the reasoning of that lowering number?
Jason Kennedy  Sure, I don't know. You know, it's, the simple answer is No one knows. Nobody, nobody truly has a, I guess a crystal ball or can or can look into it right now or can look back at the data and aggregate it and say, this absolutely is the cause of this. Even as you look at at the statewide trend maps, you look and they show like when this when this vaccine came out when that vaccine came out when when these restrictions went away. And and in all reality, not much of that stuff corresponds with a giant change in cases. What we do know is that there is a giant change in reduction in hospitalizations and mortality once we got the vaccines out. That is that is a number that we can literally put your finger on and say yep, once we started vaccinating people, we stopped seeing hospitalizations of vaccinated people, we stopped seeing deaths of vaccinated people. And our enter mortality dropped off. As far as cases and waves of cases this stuff does seem to be does seem to come in cyclic waves, what we've seen is, you know, two to three weeks, early on in the pandemic, they will last a little bit longer. But that was because there was more people that hadn't had exposure to the virus. But it does seem to come in different waves where we see we see an increase in cases for a period of time then we see a waning or a decrease in cases back down to a hopefully low baseline of cases where we're we're, you know, down in that one to two cases a day. That's been no different with Delta. The good news with Delta is what we've seen is it's it's not as deadly. We have not seen the high mortality rate and the mortality rates skyrocketing like we did with with the previous versions, likely that is due to compounding factor so that is due to exposure. Obviously anytime we're exposed to a virus, our body mounts an immune response that immune response helps to limit the impact of that virus the next time we see it. You can do that through exposure you can do that through vaccinations. Right now we have both going on. We you know it's it's unlikely for me to believe that there's about anyone in this country right now that hasn't had some exposure to COVID at some point and we have a with a fairly decent amount of people that have been vaccinated so we are we are fighting the virus or or mounting the immune response really on two fronts with vaccination and exposure. So all of those factors really come together to mean that Delta was less impactful in Ellis County. The case rates stayed far below what we saw last year at the exact same time and the mortality thankfully. So like we've talked about is really the the worst outcome from a from a viruses is the morbidity mortality. So as we look at it, and we you know, what are the long term effects and and did it how many people did it did it, unfortunately, succumb to it. And so, with Delta, we've seen that to be really low in Ellis County. So that's that is the good news with this our case rates are falling off or case rates say well below the pace that we had last year at this exact same time, likely because half the population is vaccinated and the other half of the population has probably had some level of exposure. Now, that's not to say that they've actually had it or would have tested positive, but they've had some level of exposure. Minor amounts of exposure still mount a minor immune response, but it's still your body has recognition, it can hopefully fight it off better than next time.
James Bell  Okay, you know, you mentioned the exposure piece. And and they kind of want to talk about this, because it's something that I've been super curious about, it's one of the things that we heard about, you know, real, a lot at the beginning of the pandemic, and that's herd immunity. And I think that kind of touches on what you're speaking to, if I'm, if I'm understanding it correctly, it's an exposure piece. And you know, well, we've only have about half of the country of four numbers I heard this morning, fully vaccinated, I think it's 70% or so that at least they had one shot. So they've got some of that as well. And then I just got to believe that so many people have been exposed that we're kind of almost to that point. I mean, who knows, exactly, but I don't know, do you think, am I missing the mark here, or does that sound kind of accurate?
Jason Kennedy  Oh, you know, herd immunity has gotten such a such a bad rap, because it really identifies you with a political belief. Like everything else, masking and I mean, it's everything, your stance is based on a political belief, and that is just not how medicine works. We, we don't, you know, you probably wouldn't, wouldn't want to go to a doctor that this says, 'Hey, I only I only cure your cancer one way because because I'm a Republican,' like, that's, that's not the doctor you want to go to, you want to go to the doctor that says, hey, 'We look at all we look at all the cures, we look at all the treatments, and I use mine medical knowledge, my my, my judgment, all my schooling, to pick the best medical treatments for you.' And so what we have done with with COVID-19 medicine is we've sort of taken a political viewpoint, and then said, 'You know what, everyone else is a quack.' And it doesn't matter what side you're on. And so that is unfortunate. And herd immunity is one of those casually, and it's one of those ones that identifies you with a political belief. Now, the problem with with herd immunity or, or adopting like early on adopting a herd immunity strategy, where we just say, hey, our strategy is grip it and rip it. That is the that is that is going to lead to the highest amount of mortality in the shortest amount of timeframe. If no measures were put in place, we said, 'You know what, we're not doing vaccines, we're not doing anything, we're just going to let everybody get it.' Well, that's going to lead to to an excessively high mortality. So that's why you want to reach herd immunity through vaccination, through minor amounts of exposure. And you want to get there slower, or in a more controlled process so that you, you don't have this extremely high mortality. So while I don't know, no one knows what the number is for herd immunity, I, you know, Dr. Fauci was out, you know, it's 80%, then it was 70%, then it was 83%, then it was 92. The number has changed everywhere. So so no one no one knows what that point is. But I do believe that we are at a point where we have had enough levels of either exposure, or we have enough vaccination, that we're reaching a point where there is less people to be infected. Now, less people doesn't mean no people. And so what I have not seen from the state, or really the federal level is what is our strategy to mitigate this virus. Is it a zero COVID strategy, like is still being attempted in China in some of our socialist countries, where they say, you know, we will at all costs locked down, shut down, do everything we need to to make sure that there is no COVID? Is it a live with it type of COVID strategy, like Sweden adopted early on where we say, 'Hey, we're going to do some things to try and mitigate it. But we're going to understand that we can't control this virus. And we're going to try to protect the at risk the elderly, that type of stuff?' Or is it just that we're lost, and we have no idea what our strategy is, and we're, we're all individually fighting this on our own. And each state is doing whatever it wants, based on his political beliefs? Which is my belief of what our current COVID strategy is in this country. It is whatever your political beliefs are, is where you're going to stand and you'll do everything you can to uphold that political ideology, regardless of if medicine matters or not. And so that's that is that is unfortunately what what I've seen from the national level that is unfortunately what I've seen from the state level is we had no strategy. And so what I will tell you this strategy in Ellis county is that we are going to have to live with this virus. And what that means is it will never go away, we will never reach a level of vaccination or never a level of control where we will stamp out this virus indefinitely. It will be here, it will continue to circulate. My goal is to limit mortality. So mortality is obviously the worst outcome from any virus. So how do we limit mortality, and that is to vaccinate the population 65 and over, but really the population 50 and over are the ones that are being hospitalized are the ones that are still having, unfortunately succumbing to this virus. So vaccinating that population, continuing to just make some some decent choices. You know, if you're 65 and have preexisting medical conditions, probably not a good time to hit up the bars and maybe do beerbongs with all your buddies, like, it's just which probably shouldn't do that anyways, but it's, you know, making some of those smart choices as we as we move forward, getting vaccinated. Trying to continue those good hygiene measures as far as cleanliness, washing your hands, we can do everything in excess, do not do not Clorox your entire house every hour, like you do need some exposure to some of the viruses and bacteria that are out there. You know, but But getting back to a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy exercise. Public Health has missed its mark and its opportunity through this through this virus to say, hey, this virus has has shown us that that the underbelly of this country is not good. We are overweight. We are diabetic. We have we eat terrible. We don't exercise enough. We have too much stress, too many pressures. This has definitely opened up the void of suicide, mental health. You know, for the last six months, my question has been are we fighting the wrong pandemic. We're still battling this virus, but we are seeing the rates of homicide, suicide, just general unhealthy population cancers, all of that stuff is running rampant heart disease, diabetes, running unchecked. And so we need to use this opportunity to realize that that our country is unhealthy, physically unhealthy, mentally unhealthy, and we need to focus on that if we want to get through an out of this pandemic and the associated pandemic problems.
 

ECHS COVID-19 update: Sept. 24, 2021

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy shares recent information about COVID-19 in Ellis County.

ECHS COVID-19 update: Sept. 10, 2021

On this episode of the Post Podcast Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy shares recent information about COVID-19 in Ellis County.
 
Transcript
 
Jason Kennedy  Yeah, absolutely. You know, and it is, it is not just a local trend, it is a statewide trend and a in a nationwide trend. That is obviously good. Less cases, less impacts. We've, you know, we've talked about this many, many times. But I think what has been lost in the entire COVID pandemic is the fact that the numbers are not the important part it is the individuals the impact and that kind of stuff. So we as we look at the numbers, less numbers mean less impact on our communities, less people infected less people sick. And those are all good things for our community.
James Bell  Absolutely. You know, I wonder if you want to speak to you know, and I know there's probably a million different ideas out there, and everybody's talking about why but I wonder kind of, if you want to share with us what your reasoning, or what you're thinking is is to the reasoning of that lowering number?
Jason Kennedy  Sure, I don't know. You know, it's, the simple answer is No one knows. Nobody, nobody truly has a, I guess a crystal ball or can or can look into it right now or can look back at the data and aggregate it and say, this absolutely is the cause of this. Even as you look at the statewide trend maps, you look and they show like when this vaccine came out when that vaccine came out when these restrictions went away. And in all reality, not much of that stuff corresponds with a giant change in cases. What we do know is that there is a giant change in the reduction in hospitalizations and mortality once we got the vaccines out. That is a number that we can literally put your finger on and say yep, once we started vaccinating people, we stopped seeing hospitalizations of vaccinated people, we stopped seeing deaths of vaccinated people. And our enter mortality dropped off. As far as cases and waves of cases this stuff does seem to be does seem to come in cyclic waves, what we've seen is, you know, two to three weeks, early on in the pandemic, they will last a little bit longer. But that was because there were more people that hadn't had exposure to the virus. But it does seem to come in different waves where we see we see an increase in cases for a period of time then we see a waning or a decrease in cases back down to a hopefully low baseline of cases where we're we're, you know, down in that one to two cases a day. That's been no different with Delta. The good news with Delta is what we've seen is it's not as deadly. We have not seen the high mortality rate and the mortality rates skyrocketing as we did with the previous versions, it likely that is due to compounding factor so that is due to exposure. Obviously anytime we're exposed to a virus, our body mounts an immune response that immune response helps to limit the impact of that virus the next time we see it. You can do that through exposure you can do that through vaccinations. Right now we have both going on. We you know it's unlikely for me to believe that there's about anyone in this country right now that hasn't had some exposure to COVID at some point and we have a with a fairly decent amount of people that have been vaccinated so we are fighting the virus or mounting the immune response really on two fronts with vaccination and exposure. So all of those factors really come together to mean that Delta was less impactful in Ellis County. The case rates stayed far below what we saw last year at the exact same time and the mortality thankfully. So like we've talked about is really the worst outcome of viruses is morbidity mortality. So as we look at it, and we you know, what are the long term effects and did it how many people did it, unfortunately, succumb to it. And so, with Delta, we've seen that to be really low in Ellis County. So that's that is the good news with this our case rates are falling off or case rates say well below the pace that we had last year at this exact same time, likely because half the population is vaccinated and the other half of the population has probably had some level of exposure. Now, that's not to say that they've actually had it or would have tested positive, but they've had some level of exposure. Minor amounts of exposure still mount a minor immune response, but it's still your body has recognition, it can hopefully fight it off better than next time.
James Bell  Okay, you know, you mentioned the exposure piece. And they kind of want to talk about this, because it's something that I've been super curious about, it's one of the things that we heard about, you know, real, a lot at the beginning of the pandemic, and that's herd immunity. And I think that kind of touches on what you're speaking to if I'm, if I'm understanding it correctly, it's an exposure piece. And you know, well, we've only had about half of the country of four numbers I heard this morning, fully vaccinated, I think it's 70% or so that at least they had one shot. So they've got some of that as well. And then I just got to believe that so many people have been exposed that we're kind of almost to that point. I mean, who knows, exactly, but I don't know, do you think, am I missing the mark here, or does that sound kind of accurate?
Jason Kennedy  Oh, you know, herd immunity has gotten such a bad rap, because it really identifies you with a political belief. Like everything else, masking and I mean, it's everything, your stance is based on a political belief, and that is just not how medicine works. We, we don't, you know, you probably wouldn't, wouldn't want to go to a doctor that this says, 'Hey, I only I only cure your cancer one way because I'm a Republican,' like, that's, that's not the doctor you want to go to, you want to go to the doctor that says, hey, 'We look at all we look at all the cures, we look at all the treatments, and I use mine medical knowledge, my my, my judgment, all my schooling, to pick the best medical treatments for you.' And so what we have done with COVID-19 medicine is we've sort of taken a political viewpoint, and then said, 'You know what, everyone else is a quack.' And it doesn't matter what side you're on. And so that is unfortunate. And herd immunity is one of those casually, and it's one of those ones that identifies you with a political belief. Now, the problem with herd immunity or, or adopting like early on adopting a herd immunity strategy, where we just say, hey, our strategy is grip it and rip it. That is the that is that is going to lead to the highest amount of mortality in the shortest amount of timeframe. If no measures were put in place, we said, 'You know what, we're not doing vaccines, we're not doing anything, we're just going to let everybody get it.' Well, that's going to lead to excessively high mortality. So that's why you want to reach herd immunity through vaccination, though minor amounts of exposure. And you want to get there slower, or in a more controlled process so that, you don't have this extremely high mortality. So while I don't know, no one knows what the number is for herd immunity, I, you know, Dr. Fauci was out, you know, it's 80%, then it was 70%, then it was 83%, then it was 92. The number has changed everywhere. So so no one no one knows what that point is. But I do believe that we are at a point where we have had enough levels of either exposure, or we have enough vaccination, that we're reaching a point where there is less people to be infected. Now, less people doesn't mean any people. And so what I have not seen from the state, or really the federal level is what is our strategy to mitigate this virus. Is it a zero COVID strategy, like is still being attempted in China in some of our socialist countries, where they say, you know, we will at all costs locked down, shut down, do everything we need to to make sure that there is no COVID? Is it a live with it type of COVID strategy, like Sweden, adopted early on where we say, 'Hey, we're going to do some things to try and mitigate it. But we're going to understand that we can't control this virus. And we're going to try to protect the at-risk the elderly, that type of stuff?' Or is it just that we're lost, and we have no idea what our strategy is, and we're, we're all individually fighting this on our own. And each state is doing whatever it wants, based on its political beliefs? Which is my belief of what our current COVID strategy is in this country. It is whatever your political beliefs are, is where you're going to stand and you'll do everything you can to uphold that political ideology, regardless of if medicine matters or not. And so that's that is, unfortunately, what I've seen from the national level that is unfortunately what I've seen from the state level is we had no strategy. And so what I will tell you this strategy in Ellis county is that we are going to have to live with this virus. And what that means is it will never go away, we will never reach a level of vaccination or never a level of control where we will stamp out this virus indefinitely. It will be here, it will continue to circulate. My goal is to limit mortality. So mortality is obviously the worst outcome from any virus. So how do we limit mortality, and that is to vaccinate the population 65 and over, but really the population 50 and over are the ones that are being hospitalized are the ones that are still having, unfortunately succumbing to this virus. So vaccinating that population, continuing to just make some decent choices. You know, if you're 65 and have preexisting medical conditions, probably not a good time to hit up the bars and maybe do beerbongs with all your buddies, like, it's just which probably shouldn't do that anyway, but it's, you know, making some of those smart choices as we move forward, getting vaccinated. Trying to continue those good hygiene measures as far as cleanliness, washing your hands, we can do everything in excess, do not do not Clorox your entire house every hour, like you do need some exposure to some of the viruses and bacteria that are out there. You know, but But getting back to a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy exercise. Public Health has missed its mark and its opportunity through this through this virus to say, hey, this virus has has shown us that that the underbelly of this country is not good. We are overweight. We are diabetic. We have we eat terrible. We don't exercise enough. We have too much stress, too many pressures. This has definitely opened up the void of suicide, mental health. You know, for the last six months, my question has been are we fighting the wrong pandemic. We're still battling this virus, but we are seeing the rates of homicide, suicide, just general unhealthy population cancers, all of that stuff is running rampant heart disease, diabetes, running unchecked. And so we need to use this opportunity to realize that our country is unhealthy, physically unhealthy, mentally unhealthy, and we need to focus on that if we want to get through and out of this pandemic and the associated pandemic problems.