By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays students are finding new confidence and career paths through Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas as early as middle school.

Hays High School has offered the program for about a decade. JAG-K Career Specialist for Hays Middle School, Sally Giddens, said this is the program’s first year at the middle school.

"JAG-K states that the students we serve are anyone who has a need, want or can benefit from the JAG program," Giddens said.

JAG-K is a nonprofit that partners with schools to provide an elective course to support students at risk of not graduating.

The program offers academic support, career exploration and leadership development to help students successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service or the workforce.

JAG-K Career Specialist Bryan Zollinger said Hays High students must meet at least six selection criteria to qualify for the program.

"It could be that you come from a low-income family, somebody in your family is incarcerated, maybe you're from the bottom quadrant of class rank. Students who are not doing well for one reason or another, but have the potential to do well," Zollinger said.

According to JAG-K, among the class of 2024 in Kansas, 36% of students come from single-parent households, 57% are students of color, 44% rank in the bottom quarter of their class and 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch.

Giddens said she oversees 58 students and focuses on building their skill sets. Her class completes monthly objectives centered on communication, decision-making and organizational skills.

Giddens said JAG-K places a strong emphasis on student voice and student choice.

"Ideally, they help me create who our guest speakers will be that month and who they want to learn from," she said.

Giddens said students regularly engage with local employers and take part in service projects. Recent activities include touring an Ellis County EMS ambulance and helping with football game set-ups and clean-ups.

Her students are scheduled to ring bells for the Salvation Army on three dates in December.

One recent speaker at the middle school was Remy Stull, a young barber at Fade Factory in Hays and a former JAG-K student. He also presented to JAG-K students at the high school on the same day Hays Post interviewed Zollinger.

Zollinger said the high school program has grown quickly since he started five years ago, expanding from 35 students to 120, with about 180 students now participating districtwide.

"We do what is called project-based learning. We don't have a textbook. We look at the competencies, and then we develop projects that teach those competencies," Zollinger said.

Zollinger said that last year, students engaged with 170 businesses, ranging from tours and guest speakers to job shadows, internships and apprenticeships. This is in addition to community service hours throughout the year.

"It's very student-centered. If we have a kid who's interested in automotive technology and repair, they can develop a project to cover those competencies," he said. "We do a lot of financial literacy education to hopefully keep them out of credit card debt, teach them how to save money, invest money and budget."

Zollinger said the program also offers a 12-month follow-up period after graduation, allowing him to stay in contact with students and help with tasks such as college applications and job opportunities.

According to JAG-K, the class of 2024 statewide exceeded national standards in the top measured success categories:

98% graduation rate 78% employement 67% further education

Zollinger works alongside JAG-K Career Specialist Ashley Kazenbach at the high school. Giddens said her middle school roster is nearing its limit of about 60 students, and she expects it to be at full capacity next semester.

Giddens emphasized that the program is not for “bad kids,” but for any students who may face challenges in different areas of their education.

"They all have a need, and they can all benefit from this program," she said. "That's something that's really special and different about this program that students may not always get in the normal classroom setting."

There are 121 JAG-K programs in the state serving 6,500 students for the 2025-26 school year, according to JAG-K.&nbsp;

You can learn more about JAG-K on its <a href="https://jagkansas.org/">website</a>.

JAG-K program expands to Hays Middle School

94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS congratulates&nbsp;Alyssa Mayfield as the week two winner of the Reindeeer Radio contest.

Alyssa won a $250 gift certificate to Bigg E Meats. Thank you to Bigg E Meats for your sponsorship of Reindeer Radio.

KAYS invites you to listen to Reindeer Radio and win! Each day Monday through Thursday, we will give out a code word. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d111a20f-161a-4a69-b697-ed219dfeb558">Enter that word on the Hays Post for your chance to win.</a> The code word changes daily.

This week's feature sponsor is The Dentist in Hays!&nbsp;

You could win a pair of Oral B IO electric toothbrushes with other goodies and a gift card to Total Convenience in Victoria. This prize pack is worth well over $250!

Week two Reindeer Radio winner announced; play with KAYS, Hays Post

Defiance Brewing Co., 2050 E. Highway 40, announced it will close its taproom this Friday after 12 years of operation.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/defiancebeer">The brewery posted the following on Facebook</a>:

"Thank you for all the years of memories, community, and incredible beer. Thank you to all our amazing employees over the years for helping make Defiance what it has come to be. Thank you to our family, our friends, and our taproom regulars (who have become like family) for all your support over the years."

"For everyone who has joined us in the taproom, at our downtown location, or enjoyed our beers, we can't express our gratitude enough for joining us on this journey. It wasn't always easy, but we sure did have fun and hope you enjoyed the brews along the way."

Defiance Brewing invites customers to stop by the taproom for one last pint. On the final day, all pints and growler refills will be $1 off. The business noted that growlers are currently sold out.

The brewery is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday.&nbsp;

Facebook comments on Defiance Brewing's announcement were filled with supportive messages as customers shared their goodbyes.

"To sum up what Defiance means to me wouldn't do it justice: grateful, thankful and oh so proud of what y'all did in putting yourselves out there every day. Not a lot of folks have the courage to chase a dream. Big big love."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my Friday visits to Defiane and will dearly miss it. Thanks for all the good times over the years. All the best going forward."

"This is a sad day for Hays. So many memories. So many delicious beers."

"Thank you for all the delicious beers, wonderful memories and friendships. Love you!"

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/36da558d-ce01-4414-9f3b-1da8ceaabaad">Earlier this year, Defiance Brewing Co. also announced the closure of its downtown location&nbsp;</a>

Defiance Brewing Co. in Hays to close permanently on Friday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider approving an increase in per-pound fees for disposing of household hazardous waste during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.

The change applies only to individuals or businesses disposing of more than 55 pounds per month. Ellis County residents will still have free disposal for smaller amounts, with some exceptions.

Justin Craig, county environmental services director, will meet with the commission. The current rates have not been updated since 2017, and increased disposal costs now require an adjustment.

Entities that exceed the monthly limit must use a commercial disposal service. The new rates would take effect Jan. 2.

Melissa Miller, the county’s health director, will request approval of a $53,500 purchase order to fund the remaining 2025 vaccines. The county returned to direct vaccine ordering after ending its contract with VaxCare in 2024.

A previous purchase order covered the first half of 2025. The new order will be paid from the health department’s end-of-year budget.

Kylie Honas of the Ellis County Library Board will provide an update on the board’s work throughout the year. Since the board was formed too late to prepare a 2025 budget, the commission had previously approved $10,000 in startup funds.

So far, only about $1,500 has been spent. The board still has fees due for 2025 that fall under the original $10,000 allocation.

Public Works Enterprise Asset Management solutions

Brendan Mackay, county public works director, will ask for approval to award the bid for a new Enterprise Asset Management system to OpenGov, replacing the county’s outdated system.

The system would improve workflow across public works divisions under a proposed five-year contract. The roughly $176,490 cost would be covered using the department’s remaining 2025 budget allocations.

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will give updates from the university.

Two property owners will meet with the commission to discuss Wheatland Avenue, which runs north of Fort Hays State Tech North Central to 27th Street. They are seeking clarification on who is responsible for maintaining the road.

The commission will be asked to approve the annual review of the Ellis County Solid Waste Management Plan, which includes minor updates.

The Gemini Juniors 4-H club, with support from a local Scout troop, will ask for permission to decorate the trees just North of the Hays Public Library. This continues an annual tradition.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-713">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to consider increasing hazardous waste rates

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks Sam MacRoberts about the Salina Cozy Inn mural lawsuit.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67083fec-7fef-47f4-91ee-de5d954e5130">SEE RELATED STORY: Court issues ruling on battle over mural at Salina burger restaurant</a>

🎤 Forward Ever: Sam MacRoberts on the Salina Cozy Inn mural lawsuit

GOVE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Monday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Toyota Tacoma driven by Megan N.&nbsp;Mohrlang, 36, Clifton, Colorado, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of County Road 14. The pickup struck a patch of ice, traveled into the ditch and rolled onto its top.

EMS transported Mohrlang to the Logan County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after pickup slides on I-70 rolls into ditch

Ellis County Jail bookings: Nov. 23-29, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Nov. 23-29, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Two inches of snow had fallen in Hays as of 8 this morning, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect until noon today.

Additional snowfall accumulation of up to an inch is possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Affected counties include Trego, Ellis, Ness, Rush, Pawnee and Stafford.&nbsp;

Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions.

The National Weather Service suggests you slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state are available by calling 5 1 1.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury, the National Weather Service said.

The high for today is forecast to be 30 with an overnight low of 16.

Expect a thaw on Tuesday with a high of 48 and partly cloudy with highs in the mid- to upper 30s on Wednesday and Thursday.

The melted snow will equal .15 inches of moisture. Year to date, Hays has received 26.43 inches of moisture compared with a yearly average of 24.03 inches.

Snow falls overnight in Hays; thaw expected Tuesday

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

This December marks a milestone for Lilly &amp; Marie, the beloved downtown boutique that’s been curating timeless fashion for women of all ages for a full decade! From cozy knits to statement pieces, owner Carol has built more than a store—she’s built a community of women who love to feel confident, stylish, and seen.

To celebrate her 10-year anniversary, Carol is saying thank you in the most heartfelt ways: with gifts that delight! Shoppers during her anniversary week, December 2nd - December 6th, will get a chance at early access to upcoming styles, special surprises on purchases over $40, and other special delights that reflect the care and creativity Carol pours into every piece she selects.

While the holiday season brings its usual flurry of downtown shopping days and the highly anticipated Downtown Coupon Book, Lilly &amp; Marie will be participating in. Carol also wants to ensure she provides one-on-one service that eases your holiday stress. “I want every customer to feel like they’re opening a gift they didn’t expect. I want anyone who receives a gift bought from Lilly and Marie to be so excited when they open it!” Carol says. “It’s not just about fashion—it’s about joy.”

The boutique is stocked with fresh arrivals for the season, from versatile layers to accessories that elevate any outfit. This winter season, you’ll find faux fur, chunky knits, soft corduroys, and cozy textures. Statement outerwear like plaid blazers and oversized coats. When you step into Lilly and Marie, you’ll find something for all the ladies on your list. This winter, Carol says, rich chocolate hues, jewel tones, classic patterns, and comfortable yet stylish boots are the way to go! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or gifting to someone special, you’ll find pieces that feel current without chasing trends—because Carol believes style should last longer than the season.

Extended holiday hours are coming soon, but as a one-woman show, Carol encourages shoppers to follow https://www.facebook.com/lillyandmarie and visit her online store <a href="https://lillyandmarie.square.site/">https://lillyandmarie.square.site/</a> for updates and speedy shipping. You’ll have your gifts wrapped and ready long before Santa makes his rounds.

Here’s to 10 years of timeless fashion, and to the women who make it all possible! Make sure to come visit Carol during anniversary week at Lilly &amp; Marie!

Kansas State Park annual permits, 2026 campsite reservations starts Dec. 1

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

For an up-to-the-minute schedule of events, go to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">visithays.com</a>.

It's a busy holiday season in Hays; check the CVB events calendar

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 981 graduates for the fall commencement on Friday (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, for the virtual ceremonies.

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies on Saturday.

The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. (central time) on Friday for undergraduate and master’s candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be held for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education, honoring undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DXoSu_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zprL8noPkpRRTbTSEUxp9EO9NiivC9QhHl0fRqbTXDXiSzWmaaBp41i-2B9Kn7DwFzAWRfunfVxUvPA83JAwzoiYogC0pCp3xZR3ZDDHMXR1eDWUDIeuKP-2F4leZ3SL0-2B8S2zazgMaQXYdo6sKBMphm8Lt5pVbPazYryZnUkuc8scRF6">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)

The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DEyr__1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpofLy5lZhI4-2BwvxqTszfaKOp-2BZHXJXtgT-2F99qvTHTuBTWr8zLoQSIrsup4IGOBGjUg44G-2FVwXiS0G4rAdGeWuY93bSfrHE4dMTGu4tHghfMpVt8guUkuhv7QOrywzIhtzuNgXVed4ov42qaPnynAx3AglouAQaIBUm4q8078No-2FJ">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.

The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0cdeTry58ih-2F0ByFBW-2FXzaO2dfEgAhUEeT4iu401VQSaRs_3_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpk5ylbdtLiMpk9hcF-2Bj3WNCEy2taTkiT4sNIpzIxh2yaYz1Gjwo93V-2BxMQZ-2F-2BS0IRNbiKvp1rmfBRgdcWN38sQQ1XoRd-2Bpe-2BMr7XlUldWJYIZi4yTv2rrcdojvcuQIAH-2B59hfubkecCWAO36jvA1OTj-2BEPLP70jFXNbr482HbEEk">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

FHSU fall commencement set for Dec. 12, 13

Holiday events in Osborne County

Enjoy Home for the Holidays in Plainville on Dec. 13

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Dec. 7.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water, and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

Call-in and carry-out orders are available by phoning 785-666-4275.&nbsp;

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

Dorrance American Legion hosts steak feed Dec. 7

Cookies with Santa presented by Hays Lions Club on Dec. 3

Downtown Hays is ready to shine brighter than ever as The Bricks hosts two beloved&nbsp;holiday traditions in a single spectacular day: Small Business Saturday in the morning and the Christmas&nbsp;Magic on Main Street Jubilee in the evening.

Kick off your holiday shopping season by supporting local retailers during Small Business Saturday. 

Shoppers can enjoy exploring unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops throughout&nbsp;The Bricks. This event encourages residents and visitors alike to shop local and uplift the small&nbsp;businesses that help make Downtown Hays vibrant and thriving.

“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of The Bricks,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The&nbsp;Bricks in Downtown Hays. “Shopping local keeps the community strong and full of life.”

Christmas Magic on Main Street Jubilee | 6–8 p.m.

As night falls, Downtown Hays will transform into a glowing winter wonderland for the Christmas Magic&nbsp;on Main Street Jubilee, a free, family-friendly celebration filled with holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy&nbsp;festive activities including:

• Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus • Free Soup Supper for the first 500 guests • Free hot cocoa and cookies • Holiday crafts, festive music, and community fun

This event is part of a full season of activities planned to bring even more lights, joy, and memorable&nbsp;moments to Main Street. The Christmas Magic on Main Street initiative is supported by generous&nbsp;community sponsors through tiers like Tree Topper, Secret Santa, Sleigh Sponsor, and more.

Both events are part of the 2025 season-long celebration that includes Holiday Open Houses, Clydesdale&nbsp;rides, Santa photos, the Downtown Dollar Giveaway, and the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade.

• Small Business Saturday | Nov. 29 • Christmas Magic on Main Jubilee &amp; Tree Lighting (10th &amp; Main St) | Nov. 29, 6–8 p.m. — Free train&nbsp;rides, craft vendors, and soup supper for the first 500 guests (soup supper sponsored by Women&nbsp;Who Lead, prepared by Pfonz Smokehaus &amp; Catering) • Clydesdale Rides (sponsored by Meckenstock Group) &amp; visit with Santa at the Downtown&nbsp;Pavilion (10th &amp; Main St) | Dec. 5 &amp; 12, 5–7 p.m. • 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade (Main Street) | Dec. 7, 6 p.m. — Theme: “Timeless&nbsp;Traditions” • Customer Appreciation Weekend | Dec. 11–13 • Free Holiday Movie at The Fox (sponsored by Golden Belt Bank) | Dec. 14, 3 p.m. • Downtown Dollar Giveaway (Live on Facebook) | Dec. 20, 5:05 p.m.

To learn more, view the full event schedule or to register for the FrostFest Parade (deadline to enter is Nov.&nbsp;30), visit <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/frostfest">downtownhays.com</a>.

The Bricks continues to bring fun for the whole community Saturday in downtown Hays

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump'</a>&nbsp;s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.

Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trump’s physical exam included “advanced imaging” that is “standard for an executive physical” in Trump’s age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was “perfectly normal.”

“The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” the doctor wrote.

The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was “part of his routine physical examination” but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-walter-reed-e4c3cd4ef5aab8e4d86d00b02a1ed710">his physical</a>&nbsp;in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.

“I think that’s quite a bit of detail,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday when announcing the memo's release.

The Republican president said Sunday during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida that the results of the MRI were “perfect.”

“If you want to have it released, I’ll release it,” Trump said.

Trump added Sunday that he has “no idea” on what part of his body he got the MRI.

“It was just an MRI,” he said. “What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.”

Doctors typically order an MRI to help with diagnosing symptoms or to monitor an ongoing health problem. So-called "preventive” cardiac and abdominal MRIs are not part of routine screening recommendations. What Trump’s doctor called an “executive physical” generally refers to adding extra, non-routine tests including MRIs to pricey and lengthy exams, not covered by insurance, that are marketed to wealthy people.

Read the report: President Trump shares his MRI results

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in a deadly hit-and-run in Wichita faced a judge for the first time last week. 

Chance Flores-Leach, 27, Wichita, was charged with unintentional but reckless second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, officers responded to a call about a pedestrian struck near Central and Hillside in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders found a man who had been struck by multiple vehicles. Wichita Fire Department personnel extricated the victim and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Initial investigation indicated the pedestrian was hit by three different vehicles. Two drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The third vehicle fled but was later located by officers. The driver, identified as Flores-Leach was initially outstanding but was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He is being held on bonds totaling $200,000, according to online jail records.

Kansas man in deadly hit-and-run faces a judge

SALINE COUNTY —An electrical issue caused a rural Kansas house fire on Sunday.&nbsp;

Just after 10a.m., the owner of a home in the&nbsp;400 block of West 2nd Street in Brookville heard a popping sound coming from a breaker box, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Reportedly, the 39-year old male owner of the home reported he was in his house and suddenly heard a "popping sound." The man went to check his breaker box in a utility room and noticed sparks and smoke.

Rural Fire District #5 responded to the scene and found fire coming from the attic. Firefighters needed to break down parts of the ceiling in order to successfully extinguish the fire. There was smoke and water damage to the house and its contents. There were no injuries, according to Soldan.

 Value of the home is about a $140,000 not including personal property that was damaged, according to soldan.

Crews remove portion of roof to extinguish rural Kan. house fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Topeka’s St. Francis hospital have failed to reach a contract agreement, leaving insurance customers out of network beginning Jan. 1 for one of Topeka’s major health care systems.

Officials with both organizations say discussions are ongoing. The current contract ends Dec. 31.

“We’re having productive talks,” said Matt All, president and CEO of BCBS of Kansas. “It’s a little complicated because they have an out-of-state owner, so we’re not just talking to people here on the ground.”

“I’m not in the business of making predictions, but our expectation is that we’ll work this out and that they’ll be in network,” he added.

Topeka’s St. Francis campus is owned by Ardent Health, which manages operations, and the University of Kansas Health System. Ardent is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

People covered by BCBS of Kansas have been posting social media messages, upset about the possible loss of their doctors.

“I refuse to abandon my primary care provider whom I trust with my care, so Blue Cross Blue Shield just lost another customer,” said Topekan Carol Baldwin on her personal Facebook page.

In an emailed statement to Kansas Reflector, hospital officials said: “The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is committed to protecting access to high-quality care for our community. We have made repeated efforts to engage directly with senior decision-makers at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair resolution.”

Rising costs in health care are causing the challenge in reaching agreement, both sides said. For All, the discussions are indicative of broader problems throughout the health care system.

“We are seeking an agreement that reimburses St. Francis Campus at rates consistent with rising costs due to inflation and supply chain pressures,” the hospital’s statement said. “Equitable reimbursement rates are critical to supporting the high-quality care that our patients deserve.”

All said BCBS, which is a mutual nonprofit that is created to benefit its members, must negotiate so that reimbursements to the hospital are reasonable and don’t translate into premiums that members can’t afford.

“For the whole 19 years I’ve been with Blue Cross, and basically our whole history, we’ve had every hospital in our service area in network, and we want St. Francis in network,” he said.

There are many good things about the country’s health care, All said, but the availability of resources isn’t evenly spread out.

“We have too many people that can’t afford coverage,” All said. “The big problem in American health care that’s existed for as long as any of us have been thinking about this is that it doesn’t control costs very well, and so there’s this steady rise in costs over the decades, and some decades are faster than others.”

For the years 2024 through 2033, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/nhe-fact-sheet" target="_blank">predicts that national health expenditures</a>&nbsp;will grow 5.8%.

“Across the industry, in every market, whether you’re talking about commercial plans, the public programs and so forth, costs are rising really quickly right now,” All said. “We’ve seen it in our plan and when you combine that with possibly losing some of the subsidies in the (Affordable Care Act) market, you’re going to have some consumers that are just going to be priced out of the market.”

“That should be unacceptable to us,” All added. “In 2025, in a nation as prosperous as ours, we should be able to make sure that everybody can afford good health care.”

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