By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Arc of Central Plains in Hays will debut the Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, a festive twist on its annual fundraiser.

The market, featuring the Festival of Trees, combines its online auction with a new experience where shoppers can buy handmade holiday items on the spot.

"It's like going to a craft show. You can come in, you can find something you love, and you can take it home that day,"&nbsp;executive director of the Arc of Central Plains Kathy McAdoo said.

The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at 229 W. 10th St., the former Home Event Center. <a href="https://arcofcentralplains.org/">The online auction opens Nov. 13 on The Arc of Central Plains website and closes at 6 p.m. Nov. 17</a>.

Exact auction items will be available to view once they go live.

"We've been working since February creating all of the really cool stuff that we're going to have available," McAdoo said.

The four day 24/7 auction will feature decorated Christmas trees along with other festive pieces, including wreaths.

The Recycled Reindeer Market will feature smaller home decor items priced as low as $5, along with homegrown goods from Harvest Hays, including pickled peppers, pickles, zucchini relish, lemon zucchini bread and tomatoes.

"I wouldn't go anywhere else looking for Christmas decorations. I would go here first," McAdoo said.

The volunteer-run fundraiser will donate all proceeds to Harvest Hays and the Arc Buffalo's Special Olympics team. In previous years, funds supported the now-completed Arc Park project.

McAdoo said she hopes to raise close to $10,000.

"The economy is much different this year. The community always supports us. They're very generous and I think it'll be a great year," she said.

The Arc of Central Plains Thrift Shop has already begun posting items on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARCCPThrift">Facebook</a>&nbsp;page.

Hays ARC Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, auction set for November

To our veterans: thank you for your courage, your strength, and your dedication to keeping us safe. Submit a photo of a veteran to be honored below.&nbsp;

The Faces of Freedom - Veterans Day Tribute

Family, friends, and community members gathered at Hays High School on Wednesday, November 5, to celebrate Marisa Wasinger, Kansas FFA State Secretary, during her State Officer Hometown Celebration. The event recognized Wasinger’s year of leadership and service representing nearly 14,000 Kansas FFA members across the state.

The Kansas FFA State Officer Hometown Celebrations bring each of the six state officers back to their home chapters and communities, allowing them to share their experiences and express appreciation for those who have supported them throughout their journey.

Wasinger, a proud member of the Hays FFA Chapter, reflected on the meaning of returning home to celebrate with the community that helped shape her FFA experience.

“Going to my hometown was an amazing opportunity to get to see my family, friends, and supporters,” Wasinger said, “I really enjoyed seeing everyone that supports me and Hays FFA show up in such a great way.”

Johanna Anderes, with the Kansas FFA Foundation, shared that the State Officer Hometown Celebrations are a chance to bring state officers home to recognize the role their communities play in their success.

“These celebrations are a special opportunity to bring our officers home to share their experiences with the families and communities who have invested so much in them,” Anderes said. “With the busy schedules our state officers keep, it’s a meaningful time for them to reconnect and express appreciation for the local support that helped shape their journey.”

The evening was made possible through the generous support of Carrico Implement, Ellis County Conservation District, and Lewis Ford–Hays.

Kansas FFA extends appreciation to the Hays community for its continued investment in agricultural education and youth leadership. The support shown for Marisa and the Kansas FFA organization reflects the strong tradition of leadership and service that continues to grow in communities across Kansas

The Kansas FFA Association is a school-based youth leadership development organization with nearly 14,000 student members across 240 local FFA chapters in 104 of the 105 Kansas counties.

Kansas FFA State Secretary Marisa Wasinger honored at Hometown Celebration in Hays

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kris Munsch about his Hays businesses and his latest book.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kris Munsch, Hays entrepreneur, author

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;(KHP)&nbsp;held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 22 commemorating the recent completion of a&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;aircraft hangar facility at the Hays Regional Airport.

This 6,800 square foot hangar facility was completed in May 2025 and includes hangar space, offices for the trooper pilots, and a conference room for training and flight planning. This project was a collaborative effort between the City of Hays and&nbsp;KHP, where the city managed construction and&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;assumed ownership of the facility at a cost of $1.7 million. The hangar will house multiple law enforcement aircraft and serve as a staging location for joint agency air support operations within the region. Hays is a strategic location for&nbsp;KHP’s&nbsp;Air Support Unit. In conjunction with aircraft bases in Wichita and Topeka, the Hays base affords statewide coverage.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to those who committed so much of their time and talent to making this partnership a reality,” said Colonel Erik Smith,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Superintendent. “The project is a model for interagency and intergovernmental cooperation.”

“Regional airports such as Hays provide vital and critical resources to local communities that reach far beyond air travel, especially when assisting with emergency response. These efforts often go unnoticed,” said Jamie Salter, Hays Regional Airport Director. “The collaborative nature of this project highlights the importance of partnership between governmental agencies to best service our communities.”

“The capabilities that&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;provides to local law enforcement is critical to rural communities like Hays,” said State Representative Ken Rahjes (Agra, Kansas). “We are grateful for the service of State Troopers in Western Kansas.”

KHP&nbsp;is the only entity in Kansas operating tactical law enforcement aircraft, providing vital support to local public safety agencies. The agency acquired its first aircraft in 1961 to patrol state highways and first established an aircraft base in Hays in 1979. In 2024,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;flight crews in Hays were requested to assist local law enforcement agencies with numerous missions, including 17 manhunts, 23 vehicle pursuits, 19 searches for missing or endangered people, and three hazardous weather events involving endangered motorists.

KHP 2025-21: Kansas Highway Patrol held ribbon cutting ceremony

The City of Hays has launched an updated online utility bill payment system, offering residents new features designed to streamline monthly utility bill payments.

The update will allow for e-billing and introduce the option for reoccurring credit or debit card payments.

The new system is designed to provide residents with greater convenience and flexibility in managing their City of Hays utility accounts.

While the system has changed, the location to access the online payment portal remains the same, accessible via the <a href="https://cityofhaysks.municipalonlinepayments.com/cityofhaysks/utilities">HaysUSA.com</a> website.

“We understand that residents value convenience, and this new system delivers significant upgrades,” said City Clerk Jami Breit. “The ability to enroll in e-billing will help our community save paper, and the new feature for recurring card payments means customers can literally ‘set it and forget it.’ It's about providing simpler, more reliable options for everyone.”

The City of Hays emphasized that all customers who wish to continue paying online will be required to set up a new account in the updated system.

To register for the first time, residents will need their customer number and account number, both of which are printed on their utility bill.

Director of Finance Kim Rupp said the new system is a result of ongoing efforts to improve the resident utility bill pay experience.

“Our primary goal with this update was to simplify the process while maintaining a high standard of service,” Rupp said. “This streamlined interface is designed to be very user friendly. Additionally, we are introducing a new automated system for those who pay over the phone, further expanding accessibility.”

The city confirmed that several existing payment methods will continue without requiring customers to take action, including those who are already set up with auto-pay through a bank account.

Customers can also continue to pay in person at City Hall, 1507 Main St., or by using the drop boxes.

Payments are accepted by mail at P.O. Box 490, Hays, KS 67601.

City Hall hours for in-person payments are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

For more information, residents can visit <a href="https://haysusa.com/213/Billing-Information">HaysUSA.com/billing</a> or call the city at 785-628-7300.

City of Hays launches new utility bill payment system

By TISA MASON FHSU president

In the heart of our university lies a team that enables students to dream bigger, expect more, and achieve their educational aspirations: the Financial Aid Office. As the facilitators of access and affordability, these dedicated professionals navigate a complex landscape of federal regulations and ever-evolving technology. Their commitment goes beyond just numbers; it’s about creating opportunities for students who may otherwise encounter barriers to a college education.

Among these champions are three of the office’s most seasoned staff members—Chantelle Arnold, Robyn Hearne, and JoAnn Tomecek—who collectively boast 74 years of experience in financial aid. Their journeys illustrate resilience and an unwavering passion to serve students, with their close-knit team dynamics creating a supportive and collaborative work environment that extends across campus.

With 23 years of experience in financial aid and a degree in Communications, Robyn Hearne has formed a special bond with her colleagues. “I don’t have sisters. So, these people feel like my family,” she shared with heartfelt sincerity. What began as a role she never anticipated embracing has transformed into a fulfilling career that she describes as “addictive.” Each day on campus is a chance for Robyn to engage with students and provide them with the guidance they need to navigate the financial aid maze.

JoAnn Tomecek, a tenured veteran with 36 years’ experience and a degree in office administration, recognizes the responsibility that comes with their roles. “This is a good team. We’re here to serve the students,” she shared. The team’s mission is straightforward yet challenging: to ensure that each student receives their financial aid accurately and efficiently. They have tackled obstacles through a collaborative spirit, working to accelerate students towards their academic goals.

“Chantelle, Robyn, and I are all passionate about our jobs,” JoAnn continued. “We do all we can to understand the changes,” especially with evolving policies like federal FAFSA updates and new systems like Workday. Despite rapid changes in the financial aid landscape, JoAnn credited their adaptability and dedication to the success of their mission.

With her master’s degree in leadership, Chantelle Arnold emphasized the importance of student support systems, asserting their role as the final checkpoint before students embark on their college journey. The office has evolved significantly, streamlining communication methods and enhancing collaboration with other departments to make the financial aid process more integrated and efficient.

“Whether it be our immediate office family or our true families at home, students always come first,” Chantelle remarked. This strong sense of community fosters a healthy workplace environment where employee satisfaction translates to improved student service. The office also

mentors ten hardworking student employees who contribute to day-to-day functions, demonstrating that collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of their success.

Navigating federal regulations, changing demographics, and heightened technology demands is no small feat. “We just have to evolve with everything coming our way,” Robyn pointed out, acknowledging the need for continuous learning in their dynamic field. They face new challenges head-on, often digging “into the weeds of the regulations” to keep themselves and students well-informed about the financial aid landscape.

“We work well together,” Robyn summarized. “If there’s a problem, we talk about it, figure it out, and move on.” This proactive communication is vital to their collective success and, ultimately, to the students they serve.

Statistics do not just measure success in the Financial Aid Office, but also in the stories of perseverance that emerge from each cohort of graduates. The resilience and grace of Chantelle, Robyn, JoAnn, and their team underscore a truth that echoes across our university: financial aid is not just about funding education; it’s about forging pathways and nurturing dreams.

As students emerge from the barriers of financial uncertainty to embrace a brighter future, it is essential to recognize the heroes behind the scenes. The Financial Aid Office exemplifies the spirit of service that makes our university a place of opportunity for all, inviting students to chase their dreams, regardless of their financial background. Their unwavering commitment to excellence often goes unnoticed, but it makes all the difference for our students.

Three-day weather outlook

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Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets meeting

NICODEMUS — Thomas Wellington will be honored and remembered for his dedication in making this veteran’s memorial a reality. He was dedicated to the protection of the rights of all American citizens and served two terms in Vietnam, so that his brother Tim Wellington would not have to. He was a dedicated descendant of the Nicodemus pioneer settlers and was a great preservationist and interpretive steward of this great town. To him we honor this memorial.

Set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at&nbsp;Memorial Site—Washington St. Nicodemus.&nbsp;(Refreshments Following—Ernestine’s KBFA Certified Kitchen)

Nicodemus Veterans Memorial dedication set for Nov. 11

City of Hays offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday

CORRECTION: Ellis Food Pantry information corrected as of 10:11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

First Call for Help,&nbsp;&nbsp;607 E. 13th,&nbsp; 785-623-2800 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday&nbsp; Food pantry/box distribution-One per family every 30 days, ID required Meals on Wheels-Elderly or disabled individuals-call for more information

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food box distribution-One per family per month Some paperwork required

St. Joseph Food Bank,&nbsp;&nbsp;210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Distribution-First and third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon (Kennedy building, back entrance) Serving everyone, basic household information needed

&nbsp;Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Accessible 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday,&nbsp; Serving Ellis County residents, proof of income and residency (utility bill or lease)

&nbsp;FHSU Tiger Pantry - Located in Memorial Union-Chestnut Room Accessible 9:30-11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Monday-Friday and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday Fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Serving students, faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University

&nbsp;Unite Ministry,&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild,&nbsp;&nbsp;200 E. Eighth,&nbsp; 785-259-2539 &nbsp;Accessible 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food pantry and free store

&nbsp;Ellis County Health Department-NOT AVAILABLE DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN &nbsp;WIC (Women Infants and Children) ONLY-Income and other requirements

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accessible 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. PLEASE CALL FIRST

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accessible 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need Hays Middle School, Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need PLEASE CALL FIRST

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Serving area parishes and transients&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Serving USD 388 School District and the surrounding area Home deliveries for elderly/disabled. Call NWKS Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry, 210 Madison, 785-650-4225 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm. Residents need to live in Ellis USD 388.

First Call for Help,&nbsp;607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. y de 1:00 p. m. a 4:30 p. m. Distribución de cajas/despensas de alimentos: una por familia cada 30 días, se requiere identificación

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644&nbsp;&nbsp; Accesible de lunes a jueves de 8:00 a 17:00 horas Distribución de cajas de alimentos: una por familia por mes Se requiere algo de papeleo

Banco de alimentos&nbsp;de&nbsp;St. Joseph, 210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Renee Michaud Distribución: 1.er y 3.er sábado de cada mes, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. (edificio Kennedy, entrada trasera) Al servicio de todos, se necesita información básica del hogar.

Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Theresa Hill Accesible de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. Sirviendo a los residentes del condado de Ellis, comprobante de ingresos y residencia (factura de servicios públicos o contrato de arrendamiento)

Despensa Tiger de FHSU - ubicada en&nbsp;Sala Memorial Union-Chestnut,&nbsp;Accesible de lunes a viernes de 9:30 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. y de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. Viernes Frutas y verduras frescas cuando estén disponibles. Al servicio de estudiantes, profesores y personal de la Universidad Estatal de Fort Hays

Unite Ministry,&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild, 200 E. 8th, 785-259-2539 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 17:00 a 22:00 horas y sábados y domingos de 14:00 a 22:00 horas. Despensa de alimentos y tienda gratuita

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Ellis -&nbsp;NO DISPONIBLE DURANTE EL CIERRE DEL GOBIERNO FEDERAL WIC (Mujeres, bebés y niños) SOLAMENTE - Requisitos de ingresos y otros

North Oak Community Church,&nbsp;3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 9:00 a 15:00 horas; viernes de 9:00 a 12:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 10:00 a 17:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes y sus familias necesitadas

Hays Middle School,&nbsp;Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes de HMS y sus familias necesitadas&nbsp; &nbsp;POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Sirviendo parroquias y transeúntes del área POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible de lunes a martes, jueves y viernes. Sirviendo al Distrito Escolar 388 y sus alrededores&nbsp; Entregas a domicilio para personas mayores o discapacitadas. Llame a la Agencia del Área sobre el Envejecimiento de NWKS&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible Ya sea el primer o último día del mes, llame para confirmar

Food pantries in Ellis County; bancos de alimentos en el condado de Ellis

&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

The Ellis County Historical Society and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution invite the public to a special presentation, “A Look Back at Walker Army Airfield Base,” featuring historian and U.S. Army veteran Steven Arthur. The event will take place on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th, Hays.

Arthur, a Fort Hays State University history graduate, retired library director, and current NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, will share his research into the fascinating past of the Walker Army Airfield. 

His curiosity about the site began years ago—like many who have driven past the remains of the base and wondered about its story. What started as a model-building project for Forsyth Library became a three-year journey to uncover the airfield’s rich and largely forgotten history.

The event is free and open to the public. The museum’s south entrance is handicap accessible and includes an elevator.

This program is sponsored by the Ellis County Historical Society and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, as part of the “America 250!” commemoration.

Local historian to present 'A Look Back at Walker Army Airfield Base' near Hays

A group of passionate volunteers, business owners, and donors worked hard to make this the most magical holiday season Downtown Hays has ever seen. The 2025 Christmas Magic on Main initiative will bring more lights, more memories, and more&nbsp;free family fun&nbsp;than ever before — all to celebrate the spirit of the season in The Bricks.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors and donors, The Bricks and its Christmas Committee have raised more than $41,000 to transform Downtown Hays into a glowing winter wonderland. From lighting up Main Street and Union Pacific Park to hosting&nbsp;free Clydesdale wagonette rides, Santa appearances, a holiday movie at The Fox Theatre, and festive entertainment, this season promises something for everyone.

The celebration officially kicks off with the Christmas Magic on Main Jubilee on Saturday, November 29 from 6–8 PM at Union Pacific Park. This year’s Jubilee will feature holiday craft vendors, free train rides, youth activities, and a free soup supper for the first 500 guests, along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, cocoa, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Executive Director Lee Ann June shared, “Christmas Magic on Main is about connection — the community coming together, children making memories, and families rediscovering the joy of downtown. The best part is that so much of it is free and open to everyone.”

The magic continues with the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade on Sunday, December 7 at 6 PM. This year’s theme, “Timeless Traditions,” celebrates the memories, moments, and holiday customs that have stood the test of time. Parade entries are now open, and all community groups, businesses, and organizations are invited to take part in this cherished Hays tradition. Registration and details are available at downtownhays.com.

We’re grateful to the many businesses and families who make this magic possible:Tree Topper:&nbsp;Werth Wealth ManagementSecret Santa:&nbsp;Tim &amp; Michelle Flax Family &amp; Kay IrsikSleigh Sponsors:&nbsp;Joe Bob Outfitters, Riedel’s Garden Center, Hays CVBGarland Givers:&nbsp;AutoWorld, Glassman Corp, Hays Public Library, Hays Tees, HaysMed, Insurance Planning, Midwest Energy, Mills Engineering, PWC Inc., Signature Builders, Vitztum’s Carpet One Floor &amp; HomeBow Benefactors:&nbsp;A1 Scaffolding, Astra Bank, Bieker Insurance, Brungardt Hower, Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, Commerce Bank, Downing-Nelson Oil, Ellis County Abstract, Furniture Look, Heartland Community Foundation, Loftus DDS, Andrew &amp; Melissa Wasinger, Barb Wasinger

To learn more, view the full event schedule or to register for the FrostFest Parade, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">downtownhays.com</a>.

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as&nbsp;The Bricks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays. Through community events, business partnerships, and place-making initiatives, DHDC works to preserve our historic charm while fostering a thriving downtown for residents, visitors, and future generations.

🎙 Christmas Magic on Main Street in Downtown Hays

The women’s ministry at Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St., will host its annual fall fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

The United Women in Faith (UWF) Peddler’s Soup Luncheon and Bake Sale will feature homemade chili, hamburger vegetable soup, and chicken noodle soup; relishes; pie; and a beverage.

Tickets, which will be available at the door, will be $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 10 years of age.

Soup pre-sales in quart and pint jars will be available that morning. Soup pre-orders may be submitted to Debra at (785) 623-1554 or to the church office, (785) 625-3408.

Baked goods will also be sold at the luncheon. According to a news release, proceeds will go to UWF missions and local charities.

Hays Methodist women to host fall fundraiser Nov. 8

Cub Scout pancake feed set for Saturday at First Presbyterian Church

TOKPEA —On Friday, the Kansas Department for Children and Families issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance, according to a statement on the a agency website.

Beneficiaries should have access to their full benefit​s by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 7. 

All current Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7 instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over a 10-day period according to last name.&nbsp;

Kansas should call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do" target="_blank">https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do​</a>. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.The total November benefit distribution was more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.&nbsp;​

DCF: Kansans to receive full November SNAP benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune pleaded with colleagues on Friday to “end these weeks of misery” as many Democrats pledged to vote against reopening the government until President Donald Trump and Republican leaders negotiate with them on an extension of health care benefits.

A small group of Democrats has been negotiating with Republicans on a deal that would end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">shutdown</a>. But the contours of that agreement would only come with the promise of a future health care vote, rather than a guarantee that Affordable Care Act subsidies are extended by the end of the year. Many Democrats say that’s unacceptable.

It’s a frustrating dynamic for Republican leaders, who only need five additional votes to fund the government.

“The time to act is now,” Thune said in his opening remarks on the Senate floor Friday, speaking directly to Democrats who might change their position.

As the shutdown reached its 38th day, Republicans were still refusing to negotiate with Democrats on health care, insisting that they vote to reopen the government first. They were planning instead to introduce a new, bipartisan package of bills that they hope will break the impasse.

It was unclear whether that new plan would work, even as lawmakers in both parties were feeling increased urgency to alleviate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-airlines-faa-e39c423facec2b0dcc2544af48de0fa1">growing crisis at airports</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/furlough-federal-workers-unemployment-government-shutdown-e0c73357aab61c7a6162cfb26c659c03">pay government workers</a>&nbsp;and restore&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-government-shutdown-court-order-b354aa0b596dcb8bfc6dc59a3382e811">delayed food aid</a>&nbsp;to millions of people.

Thune said he’s likely to keep the Senate in session over the weekend for the first time since the shutdown began, an effort to apply pressure and resolve the standoff.

A test vote on the new package, which has not been made public, could come as soon as Friday.

Democrats will then have a crucial choice to make: Do they keep fighting for a meaningful deal on extending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-obamacare-shutdown-e94d96a8a837a5f7f681dc6893872d3b">the subsidies</a>&nbsp;that expire in January, while prolonging the pain of the shutdown? Or do they vote to reopen the government and hope for the best as Republicans promise an eventual health care vote, but not a guaranteed outcome?

After a caucus meeting on Thursday, many Democrats said they would continue to hold out for negotiations.

“That’s what leaders do,” said Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M. “You have the gavel, you have the majority, you have to bring people together.”

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York has not yet weighed in. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said Democrats are “obviously not unanimous” but “without something on health care, the vote is very unlikely to succeed.”

Thune’s decision to keep the Senate in session came after Trump urged Republicans at a White House breakfast Wednesday to end the shutdown quickly. He’s urging Republicans to end the legislative filibuster, which requires 60 Senate votes for most legislation, so that they bypass Democrats altogether and fund the government.

“I am totally in favor of terminating the filibuster, and we would be back to work within 10 minutes after that vote took place,” Trump said Friday.

Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-resistance-senate-thune-shutdown-e2facc2a1a32811d294b1bd16853f307">emphatically rejected</a>&nbsp;Trump’s call, instead eyeing a bipartisan package that would pay for parts of government — food aid, veterans programs and the legislative branch, among other things — and extend funding for everything else until December or January. The three annual spending bills that would likely be included are the product of bipartisan negotiations that have continued through the shutdown.

The package would replace the House-passed bill that the Democrats have rejected repeatedly. That would only extend government funding until Nov. 21, a date that is rapidly approaching after six weeks of inaction.

The new package would mirror a tentative proposal that moderate Democrats have been sketching out. The framework led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., would also take up Republicans on their offer to hold a vote on extending the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies at a later date.

It was unclear what Thune, who has refused to negotiate, would promise on health care.

Johnson delivers setback to bipartisan talks

Democrats are facing pressure from unions eager for the shutdown to end and from allied groups that want them to hold firm. Many Democrats have argued that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-new-jersey-trump-election-democrat-republican-fad109893cfd4be5b49a5bb1b0138d8d">wins for Democrats</a>&nbsp;on Election Day show voters want them to continue the fight until Republicans yield and agree to extend the health tax credits.

A vote on the health care subsidies “has got to mean something,” said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats. “That means a commitment by the speaker of the House, that he will support the legislation, that the president will sign.”

But Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made clear he will not make any commitments. “I’m not promising anybody anything,” Johnson said on Thursday when asked if he could promise a vote on a health care bill.

Johnson’s clear refusal was a setback for negotiators. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, one of the moderate Democrats involved in negotiations, said the speaker’s comments were “a significant problem.”

“We have to make sure we have a deal that we can get broad support for,” Peters said.

As Democrats try to figure out what to do, Schumer has not said when he thinks the shutdown should end. He and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York have called for Trump to sit down with them and negotiate — a meeting that seems unlikely to happen.

“Donald Trump clearly is feeling pressure,” Schumer said.

The Democrats and Republicans who have been talking insisted they were making steady progress on a deal.

Republicans suggested on Thursday they might be open to including language in a final agreement that would reverse some mass firings of government workers by the White House, according to two people familiar with the private talks granted anonymity to discuss them. It was unclear whether that proposal would be included in the new package.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins of Maine, a moderate Republican who has been talking to Democrats, says she wants furloughed workers to be given back pay and workers who have been fired during the shutdown to be “recalled.”

“We’re still negotiating that language,” she said.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti, and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

🎥Government shutdown: Senate GOP leader pleads for end to misery

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, will learn his fate Friday.

Dominic Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime is scheduled for sentencing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November of 2024, a jury convicted him of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

Sentencing Day: Kansas man tried to drown pregnant girlfriend

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to continue carrying out, for now, its policy requiring that passports only list a person’s sex assigned at birth.

The nation’s highest court paused a lower court order that temporarily barred the administration from enforcing the policy, codified in an executive order Trump signed in January.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;made it the “policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female” and called on the State Department to “implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex.”&nbsp;

Under then-President Joe Biden, the State Department&nbsp;<a href="https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/31/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-equality-and-visibility-for-transgender-americans/" target="_blank">allowed</a>&nbsp;people to “select an ‘X’ as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application.”

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26219531-scotus-passports-11625/" target="_blank">the unsigned court order</a>, the majority noted that “displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth — in both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, indicating a 6-3 decision.

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