By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

PLAINVILLE—On any given Tuesday, millions of dollars can move through Heartland Regional Stockyards in just a few hours.

Owner Lloyd Schneider, a lifelong Logan farmer and rancher, said the family-run livestock auction in Plainville, 907 NW Third St., hosts weekly sales serving the region.

"Heartland Regional Stockyard is a vital part of the cattle business, and it's vital to the multi-county area," Schneider said.

Brandon Hamel, sales manager at Heartland Regional Stockyard, said the barn was purchased to preserve an essential local market, serving as a “referee” between producers and buyers.

Cattle are sorted by sex and weight before prices are negotiated with buyers from several states. Hamel said the live auction stockyard stands out for its long-lasting relationships with customers.

"We're super efficient," Hamel said. "I've worked at a lot of sale barns. We're probably the top three fastest-selling barns that I've been around."

Hamel said about 1,700 head were sold in about five hours on the day of the interview. He explained that quicker sales mean more revenue for producers by reducing shrinkage or weight loss.

"A couple of weeks ago, we had a big sale and received $9 million from buyers that went to our sellers in our community, from six different states. What other business does that? Not a lot," Hamel said.

Hamel said the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for the business, which also faces ongoing market volatility and the need for enough cattle to attract top buyers.

Hamel said after the 2021 four-county fire, the business organized an auction within three days and raised between $75,000 and $100,000.

"A lot of our producers were affected by it," he said. "We led that for our people. We helped them get back on their feet with what we could do."

Fundraising efforts also include an FFA sale that raised more than $10,000 for scholarships and agricultural education in February. A Cattlemen’s Ball is also hosted each August as an invite-only event for buyers and sellers, featuring live music and dancing in the sale ring.

Schneider is a fourth-generation rancher, with his own children also sharing his passion for the cattle industry. The family’s ranching roots trace back to 1895.

Schneider and his wife, Judy Schneider, became the new owners of the livestock auction in the summer of 2019.

Hamel said the stockyard works hard for producers, even helping offset costly freight expenses.

"Every bid is 50 cents or $1 on your draft. We will more than pay for that extra freight to get up to Plainville," he said.

Lloyd also shared that, despite recent increases, beef remains one of the most affordable ingredients on a per-ounce basis compared to tomatoes, lettuce and French fries.

The livestock auction is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You can follow the Hearland Regional Stockyards on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Heartland-Regional-Stockyards-100057492848355/">Facebook </a>and visit its website <a href="https://www.hrstockyards.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHbWZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYalF0bmtodGJESW11TWVPAR4fqynhjOElrsQzDySgK_Ijhg3i4pQFQZetsoY_QYNqYlXewiHLmEjBLgHORw_aem_g0xO_vw8SyAfA-s7N1L0Jg">here</a>.

Nwester: Heartland Regional Stockyards keeps cattle market thriving

The six candidates for Hays City Commission were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include Samuel Allen, Reese Barrick, Candace (CJ) Hathaway, David Koshiol, Shaun Musil and David Vilaysing.

Allen did not respond to Hays Post's request for an interview.&nbsp;

Allen was&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e91cd79-cb0f-4efc-a6f1-2dc8ddbbe8d9">arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail</a>&nbsp;in July.&nbsp; &nbsp;

 Also listed on the ballot but not pursuing office are Kelly Ancar and Justin Choitz.&nbsp;

Three seats are available on the board. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will each receive a four-year term. The third-highest candidate will serve a two-year term. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 75 Occupation: Retired banker

Why are you running for Hays City Commission?

I've served for eight years, and my passion continues to be for this city as a native.

 We have a great body of sitting commissioners right now. We work really well together and have started some things I'd like to be around to finish, not the least of which is the R9 project.

We don't always agree, but we find a common solution that everybody can get on board with, and that's something I'm really proud of.

As an incumbent, what do you think is the most impactful legislation enacted by the governing body since you were elected?

We've done so many things, the most of which is housing.

We changed our economic development policy to allow some more incentive districts. We looked at more moderate-income housing.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ae1db76a-b42e-4a7e-8a6d-64505465e8a1">A recent quarterly luncheon by Grow Hays explained how RHIDs work and their economic impact on the city.&nbsp;</a>

We looked at our property taxes as best we could. We continue to have the lowest property tax outside of Johnson County, actually, the ninth lowest in the whole state. We're in the middle of the pack with sales tax.

I think we're not overtaxing from our perspective. I think we're doing what we need to do, and I think it was responsible enough for us and our city staff to develop a conservative budget to remain revenue neutral.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d615ae1-9b48-4ebd-9200-7c593c85db69">The governing body of Hays chose to remain revenue neutral for the budget year 2026.</a>

On the R9 project, we've been challenged by Edwards County on almost everything we've done. Anything of substance, we have not lost any challenge.

All we can do is continue to work within the statutes. We've asked for less water than is allowed by the state, and that is huge.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The city narrowly avoided a 2-mill levy increase in the 2026 budget. How would you keep the mill levy at 25 mills? Should it instead be increased?

It's always possible. It's always going to be our first goal to remain revenue neutral. We haven't been able to do it often in the last number of years, but we've kept our mill levy at 25 mills for 16 years now.

What is the most pressing issue(s) the city of Hays faces?

Water, of course, is always going to be top of mind with all of us, but there are a couple of things I'm working on and bringing forward as new priorities for myself.

People know that I really am a collaborator. I believe in bringing everyone to the table to find solutions for what we need.

We've done so much good on our last four-year focus, which was housing, with the help of Grow Hays and private developers/investors.

My first goal, other than maintaining taxes, would be retail development.&nbsp;

I talk with Grow Hays about it regularly. They are focused as well because our general fund is run on sales tax.

Our community really, really wants retail, so that's going to be my focus until we see some big gains.

It's been suggested by a local developer that the city provide free land for construction of new homes costing $150,00 or less. What are your thoughts about housing in Hays?

I'm not sure about "should." The city can, and could, look at anything. 

Low-income housing is also high on my list, but it's very difficult to think through and work with.&nbsp;

Low-income housing is almost impossible without some kind of incentive, and that's what we've seen in the past is federal incentives. It's really the reason developers go for federal tax credits.&nbsp;

We have talked to a number of groups over the past four years that have not been successful.&nbsp;

With the cost of things today, private investors just can't do it.&nbsp;

Defining low income in our community is another thing. Our recent housing study showed that we are lacking in low-income housing; thus, there is a need to keep it top of mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We're working on it all the time. We're having conversations at all levels— state and federal—including conversations with ourselves and what it would take for the city to be able to accommodate low-income housing by investing dollars.

The hard thing to grasp from that is it would require an increase in mills, and it would be a permanent increase. I'm not sure our community is ready for that right now.

Should each city park become more "individualized," offering different/fewer amenities at each location to save maintenance costs?

It's going to be a huge subject going forward because our parks need attention, and we continue to grow our parks.

Jeff Boyle (director of parks) takes amazing care of not only the parks but also the equipment. But at some point, it has to be replaced.&nbsp;

The ARC Park is a model of what we should have everywhere in the community. If we could have three or four more ARC Parks, that would be fabulous.

But to the tune of about $3 million to this point, which has been raised by the Arc of Central Plains for the park, and another $500,000 that hit the commission recently, it's just not possible.

&nbsp;We may have to look at a mill increase in order to bring the parks to the level our community expects.&nbsp;

Some parks are very small, some parks are larger. Everybody wants their park, no matter how small. 

I certainly think every part of our community should have its park. 

Looking at it from a cost standpoint is going to be a challenge. It'll be a part of our commission retreat in 2026.

Are there areas in the city budget or departments that can be streamlined? What would you change in the city's current operations?

We're always looking at ways to change, and I have to really speak about our associates throughout the city and every department head.

We go through that budget line item by line item by line item. Every department goes through it every way they can.

I always comment on how efficient they are on holding equipment longer than what's supposed to be its lifespan, going two or three years longer before we have to invest.&nbsp;

As we went through the budget this year and being able to hit revenue neutral at the end, it shows our community that it can be confident that we're looking at every single line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our deputy city manager, Collin Bielser, did a stellar job in putting that budget together and working with the departments.

There is nothing glaringly wrong to me right now.

Should the city get involved in the operation of the public transportation program ACCESS, which is struggling with its funding? Should the city offer greater financial support?

We could certainly delve into it, and I would be a proponent of that. Do I have a solution today? No.

If we decided to investigate it, I think we would need access to their budget and understand their budget as well as our own, where those dollars might come from.&nbsp;

If DSNWK wants to come back to the commission and brainstorm, we'll help in any way we can.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc146924-9a33-439f-bb6a-180129cff07a">ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is still facing a 2026 funding gap after the city of Hays and Ellis County made contributions.&nbsp;</a>

I continue to believe there is more to be done to ensure the future, and I look 10, 25 and 50 years down the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

My goal has always been to leave this community better than I found it.&nbsp;

When I first ran for commission, I promised to look at sustainable, responsible, planned economic growth. 

Fiscal responsibility is huge on my agenda every year, and quality of life is right up there with it.

I've listened to the community and will continue to listen, and if there's more to be done, we'll put it on our plate.

Hays City Commission Candidate Q&A: Sandy Jacobs

TOPEKA – Kansas&nbsp;businesses and entrepreneurs were honored Thursday night at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2025&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;ceremony.

It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey Snow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;

“Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Companies like these advance our state’s exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards.”&nbsp;

A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year’s&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.&nbsp;

“Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All the businesses recognized at&nbsp;To The Stars&nbsp;are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business.”&nbsp;

To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year’s contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business — and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.

The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below:&nbsp;

The 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, Grey Snow Management Solutions, is an economic development enterprise created to manage, build, support, and enhance tribal sovereignty, as well as provide expert services for government and commercial clients. Their mission is to provide sustainable, responsible, and profitable services for the cultural and financial betterment of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and all of Indian Country across North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award has been given to a Kansas company for more than three decades. The award brings statewide recognition to companies for their export efforts and showcases companies as role models of exporting success in Kansas.&nbsp;

The 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year winner, GeoProbe Systems, was founded in 1987 by two engineers who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry — changing the way soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples are collected. Since those first methods went to the field, GeoProbe has invested heavily in engineering to continue developing new designs and innovative techniques for fieldwork, diversified across a wide range of drilling industries – garnering a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.&nbsp;

Other Exporter of the Year finalists were SOR Controls Group of Lenexa and Harlan Global Manufacturing of Kansas City.&nbsp;

At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced &nbsp;the new&nbsp;Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James “Jamie” Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.&nbsp;

A full list of the 2025&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;winners and photographs from the event can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Ftothestars%2Fto-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025%2F/1/01010199f3559225-fdf46218-e2a8-46a7-bb65-5e997ceb1262-000000/w2kpPgDp08Q_jivM6V2A_Jd0h6xVvrXN5auR8iMsRlo=427">here</a>.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly, Kansas Department of Commerce celebrate Kansas Businesses at ceremony

The Hays Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic tale, Peter and the Wolf, on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Pre-concert activities begin at 1:30 p.m. with the concert set for 2:30 p.m., at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

This annual family tradition remains free to the public, made possible through the generous sponsorship of Werth Wealth Management.

The program centers on Prokofiev’s Op. 67, a work specifically written in 1936 to introduce young audiences to the various instruments of the orchestra, with assignment of distinct musical themes and instruments to each character in the story.

For example, the protagonist Peter is represented by the bright and energetic strings, while his grumpy Grandfather is depicted by the low, lumbering bassoon.

The Bird’s quick movements are captured by the flute, the Duck’s waddle by the reedy oboe, and the sly Cat’s stealth by the smooth clarinet.

Finally, the menacing Wolf is given a dark, ominous theme played by the French horns, and the Hunters are heralded by the authoritative brass and percussion.

This performance will feature David Macey, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Hays State University, as the narrator, guiding listeners through the Russian folk tale as Peter, a young pioneer, ventures into the meadow, encounters his animal friends, and ultimately helps capture the menacing wolf.

Hays Symphony Music Director Benjamin Cline said the concert will feature a unique blend of entertainment and educational value.

“Peter and the Wolf is, quite simply, the greatest musical primer ever written,” Cline said. “It is an extraordinary experience for a child to hear the story narrated while simultaneously learning to recognize the distinct voice of each orchestral instrument.”

“This concert serves as a vital entry point into the world of classical music for our community’s youngest members, and we are thrilled to offer this high-quality, professional performance completely free of charge. Making this event accessible is one of the most important things the Hays Symphony does all year.”

The musical piece was commissioned by Natalya Sats, the director of the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow, with the explicit goal of furthering musical education.

Since its premiere, it has been performed and recorded by nearly every major orchestra worldwide, featuring narrators ranging from celebrity actors to political figures, demonstrating its universal appeal and enduring power as a piece of musical storytelling.

The Hays Symphony is dedicated to continuing this international tradition of fostering musical literacy.

The musical experience is only part of the afternoon's festivities.

Pre-concert activities will begin at 1:30 p.m., in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center lobby and surrounding areas.

These activities are designed to be hands-on and engaging, particularly for children attending in costume.

Highlights of the pre-concert event include:

· Halloween Costume Parade: Children are encouraged to attend in their favorite Halloween attire and participate in a festive parade.

· Instrumental Petting Zoo: This highly popular activity gives children a rare chance to see, touch, and even try out instruments from the orchestral families, woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion, that they will hear represented in the concert.

· Meet the Woodwinds: A dedicated station will allow attendees to meet the musicians who play the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, making a direct connection between the characters in the story (Bird, Duck, Cat, Grandfather) and the professionals who play their themes.

· Arts and Crafts: Creative activities related to the themes of the concert and Halloween.

· Musical Storytime: Additional stories and interactive sessions designed to prepare young ears for the symphonic performance.

Following the performance, children will receive a free trick-or-treat bag as they exit, extending the holiday fun. Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony presents free children's concert: Prokofiev's classic 'Peter and the Wolf'

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43fdfa83-4625-4854-9e5a-4f3bd0dc0f73">Check out The Furniture Look on Hays Places</a>

The Hays Post has launched an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses that wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

100 Who Care donate $3,200 to First Call for Help

FHSU&nbsp;Science and Mathematics Education Institute

The October FHSU Science Cafe is Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in The Venue at Thirsty's, 2704 Vine Street, Hays.&nbsp;

What actually drives love? Scientists from anthropology to neuroscience have been chasing that very question for decades. And here’s the interesting part: the science of love is at once surprisingly simple and incredibly complex. We’re going to take a quick tour through some of the key chemicals that fuel love.

Presenter is James R. Balthazor, PhD, professor of chemistry, K-INBRE Campus Coordinator at Fort Hays State University.

The event is free and open to the public, sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2fsmei&amp;c=E,1,dx0E4bkWgiThIFHFqvYKg9drbQ7aA2U-xIV2MZW5FYIOCw6Mym-clUd_XJLU9v96GC6aIMCGMmdjUJRlcESYuJgE3KDvpE3832SCq4KUit_B4gSgIPIcrak,&amp;typo=1">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.

Drinks will be available for purchase. No food will be served.&nbsp;

FHSU Science Cafe examines biochemistry behind lust, attraction, companionship

The Ellis County Commission approved a resolution supporting Operation Green Light during its Tuesday meeting.

The campaign is a national initiative led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to honor U.S. veterans by illuminating public buildings in green from Nov. 4 to 11, the week before Veterans Day.

Northwest Kansas Homeland Security Appointment

The commission reappointed Communications Director Jeff Ridgway to serve as Ellis County’s representative on the Northwest Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council for the 2026–2028 term.

The commission approved a charter resolution that would allow it to appoint one of its members each year to serve as the ex officio representative on the Ellis County Library Board instead of automatically assigning the chairperson.

A discussion of a Kansas State 911 Board mapping grant, which funds the indoor and outdoor geographic mapping of critical infrastructure, was postponed to a later meeting.

Ellis County to participate in Operation Green Light for veterans

Hays Police Department activity log: Oct. 12-18, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: Oct. 12-18, 2025

&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 United Way of Ellis County announces the opening of the 2026 CARE Council application process.

Any&nbsp;501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three&nbsp;criteria of education, health, and financial stability.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 community volunteers who review the applications to determine funding for&nbsp;the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County&nbsp;alcohol tax funds.

The online application for funding can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://liveunited.us/apply2026">https://liveunited.us/apply2026</a>

Deadline for submission is Friday, December 5.

For questions, please contact Bill Ring, interim executive director, at 785-628-8281 or&nbsp;info@liveunited.us.

Ellis County United Way 2026 funding applications now open

Tickets on Sale for Cancer Cash fundraiser Nov. 7

The deadline for letters to the editor about the upcoming local elections on Nov. 4 will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Letters can be sent to hayspost@eaglemedia.com. All letters must be typed and signed.

Letters must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Media Center&nbsp;coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Election letter to the editor deadline

'Dawgz and Drawz' to benefit shelter dogs 

Downtown Hays will once again transform into a festive Halloween wonderland for Trick or Treat on The Bricks, happening Friday, October 31, 2025, from 3–5 PM. Hosted by&nbsp;The Bricks in Downtown, this annual tradition brings families together to enjoy a safe and spirited afternoon in the heart of the community.

Dozens of downtown businesses will line Main Street and beyond, handing out candy and hosting fun activities for costumed trick-or-treaters. The event provides children with a safe, family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween while encouraging the community to explore and support local businesses.

“This is a beloved family event,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “Downtown businesses look forward to greeting kids in costume, and parents appreciate the safe environment we create together.”

To keep the event safe and enjoyable for all, volunteer crossing guards will be stationed throughout downtown Hays, helping families cross busy intersections as they make their way along the route.

Families are encouraged to wear their best costumes and bring a treat bag to collect candy and goodies.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks in Downtown Hays on Halloween

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling announced that early voting for the upcoming election will begin on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays.

Early voting hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day of early voting will be Monday, Nov. 3, ending at noon. For voter convenience, there will also be Saturday early voting on Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the administration center.

Advance mail ballots have been mailed on Wednesday.

“As always, my office is here to assist voters,” Dreiling said. “If you have questions about registration, early voting or advance ballots, please don’t hesitate to call us.”

For more information, contact the Ellis County Clerk’s Office at 785-628-9410.

Early voting starts today for November election

David Tostenson, assistant professor of Philosophy at Fort Hays State University, will deliver a talk about how society defines disabilities and the ways society approaches human differences. He will speak from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Trails Room of the Memorial Union at FHSU.

His talk is sponsored by the American Democracy Project at FHSU, Tebo Library (formerly Forsyth Library), and the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) On Campus.

His free talk, titled “Difference, Disorder, and Identity,” will examine the moral and philosophical questions around defining disability, a news release said.

FHSU professor to discuss disabilities, differences on Tuesday

CASS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Cass County.

The Missouri State Highway reported a 2022 GMC Savana driven by a 42-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man traveled northbound into the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 just south of Belton. 

The van struck the front of a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 51-year-old Ames, Iowa man. After impact the Freightliner struck the passenger side of a 1992 Peterbilt semi driven by a 66-year-old Webb City man.&nbsp; The van caught fire and caused the other two vehicle to also catch fire. 

The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported the Freightliner driver to Research Medical Center. There were no other injuries. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt usage information. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims. The accident kept I-49 closed in both diretions until early Tuesday evening.

Kansas City man killed in 3-vehicle wrong-way crash and fire

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an incident outside a Kansas City area high school.

Just after 9a.m. Tuesday, a&nbsp;School Resource Officer was patrolling the parking lot of Liberty High School,&nbsp;200 Blue Jay Drive in Liberty, Missouri, when he noticed a suspicious person standing near several vehicles, according to a media release from Independence Police.

The officer stopped to check on the individual, and an altercation ensued when the person resisted being detained. The School Resource Officer called for emergency assistance from other officers. The individual was able to break free, and a foot chase followed.

Due to the unknown reason for the person’s presence on school property and their resistance to the officer, the resources officer requested assistance from surrounding agencies to help locate the suspect. 

At approximately 9:15a.m., the suspect was located at a nearby business and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect is a juvenile and is being referred to the Clay County Juvenile Office. 

Police: Juvenile arrested after fight with resource officer outside KC area school

The nation is feeling the financial hit of the government shutdown, which is on track to become among the longest in U.S. history. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are&nbsp;going without pay and there are few signs of any end to the stalemate.

The U.S. Senate will vote again Wednesday on whether to end the shutdown.

🎥What Congressional leaders are saying about the gov't shutdown

JOHNSON COUNTY, Missouri- Investigators confirmed that a fire Monday night at the Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set, prompting an arson investigation led by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to a statement from the Johnson County Fire Protection District.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, firefighters from the Johnson County Fire Protection District and the Warrensburg Fire Department, responding through automatic mutual aid for a ladder truck to 106 N. Wall Street in Leeton. 

 When crews arrived, heavy smoke and flames were visible from inside the 129-year-old church. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, bringing the fire under control after nearly three hours. 

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements