By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The two incumbents re-elected Tuesday as Hays city commissioners said they believe the city is in good shape and that most residents agree with them.&nbsp;

Shaun Musil, with 1,772 votes, and Sandy Jacobs, with 1,542 votes, will return to office. They'll both serve four-year terms. 

Newcomer David Vilaysing was the third highest vote-getter at 1,340 votes and will serve a two-year term. Incumbent Reese Barrick was in fifth place with 1,137 votes.&nbsp;

Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission on Nov. 12. Voter turnout was 22.56%.

Musil, 53, and an account representative for Nex-Tech, has served on the commission for 12 years. He has lived in Hays for 30 years.

Musil was at the Ellis County Administration Center as the ballots were brought in to be counted. 

He thanked his supporters and said he "feels very blessed."

"You've got to listen to people and learn from those who don't like what you're doing. ... We need to adjust some things, but I think we're on the right path," Musil said.&nbsp;

 He also hinted at future growth for the city.

"I think there's some really good things on the horizon that people are going to be very excited about," he said.

Jacobs, 75, a retired banker and Hays native, was also checking the ballot returns in person.

She's served eight years on the commission and wants to see the R9 long-term water project completed.

"I really appreciate the confidence that the community has continued to put into me," Jacobs said.

She talked about other things she wants to accomplish.

"Retail is really high on my list, and the workforce needs some attention," Jacobs said, noting that new projects are underway in both areas.

Vilaysing, 43, recently retired from the Hays Police Department after serving 19 years, was not at the administration center. 

He was monitoring vote results from Oklahoma, where&nbsp;he was teaching a course to first responders about  effective communication and leadership skills with his new company DXI Training Solutions.

Vilaysing said he was "a little surprised" at being elected and was "very eager to get to work," even as he expects to have to make adjustments to his out-of-town travel and work schedules to attend commission meetings.

He believes his law enforcement background and familiarity with city operations were key to his election.

Top issues Vilaysing said must be addressed include a secure water supply source and more affordable housing.&nbsp;

"Getting the R9 project finished and seen through is a 50- to 75-year resource. We need a permanent solution, if that means fighting the regulations at the state level," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The commissioners will be sworn into office on Jan. 8, the first regular meeting of 2026. The governing body will also be reorganized.

The other two city commissioners who were not up for re-election are Alaina Cunningham and Mason Ruder. 

Water, retail, housing top issues for newly elected Hays city commissioners

<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

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FHSU daily crime log: Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2025

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 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

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

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

$1 Million Prize Honors Colleges Achieving Strong Student Results, Both in College and After Graduation

Washington D.C. - The Aspen Institute named Fort Hays Tech | North Central as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

“It is an honor and a blessing for Fort Hays Tech | North Central to be recognized as one of the top 2-year colleges in the United States” said Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | North Central. “This is a testament to the dedication and efforts of our faculty, staff, and students. We are all focused on helping students succeed, so it is very rewarding to know that our student success metrics are among the best in the nation!”

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the two-year college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community (two-year) colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Two-year colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet their student outcomes often fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates two-

year colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award, but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”

This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central has been nominated for this award every year since the inception of the Aspen Prize. The list of two-year colleges in Kansas nominated for the award this year is as follows:

- Barton County Community College - Coffeyville Community College - Colby Community College - Cowley College - Flint Hills Technical College - Fort Hays Tech | North Central - Fort Hays Tech | Northwest - Manhattan Area Technical College - Salina Area Technical College

The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage at: <a href="https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-prize-community-college-excellence">https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-prize-community-college-excellence To read more about the selection process, visit as.pn/prize</a>

For more information about Fort Hays Tech | North Central and the Aspen Prize, please contact marketing@fhtechnc.edu or contact Ryan Emerson at (785) 738-9008.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central named as college eligible for Aspen Prize

Recently, local historians and metal detectorists Denis Vine and Gordon Solomon packed the museum when they shared a 7th Cavalry artifact PowerPoint with Trego County Historical Society guests. What a thrill to listen to their stories!

I love people whose imaginations allow them to think about this region sans section lines, county roads, state highways, I-70, neon lights, gas stations and quick shops, utility poles, and other modern development. Every attendee avidly imagined life’s difficulties with limited communication and supplies.

Once the government began building railroads and offering homesteads, military squads, platoons and companies frequently camped nearby to protect crews and settlers. Those troops required water and game so they identified creeks, rivers, and springs to establish location and supplies. If there was water, game used it too which simplified providing camp meat and forage. 

It also intensified resource competition with native occupants. While occupying stations for weeks or months, soldiers used canned and bottled goods, wore out their clothing and tack, and occasionally lost curry combs, knives or razors.

To find left behind artifacts, metal-detecting historians study old documents, maps, and the landscape to identify potential sites. Some share information so others can further research an area. As a bonus, relic hunters often discover communal trash pits full of bottles.

Following retirement, Denis and Gordon turned their inner history hunters loose, finding cans, tack, bullets, knives, military equipment like epaulets, buttons, cross sabers from hats, and more. They’ve also dug trash pits filled with tossed cans and bottles. According to Denis, cans offer a chance to familiarize the finder with specific soldiers roaming the prairies.

He noted industry canned food soldiers carried into isolated regions without supply depots. Unfortunately, no one had yet invented p-38 or p-51 can openers. As a result, these guys used knives or perhaps axes to access peaches and other canned goods. Looking at the artifacts, some cut the lid into quarters and peeled back edges to access contents. Others cut or chopped around edges until they could bend the left, right, top or bottom side enough to reach paydirt. 

You clearly saw patterns troopers used to open their can and could assume the same guy opened any container sharing such characteristics.

In addition to finding cans at former camps, Denis and Gordon have detected scores of buttons. Most are military but not always. They commented that either soldiers didn’t know how to sew buttons securely or they had weak thread. I’m guessing a combination of both resulted in thousands of U.S. Army buttons peppering miles of Kansas prairie. Some of their discoveries still had fabric attached to the shank, triggering guesses as to what happened. Possibilities multiplied the longer folks thought.

This presentation made me wonder about young men who joined the military and came West so soon after the Civil War. Our nation needed to rebuild financially and physically, so for many enlistees military life offered steady pay, regular meals, uniforms and transportation.

 In addition to U.S. citizens, immigrants enlisted to serve their new homeland. It’s not surprising to search military cemeteries or records and find Irishmen and Germans among Iowans, Missourians and other U.S. enlistees.

Few absolute answers exist to answer questions about men who spent months and sometimes years protecting this prairie we call home. We do know they opened cans without a can opener and more than a good share performed their job missing buttons.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: For lack of can openers and quality thread

&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 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

By&nbsp;LAAH TUCKER American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109

NATOMA — In celebrating Veterans Day, men and women of the United States Armed forces, past and present service, will be honored during the 16th annual Veterans Day Musical Salute in Natoma on Monday, November 11.

 Natoma-Paradise-Waldo Unified School District #399 will join the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 and American Legion Post 109 in a morning program in Natoma, 610 N. Third Street. 

“Every Hero Has a Story” at 9 a.m. Veterans are invited to share memorabilia; Veteran-Student panel discussion at 9:30 a.m. with Post 109 Commander William Workman; Veterans Patriotic Musical Salute at 10:15 a.m. presented by Pre-K through 12th grade students directed by Talley Hickman; Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay winners.

Special guests will include local, district, and state elected officials. 

Fort Dodge Soldiers Home Christmas gift drive will be highlighted with donation boxes available. 

Auxiliary Unit 109 will host a lunch for veterans at the American Legion Post 109 Hall, 520 North 1st Street.

Veterans and their families are invited to participate in “Every Hero Has a Story" by sharing veterans’ photographs, uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia. 

Junior high and high school students will participate in a panel discussion with veterans describing first hand stories of intrigue and sacrifice as soldiers in defending freedom.

 The American Legion Post 109 will present Colors. Voices, percussion, and band in Pre-K, elementary, junior high through high school will present a repertoire of traditional and contemporary patriotic songs and hymns. The program will include Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay winners. Special guests will give tribute. Elementary students will gift each veteran with hand-crafted cards and an invitation to join them for lunch.

Since 1919, the American Legion veterans have been supported by the American Legion Auxiliary. 

The legacy of women continues in Natoma Unit 109 by serving veterans, their families, children, youth and community through a myriad of annual projects. In the spirit of freedom, the annual Veterans Day Salute brings together the community in gratitude to veterans. 

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 supports “Be The One” national advocacy program in awareness, treatment and prevention of veterans’ suicide rate of 22 deaths per day. 

The current emphasis is collecting items for the veterans living in the Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home. In December, both women and men veterans can shop free of charge in a safe, festive Christmas environment.

 For information on specific needs for donations, or Veterans lunch at Post 109 Hall, call Linda Crawford, 785-885-8090.

16th annual Veterans Day Salute to veterans in Natoma

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,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm

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

Hays Coat Drive giveaway set for Saturday

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Nov. 8.

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.

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dorrance American Legion steak feed Nov. 8

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider appointing a delegate to represent the county at the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

County officials from across Kansas will gather Dec. 9-11 in Wichita for a series of educational sessions and workshops.

Because the Kansas Association of Counties Conference overlaps with the regularly scheduled county commission meeting, a cancellation notice will be issued since all three commissioners plan to attend the event.

The commission will also hear the introduction of new and promoted employees at its meeting.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042025-708">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to attend state association of counties conference

PAWNEE COUNTY — Faith Ann Dinning, 31 of Garfield, Kansas, made her formal First Appearance Wednesday in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on a three&nbsp; count domestic violence Criminal Complaint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Dinning is charged with one count of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, one count of Domestic Battery, and one count of Disorderly Conduct. All charges have been designated as Domestic Violence Offenses.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department after deputies were dispatched to a possible automobile accident occurring in the City of Garfield the morning of October 31. 

Law enforcement dispatch received the accident report from an automated Life360 accident notification. Subsequent to Life360 notification, emergency dispatch received a concerned citizen call reporting a domestic altercation at a place of business in Garfield involving Dinning and one of their employees. The reporting party also advised dispatch the parties in question had left the business in separate vehicles, but that a T-bone vehicle accident occurred almost immediately thereafter approximately a block north of the business.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered Dinning with her incapacitated vehicle. The second vehicle involved had left the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival. No serious injuries were reported. It was later determined that Dinning’s significant other had been driving the second vehicle. Based in part on the tire impressions and skid marks in the gravel road, and estimated rate of speed, law enforcement arrested Dinning without incident for intentionally driving her vehicle into the other vehicle.

Deputies also arrested the second party based on the sheriff’s department’s domestic violence mandatory arrest policy. After reviewing the case reports, however, the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office declined to file formal criminal charges against Dinning’s significant other.

Counsel was appointed to represent Dinning and a Preliminary Hearing was scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m..

Dinning remains in custody at the Pawnee County Jail with bond set at $20,000 cash or surety. The Court has included a no contact order as a condition of bond.

Under Kansas Law, “Domestic Violence” means an act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the offender is involved or has been involved in a dating relationship, or an act or threatened act of violence against a family or household member by a family or household member.

Kan. woman accused of using her vehicle as a weapon

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Hegseth wrote on social media, "As we’ve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops."

":On Thursday. at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization."

"The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and three male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed."

"To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you."

🎥US military kills 3 in new strike on drug-running boat

PHELPS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces criminal charges against Melvin J. Fincher, 39, of Rolla, MO. Fincher has pending charges in other counties which include Phelps, Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties.

On October 24, Fincher was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control Rural Crimes Investigation Unit with the assistance of area law enforcement.

In July of 2024, the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was made aware of suspicious activity involving the sale of livestock and farm equipment in Phelps County, Missouri.

Texas authorities informed investigators in Missouri of a cattle theft investigation, involving 42 head of cattle from a livestock market in Texas. 

The theft occurred between August 10 and 11, 2024, and the total value of the cattle was $71,078.00.&nbsp; After further investigation, it was determined the cattle were received by Melvin Fincher, a resident of Phelps County, Missouri.

During the investigation, and while searching property associated with Fincher, USDA livestock tags were located in the livestock pens on the premises. Identification numbers indicated the tags were issued to the livestock market in Texas where the cattle were originally stolen. 

Additional evidence was collected connecting Fincher to the theft of cattle in Texas.

On December 2, 2024, Fincher was formally charged by the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife - Prior Offense. Fincher later pled guilty to this charge.

On October 27, 2025, Fincher was sentenced to 10 years incarceration with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentence was suspended in execution of sentence, and Fincher is currently serving five years of supervised probation.

Fincher is also facing numerous charges in Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties for other related criminal offenses including identify theft, livestock theft, and farm equipment theft

&nbsp;The total value of damages involving these cases exceeds $219,000.00.

If you have any further information regarding these cases, please contact DDCC at 573-526-6122.

Man admits to livestock theft, other rural crimes

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/richest-billionaires-musk-ellison-oracle-tesla-bloomberg-forbes-e90a3cab2a0b256923ca55814893f9fe">world’s richest man</a>&nbsp;was just handed a chance to become history’s first trillionaire.

Elon Musk won a shareholder vote on Thursday that would give the Tesla CEO stock worth $1 trillion if he hits certain performance targets over the next decade. The vote followed weeks of debate over his management record at the electric car maker and whether anyone deserved such unprecedented pay, drawing heated commentary from small investors to giant pension funds and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-birthday-be5daf80146bcff66b564c91dfaf87e8">the pope</a>.

In the end, more than 75% of voters approved the plan as shareholders gathered in Austin, Texas, for their annual meeting.

“Fantastic group of shareholders,” Musk said after the final vote was tallied, adding “Hang on to your Tesla stock.”

The vote is a resounding victory for Musk showing investors still have faith in him as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-spacex-doge-boycott-robots-robotaxi-60d1d3c903414ba0fedc8b0fc856bfef">Tesla struggles</a>&nbsp;with plunging sales, market share and profits in no small part due to Musk himself. Car buyers fled the company this year as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">ventured into politics</a>&nbsp;both in the U.S. and Europe, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-b21b74f56f30012a6450a629e7232a1a">trafficked in conspiracy theories</a>.

The vote came just three days after a report from Europe showing Tesla car sales plunged again last month, including a 50% collapse in Germany.

Still, many Tesla investors consider Musk as a sort of miracle man capable of stunning business feats, such as when he pulled Tesla from the brink of bankruptcy a half-dozen years ago to turn it into one of the world’s most valuable companies.

The vote clears a path for Musk to become a trillionaire by granting him new shares, but it won’t be easy. The board of directors that designed the pay package require him to hit several ambitious financial and operational targets, including increasing the value of the company on the stock market nearly six times its current level.

Musk also has to deliver 20 million Tesla electric vehicles to the market over 10 years amid new, stiff competition, more than double the number since the founding of the company. He also has to deploy 1 million of his human-like robots that he has promised will transform work and home — he calls it a “robot army” — from zero today.

Musk could add billions to his wealth in a few years by partly delivering these goals, according to various intermediate steps that will hand him newly created stock in the company as he nears the ultimate targets.

That could help him eventually top what is now considered America’s all-time richest man, John D. Rockefeller. The railroad titan is estimated by Guinness World Records to have been worth $630 billion, in current dollars, at his peak wealth more than 110 years ago. Musk is worth $493 billion, as estimated by Forbes magazine.

Musk’s win came despite opposition from several large funds, including CalPERS, the biggest U.S. public pension, and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund. Two corporate watchdogs, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, also blasted the package, which so angered Musk he took to calling them “corporate terrorists” at a recent investor meeting.

Critics argued that the board of directors was too beholden to Musk, his behavior too reckless lately and the riches offered too much.

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