By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

In memory of a friend and with a vision to bring more recreation to Hays youth, Leigh Purdy is looking to establish the Cody Joseph Younger Memorial Paintball Park.

"Our community is already very famous for Frisbee golf, and I would really like to see it famous for paintball because there is nothing like this in the area," Purdy said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d56189d4-f969-4ac7-9aa0-7a2f5c4e6efa">In April, Purdy won the inaugural Think-Tank Throwdown hosted by Imagine Ellis County, earning a $2,500 prize to help turn her idea into reality.</a>

The paintball committee met on Wednesday.

Two possible locations are under consideration: a preferred K-State–owned triangle of land near Old 40 by the Dusty Glassman Ballfields and a privately owned site near the 183 bypass, near residential areas.

Purdy noted the private property option could take a for-profit approach, which differs from her original vision of offering a free park. If the K-State site moves forward, she said attendees could likely use the nearby ballfield restrooms with support from the Hays Recreation Commission, which has already expressed interest in the project.

The nearest paintball facility is in Salina, and Purdy said her proposed park would not only offer a new recreational option for Hays families but could also attract visitors from across the region.

Purdy envisions a bring-your-own-gear, play-at-your-own-risk setup similar to a skate park, with the option to host tournaments. She discussed potential layouts, equipment and playing environments with James McCord, who has experience in paintball.

"The Think Tank prize money can completely cover the materials I put down, but if more wanted to be done, I know there are grants I can file," Purdy said.

They also discussed partnering with local suppliers to help launch the project. Purdy said the Hays Recreation Commission has shown interest in collaborating to create competitive leagues.

Purdy said the public park would include posted rules and be maintained and managed by volunteers who would receive benefits for their service.

"I would hope that if there were to be things we want to put inside the park, or swap out, that we would have a committee," she said. "But hopefully we're building it low-maintenance enough that it wouldn't be something we'd have to do a lot."

Purdy shared results from a public survey indicating interest in various competition formats, prize options, and age and skill divisions. The top game preferences were capture the flag, elimination and speedball.

Purdy highlighted responses from a public survey that showed interest in competition formats and age or skill divisions, as well as desired prizes. The most popular game types were Capture the Flag, elimination and speedball.

Neal Younger and Carolyn Younger, the parents of Cody Joseph Younger, were also present for the discussion of the piantball facility in their son's honor.

"Let's do this paintball park and give our kids something to do," Neal said.

You can follow the Cody Joseph Younger Memorial Paintball Park&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574974210566">Facebook</a>&nbsp;page&nbsp;for updates.

Anthony Hurla earned second place at the Think-Tank Throwdown with a similar paintball park proposal. He and Purdy initially planned to collaborate on the project, but Purdy said Hurla has since moved away and is no longer able to take part.

Committee discusses potential sites for Hays paintball park

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, Sandy Jacobs, David Koshiol 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: 53&nbsp; Occupation:&nbsp;&nbsp;Account representative for Nex-Tech

Why are you running for Hays City Commission?

I think we have some unfinished business. For me, mainly,&nbsp; it's our water project.&nbsp;

I think in the next three or four years, we'll at least have the approval process over with.

The commission we have has put a lot of time and effort into that, and I think it'd be the right people to continue it.

When the current term is over with, I will have served Hays a little over 12 years.

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

Looking in the last four to five years, I think that relaxing the RHID (Reinvestment Housing Incentive District) policy has let more people use it, and the proof is we've got a lot more houses being built.

That was the whole reasoning behind it. The frustrating part is we're still not getting the exact kind of houses we feel like we need, but we're definitely getting houses built.&nbsp;

<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>

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?

Currently, what we're being told, and city staff is meeting with some other groups, is that it's not even possible to build a $200,000 house, much less $150,000.&nbsp;

People have come to us about a lot of low-income housing, and we've approved it every time for them to apply for low-income housing grants.&nbsp;

There's not a lot of profit for the builder, and they're in it to make money.

But a lot of those grants have been taken away or sunsetted. They're not going to make enough profit, so they're not going to build low-income housing.

Even if the city gives them the land, I still don't believe they can build houses, which are considered low-income.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

To me, water should always be our No. 1 issue.&nbsp;

Housing, and having the right kind of housing, which we're working on, is also important.

All of these are being worked on like crazy, and they're three of the hardest things that I've ever dealt with as a commissioner. They just don't happen fast.

We have some stuff behind the scenes that we can't announce yet, but it's really close. I think people will be excited about it.

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?

I don't think we should seriously consider an increase, but I do believe we need to make sure that stuff we're using or building needs to be sustainable.

You always hear us talk about parks. Parks are great, but they're very tough to keep up with, and we have to figure out a way to be sustainable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No, we don't want to raise the mill levy, but as things increase, it's gonna have to happen.

We've got a great city staff, and they've been able to move stuff around so we haven't had to.&nbsp;

You never want to say never because things change.&nbsp;

If we have a strong retail or sales tax, that helps everything.&nbsp;

I have no thought of raising the mill levy in the next few years.&nbsp;

<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>

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

If a park is being used, we need to take care of it.&nbsp;

But it's just different nowadays. Kids aren't outside as much using the parks like we used to.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I just think we need to evaluate every single park in the very near future.&nbsp;

If we can specialize in different parks, make it better, and more kids come out, I'll be the first one in line to do it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We do spend a lot of money on green space that sometimes doesn't get used. 

But we also have a lot of [sports] teams that practice at those parks. You don't want to take that away. Traveling sports is a huge thing anymore, having enough practice facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

We challenge them every year to be as productive as possible and also not to spend more than they need to. I think they do a great job.

Some residents may express an opinion to the commission. They do have some good ideas. Sometimes we put those into practice. Other times, it's not possible.&nbsp;

Sometimes, as a commissioner, you're so close to the situation, you don't think outside of the box. That's why I've always enjoyed sitting down with residents, even if they're complaining to you. I enjoy listening because you do learn a lot from them.&nbsp;

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

I think we need to be looking into it.&nbsp;

It's a need. There are a lot of people who use those services to get to work. If you don't have that, they can't get work, and that hurts businesses and everything.

But, off the top of my head, I don't have a better way.&nbsp;Rideshares were mentioned and funding them a little bit.

I haven't yet done any research into it, but if something is constantly losing money, I think you definitely need to look at it and see if you can change something.

Like I've always said, if you have questions for me, please contact me.&nbsp;

Local elections do count. We really, really need people to get out and vote.&nbsp;

The way I look at it is, if you like the way your community is going, please vote us back in. But if not, then you have an opportunity for some new people.

I will listen to what people have to say and will represent people the best I can. But I have to do it for the whole community and not just a few people at a time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I take great pride in representing this community.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission Candidate Q&A: Shaun Musil

By E. SMITH Club Reporter

The Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports program achieved top honors at the Kansas 4-H State Shotgun Championship, securing First Place Overall Team and earning multiple individual awards in both the Senior and Junior divisions.

The winning team was composed of Logan Schmidt, Cole McDonough, Zach McCall, Tanner Boxberger, and Barrett Pianalto, whose combined scores placed Ellis County at the top of the competition field.

In individual overall standings, Ellis County athletes excelled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the Senior Division, Logan Schmidt finished 2nd overall, Tanner Boxberger placed 3rd, and Cole McDonough tied for 8th.In the Junior Division, Mason Zimmerman placed 4th, Jace Herbers 5th, Sean Ryan 7th, Eli Meis 9th, and Owen Bieker 11th.

In Senior Division, Logan Schmidt earned 1st place, while Cole McDonough tied 6th. Bryce Boxberger and Tanner Boxberger tied for 12th.

Junior competitors also performed strongly, with Eli Meis and Sean Ryan tied for 6th, Jace Herbers in 9th, Owen Bieker in 10th, and Mason Zimmerman in 11th.

The Senior Division featured a five-way tie for second place, leading to a tense shootout. Ellis County’s Cole McDonough claimed 3rd place, followed by Jacob Taylor in 4th, Logan Schmidt in 5th, and Lane Wittman in 6th. Tanner Boxberger and Zach McCall tied for 8th.

In the Junior Division, another shootout determined the top positions. Mason Zimmerman secured 1st place, while Eli Meis earned 3rd. Jace Herbers tied for 7th.

In the Senior Division, Logan Schmidt and Tanner Boxberger tied for 7th place.

In the Junior Division, Mason Zimmerman placed 3rd, Owen Bieker tied for 4th and placed 6th after the tiebreaker, Sean Ryan placed 8th, and Jace Herbers 9th.These outstanding results reflect the hard work and dedication of Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports participants, coaches (Eric Schmidt, Ben Hunsicker, Jared Wickham, Dominic Pianalto), and volunteers. Their performance at the state level highlights the strength of the local program and its commitment to safety, skill development, and sportsmanship.

For more information on the Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports program and opportunities to get involved, community members are encouraged to contact the local Extension Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports team wins first place at state shotgun championship

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

Brandon McKenna’s journey proves that with focus and determination, you can balance the demands of a career as a professional firefighter, military service, and overseas deployments in the Air National Guard, and still earn a college degree in the little spare time you can set aside. Now a technical sergeant in the Air National Guard, Brandon has carved an impactful path, combining military service with a commitment to education and community.

Born and raised in Olathe, Brandon felt the call to serve early on, inspired by his father’s tenure with an air refueling wing in Wichita. In January 2012, he enlisted in the Air Guard, seeking to honor that legacy and find a way to fund his college education. “My dad encouraged me to join, and when I visited the fire station at the base, I was sold,” Brandon recalled.

His journey in the Air Guard took flight quickly. As a fire captain with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, he led a team of 30 firefighters, eventually directing firefighting training for the entire wing. His leadership capabilities were tested during his deployment to Kuwait in 2014, where he volunteered at the height of operations against ISIS, showcasing his commitment to his country and his unit.

In August 2023, Brandon's exemplary leadership was recognized when his fire station was awarded the best small fire station in the Air National Guard. “In my new role as the non-commissioned officer in charge of training, I see the award as proof of my success in building a culture committed to training and development. My firefighters come in ready to challenge themselves every weekend,” he stated confidently.

While focused on his military career, Brandon also prioritized his education. He earned two Fire Science and Applied Science associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, which allowed him to transfer credits to Fort Hays State University (FHSU). In the fall of 2023, Brandon enrolled upon the recommendation of two of his buddies who were FHSU students in the Applied Leadership program, which was developed specifically for military transfer students. With plans to graduate in 2027, he sees his degree as a stepping stone toward a new goal: becoming a fire chief.

"I’m glad FHSU recognizes the quality of training and education we receive in the military," he said. 

At FHSU, we award up to 36 credit hours for military training experiences toward degree completion.

 Through our innovative program, service members can earn four credentials in four years: year one, complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technology and Leadership; years two and three earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Leadership; and year four, complete a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. There are many other options to align valued military training and experiences with degree pathways.

"The educational journey I chose at FHSU allows me to take it one semester at a time,” Brandon reflected. “Early on, it seemed like it would take forever, but knowing I could leverage my military&nbsp;training to shorten that timeline helped.”

&nbsp;At FHSU, he credits key mentors such as Seth Kastle and Brett Whittaker for guiding him through this new chapter of his life.

In his civilian life, Brandon serves as a lieutenant in the Lenexa Fire Department, applying his military training to lead a fire truck and team with the same passion and dedication he shows in the Air Guard. His dual role reflects a commitment to service and developing a future where he can inspire others as a fire chief.

Brandon McKenna embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and lifelong learning, reminding us that the dedication of military personnel goes far beyond the call of duty. 

His journey is a testament to the value of education—a bridge between military service and civilian life that empowers leaders to create positive change in their communities. As he continues to forge his path, one cannot help but look forward to the impact he will undoubtedly make as a mentor to the next generation of firefighters in his future role as a fire chief.

Heart of a Tiger: Turning service into success - Brandon McKenna’s road to a college degree

<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/1aa5d13f-2f13-4c20-9857-00dc202e6a39">Arcade 11 on Hays Places</a>

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching 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.

Area winners in Ranchland Trust of Kansas annual photo contest

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed an area judge as new chair to the Judicial Education Advisory Committee

The Judicial Education Advisory Committee recommends and organizes education and training programs for Kansas appellate judges, district judges, and district magistrate judges.&nbsp;

The court appointed District Magistrate Judge Renee Henke, 17th Judicial District, committee chair through June 30, 2026. The 17th Judicial District is composed of Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties

Area judge appointed chair of Judicial Education Advisory Committee

Domino's fundraiser for Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann family Oct. 27

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges for terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

Chief Judge Kevin Berens was reappointed in the 15th Judicial District, which is composed of Cheyenne, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Rawlins, Thomas, and Wallace counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2017.

Berens graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He previously served as county attorney in Thomas and Cheyenne counties and city attorney for Bird City. He also practiced law in Kansas and Colorado.

Chief Judge Paula Hofaker was reappointed in the 17th Judicial District, which is composed of Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties. She has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

Hofaker graduated from Washburn University School of Law. After law school, she had a private law practice in Logan.

Chief Judge Carey Hipp was reappointed in the 20th Judicial District, which is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties. She has served as a district judge since 2019 and chief judge since 2024.

Hipp graduated from Fort Hays State University and Oklahoma City University School of Law. She was in private practice in Ellsworth before she became a district judge.

Chief Judge Curtis Brown was reappointed in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Rooks, Trego, and Gove counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2024.

Brown graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney and the University of Tulsa College of Law. After law school, he worked for Kansas Legal Services in Hays. Before becoming a judge, Brown had a law practice and later served as attorney for Trego County and prosecutor for the city of WaKeeney.

Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman was reappointed in the 24th Judicial District, which is composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2003.

Gatterman graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he served as a municipal judge for the City of Larned.

Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Supreme Court reappoints area chief judges

FHSU daily crime log: Oct. 17-23, 2025

FHSU Fall Fest tonight includes bonfire 

FHSU Turning Point USA hosts critique tonight of Hays Public Library books

&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

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Alliance will be hosting the Denver Brass Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center on the Colby Community College campus in Colby.&nbsp; 

Denver Brass is one of the nation’s premier brass ensembles, featuring 14 world-class musicians who perform original compositions and innovative arrangements. 

Each year the ensemble performs over 140 concerts and provides outreach programs that inspire and delight more than 30,000 people across the Denver area. Denver Brass works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, nourish and uplift the human spirit. 

Tickets available at the door if you don’t already have your WPAA season ticket.&nbsp;

 We would like to thank our sponsors and Dane G Hansen Foundation for your support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Denver Brass to perform Oct. 26 at Colby Cultural Arts Center

Parkinson's Park Party set for Oct. 26 in Hays

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'

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

COLBY — The Colby Community College equestrian team, horse production program, and ag programs are hosting the annual Halloween 'N Horses event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the college farm three miles east and one mile north of Colby.

The free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and will feature horses dressed in costumes. Children can enjoy treats and play games. No outside pets are allowed.

For more information or to donate wrapped candy, contact Shanda Mattix at 785-460-5464 or shanda.mattix@colbycc.edu &nbsp;

Annual Halloween 'N Horses Oct. 28 at Colby Community College

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.

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