By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays' dogs made a big splash Saturday as they took over the pool for a day of tail-wagging fun.

The Hays Recreation Commission welcomed dogs of all sizes, from small pugs to towering huskies, for the special event. Pet owners got in on the fun too, paddling alongside their four-legged companions.

📷Local dogs cool off at Hays Aquatic Park

Congratulations&nbsp;to Ann Gottschalk and Kirk Pfannenstiel from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at Brogden GMC on Saturday.&nbsp;

Congratulations&nbsp;to Melissa Pinkney and Bryan Schoepf from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Cart Giveaway at LoKal Country Bar on Friday night.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

10.&nbsp;Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025

13.&nbsp;Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025

14.&nbsp;Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025

15.&nbsp;Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

16.&nbsp;Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

17.&nbsp;Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025

18.&nbsp;James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025

19.&nbsp;Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025

20.&nbsp;Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025

21.&nbsp;Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

22.&nbsp;Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

The&nbsp;golf&nbsp;cart will be given away at this year’s Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 26th!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

Brogden GMC, LoKal finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Congratulations&nbsp;to Wanda Oborny and Duane Lang from Hays, our latest finalists in the Lite Beer from Miller&nbsp;UTV&nbsp;Giveaway.

Their names were selected as finalists at Kaiser Liquor in Hays on Friday, Aug. 22.

Special thanks to Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, Commercial Sign Company, and A &amp; A Coors Miller of Hays!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

Kaiser Liquor finalists named for Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

The Kansas Geological Society announced the donation and public release of what it calls a significant legacy in earth science: geological-mapping data from Kansas dating back a hundred years. Along with the Kansas Geological Foundation, they're offering access to mountains of carefully catalog­ed paper seismograms dating to 1923. If you're interested, reach out at KGSlibrary dot com.

US Crude prices through July of this year average just under $68 a barrel. The average so far in August is just over $64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The benchmark futures contract on the NYMEX gained a few cents Friday to settle at $63.66 per barrel. Light sweet crude has held under $64 for eleven consecutive trading sessions. But prices spiked on Monday, with NYMEX crude rising two percent to close in on $65 a barrel. London Brent was also higher, rising toward $69 a barrel by Monday midday.

Kansas oil prices are up a dollar from a week ago, but down $3.50 from the first of the month. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson is fetching $54 a barrel.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes has only been this low twice in the last five years. The tally is down one oil rig to a total of 538. The report from Texas is down two rigs. North Dakota is down one.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service drops to 15, with six active rigs east of Wichita, down two, and nine in Western Kansas, which is down three.

Operators completed 33 wells in Kansas last week, with 19 in Western Kansas. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 792 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 862 a year ago. Operators completed producing wells in Barton and Stafford Counties. In Ellis County, operators completed four wells including one dry hole. Operators in Finney, Gove and Pratt counties also reported dry holes this week.

Kansas regulators okayed 11 new drilling locations, with seven in Western Kansas including one new permit in Stafford County. With 458 so far this year, new permits trail last year by more than 28%.

The Energy Information Administration reports commercial crude stockpiles dropped six million barrels to 420.7 million as of August 15. That's about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.

At 13,382,000 barrels per day, US crude production is up slightly from a week ago but down slightly from the same week a year ago. EIA says output so far this year is up two percent from last year at this time. The four-week average is down slightly.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserves added 200,000, now topping off at 403.4 million barrels. Strategic stockpiles are up seven percent or 26 million barrels from a year ago.

US crude exports topped four million barrels a day for the first time since June and only the 12th weekly tally this year.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says crude exports are up 22 percent from last week, up eight percent from a year ago and up nearly three percent from two years ago.

EIA reports imports at just under 6.5 million barrels a day, down nearly half a million barrels a day from a week ago, down two percent from a year ago, and down six percent from two years ago

The US is a net crude importer, importing more than we export by more than two million barrels a day. But refined-product exports dwarf imports by more than five million barrels a day.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of profiteering from purchases of Russian crude oil during the war in Ukraine. Bessent says Russian oil now accounts for 42% of India's total oil purchases, up from under 1% before the war.&nbsp; Bessent told CNBC that India is “making billions” reselling Russian crude.

The Times of India reported that some refiners in India were postponing new orders for Russian crude, awaiting clarity on the potential impact of additional tariffs. The Trump administration has threatened an additional 25% tariff at the end of the month because of India's Russian oil purchases.

China is the largest importer of Russian oil. They typically take shipment from ports in Russia's Far East, but Bloomberg reports a near-doubling of deals at ports in the Baltic Sea and Black Sea.

News from the Oil Patch: A century of geological data

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Aug. 17-24 2025

Ellis County Jail bookings: Aug. 18-24, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The K-State Ag Research Center reported .78 inches of rain as of 8 this morning.

Hays has received 2.54 inches of rain for the month and&nbsp;16.32 inches year to date. This is compared to a 3.01-inch average for August and a 17.70-inch average by the end of August.

Rain is supposed to subside by noon today with a high of 70.

Tuesday's forecast calls for a high of 78, mostly sunny with chances of rain returning Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Thursday and Friday are forecast to be cloudy and unseasonably cool with highs in the mid-70s.

Rain, cool weather continuing this week in Hays

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>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

TOPEKA — Medicare open enrollment is scheduled to run Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. That’s when seniors can switch coverage between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage or change a prescription drug plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Original Medicare is a health plan that has two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) covers in-patient hospital and skilled nursing care, and Part B (medical insurance) covers services from physicians and other health care providers. 

Original Medicare is managed by the federal government. This is the typical Medicare insurance most people are familiar with. These plans typically cost about $185 a month (with the cost deducted from your social security check) plus deductibles and co-payments. Many people pay extra for Medigap, to cover copays and other out-of-pocket costs, as well as a Part D plan for drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage is a health plan called Part C and is offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.&nbsp; It replaces and cancels your Original Medicare plan if you choose this option. It provides the benefits of Part A, B, and often D, usually for about the same amount, with lower copays, so there’s no need for Medigap. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits not in Original Medicare, such as fitness classes or vision and dental care.

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage requires careful consideration of your finances and health needs. Medicare Advantage plans can carry hidden risks, especially for people with major health issues. Some people in Medicare Advantage plans may end up paying unexpectedly high costs when they become ill or find that their network lacks the providers they need.

With Original Medicare individuals can see any provider who accepts Medicare, which is most.

 However, Medicare Advantage plans typically require that you get care from a more limited network of providers, and in most cases, you will need a pre-authorization from the insurance payer to see specialists, receive Part B drugs, get skilled nursing facility stays or inpatient hospital stays, receive mental health services or receive diagnostic services such as procedures, labs, tests, therapy, dialysis, hearing, eye exams, dental care and many other services.

A <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-2480">study in the Annal of Internal Medicine</a> found that switching to Medicare Advantage was associated with increased financial burden among vulnerable populations, especially those with low incomes.

 Medicare Advantage plans also may be especially problematic for people in rural areas. A 2024 study found that nearly 6 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries living in rural areas were in Original Medicare driven by that fact that there was limited participation of local doctors and hospitals in Medicare Advantage plan networks. The networks of providers in rural areas are especially narrow, making it harder for people to get care.

In addition, several hospitals across the county have decided not to accept Medicare Advantage plans as they can be detrimental to the patients they serve and often not reliable in payments for care. This also is true in Kansas, where we have seen an increasing number of hospitals not accepting Medicare Advantage plans.

Nearly all <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-premiums-out-of-pocket-limits-supplemental-benefits-and-prior-authorization/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Medicare Advantage plans</a> (99%) require approvals and authorizations before care can be given. In a<a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/prior-authorization-survey.pdf"> 2024 American Medical Association survey</a>, 93% of physicians polled said authorizations delayed medical care.&nbsp; Medicare Advantage plans denied 3.2 million prior authorization requests for health care services in whole or in part in 2023, or 6.4 percent of the 50 million requests submitted on behalf of enrollees that year, according to a <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/nearly-50-million-prior-authorization-requests-were-sent-to-medicare-advantage-insurers-in-2023/">KFF analysis of federal data</a>.

Kansans should be aware that the only way to learn about a Medicare Advantage plans’ approval and authorization practices is to ask your physician and hospital provider. Contact your local health care providers. They can connect you with individuals who can help you navigate the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 242 member facilities, of which 124 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is: “Optimal Health for Kansans and Kansas Hospitals.

Understand your options before open enrollment, says Kansas Hospital Association

WAKEENEY — Western Cooperative Electric, in partnership with CoBank, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Sharing Success Grants. This year, Western Cooperative Electric received 24 applications from organizations across its service territory, making the selection process especially competitive for the Board of Trustees. &nbsp;

After careful review, four community-focused projects were awarded a combined total of $30,000 in grant funding:&nbsp;

“These projects represent the heart of the Sharing Success program—strengthening communities, preserving history, and improving quality of life for residents across the region,” said Christina Hayes, member services manager for Western Cooperative Electric. “The board was honored to receive so many strong applications and inspired by the dedication of local organizations working to make a difference.” &nbsp;

The Sharing Success Grant program, jointly funded by Western Cooperative Electric and CoBank, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government entities that serve a public purpose. Since its inception, the program has helped fund a wide variety of community projects, including infrastructure improvements, cultural initiatives, and educational enhancements. &nbsp;

Applications for the 2026 Sharing Success Grant cycle will open on January 1, 2026. Eligible organizations located within Western Cooperative Electric’s service territory are encouraged to apply. &nbsp;

For more information about the program or to submit an application in 2026, visit <a href="https://www.westerncoop.com/">www.westerncoop.com</a>. Questions may be directed to Christina Hayes, Member Services Manager, at 785-743-5561 or chayes@westerncoop.com.&nbsp;

Area towns recipients of Sharing Success grants from Western Cooperative Electric 

First Care Clinic, Inc. is proud to announce an exciting expansion of its Pediatric Primary Care services. 

Beginning immediately, the clinic will now provide comprehensive care for children starting at six months of age, extending the previous age range which began at two years old. This enhancement allows First Care Clinic to better support families by offering earlier access to preventive care, developmental screenings, and well-child visits during a critical stage of a child’s growth and health.

“Expanding our Pediatric Primary Care means more children in our community will have access to the comprehensive, compassionate healthcare they deserve,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director at First Care Clinic. “Our goal is to partner with families to help every child grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive.”

These expanded services will be available with Alexis Ibarra, nurse practitioner, at their 22nd Street location in Hays. Ibarra brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to pediatric care, offering well-child exams, immunizations, sick visits, developmental screenings, and support for common childhood concerns. Families can expect personalized, high-quality care in a welcoming environment designed to meet the unique needs of infants and young children.

First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax explains, "By expanding our primary care services to meet the needs of the youngest members of our community, we reaffirm our commitment to First Care Clinic’s mission — providing compassionate, high-quality care for all. Parents who bring their children to Alexis will quickly discover what we already know: she is an exceptional provider who connects deeply with her patients and, when it comes to the little ones, with their parents as well."

General Pediatric Primary Care services will continue to be provided by all medical providers at both Family Medicine locations for children two years of age and older.

First Care Clinic welcomes new patients and accepts all major insurances. A Sliding Fee Scale discount is available to those who qualify. Patients can view our providers and request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at 785- 621-4990.

ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

Community Calendar

Phillips County Rod &amp; Custom club is hosting their 3rd annual All Wheels Car Show on Saturday, September 20.&nbsp;

The show is open to muscle cars, hot rods, pickup trucks, semi trucks, rat rods, motorcycles, golf carts, UTVs and more.&nbsp;First 100 car show entries will receive a free goody bag.

There will be food trucks onsite along with several great local restaurants that will be open.

Approximately 30 awards will be presented and given out along with door prizes all day.

There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing and an engine blow contest.

Registration is from 8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. Car show is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with awards at 3 p.m.

For additional information and the latest information, please visit and be sure to like and follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phillipscountyrodandcustomclub/">https://www.facebook.com/phillipscountyrodandcustomclub/</a> or call 785-543-9000 or 785-543-7689.

All Wheels Car Show in Phillipsburg Sept. 20

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Countryside Estates Mobile Home Park, Hays, public water supply system located in Ellis County. 

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure due to water main breaks. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Countryside Estates Mobile Home Park indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198d25f9524-f7654a83-a856-44b0-9b2b-8b9023b12a28-000000/MnWJRWFVuA6x_VD3vR714V82LXQUmM4s0Vzpn-nFI7M=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Hays' Countryside Estates mobile home park

After 25 impactful years, HaysMed is retiring its traditional drive-thru flu shot clinic and launching a more flexible, integrated approach to community health. Starting this fall, flu shots will be offered during its monthly blood screening events- providing a convenient, one-stop opportunity for preventive care.

 The decision to discontinue the drive-thru format comes in response to changing community needs and increased access to free flu shots at local pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Dillon’s. While the HaysMed drive-thru clinic once served nearly 4,000 individuals annually, recent participation has dropped below 1,500. This new format allows the hospital to better align with current trends and improve accessibility for the community.

Participants can now receive a free flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or do both- all in one visit. Flu shots will be available on the following Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Entrance B (Miller Pavillion), using parking Lot B on September 6, October 4, or November 1, 2025.

Children’s flu shots will be administered in the same area as adult vaccinations to simplify the experience for families. To help with flow and minimize wait times, participants may choose to go directly to the flu shot station or begin with blood screening.

Since its inception, HaysMed has proudly administered 69,802 flu shots to the community. In 2024 alone, the hospital provided 1,300 adult and 378 pediatric vaccines free of charge, thanks to the support of the HaysMed Foundation.

The HaysMed flu shot events have also supported local families through food donations. In 2024, participants donated 583 pounds of canned food to the Community Assistance Center. Since 2007, the hospital collected a total of 26,854 pounds- nearly 13.5 tons of food! 

All attendees are encourage to bring a non-perishable food item to continue this tradition of giving back.

Watch the HaysMed 2025 Flu Shot video&nbsp;below about this change.

HaysMed is thrilled to continue partnering with Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays North Central Tech nursing students, who will assist with flu shot administration. Their involvement ensures hands-on learning and reflects the spirit of community collaboration.

· Free flu shots available for individuals 6 months and older

· Participants may choose to receive a flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or both

· Consent forms available at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a> – please complete, print, and bring a signed copy for each person being vaccinated

· Short-sleeved shirts recommended for ease of vaccination

· Egg-free vaccines will not be available; individuals with egg allergies should consult their healthcare provider

· High-dose flu vaccines for those 65+ will not be offered at these events

For more information about blood screenings, visit the most recent <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/august-volunteer-community-blood-screenings/">monthly blood screenings article</a>. For flu shot updates, maps, and logistics, visit <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu/</a>.

Together, HaysMed is working to keep the community healthy, strong, and connected- now in a format that’s more convenient than ever.

HaysMed announces new format for 2025 free Community Flu Shot Event

Free Community Shred Day offered by Bank of Hays

Hays High Sept. 4 soccer game cancelled

The Hays City Commission and the Russell City Council will have a joint meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Russell City Hall, 133 W. Eighth St., Russell.

The topic of discussion will be the joint development of the R9 water supply.

Hays, Russell city leaders to discuss R9 development Aug. 27 in Russell

Hungry for bierocks? Place your order with the Cancer Council of Ellis County for their BIEROCK FUNDRAISER until Monday, September 1, 2025. These delicious bierocks are made by Cervs on Main Street. 

To place your order call the Cancer Council at 785-625-6653 or mail your order to 701 Riley St., Hays KS 67601. 

Orders must be paid for at time of order. 

Pick up will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Main Street Cervs, 1601 Main Street.

Cost is $30 for ½ dozen or $50 for a dozen; with cheese $35 for ½ dozen or $60 for a dozen.

The Cancer Council of Ellis County is a local organization that has been helping Ellis County residents dealing with cancer for 39 years.

Bierocks fundraiser underway for Cancer Council of Ellis County

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Countryside Estates MHP, Hays KS public water supply system located in Ellis County.

This advisory does not affect customers who receive water from the City of Hays or the Ellis County Rural Water public water supplies.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 20, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to water main breaks. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 308-629-7874, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7cf103e-b5dd857c-0c66-491f-97af-6acfb416de7f-000000/K-ttGxp_qLoiwLVNNGSosH35J2YOwLctNbOZJYIYxBE=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Countryside Mobile Home Estates in Hays

Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County. 

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Smith Center indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-282-3812 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7d5cfe1-90876970-fc05-4764-9a29-d719ffec7777-000000/4h5BJoIFe_zZg571dAAEBXrYQlO7Ky8M127R5fpYU-0=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory for Smith Center rescinded

TOPEKA – Adam Jay Hrabik, 45&nbsp;of Lyons, was ordered to serve life in prison for the 2020 attempted murder of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan and aggravated assault of Lyons High School teacher Brian Friess, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced on Monday.

Senior Judge Merlin Wheeler sentenced Hrabik on Aug. 21 in Rice County District Court. In June, a Lyon County jury found Hrabik guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In addition, Hrabik was ordered to pay over $525,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

Assistant Attorneys General Nicole Southall and JD Hatcher prosecuted the case on behalf of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Hrabik was charged with attempted capital murder nearly five years ago in connection with the October 2020 shootings of Lyons Police Officer Cory Ryan. 

Officer Ryan was shot multiple times when responding to a 911 call from Friess, who reported being threatened with a gun. Friess suffered serious injuries during the incident. Ryan spent almost two weeks in a Wichita hospital but survived.&nbsp;

“The survival of Sgt. Ryan and Mr. Friess is a testament to the bravery of everyday citizens, the swift response of law enforcement, and the skill of medical professionals,” said Nicole Southall, “We extend our sincere gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their thorough and tireless investigation, and to the victims and their families for their steadfast support throughout this process. 

Nearly five years later, justice has been served.”The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Lyon Police Department, Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Sterling Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Man sentenced for attempt to kill Kansas officer in 2020 

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Democrats question Speaker Dan Hawkins’ plan to lower Medicaid spending

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the 2026 Legislature would strive to slash $200 million from the state government’s budget and seek to reduce expenditures on the Medicaid program delivering health care to low-income adults and children.

Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who has served 13 years in the Legislature, said during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5otZHmokQ8" target="_blank">interview at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis that he was proud the 2025 Legislature took the lead in crafting the current state budget. Ahead of the 2025 session, a Republican-controlled committee of the House and Senate developed its own budget bill rather than wait for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s recommendation, as traditionally presented to lawmakers in January.

Despite Republicans in the House and Senate operating with partisan supermajorities since Kelly’s election in 2018, Hawkins was critical in the interview of what he calculated to be a 60% rise in spending during Kelly’s seven years as governor.

In the past legislative session, Hawkins said, the House and Senate whittled down the state budget for 2025-2026 to more than $200 million below the amount it approved for 2024-2025.

“That first $200 million is probably the easy one to cut,” Hawkins said during the ALEC interview. “It starts getting harder every year after that. I think we’ll come in next year and we’ll probably cut about $200 million out of the budget.”

He said the Legislature’s decision to consolidate its grip on the budget process at the Capitol resulted in a bill that spent less than the amount sought by Kelly.

“The governor still says that we spend too much, but we cut $43 million,” Hawkins told his ALEC audience.

In response to an inquiry, Hawkins’ staff clarified the actual year-to-year cut by the Legislature was $38 million below spending proposed by Kelly. The Legislature did vote for $43 million in deletions, but some were vetoed by the governor. The Legislature chose not to override all of Kelly’s line-item vetoes. That left the overall cut at $38 million — not $43 million.

“Governor Kelly has always prioritized responsible fiscal management, and the results speak for themselves: fully funded schools, record-breaking economic development and historic investments in the state water plan,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff. “Speaker Hawkins can play with the numbers all he wants, but the reality is the financial path he advocates for is eating through the state’s ending balance and threatening to undo all the progress Kansas has made in the last seven years.”

Lawrence said cutting Medicaid would strain the state’s rural health system and endanger 443,000 Kansans who participate in the health program. Kelly has spent years advocating for expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas.

“Unserious, misinformed proposals like these are not what Kansans deserve, and I suggest Speaker Hawkins talk to Kansans about their priorities, not conservative think tank staffers,” Lawrence said.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, who lead Democrats in the Legislature, offered perspectives on Hawkins’ interview with Lars Dalseide, ALEC’s director of policy advancement and media relations.

Sykes said GOP legislative leadership’s overhaul of the budget process for the 2025 session served “to advance their priorities without regard for bipartisanship or public input.”

Democrats, for example, objected to the GOP-led Legislature’s deletion from the governor’s budget of $62 million for special education in public schools. Also cut was $10 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a program to develop reading instructional skills among licensed teachers and college students preparing to become educators.

A core objective of Republican legislators has been to advance tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Kansans, Sykes said.

“Fiscal responsibility is just a talking point to Republicans,” Sykes said. “Time and time again, they say they want to dig deeper into the budget, but the reality is they want to give away big tax breaks to their donors on the backs of working Kansans. Senate Democrats will continue to stand for true fiscal stability and not just partisan talking points.”

The Legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities in the 125-member House and 40-member Senate. The two-thirds partisan advantage has meant the GOP could override any veto by Kelly. In the House, Republicans hold an 88-37 edge. The margin stands at 31-9 in the Senate.

Hawkins, who is seeking the Republican Party’s 2026 nomination for state insurance commissioner, said the Legislature should strive during the upcoming session in Topeka to reduce spending on Medicaid.

He said there were opportunities for the Legislature to restrict expenditures by getting rid of inefficiencies.

“Just like we’ve seen on the federal level, Medicaid has lots of opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I think that when we really start looking, we’ll find some duplicative efforts.”

Woodard, who has urged the Legislature to broaden eligibility for Medicaid to more lower-income adults, said the House speaker’s plan to reduce health services for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly was misguided.

“At a time when Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, Republicans are threatening to further cut Medicaid at the expense of our most vulnerable Kansans,” he said.

Sen. Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who served on the Senate’s government efficiency committee, said attempts to undermine Medicaid in the quest for efficiencies jeopardized the well-being of thousands of adults and children in Kansas. Claims of widespread inefficiency within Medicaid have been exaggerated, he said.

“When they say those words, they’re just lying,” he said. “Medicaid helps people get back to work.”

Kansas House speaker wants to slash $200 million from state budget, target Medicaid for cuts

The number of people in the United States illegally surged to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, a research group said Thursday, a major increase that still falls well short of estimates from President Donald Trump and some critics of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>.

The Pew Research Center's closely watched gauge rose from 11.8 million a year earlier and surpassed the previous high of 12.2 million in 2007. The increase was driven by some 6 million who were in the country with some form of legal protection. Trump has stripped many of those protections since taking office in January.

Pew, whose estimates date back to 1990, said that, while 2023 is its latest full analysis, preliminary findings show the number rose in 2024, though at a slower rate after then-President Joe Biden severely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-border-asylum-mexico-immigration-deportations-43468ec3b154f478f726a62d07204a53">restricted asylum</a>&nbsp;at the border in June of that year. The number dropped this year under Trump, but is still likely above 14 million.

The overall U.S. immigrant population, regardless of legal status, reached an all-time high of more than 53 million in January 2025, accounting for a record 15.8% of the U.S. population. The number has since dropped, which Pew said would be the first time it has shrunk since the 1960s.

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