By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Workforce Committee discussed health needs for small businesses and the creation of a new Wellness Committee.

The task force, led by Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays, suggested the wellness committee should centralize local resources to promote workplace health.

Jay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District, showed interest in the idea and requested to be a part of it.

"We could even offer some additional resources and training to help the employer pass on to the employee. I think the committee is a great idea," he said.

Other representatives in attendance, including RANS Aircraft, city of Hays and Fort Hays State University, shared what their businesses offered for wellness, ranging from premium discounts, creating company walking paths and covering gym memberships.

However, the task force also highlighted the challenges associated with these benefits, such as low engagement without greater incentives.

Shelly Schlitter with RANS Aircraft said employees never utilized a bike trail installed behind its factory, although its gym membership discounts for employees have seen success.

Wasinger also highlighted the current chamber health-related support for businesses, such as health insurance offered through Aetna, which helps chamber members save 2% on open market plans. An informational meeting on the plan is set for noon on Oct. 22 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.

The committee had a debrief of the Hays High School Career Cluster in September that featured manufacturing, distribution and welding. It was seen as a success.

Upcoming events on the committee agenda include High School Career Exploration Day on Oct. 29 at Hays High, open to students from surrounding high schools, and the next cluster meeting set for Oct. 15.

Ellis County Workforce Committee discusses health programs

4649 Old Hwy 40 Grainfield, KS 785-673-4321

Dewalt 80 gallon, 175 Max PSI Oil Lubricated Electric Air Compressor

The DEWALT 80 Gallon Stationary Electric Air Compressor provides 175 MAX PSI seen typically with 2-stage performance. Delivering 14.6 SCFM at 90 PSI allows for quick recovery and longer air tool run time. The Heavy-Duty, spread volt induction motor is designed to operate between 208-Volt to 230-Volt. It is also equipped with a pressure gauge, on/off switch and Poly-V belt drive system for smoother operation. Highlights: Poly-v-pulley and drive belt provides smooth operation with less vibration; High efficiency aluminum flywheel provides maximum air flow and lower start-up Amp due to less starting inertia; Aluminum head and valve plate to maximize heat dissipation; High grade stainless steel valves; Large capacity, 80 Gal. ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers air receiver provides more air for longer run times on air tools such as ratchets, impacts, spray guns, hammers, etc.

Current Bid: $648.00 Retail Price: $1,609.00 <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=65">Click here to bid</a>

Ritchie Omni 3 Cattle water fountain. Designed with animal safety in mind, the Omni 3 features smooth rounded edges and a fully insulated casing for energy efficiency. The stainless steel trough features thermostatically controlled heat elements that are attached to the underside for frost free service even under the most severe winter conditions. Herd capacity is 100 head. And Ritchie fountains have the best warranty in the industry. See all the details at www.ritchiefount.com. Current Bid: $600.00 Retail Price: $1,500.00 <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=65">Click here to bid</a>

Bid on 80-gallon air compressor, cattle waterer in Eagle Radio auction before time's up

1210 E 43rd StHays, KS 67601785-628-2525<a href="http://www.bosmotorsports.com/" target="_blank">www.bosmotorsports.com</a>

This generator is electric start, quiet operation, efficient power delivery to support multiple devices simultaneously. 120V AC Output Voltage, 12V DC Output Voltage, 3200 W Maximum Output, 4-Stroke, OHV Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder, Unleaded Gasoline. 3-year warranty from purchase date. Current Bid: $442.00 Retail Price: $1,600.00 <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=65">Click here to bid</a> ____

Blackstone 2 Burner 28” Gas Griddle station

Blackstone 2 Burner 28” Gas Griddle station with hood is perfect for big and small. With a surface big enough to fit 44 hot dogs, you’ll be amazed by this34,000BTU powerhouse. Built with industrial materials for durability and optimal heat distribution. With the rear grease management system for non-mess cooking and easy cleanup. Cook anything, anytime, anywhere. Current Bid: $170.00 Retail Price: $400.00 <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=65">Click here to bid</a>

Bid on a portable generator, Blackstone in the Eagle Radio auction; sale ends Sunday

ELLIS — As you consider your end-of-year giving, remember the impact of giving local. This October is the perfect time to support community projects, as every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Patterson Family Foundation.

The Community Foundation of Ellis (CFOE) is proud to sponsor this year’s October Match Month, supporting four meaningful projects that will directly benefit Ellis. Donors may choose a specific project or allow their gift to be shared among all four. Every contribution—large or small—makes a difference. This year's campaign highlights these projects.

1. Ellis Food Pantry Endowment CFOE funds and operates the Ellis Food Pantry, which serves neighbors in need year-round. The Foundation’s goal is to raise at least $50,000 to establish an endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability for operational costs. Informational flyers about this campaign were delivered to every home in Ellis last week.

2. Ellis Public Library Upgrades Built in the 1960s and serving as the public library since 1986, the building is in urgent need of updates. Drafty windows, leaky glass storefront panels, and outdated electrical outlets make the space inefficient and uncomfortable. The Library Board has been working hard to modernize the facility, aiming to make it brighter, safer, and more welcoming. The project cost is $51,000.

3. Lakeside Campground Playground Equipment A new piece of playground equipment, originally planned as part of the campground expansion, was cut from the budget due to costs. This $12,000 addition would provide small children with safe and fun recreation while staying at the campground. Details about the equipment were shared in September’s city utility newsletter.

4. Ellis High School Weight Room Equipment To support lifelong fitness for students, athletes, and community members, the project seeks $10,000 for new cardio and strength-training equipment. Planned purchases include a rowing machine, stationary bike, barbell sets with rack, medicine balls, and landmine bars. This equipment that will benefit both students, athletes and the wider community.

How to Give? Make checks payable to Community Foundation of Ellis regardless of the project you wish to support. Please note your project choice on the memo line. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Alliance Building, 820 Washington St., Ellis, KS 67637. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation is fully tax-deductible. Give where you live. Give local. Help our community grow!

Community Foundation of Ellis: It's October Match Month!

COLBY —&nbsp;Colby Community College and the CCC Endowment Foundation are honored to announce a $250,000 gift from the Marvin O. Gaines Trust to establish the Marvin O. Gaines and Linda B. Gaines Scholarship. The endowed fund will support CCC students who compete on the cross country team and those pursuing nursing degrees.

Marvin Gaines, a former CCC student-athlete, ran cross country for the Trojans in the late 1970s. His enthusiasm for distance running endured long after his college days. Known throughout the region, he traveled great distances to cheer on CCC runners and area high school teams—always in Trojan gear and camera in hand. Over the years, he captured and shared countless photos, celebrating every race and milestone alongside the athletes.

Marvin’s late wife, Linda (Ebner) Gaines, was a devoted mother to their three daughters and worked beside him in the family’s custom harvesting business. She died in 2002 at age 33. The scholarship established in their names honors both Marvin’s lifelong dedication to student-athletes and Linda’s legacy of care and commitment to others.

The endowment will award annual scholarships to nursing majors and cross country athletes, with preference given to students from Phillipsburg, Logan, and Norton high schools. All CCC students meeting the criteria will be considered.

“Marvin and Linda’s story is one of family, perseverance, and generosity,” said Melissa Rickford, director of the CCC Endowment Foundation. “We are so thankful for this incredible gift. It’s a privilege to honor their legacy through this scholarship and see the impact it will have on CCC students for generations to come.”

Additional details about the Gaines family and the story behind the scholarship will be shared at a later date.

For more information about endowed scholarships at CCC, contact the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation at 785-460-5482.

$250K gift establishes Marvin O. Gaines and Linda B. Gaines scholarship at Colby Community College

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

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

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

FHSU professor to discuss disabilities, differences on Tuesday

LAWRENCE - Kelly Chrisman Jacques will be the next director of the University Press of Kansas, following an appointment by the UPK board of trustees, which is composed of provosts from each of the six Kansas Regents institutions.

As UPK’s current assistant director and managing editor, Chrisman Jacques brings more than 15 years of experience in scholarly publishing. She oversees daily on-site operations of the Press, including the production of multiple publications each year, and managing a team of fulltime staff, freelancers, interns and printing vendors. In 2023, she served as interim director of the Press.

“Kelly has been a cornerstone of the Press for many years, and her promotion to director is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, deep knowledge and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Press,” said Brent Thomas, chair of the UPK board of trustees and provost of Emporia State University. “We’re thrilled to welcome her into this new role and look forward to the continued impact she’ll make.”

Chrisman Jacques will succeed Tim Paulson, who has accepted the position of executive vice president and publisher of Andrews McMeel Publishing. His last day was Oct. 10.

"Over the past two years, Tim’s transformative leadership has driven innovation and placed the Press in stable financial footing amid the challenges of scholarly publishing,” Thomas said. “With her experience and understanding of the Press, Kelly is well positioned to continue the momentum of the current strategic direction.”

As the director, Chrisman Jacques will lead organizational decision-making, strategic development and public outreach for the Press.

She will continue to work closely with staff, editorial board members, authors, scholars and reviewers to acquire and publish scholarly and regional books. Among other responsibilities, Chrisman Jacques will also collaboratively develop strategies to build the publishing program of the Press and promote the Press to the faculty at consortium universities and other constituent groups.

“It is my honor to lead the dedicated team at the University Press of Kansas to serve our consortium, authors, Kansas, and beyond. As the Press heads into its 80th year of publishing excellence, we’re committed to publishing sound scholarship that makes an impact and eager to elevate voices from America’s Heartland via our new imprint, Plainspoken,” Chrisman Jacques said.

Chrisman Jacques first joined UPK in 2007 as a production assistant. She has held multiple leadership positions within the Press since then, including production editor and managing director, before assuming the roles of assistant director and managing editor.

Chrisman Jacques, a native of Winfield, earned her master’s degree in English from KU and her bachelor’s degree in English from Fort Hays State University.

About the University Press of Kansas

The University Press of Kansas was founded in 1946 and represents the six state universities in Kansas: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. The Press is located in KU’s West District and functionally operates as a department of KU, while being governed by the board of trustees.

FHSU graduate to serve as director for University Press of Kansas

NORTON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Jonah M.&nbsp;Black, 20, Almena, was westbound on U.S. 36 three and one half miles west of U.S. 36. The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Norton County Upper Dam Road. The Dodge turned into path on an eastbound 2018 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jesse D.&nbsp;Rhee, 35, Phillipsburg. The impact caused the pickup to spin.

EMS transported Black, a passenger in the Dodge identified as Rylee J.&nbsp;Ankenman, 24, Norcatur and Rhee to the Norton County Hospital. The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized in NW Kansas after SUV, pickup crash

Healthworks is pleased to announce the successful completion of the 24th Annual Health Care Scholarship Program. Healthworks partnered with the Kansas Hospital Human Resources Association and the Kansas Association of Health Care Executives to provide 26 scholarships totaling $36,000. Each application was considered by Healthworks’ Scholarship Review Committee according to established criterion. This year’s scholarships were awarded in the following categories: 

♦ Advanced Clinical Practice; ♦ Health Care Administration; ♦ Human Resources; ♦ Undergraduate Health Care; ♦ Undergraduate Nursing; and ♦ Future Faculty.

The following 26 individuals have been awarded a scholarship to assist in pursuing excellence in their health care career:

• Nora Bosse, Community Healthcare System, Inc. (Onaga), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Jayci Burgardt, Lindsborg Community Hospital (Lindsborg), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Stanton Custer, Minneola Healthcare (Minneola), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Alexandra Diskin, Labette Health (Parsons), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Brooklyn Gilchrist, Kiowa County Memorial Hospital (Greensburg), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Chelsa Goertzen, Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus (Junction City), Health Care Administration Category • Reagan Goetz, Salina Regional Health Center (Salina), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Lisa Gordine, Salina Regional Health Center (Salina), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Christina Graham, Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital (Medicine Lodge), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Sarah Hardy, Ashland Health Center (Ashland), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Lauren Howerton, William Newton Hospital (Winfield), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Ayla Johnson, Clay County Medical Center (Clay Center), Human Resources Category • Jalin Johnson, Minneola Healthcare (Minneola), Health Care Administration Category • Mackenzie Lampe, Cheyenne County Hospital (Saint Francis), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Kimberleigh Lansdown, Greenwood County Hospital (Greenwood), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Alexandria Nickel, NMC Health (Newton), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Quinn Ottley, Logan County Health Services (Oakley), Advanced Clinical Practice Category • Bailee Rehmer, AmberMed Sheridan County Hospital (Hoxie), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Caitlin Schasteen, AdventHealth Ottawa (Ottawa), Future Faculty Category • Savannah Souder, The University of Kansas (Lawrence), Human Resources Category • Bethany Sowers, Kingman Healthcare Center (Kingman), Advanced Clinical Practice Category • Ella Sudbeck, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (Seneca), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Heather Suther, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (Seneca), Undergraduate Health Care Category • Jolene Wessel, Community Healthcare System, Inc. (Onaga), Undergraduate Nursing Category • Zane Wilson, LMH Health (Lawrence), Advanced Clinical Practice Category • Julia Zadina, HaysMed (Hays), Undergraduate Nursing Category

Congratulations to the recipients and their hospitals. More information on the Healthworks Scholarship Program is available at <a href="https://www.kha-net.org/aboutkha/healthworks/">www.HealthworksKHA.org</a>.

Established in 1969 by the Kansas Hospital Association and renamed in 2020, Healthworks’ mission is to facilitate collaboration and innovation to improve health. At Healthworks, we are health care delivery revolutionaries, using our time, energy and resources to spark action. We educate our partners, bring groups together, find funding and provide services that will change the health care delivery system for the bette

Scholarships Awarded from Kansas Health Care Organizations

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

In the past week, sorghum ergot has been detected in several locations in Kansas, primarily in forage sorghum fields, but also in grain sorghum. This is a relatively rare event, with notable prior occurrences in 1997 and 2017. Sorghum ergot in the U.S. is caused by the fungus Claviceps africana. Claviceps africana has been reported in Australia, Central America, North America, South America, and South Africa. Sorghum ergot is not the same pathogen that causes ergot in wheat (Claviceps purpurea).

Sorghum ergot development - this fungus, Claviceps africana, infects unfertilized sorghum ovaries, resulting in no development of grain. Pollen present at the same time as ergot inoculum usually prevents ergot infection because pollination occurs much more quickly. The absence of pollen in male-sterile sorghum forage fields makes them extremely susceptible to infection by C. africana when both the pathogen and a favorable environment/weather are present. Sorghum ergot can also be a problem if pollen is somehow absent or ineffective at the flowering stage. This can occur if the plants were subjected to cool, moist conditions prior to or during the flowering period. Anything that reduces pollination increases the potential for ergot infection.

Studies have shown a higher risk of sorghum ergot infection when minimum temperatures are ~53°F. Additionally, the chance of infection decreases when temperatures are above 75°F prior to flowering.

Symptoms and Dispersal - sorghum ergot is a grain replacement disease that creates two major problems.

· First, infection of non-pollinated ovaries precludes normal seed-set or development. Thus, infections are directly responsible for grain yield losses. · Secondly, seed developing adjacent to infected florets often become contaminated with sugary, sphacelia honeydew, which is a sweet, sticky, amber-colored fluid (Figure 1).

Ergot infection is easy to identify because of the abundance of honeydew that the fungus produces. Thick, sticky, ambered colored, syrup-like honeydew drips from the sorghum head to the leaves and to the ground, where it often dries in a white powdery like substance. The honeydew also sometimes appears as a dried brown to black colored mass in place of kernels in the sorghum head.

Is ergot in sorghum toxic to cattle and other livestock? We are not aware of any issues with toxicity in the past or present in the US caused by the ergot fungus Claviceps africana that infects sorghum. This includes forage fed as silage or hay. It is very important to note that this is not the same ergot fungus that infects wheat, rye, triticale and fescue. The honeydew itself contains very little toxin (alkaloids). In the sorghum head, instead of grain being produced, a compact, hard fungal mass called sclerotia may develop in the later stages of infection. It has a tough outer rind and a compact inner core that may be reddish brown in color and replaces kernels. Do not confuse this with dried honeydew or secondary infections. These sclerotium fall to the ground or are generally separated from the grain during processing. These sclerotia would be expected to have a higher level of alkaloids. However, it is important to note that in the High Plains, there is some question about whether sclerotia is even produced.

· Fungicide applications at this point in time will not be effective. · Harvesting of sorghum, for grain or silage, may prove difficult due to the sticky nature of the honeydew. · If portions of the field are more severely affected than others, producers may consider not harvesting that portion of the field or keeping the resulting hay lots separate for future testing. · Delaying harvest until after a rain or freeze can help reduce the amount of honeydew on the plant. · Honeydew can cause mold formation in baled hay or silage. Mold formation will reduce feed quality and can form mycotoxins. · The presence of alkaloids, which are a toxic concern for livestock feeding, is reliant on the production of sclerotia. At this time, sclerotia production has not been verified in Kansas fields.

K-State Extension is continuing to monitor this situation and evaluate the infections present in Kansas. If you have any additional questions please reach out to us in the Cottonwood Extension District.

Information provided by Rodrigo Onofre, K-State Extension Row Crop Plant Disease specialist.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Sorghum ergot in Kansas

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Thomas County,

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 GMC Sierra driven by Warren D.&nbsp; Barnett, 68, Colby,&nbsp;was northbound on Kansas 25 seven miles north of Colby. The vehicle rear-ended a&nbsp;1997 Chevy truck driven by Daniel L&nbsp;Urban, 67, Colby, who was slowing down to turn right on County Road AA.&nbsp;

EMS transported Urban to Citizens Medical Center.&nbsp;Barnett was not injured. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Northwest Kan. man hospitalized after rear-end crash

HaysMed sponsors Medicare vs Medicare advantage event

&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 City of Hays is issuing a final reminder to residents that the annual Fall Cleanup is set to begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20. All materials for collection must be sorted and placed at the proper pickup location (curb or alley) by this deadline to ensure pickup.

Crews will make only one pass through the city.

To serve every household, a time limit of 10 minutes per residence will be strictly enforced.

An additional 10 minutes will be allotted for the collection of tree limbs and brush.

Any items remaining after the time limit has been reached will be the responsibility of the property owner to remove.

"The success of the cleanup hinges on resident cooperation," said Joe Billinger, solid waste superintendent. "Properly sorting items into the four required categories is the most important step a resident can take. It allows our crews to use the right equipment for each type of material, which protects our staff and machinery and helps us stay on schedule for the whole community."

Waste must be separated into the following four piles:

Construction &amp; Demolition Debris: Lumber, drywall, bricks, sinks. Please bend over or pull all nails from lumber and place small quantities of brick or concrete in containers. A maximum limit of 5 pallets will be collected.

Tree Limbs &amp; Brush: Small quantities only. No other yard waste will be collected. Citizens must instead use the compost site or the yard waste tag program

White Goods / Metals: Refrigerators, dryers, guttering. All refrigerators and freezers must be completely emptied of food and other contents to be picked up.

Municipal Waste: Furniture, carpet, large toys. Exceptionally large items like hot tubs must be cut into manageable pieces.

Residents are also reminded that the city will not collect tires, hazardous waste, batteries, or medical waste.

Tires should be taken to the Ellis County Landfill (785) 628-9460, and hazardous waste can be taken to the Ellis County Hazardous Waste Facility.

To avoid accidental collection, any "treasured items" like yard art or equipment located near the pickup area should be clearly tagged or moved away from the refuse piles. Full details can be found on the city’s website: <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup">www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup.</a>

Hays Annual Fall Cleanup begins Monday; residents reminded of sorting guidelines

Event Details: Date: Monday, November 11 Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM Location: Hays High School, 2500 E. 13th Street, Maroon Gym Donors must be 16 years or older to donate. Sixteen-year-olds will need a signed parental consent form. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a> and entering the sponsor code Indians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High HOSA annual blood drive set for Nov. 11

The Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale at Fort Hays State University will present their Fall Concert on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall. The choirs are conducted by Dr. Terry Crull,  director of choral activities at FHSU.

The Smoky Hill Chorale will begin the concert, followed by the Fort Hays Singers, and the FHSU Concert Choir. Selections from folk songs, popular tunes, musical theater, and vocal jazz will be presented for a very entertaining concert.

The concert will last approximately 75 minutes, and is free of charge.

Free fall choral concert presented Friday at FHSU 

LARNED — Sometime on or before Oct. 10, four pairs of cows and calves were stolen from a pasture in the area south of Sanford Junction around I Rd and U.S. Highway 183.

If you have any knowledge of this theft, or noticed any suspicious behavior in the area, contact the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office at 620-285-2211.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cows, calves stolen near Sanford Junction in Pawnee County

Motorcyclists are invited to the “9th&nbsp;Annual Hays Kansas Area Toy Run” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bikers will line up at 2:30 p.m. at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St. At 4 p.m., they will parade down Vine Street to 13th&nbsp;and Main. The parade will end at Toby Jugs, 104 E. Seventh St.

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages infant to 18 years. The toys will go to Teaming Up for Tots, said Kent Gottschalk, one of the organizers.

No bicyclists are allowed to participate, he said.

The event is being sponsored by Free Tomorrow MC &amp; Good Times Motorcycle.

Motorcyclists invited to annual ‘Toy Run’ in Hays

Philip Daniel, film/dance composer and touring artist from Lincoln, Nebraska will be the next WPAA artist in concert He will do school workshops for students in St. Francis at 10:00 am and Colby at 12:50 pm on Thursday, October 16th. The evening of the 16th, he will perform a concert in the Cultural Arts Center in Colby for the general public.

The workshops and the concert will be free to all those in attendance, thanks to the support from the Thomas County Community Foundation, the Cheyenne County Community, and the Dan Hansen Foundation. Everyone is invited to come join this free evening concert.

Film, dance composer to perform free concert in Colby Oct. 16

If your pillows are looking a little flat or worn out, here’s your chance to give them new life!&nbsp;Kraft Pillow Service&nbsp;will be in&nbsp;Hays on Thursday, October 23rd, at&nbsp;Master Cleaners&nbsp;from&nbsp;8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering professional pillow cleaning and restoration services —&nbsp;no appointment needed.

During their one-day visit, customers can bring in their pillows for a complete refresh — cleaned, sanitized, and re-fluffed on-site. Kraft Pillow Service removes old filling, cleans and sanitizes the ticking, and then refills each pillow with fresh, clean filling to restore its shape and comfort.&nbsp;All pillows are welcome, including down, foam, and synthetic varieties.

This convenient, same-day service has been trusted by families across the region for years, helping extend the life of quality pillows without the need to buy new ones. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your bedding fresh and comfortable.

Don’t miss this one-day event — stop by&nbsp;Master Cleaners in Hays, October 23rd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp;to have your pillows cleaned and ready for a better night’s sleep.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kraftpillowservice.com/">KraftPillowService.com</a>.

Facebook:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063768623114">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063768623114</a>

Kraft Pillow Service coming to Hays Oct. 23

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The victim in an aggravated battery that occurred on September 23rd has died from his injuries, and the suspect has been arrested and charged in his death, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

At approximately 10:30p.m. Sept. 23, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 2300 block of Ridge Avenue regarding a physical altercation between two ment. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 78-year-old Leroy Alexander lying outside his residence, unconscious and with apparent head trauma. He was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries on September 30. 

Police arrested Perry Allen Tilghman, Jr., 31, Kansas City, Kansas,&nbsp; and he has been charged with second- degree murder in Alexander’s death. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

Police: 74-year-old Kan. man died a week after violent altercation

DEKALB COUNTY, Mo. —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner Straight Truck driven by a 42-year-old Wichita man was southbound on MO 33 one mile north of Osborn. The driver attempted to travel through the intersection at U.S. 36 and continue southbound on Route M. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2018 School bus driven by a 64-year-old Burlington Junction woman.

The bus struck the rear passenger side of the truck. Three girls on the bus were transported for treatment of minor injuries.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph and a 16-year-old Maryville girl to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported a 17-year-old Maryville girl to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were both properly restrained and not injured according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 girls injured after truck driven by Kan. man strikes a school bus

WASHINGTON (AP) — The two survivors of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-drug-smuggling-pentagon-strike-12820c173da3de80c1a7a559c252c743">American military strike</a>&nbsp;on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean will be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, President Donald Trump said Saturday.

The military rescued the pair after striking a submersible vessel Thursday, in what was at least the sixth such attack since early September.

“It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route,” Trump said in a social media post. “U.S. Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics.”

After Trump’s announcement, the Pentagon posted on X a brief black-and-white video of the strike. In the clip, a vessel can be seen moving through the waves, its front portion submerged inches below the water’s surface. Then, several explosions are seen, with at least one over the back of the vessel.

The Republican president said two people onboard were killed — one more than was previously reported — and the two who survived are being sent to their home countries “for detention and prosecution.”

However, the press office for Ecuador’s government said Saturday it was not aware of the plans for repatriation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the presidential press office in Colombia did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

With Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform of the death toll, that would mean U.S. military action against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people.

The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">engaged in an “armed conflict”</a>&nbsp;with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the George W. Bush administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the Sept. 11 attacks, and that includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and to use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war.

The repatriation would avoid questions for the Trump administration about what the legal status of the two would have been in the U.S. justice system. It may also sidestep some of the legal issues that arose out of the detention of enemy combatants in the global war on terrorism as well as challenges to the constitutionality of the current operation.

To some legal scholars, Trump's use of such military force against suspect drug cartels, along with his authorization of covert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolás Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law.

On Friday, Trump seemed to confirm reports that Maduro has offered a stake in Venezuela’s oil and other mineral wealth in recent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from the United States. Venezuelan government officials have also floated a plan in which Maduro would eventually leave office, according to a former Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the White House, The Associated Press reported.

The strikes in the Caribbean have caused unease among members of Congress from both parties and complaints about receiving insufficient information on how the attacks are being conducted. But most Republican senators backed the administration last week on a measure that would have required Trump's team to get approval from Congress before more strikes.

Meanwhile, another resolution to be considered would prevent Trump from outright attacking Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Megerian reported from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump releases video of US drone strike on ‘drug-carrying submarine’

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/olga-r-rodriguez">OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ</a>

San Francisco (AP) — A Northern California aquarium has raised more than $2 million for sea otter conservation in just two days. All it took was Taylor Swift wearing a vintage T-shirt.

Swift wore a vintage Monterey Bay Aquarium otter conservation T-shirt in a release party movie for her new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-showgirl-eras-tour-disney-3a64afd94014fd6aa22436f5132acccc">“The Life of a Showgirl” album</a>, sending her ardent fans on a quest to buy the shirt last produced in the 1990s. After the aquarium was flooded with calls about buying the T-shirt showing two otters floating on their back, it decided to re-release the garment Thursday as part of a special campaign to raise $1.3 million, a nod to Swift’s favorite number, said Liz MacDonald, the aquarium’s director of content strategy.

The aquarium met and surpassed its goal to raise the funds for its sea otter conservation program in less than eight hours, averaging about $100,000 in sales every 15 minutes, MacDonald said. Donors who give at least $65.13 to its newest fundraising campaign to help injured and orphan otters will be mailed a T-shirt, MacDonald said.

“We definitely had a little Taylor Swift dance party in the office yesterday afternoon when we hit the goal,” she said.

The aquarium began accepting back-orders and by Friday afternoon it had raised more than $2 million, according to its website.

How Swift acquired the T-Shirt that was last produced more than 32 years ago — when she was just 3 years old — remains a mystery.

She and fiancé Travis Kelce have been documented visiting nearby Carmel, but MacDonald said the aquarium is not aware of the couple having been in their shop.

MacDonald said the staff has had fun speculating about Swift’s interest in the T-shirt.

When Taylor announced the release of her new album on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-heights-podcast-taylor-swift-kelce-e5b21dc74fdc8aebf04f383e5dc11b0b">Kelce’s podcast “New Heights”</a>&nbsp;a couple of weeks ago, the couple had a little banter about how he loves otters and loves sending her videos of the furry sea creatures.

“One of my favorite theories is that we have a sea otter on our exhibit whose name is Opal and she was named by the fans through an online poll, and I wonder if Taylor Swift may have been one of the people that voted for the name Opal,” MacDonald said, adding that opal is Kelce’s birthstone and that Opalite is the name of one of Swift’s songs.

Whatever the reason, the aquarium and Liberty Graphics, an employee-owned company printing the T-shirts, are reveling in the moment.

“They’re a company based in Maine who were as taken by surprise as us, but who are also as delighted to have this opportunity to be part of this amazing moment that does so much for sea otters and for ocean conservation,” MacDonald said.

Liberty Graphics will use 100% cotton in the T-shirts and water-based ink, which is more ocean-friendly and sustainable, she said.

“We’re also working to make sure that the packaging doesn’t use plastic,” she added.

The company of 50 employees normally produces 1,500 shirts a day, said Matt Enos, a company manager.

Enos said that beginning Monday the company will probably have to focus most of its resources on fulfilling T-shirt orders from Swifties.

“We definitely didn’t envision something this big but it’s a pretty good problem to have,” he said.

 T-shirt worn by Taylor Swift sparks a $2M windfall for sea otters

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is showing little urgency to broker a compromise that would end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>, even as Democrats insist no breakthrough is possible without his direct involvement.

Three weeks in, Congress is at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-congress-02382f77ea1ba72896148555a75dc075">standstill</a>. The House hasn’t been in session for a month, and senators left Washington on Thursday frustrated by the lack of progress. Republican leaders are refusing to negotiate until a short-term funding bill to reopen the government is passed, while Democrats say they won’t agree without guarantees on extending health insurance subsidies.

For now, Trump appears content to stay on the sidelines.

He spent the week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-trump-b86ea472e290947b98976eb9b7ef6994">celebrating</a>&nbsp;an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal he led, hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom-f895a361c5c1d2663cacd64082bb5ed7">remembrance event</a>&nbsp;for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-putin-russia-ukraine-e3a1d62d2a24f459aa6dbbfa940e1067">refocused attention</a>&nbsp;on the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, his administration has been managing the shutdown in unconventional ways, continuing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-pay-troops-government-shutdown-8601ea092fe746cc35b88076e70c4598">pay the troops</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">laying off</a>&nbsp;other federal employees.

Asked Thursday whether he was willing to deploy his dealmaking background on the shutdown, Trump seemed uninterested.

“Well, look, I mean, all we want to do is just extend. We don’t want anything, we just want to extend, live with the deal they had,” he said in an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office. Later Thursday, he criticized Democratic health care demands as “crazy,” adding, “We’re just not going to do it.”

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Democrats must first vote to reopen the government, “then we can have serious conversations about health care.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed that approach before leaving for the weekend, saying Trump is “ready to weigh in and sit down with the Democrats or whomever, once the government opens up.”

Thune said he'd also be willing to talk, but only after the shutdown ends.

“I am willing to sit down with Democrats,” Thune posted on social media Friday.

“But there’s one condition: End the Schumer Shutdown. I will not negotiate under hostage conditions, nor will I pay a ransom,” he added.

Frustration is beginning to surface among rank-and-file Republicans, with bipartisan conversations breaking out on the Senate floor as members look for ways to move things forward. Still, even those Republicans admit little happens in Congress without Trump's direction.

Leaving the Capitol on Thursday, GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, “We’re not making much headway this week.” For things to progress, Murkowski acknowledged Trump may need to get more involved: “I think he’s an important part of it.”

“I think there are some folks in his administration that are kind of liking the fact that Congress really has no role right now,” she added. “I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all.”

Trump has not been slowed by the shutdown

While Congress has been paralyzed by the shutdown, Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-russ-vought-project-2025-bf3ecd1f7cd765c9e125d7d7179c8b39">moved rapidly</a>&nbsp;to enact his vision of the federal government.

He has called budget chief Russ Vought the “grim reaper,” and Vought has taken the opportunity to withhold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-new-york-rail-projects-money-withheld-ada494e08ae9ae5269c6ce554ecdbd43">billions of dollars for infrastructure projects</a>&nbsp;and lay off thousands of federal workers, signaling that workforce reductions could become even more drastic.

At the same time, the administration has acted unilaterally to fund Trump’s priorities, including paying the military this week, easing pressure on what could have been one of the main deadlines to end the shutdown.

Some of these moves, particularly the layoffs and funding shifts, have been criticized as illegal and are facing court challenges. A federal judge on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;the administration from firing workers during the shutdown, ruling that the cuts appeared politically motivated and were carried out without sufficient justification.

And with Congress focused on the funding fight, lawmakers have had little time to debate other issues.

In the House, Johnson has said the House won’t return until Democrats approve the funding bill and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">refused to swear in</a>&nbsp;Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Democrats say the move is to prevent her from becoming the 218th signature on a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on releasing documents related to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

So far, the shutdown has shown little impact on public opinion.

An AP-NORC poll&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-government-shutdown-blame-trump-republicans-democrats-12c01432bbb43746b6d8d32390c959f4">released Thursday</a>&nbsp;found that 3 in 10 U.S. adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Democratic Party, similar to an AP-NORC poll from September. Four in 10 have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Republican Party, largely unchanged from last month.

Democrats want Trump at the table. Republicans would rather he stay out

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have said Republicans have shown little seriousness in negotiating an end to the shutdown.

“Leader Thune has not come to me with any proposal at this point,” Schumer said Thursday.

Frustrated with congressional leaders, Democrats are increasingly looking to Trump.

At a CNN town hall Wednesday night featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, both repeatedly called for the president’s involvement when asked why negotiations had stalled.

“President Trump is not talking. That is the problem,” Sanders said.

Ocasio-Cortez added that Trump should more regularly “be having congressional leaders in the White House.”

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