By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved two capital purchases linked to the bond projects Monday night.

The board approved the purchase of furniture for Hays Middle School from Circadia for $181,236 and a bid to remove playground equipment from the now-closed Lincoln Elementary School from&nbsp;Aspire 2 Play for $32,832.

Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer voted against the expenditures.

Yarmer said he wanted large purchases brought to the board during the meeting before it is set to be approved.&nbsp;

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the items needed to be purchased promptly so the school could be opened to students on time.

He added the price is not going to change if the board waits to vote on the purchase.

Park asked why the wooden cabinets had not been repurposed from Lincoln Elementary School.

Board member Jayme Goetz said the cabinets from Lincoln were custom-built for that space and would not fit in the Hays Middle School.

Park also asked why the lunch tables were not reused.&nbsp;

HMS Principal Tom Albers said the tables were old, required repairs and the school district couldn't get parts for them anymore. He said they also were not ideal for the larger middle school students.

Park asked if the furniture was bid. Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent for business services, said the furniture was being purchased through the state bid program.

Yarmer said he thought the purchase should be made from bond funds and not capital outlay. Wilson said the purchase has been part of the capital outlay plan for at least three years.

Yarmer said he thought the district was spending too much to remove the playground equipment from the former Lincoln school. The equipment will be stored and then installed at the former middle school, which will open as Felten Elementary School next fall.

Park wanted to know why the district staff were not removing and storing the equipment.

Wilson said the district staff does not have time to move the equipment. The school district also does not have a certified playground inspector on staff. The district's inspector retired, and a new staff member is being trained.

Park said, "I think we are being frivolous with our money."

Hipp said the district approached two local businesses, but both of them were too busy to take the job.

The board also approved the purchase of 37 Dell desktop computers&nbsp;for support staff for $37,684.

The board also heard a report on the enrollment.

The Hays USD 489 enrollment remains flat for the 2025-26 school year.&nbsp;

The enrollment numbers as of the Sept. 20 count date were a full-time equivalent of 3,150 students. Last school year, the audited enrollment was 3,159 students. Enrollment has fluctuated little during the last three years, with an enrollment of 3,144 students in fiscal year 2023.

Hipp said, "We have had more ups than downs, which has been very favorable compared to much of the state."

Wilson said the district has seen an increase in the number of students receiving free and reduced-price lunches. The district receives additional funding to support these at-risk students.

Hays USD 489 votes to purchase furniture for Hays Middle School

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved an agreement for replacing a bridge over the Saline River on 125th Avenue during its meeting on Tuesday.

The design agreement is with Penco Engineering for a county bridge about 12 miles north and half a mile east of the city of Ellis.

The project is funded through a program that awarded the county’s Public Works Department about $4.36 million for construction and inspection. The grant also includes plans for replacing another bridge on Saline River Road and one on County Line Road.

The financial impact to the county is $110,000 for design and preliminary engineering.

The commission approved an agreement granting AMP Rentals access to a county-owned water well in the northern part of the county, allowing for the well's use until a rural water meter is obtained from the Trego County Rural Water District.

Darin Myers, county administrator, emphasized the agreement does not tap into Trego County rural water and will give Adam Pray, with Platinum Builders, temporary access for an undetermined amount of time.

Commissioner Neal Younger asked for clarification on the duration of AMP Rentals' access. Pray said it could be years, but usage will be less than that of an average household.&nbsp;

"It should be a minimal amount of water," Pray said.

Pray is number 31 on the waiting list to get a water meter from the district. The property is on the north side of the land purchased for the new public works facility and yard.

The water will be used for limited business and personal purposes, with all expenses and compliance obligations covered by Pray or the future landowner.

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling provided the oath of office to re-elected County Treasurer Vern Ruder, officially swearing him in for his next term. Ruder was re-elected in November 2024.

Commissioners approved a request to allow trailer, RV, and boat storage on a property along Toulon Avenue. The permit was recommended for approval by the Ellis County Planning and Zoning Commission.

High Plains Mental Health Executive Director Craig Poe provided an update to the commission on the status of construction of the Crisis Intervention Center project, which remains on schedule.

Ellis County Historical Society Director Amanda Rupp provided an update on the organization’s ongoing projects, including progress on its buildings in Hays and Victoria, and preparations for the 150th anniversary of Volga German settlement in the county.

Monique Koerner and Karissa Frasier with the Cottonwood Extension District also updated the commission on recent and upcoming health and wellness programs.

Ellis County Commission approves bridge replacement agreement

NORTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Durango driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Josephine M. Land,&nbsp; 26, Norton, was northbound on Kansas 383 one mile Northeast of U.S. 36. The SUV struck a deer and the airbags deployed.

EMS transported Land to&nbsp;Norton County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas woman hospitalized after SUV strikes a deer

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!

Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

💰 ENTER CASH GRAB HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $250!

The Heartland Community Foundation celebrated its second-annual Give Fest on Friday&nbsp;in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties.

During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits were matched from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county.

Fifty-eight organizations participated in the event.

Every fifth grader in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties participated in the&nbsp;5th Grade Give Bucks initiative.

They received funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students received $15, while Rooks and Trego County students received $10. 

Students visited the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. 

"This taught young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy," the Heartland Community Foundation said in a press release.

Community, students donate during Heartland Foundation Give Fest

Ellis County Jail bookings: Oct. 5-11, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Oct. 5-11, 2025

Hays received .35 inches of rain overnight with morning fog, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Showers are possible until 1 p.m. with a high of 72.

Hays has received 1.15 inches of rain in October and 23.69 inches of moisture year to date.

Hays receives an average of 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture by the end of October.

The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, breezy and highs in the lower 80s on Wednesday and Thursday.

The forecast calls for a 30% chance of rain on Thursday night and then sunny and mild temperatures going into the weekend.

Hays receives rain overnight; showers possible through this morning

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

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

The last day to register to vote is today when voter registration books will close.

Advance mail ballots will be mailed on Wednesday. Voters may request an advance mail ballot by completing an application. Applications are available online, by calling the County Clerk’s Office to have one mailed, or by visiting the office at 718 Main St.

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

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

Last day to register to vote is today; early voting starts Monday for Nov. election

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Craig Pallister and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 60 Occupation: Business owner, rancher and retired teacher.

What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?

I taught for 31 years in USD 489. I am a Kansas Teacher of the Year. I have won numerous awards in the ag teaching profession, as well. I've lived here for 35 years. I'm a business owner, which relates back to the tax stuff.

Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?

I have three kids who have gone through USD 489. I have two currently in USD 489. I have one grandchild who is a little over 2, and one coming in four weeks.

Why are you running for reelection?

To keep the good things that we have going, we now have nice facilities. I want to see them finished.&nbsp;It's a quality school facility-wise. I think the teachers are there and I want to see it continue on.

Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? If not, is there anything that you would change about it?

Yeah, I support it because I voted on everything. I would like to see a 10-year plan, because now we are at the point where all these turfs that we have laid down have eight-year guarantees.

If they all come due or need to be replaced at the same time, that's going to be a big deal. I would hope we can stagger them so that we can replace two fields, two fields, two fields, because that's going to be $700,000, probably three-quarters of a million dollars a pop.

There's the football field, softball field, baseball field, the middle school football and soccer field and practice field. Five years is good. I think 10 years is better, business-wise. I think it's better planning.

The big conversation is going to happen with the committee on the naming rights. It depends on what the committee wants to come up with. If we name some things, I sure hope that money gets earmarked for replacing stuff, just not in the general fund. We decide what we need at the time. I think that's a wiser vision.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/aefb9f40-2e86-4bb2-976e-2f731e7ce14f">The district allowed an offer from Golden Belt Bank for $200,000 for naming rights for the Hays High football field to expire. A committee is being formed to further explore the issue.</a>

Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7b175c88-0297-4573-a357-7f54d01571ee">Not unless we have a plumbing issue like we had at O'Loughlin Elementary School. </a>

The nice thing that we've heard is they're going to run the scope up and down [the sewage pipes at the Hays Middle School and the former high school], because that was an expensive fix. He said $600 to $1,000 to scope that whole thing.

When you start cutting concrete out to put in pipes, that's expensive fast. Everything so far has been pretty nice. I hope we have enough dollars in that pond to finish and finish strong. When we're done, they should be nice.

How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?

This is my vision of a board member. We're going to vote and discuss items brought to the school board meeting that the administration and our leaders think are important.

I also don't mind being a sounding board for concerned people. But I think that there's a chain of command. Once they've gone that way, and they're frustrated, I don't mind listening to them. 

I've gotten emails. I've gotten phone calls. I get it. Some people feel more comfortable coming to me. [Board member] Jayme [Goetz] gets them because she taught there. I understand that.

That's a fine line when you listen. Do you react? You can always call the superintendent. There's always more than one side of the story. If you just&nbsp;jump, maybe you would have jumped differently if you knew both sides of the realm.

Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?

I think we're doing good. When we have to raise the mill levies [because] of the economy and prices of things, it's a little tough to do to people who are on fixed incomes. People's salaries aren't rising. I don't think they're jumping as fast as that is.

It's a double-edged sword. If we don't give teachers raises, do we keep all our good teachers, or can they go somewhere else? 

Do we recruit, or do we get new ones and good ones that come in if you don't have competitive salaries? The only way to get a competitive salaries ... that's the majority of the money. We've given some nice raises here in the past.

That's a fine line. Do you not give a raise sometimes? I don't know. If you want that budget to stay the same or level out on the mill levy, then you have to. That's one that you have to weigh as it goes.

If we stay where we're at, you know the amount of kids in some of these classrooms needs not to be 23, 24, 25 kids at the second, third and fourth-grade levels.&nbsp;

Would you like to see class sizes reduced?

Especially since we've now incorporated some kids with higher academic disciplines, as we have integrated kids with disabilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cedda027-aca8-4d80-bcba-bc6115762b77">Westside students are now integrated.</a> They all deserve an education, but they don't require the same amount of time and focus as other students.

&nbsp;I hope the budget and our money needs for facilities should decline greatly now. We don't need a new roofs, and AC should all be taken care of.

Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?

The district policies that I've ever had questions about, I've asked about on the board.

The last one I wanted to know was how we hired people, and so that was brought to the board, step by step, how interviews are going, and how we pick. Resume background checks, to the whole ball of wax, that was interesting to know.

Another one would be the transportation before we did the lease program. Some of those vehicles were scary when I was driving. I mean, they were just old.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/37908b9e-982b-42eb-becc-c7409b030396">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 BOE approves fleet plan contract with Enterprise</a>

Do you feel comfortable with the lease program?&nbsp;

I surely do. There's less risk of our kids breaking down somewhere on the road. We're a different critter than Salina or Wichita. We have many long road trips. 

I'm going to go to Liberal next Thursday to watch my kid. I mean, that's a long ride and we played basketball down there in January. You've still got a kid hanging out there somewhere in the middle of nowhere if it's cold.

The [vehicles] have to be a lot more dependable. And if it's the same dollars as we were doing before, this is much wiser. Yeah, why not?

If they're going to do all our foresight of selling and merchandising for top dollar, we can't get that for those vehicles. We can't do what Enterprise does, nor do we have the time.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I'm proud of what we've done since I've been on the school board. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d8f0a7f-c22c-4d18-8223-e9589f05ad06">The resource officer who came in for the 2023-24 year </a>... I was very proud of. That was a push that I had something to do with. I've been pushing for the second one.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/18ea67f1-ebbb-4724-8255-f5e086cfd7ae">SEE RELATED STORY: New school resource officer announced for Hays High School</a>

This world is getting crazier all the time. I want our kids to be safe. And if my spouse was a teacher who works there, I would want them to be safe too. I think knowing there is an obstacle at a known target, I think that detours or at least gives our kids a better chance. I will continue to push for a second resource officer.

That probably ties back to your budget, because that's a costly critter.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b8de0496-38a0-459d-813c-fbb70028b4c8">I'm pretty proud of what we did on the laptop deal for the high school kids.</a> Instead of going with the first recommendation, we did a lot of research and found&nbsp;nobody's recommending that for kids moving on. Just because we do it at the elementary, doesn't mean we shouldn't educate our kids on something new and different that prepares them for post-secondary education.

As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Hays USD candidate Q&A: Curt Vajnar

Hays Police Department activity log: Oct. 5-11, 2025

Haunted House fundraiser for FHSU Tourism, Hospitality Management Oct. 25-26

&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

'Dawgz and Drawz' to benefit shelter dogs 

WICHITA — The&nbsp;American Red Cross asks donors to&nbsp;make an appointment now to&nbsp;give&nbsp;blood&nbsp;to support patients&nbsp;counting on&nbsp;a consistent&nbsp;blood supply to survive and heal.&nbsp;While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant.&nbsp;Especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.&nbsp;

Prepare now — Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood by visiting <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsyzGu6yAQheHVQIc1DDBAQZEm24gMM06sZ8t5YCW6u79KdNvvnJ8LpuaBtBQbQ07kYkT9KC1QyBgdNrALo6tLopDQ1szAvlm9FkoSyFGqBIg369AuCD4lRwsqD2Nl-bf-N_u8btKHiaHmuFCo1bzqC2n6DHorj_N8DuUuCq8Kr-_3e-rCrR9j1O04eDr6XeFV78LrbLpsMg8xK5cv3P5AuYslyBl1L4_5ZzyPcSoPMt83-R6ndux6nF1k_8TecRSxYCiDNx5hMdWDN7nVGZhdaI71q-BvAAAA___fuFbK">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, see <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4LD3iABYtsfI2IjyG2iksKlqPevkrU7e-9f_Zgk5bIyc9mcRaVMcA3X9ycDSqbMGDRYdGZDMxOKpQGkg1892hpQYU2ogS4zwrmAlJbq7AA03Lsmb72H3GEvVIfwizRmYJLjOKKF-D0Hnj123k-B1M3BiuD9fV6TZ1y6m2MWFvLU-sPBmttKVSxtYOe4UEMVrro-xwM1hJqnbbzqPygvAfRqVIYJPbsP3D_B6ZuM0rngHe_hd_xbONkWlJ4VPocp9QOPs5OdLxjrbIhmqVAJ7XQIIuIWmrhUgwyZ7Uklfnl4S8AAP__eEJjpQ">RedCrossBlood.org/Fall</a>.

Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4LD3iABYtsfI2Ij3FsFZcUkKPevkrU7e-9f_Zgk5bIyc9mcRaVMcB3T3JOKqOzcdHGggNpjFlSzMomhwj88GhpQYU2ogS4zwrmDaS2VuEGTMt-ZPo6fsQZjkKtC7NEZzZcYhRXvACn98CL38d4dqZuDFYG6-v1mhrl1GrvsdSap9oeDNZSUyhiryc9w4MYrHTR9-gM1j20i_qY9nEWflI-gmhUKHQSR_YfuP8DU7cZpXPAm9_Db3_WPpiWFB6FPscp1ZP30YjOd6xVNkSzFOikFhrkJqKWWrgUg8xZLUllfnn4CwAA__94amSv">RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest</a> for details.&nbsp;

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:&nbsp;

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsyzGu6yAQheHVQIcFMzBAQZEm24jAM06sZ8t5YCW6u79KdNvvnJ8LpNlb0lJcDDkRxgj6UYilgnVLzYFQkssgM2J0xL66FlCvhZIEQkqNLMDNIbgFrE8JaQHl7VhZ_q3_zV7XTfowMbQcFwqtmVd7AU2fQW_lcZ5PhRcFVwXX9_s9deG5H2O07Th4OvpdwVXvwms1XTapQ8zK5Qu3P1B4cWRzBt3Lo_6M5zFO5a3U-ybf4zQfux5nF9k_sUeOIs4aytYbD3YxzVtv8tyqZcYwI-tXgd8AAAD__6cUVoM">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.&nbsp;

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy82OgyAUxfGngR0GL98LFt34Gg14r5WMFgdMm779pGa2v_85GMHPWlpOcXQmeKucA75GtCGPGLSxo9E-O_LBoUo6m2ySNMBLtJ6MVdZnKwHuo4JxAam9V3YBpmUvSD_lV-ypbNS6cCYHt1iTs3jlF9jhG_gW1_M8OlM3BhOD6f1-D41wbrX3vNWKQ20PBhPWZzpJXMRg2tMzPUjsH3GFUp-dwdTSUfBIvQ_ruW98JyxJNNoodRIF4wX3f2DqNloZAvAW1_TpR-0n05LSY6NrOMx15_1sRPv3rBU6olEKG6QWGuQispZahDkniajMrJC_IvwFAAD__2_baew">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a> or use the Blood Donor App.&nbsp;

Gifts given to donors at upcoming area blood drives

HOXIE — The Main Street Arts Council (MSAC) is proud to announce the launch of the Northwest Kansas Regional Community Choir, a new musical ensemble open to youth (grades 7–12) and adults from across northwest Kansas.

The choir, under the direction of Kathryn Tremblay of Hoxie, aims to bring together singers of all ages to celebrate the joy of music and community through regular rehearsals and performances.

“Our organization has received tremendous interest from community members asking for more opportunities for adults and youth to participate in the arts,” said Karl Pratt, executive director of the Main Street Arts Council. “We were thrilled by the response to our recent survey, with nearly 50 individuals expressing excitement and potential interest in being part of a regional choir. We’re eager to make that vision a reality.”

Rehearsals &amp; Membership Details

Rehearsals for the Northwest Kansas Regional Community Choir will begin Sunday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Hoxie High School Choir Room. Regular rehearsals will be held on Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through May 2026, with concerts to be scheduled in January and May.

A nominal seasonal participant fee assists with program costs:

No audition is required—just a passion for singing and community involvement.

The goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for singers from across the region. Whether you’ve sung in choirs before or are simply looking for a new way to share your love of music, this ensemble is for you.

For more information about joining the choir, visit <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/choir">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/choir </a>or contact mainstreetartscouncil@gmail.com.

About the Main Street Arts Council

The Main Street Arts Council is an organization dedicated to promoting the arts, encouraging creativity, serving the arts community, and acting as an advocate for the arts. We strive to be a model organization for the Northwest Kansas region by ensuring access to the arts for all ages, encouraging a community passion for the arts and successfully supporting, partnering, and collaborating with others committed to the arts. Learn more at www.mainstreetartscouncil.com.

New Northwest Kansas Community Choir organized; singers sought now 

STOCKTON — The Stockton FFA will be holding their annual Goblin's Glory Halloween extravaganza on Sat., Oct. 25 at the Stockton High School gyms.

The events will start with a soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by the kids costume contest at 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 and younger and 7 to 12. Games and bingo will also begin at 6:30 p.m. with the merchandise auction starting at 7 p.m.

The Goblin's Glory King and Queen crowning is at 8 p.m.

Stockton FFA Goblin's Glory Halloween extravaganza is Oct. 25

A  taco/nacho bar fundraiser for the Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team and Lakin Eckroat (for Special Olympics bowling) to go to USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June of 2026 will be held on Monday, Oct. 20 at Thirsty's The Venue, 2704 Vine, Hays.

Tickets are being sold for $12 and can be purchased from myself by emailing me Activities Director Tiffany Schulte at tschulte@arcofcentralplains.org, Facebook Messenger (Buffalo Adventures page), or calling 785-639-4181.

 The ticket covers the taco/nacho bar and there are set times every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 7:40 p.m. 

There will also be raffle prizes on display on the stage at Thirsty's starting Oct. 13 and those tickets are $10 each. No need to be present to win. There will be a live drawing on Oct. 20 at 7:50 p.m. on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARCACTIVITIES">Buffalo Adventures</a> Facebook page.

This fundraiser is supporting the Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team and Lakin Eckroat (for Special Olympics bowling)&nbsp;

These athletes have been working very hard to prepare for the trip. They practice every week and have been helping with fundraising. Most of them have never been to USA Games and are very excited for the opportunity. 

This is the first time ever that an entire Hays team gets to participate. Special Olympics holds this event every four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fundraiser for Hays Buffaloes headed to Special Olympics USA Games 2026

Our strength lies in our shared commitment: that by giving a little, we can do a lot for those in need.&nbsp;

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming 100 Who Care, Ellis County meeting on&nbsp;Tuesday, October 14. This month, we will be hearing from these three wonderful nonprofits making a difference in our community:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Big Brothers Big Sisters:&nbsp;Focused on fostering meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships that unlock the potential and promise of our youth. Their impactful work not only transforms lives but also strengthens families and creates brighter futures. We are fortunate to have this valuable program right here in Ellis County.

• Jana’s Campaign:&nbsp;Committed to preventing gender and relationship violence through early education and awareness. What started as a local initiative in Ellis County has grown into a vital nationwide service that saves lives, empowers individuals, and builds safer, healthier communities.

• First Call for Help:&nbsp;Dedicated to alleviating the effects of poverty by connecting individuals and families with essential resources and support during times of crisis. Their efforts bring hope, stability, and practical solutions to members of Ellis County, helping to strengthen our community as a whole.

A special thank you goes out to our Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 team — Landon, Abigail, Sierra, and Hunter — as well as our current steering team members, Jack, Jessie, and Brandy. The LDRS 310 class focuses on developing leadership skills through hands-on community engagement, and our 100 Who Care program is proud to serve as a real-world platform where these emerging leaders can apply their learning to support and strengthen Ellis County.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, snacks and beverages will be provided by&nbsp;POPt Popcorn&nbsp;and&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors, meeting space is graciously hosted by the&nbsp;Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; If you are unable to attend, please feel free to drop off your donation at Wayne Voss State Farm, 2707 Vine St., Ste 13, Hays. Notify Brandy ahead of time with your voting preference, and she will be happy to vote by proxy on your behalf.&nbsp;

At&nbsp;100 Who Care,&nbsp;Ellis County, we come together because we believe in the power of collective giving to create real, positive change in our community. Please consider inviting a friend to join us as we strive to grow our membership beyond 100 and make an even greater impact.

Finally, stay tuned for some exciting news — we will be launching an online payment platform early in 2026 to make giving even easier!&nbsp;Thank you for your continued passion and support.&nbsp;

Generosity is the heartbeat of 100 Who Care — where every gift counts, every member matters, and every cause benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to seeing you on October 14!

Public invited to 100 Who Care, Ellis County meeting on Oct. 14 in Hays

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 is now offering services in Ellis County and surrounding areas through its new office at Hays First United Methodist Church, 302 W. Eighth St., Room 205, and it is now seeing clients.

Chris Deitering, department service officer, will help to expand access to resources for injured veterans by providing free assistance to veterans and their families, including help with VA and federal claims, survivor and burial benefits, membership assistance, and disaster relief, a news release said.

Deitering’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

According to the news release, “The DAV is a nonprofit that remains committed to the nation's injured heroes and former federal employees of all generations to ensure they are not alone on their road to recovery by aiding service members in the transition to civilian life, fighting for their rights on Capitol Hill, and funding rehabilitation programs.”

Disabled American Veterans has new office in Hays church

WASHINGTON (AP) —President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom-f895a361c5c1d2663cacd64082bb5ed7">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Kirk was an activist who inspired a generation of young conservatives and helped push the nation’s politics further to the right;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">he was killed last month</a>&nbsp;during an event at a university in Utah. His politics were often&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">divisive</a>, and Trump has cited Kirk as a major reason he was reelected, calling Kirk a “great American hero” while speaking at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-trump-memorial-service-b5469086954908b162f464da966cf238">his funeral</a>&nbsp;in September.

The government shutdown also entered its 14th day Tuesday, with the Senate returning from its holiday break, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to call lawmakers back to Washington and Trump’s budget director vowing to keep firing federal workers.

Democrats have focused on trying to keep Affordable Care Act subsidies from expiring for millions of Americans who purchase insurance on “Obamacare” exchanges. Without this federal support, costs are expected to soar across the health care economy. Johnson said he “won’t negotiate” unless Democrats first agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-obamacare-republicans-democrats-b6b59cae2ec28b39e57fbb703704f46a">reopen the government</a>, losing their leverage for any deal.

Nation’s highest civilian honor is the best birthday gift, Erika Kirk says

Erika Kirk says the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the perfect birthday gift for Charlie.

She said after receiving the award on her husband’s behalf that she had spent years trying to find the best birthday gift for him. Charlie Kirk would have turned 32 on Tuesday.

She says he preferred quiet birthdays, but she can say with confidence that Trump has given him the best birthday present with the nation’s highest civilian honor.

🎥Trump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.

Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.

Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.

Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.

Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.

Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.

At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.

The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.

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