By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-29/kansas-snap-funding-harvesters-food-banks">Kansas News Service</a>

State lawmakers must soon decide whether to cover the extra costs to provide food assistance. If they don’t, food banks and pantries alone can’t make up the difference.

On Steve Vossler’s 56th volunteer shift of the year at the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, he packed corn and cucumbers.

“I like the assembly line aspect of it,” he chuckled.

He was one of a dozen or so volunteers on a July morning cheerfully chatting and packing produce into red mesh bags, ready to stock the shelves at a local food pantry.

Aside from volunteer work, Vossler said, he reads the news. He knew that Congress just approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454841/house-republicans-trump-tax-bill-medicaid" target="_blank">historic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, which could cause many more low-income families to rely on food banks like Harvesters.

“I don't like it and I'm sure there will be some changes,” Vossler said. “But who knows what they’ll be.”

In a major policy shift for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, individual states will have to shoulder some of the costs to help feed low-income families.

Administrative costs will jump for every state. New work eligibility requirements will shut some recipients out, while creating more work for state agencies that run the program. And states will face steep penalties if they don’t run SNAP to a certain degree of precision.

Supporters of those measures don’t see them as “cuts,” so much as policies that force states to run SNAP more responsibly. Critics, like the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, say the changes could cause millions of low-income people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/senate-republican-leaders-proposal-risks-deep-cuts-to-food-assistance-some#states-snap-error-rates-vary-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">lose some or all of their food assistance.</a>

Either way, individual states must figure out how to fill significant budget holes when the policies take effect in 2028. Those decisions will affect how many of&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-state-factsheet-ks.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas’ 180,000 SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;are able to rely on federal food assistance to get by.

Faced with steep cost-sharing expectations, some states are feeling the same kind of financial panic as families who may see their food benefits dwindle.

SNAP costs for the state of Kansas will rise against the backdrop of an uncertain fiscal future. While the state&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2025/06/02/file_attachments/3279686/11_May_Revenue_FY2025_06-02-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">recently took in far more tax revenues</a>&nbsp;than expected, it is still slated to spend more money each year than it raises — leaving an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/roundup-state-budgets-increasingly-strained-as-house-senate#kansas-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">estimated $731 million shortfall by 2029</a>.

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said changes to SNAP in President Trump’s recent tax and spending package — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — could mean more than $50 million in extra costs.

Part of that comes from the boring stuff: administrative expenses. It costs money to hire SNAP case workers, train them and invest in technology to make sure the program is running as it should.

Now, states will pay 75% of those costs rather than half — raising Kansas’ obligation by $15 million.

The bill also expands the range of people who must work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.

Before, certain able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, were exempt. Now, people in that category who are aged 55 to 64, parents with children aged 14 or older, veterans, former foster children and people experiencing homelessness must prove they meet new requirements — or lose access to food assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">over two-thirds of recipients are children, elderly or disabled.</a>

Some analyses suggest stricter work requirements do not lead to increased work or earnings. Rather, such restrictions often keep eligible individuals from starting or remaining on food assistance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20250407_THP_SNAPWorkRequirements_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">according to the center-left Brookings Institute</a>.

Work requirements do, however, create more work for state agencies. Kelly estimates Kansas will have to hire and train 40 new employees to keep up with new reporting requirements.

Of all the changes to SNAP, the most difficult to plan for involves payment error rates.

States sometimes overpay or underpay SNAP recipients. That’s usually due to incorrect applications or administrative mistakes.

Payment error rates surged throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, topping 12% in Kansas and reaching as high as 60% in Alaska.

The problem has since eased. The 2024 error rate in Kansas dropped under 10%,&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-fy24QC-PER.pdf" target="_blank">below the national average</a>. But many state and federal officials remain dissatisfied, and Congress used its latest budget bill to penalize payment inaccuracies.

Now, states with error rates above 6% must pay anywhere from 5% to 15% of the cost of SNAP benefits themselves, on top of regular administrative expenses.

If Kansas keeps its current error rate when the penalty takes effect in 2028, it will need to pay an extra $41 million per year to operate SNAP at the same level. That would bring the total increased cost to $56 million — a total that could vary widely based on the error rate.

“It is part of the state having skin in the game,” said Republican Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate.

He said the panic over added SNAP costs for states is overwrought, and that the Kansas Legislature can easily account for added costs — so long as the state gets its payment error rate down.

Kelly said Kansas has until October 2026 to reduce errors and avoid penalties.

“We are all hands on deck out there right now,” she said. “Hiring, training our folks, working on our technology systems, our computer systems, programming, to bring that down.

“Because if we don't, it'll just cost us so much more,” she said.

Stephen Davis, who is president and CEO of the food bank Harvesters, said his family relied on food assistance when he was young.

“We struggled the way that many other families struggle on a daily basis,” he said. “So I know firsthand what it means to be food insecure.”

Harvesters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harvesters.org/learn-about-hunger/hunger-in-our-region" target="_blank">defines food insecurity</a>&nbsp;as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.”

In the 17 counties that Harvesters serves in Kansas, Davis said 375,000 people, or 1 in 7 individuals, are food insecure.

Davis is concerned cuts to SNAP will make the state’s hunger problem more severe. Even if Kansas finds the funds to continue operating as before, he worries that work requirements will strip people of their benefits.

There’s only so much his organization can do to help. For every meal Harvesters provides, Davis said, SNAP provides nine.

At the same time, the Trump administration has scaled back federal assistance for food banks, in one recent instance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-03-28/harvesters-food-bank-deliveries-trump-administration-missouri-kansas" target="_blank">canceling dozens of truckloads of expected food shipments</a>&nbsp;for Harvesters.

Davis said all of those policies combined will result in more people going hungry.

“Those families that lose their SNAP benefits ... will likely try to turn to the charitable food system,” he said. “And we already don't have the capacity to meet the current need.”

Kansas could lose millions after Congress cut SNAP funds. Thousands may go hungry

&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

ELLSWORTH – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a free four-hour public tour of a wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth, Saturday, August 9.

The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. 

Tour attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 220 horses roaming approximately 1,700 acres of grassland in central Kansas. These animals were gathered from overpopulated herds on western public rangelands as part of BLM’s mission to protect and manage America’s wild horse and burro herds. 

The off-range pasture, known as Svaty Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment. 

No registration is needed, and parking is available on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season. Restrooms will be available.

Event Details Tour time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Address and directions: Svaty Ranch, 1016 Avenue J, Ellsworth, KS 67439. From I-70 proceed south on Highway 14 into and through the town of Ellsworth (main street), cross the river bridge and take an immediate right onto Avenue K. Take Avenue K and proceed west for 3 miles, at the "T" intersection stay right at the intersection and go 1/2-mile north, bear left for 3/4 of a mile. Then, the corrals are on the left at 1016 Avenue J.

The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros across 175 herd management areas spanning 25.5 million acres in 10 western states, aiming to maintain healthy herds and rangelands. With few natural predators, herds can double in size every four to five years, leading to overpopulation that threatens the land, wildlife and other authorized uses. 

As of March 2025, the on-range population was estimated at 73,130, far exceeding the appropriate management level of 25,556. To achieve balance on the range, BLM gathers and removes excess animals, placing many into private care through adoption or sale, while unadopted animals are provided space on contracted pastures like the Svaty Ranch for long-term care. Approximately 62,853 animals are in off-range corrals and pastures as of June 2025. 

For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.&nbsp;

Free tour of wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth offered by Bureau of Land Management

Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner. 

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and will be open to students and the general public for a $5 admission charge per head. This concert will be a dry event.

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 28 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 waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, 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/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">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 Russell County Rural Water District 3

July 31, 2025 is a fifth Thursday; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that day.&nbsp;

No Hays City Commission work session this week

Beginning Monday, July 28, the 13th Street intersection in the 1300 block of Walnut in Hays, will be closed to traffic for pavement repairs.

 Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, August 1, 2025, weather permitting. Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

13th Street intersection at Walnut to close for pavement repairs starting Monday in Hays

As a valued contributing partner, Kansas Black Farmers Association will have events this weekend as part of the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration with events centered on agriculture, health and community. 

 While Homecoming is organized and hosted by NHEC, the farmer's association is excited to be part of the weekend’s programming.

Saturday, July 26 – 5K Run/Walk and pancake breakfast A fun, family-friendly race followed by a free pancake breakfast sponsored by the association and Lehi Mills.

Check-in: 7:30 a.m. &nbsp;Race Start: 8 a.m. &nbsp;Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.

 Free online registration through July 25

 $25 on-site registration (waiver required)

 Donations support the farmer's association programs.

Learn more: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbfa.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWmZXR1lyMUU4d3VEb0taTgEemkxhoCKzOWG6JdSuFMiOe4rpCw3L9EMXZxpk3msFKNrC63JcuR-jbUD2mwA_aem_o2-IQSLeOy6Ii5ytn5lchg&amp;h=AT3kS6qwt5JknlWUfYO4kN_LLOJoX38xyhHBSdHy22fBKFb5i50JZeDvh5A9jKxldcYVk3MyyvmpUa_bZx0zUWRk3VI1oE7D9gPEJUndJ2FUI-52miM8k0MRL1ttUofbtd7b9wjxGSYrIBqsuNlYcQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hOkzCfFmdJKX4cYAyZm163Ip4kSSI3FOBBUz4R1x-ZcaqJF4xEW1kgW7BJs2cu8cYIQlURBIoRFJUdLkpI6-pjnqUY6wjjkzFTK3vT-F9IFg0w352c4lvzEVAxSmVRiL6RWN1HwY9iuABK2ys6V4yPIGTFb8GflMkHH71b_rGbNgjSNggncApYAJYGfL_hgyKq7U96bk1cgXE1RxGTWs" target="_blank">www.kbfa.org</a>

Kansas Black Farmers Association set events during Nicodemus Homecoming this weekend

The Women Who Lead still has raffle tickets left for its 31 Days of Cash drawing in August.&nbsp;

Tickets will be on sale Saturday in downtown Hays during Bazaar on the Bricks from 7:30 a.m. to noon or until sell out.

The Women Who Lead booth will be across the street from Diamond R Jewelers, between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Tickets are $25 each. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold.

A drawing will be conducted each day in August. 

Prizes will be $75 each day Aug. 1-15 $125 each day Aug. 16-28 $250 on Aug. 29 $500 on Aug. 30 $1,000 on Aug 31

All proceeds from the raffle will support scholarships for women in Ellis County pursuing post-secondary education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb1eab34-3efe-439b-b038-a0dc1afb6465">This spring, Women Who Lead awarded eight $1,000 scholarships.</a> Help us continue to support women's education in 2026 with your generous donation and maybe win some cash in the process.

If any tickets remain, tickets can be purchased from Renee Moritz at the Bank of Hays, by calling Moritz at 785-650-1095 or emailing rmoritz@bankofhays.com.

You can also purchase tickets at the Eagle Radio Media Center, 2300 Hall St., Hays. Ask for Scarlett Deutscher or Cristina Janney. You may also contact Janney at crisksu@gmail.com or 785-301-2077.

Tickets on sale for Women Who Lead raffle Saturday at Bazaar on Bricks

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;The Hoxie Hotrodders are coming to show an outdoor movie at our location at the Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater in WaKeeney on Friday, July 25.

Mini car show, 1950s costume contest and a taste of a drive-in.&nbsp; This will be a small taste of what is to come. Join us with your own hot rod and dress the part.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions will be available.&nbsp;

Suggested donation is $5 per person.&nbsp;

&nbsp;We are still raising funds for our big projector and bathrooms.&nbsp;

Hoxie Hotrodders, 'Grease' Friday night fundraiser at Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater

The Kansas Office of Veterans Services Office in partnership with the Garden City American Legion Post 9 invites all Veterans, military, and family members to attend the Garden City, Kansas Veterans Claims and Resource Fair at American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, Kansas on August 15-16, 2025. Benefits experts will offer on-site one-on-one assistance for claims, benefits, PACT Act issues and all Veteran benefits. No appointments are needed.

Accredited Veteran Service Representatives will be available to assist Veterans, active military members near their separation date, family members, and the public with all types of VA claims and benefits. KOVS Director Bill Turner said “These professionals are experts on State and Federal benefits available to Veterans and surviving spouses. We urge Veterans not to miss this opportunity to apply for benefits you have earned through your service to this country.”

“We also encourage community and business leaders to visit and learn about those benefits as well, in order to best support Veterans in your community,” Turner stated.

Some benefits include VA health care, service-connected claims, readjustment counseling information, Veteran Employment Services, and much more.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring discharge paperwork (DD-214) or claim file number, marriage certificate, and available medical records to help simplify the application for benefits. 


What: GARDEN CITY, KANSAS VETERAN CLAIMS AND RESOURCE FAIR When: 9:00am-6:00pm August 15, 2025 / 8:00am-Noon August 16, 2025 Where: American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, KS

NOTE: Final claim taken at 1700 August 15 / 1100 August 16. If Claim is already developed/ready to rate, must notify KOVS at 785.296.3977 by August 12

For questions or comments please contact Michelle Sweeney, Director of Public Affairs, at 785.940.1221 or michelle.sweeney@ks.gov

Garden City, Kansas veteran claims, resource fair

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system.&nbsp;

The advisory was issued due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, Hays, 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/1/010001985c09e3b6-e53ee928-80a2-48ef-bce9-942021a3a8ef-000000/xy0EI6cKgCjYxJdBXoUZiZ5R6zbTTeJx_KJLChMiHtc=416">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park in Hays

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has announced $25 million for 30 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state. The projects were selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).&nbsp;

“Enhancing the safety and accessibility of our local highways is made possible by grants through this essential program,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“In turn, these roadway improvements help bring in resources and improve connectivity in various regions of the state.”&nbsp;

CCLIP provides funds for cities to make improvements on city connecting links that are on state highways. Selected projects are funded for the state fiscal years 2027 and 2028 selection cycle.&nbsp;

Under CCLIP, cities with populations above 2,500 have local minimum contribution requirements, and cities with populations over 100,000 are required to have a 25% match. Local contributions significantly expanded the scope and total impact of the selected projects, bringing their combined value to over $39 million.&nbsp;

“The essence of the City Connecting Links program lies in the shared commitment between KDOT and our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“It's through this vital partnership that we can address both state and local transportation needs, fostering economic growth and connectivity across Kansas.”&nbsp;

Projects in this program may fall into one of three categories: Surface Preservation (SP), Pavement Restoration (PR), or Geometric Improvement (GI).&nbsp;

SP projects extend the life of the driving surface, such as overlays or joint repair, and are funded up to $400,000 per project. PR projects typically involve extensive pavement rehabilitation or full-depth pavement. GI projects focus on roadway geometrics that address safety, capacity, or operational needs, such as adding turn lanes or improving intersections. The PR and GI categories are funded up to $1.5 million per project.&nbsp;

New road improvement state projects planned for the region

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Recent obituaries and service times

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

If you think you want to leave your business anytime soon, you need to start now, according to an economic specialist.

Michael Aumack,&nbsp;economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.

He said it might take years for a business owner to develop a succession plan.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b771370-52d1-4f43-ae23-a9eab000691f">More than half of business owners are 55 years or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey. The youngest Baby Boomers are set to reach retirement age in 2030.</a>

Aumack echoed in his talk on Friday the importance of succession planning during a time when many business owners are aging and looking toward retirement.

&nbsp;"Succession, think of it as keeping your success rolling," Aumack said.

"Your entity, your business, is always growing, and the world is always changing," he said. ... "You need to look at your business as nothing remains the same. 

"Everything is dynamic. It is a way to look at all of the critical things: your key employees, your markets, key roles in your business and your role in your business. What happens if one of those things changes?"

He said business owners need to have plans to keep their businesses rolling through market fluctuations or unforeseen incidents.

The other aspect of succession is plans to leave a business, hopefully, voluntarily.

"It's never too early to start, and it sometimes takes years to get things lined up, so your business is at its greatest valuation," Aumack said.

"And you as a business owner can walk away and say, 'This baby is going to hum, and keep growing without me like a turn-key business," he said. "The closer you get it to turn-key, the more valuable it is.

"If you are the magic that keeps it going, and the magic walks out the door, so does the business."

Reasons owners are forced to quit: • Distress-financial or personal • Disability-physical or mental impairment • Divorce-full of consequences for all parties • Dynamics-changing markets, models and technology • Disputes-between partners • Death-of principal owner

Aumack said there are trade-offs and rarely win-wins.

"It's you getting a really good idea of just how valuable the business is and how much someone is willing to pay for it," he said.

Aumack provided worksheets available through the Small Business Administration that business owners can use to calculate an approximate value for their businesses.

He said it's essential for business owners to separate themselves from their businesses, both on paper and in terms of labor.

He said business owners need to consider if they want to leave their businesses intact for their neighbors, and then what they need financially to carry on after they leave those businesses.

There are three ways to exit a business: Liquidate-No planning needed, yields the least value Sell-Understanding how the business will be valued at exit is essential to this plan. Continue as an absentee owner-Seller financed-exit in stages

Aumack said you need to look at your employees and identify the key employees who drive results.&nbsp;

"How can I incentivize them to keep doing what they're doing and keep them happy and productive?" he said.

Business owners might need to reconsider their debt structure. Service-based business owners might consider purchasing instead of leasing their buildings. This will allow them to build equity in real property.

You could also acquire a smaller competitor or initiate a merger.

Documenting procedures will also help you show value to potential buyers.

He also recommended developing an advisory team. This could include your banker, accountant, CPA or a close friend who can advise you.

You can access more resources through the Small Business Administration at <a href="http://www.sba.gov/ks">www.sba.gov/ks</a>.

As Boomers retire, economist says plan now for future of your business

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the spring semester of 2025.

Albert Kolton Maneth, A.S. Tavish Tracy, Welding Technology Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Claflin Emma Hickel, A.S. Tyler Holmes, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Megan Khalidi, A.A. Luis Pando, A.A.S. Laney Shireman, Nursing Certificate

Colby Cynthia Romero, A.A.S. Downs Tonna Hampton, Medical Coding Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Justice Batt, A.A. Courtney Dillon, A.A.S. Bailey Harner, A.A.S. Neesa Komarek, Welding Technology Certificate Sierra Marley, Nursing Certificate Cody Ruble, Nursing Certificate Madison Sauer, A.S. Brittany Simpson, A.S. Kiley Stevenson, A.S. Madison Ward, Nursing Certificate

Ellis Jarret Mader, A.S. Stephanie McCarthy, A.A.S. Great Bend Selena Armstrong, A.G.S. Roselyn Bayona, Pharmacy Technician Certificate Anna Campbell, A.A.S. Brissa Caro, A.S. Cristian Cervantes, Welding Technology Certificate Shae Cox, A.A.S. Jalen Daniels, A.S. Braya Darnall, A.S. Kaden Deines, Plumbing Certificate Ciera Depenbusch, A.A.S. Karlee Dougherty, A.A.S. Rylie Duvall, A.S. Jayson Effertz, A.S. Tuff Elliott-Wittman, Plumbing Certificate Crystal Ellis, Medical Coding Certificate Blaine Ensley, Welding Technology Certificate Vanessa Flores-Cabrales, Nursing Certificate Dixie Gallant, Welding Technology Certificate Adison Galusha, A.S. Javier Gonzalez, A.A.S. Yadhira Gonzalez, A.S. Yuleidi Gonzalez Perez, Nursing Certificate Madelynn Gregg, A.A.S. Gavin Griffith, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Emilee Hall, Nursing Certificate Ethan Hammeke, Construction Technology Certificate Gisela Jaquez, A.S. Kadynce Jean, A.S. Kamryn Johns, A.S. Tiffany Lewing, Nursing Certificate Savannah Lohr, A.A.S. Skyler McMullen, A.S. Charlene Melson, A.S. Daegan Miller, Welding Technology Certificate Jessy Moeder, Nursing Certificate Esten Moore, Construction Technology Certificate Ethan Newman, A.S. Evan Newman, A.A. Daniel Nieto, A.S. Aiden Noblitt, A.A.S. Alexa Overman, A.A. Blaike Parsons, A.S. Dru Penka, A.S. Johana Perales, A.S. Nineth Pereyra Zuany, A.S. Valeria Piedra, A.A. Dominick Price, Construction Technology Certificate Carolina Ramirez Hernandez, A.S. Kimberly Reyes Pilo, A.S. Florence Rose, A.A.S. Ryan Rossouw, Welding Technology Certificate Charley Sander, A.S. Kennedy Sandy, A.A.S. Lacey Steffan, A.A.S. Makeila Straub, A.S. Elena Taboada, A.A.S. Aracely Talamantes Flores, A.S. Luz Maria Villegas Muniz, Nursing Certificate Christina Wells, A.G.S. Cody Wells, A.A.S. Barbara Wilder, A.A.S. Matthew Williams, Welding Technology Certificate Karter Wolf, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Alexie Chairez, A.A. Justin Esner, A.A.S. Samantha Fisher, A.A.S. Madison Ryker, A.S. Amanda Welcher, Medical Coding Certificate Asher White, A.A.S.

Hoisington Elliott Copp, A.S. Kiana Grandclair, A.S. Lexus Petersilie, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Logan Philbern, A.S. Deryk Yott, A.S.

Larned Trey Alford, Welding Technology Certificate Trae Anthony, Welding Technology Certificate Lance Bowley, Welding Technology Certificate Anthony Clubine, Welding Technology Certificate Cortney Craft, A.S. DaQuan Dean, Welding Technology Certificate David Denney, Welding Technology Certificate Michelle East, A.A.S. Easton Fitzpatrick, A.S. Jesse Gutierrez, Welding Technology Certificate Hannah Hall, A.A.S. James Harper, Welding Technology Certificate Michael Jenkins, Welding Technology Certificate Jeremy Lardner, Welding Technology Certificate Cagney Lemuz, A.A.S. Enrique Martinez Renteria, A.A.S. Johnathon Mccoy, A.S. Creighton Murray, A.S. Teresa Reason, Nursing Certificate Keldon Reynolds, Welding Technology Certificate Miguel Solis, Welding Technology Certificate Layne Sporleder, Welding Technology Certificate KeAndre Summers, Welding Technology Certificate Jordan Sweet, Welding Technology Certificate Jerry Thach, Welding Technology Certificate Raymond Voth, Welding Technology Certificate Shannon Zink, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Luray Katlyn Homewood, A.A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; McCracken Carson North, Scales Technician Certificate&nbsp; 

Ness City Andrea Lopez, A.A.S.

&nbsp; Norton David Porter, A.A.S. Matthew Rushton, Paramedic Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olmitz Alix Schneider, A.G.S. Clayton Schneider, A.A.S.

Otis Taylor Alloway, Nursing Certificate Chloe Schenk, A.A.S.

Pawnee Rock Sadi Strain-Shepherd, A.A.S.

Portis Elizabeth Ducote, A.S. Russell Hannah Dapogny, Nursing Certificate Baily Dauer-Cable, A.A.S. Makyla Griffin, Nursing Certificate Madison Sohm, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Scott City Kayla Esquivel, A.S.

 Stockton Cecelia Barnard, Nursing Certificate Tierra Yohon, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; WaKeeney Kya O'Banion, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilson Hadleigh Davis, A.A.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College announces spring 2025 graduates from the area

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Kenworth semi driven by Cody Roy, 40, Lenora, was westbound on Interstate 70 approximately one and one half miles east of the Old 40 Highway exit.

The semi rear-ended a 2020 Nissan Leaf driven by James&nbsp; Boyd, 50,&nbsp; Denver, Colorado, who had slowed down.&nbsp; After impact the Nissan entered the north ditch and rolled onto its top.

EMS transported Boyd to the Gove County Hospital. Roy was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after rear-end crash on Interstate 70

COLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Sandra Glover as the new head coach for the Trojan Track and Field program.

Glover is a former Olympian, world medalist, and decorated collegiate coach who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Colby's athletics department.

A 2000 U.S. Olympian and University of Houston graduate, Glover boasts an exceptional resume as both an athlete and a coach. She is a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and bronze medalist (2005) in the 400-meter hurdles and was a four-time USA Track &amp; Field Trials Champion (1999–2002). Glover was also an NCAA All-American in 1991 during her collegiate career.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Glover to Colby," said Colby Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Her background as an elite competitor and a mentor to dozens of high-performing student-athletes makes her the perfect fit to lead our program. Her commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns with the mission of Colby Community College."

Glover most recently served as an assistant track &amp; field coach at Western New Mexico University, where she oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, and mid-distance events. Prior to that, she spent five highly successful years at her alma mater, the University of Houston (2019–2024), coaching long sprinters, hurdlers, and middle-distance athletes.

During her tenure with the Cougars, she played a key role in developing elite talent, coaching nine NCAA First Team All-Americans, four NCAA Second Team All-Americans, and seven NCAA National Qualifiers. She also guided three athletes to Big 12 Conference championships and helped produce 30 American Conference First Team selections.

Among her standout athletes was Kelly-Ann Beckford, the 2024 Big 12 Female Indoor Athlete of the Year, who set a University of Houston school record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.70. She also coached Sydni Townsend, who represented Houston in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the program's 400m hurdles record holder (55.00). Another standout, Lloyd Frilot, captured the American Conference 800m title and school record under Glover's guidance.

Before her time at Houston, Glover coached at Alcorn State University (2015–2018), where she produced two SWAC Conference Champions and helped set 11 school records, and Prairie View A&amp;M University (2014–2015), where she focused on sprints, hurdles, and jumps. She began her collegiate coaching journey at Houston Christian University (2011–2013) as a volunteer assistant.

When asked about what excites her about this new opportunity, Glover shared, "At the junior college level, you're building a foundation. You're preparing student-athletes for the next step in their journey, and it's important to develop a strong, competitive product that encourages four-year coaches to keep coming back for more."

Glover is a USATF Level 1 certified coach and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston (1993). Beyond her athletic and coaching accolades, she brings strong leadership skills and a passion for mentorship. She is known for fostering student-athlete development both on the track and in the classroom, emphasizing effective communication, goal setting, and accountability.

Looking ahead, Glover expressed her vision for the program, stating, "I'm excited to develop exceptional talent and help elevate Colby into a highly respected and competitive program."

At Colby, Glover will lead both the men's and women's track &amp; field programs. She will be responsible for recruiting, training, competition scheduling, and building on the Trojans' growing tradition of athletic and academic success.

Olympian Sandra Glover hired as head track and field coach

WICHITA – As single-elimination bracket play begins Wednesday at the
NBC World Series in Wichita, officials have released the bracket, and the Hays
Larks will take on the winner of the game between the Lonestar Baseball Club
and the San Diego Stars at 6 p.m. Thursday in Wichita.

The Larks won pool A with a perfect 3-0 record and earned a
bye to the quarterfinals.

Lonestar Baseball Club and the San Diego Stars play the
final game of the day on Wednesday.

You can watch every Larks game from the NBC World Series on
Hays Post thanks to our sponsors and the NBC.

Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

⚾Bracket set for NBC World Series

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Wednesday, July 30
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Atlanta Braves, 12:30pm

Friday, August 1
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 5:30pm

Saturday, August 2
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Toronto Blue Jays, 1:30pm

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