By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Vietnam War hero who survived a fierce battle stood before Hays on Veterans Day, sharing a message that the duty to serve continues long after the war ended.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ivanhoe Love Jr. is also the first Black Command Sergeant Major to serve as an instructor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. He reflected on his 28 years of service as an infantryman, having served in various units.

"I served in every capacity in the infantry, from squad leader up to a command sergeant major in almost every kind of unit where infantrymen serve," Love said.

Love emphasized he did not wish to glorify war, calling it “ugly,” and recalled a 1968 firefight in South Vietnam, where a much larger North Vietnamese force ambushed his small team. He lost nearly all his men but two in the initial attack.

"We fought all night," he said. "We were calling in close air support and artillery all night. ... I could hear through the bombs the screams of my men, 'Sgt. Love, come get me,' I'm crawling trying to get to these guys. I couldn't make it."

Along with a fellow captain who fought beside him that night, Love was honored for his actions. He received the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest military decorations, an award he said he didn’t feel he earned.

"I didn't do anything. I came back alive. My men couldn't come back," Love said.

After a brief period of rest, Love returned to combat, working with a soldier he described as one of the best he had ever known, someone with “animal-like instincts,” an acute sense of smell and hearing sharper than a scout dog.

The two fought side by side almost every day. Love said he couldn’t recall a time when he wasn’t under fire. During their final mission together, while Love was conducting a routine equipment check, the soldier suffered a severe episode brought on by trauma.

"PTSD is a real-life thing. I don't know what happened to him, but I had to move forward," Love said. "[He was] an elegant example of what it does to the human mind. When you kill, and kill and kill ... but we do it for the sake of this country—no other reason, not for glory, but because of the causes we believe in."

Love returned to the United States once again and was met with hostility. First, when protesters at the airport threw urine on him, and later, when he said the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in his front yard after he became the first African American instructor and student at Arkansas State University.

After retiring from the military in 1990, Love devoted himself to public service in Seward County, serving as a county commissioner and spending more than a decade on the Liberal City Commission, including three terms as mayor. He later became Rotary District Governor for western Kansas.

"I carried the lessons forward that I learned in the military. I discovered that the call to serve doesn't end when you take the uniform off, it simply changes its form," Love said.

Love urged action to support veterans struggling with homelessness and health care challenges, saying gratitude must translate to concrete help. He also emphasized the importance of the VFW’s role in that mission.

"Let us ensure that when we say thank you for your service. It carries with you the commitment to stand with those who are still fighting battles unseen," he said.

The ceremony at VFW Post 9076 began with the Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by O’Loughlin Elementary students leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The program also featured a presentation from the Voice of Democracy scholarship winner, Mariella Dreiling, who read her winning essay. The ceremony concluded with a traditional flag-folding tribute.

The VFW is a nonprofit that offers medical assistance and helps veterans file their VA claims. You can learn more <a href="https://www.vfw.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN3GfFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEQ3RzMEhzeXBPRjMyRmo1AR7qR4g62MePlcxYWDlrqFVuUoF8Myhfp4IE8-8lH5Q0TMhg-W6yY8tQEf5EVw_aem_VY0FNVEDm-btcxcbO4VxUA">here</a>.

Vietnam War hero remembers the night he lost almost all of his men 

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

The Hays Post delivered food and monetary donations to First Call for Help on Wednesday afternoon.

The Hays Post food drive will continue on Thursday.

Food collected on Thursday will be donated to the St. Joseph Food Pantry.

We will have our big, red radio station truck in front of the station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make it easy for you to drop off your non-perishable food items.

The St. Joseph Pantry stated that they are in particular need of shelf-stable milk, proteins such as canned tuna, chicken, or meat, meals in a can, and canned fruit.

If you would rather contribute cash or check to the pantry, you can bring your donation to the radio station, and we’ll deliver it to the pantry.

Thank you from all of us at HaysPost.com, Hull Broadcasting and Eagle Media. Our Community…Connected!

Another thank you to all who donated food to the Community Assistance Center on Tuesday. The pantry received 197 items thanks to the food drive.

Hays Post donates food to First Call for Help; drive continues Thursday

The Ellis County Commission, serving as the canvassing board for the 2025 General Election, certified the election for the USD 388 Board of Education, among other races.

No canvass resulted in no changes in the contested races, including the Hays City Commission and the Hays USD 489 school board.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5892/Official-Results-2025-General-Election">You can see a full list of the official results by CLICKING HERE.</a>

 However, some races did not have enough candidates on the ballot and will be filled through write-in votes.

Those are listed below and include the Ellis USD 388 school board, which had no candidates on the ballot in the General Election.

USD 388-Ellis Nicholas Keller-276 Craig Seibel-248 Bailey Gottschalk-237

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CUzNtH9Ph/">In a Facebook post announcing his write-in candidacy</a>, Seibel said he was born and raised in Ellis and graduated from Ellis High School. He and his wife have been married for 19 years and have five children.

"I’m actively involved in local youth programs, including coaching through the Ellis Recreation Commission and the Ellis Wrestling Club," Seibel said. "I also help lead a weekly mentorship program for post-Confirmation high school students called Y-Disciple, where we engage in meaningful faith-based dialogue, cultivating relationships built on the foundations of Discipleship with Christ."

Seibel said he ran because he cares about the future of local children and schools, promising a commitment to high standards for staff and students.

He said he aims to establish a foundation of honesty, integrity, goodwill and collaboration, and to support policies that encourage long-term success.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQcANHcr9/">In a Facebook post announcing her write-in candidacy</a>, Gottschalk said she is a lifelong Ellis resident and a 2013 graduate of Ellis High School. She and her husband live in Ellis with their three children.

"While our children are not yet in school, that's exactly why I believe now is the perfect time to get involved," she said.

Gottschalk said she hopes to represent young families like her own while also advocating for the long-term interests of the entire community.

Her priorities focus on open communication and fostering strong partnerships among parents and educators.

The Hays Post was unable to reach&nbsp;Nicholas Keller as of this post.

Schoenchen City Council member Jim Mowry-30 Kyle Zimmerman-14 Thomas Cole Dinges-13 Vern Dreiling-12 Rex Hertle-11

Victoria Council member Mathew L. Sander-172 Ryan Litcher-157 David Ottley-6

Munjor Improvement District Darold F Younker-20 Stephanie Leithead-2 Tony Rohr-1

Suburban Estates Improvement District Steve Pfeifer-4 Brandon Legleiter-2 Terry Bottorf-2

Ellis County Clerk and Election Officer Bobbi Dreiling presented the canvassing board with 32 provisional ballots, 31 of which were accepted and one was rejected.

Dreiling said of the 31 voters, one failed to provide valid identification, 26 moved within the county, two had changed their name, one was linked to a clerical error and one applied for an advance ballot after the deadline.

All 31 were accepted and counted in the final election results. The one rejected ballot was not from a registered voter.

The final voter tally in Ellis County was 4,662, with 20,483 registered voters for a turnout of 22.76%.

Two incumbents and a former school board member were elected to the Hays USD 489 school board.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff929dc5-f4f5-433c-876e-59fc19df6a2d">SEE RELATED STORY: 3 veterans elected to Hays USD 489 school board</a>

Incumbents Shaun Musil, a Nex-Tech employee, and Sandy Jacobs, a retired banker, were the top two vote-getters for the Hays City Commission. The third open seat went to newcomer David Vilaysing, a retired officer with the Hays Police Department.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f1932b8-516a-420d-841e-df378c20a8f2">SEE RELATED STORY: 2 incumbents, 1 newcomer elected to Hays City Commission</a>

Ellis County canvass certifies 2025 election results, names new Ellis USD 388 members

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory was issued 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;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Bunker Hill 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.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Bunker Hill

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The holiday season officially begins on The Bricks in Downtown Hays with the annual Holiday Open Houses, happening Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15.

Local retailers and restaurants will open their doors with festive décor, exclusive specials, and timeless holiday cheer as part of this year’s Christmas Magic on Main Street celebration. The event marks the start of a cherished shop-local tradition — inviting the community to stroll The Bricks, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and support the small businesses that keep Downtown Hays glowing all season long.

During the open houses, shoppers can purchase the new Downtown Holiday Coupon Book, available for $10 each, offering the potential to save over $1,000 at participating downtown businesses. Proceeds from each coupon book go directly toward the Downtown Dollar Giveaway prize fund, helping create even more excitement and rewards for those who shop local this holiday season.

The Downtown Dollar Giveaway runs throughout the season, giving shoppers a chance to win Downtown Dollars redeemable at dozens of participating businesses on The Bricks.

“These open houses are about more than sales,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “They’re about tradition — the sparkle of lights and the joy of supporting local businesses that make Hays such a special place to celebrate the season.”

Holiday Open Houses are just the beginning of a full lineup of festive events as part of Christmas Magic on Main Street, including the Jubilee, Clydesdale rides, and the 25th annual FrostFest Parade.

For full details, participating retailers, and contest information, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

Enjoy holiday open houses Thursday through Saturday in downtown Hays

MANHATTAN — Following a competitive application process, 32 first-year students at Kansas State University have been selected as new members of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/activities/quest/">Quest Freshman Honorary</a>, a program facilitated by Blue Key Senior Honorary.

Quest works to develop student leaders through mentorship, personal development and campus involvement. Upon selection, members of Quest are paired with mentors from Blue Key.

Under the leadership of Blue Key, Quest takes a behind-the-scenes look at everything that K-State has to offer, providing members with opportunities to tour K-State Athletics facilities, enjoy a meal at the university president's home and connect with student leaders across campus, fostering a commitment to lifelong service and leadership. Quest provides freshman leaders with the tools necessary to give back to the K-State family.

The following undergraduate students are members of Quest for the 2025-2026 year:

Avery Vogt, advertising and public relations, and Jackson Weidler, business administration, both from&nbsp;Andover; Ava Gustin, medical laboratory science,&nbsp;Carbondale; Oliver Nobert, civil engineering,&nbsp;Clyde; Lillian Hulse, agricultural education,&nbsp;Culver; Allyson Rietcheck, feed and pet food science,&nbsp;Gardner; and Darcy Feist, diets and sports nutrition,&nbsp;Great Bend. Marisa Wasinger, agricultural education,&nbsp;Hays; Paige Mueller, news and sports media,&nbsp;Hiawatha; Ella Beesley, elementary education,&nbsp;Hugoton; Ayanna Lopez, landscape architecture,&nbsp;Kansas City; Maren Carter, secondary education,and Isabelle Connealy, computer science, both from&nbsp;Lenexa; Anagha Nair, advertising and public relations, and Jocelyn Brott, English, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; and Maggie Chandler, agricultural education,&nbsp;Neodesha. Ryan Duewer, electrical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park; Brooklyn Countryman, secondary education,&nbsp;Quinter; Fallon Miller, wildlife biology,&nbsp;Rossville; Aubrey Schmelzle, hospitality management,&nbsp;Sabetha; Carson Ablard, political science,&nbsp;Salina; Charlotte Caldwell, human health biology,&nbsp;Shawnee; Jazzmyne Means, architectural engineering,&nbsp;Stilwell; and Cohen Richardson, construction science,&nbsp;Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/">k-state.edu/bluekey</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Quest Freshman Honorary and other Blue Key programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays, Quinter students selected to KSU Quest Freshman Honorary

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board decided to delay moving forward on selling land adjacent to Hays Middle School until it can obtain an appraisal.

The board is considering selling&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/717a1a84-82e4-456a-90ae-88efeb538244">7.23 acres of district-owned property at 201 W. 29th St., north of the current Hays Middle School football field, through a sealed bid process.</a>

The board plans to accept sealed bids for the property with the right to refuse any bids it receives. The proceeds from the sale of the property would be allocated to the capital outlay fund.

The board was scheduled to vote on the sale on Monday, but Allen Park, board member, said he wanted to obtain an appraisal, which would cost about $1,350.

The district already has four comparable sales to review. 

Those comparable lots sold for between $1.72 and $2.41 per square foot. 

The property closest in size to the middle school property was at 1201 E. 33rd St. This property is zoned for residential multifamily use. It consists of 7.71 acres (335,412 square feet).&nbsp;This property sold on October 20, 2020, for $577,500, which calculates to $1.72 per square foot.

Board Vice President Ken Brooks said he did not believe the appraisal was necessary and considered it a waste of money.

The board ultimately voted to move forward with the appraisal on a vote of 5-1, with Brooks voting against. Board member Jayme Goetz was absent.

The board approved a $68,250 bid from Vitztum Commercial Flooring for flooring at Hays Middle School for the cafeteria serving area and the band and vocal rooms.

The board also approved a bid for $71,086 from Nex-Tech for interior door locks, including hardware, installation and configuration for Hays Middle School.

Superintendent Ron Wilson informed the board he had successfully applied for and received two grants to reimburse the district for upgrades to the high school's tennis courts.

The district received $140,000 from the United States Tennis Association and&nbsp;$14,000 from the Missouri Valley Tennis Association, totaling $154,000. The money will be deposited into the capital outlay fund.

Board member Ruth Ruder thanked Wilson for his efforts and said the district should consider hiring a grant writer next year.

Hays USD 489 board delays sale of middle school land pending appraisal

Two contestants received the inaugural Miss Fort Hays and Miss Smoky Hills titles and are now advancing to the Miss Kansas competition.

The competition was a local pageant affiliated with the Miss America Organization, offering participants the opportunity to earn scholarships and advance toward the Miss America title.

Alyna Chavez, a junior at Fort Hays State University and member of the FHSU Tiger Debs and Delta Zeta, won the Miss Fort Hays title along with the talent award.

Morgan Allen, a sophomore at FHSU and certified nursing assistant, is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. She won the title of Miss Smoky Hills.

The Nov. 8 pageant focused on education, community service, and personal growth, with contestants evaluated in multiple categories. Harper Lubbers received the interview award.

Miss Fort Hays Director Sherelle Peterson, who brought the competition to Hays after witnessing her daughter's rewarding experience competing in Miss Dodge City, handpicked judges with expertise in the categories being evaluated.

2025 Miss Fort Hays, Miss Smoky Hills crowned

A partnership between Fort Hays State University, Garden City Community College (GCCC), and Garden City Arts brought together first responders, students, and community members for a unique blend of training and creative collaboration during the First Responder Art Collaboration Training (FACT) on Tuesday, October 28.

Hosted in the Endowment Room on GCCC’s campus, the three-hour event was led by FHSU’s Community Engaged Art class under the supervision of Dr. Amy Schmierbach, professor of art and certified Blue Bridge trainer. The initiative aimed to strengthen communication, empathy, and understanding between first responders and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

FACT began with Blue Bridge Training, a nationally recognized, evidence-based program developed by a retired police chief and father of an autistic son. The curriculum equips first responders with practical strategies for compassionate and effective interactions with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, communities that often face increased vulnerability during emergency situations.

Schmierbach, also the parent of an autistic child, shared her professional and personal insights during the session. “The goal of Blue Bridge is to build confidence, comfort, and mutual understanding,” she said. “Artmaking then provides the perfect space to put those lessons into practice.”

Following the training, participants joined a collaborative weaving workshop where first responders and students worked alongside community members with IDD, including participants from Mosaic and art students from both FHSU and GCCC. The hands-on activity encouraged conversation and cooperation while incorporating repetitive kinetic movement, an approach often used by individuals with autism for self-regulation and sensory comfort.

“The highlight for me was interacting with the young man at the weaving station,” said Robert Scrivner, associate professor of criminal justice and public safety at GCCC. “We had a great conversation about Captain America, and his smile afterward was infectious. Made my day. Plus, I had never woven before, so I really got a lot out of it.”

More than 25 participants attended, including students and professionals from EMS paramedic, criminal justice, and fire safety programs. The event reflected the shared commitment of all partners to foster inclusivity and strengthen community bonds through art and education.

GCCC expressed gratitude to Dr. Schmierbach for bringing the FACT initiative to Garden City, following successful collaborations in Hays, Atwood, and Wichita. The college also thanked Garden City Arts Executive Director Katy Guthrie for her organizational support and leadership in promoting accessible arts programming, as well as Michael Knutson and the GCCC Visual Arts Department for their contributions to making this educational opportunity possible.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of art to connect people and deepen understanding,” Schmierbach said. “When we combine creativity with compassion, we can truly make a difference in how communities care for one another.”

FHSU, GCCC partner on First Responder Art Collaboration Training

&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

Cub Scout Sign Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Dr., is Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Scouting America invites families to Cub Scout Sign-Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center on Thursday, Nov. 20. 

Cub Scouting is open to boys and girls in grades K–5&nbsp; and builds character, confidence, and community through hands on fun camping, Pinewood Derby®, outdoor skills, and STEM projects.

“Cub Scouting is where the adventure begins,” said Samuel Pyle, district executive for the Wheatland District. “It’s about learning by doing and growing together as a family and community.”

Drop in to meet leaders, learn about upcoming activities, and get your child started. 

For more info contact Samuel Pyle at samuel.pyle@scouting.org or 785-639-7681.

Cub Scout Sign Up Night is Nov. 20 in Hays

Enter The Smart Flush Sweepskates brought to you by city of Hays Water Conservation. One lucky winner will be chosen on Nov. 20 to win a 0.8
gallon/flush toilet for World Toilet Day, which is Nov. 19!

&nbsp;FUN FACT - 0.8 gpf toilets are the most efficient toilets you can purchase in Hays, KS. If your home currently has a 1.6 gpf (the current federal standard) and you replace it with a 0.8 gpf toilet, you are essentially cutting your toilet water use in half! Do your part to be Water Smart!

Smart Flush Sweepstakes!

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

The Bricks in Downtown Hays is accepting entries for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade, happening Sunday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s illuminated parade celebrates the milestone anniversary with the nostalgic theme “Timeless Traditions.”

Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups are invited to take part by creating festive, lighted floats that bring to life the memories and traditions that have stood the test of time. From childhood Christmas moments to treasured family customs, each entry adds to the wonder and warmth of this beloved Hays holiday celebration.

“This year’s theme, Timeless Traditions, is all about honoring the memories that connect generations,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director of The Bricks. “FrostFest has been a cherished part of Hays for 25 years — and we can’t wait to see how the community brings that magic to life.”

The parade is part of the Christmas Magic on Main Street season, which includes free family events, Santa visits, Clydesdale rides, and downtown festivities throughout November and December.

Entry is free, and all participants must register by Sunday, November 30 at downtownhays.com. Parade guidelines, lineup details, and route maps will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Come be part of a “Timeless Tradition” and help light up The Bricks for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade — a celebration of community, nostalgia, and Christmas cheer!

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as The Bricks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays. Through community events, business partnerships, and place-making initiatives, DHDC works to preserve our historic charm while fostering a thriving downtown for residents, visitors, and future generations.

Entries open for the 25th-annual FrostFest Parade

The holidays may be difficult for those grieving the loss of a loved one. GriefShare will offer a free “Surviving the Holidays” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Youth Room at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

Carol Spalsbury, one of the organizers, said that the event “reassures people who are grieving the loss of a loved one that they are not alone—that help is available.

“The event offers encouragement and practical advice to navigate the Thanksgiving and Christmas season,” she said. “It gives insight into what to expect and strength to go on.”

Refreshments will be provided. In order for organizers to have adequate materials on hand, attendees are asked to pre-register by Friday, Nov. 14, by contacting the church at (785) 628-8887 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nocc@northoak.net">nocc@northoak.net</a>.

Grief support group to present free seminar

Hospice at HaysMed is once again offering its Hospice Community Christmas Tree to remember those who have died and honor those who are still living.

The tree will be decorated with brass doves, each engraved with the name of the person being remembered or honored. The suggested donation is $20 per dove. The tree will be on display at HaysMed during the Christmas holiday season.

Checks made payable to Hospice at HaysMed, along with the name of the person being honored or remembered, may be sent to HaysMed Foundation, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601.

The Hays Med Hospice ornaments orders are due by Dec. 11.

“Donations enhance the resources available for education, support the volunteer and bereavement programs in their entirety, and cover patient-related expenses not paid for by insurance,” a news release said.

Hospice at HaysMed has been in existence for more than 30 years, “providing hope, comfort, and understanding for the terminally ill and their families,” the news release said. It provides services in Ellis, Russell, Rush, and Rooks counties.

More information is available at 785-623-6200 or 800-990-0731.

Hospice taking orders for Christmas tree ornaments

The Community Engaged Art Program at Fort Hays State University is hosting a food drive to benefit the clients of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and other community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Amy Schmierbach, one of the event’s organizers, said in a news release, that for many people with disabilities, typical “food drive” items are difficult to open and use.

“Lack of developed motor skills, such as an inability to use a can opener; cognitive issues with understanding complex instructions following a recipe; or dependency on others to cook for them are just some of the barriers to accessible food for people with disabilities, especially those who live independently,” she said.

“Donating items with simple packaging or taking an extra step to prepare items in ways that eliminate difficult-to-open containers, such as removing items from boxes and placing them in easy-to-access containers, helps individual living with disabilities have accessible food.”

Schmierbach, professor of art, has prepared a list of suggested items that are more accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donors are asked to drop off the following specified, non-perishable food items on campus at the Center for Art building at the Atrium drop-off box or at DSNWK’s Custom Creations, 1107 Main St.:

Yogurt cups and other single-serving dairy products, such as pudding cups; canned fruits and vegetables with&nbsp;pop-top lids;&nbsp;instant oatmeal or cream of wheat;&nbsp;applesauce cups or pouches&nbsp;; non-perishable, non-frozen, microwavable meals&nbsp;(Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, Minute Rice); meat and cheese snack packs; fruit cups and Jell-O; granola bars and trail mix; instant mashed potatoes; and microwave popcorn.

Schmierbach said if people are unsure if an item qualifies as “accessible” for someone with a disability, they can ask themselves these four questions:

Can it be stored outside of refrigeration?&nbsp;Is it easy to open? Is it shelf-stable? Does it require fewer than two or three steps to prepare?

If the answer to all four questions is “yes,” then the item is “accessible,” she said.

Steve Keil, communications officer for DSNWK, said the food drive is coming at a good time to help those DSNWK clients who rely on SNAP benefits.

“DSNWK would like to thank FHSU for coordinating this food drive for the people we serve and supporting them with food items during these uncertain times.&nbsp;DSNWK serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from the SNAP program. We hope that the SNAP benefit issues at the federal level will resolve soon,&nbsp;and there appears to be some relief coming.&nbsp;

“It means a great deal to us that others are thinking of their neighbors with disabilities, those we serve, in this outreach.&nbsp; All donations received from this generous food drive will go directly to those served by DSNWK in its Supported Living program and group residential living sites,” Keil said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those who wish to make a financial donation may drop off a check at Custom Creations made out to DSNWK with the subject line: food drive. The drive will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.

FHSU food drive to make donated food accessible for people with disabilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-schumer-health-insurance-tax-credits-a57733892f05a8893f5781203238e889">a record 43-day shutdown</a>&nbsp;that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.

Trump’s signature draws to a close the second government shutdown he’s overseen in the White House, one that magnified the partisan divisions in Washington as his administration took unprecedented unilateral actions -- including canceling projects and trying to fire federal workers -- to pressure Democrats into relenting on their demands.

The signing ceremony came just hours after the House passed the measure on a mostly party-line vote of 222-209. The Senate had already passed the measure Monday.

Democrats wanted to extend an enhanced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">tax credit</a>&nbsp;expiring at the end of the year that lowers the cost of health coverage obtained through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They refused to go along with a short-term spending bill that did not include that priority. But Republicans said that was a separate policy fight to be held at another time.

“We told you 43 days ago from bitter experience that government shutdowns don’t work,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "They never achieve the objective that you announce. And guess what? You haven’t achieved that objective yet, and you’re not going to.”

The frustration and pressures generated by the shutdown was reflected when lawmakers debated the spending measure on the House floor.

Republicans said Democrats sought to use the pain generated by the shutdown to prevail in a policy dispute.

“They knew it would cause pain and they did it anyway,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.

Democrats said Republicans raced to pass tax breaks earlier this year that they say mostly will benefit the wealthy. But the bill before the House Wednesday “leaves families twisting in the wind with zero guarantee there will ever, ever be a vote to extend tax credits to help everyday people pay for their health care,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would not give up on the subsidy extension even if the vote did not go their way.

“This fight is not over,” Jeffries said. “We’re just getting started.”

The House had not been in legislative session since Sept. 19, when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">passed a short-term measure</a>&nbsp;to keep the government open when the new budget year began in October. Johnson sent lawmakers home after that vote and put the onus on the Senate to act, saying House Republicans had done their job.

🎥President Trump signs bill to end the 43 day government shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;– The Wichita Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Curtis Vines are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate him.

Vines was last seen Wednesday, Nov. 12, at around 9:45 a.m., in the 6000 block of East Ironhorse. He does not have access to a vehicle and is believed to be on foot.

Vines is a white male who is 6 feet tall and weighs around 175 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair, and was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and blue jeans.

Vines has dementia, and family members are concerned about his safety.&nbsp;

If you see Curtis Vines, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316)-268-4111.

KBI: Statewide Silver Alert for missing Kansas man

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a bill Wednesday to end the nation's longest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature after a historic 43-day funding lapse that saw federal workers go without multiple paychecks, travelers stranded at airports and people lining up at food banks to get a meal for their families.

House lawmakers made their long-awaited return to the nation's capital this week after nearly eight weeks away, with Republicans using their slight majority to get the bill over the finish line by a vote of 222-209. Kansas GOP lawmakers Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Derek Schmidt voted for the measure.

Six Democrats voted with the majority including Jared Golden of Maine, Marie Gluesenkanp Perez of Washington, Adam Gray of California, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Tom Suozzi of New York and Don Davis of North Carolina. Kansas Democrat Representative Sharice Davids voted against the bill.

The Senate has already passed the measure. Trump has called the bill a “very big victory."

Democrats wanted to extend an enhanced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">tax credit</a>&nbsp;expiring at the end of the year that lowers the cost of health coverage obtained through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They refused to go along with a short-term spending bill that did not include that priority. But Republicans said that was a separate policy fight to be held at another time. They eventually prevailed, but only after the shutdown took an increasing toll on the country.

The shutdown magnified the stark partisan divisions within Congress, and that split screen was reflected when lawmakers debated the measure on the House floor.

“Stop imposing the suffering,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said. “Let's open the government. Let's get back to the work of the American people.”

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