By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Dorothy and her friends are returning to the stage as Thomas More Perp-Marian students bring a twist to "The Wizard of Oz" this week.

Travis Grizzell, TMP-Marian drama director,  said the upcoming production includes students from sixth through 12th grade.

"We're going back to Oz this year," Grizzell said. "It's a large cast for us and a good range of students at TMP-Marian Junior and Senior High School."

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 15, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php">online</a>&nbsp;or at the door of the Dreiling Theater at TMP High School, 1701 Hall St.

The production includes about 35 cast members and 15 crew, with a new spin to its Kansas scenes while keeping the classic Oz storyline. The cast features:

Grace Schmeidler as Dorothy Gale Kendall Seiler as Glinda Blaise Staab as Cowardly Lion Eli Stein as Scarecrow Jack Stoecklein as Tin Man Evan Staab as the Wizard of Oz Morgan Greenwood as the Wicked Witch of the West

The production was announced in the spring, with auditions and rehearsals held afterward.

"After Labor Day, we get right after it. It's a half-year process that culminates this week," Grizell said.

Grizzell said the show will make use of the aisles, giving the audience a close-up view of the characters. He advises attendees to watch out when getting up for the restroom during the performance.

Grizell also encourages audience members to dress as their favorite Oz characters for a costume contest on each night of the show.

TMP presents 'The Wizard of Oz' this week

Each year at the free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast, bags of free groceries are distributed to anyone who wants one. The food drive to collect the items for those bags will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dillons Grocery Store at 1902 Vine St.

The Rev. Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the food drive, said shoppers entering the store will be given lists of the items that will go into the bags. Last year 200 bags were prepared and distributed, Houchen said. This year, each bag will also contain suggested recipes that utilize those specific food items.

He said volunteers are still needed to help with the food drive. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the donated items into bags. That sorting process will take place at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., immediately following the food drive on Saturday. Houchen is the pastor at St. Michael’s. Volunteers may sign up be calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

This year’s Thanksgiving Feast, which is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St.

Community Thanksgiving Feast food drive is Saturday in Hays; volunteers needed

FHSU daily crime log: Nov. 7-13, 2025

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.

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Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

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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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After hearing the details during last week's work session, Hays city commissioners will vote on several items that would move forward proposed housing developments and business expansions.

Agenda items for the <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-1579">Nov. 13 meeting</a> include:

• Resolution to create a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the former Lincoln Elementary School • Agreement with Midwest Energy for utilities in the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development • Resolution to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds for a 24/7 Travel Store plaza at Interstate 70, Exit 157&nbsp; • Resolution to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds&nbsp;for Agiliti Hays to expand&nbsp; • Approval of a Kansas Department of Transportation award and matching city funds for the north side multi-use path construction • Renewal of employee health insurance for 2026 • Presentation of service awards to city employees&nbsp;

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to vote on housing, business expansions

Reese Barrick, a Hays city commissioner, says his participation in last month's local No Kings protest was intended to draw attention to tariffs declared by President Donald Trump, which Barrick claims negatively affect Kansas and Hays.&nbsp;

Barrick shared several of his reasons at the end of the Nov. 6 city commission work session because, he said, "it did stir up a lot of controversy about why a city commissioner would do that."&nbsp;

Barrick first mentioned the push to build affordable housing in Hays and the 30% tariff placed on Canadian lumber.

"That's not going to make housing cheaper. That hasn't really hit us hard yet, but by the time we get 140 houses starting to be built (in the Tallgrass Addition Phase 4 and other developments), that's going to impact the cost of our housing," Barrick said. "That affects us locally."

He discussed the Kansas agricultural economy, saying that there have been zero exports of milo to China.

"That affects local ag, meaning people will go out of business or sell to corporate farms, which means no people living in western Kansas, he said."

Soybeans have fared better. A recent agreement was made regarding the sale of U.S. soybeans after Trump eased his stance against China.

During his Oct. 30 meeting with Trump, China's President Xi agreed to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/38b541b0-a073-4600-b3ac-10fa70b4b19f">buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually</a> for the next three years, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Barrick also talked about the large beef industry in Kansas.

"Our president gave <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc4e923b-8a4b-4832-8639-7127312e9293">$40 billion to Argentina</a> in order to open up bringing more foreign beef into the U.S. How is that going to help Kansas farmers?" Barrick said.

"It's going to kill the population of western Kansas," he said, "which affects Hays directly."

Hays is a major retail hub for northwest Kansas and relies on local sales tax revenue to fund the operations of the general fund.&nbsp;

Barrick said, "more people should probably be out protesting the things that directly affect the city of Hays. I'm willing to put myself out there, and that's fine. I accept that."

Barrick, a Democrat, said he was publicly criticized for his protest participation by the Ellis County Republican Party and speculated that played a role in why he was not reelected to office.

He came in fourth place in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f1932b8-516a-420d-841e-df378c20a8f2">Nov. 4 election</a> behind newcomer David Vilaysing, who captured the third open seat on the Hays City Commission.&nbsp;

"I'm not even sad," Barrick said. "I think the process went through the way it's supposed to. I think the person who won is going to do a really good job."

He said he's looking forward to a bright future for Hays, but was also afraid of things that are going to affect Hays directly.&nbsp;

"I just wanted to take the opportunity to publicly say to the Ellis County Republicans who said I'm an embarrassment because I took the democratic opportunity that we have in this country to protest things happening that our president is doing that affects out city directly," Barrick said.

"I'm okay with that and the fact that that hurt me (in the election) is fine because some things, to me, are bigger than winning or losing an election," he said.&nbsp;

Barrick told Hays Post this week the objections to Trump he wrote on the sign he was holding came from suggestions made by Jimmy Kimmel, late night television show host and comedian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The sayings were about not wanting a king or dictator running this country. If you want to make Trump mad, make fun of him,"&nbsp;Barrick said.&nbsp;

"Trump's tariffs are a violation of the Constitution. Only Congress has the power to enact tariffs.&nbsp;The comments I made at the city commission work session were policy reasons why a person from here would protest his actions," Barrick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioner Alaina Cunningham, who was not up for re-election, commented after Barrick's remarks.

"Personal beliefs of the commissioners, whether they're political or not, get left at the door," she said. 

"Everybody up here and in the past, from what I have seen, really tries to do the best for the community as a whole.

"It's not an easy job. You cannot make every person happy, and there are hard decisions. But truly, I feel like all commissioners present definitely do what is best in their decision-making," Cunningham said.&nbsp;

Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who was reelected, pointed out that the Hays City Commission is a nonpartisan body.

"That's the reason when you vote, there's no 'D' or 'R' behind a name,"&nbsp;Jacobs said. "The only way to do a good job for this community is in a nonpartisan way."

Hays city commissioner explains participation in No Kings protest  

The Office of Education for the Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese is honored to announce that Ms. Jennie Helget&nbsp;has been selected as the Salina Diocese Distinguished Educator of the Year&nbsp;for the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools (KAIRS). Ms. Helget currently serves as the Junior High Math teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M).

This prestigious selection underscores the exceptional caliber and commitment of teaching professionals within our Diocesan schools. Ms. Helget embodies the ideal Catholic educator—one whose work transcends instruction and becomes a true ministry.

Ms. Helget's extensive career includes two decades of dedicated service at Holy Family Elementary. Now teaching Junior High Math at TMP-M, she continues to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and care. The nomination highlights that her lessons are creative and organized, her classroom environment is uplifting, and her positivity is truly contagious.

Her impact extends beyond the classroom walls:

Principal Chad Meitner affirmed the selection, stating, "Jennie is one of those special educators that students admire and appreciate... She couples this skillset and attitude with a work ethic that is second to none. Jennie's ministry is varied and powerful, confirming that teaching is a vocation for her."

Ms. Helget will be recognized and honored alongside other statewide recipients at the annual KAIRS Banquet in February 2026. We are immensely proud of her contributions to the Catholic community and the future of our students.

Salina Diocese Catholic Schools announces TMP-Marian teacher as educator of the year

By KAREN MADORIN As I get older, I find shorter days and cooler temperature trigger an overpowering urge to nest.

Reading friends’ posts; watching my hubs reorganize summer and winter closets, yard tools, and hunting gear; and comparing daily life stories with others tells me I’m not alone. Scores of humans have entered winter nesting mode. Note rolled up hoses, cleaned and tidily hung rakes and shovels, and bedding and pillows airing on clothes lines. 

Others reorganize dressers and closets to enable easy access to season-appropriate clothing. Industrious house-keepers empty cupboards to clean them thoroughly along with washing walls and ceilings. One friend who lived for years in the high Sierras shared that she prepares her pantry every fall so she has enough goods stored she can make soups 'til spring arrives.

Until I visited with her, I hadn’t realized it, but I start winter nesting in May when I chop and freeze three huge bags of Vidalia onions to last us through the year. Then I chop and freeze fruit and vegetables as they ripen throughout the summer. By fall my freezer bulges with supplies to feed us through coming cold months.

After Steph and I hung up, I scanned our pantry. While I may not buy supplies by the case, I unconsciously stock up each trip to the grocery store. By the time snow flies, those shelves contain ingredients enough to keep us in chili, chicken noodle soup, vegetable stew, ham 'n' beans, barley beef soup, and homemade cinnamon rolls and bread, no matter how deep the drifts.

This girlfriend chat sent me down a bunny trail. Remembering my favorite childhood 'Little House on the Prairie' book series. I recalled Laura writing detailed accounts of how Ma and Pa filled their attic with pumpkins, dried corn, smoked hams and bacon, and other supplies necessary to people who lived far from a market. We may not pack the attic, but cupboards and freezer burst at the seams.

That led to another off-trail trek when I thought about squirrels storing nuts to feed them through the winter and mountain pika packing away grasses and seeds to nourish them when snow buries food sources. Heavens, each autumn bears feast like there is no tomorrow to pack on fat to sustain them through winter hibernation.

Maybe this winter nesting drive is more than a human compulsion. Maybe it’s a mammal urge. Then I thought about woodpeckers that drill holes all over a tree to fill with acorns and eagles that cross national borders following migrating ducks to ensure an ample winter food supply. This need isn’t species limited.

Perhaps the Lord created all His creatures with a desire to store supplies to last through short days and long nights. 

Decades of what humans consider civilized life may lead some to think weekly grocery shopping, Amazon deliveries, furnaces, electric lighting, vehicles, and more are natural. However, others can’t ignore impulses triggered by generations of winter preparations. Short days, dropping temps, and falling leaves drive all creatures to ready themselves for whatever nature delivers.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Winter nesting

<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

Today, Hays Post is accepting non-perishable food donations and cash from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to benefit the St. Joseph's Food Bank in Hays.

We have the big, red radio station truck out front, 2300 Hall.

Simply drop your donation off in the back of the truck, and we'll deliver it to the St. Joseph's Food Bank at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

If you have a cash donation, please bring it into the radio station.

Hays Post sponsoring food drive for St. Joseph Food Pantry today

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

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

The Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is being hosted at the little Dillons, 515 W. 27th, Friday through Sunday. 

Lists of approved snacks for the children are available at the store and gift cards can be purchased to be used toward perishable items. 

Bins will be available for items to be dropped off at both doors.&nbsp;

Thanks for supporting the longest running child care center in Hays!

Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is Friday through Sunday

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

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

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>

America’s aviation system is straining under the weight of the longest government shutdown on record:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-faa-government-shutdown-2535828689edac07e693c2e54a2f5f16">thousands of flight cancellations</a>, long delays at major airports and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-what-to-expect-986ef2236e545fa32253b4e4bc7621e9">frustrated travelers</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-airlines-faa-e39c423facec2b0dcc2544af48de0fa1">ordered airlines to scale back</a>&nbsp;domestic flight schedules, saying the cuts are meant to ease pressure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-government-shutdown-travel-aviation-flight-delays-211022120bf96ab95dc6861ca5a7e32d">on an overstretched system</a>&nbsp;and help manage air traffic control staffing.

Unpaid for more than a month, some air traffic controllers begun calling out of work, citing stress and the need to take on second jobs — leaving more control towers and facilities short-staffed.

The numbers show the shutdown’s toll on air travel:

Major U.S. airports where all commercial airlines have been required to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b">cancel flights since Nov. 7</a>&nbsp;under the FAA’s orders. The list spans more than two dozen states and includes large hubs such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Airports on the FAA’s list of 40 where the agency also prohibited business jets and many private flights from landing.

The initial reduction in flight schedules ordered by the FAA.

The current flight reduction rate that the FAA says it is keeping in place instead of requiring airlines to make a 10% cut by Friday, as originally planned. The head of the agency and the U.S. transportation secretary on Wednesday cited improved controller staffing following news of a pending deal to end the shutdown.

Daily passengers who use the 40 airports where flights have been reduced, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Passengers who have been affected by staffing-related delays or cancellations since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;began on Oct. 1, according to Airlines for America. The industry trade group represents Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue.

Flights canceled between Nov. 7, the first day of the FAA-required cuts, and Wednesday evening, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware.

The average number of air traffic control facilities where the FAA warned of potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-government-shutdown-5034216cb5bb41bd40e27bb7861b2dd3">staffing issues</a>&nbsp;during the six weekends since the shutdown began. That is almost four times the number on weekends this year before the shutdown, according to an Associated Press analysis of operations plans sent through the Air Traffic Control System Command Center system.

How much President Donald Trump suggested air traffic controllers should receive as a bonus if they didn’t miss any days of work during the shutdown. Trump also threatened docking pay for those who haven’t stayed on the job.

Associated Press journalist Christopher L. Keller contributed from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

By the Numbers: Government shutdown's toll on air travel in the US

HARVEY COUNTY —On Wednesday, Harvey County Chief Judge Wilder sentenced 54-year-old Shyla McFrederic of Sedgwick, Kansa for Distribution of Methamphetamine, a severity level 1 drug felony, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

The case originated from McFrederick’s arrest in Sedgwick, Kansas, on April 19, 2024, when she was found in possession of 111 grams of methamphetamine, 22 grams of psilocybin, 94 grams of marijuana, and four fentanyl tablets.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, McFrederick faced a presumptive prison term of 138 to 154 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections. Harvey County Attorney Heather Figger requested that the Court impose a 146-month prison sentence, emphasizing that the State had already exercised leniency by dismissing seven felony and five misdemeanor charges across three separate criminal cases as part of the plea agreement.

County Attorney Figger also urged the Court to consider the devastating impact that the distribution of these substances has on the Harvey County community. Counsel for McFrederick requested a downward departure to probation.

In ruling on the matter, Chief Judge Wilder noted that the case involved “the highest level drug felony that exists and that is only for the methamphetamine you possessed and not the other drugs.”

During sentencing, the Court cited a substance use evaluation completed by McFrederick in September 2025, which indicated that she still was not accepting responsibility for her crimes. The Court also noted that McFrederick’s no contest plea was not an acceptance of responsibility.

After consideration, Chief Judge Wilder granted a durational departure, sentencing McFrederick to 60 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. The Court based this reduced sentence on McFrederick’s decision to waive her preliminary hearing and enter a plea—thereby saving the State the expense of further proceedings—and some limited acceptance of responsibility demonstrated by the actions she had taken to improve herself.

Kansas drug dealer gets plea deal after caught with meth, fentanyl pills

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Government, university and community leaders commemorated the opening Wednesday of a state-of-the-art convention center at the University of Kansas, which is equipped with amenities meant to draw thousands of annual visitors and generate revenue to pay off the university’s large-scale development project.

More than 100 people milled about the center’s grand entrance hall and conference rooms to hear Gov. Laura Kelly, university chancellor Douglas Girod and three others praise the teamwork and vision behind the University of Kansas Conference Center. They predicted a future of economic and community prosperity before cutting a ceremonious red ribbon held by the university’s mascots, Big Jay and Baby Jay.

The center is part of the project to revamp the school’s football stadium and northern campus entrance to create the Gateway District. The project could cost up to $808 million, and it relies heavily on state and local incentives, along with funding from the Republican-led Kansas Legislature and private donors to subsidize development.

The conference center is expected to be among the first steps in producing a return on those public and private investments.

“Not only will this facility benefit the greater Lawrence community, but it will also attract out-of-state visitors, spurring significant economic activity,” said Kelly, a Democrat. “Today marks a major step towards completion of the first phase of the university’s Gateway District project.”

The 55,000-square-foot center is the first of its kind in Douglas County. Kelly said the conference center has “required an intense collaborative effort.”

It is adjoined to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the center’s visitors can access a patio that puts them at eye-level with players and coaches. Conference center users can also access stadium amenities, including the digital scoreboard, meeting rooms and various offices, said Girod.

The university envisions galas, weddings, conventions, trade shows and other large social events as potential uses for the center, said Girod. Event bookings already stretch into 2027, he said.

“As a result of this design, it really positions us to host all kinds of events, bringing out-of-town visitors into our community,” Girod said, “and that’s really what it’s all about at the end of the day, to generate additional economic activity to the city, county, state and beyond.”

Girod said he hopes the new center will attract events from around the world. An estimated 400,000 people visit Lawrence annually. KU’s Rock Chalk Park soccer complex on the western edge of the city is currently under consideration for hosting a team base camp for the 2026 World Cup.

The conference center isn’t a typical one, in large part because of its location, Girod said.

“Right in the heart of Lawrence, right at the foot of the hill, right at the base of campus, right at the gateway of our campus, and, of course, as part of our stadium,” he said.

The Legislature allocated $35 million to the project in 2022 from American Rescue Plan Act funds. It received $50 million in grant funding in 2023 from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which required a three-to-one match of private funds. The city of Lawrence approved in August a $95 million package of incentives, including the city’s first Sales Tax and Revenue, or STAR, bonds, which allow the city to finance the project with nearly $86 million in bonds. Once built, the development’s revenues and sales taxes will pay off the bonds.

Now that phase 1 is complete, the roughly $300 million phase 2 is expected to begin once KU’s football season ends, said Girod.

The second phase is expected to begin with renovations to the east side of the football stadium and construction of a parking garage and a 150-room hotel. A roughly 440-bed student housing complex, outdoor event plaza and retail, restaurant and office space are expected to follow, extending use of the area beyond football season.

Nearly 1 million people are predicted to visit the Gateway District annually once the project is complete in 2030, according to a feasibility study submitted to the city of Lawrence. Developers expect the district to produce a net economic output of $84.9 million and more than 1,600 full-time jobs.

“Today marks a shift in what is possible in Lawrence,” said Kim Anspach, the executive director of Explore Lawrence, the city’s tourism arm.

Capacity often restricted the city’s ability to host and grow events, she said. The center helps create a “steady rhythm of activity,” which helps support the year-round stability of the local economy.

The center is not a one-time boost, Anspach said; it’s a foundation.

KU convention center opens, capping phase 1 of $800M stadium expansion, redevelopment

FINNEY COUNTY —On Wednesday, during morning drop-off at Garfield Early Childhood Center, 121 West Walnut, a pedestrian accident occurred, resulting in a student being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. 

First responders arrived at the scene following reports of the incident. The investigation determined that a pickup truck driven by 56-year-old Jose Perez Castrellon, 56, was traveling southbound on 8th Street. As he turned left onto Walnut Street, Perez Castrellon failed to yield and struck the student, who was crossing in the crosswalk with their parent. 

Finney County EMS transported the student to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment and they are "on the mend," according to police.

Perez Castrellon was found to be driving with a suspended license. He was taken to the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Driving While Suspended (2nd) and cited for Failure to Yield to Pedestrians. He has as many as 4 previous DUI convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Pickup driver who struck SW Kan. student in crosswalk has history of DUI

WASHINGTON (AP) —What's in the bill to end the government shutdown?

The legislation is the result of a deal reached by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-8-democrats-e83180c0b69642a00a234c244d9ea76e">eight senators who broke ranks</a>&nbsp;with the Democrats after reaching the conclusion that Republicans would not bend on using a government funding to bill to extend the health care tax credits.

The compromise funds three annual spending bills and extends the rest of government funding through Jan. 30. Republicans promised to hold a vote by mid-December to extend the health care subsidies, but there is no guarantee of success.

The bill includes a reversal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">the firing of federal workers</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration since the shutdown began. It also protects federal workers against further layoffs through January and guarantees they are paid once the shutdown is over. The bill for the Agriculture Department means people who rely on key food assistance programs will see those benefits funded without threat of interruption through the rest of the budget year.

The package includes $203.5 million to boost security for lawmakers and an additional $28 million for the security of Supreme Court justices.

Democrats also decried language in the bill that would give senators the opportunity to sue when a federal agency or employee searches their electronic records without notifying them, allowing for up to $500,000 in potential damages for each violation.

The language seems aimed at helping Republican senators pursue damages if their phone records were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">analyzed by the FBI</a>&nbsp;as part of an investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his 2020 election loss</a>. The provisions drew criticism from Republicans as well. Johnson said he was “very angry about it.”

“That was dropped in at the last minute, and I did not appreciate that, nor did most of the House members,” Johnson said, promising a vote on the matter as early as next week.

The biggest point of contention, though, was the fate of the expiring enhanced tax credit that makes health insurance more affordable through Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

“It's a subsidy on top of a subsidy. Our friends added it during COVID,” Cole said. “COVID is over. They set a date certain that the subsidies would run out. They chose the date."

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the enhanced tax credit was designed to give more people access to health care and no Republican voted for it.

“All they have done is try to eliminate access to health care in our country. The country is catching on to them,” Pelosi said.

Details on what's in the bill that ended the government shutdown

MITCHELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in a home explosion on Wednesday in Mitchell County.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas, according to a media release from the Mitchell County Sheriff.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to higher level of care hospitals. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted and responded to the scene.&nbsp;

Sheriff: 2 critically injured in Kansas home explosion

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is now offering a $10,000 reward in the case.  Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

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