By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The 2025 Ellis County Fair drew thousands of attendees, providing the fair board with a boost for next year.

"We had over $100,000 in expenses. With the tickets that came in and our sponsor money, we broke even with a little bit left to start next year's fair," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said.

Pfannenstiel said more than 3,500 people attended the paid main events, with additional crowds drawn to exhibits and free attractions such as the five nights of rock.

She said the fair initially struggled to secure sponsorships, but extra community support made this year stronger than the last.

"If we don't have the community support and the sponsorships for the fair, we won't be able to have the main events, the petting zoo and the Midway bands," Pfannenstiel said. "A lot of that stuff is free for families."

Pfannenstiel said the 4-H livestock sale saw an increase of more than $16,000 from the previous year, and the sale generated more than $100,000 in premiums and payments to 4-H members.

The sale allows youth to auction off market steers, pigs, lambs and goats, with buyers either purchasing the animals for processing or paying a premium so participants can keep them.

There were 254 exhibitors and 1,744 entries.

Pfannenstiel said <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/076d48a8-35d1-42d3-927f-35f1c6e30e24">Midget Wrestling Warriors</a> drew the biggest crowd among grandstand events this year. However, she said the event will not return in 2026.

"We're actually going to end the fair on a Friday this coming year instead of Saturday," she said. "Just to help the 4-H kids and families recover from a week-long event. It'll also be a cost savings for us not to have another main event Saturday night."

The 2026 county fair will run from July 14 to 17.

Other grandstand events from this year's fair included the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6fc57391-a497-4027-a3a0-77b377726ea9">RPM Speedway races</a>, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d33f02a2-1e2c-4f82-996b-b558bd1360cd">KPRA Rodeo</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f53dc94a-5ff3-400b-b1a1-4ab7afed9ac7">Ranch Rodeo</a>, in addition to dozens of family activities throughout the week.

Ellis County Fair sees strong turnout, prepares for 2026

&nbsp;At 12:34 a.m. Saturday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 2209 South View Drive. Upon arrival at 12:43 a.m., heavy smoke and flames were found coming from a detached garage, extending to a connected fence and the primary residence.&nbsp;

Fire crews made an exterior fire attack using three attack lines due to the amount of building involved in the fire. A water shuttle operation was set up to haul water to the incident location. The detached garage was a total loss, and the residence suffered extensive fire, water and smoke damage. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

The incident was reported under control at 1:50 a.m., at which time fire crews continued to check for further fire extension into the residence and ventilated the home from hazardous gases. 

Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 4:34 a.m. to monitor both the detached garage and residence for hot spots and rekindles.&nbsp;

Eighteen firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, and Victoria) responded to assist. The Hays Fire Department assisted with automatic aid with their duty crew. The ECFD was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS and Sheriff’s deputies.&nbsp;

Fire burns garage, house near Hays on Saturday

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

A few years back, the Hutchinson Zoo was raising money to build a new otter exhibit, and we heard they were looking for an otter pelt to become part of that exhibit. 

I contacted the president of the Kansas Fur Harvesters who got them a pelt, but perhaps just as important, I managed to get myself invited to an event there at the zoo where I could display one of the collections of Kansas furbearer pelts owned by the Fur Harvesters. 

The event was a Halloween trick-or-treat bash/fundraiser for the otter exhibit called “Boo at the Zoo.”

For three hours, hundreds of kids and parents dressed in Halloween garb flowed through a predetermined route there at the zoo, ending up where I and other volunteers were set up for face painting, etc. 

I had the pelts laid out on a long table, making them available for everyone to look at and touch. In their defense, I perceive that most people attending were from the city of Hutchinson and there were probably not a lot of hunters and trappers among them, but I heard some interesting and telling questions from the kids. Many asked “Are these real?” or “Where are their eyes?” Several asked me “You found these already dead, right?” But perhaps the most pointed inquiry came from a girl of ten or twelve who stared intently into my eyes and asked “So how did you feel after you shot these?”

I suppose I should not have expected much serious conversation about hunting or trapping at an event like that where the kids are mostly pre-teen and the parents are tired of whiney kids and just want to get the heck out of Dodge and go home.

 I used to think that one would have to go to Detroit, New York City or Washington, D.C. to find people who didn’t have a clue where the hamburger they were eating came from, or where the leather and the fur came from to make the coat with the fur cuffs and collar they wore; I’m now rethinking that.

Kids and parents alike enjoyed looking at the pelts and were intrigued at how soft they were as they ran their hands through the fur. I made sure to point out to all of them how soft and luxurious the skunk fur was, asking them if they had any idea that something so feared could feel so soft. The badger pelt has the claws still intact, and I made it a point to show each person those claws, explaining to them how God designed them with those claws because they dig for the prey animals they eat.

 Most wanted to know what animal each pelt came from. Some knew several of them but many hadn’t a clue, calling the coyote pelt a beaver, the beaver pelt a mink and so on. I rattled off the furbearer each pelt came from so many times that night I could name them in my sleep; next time I’ll make labels.

I guess my point to all this is that you really don’t have to go far from home to find people that have no understanding of the merits of hunting and trapping, (or even where their meat, eggs and leather belts come from.) 

If we are to see hunting and trapping passed on to our grandchildren and in turn to their kids and so on, we need to make a concerted effort to educate the people around us about the merits of our passions. 

There is absolutely no better way to do this than to take non-hunters and trappers along with us on our adventures as we continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Boo at the zoo

ROOKS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Sunday in Rooks County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by Brady A.&nbsp;Williams, 56, Alton, was southbound on 2 Road just south of U.S. 24&nbsp; at an unknown speed. The pickup drifted off the road to the west and struck a concrete bridge.

EMS transported Williams to the Rooks County Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after pickup strikes concrete bridge

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson announced the 245 districts and systems who received this year’s Kansans Can Star Recognition Program awards during the Kansas State Board of Education’s meeting on Oct. 14, in Topeka.

The Star Recognition Program celebrates Kansas school districts and systems for their outstanding achievements in key areas that reflect success across the state’s education system. The program highlights excellence in eight areas, using both quantitative and qualitative measures to showcase districts’ accomplishments and areas of strength. Districts and systems can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the following&nbsp;quantitative&nbsp;measures based on data submitted to the Kansas State Department of Education:

• Academically prepared for postsecondary • High school graduation • Postsecondary success • Commissioner’s Award

Districts and systems can apply to receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the following&nbsp;qualitative&nbsp;measures:

• Social-emotional growth • Kindergarten readiness • Individual plans of study (IPS) • Civic engagement

The Commissioner’s Award recognizes districts that outperform their predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate above a .40 standard deviation.

A district’s predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate factors in the degree to which identified risk factors known to depress effectiveness rates, such as poverty, chronic absenteeism and student mobility, are present in a district’s student population.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by .4-.99 standard deviation receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award. There were 43 districts/systems that achieved this award for 2025.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by 1-1.99 standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Honors. There were 42 districts/systems that achieved this award for 2025.

Districts that outperform their predictive rate by two or more standard deviations receive the&nbsp;Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction. The following four districts achieved this award in 2025:

• Erie-Galesburg USD 101 •&nbsp;Plainville USD 270 • Satanta USD 507 • St. John–Hudson USD 350

Other 2025 Star Recognition awards included the following:

• There were 40 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;social-emotional growth&nbsp;outcomes area: 9 silvers, 11 bronzes and 20 coppers in 2025. • There were 26 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;kindergarten readiness&nbsp;outcome area: 3 silvers, 20 bronzes and 3 coppers in 2025. • There were 28 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;civic&nbsp;engagement outcome&nbsp;area: 4 golds, 2 silvers, 13 bronzes and 9 coppers in 2025. • There were 48 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;individual plan of study (IPS)&nbsp;outcome area: 23 coppers, 20 bronzes, four silvers and one gold for 2024. • There were 148 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;high school graduation&nbsp;outcome area: 76 golds, 28 silvers, 38 bronzes and 6 coppers in 2025. • There were 140 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;academically prepared for postsecondary&nbsp;outcome area: 2 golds, 21 silvers, 42 bronzes and 75 coppers in 2025 • There were 140 districts/systems recognized in the&nbsp;postsecondary success&nbsp; outcome area: 10 golds, 36 silvers, 42 bronzes and 52 coppers.

For a complete list of all the 2025 Star Recognition recipients and more information about the program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition">https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Kansans-Can-Star-Recognition</a>

Plainville USD 270 receives highest distinction from state board of education

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Has Trump changed how Kansans vote?   It’s a question I hear a lot.   

To assess change, we need a baseline.  Mitt Romney offers one.  He represents the final chapter of the Reagan-Bush tradition and the last GOP nominee before Trump fundamentally reshaped the party.  

By comparing the electoral performances of Trump and Romney, I can identify those Kansas counties that shifted more Republican or more Democrat in the Trump era.  

For example, an expansion of a county’s Republican support from +40 Romney (R70-D30) to +50 Trump (R75-D25) – a 10-point increase, is evidence of Trump’s impact.

Overall, 92 counties voted more Republican in 2024 than did so in 2012, by an average improved margin of 8 percentage points.   

Of the 30 counties that shifted by 10 points or more, two-thirds are in eastern Kansas.  

The largest shifts occurred in the southeast where Trump shattered Romney’s margins in Bourbon and Cherokee counties by over 20 points, followed by Linn, Crawford and Anderson at 19 points apiece.  Crawford transformed from a modest +6 Romney to a comfortable +25 Trump. 

Even in solid blue Wyandotte County, Trump outperformed Romney’s margin by 14 points.

Trump didn’t just win.  He grew the Republican coalition. 

By contrast, 13 counties voted more Democrat in 2024, compared to 2012, by an average improved margin of 5.5 percentage points. 

Those that shifted furthest left are in Kansas’s education corridor, home to its largest universities and its most affluent and educated county.  Johnson County moved sharply in Democrats’ direction, from +18 Romney to +8 Harris – a massive 26-point swing.   

Riley County flipped from +12 Romney to +2 Harris while deep blue Douglas County increased its margin from +24 to +38.    

Democrats took Shawnee County as well while Sedgwick County swung +5 toward Democrats, cutting the GOP margin from +19 to +14.

Though Trump swept the swing states and dominated the Midwest, Democrat gains in Kansas’s largest counties shows localized resistance to broader electoral forces.     

Educational attainment drives that resistance.    

In counties where fewer than 25 percent hold a bachelor’s degree, Trump clearly outperformed Romney.  Where over half the population has a degree, Democrats surged. 

Trump recognized the diploma divide as not merely a gap in credentials but a cultural fault line that broadens the Republican base.  Yet gains among noncollege voters cost Republicans support of the educated, affluent voters in the metropolitan areas.

Johnson County illustrates the point.  It ranks first in wealth, educational attainment, and population.  The 26-point swing toward Democrats is one of the largest in the entire nation.  But what makes it remarkable is that it happened in a Republican state, in a solid red region of the country, and during an election cycle that delivered the GOP’s first popular vote winner in twenty years.   

While Trump turned the Kansas map deeper red, those advances were offset by a few large counties that converted blue.

The Trump effect in Kansas thus reveals a familiar paradox.  Trump energizes Republicans while simultaneously mobilizing Democrats.

&nbsp;Dr. Mark Joslyn&nbsp;is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: The Trump Effect in Kansas

<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

Family Worship: Made Strong By God - 2 Corinthians 1:3-6

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about a new housing development on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays on new housing

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A new piece of playground equipment unique among all the parks in Hays will be installed in Massey Park, 17th and Allen, early next year.

City commissioners approved the $119,363 purchase from Aspire 2 Play, Kansas City, as presented by Jeff Boyle, parks director.&nbsp;The existing equipment, installed in 2002, is deteriorating and has had sections removed for safety.

The new equipment has two large slides, an enclosed rope&nbsp;climb tunnel, several agility components and a&nbsp;separate play piece for younger children.

The commission plans to discuss parks maintenance management during its 2026 retreat.

The low bid was approved for the 2025 sanitary sewer annual cleaning and inspection as recommended by Jeff Crispin, water resources director.

About 22 miles of sewer in southwest Hays will be cleaned for the second time since the rotation plan began in 2018.

"We've been getting fewer calls about problems than before we started cleaning on this schedule," Crispin said.&nbsp;

The low bid of $145,022 came from CC Steel, LLC, Fargo, North Dakota, which will start the cleaning and video inspection on Dec. 1 and finish in March.

Consent to Deannex Plat of DK Ranch Addition

Local property owners BJKT LLC and Sing Along Ranch LLC of the undeveloped DK Ranch Addition have asked to&nbsp;deannex and vacate the land in west Hays and to replat and annex&nbsp;land along Columbine Drive, ultimately&nbsp;annexing the new Smoky Hill Plains Addition.

DK Ranch Addition is a large lot&nbsp;development platted in 2013 but never developed. The property was sold&nbsp;and is now being replatted into a more efficient residential subdivision.

Commissioners authorized the issuance of the public notice for the deannexation of the DK Ranch&nbsp;Addition.

An update on the work at another planned housing development in downtown Hays was presented by Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The former Hays State Bank, 1108 N. Main, was built in 1965 and is in the Downtown Hays Historical District.

Renovation work into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb began early this summer after the award of a $300,000 Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant in 2024.

Hays developer Adam Pray plans the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f367c960-2038-4546-b83e-7a081f032723">Chestnut Suites reconstruction</a>&nbsp;as 24-26 rentable hotel-style rooms for both short-term and 30-day or more renters.&nbsp;

So far, renovation work using the grant dollars has focused on interior fire protection, the water supply, exterior stone removal, walls and doors, exterior concrete, and trash enclosure.

Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks in downtown Hays, presented a review of the nonprofit organization's work so far this year.

June, who just completed her first 90 days as executive director, talked about the group's mission&nbsp;and projects.

A committee was organized in April to enhance the annual Christmas holiday celebration in downtown Hays. Sponsors from across the city have made donations toward more lighting and decorations.

This is the 25th year for the annual lighted Frost Fest parade on Dec. 7, which will have a theme of "Timeless Traditions." Entries are being accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

June, who wore a colorful Santa hat provided by The Bricks board member Karen Dreiling, talked about the "Jubilee" tree lighting to kick off the festivities on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Additional free activities will include a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people.

Next year will be the 25th year of The Bricks, June said. There are two open positions of the board of directors.&nbsp;

Commissioner Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.

🎙 New play equipment coming to Massey Park in Hays

The six candidates for Hays City Commission were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include Samuel Allen, Reese Barrick, Candace (CJ) Hathaway, Sandy Jacobs, David Koshiol and Shaun Musil.

Allen did not respond to Hays Post's request for an interview.&nbsp;

Allen was&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1e91cd79-cb0f-4efc-a6f1-2dc8ddbbe8d9">arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail</a>&nbsp;in July.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also listed on the ballot but not pursuing office are Kelly Ancar and Justin Choitz.&nbsp;

Three seats are available on the board. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will each receive a four-year term. The third-highest candidate will serve a two-year term. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 43&nbsp; Occupation:&nbsp;&nbsp;Owner of DXI Training Solutions for first responders&nbsp; and effective communication and leadership skills

Why are you running for Hays City Commission?

As I've traveled across the country for trainings, people kept asking if I missed being a police officer (combined Hays Police Department and military police experience of 22 years), and I knew at my core I missed giving back to my community.

My company mission has always been to leave the world better than I found it, and that's been my personal vision and motto.&nbsp;

As a new candidate, do you have any relevant/political experience?&nbsp;

Being first-hand in law enforcement, I saw a lot of politics in the city, helping out with budgets as a police officer (for 19 years) in charge of training at the department. I submitted budgets up to the chief, which went up to the city commission.

I saw how the city commission worked with the city manager and the departments throughout the city.

So, I've got a little personal experience with the city politics, but have not been involved in politics directly.

I have a good set of core values that I think every person should have, and I see it missing with the way things are being handled by our current city commission.

I'd like to make sure the city is being better treated overall.

What is the most pressing issue(s) the city of Hays faces?

The most pressing issue is a tie between the water project and housing.&nbsp;

We have to get a secure source of water for the city of Hays. 

The R9 project is a great start on that. But that's a 75, maybe 100-year project. I'd like to see us come up with a permanent solution. That way, 75 years from now, the next generation isn't having to fight that fight.&nbsp; We should be taking care of that now.

We need to be transparent with the citizens on where the progress of the R9 is. There's no 'go to this website' or 'talk to these folks and they can give you more information.' It's just not out there for the every day citizen to keep up on.

In the housing market, it's difficult for people in the low- to medium-income ranges to afford houses right now.

Working with developers and different organizations to find different ways to get some different housing options out there, is a big project I'd like to see taken care of.

It's been suggested by a local developer that the city provide free land for construction of new homes costing $150,00 or less. What are your thoughts about housing in Hays?&nbsp;

If there is some land the city owns and is tucked away somewhere that would fit that kind of criteria and help out, and we don't have any long-term plans or goals for it, then that's absolutely something worth looking into.

Whether it's free or offered at some kind of discounted rate on conditions that builders build qualifying housing, that's definitely worth looking into.

The city narrowly avoided a 2-mill levy increase in the 2026 budget. How would you keep the mill levy at 25 mills? Should it instead be increased?&nbsp;

I don't think a mill levy increase is needed.&nbsp;

I think with working with our departments and coming up with some more creative strategies as far as the budget goes, we can continue to maintain the mill levy where it's at and hopefully, remain revenue neutral as well. That way we save our citizens some money.

We're a big city, and we offer a lot of resources, and they've got to be paid for. We're not gonna reduce quality-of-life issues. We're not going to take away benefits from our good employees because we need good employees out there.&nbsp;

It's finding out what we need and what do we not need.

It's a tough financial time for everybody out there.&nbsp;The more the city takes from the people, the harder it gets for them, and the more we're affecting their quality of life. I'd like to see that little bit of relief given to the citizens. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d615ae1-9b48-4ebd-9200-7c593c85db69">The governing body of Hays chose to remain revenue neutral for the budget year 2026.</a>

Are there areas in the city budget or departments that can be streamlined? What would you change in the city's current operations?

We need to go back to the people actually doing the jobs.

Oftentimes, we see the department heads and supervisors getting so far removed from what's actually&nbsp;happening at the foundational level of the department that we lose track of what's important and what's not.&nbsp;

I would like to get out there and meet with the folks actually doing the job every day, whether it's the parks department, the fire department, the police department, and talk to the guys doing the day-to-day work and see what they feel is needed and what is not needed. Figure out what we're doing, what we're not doing, and adjust from there.

That's where you'll see the real innovation is from those folks who are doing the job every day.&nbsp;

Should each city park become more "individualized," offering different/fewer amenities at each location to save maintenance costs?

As a police officer, I would patrol the streets and see just how often the city parks were being used and how frequently they're not.

We've got some parks that see more use than others.

If we're putting in playground equipment that's going to wear out every 10 years, we've got to make sure there's going to be funding available to replace it, and not just hoping that funding will be there.&nbsp;

I think our community is strong, and if we saw a need somewhere to renovate a local park, all we'd have to do is reach out and let the community know what we need. They would find ways to help us out without us having to increase the mill levy and affect every citizen of Hays.

I definitely like the idea of collaboration with our local businesses and residents, just like the ARC Park. They wanted to do some amazing stuff out there, and they have. They came through big time for the city to help with that park.

When it comes time to do the maintenance and upkeep, I have no doubt we can find other businesses and corporations willing to step up and help out as well.

Should the city get involved in the operation of the public transportation program ACCESS, which is struggling with its funding? Should the city offer greater financial support?

Do we pay DSNWK more money so they can continue to run that program? Should the city take over that program? Should we create a whole new program? Those are several options.

I can't say the last time I actually saw the ACCESS van full. So, I feel there's probably a better way or system to do it in a more affordable way.

If DSNWK isn't able to continue running the system, the city should look into ways of possibly helping out with more public transportation.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc146924-9a33-439f-bb6a-180129cff07a">ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is still facing a 2026 funding gap after the city of Hays and Ellis County made contributions.&nbsp;</a>

As a candidate, I've promised to give everybody a voice.&nbsp;

If anybody has any concerns, I'm more than willing to listen and observe and to gather the information.

At the end of the day, we may not always agree, but I will strive to promise to understand everybody's perspective and to make the best possible decision for the city as a whole.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission Candidate Q&A: David Vilaysing

Two Hays churches will host Trunk or Treat events for children and their families, but on different nights.

First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh, will have its annual Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will be held in the church parking lot off Eighth Street.

Matt Dumler, the church’s director of discipleship, said there will be lots of candy available for kids, and the Local Food Truck will be on site for those wishing to purchase dinner.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Dumler said.

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St., will hold its Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in the church parking lot.

Jill Goertzen, the church’s Administrative Assistant, said that the family-friendly event will feature games, candy for the kids, inflatables, and a free pulled pork dinner for all attendees.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Goertzen said.

Two Hays churches set Trunk or Treats

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce information about the annual Veterans, Military, Active Duty, Reservists, and Guardsmen Appreciation Lunch.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E.&nbsp; 8th.

 All veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and national guardsmen are invited to attend. 

Lunch will be free of charge and courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Hays. The meal will include fried chicken with choice of honey pecan sauce or gravy, potatoes, vegetable, side salad, roll, and dessert.

Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School, and a special thank you video will be provided by students from Hays Middle School. Some of Wilson Elementary’s 5th graders will also be present to help serve and honor the heroes with thank you cards. Singers will provide patriotic music, and a service photo presentation will be shared during the event. 

To RSVP for this event, please email sarahannwasinger@gmail.com or call 785-650-2196. RSVPs are requested by Monday, November 3.

Kiwanis Club of Hays plans veterans and military appreciation lunch

&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 Fort Hays chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is hosting Soup Fest at the Herndon Clinic on the Fort Hays State University campus. This fundraiser features a soup competition where our students prepare soups, and attendees purchase tickets to taste and vote for their favorite.

All proceeds from Soup Fest directly support our clients at the Herndon Clinic by helping offset treatment costs for services such as speech, voice, language, and cognitive-communication therapy.

We are reaching out for your support in helping us advertise Soup Fest. You can make a big difference by:

Your help will allow us to spread the word and bring more people together for this fun event that supports such an important cause.

📍 Event Location:&nbsp;Albertson Hall lobby, FHSU Campus 📅 Event Date/Time:&nbsp;October 24th, 5-7 PM 🎟️ Details: Soup tastings, voting, and community fun — all benefiting clients at the clinic

Fifth-annual Soup Fest to take place tonight

FHSU Fall Fest tonight includes bonfire 

FHSU Turning Point USA hosts critique tonight of Hays Public Library books

Domino's fundraiser for Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann family Oct. 27

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Alliance will be hosting the Denver Brass Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center on the Colby Community College campus in Colby.&nbsp; 

Denver Brass is one of the nation’s premier brass ensembles, featuring 14 world-class musicians who perform original compositions and innovative arrangements. 

Each year the ensemble performs over 140 concerts and provides outreach programs that inspire and delight more than 30,000 people across the Denver area. Denver Brass works diligently and methodically to increase outreach and exposure, not just to be heard or appreciated, but to provide inspiration, nourish and uplift the human spirit. 

Tickets available at the door if you don’t already have your WPAA season ticket.&nbsp;

 We would like to thank our sponsors and Dane G Hansen Foundation for your support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Denver Brass to perform Oct. 26 at Colby Cultural Arts Center

Parkinson's Park Party set for Oct. 26 in Hays

The Hays Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Children’s Halloween Concert, featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic tale, Peter and the Wolf, on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Pre-concert activities begin at 1:30 p.m. with the concert set for 2:30 p.m., at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

This annual family tradition remains free to the public, made possible through the generous sponsorship of Werth Wealth Management.

The program centers on Prokofiev’s Op. 67, a work specifically written in 1936 to introduce young audiences to the various instruments of the orchestra, with assignment of distinct musical themes and instruments to each character in the story.

For example, the protagonist Peter is represented by the bright and energetic strings, while his grumpy Grandfather is depicted by the low, lumbering bassoon.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements