By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center</a> honored the Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation for its gift of $500,000 to the Crisis Intervention Center during a brief ceremony on Oct 14.

However, material and construction costs have increased the total cost of the project to $7 million, and the High Plains still needs an additional $2.5 million to complete it.

The center was supposed to open by the end of this month, but construction delays have pushed the opening to March.

The third floor of the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St. and formerly the home of the KVC youth psychiatric facility, is being remodeled for this new use.

Benito Rivera-Madrid, center project manager, said the floor was gutted, and rooms that used to house multiple youth are being converted to private rooms for adults.

The Crisis Intervention Center will offer 22 patient rooms and two de-escalation rooms, with overflow capacity available to accommodate peak demand times.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a5c9e74d-b3c6-4fb3-90f3-c8624667c609">SEE RELATED STORY: High Plains announces new Crisis Intervention Center; launches fundraising campaign</a>

Patients will stay an average of three days for mental health crises regardless of specific mental health diagnoses.

The center will have rooms for involuntary and voluntary patients as well as detox services.

The center is meant to alleviate the wait list at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;The facility is expected to serve at least 500 clients annually and will be the closest option for residents in 28 western Kansas counties.

Involuntary patients sometimes wait days at local emergency departments or with law enforcement until they can be transferred to Larned.

Fifty direct jobs will be added within the Crisis Intervention Center, and the center will account for millions of dollars in economic impact on the community, according to Craig Poe, High Plains Mental Health executive director.

The total construction cost for the center remodeling project was supposed to be $5,435,496.

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services committed $1.38 million, leaving a remaining balance of the now $7 million project to be covered through other funding sources, including private donations.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c63c3c89-fd3c-4923-8d01-509e92168ce0">SEE RELATED STORY: High Plains Mental Health breaks ground on Crisis Intervention Center</a>

Poe said the center is still applying for grants and seeking private donations for the project.

More information about donating can be found at <a href="http://donatehighplains.com">donatehighplains.com</a>

Gifts can be made online, or checks in the mail made out to HPMHC Endowment. High Plains can also accept pledges and set up payment plans. Contact donate@hpmh.com. Gifts of $500 or more get a plaque on the center's mobile donor wall.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, dial 911, 988 for the national crisis hotline or 1-800-432-0333 for the High Plains 24/7 crisis line.

Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. Visit the mental health center's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">hpmhc.com</a>&nbsp;or follow them on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

Hays Crisis Intervention Center progressing, but $2.5M still needed to finish project

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges for terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

Chief Judge Kevin Berens was reappointed in the 15th Judicial District, which is composed of Cheyenne, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Rawlins, Thomas, and Wallace counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2017.

Berens graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He previously served as county attorney in Thomas and Cheyenne counties and city attorney for Bird City. He also practiced law in Kansas and Colorado.

Chief Judge Paula Hofaker was reappointed in the 17th Judicial District, which is composed of Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties. She has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

Hofaker graduated from Washburn University School of Law. After law school, she had a private law practice in Logan.

Chief Judge Carey Hipp was reappointed in the 20th Judicial District, which is composed of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties. She has served as a district judge since 2019 and chief judge since 2024.

Hipp graduated from Fort Hays State University and Oklahoma City University School of Law. She was in private practice in Ellsworth before she became a district judge.

Chief Judge Curtis Brown was reappointed in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Rooks, Trego, and Gove counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2024.

Brown graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney and the University of Tulsa College of Law. After law school, he worked for Kansas Legal Services in Hays. Before becoming a judge, Brown had a law practice and later served as attorney for Trego County and prosecutor for the city of WaKeeney.

Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman was reappointed in the 24th Judicial District, which is composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2003.

Gatterman graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he served as a municipal judge for the City of Larned.

Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Supreme Court reappoints area chief judges

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

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

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

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

FHSU daily crime log: Oct. 17-23, 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.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

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, Shaun Musil and David Vilaysing.

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.

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

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: 39 Occupation: Plumber for Auman Company

Why are you running for Hays City Commission?

I was born in Hays, raised in my youth in the foster care system, and have lived here the better part of my life after living on both coasts. I'm a former youth advocate and mentor for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center and taught a class on resiliency.

I was nudged by others into running for city commission because of my background, my connections to the blue-collar community in Hays and how outspoken I am on issues I feel passionately about.&nbsp;

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

This is my first step into the political sphere. The reason I'm running is so that people like me have a voice on the commission as someone who can argue points for the blue-collar people like myself, the working class.&nbsp;

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

I think our most existential crisis right now is water.

With the R9 project that we've been gunning for for decades now, I know that's our best chance at having sustainable water for the future.

When I first started digging into things, I was turned off by that because it seems like we're just taking water from another community that's just as drought-stricken as we are, if not more so.

But, unfortunately, I don't see a better option for our community, especially at the rate that we're growing and the rate we're trying to grow.

A desalination project would require a multi-million dollar facility just to get a city's worth of usable water from that resource.&nbsp;

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?

Maybe not offer free land, but maybe some sort of land bank with some of the properties that have been foreclosed upon, some of the properties that have been sitting vacant for a long time.

I think some sort of land bank project might be beneficial to the community for actual affordable housing for the working class.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ae1db76a-b42e-4a7e-8a6d-64505465e8a1">A recent quarterly luncheon by Grow Hays explained how RHIDs work and their economic impact on the city.&nbsp;</a>

We need to just get back to the basics and look out for the community as a whole and not just try to bring in upper-middle class people with these new developments we're putting up.

If that means slowing down on the growth, I'm all for that.

These people who are making well below the wages needed for these new developments. ... I feel they're getting left behind and a lot of times, priced out of the area. That's not just the young families, not just the working class, but also the elderly who have devoted their lives to this city.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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;

No, I think we should do everything we can to keep the mill levy as low as we can, if not continue to lower it if possible.&nbsp;

<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>

If that means cutting some fluff, cutting some things that don't benefit the bulk of the community, then so be it.

I know this may not be the direction a lot of the people in power want to see things going, but I think if we are at such a tight spot financially, then maybe we should look at tightening our belts a little bit.

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

One of the things that is at the top of my mind is upkeep on the bike lanes. I think if we cut upkeep on the bike lanes and let those phase out, that cuts fluff that doesn't really benefit the bulk of our community.

I, and other people I speak with, hardly ever see anyone using them. If you do, it's maybe one a day here and there, maybe an annual bike event.

I think another thing might be reaching out for the consultant-driven studies—vision plans and marketing studies—usually end up recycling the same information and eating up tens of thousands of dollars with no direct benefit.&nbsp;

I'd say on these, perhaps we should put them on hold unless they're tied to a grant.

If we have consultant-driven studies that are necessary and connected to a grant, that might be something we should look into.&nbsp;

If it's something that may not directly benefit the community, then I feel it's something we may not have the money for right now. We should step back and get our checkbook back in order.

I feel like we have a great resource here with our college. We have a whole lot of very intelligent people in our community that we could maybe reach out to and work with.

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

I do like the idea of seeing what all equipment is being used in each different park. If some equipment sits unused quite often, then maybe pull that, unless there's a demand for it, and then maybe put it back.&nbsp; 

But I feel like all the different parks in the area serve different groups in the area. All the parks have their own neighborhoods and the children who use the equipment.&nbsp;

The parks are a really tough one for me because I grew up a block away from Massey Park where I played and used everything there, including the baseball field, even using it as a soccer field.

When I was a kid, we didn't have restrooms at all the parks. I know it's very beneficial to have those now. But I know at Massey Park, the bathrooms have caused issues with kids there getting involved in activities they shouldn't be. Sometimes, even abuse can happen to them because of the privatized lock structure like that.

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?

I've dug into quite a bit as I've been learning about all the roles and responsibilities of the city commission. This is not something I've devoted a lot of time to yet.&nbsp;

I know that Hays benefits from the ACCESS van. I see it going around every day. It's definitely something we need.&nbsp;

Could it be something like Salina has with a free bus system? I don't know that we're quite large enough to sustain something like that.&nbsp;

<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>

I'm for smart growth, for sustainable growth.

I feel like maybe we grew too big for our britches already. We don't even have sustainable water in place yet, not just for planned growth, but also not for our current population.

I think a lot of people love Hays because of its small-town charm. I'm afraid if we focus on growth above everything else, we might lose that.

I just fear that we're just so worried about trying to keep up with other cities that we're not focusing on what's made us an All-America City from the start.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission Candidate Q&A: David Koshiol

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;businesses and entrepreneurs, including two in Hays and Norton, were honored Oct. 16 at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2025&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;ceremony.

It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey Snow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;

“Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Companies like these advance our state’s exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards.”&nbsp;

A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year’s&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.&nbsp;

“Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All the businesses recognized at&nbsp;To The Stars&nbsp;are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business.”&nbsp;

To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year’s contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business — and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.

The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below.

At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced &nbsp;the new&nbsp;Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James “Jamie” Hall, vice president of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.&nbsp;

A full list of the 2025&nbsp;To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards&nbsp;winners and photographs from the event can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Ftothestars%2Fto-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025%2F/1/01010199f3559225-fdf46218-e2a8-46a7-bb65-5e997ceb1262-000000/w2kpPgDp08Q_jivM6V2A_Jd0h6xVvrXN5auR8iMsRlo=427">here</a>.

🎥 Hays, Norton groups honored with statewide awards from Kansas Dept. of Commerce

As a sixth generation Kansan whose relatives settled northern Norton and Decatur Counties in 1872, pioneer stories fascinate me.&nbsp;Loved ones nourished spirits with tales of homesteaders and preachers along Beaver and Sappa Creeks and nearby settlements. 

Rudolph Wendelin, born in Herndon—raised in Ludell, captured life along these drainages with paint and pencil. While researching Herndon, I discovered his contributions, which include Smokey Bear, his most famous United State Forest Service work.

Rudolph was born in 1910 to Paul Henry Wendelin and Mary Hauptman Wendelin in Herndon, Kansas, near where his visionary father lived and ran a gas/oil station in Ludell. Despite decades of work on the East Coast, Wendelin considered Ludell and Herndon home, leading Ludell to designate Wendelin as 1989 Ludell Days Honored Guest. This celebration grew the town’s population to 500 that day. Citizen Patriot journalist Eric Yonkey interviewed Rudolph during his visit, asking questions I wanted answered.

Yonkey explained Rudolph recognized his childhood encouraged his artistic development, writing Wendelin “was six or seven when he produced his first drawing.” Rudolph shared that he first replicated images his mother embroidered onto his school bag. He also mentioned a mentor at Ludell Elementary School who inspired him by doodling nature images in the backs of books.

While Wendelin attended Herndon High School from 1924 to 1928, he enrolled in a cartoon correspondence course, which he didn’t finish. He shared with Yonkey this was his first introduction to pencil and ink and erasing. During these years, he contributed sports cartoons and other illustrations to the Oberlin newspaper.

Following graduation, he worked at his dad’s gas station to finance architecture classes at KU. Despite Wendelin winning awards, the Great Depression made completing a degree financially impossible and he dropped out.

That led to a return to Ludell and work on the Lake Atwood Civilian Conservation Corps survey. During that time, an uncle working for the U.S. Forest Service encouraged Rudolph to send architectural and artistic drawings to the Milwaukee, WI, Forestry Service. This led to a NFS cartographer job first in Milwaukee, later in D.C., which led to poster illustrations.

WW II interrupted Wendelin’s Forest Service career with a stint in U.S. Naval Intelligence where he produced pictures of enemy uniforms and equipment. During that time, he met his future wife, also a USFS cartographer. They established a home in Arlington, VA where they raised two sons and a daughter.

Once WW II ended, Wendelin returned to USFS work.

Smokey Bear had already been created as a fire prevention promotion, and Rudolph joined the development team. His task involved humanizing the bear. Soon we saw Smokey wearing blue jeans, a campaign hat, and carrying a shovel in human-like hands. Eventually, USFS designated Wendelin as the principal caretaker of Smokey Bear’s image and inspector of Smokey Bear products until Rudolph’s retirement in 1976. In addition, he created U.S. Postal Service stamps honoring Smokey Bear, John Muir, and John Wesley Powell.

Those who wish to explore Wendelin’s work can visit Rawlins County Museum in Atwood to view a 28 x 9-foot mural representing county history he painted and donated in 1976. In addition, examine USFS Smokey Bear images and ephemera as well as Wendelin’s paintings inspired by regional&nbsp;residents and landscape.

&nbsp;This collection represents the life of a man who called this region home—to the point he and his wife’s final resting place is Ludell’s Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

MADORIN: Rudolph Wendelin – Small town Kansan

<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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Each year, the city of Hays inspects and cleans about 20 miles of its sewer line system to prevent sewer backups and manhole overflows.

This year, a 22-mile area in southwest Hays is in line for the five-year rotation process.

Jeff Crispin, water resources director, is recommending a low bid of&nbsp; $145,022&nbsp;from CC Steel, LLC of Fargo, North Dakota,&nbsp;with a budget authority not to exceed $150,000.

He'll present the bid recommendation at Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting.

Other agenda items include a bid recommendation for replacement of the playground equipment at Massey Park, 17th and Allen.

Jeff Boyle, parks director, said the existing equipment, installed in 2002, is in poor condition.

City staff recommends approval of the Aspire 2 Play playground equipment for $119,363 from Burke in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It has several features not found in other Hays playgrounds, including two large slides, an enclosed rope climb tunnel, agility components and a separate play piece for younger kids.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present a request to issue public notice for the deannexation of the plat of DK Ranch Addition in west Hays.

The current plat is a large lot platted in 2013, but never developed. The property was sold and is now being replatted into a more efficient residential subdivision. The owner, Hays resident Don Tillman of BJKT LLC and Sing Along Ranch LLC, also purchased the adjacent undeveloped lots along the west side of Columbine Drive, which is not annexed property. The proposed Smoky Hill Plains Addition Plat will encumber these lots.

The existing right-of-way for 27th Street and 33rd Street within the DK Ranch Addition will remain dedicated to the city and in city limits.

In another development project, Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, will update the progress of the construction for the Community Development Block Grant project at Chestnut Suites,&nbsp;1108 N. Main, in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

Local developer Adam Pray plans to rehabilitate the former Hays State Bank building, built in 1965, into a luxury short-term rental Airbnb.

Executive director Lee Ann June will provide an update The Bricks in downtown Hays projects.

An item on the consent agenda from John Braun, R9 project manager, would, in exchange for TDI Farms, LLC entering into an easement agreement with the city for the proposed R9 pipeline project, agree to the landowner's request to release a right-of-way contract from 1949 for land along 240th Avenue in Schoenchen.&nbsp;

The complete Oct. 22 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10232025-1577">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays city commissioners to vote on new playground equipment, sewer cleaning bids

&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

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.

The Bird’s quick movements are captured by the flute, the Duck’s waddle by the reedy oboe, and the sly Cat’s stealth by the smooth clarinet.

Finally, the menacing Wolf is given a dark, ominous theme played by the French horns, and the Hunters are heralded by the authoritative brass and percussion.

This performance will feature David Macey, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Hays State University, as the narrator, guiding listeners through the Russian folk tale as Peter, a young pioneer, ventures into the meadow, encounters his animal friends, and ultimately helps capture the menacing wolf.

Hays Symphony Music Director Benjamin Cline said the concert will feature a unique blend of entertainment and educational value.

“Peter and the Wolf is, quite simply, the greatest musical primer ever written,” Cline said. “It is an extraordinary experience for a child to hear the story narrated while simultaneously learning to recognize the distinct voice of each orchestral instrument.”

“This concert serves as a vital entry point into the world of classical music for our community’s youngest members, and we are thrilled to offer this high-quality, professional performance completely free of charge. Making this event accessible is one of the most important things the Hays Symphony does all year.”

The musical piece was commissioned by Natalya Sats, the director of the Central Children's Theatre in Moscow, with the explicit goal of furthering musical education.

Since its premiere, it has been performed and recorded by nearly every major orchestra worldwide, featuring narrators ranging from celebrity actors to political figures, demonstrating its universal appeal and enduring power as a piece of musical storytelling.

The Hays Symphony is dedicated to continuing this international tradition of fostering musical literacy.

The musical experience is only part of the afternoon's festivities.

Pre-concert activities will begin at 1:30 p.m., in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center lobby and surrounding areas.

These activities are designed to be hands-on and engaging, particularly for children attending in costume.

Highlights of the pre-concert event include:

· Halloween Costume Parade: Children are encouraged to attend in their favorite Halloween attire and participate in a festive parade.

· Instrumental Petting Zoo: This highly popular activity gives children a rare chance to see, touch, and even try out instruments from the orchestral families, woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion, that they will hear represented in the concert.

· Meet the Woodwinds: A dedicated station will allow attendees to meet the musicians who play the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon, making a direct connection between the characters in the story (Bird, Duck, Cat, Grandfather) and the professionals who play their themes.

· Arts and Crafts: Creative activities related to the themes of the concert and Halloween.

· Musical Storytime: Additional stories and interactive sessions designed to prepare young ears for the symphonic performance.

Following the performance, children will receive a free trick-or-treat bag as they exit, extending the holiday fun. Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony presents free children's concert: Prokofiev's classic 'Peter and the Wolf'

FHSU&nbsp;Science and Mathematics Education Institute

The October FHSU Science Cafe is Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in The Venue at Thirsty's, 2704 Vine Street, Hays.&nbsp;

What actually drives love? Scientists from anthropology to neuroscience have been chasing that very question for decades. And here’s the interesting part: the science of love is at once surprisingly simple and incredibly complex. We’re going to take a quick tour through some of the key chemicals that fuel love.

Presenter is James R. Balthazor, PhD, professor of chemistry, K-INBRE Campus Coordinator at Fort Hays State University.

The event is free and open to the public, sponsored by FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2fsmei&amp;c=E,1,dx0E4bkWgiThIFHFqvYKg9drbQ7aA2U-xIV2MZW5FYIOCw6Mym-clUd_XJLU9v96GC6aIMCGMmdjUJRlcESYuJgE3KDvpE3832SCq4KUit_B4gSgIPIcrak,&amp;typo=1">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>.

Drinks will be available for purchase. No food will be served.&nbsp;

FHSU Science Cafe examines biochemistry behind lust, attraction, companionship

COLBY — The Colby Community College equestrian team, horse production program, and ag programs are hosting the annual Halloween 'N Horses event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the college farm three miles east and one mile north of Colby.

The free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and will feature horses dressed in costumes. Children can enjoy treats and play games. No outside pets are allowed.

For more information or to donate wrapped candy, contact Shanda Mattix at 785-460-5464 or shanda.mattix@colbycc.edu &nbsp;

Annual Halloween 'N Horses Oct. 28 at Colby Community College

The United Way of Ellis County announces the opening of the 2026 CARE Council application process.

Any&nbsp;501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three&nbsp;criteria of education, health, and financial stability.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 community volunteers who review the applications to determine funding for&nbsp;the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County&nbsp;alcohol tax funds.

The online application for funding can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://liveunited.us/apply2026">https://liveunited.us/apply2026</a>

Deadline for submission is Friday, December 5.

For questions, please contact Bill Ring, interim executive director, at 785-628-8281 or&nbsp;info@liveunited.us.

Ellis County United Way 2026 funding applications now open

Tickets on Sale for Cancer Cash fundraiser Nov. 7

The deadline for letters to the editor about the upcoming local elections on Nov. 4 will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Letters can be sent to hayspost@eaglemedia.com. All letters must be typed and signed.

Letters must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Media Center&nbsp;coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Election letter to the editor deadline

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused in a crash that killed a Kansas teen was in court for a pre-trial conference on Wednesday.

Trisha Greer, 43, Derby, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June she plead not guilty to&nbsp; charge charges and was to face a jury trial last month.

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