By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is still facing a 2026 funding gap after the city of Hays and Ellis County wrapped up their budget processes.

Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, said the gap is about $161,000. Michaud said ACCESS is reaching out to the Kansas Department of Transportation, which has provided some funding, and potentially to legislators to explore funding solutions.

"We need general public transportation in the community. There's no question about that," Michaud said.

Michaud said ACCESS has not experienced federal funding cuts. He said the shortfall stems from limited state support through KDOT, insufficient local contributions, and rising costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance and vehicles.

Michaud said during the COVID-19 pandemic, match rates helped create reserves. However, those reserves are now depleted, resulting in a greater deficit heading into 2026.

Michaud said he also hopes to include the city and county in the conversation in finding long-term solutions for the service that provides transportation to elderly residents and people with disabilities.

Michaud said the city contributed $82,500 and the county $50,000.&nbsp;The service provided about&nbsp;28,000 rides in 2024, with more than 11,000 of those trips related to work.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1c896b49-4c58-4425-a998-474c7c4b6da4">SEE RELATED STORY: ACCESS Public Transportation faces 2026 budget shortfall</a>

Michaid said there are no plans for immediate changes to the service.&nbsp;

You can learn more about ACCESS transportation&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.google.com/mydsnwk.org/access">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ACCESS Public Transportation still faces 2026 budget shortfall

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

It’s not unusual for a minister in Ellis County to pastor multiple churches, particularly if some of those are in rural areas. But it&nbsp;is&nbsp;unusual for one minister to pastor churches from two different mainline Protestant denominations.

That is the situation for the Rev. Ben Houchen.

Houchen became the priest at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2422 Hyacinth Ave., in 2024. As of Sept. 14, he is now also the part-time pastor at First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St.

First Presbyterian had been without a pastor since its interim part-time pastor, the Rev. Christine Wagner, retired in December 2024. Its nominating committee had already been searching for a new pastor for several months before that. Since Wagner’s retirement, First Presbyterian’s pulpit has been filled by lay persons from Hays, Ellis, and surrounding communities.

Houchen said the First Presbyterian Church leaders reached out to him several months ago about becoming their new pastor.

“At first, I had some reservations about taking on the work of a third church, but after prompting from my bishop and engaging with the wonderful folks on the First Presbyterian Pastoral Nominating Committee, I knew that this would be an amazing opportunity to bring all of these lovely people together to better serve Hays. The traditions and customs of the three groups may have differences. But the hearts of these people are dedicated to a Christ-like love for their community,” Houchen said.

“In every conversation I heard a heart cry to know how to do more. How to create better care, more love, more engagement, and more resources for the people of our city. These churches are coming together to improve and empower the lives of the people in Hays, America, and I just had to be a part of that,” he said.&nbsp;

Gia Scott, chair of First Presbyterian’s Pastor Nominating Committee, said in a news release, “We’re thrilled to welcome Rev. Houchen as our new pastor. His deep commitment to mission, youth, and community-building made him an ideal fit for our church. We believe this shared ministry will enrich both congregations and expand our collective impact in Hays.”

One of the challenges of pastoring three churches, of course, involves logistics. Houchen said the three churches will continue to have separate worship services in their respective buildings. But all of their worship times have changed.

First Presbyterian now meets at 9 a.m. Sundays, St. Michael’s meets at 11 a.m. Sundays, and St. Andrew’s meets at 1 p.m. Sundays.

“Our hope is to be one church with three services,” Houchen said. “That means we want to do ministry together, serve Hays together, create, and support, and empower our community together.

“But we are still maintaining and respecting the varied traditions of each group in their respective places of worship. I have had a good deal of practice with this already as St. Michael’s and St. Andrew’s have very different traditions of their own, even though they are both of the same denomination.”

Houchen said he is not an ordained Presbyterian minister, “and it won’t be a necessity. The Episcopal Church and The Presbyterian USA Church are finalizing work to be ‘in full communion,’ which will allow me to perform all the same rites for both denominations. But I will be attending some trainings to better understand Presbyterian polity and traditions so I can fully lead in the church with knowledge of and respect for their particular observances.”&nbsp;

Houchen earned bachelor degrees in pastoral leadership and biblical studies from Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, Minn., and he has a master’s degree in intergenerational leadership from Denver Seminary.

He served as a pulpit supply pastor in Minnesota for three years, as a youth and family pastor in Colorado for five years, and taught leadership studies classes in China for Fort Hays State University from 2014 to 2021. He began working as the administrator at the two Episcopal churches in Hays in 2022 before becoming the priest at both in 2024.

He and his wife, Nikki, have been married for 21 years and have four children, ages 11 to 20.

Houchen said he has two main goals for his churches’ shared ministry. One of those involves Feeding Hays, a ministry that St. Michael’s began in 2022. Houchen said his wife was the one who originally had the idea of the church providing a free hot meal every week, and someone else had the idea of making it a drive-thru.

Thus, Feeding Hays was born. The church continues to provide a free hot meal from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. each Thursday. There are no income requirements. Normally, the meal is spaghetti and meat sauce, a salad, and dessert.

The ministry that started out serving 20 to 30 people per week is now serving 230 to 250&nbsp; people per week, Houchen said. The meals are free, but some recipients wish to donate money to the church. Feeding Hays donates that money to pay off student lunchroom debt at USD 489 Hays public schools. Houchen said during the 2024-2025 school year, Feeding Hays donated more than $2,500 toward student lunch debt.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently St. Michael’s received funds from the United Way to hire an administrator for the Feeding Hays program. It is working on creating a board of directors for Feeding Hays so it can become a separate non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Houchen’s first goal is “we want to find a way to increase the amount of food we serve and the number of nights we can serve it. But we also want to move beyond food service and help find ways to get people back on their feet and able to self-sustain.

“Getting them fed well is a huge building block towards that end. But it’s just the beginning of what we’ll be doing here. I can’t wait to see what all comes next.”

While his first goal involves meeting people’s physical needs, Houchen’s second goal involves his flocks’ spiritual needs.

“On a spiritual level, our purpose is to continue to stand out as churches that are here for the people who love their faith, as well as those who are looking for a faith to love,” he said. “Our churches aren’t just for those who believe in God. They are for those who don’t have anything to believe in--the lonely, lost, and homeless. They are a place of refuge. And as they continue to grow, they will first and foremost grow in their love, acceptance, and grace for each other.”&nbsp;

1 pastor, 3 churches, 2 different denominations

Community Block Party celebrates latest Community Foundation of Ellis project

Nobody told me when I married a game warden that a pelican might take up temporary residence in my children’s wading pool. 

Nor did I realize my two tiny daughters and I would spend a couple of days throwing hooks and lines off a bridge over Big Creek catching enough fish to satisfy that visitor’s insatiable appetite. On the other hand, that eating machine never expected to vacation at our house, either.

This event occurred in the late '80s. City workers called to explain an injured pelican was devouring gold fish in the power plant pond as they spoke to me.

Eviction was necessary. Every kid in town, little and big, loved that rock pool where they tossed breadcrumbs and oatmeal to feed surfacing swirls of orange and white. Even nourishing something so exotic as a pelican was no reason to sacrifice the fishpond population.

While my husband already knew about pelican beaks, the girls and I learned swiftly to stay out of range of that weapon/lunch sack. Mr. P wasn’t happy about this forced removal and intimidated us with snapping jaws. It wasn’t worth risking hand or fingers to save frantic gold fish.

I distracted the big bird while my brave partner snuck behind to slide a huge rubber band around that slashing defense mechanism. Once we disabled it, we noticed a broken wing drove the creature to the city water hole to dine. Who knows how far the crippled bird walked to fill its belly. We swaddled it in an old blanket and hauled it home to figure out a plan.

Four decades ago, cell phones and instant communication were a thing of future, and the Wildlife and Parks rehabilitator wasn’t answering the phone. This forced us to brainstorm a strategy for the visitor our daughters named "LA Looks" for the spiky top notch on it crown.

The girls volunteered their little blue wading pool to house our guest and their services as fisherwomen. Each had a Mickey Mouse pole they cast off the nearby wooden bridge. It seemed workable, so their dad left us baiting hooks as he drove off on patrol.

After catching a few palm-size fish, our youngsters released them into Mr. Looks’ temporary abode. My husband had unbound its beak so it snarfed our meager contribution. In disbelief, we marveled at how swiftly he scooped our catch and how his pouch expanded once full of flopping protein. Once our contribution slid down his gullet, it shrank to its previous size.

The hungry critter searched for more food. Those little perch didn’t satisfy his hunger, so girls and I returned to the creek, where we filled a stringer. Once again, his response dazzled us.

It occurred to me there was no way the human part of this equation could match the pelican’s gustatory requirements so I visited the IGA fish department. All the way there, I wondered what it would cost to board this fellow until he went to the rehabilitator. I prayed my budget stretched as big as his pouch if he stayed more than a day.

Along with fish the girls and I caught, we supplemented LA’s diet with frozen whitefish. These codcicles confused him at first, but he eventually swallowed them along with live fish.

While I’d never want to feed a pelican week after week, hosting one temporarily was delightful. We happily learned LA Looks survived surgery and would entertain nearby zoo patrons with how many fish he could stash in his pouch.

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

MADORIN:  A pelican in the wading pool

This is your last chance to register to become a finalist in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Elite Detailing and Sales,&nbsp;609 East 8th Street, Hays Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While you’re there getting registered, check out their great selection of affordable vehicles and get 10% off of all detailing gift cards during the sign-up period.&nbsp;

 That’s Thursday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Elite Detailing and Sales in Hays!&nbsp; 

Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling!

Enter to be finalist for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Elite Detailing and Sales today

12:29 Sept. 12, 2025 Editor's note: The Fort Hays State University Student Government Association President, Jackson Sinsel, reached out to provide statements not originally included in the article.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

In line with new state mandates, Fort Hays State University is dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices.

Those changes have affected funding for some student groups, dictated what types of events those groups can host, and forced them to scrub key language from their mission statements.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/">According to the Kansas Reflector</a>, state lawmakers effectively ended DEI practices in state government and universities with Aug. 1 as the compliance deadline.

Kansas Secretary of Administration, Adam Proffitt, confirmed that all DEI-related positions, programs, trainings, grants and contracts were eliminated.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-schools-lawsuit-ruling-education-department-4c1dbb5f7b3997ba78c17b25a935fb3f">The Associated Press reported on Aug. 14</a> that a federal judge in Maryland struck down two Trump administration Education Department memos that threatened schools and universities with the loss of federal funding if they continued DEI programs.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled that the Education Department violated the law when it tried to impose sweeping anti-DEI restrictions without proper rulemaking.

Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, provided the following statement:

"Fort Hays State University has taken the necessary steps to ensure we fully comply with federal and state law and the guidance we received from the Kansas Board of Regents in this area," he said.

Cason provided a <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/2025-federal-transition/DEI%20Guidance%20For%20State%20Universities%20in%20Kansas%206.18.2025.pdf">document from the Board of Regents</a>, which provides guidance for state universities to comply with the <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb125_enrolled.pdf">2025 Senate Bill 125</a>. This bill mandates the elimination of positions, programs and policies related to DEI across state agencies.

The guidance also emphasized that federal and state antidiscrimination laws, academic freedom, research, curricula and programs open to all students are not restricted.

Julie Grabbe, FHSU's legal counsel and university culture strategist, said the university has been eliminating state-funded activities related to DEI.

"We're doing an entire audit. We're looking at everything because the law is very broad in general," she said. "There's a lot of confusion about the law... the legislature didn't define diversity [in Senate Bill 125]."

The guidance provided by the board of regents also states that the bill does not define what DEI is. Grabbe said, despite the changes, student organizations were already open to anyone interested in joining.

"We are working hard to keep the university compliant, while at the same time recognizing that we want our students to feel like they belong here," she said.

Grabbe said students and organizations with questions or concerns are welcome to contact her directly.

Star Parham, president of the FHSU Black Student Union, said her group was required to remove DEI terminology from its bylaws and event descriptions.

"We were going to have a guest speaker this past year, but that was during the heat of pushing back and getting rid of DEI. That speaker was no longer able to come out of fear that our funds that we were receiving at that time would not be able to be used for that exact event," Parham said.

Despite these obstacles, Parham said she remains committed to its mission and finding strength in adversity. Upcoming events for the student group include a Black History Month banquet in February, which could still face uncertainty.

Genisis Wilson, vice president of the Black Student Union, said DEI restrictions have affected student groups as funding and approvals now hinge on avoiding DEI language.

Wilson said events and posters have needed to be reworded, and the group of about 15 to 25 is discussing potentially making significant changes to how they present themselves and where they meet.

"Black Student Union is very concerned that we're going to have to A: change the meaning of our club or B: move off of campus," she said.

Wilson said the club has always been inclusive from the start, as a diverse group of active members is involved in celebrating Black culture and excellence. However, it now needs to reframe that messaging and advertise itself as open to everyone.

"We have to stop talking about DEI, but we're the Black Student Union, and that's what our biggest point of contention is. How are we supposed to take all this wording out when this is what we are and what we do?" she said.

Parham said DEI creates environments where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and protected, and, no matter what, there will always be something for everyone at FHSU.

"As a student at Fort Hays, I have felt both supported and like I was in the midst of what's going on. As time goes on, things may get harder, but there's plenty of student organizations on campus that are gonna keep fighting," she said.

FHSU Student Government Association and funding

Wilson said the annual hair care event workshop, hosted by the Black Student Union, received no funding for the first time, as it was marked as "personal gain" despite its broader benefits.

"They didn't think it was inclusive enough for everyone because it's curly hair-focused. We talk about protective hairstyles for Black people... But in reality, our prizes we give out work for a lot of different hair types, and non-Black people have curly hair," she said.

The FHSU Student Government Association serves as the representative body for students, advocating on their behalf to the administration, the Kansas Legislature and the Board of Regents.

Student senators manage funding sources that support student-led projects and opportunities on campus.

Jackson Sinsel, FHSU Student Government Association president, said that state funds cannot be used for items considered "personal gain," such as T-shirts, giveaways, or prizes, a rule applied consistently to student groups.

"Student Government Association has no issue with these events, but cannot fund these products with state funds," Sinsel said. "Similar expenses and requests were cut from 65 other groups on campus."

Sinsel said that the student association has partnered with several campus organizations in past events, including the Black Student Union. He added that all groups are welcome to submit funding requests.

Wilson said that although campus faculty support DEI initiatives, the support feels insufficient without funding and actions. The Black Student Union has partnered with other student organizations through events.

In March, Wilson gave a presentation through the FHSU's American Democracy Project, a nonpartisan group, highlighting the need for DEI initiatives in various institutions, including education, the workforce and the everyday lives of minorities.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2e29344e-ecd4-42dd-a874-759be9154b12">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU hosts presentation on importance of DEI</a>

Wilson also said the university has removed a DEI webpage that listed student organizations and resources.

FHSU Hispanic American Leadership Organization

Karina Vargas, Hispanic American Leadership Organization president, says the group has updated its mission statement and communications to avoid restricted DEI terminology.

The student-led organization is a group dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community at FHSU and the local area, participating in civic events, and serving as a support system for those with Latin backgrounds.&nbsp;

"We are not allowed to use some words. For example, diversity, we couldn't include that in our mission statement," Vargas said.

She said the group's old mission statement referenced diversity but now emphasizes inclusivity for all.

"We do promote awareness of our culture and heritage, but we couldn't put [we pledge to increase diversity]," she said. "It's kind of a red flag."

Vargas said members in her group were shocked and discouraged when the DEI restrictions began to roll in, not expecting them to affect them as directly as they did, but she added there were no funding cuts to the organization.

The group consists of about 30 to 40 members. Vargas said DEI matters to her because it helps minorities and first-generation students feel welcome and supported in predominantly white higher-education spaces.

"Even with these new policies, we're gonna do our best to make students feel included and make their voices feel heard," she said.

Vargas said&nbsp;despite the changes,&nbsp;she still feels supported by the school, as each group has its own&nbsp;adviser.

"I feel like Fort Hays does a really good job with such a broad and diverse group of students on campus. It's their job to make students feel welcomed and connected," Vargas said.

The guidance from the Board of Regents also included the removal of gender pronouns or gender ideology from employee email signatures and communications.

The FHSU Gender &amp; Sexuality Alliance President, who asked her name not be used because of safety reasons, declined to comment on the board’s pronoun guidance but said the group has been affected in multiple ways by the DEI changes.

"Funding has been a challenge in the past when it comes to things that we as a club need," she said.

The president said a lavender graduation, a university ceremony honoring the academic achievements and contributions of graduating LGBTQIA+ students, was one event that had to be modified.

The president said the event’s flyer had to undergo numerous changes, ultimately stripping the ceremony of its intended purpose.&nbsp;The flyer was shared on the group’s social media, but without its usual rainbow that symbolizes LGBTQ+ pride.&nbsp;

"There is a sense of worry since there is not much certainty when it comes to the future of our club on campus. Not only for our club but also the individuals that make campus their home," the president said.

The 22-member group has sought support from other campus organizations that may also be affected. The president noted the situation is not FHSU’s fault, but rather stems from the current political climate and the restrictions the university must follow to continue educating future generations.

The president added even before the recent DEI-related changes, the university had already experienced shifts, such as the removal of signs outside teacher offices that once indicated specialized training and identified the space as supportive for students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.

"DEI is important at the university level because it helps promote collaboration between different people and helps form a community for students," the president said. "It helps form bonds between students, staff and even community members that will last years."

FHSU student groups react to DEI restrictions

A Wellington man was arrested Sept. 14 on multiple charges, including alleged underage drinking at Chuck's, 507 W. Seventh St.

Hays Police Lt. Brandon Hauptman said officers responded to a disturbance at the bar shortly after midnight, after staff allegedly caught 18-year-old Carter Gene Burnett of Wellington drinking underage.

Hauptman said Burnett allegedly resisted when staff tried to remove him, resulting in a scuffle. Staff eventually escorted him out of the bar and then called the police.

Burnett was arrested on requested charges of simple battery, underage possession of alcohol and underage possession of tobacco. Hauptman said Burnett sustained minor injuries. No injuries were reported among bar staff.

Wellington man arrested in Hays bar for alleged battery

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Nissan Sentra driven by Briella R.&nbsp;Knowles, 15, Rexford, was northbound on U.S. 83. The driver was attempting to make a left turn onto County Road 35 when she swerved to miss a deer.&nbsp; The car struck a KDOT sign and power pole.

EMS transported Knowles to&nbsp;Citizens Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. teen hospitalized after car strikes KDOT sign, power pole

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Bison sculptures and cornhole games are on Thursday's agenda for the Hays City Commission.

The Ellis County members of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council are asking for permission to place up to 25 life-size fiberglass bison statues on public spaces in Hays.

The high school students have raised almost all the $125,000 needed for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/07bdd861-fa34-4686-8c39-2587327f3009">public art project</a>, which will depict the history and heritage of Ellis County in Hays, Ellis and Victoria.&nbsp;

Also to be voted on is a request from Arc of Central Plains for permission to proceed with <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/07bdd861-fa34-4686-8c39-2587327f3009">Phase 3 of the ARC Park</a>, 3300 Hillcrest.&nbsp;

The improvements would include two new shelter houses, a second gazebo-type picnic pavilion and nearby flower garden, along with two permanent cornhole courts with 10 total lanes and shaded dugouts.

Arc of Central Plains has raised the money for Phase 3, estimated to cost less than $500,000.

The complete Sept. 25 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09252025-1571">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Improvements to ARC Park, Hays public spaces on Hays City Commission agenda

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

Nearly two inches of rain fell in Hays overnight Tuesday. 

The official amount measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 1.90 inches.&nbsp;

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, received 1.43 inches, for a total of 3.10 inches of rain since Friday.

As of Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., 5.79 inches of rain has fallen, more than double the average of 2.24 inches by month's end.&nbsp;

The accumulative average of moisture for the year by the end of September is 19.84 inches. Hays has already reached 22.50 inches so far in 2025.&nbsp;

The rain is expected to end today with sunshine and warmer temperatures in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/93ab47d5-5a48-4b5e-a583-60dae78d3545">three-day weather forecast</a>.

Rain keeps on coming to Hays

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will have its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St., Hays.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make arrangements in advance with Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance to meet Oct. 8

&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

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is delighted to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado, for two Magic of Painting classes on October 18 and 19. 

On Saturday, October 18, participants will paint Tropical Paradise, and on Sunday, October 19, English Village. 

Both classes will take place in the Hansen Museum Community Room, located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with a one-hour lunch break.

These classes offer a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to painting. Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of completing a finished painting each day. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Participants need only bring a roll of paper towels. 

Open to individuals aged 13 and older, these sessions provide a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and camaraderie.

Registration is available online at <a href="https://hansenmuseum.org/schedule-of-classes/">www.hansenmuseum.org</a> under the “Classes &amp; Camps” section. Discounts are offered to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum.

These classes are part of the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program and are made possible through generous support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. 

Upcoming beginner-friendly painting classes in Logan

Family Literacy Night celebrates FHSU Homecoming 

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

There will be a VFW Stars and Stripes Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 12 at VFW Post 9076, 2106 Vine, Hays. Advance ticket sale proceeds go to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.

Advance Ticket Prices: $11.50 for Adults, $6.50 for 5 to 11 year old, Kids under 5 are FREE. 

Contact the Cancer Council of Ellis County for tickets at 785-625-6653. Also, enjoy a raffle and bake sale the day of the breakfast. 

VFW breakfast to benefit Cancer Council of Ellis County

Disabled American Veterans fundraiser at Applebee's Wednesday

Volga German Centennial Association&nbsp;

The Volga German Centennial Association has released the full schedule of events for the 2025 Oktoberfest Hays, a two-day festival celebrating the region's deep-rooted history, heritage, and homecoming traditions.

The free-to-attend event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27, in Municipal Park, located in downtown Hays.

The celebration begins Sept. 26, with grounds opening at 9:00 a.m.

Official festivities commence with the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by the traditional Tapping of the Keg at 11 a.m.

The afternoon is dedicated to a series of spirited, adults-only competitions, with registration for all games starting at 1 p.m. at the Oktoberfest HQ tent.

At 2 p.m., contestants will test their strength in the Masskrugstemmen, a traditional stein-holding contest.

This is followed by the Deutch Hops Contest at 4 p.m., a timed relay race.

At 5 p.m., teams of two will compete in the OktoberFEAST Contest.

The first day of the festival will conclude at 7 p.m.

The festivities continue Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 10 a.m.

The morning will be highlighted by the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., followed by the official Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome at 11:45 a.m.

The afternoon will feature a Cornhole Tournament at noon. Registration at 11 a.m. at Oktoberfest HQ.

Family-friendly activities are a focus for Saturday, with kids' games and entertainment running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., including a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.

Bounce houses will also be available for children on Saturday only, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A major new addition to this year's festival is the inaugural “Battle of the Bierock,” sponsored by Lewis Automotive of Hays.

The competition, which invites Oktoberfest vendors to vie for the title of "Best Bierock," is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce the 'Battle of the Bierock' to this year's festivities," said Emily Knowles, event coordinator. "It's a great way to celebrate a beloved local food and add a new layer of friendly competition and bragging rights to the event. We can't wait to see which vendor is crowned as the winner."

Live entertainment will be featured throughout the two-day event. Friday's musical guests include the Ron Werth Band, German Tuba, Rice County Line and Steel Skarecrow.

On Saturday, the Ron Werth Band and Rice County Line will return to the stage.

In addition to the scheduled events, attendees can enjoy activities throughout the park, including the Beer Puppeteers, a High Striker game and Mug Toss.

"Oktoberfest is a time-honored tradition in Hays, and we are proud to continue to host this event for the community," said Amanda Rupp, president of the Volga German Centennial Association. "We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the food, music, and festivities as we celebrate our shared heritage. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy."

The 2025 Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

For a complete schedule of events and further details, please visit <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>.

Oktoberfest Hays announces 2025 schedule featuring new 'Battle of the Bierock' competition

The City of Hays has announced its 2025 Annual Fall Cleanup will begin Monday, Oct. 20. This popular city-wide service provides residential customers with an opportunity to dispose of bulky items, excess refuse, and other large materials not collected during the regular weekly trash service.

To participate, residents must place all items for collection at their regular trash pickup location, either at the curb or in the alley, no later than 7 a.m. on Oct. 20. Residents are asked to put items out for collection no earlier than Oct. 17.

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