By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Volunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.

The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty.

"We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.

Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand.

"We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."

Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.

Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.

Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.

If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat stocks Hays food pantry

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!

Deputy Alex Baker was promoted to Undersheriff of the Trego County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/19tbiNygzF/">Facebook page</a> congratulated Baker, saying, "With proven leadership and an unwavering commitment to our community, we are proud to welcome him into this new role and look forward to his continued leadership."

Trego County deputy promoted to undersheriff 

Motorcyclists are invited to the “9th&nbsp;Annual Hays Kansas Area Toy Run” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bikers will line up at 2:30 p.m. at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St. At 4 p.m., they will parade down Vine Street to 13th&nbsp;and Main. The parade will end at Toby Jugs, 104 E. Seventh St.

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages infant to 18 years. The toys will go to Teaming Up for Tots, said Kent Gottschalk, one of the organizers.

No bicyclists are allowed to participate, he said.

The event is being sponsored by Free Tomorrow MC &amp; Good Times Motorcycle.

Motorcyclists invited to annual ‘Toy Run’ in Hays

Congratulations to King and Queen, Tracyn Bollig and Sienna Schmidt, who were crowned at our football game on Friday, October 10, 2025.   Ellis High School had an amazing week celebrating homecoming! The overall spirit winners were the sophomores from the Class of 2028. The senior class won for the best float, which featured a Disney Cars theme. The faculty and staff came together as a strong team and easily defeated all the student classes in volleyball. It was a fantastic week to be a Railer!

2025 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty Court

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

Philip Daniel, film/dance composer and touring artist from Lincoln, Nebraska will be the next WPAA artist in concert He will do school workshops for students in St. Francis at 10:00 am and Colby at 12:50 pm on Thursday, October 16th. The evening of the 16th, he will perform a concert in the Cultural Arts Center in Colby for the general public.

The workshops and the concert will be free to all those in attendance, thanks to the support from the Thomas County Community Foundation, the Cheyenne County Community, and the Dan Hansen Foundation. Everyone is invited to come join this free evening concert.

Film, dance composer to perform free concert in Colby Oct. 16

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 72 Occupation: Retired teacher and principal

What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?

Qualifications for the school board are wide-ranging, because I believe everybody in the school district could be on the school board, because everybody has an ownership in it.

But myself, I worked for the school district as a middle school principal for 21 years, an assistant principal for three years prior to that. My wife is a retired teacher from USD 489, so I get her views. I have just been involved with education all my life.

 I started years and years ago as a college student working for the school district as a bus driver, and so I've been a bus driver, a teacher, a principal and now a retired grandparent.

Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?

All of my children attended USD 489, and I have a grandchild who is an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School right now.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c83d9d32-2242-4092-8fa5-f0a1321bb826">Pallister has already served a term on the school board and narrowly missed reelection two years ago.</a>

I ran again because there have been so many good things in the four years that I was on the school board. This community worked so hard to pass the bond issue, and I've been observing the last two years off the board as that has progressed. We have Roosevelt and the Hays High projects done, but you have the new middle school, you have O' Loughlin, you have Wilson and you have the administration building. I want to be able to see all of these things come to a positive end.

Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?

The five-year capital plan is a changing document. Year one, year two, the closest ones are pretty much set, but year five can be changed as needs progress. Right now, I favor it.

 I've been following the school board actions for the last two years, and I think Mr. (Ron) Wilson, superintendent, and Mrs. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, and all the schools have done a good job of looking at what their needs will be, but nobody is sure where you're going to be in five years.

Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?

I think the plan is there, and I don't see any changes, but I know as they get into the different buildings, the different locations, there will need to be changes. That is something that day-to-day administrators will be able to bring back to the board.

How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?

Being on a board is a learning situation, and I learned a lot the four years I was on the board. I have been able to be on the other side as an administrator and as a teacher. The day by day, that is why the administrators and the teachers are hired for their positions. Board members are there to set policy and to bring the community in and be the community voice.

Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?

The budget is one of those things that starts at the board meeting right after you set the budget. At every meeting, you're working on the budget for the next year. Because if it's salaries, if it's teacher in-service projects, different things like that, it doesn't wait until the board meeting right before you set the new budget. The superintendent and all the schools, the administrators work on the budget all year.

Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?

I don't have a district policy that I'm running for or against. I believe over the years, the board, the superintendents, have done a good job of looking at policy.

 I know we work through the Kansas Association of School Boards policies every year to make sure they are legal and to make sure that all of our policies are up to date. And that they are where we want them as a community. 

So I don't have one, because the board, that's part of their responsibility, is to look at the policies every year and see if they need updating.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I am very proud to just be in Hays. I moved to this community over 40 years ago now, and the schools are what brought us to Hays.

The city of Hays was so important in our bond issue; the mayor, the city commission, and everyone who worked so hard to get the sales tax, which was probably key to helping our schools.

You have the university and the medical and HaysMed being so supportive of the school district. I am just proud.

Somebody accused me of being on a thank-you campaign. It really is. I want to thank the community for what they do for our school district, and the biggest thank you goes to our teachers, our staff, our paras. Teaching and education gets harder every year.

 I visit with teachers, retired teachers, and those who are working harder now than they did five years ago, simply because of the various pressures associated with our kids and the numerous new things in education. 

If I get the privilege of being on the board again, I want to be able to make decisions based on 'How does it affect kids?' Every decision, if I vote on something as a board member, I want to think, in my mind, 'Is it good for kids? Will it make them more successful?'

As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Hays USD 489 candidate Q&A: Craig Pallister

The Hays Arts Council is excited to announce the launch of Block Party on the Bricks, a new community event set for Saturday, November 1, from 3–7 p.m. on 11th Street, just east of Main Street.

The event will showcase a wide range of artistic talent, including live music, interactive demonstrations, and a community mural. Confirmed performances include Cactus Collateral, Star Slinger, Flyover, the High Plains Barbershop Chorus, the FHSU Pep Band, and a featured duo from Reprise with Adrian Normandin and McKynlee Strecklein.

Art demonstrations will bring creativity to the streets with an aluminum pour by the FHSU Sculpture Club, screen printing, collaborative weaving, wheel throwing, oil painting, and watercolor. Many of these artists will also have work for sale. The newly formed FHSU Palette Society will lead a community mural project, inviting the public to leave their mark on the event.

“This is such an exciting moment for the Hays Arts Council,” said Brittney Squire, Board President. “While our renovation campaign has rightly been a major focus, we also wanted to create a new signature event that celebrates the creativity of our community and builds momentum for all the opportunities we’ll have in our updated space. Block Party on the Bricks is a chance to come together, enjoy incredible local talent, and support the arts in a really engaging way.”

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and are available now at <a href="http://givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy">givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy</a>. Tickets include admission; street food and specialty adult drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of local partners Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing, Mixto Cocktail Bar (coming soon), and The Paisley Pear Wine Bar &amp; Bistro. Attendees can also purchase original art and band merchandise during the event.

As part of the celebration, the Hays Arts Council is also hosting “All in Good ART", an online art auction and exhibit featuring donated works from local artists. The exhibit will run October 20–November 14 at the Hays Arts Center, with online bidding available throughout.

“I’m so grateful for the incredible team working behind the scenes on this event. Their dedication and hard work alongside the amazing artists, musicians, and community partners truly reflects the spirit of the Hays Arts Council,” said Chandler Reich, Executive Director for the Hays Arts Council. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to support and celebrate the arts in our community.”

The planning committee includes Linda Ganstrom, Schamra Dethridge, Brittany Gorelick, Amiyah Gonzales-Brown, Jennifer McClure, Megan Pfannenstiel, Colin Schmitberger, Dean Stramel, Janet Stramel, Josh Tanguay, Diana Unrein, and Amy Warfield. The team is also joined by FHSU Leadership 310 students Hailee Bingham, Reese Frauendorfer, and Eli Koerperich. Special thanks go to Scott Gross for design support and to the Downtown Hays Development Corporation for their partnership.

The Hays Arts Council is still seeking sponsors for the event. For details, contact the Event Marketing Team: Brittney Squire (brittneymsquire@gmail.com) or Megan Pfannenstiel (megepfan@gmail.com).

For more information about the Hays Arts Council and its programs, visit <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">www.haysartscouncil.org</a>

Hays Arts Council launches new event: Block Party on the Bricks

The citizens of Hays are facing a deep field of city commission candidates, the most in memorable history. This could be due to multiple issues our community is facing: affordable housing, economic development, increasing property taxes and other equally significant matters. Like others, I chose to throw my hat in the ring as well.

I've watched city commission activities since moving here in 1992. Good and great commissioners have led Hays to where we are today. Nov. 4 will direct where we choose to be in the future. I encourage citizens to become engaged with our commissioners, attend meetings when possible and watch streamed meetings at your convenience. All the links are available on the city of Hays website and in social media posts.

Reviewing the existing candidates and their varied positions on the issue, I feel that many of our concerns for the future of Hays are shared. I took a step back, evaluated my existing obligations and priorities, deciding that I would not be able to dedicate the time and energy into being the candidate our community deserves and needs. I wouldn't like to be seen as "phoning it in." It's a position that carries weight, serving present and future citizens and visitors alike.

Although my name will still appear on the Nov. 4th General Election ballot, I'm asking the citizens to consider voting for up to three of the other fine candidates that have nobly stepped up to commit themselves to serving Hays. Do your research, and remember you're voting for our future, based on yesterday's results and tomorrow's promises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LETTER: Hays City Commission candidate withdraws

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Many people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.

The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with

· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis · Education about arthritis management · Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness program

Walk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.

Groups meet for 6 weeks, twice per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long the group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, two-three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants who walk at their own pace.

Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one last time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.

The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.

If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.

If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.

To participate in the course, you complete and return an application. Please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. to fill out the application. The cost is $15 to participate. You receive a book with the class. Classes will meet Monday and Wednesday at 9:30am at Big Creek Crossing. Classes begin November 3, 2025.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Walk with Ease

LARNED — Sometime on or before Oct. 10, four pairs of cows and calves were stolen from a pasture in the area south of Sanford Junction around I Rd and U.S. Highway 183.

If you have any knowledge of this theft, or noticed any suspicious behavior in the area, contact the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office at 620-285-2211.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cows, calves stolen near Sanford Junction in Pawnee County

&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

If your pillows are looking a little flat or worn out, here’s your chance to give them new life!&nbsp;Kraft Pillow Service&nbsp;will be in&nbsp;Hays on Thursday, October 23rd, at&nbsp;Master Cleaners&nbsp;from&nbsp;8 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering professional pillow cleaning and restoration services —&nbsp;no appointment needed.

During their one-day visit, customers can bring in their pillows for a complete refresh — cleaned, sanitized, and re-fluffed on-site. Kraft Pillow Service removes old filling, cleans and sanitizes the ticking, and then refills each pillow with fresh, clean filling to restore its shape and comfort.&nbsp;All pillows are welcome, including down, foam, and synthetic varieties.

This convenient, same-day service has been trusted by families across the region for years, helping extend the life of quality pillows without the need to buy new ones. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your bedding fresh and comfortable.

Don’t miss this one-day event — stop by&nbsp;Master Cleaners in Hays, October 23rd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp;to have your pillows cleaned and ready for a better night’s sleep.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kraftpillowservice.com/">KraftPillowService.com</a>.

Facebook:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063768623114">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063768623114</a>

Kraft Pillow Service coming to Hays Oct. 23

Haunted House fundraiser for FHSU Tourism, Hospitality Management Oct. 25-26

'Dawgz and Drawz' to benefit shelter dogs 

WICHITA — The&nbsp;American Red Cross asks donors to&nbsp;make an appointment now to&nbsp;give&nbsp;blood&nbsp;to support patients&nbsp;counting on&nbsp;a consistent&nbsp;blood supply to survive and heal.&nbsp;While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant.&nbsp;Especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.&nbsp;

Prepare now — Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood by visiting <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsyzGu6yAQheHVQIc1DDBAQZEm24gMM06sZ8t5YCW6u79KdNvvnJ8LpuaBtBQbQ07kYkT9KC1QyBgdNrALo6tLopDQ1szAvlm9FkoSyFGqBIg369AuCD4lRwsqD2Nl-bf-N_u8btKHiaHmuFCo1bzqC2n6DHorj_N8DuUuCq8Kr-_3e-rCrR9j1O04eDr6XeFV78LrbLpsMg8xK5cv3P5AuYslyBl1L4_5ZzyPcSoPMt83-R6ndux6nF1k_8TecRSxYCiDNx5hMdWDN7nVGZhdaI71q-BvAAAA___fuFbK">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, see <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4LD3iABYtsfI2IjyG2iksKlqPevkrU7e-9f_Zgk5bIyc9mcRaVMcA3X9ycDSqbMGDRYdGZDMxOKpQGkg1892hpQYU2ogS4zwrmAlJbq7AA03Lsmb72H3GEvVIfwizRmYJLjOKKF-D0Hnj123k-B1M3BiuD9fV6TZ1y6m2MWFvLU-sPBmttKVSxtYOe4UEMVrro-xwM1hJqnbbzqPygvAfRqVIYJPbsP3D_B6ZuM0rngHe_hd_xbONkWlJ4VPocp9QOPs5OdLxjrbIhmqVAJ7XQIIuIWmrhUgwyZ7Uklfnl4S8AAP__eEJjpQ">RedCrossBlood.org/Fall</a>.

Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4LD3iABYtsfI2Ij3FsFZcUkKPevkrU7e-9f_Zgk5bIyc9mcRaVMcB3T3JOKqOzcdHGggNpjFlSzMomhwj88GhpQYU2ogS4zwrmDaS2VuEGTMt-ZPo6fsQZjkKtC7NEZzZcYhRXvACn98CL38d4dqZuDFYG6-v1mhrl1GrvsdSap9oeDNZSUyhiryc9w4MYrHTR9-gM1j20i_qY9nEWflI-gmhUKHQSR_YfuP8DU7cZpXPAm9_Db3_WPpiWFB6FPscp1ZP30YjOd6xVNkSzFOikFhrkJqKWWrgUg8xZLUllfnn4CwAA__94amSv">RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest</a> for details.&nbsp;

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:&nbsp;

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsyzGu6yAQheHVQIcFMzBAQZEm24jAM06sZ8t5YCW6u79KdNvvnJ8LpNlb0lJcDDkRxgj6UYilgnVLzYFQkssgM2J0xL66FlCvhZIEQkqNLMDNIbgFrE8JaQHl7VhZ_q3_zV7XTfowMbQcFwqtmVd7AU2fQW_lcZ5PhRcFVwXX9_s9deG5H2O07Th4OvpdwVXvwms1XTapQ8zK5Qu3P1B4cWRzBt3Lo_6M5zFO5a3U-ybf4zQfux5nF9k_sUeOIs4aytYbD3YxzVtv8tyqZcYwI-tXgd8AAAD__6cUVoM">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.&nbsp;

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at <a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy82OgyAUxfGngR0GL98LFt34Gg14r5WMFgdMm779pGa2v_85GMHPWlpOcXQmeKucA75GtCGPGLSxo9E-O_LBoUo6m2ySNMBLtJ6MVdZnKwHuo4JxAam9V3YBpmUvSD_lV-ypbNS6cCYHt1iTs3jlF9jhG_gW1_M8OlM3BhOD6f1-D41wbrX3vNWKQ20PBhPWZzpJXMRg2tMzPUjsH3GFUp-dwdTSUfBIvQ_ruW98JyxJNNoodRIF4wX3f2DqNloZAvAW1_TpR-0n05LSY6NrOMx15_1sRPv3rBU6olEKG6QWGuQispZahDkniajMrJC_IvwFAAD__2_baew">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a> or use the Blood Donor App.&nbsp;

Gifts given to donors at upcoming area blood drives

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling announced that early voting for the upcoming election will begin on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays.

Early voting hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day of early voting will be Monday, Nov. 3, ending at noon. For voter convenience, there will also be Saturday early voting on Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the administration center.

The last day to register to vote is today when voter registration books will close.

Advance mail ballots will be mailed on Wednesday. Voters may request an advance mail ballot by completing an application. Applications are available online, by calling the County Clerk’s Office to have one mailed, or by visiting the office at 718 Main St.

“As always, my office is here to assist voters,” Dreiling said. “If you have questions about registration, early voting or advance ballots, please don’t hesitate to call us.”

For more information, contact the Ellis County Clerk’s Office at 785-628-9410.

Last day to register to vote is today; early voting starts Monday for Nov. election

HOXIE — The Main Street Arts Council (MSAC) is proud to announce the launch of the Northwest Kansas Regional Community Choir, a new musical ensemble open to youth (grades 7–12) and adults from across northwest Kansas.

The choir, under the direction of Kathryn Tremblay of Hoxie, aims to bring together singers of all ages to celebrate the joy of music and community through regular rehearsals and performances.

“Our organization has received tremendous interest from community members asking for more opportunities for adults and youth to participate in the arts,” said Karl Pratt, executive director of the Main Street Arts Council. “We were thrilled by the response to our recent survey, with nearly 50 individuals expressing excitement and potential interest in being part of a regional choir. We’re eager to make that vision a reality.”

Rehearsals &amp; Membership Details

Rehearsals for the Northwest Kansas Regional Community Choir will begin Sunday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Hoxie High School Choir Room. Regular rehearsals will be held on Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through May 2026, with concerts to be scheduled in January and May.

A nominal seasonal participant fee assists with program costs:

No audition is required—just a passion for singing and community involvement.

The goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for singers from across the region. Whether you’ve sung in choirs before or are simply looking for a new way to share your love of music, this ensemble is for you.

For more information about joining the choir, visit <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/choir">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/choir </a>or contact mainstreetartscouncil@gmail.com.

About the Main Street Arts Council

The Main Street Arts Council is an organization dedicated to promoting the arts, encouraging creativity, serving the arts community, and acting as an advocate for the arts. We strive to be a model organization for the Northwest Kansas region by ensuring access to the arts for all ages, encouraging a community passion for the arts and successfully supporting, partnering, and collaborating with others committed to the arts. Learn more at www.mainstreetartscouncil.com.

New Northwest Kansas Community Choir organized; singers sought now 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Prosecutors have charged a suspect in connection with a murder in March.

On October 6, U.S. Marshals apprehended the 21-year-old Rene Najera of Kansas City, Kansas for homicide that occurred on March 26 in the 1600 block of Ridge Avenue, according to a statement released Tuesday from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with felony first-degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated battery and aggravated assault in the shooting death of 19-year-old Anderson Murcia-Cartagena

Najera is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

After 7-months, U.S. Marshals catch Kansas man wanted for murder

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump won't rule out a U.S. strike on Venezuelan soil.

The president said of U.S. strikes against boats off of Venezuela, “We are certainly looking at land now.”

A series of recent U.S. strikes have sunk vessels the White House says were carrying drugs from Venezuela. Asked if such attacks may eventually target mainland Venezuela, Trump said, “I don’t want to tell you, exactly.”

But he suggested that land attacks were an option “because we’ve got the sea well under control.”

The president also said he’d authorized the CIA to operate in Venezuela.

Asked if the agency could “take out” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump was noncommittal, saying it was “a ridiculous question” for him to answer.

🎥Trump won’t rule out US strikes on Venezuelan soil

WASHINGTON (AP) — The ongoing government shutdown is delaying the announcement of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-social-security-administration">Social Security</a>&nbsp;cost-of-living adjustment for tens of millions of beneficiaries.

Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the 2024 Social Security COLA announcement will now be Oct. 24. It is timed to the September Consumer Price Index, which also has not yet been released.

The agency adjusts its benefits every year based on inflation. The postponement of the announcement is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-effects-economy-c67b521f7d74d597313feaefd8ccf420">most recent example</a>&nbsp;of how the government shutdown, entering its third week and with little progress made toward a resolution, has made it more difficult for people to plan out their finances.

Projections by Senior Citizens League and the AARP&nbsp;<a href="https://seniorsleague.org/tscl-cola-projection-8-25-2/" target="_blank">anticipate a COLA</a>&nbsp;increase of roughly 2.7%. About&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/2023/fast_facts23.html" target="_blank">70.6 million</a>&nbsp;people, including retirees, disabled people and children, get Social Security benefits.

Social Security Administration beneficiaries have voiced concerns that next year’s increase will not be enough to counter rising costs.

Sue Conard, a 75-year-old retired nurse from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and SSA recipient, recently traveled to the U.S. Capitol with other retiree members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union to lobby for meaningful progress towards gaining health care protections to end the shutdown, as well as changes to Social Security benefits.

She said she wants lawmakers to change the calculation on how the COLA is determined since the standard CPI gauge, which includes a market basket of consumer goods and services, doesn’t take into account many costs typical for older Americans.

“The issue of how the COLA is determined is flat-out wrong because health care is not factored into the CPI,” said Conard, speaking on the front steps of the Longworth House Office Building.

Some lawmakers have proposed legislation that would make SSA use a different index, called the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), to calculate the cost-of-living increase that measures price changes based on the spending patterns of older people on things such as health care, food and medicine.

A collection of Democratic lawmakers has proposed legislation to change the CPI calculation for COLA benefits to the CPI-E. Last session, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., proposed a law that would change the COLA calculation, but that never got a hearing in the Senate Finance committee.

AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan said the COLA “isn’t just a source of income — it’s a lifeline of independence and dignity, for tens of millions of older Americans.” But even with an adjusted COLA, a majority of Americans still face challenges covering basic expenses, she said.

Vanessa Fields, a 70-year-old former social worker and AFSCME member from Philadelphia, said she pays roughly $1,000 per month for groceries, more than in previous years. The COLA doesn’t keep up with rising costs, she said, “and we’re going to be in bad shape if lawmakers don’t act.”

The agency is expected to begin notifying recipients about their new benefit amount starting in early December. A spokesperson for Social Security who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the COLA said retirement and Supplemental Security Income benefits would be adjusted beginning Jan. 1, 2026, without any delay despite the current government lapse in appropriations.

The delayed COLA announcement comes as the national social insurance plan faces a severe financial shortfall in the coming years and as the agency has seen substantial workforce cuts.

The annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-trust-fund-trump-74e13292f510739724a555d7ded7c1a3">released in June</a>&nbsp;said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2034, instead of last year’s estimate of 2035. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 81% of scheduled benefits, the report said.

Why your Social Security COLA announcement is delayed 

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has obtained credible intelligence indicating that Mexican criminals, in coordination with domestic extremist groups have placed targeted bounties on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, according to a statement from the agency.

These criminal networks have issued explicit instructions to U.S.-based sympathetics, including street gangs in Chicago, to monitor, harass, and assassinate federal agents. Specific details from ongoing investigations include:&nbsp;

In Portland and Chicago, Antifa groups have provided logistical support such as pre-staged protest supplies, doxxing of agent identities, and on-the-ground interference to shield cartel-linked individuals from deportation.&nbsp;

“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice.”

DHS will not be deterred by these threats and calls on sanctuary state and local leaders to cease policies that embolden criminals. The public is urged to report suspicious activities—such as rooftop surveillance or organized protests blocking federal operations—to the DHS Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or via the ICE website.&nbsp;

DHS: Mexican gangs offering bounties for ICE agent assassinations

SALINE COUNTY —On Monday, the Salina Police Department was made aware of a parking incident which occurred a week prior, on Monday October 6, with a marked Salina Police Department patrol car parking in a handicapped designated parking space at a south Salina business. This matter was brought to the Department’s attention by a private citizen and was not raised by anyone associated with that business, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Andrew Zeigler.

"The Salina Police Department takes complaints from citizens very seriously as we see it as an opportunity to examine our day-in-and-day-out operations and provides us the perspective and concerns of the community. This incident has given us the opportunity to look into the concerns of our citizens internally and operationally. The matter has been looked into to understand all the circumstances around it, including speaking with the employees of the private business."

"The on duty Salina Police Officer was conducting follow-up on an ongoing criminal investigation at the time of the incident and parked in the only available parking space at the business." according to&nbsp;Lt. Zeigler

A photograph was taken of the patrol car. The photograph was later forwarded on and was eventually passed on to the Police Department. The Salina Police Officer who was driving the patrol car at the time was contacted and is being addressed as an internal matter. The Salina Police Department is also taking steps internally to ensure all officers are following Kansas traffic codes as it pertains to police operations as well as Salina Police Department and City of Salina policies.

"The Salina Police Department thanked the community members for raising their concerns with us and we strive to review our actions on a daily basis to do better and always provide the highest standard of service to the City."

Why Kansas officer was parking in handicapped only space 

Senate president disavows both activists, attorney general fires Hendrix

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The chairman and vice chairman of the Kansas Young Republicans took part in encrypted chats with political peers that were laced with violent, racist and antisemitic rhetoric and blended with references to white supremacy and suppression of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

On Tuesday, the chairman of the Kansas Republican Party said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/private-chat-among-young-gop-club-members-00592146" target="_blank">the Politico article</a>&nbsp;disclosing the commentary prompted immediate deactivation of the Kansas Young Republicans organization.

Politico, a digital news company specializing in coverage of U.S. politics, reported Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix took part in the Telegram group chat.

In 2,900 pages of chat text, Hendrix praised the Missouri Young Republicans because leaders in that state didn’t like LGBTQ+ people. He repeatedly used racial slurs to refer to Black people, including words such as “n–ga” and “n–guh.” In a July conversation in the thread about African-Americans, he said, “Bro is at a chicken restaurant ordering his food. Would he like some watermelon and Kool-Aid with that?”

He was fired from a communications job in the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach as Politico prepared its report on Hendrix’s role in the chat.

“The comments in the chat are inexcusable,” Kobach said. “As soon as the office learned of those messages, Will Hendrix’s employment was terminated.”

In the chat threads, Dwyer and others delved into discussions of how GOP operatives could tarnish a political candidate by linking the individual to white supremacists. The idea was dismissed, Politico said, because the plan could backfire in a place such as Kansas where “Young Republicans could end up becoming attracted to that opponent.” Subsequently, a person in the chat asked others to guess what room number they had a hotel.

Dwyer responded: “1488.” That figure is a form of shorthand among white supremacists when making reference to their beliefs. It refers to the 14 words of text in the slogan, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The “88” stands for “Heil Hitler,” with the H marking the eighth letter of the alphabet.

At another juncture, Dwyer touched on controversy involving release of government files on Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have sought public release of files to either exonerate or incriminate President Donald Trump or other prominent individuals.

“Trumps too busy burning the Epstein files,” Dwyer wrote on Telegram.

Dwyer didn’t respond to a request for an interview. Hendrix, who ran unsuccessfully for Topeka City Council in 2021, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Before Politico’s disclosure of the Young Republicans’ commentary, Dwyer and Hendrix were photographed at a campaign event with Senate President Ty Masterson, the Andover Republican who is a 2026 candidate for governor. A social media post of the picture, taken at Masterson’s campaign announcement event, shows both of them holding signs touting Masterson’s campaign for governor.

The Masterson campaign released a statement after the Senate president landed in Washington, D.C., for meetings Wednesday with White House officials. In that statement, Masterson blamed political opponents for “shopping around a photo, with deceitful intentions, in efforts to disparage” him.

“I categorically deny any association with William Hendrix or Alex Dwyer, as neither is current, nor has ever been, on staff or volunteered for my campaign for governor,” Masterson said. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is either lying or misinformed.”

In addition, Masterson said, he was guided by deep Christian faith and possessed a record of condemning hateful and violent rhetoric.

“I am personally disgusted by the comments attributed to individuals in the article, as such behavior is utterly counter to Christ’s message that life is valuable and we are all equal in God’s eyes, and my unwavering commitment to these values has not changed,” the statement said.

A collection of Kansas Republicans and a Democratic candidate for governor denounced contents of this trove of Telegram messages logged under “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” or Restore Young Republicans.

The communications chronicled by Politico covered a period between January and August, and involved state Republican leaders in Kansas, Vermont, Arizona and New York. Included in the thousands of comments was this insight: “If we ever had a leak on this chat, we will be cooked.”

“The viewpoints expressed in this chat are not representative of Kansans. Period,” said former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor. “Our state was founded on the belief that all of us are created equal under God — and anyone who mocks those principles dishonors the very spirit of Kansas.”

Vicki Schmidt, the state’s insurance commissioner and a Republican candidate for governor, said Dwyer and Hendrix should formally resign from their Young Republicans positions because “their actions are disgusting and disgraceful and they tarnish the reputation of Kansas nationally.”

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