By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The halls of Hays High School were bustling with curious students the last two days as students were allowed a sneak peek of their new school.

Today is the first day of school for all Hays USD 489 students, and the first full day of classes for the new $100 million high school.

Mario Hernandez, a junior, was there with other members of the student council serving as ambassadors for the new school.

Hernandez, a football player, said he is excited for the new athletic facilities.

Hays High has never played a home football game at its own facility. For years, the district has leased Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field. The Indians will play their first home game on Friday, Sept. 5.

"We have a beautiful new field, a new weight room. It's great," he said.

Kamden McBride, junior, said he is excited about the new performing arts center on campus. He said driving to another location was cumbersome. He's looking forward to the first performances of the chorus, band and orchestra in the new building.

"The whole school is amazing. I'm not into football, but having the view of the football field is beautiful."

The former Hays High School did not have an auditorium. Students either had to use the 12th Street auditorium, which was built more than 70 years ago and is in disrepair, or lease space at FHSU.

The new performing arts center seats 800 people, has an attached dressing room, costume shop and set workshop.

Alex Underwood, chorus teacher, noted the auditorium was designed with special attention to acoustics and rigging for scenery.

McBride said he wasn't too concerned about navigating the new school. He said finding classes was easy once you oriented yourself with the commons. He said he thought it was easier to navigate than the former Hays High.&nbsp;

The building is color-coded. Math and science are green, ground floor west. Music, performing arts and social studies are beige, ground floor east. Math, science, ag, business and the media center are light blue, second floor west. Art, English and world language are dark blue, second floor east.

The athletics wing is in the southwest portion of the building and painted with Hays High Indians logos in maroon and gold.

Avery Arias, junior, said, "The classrooms are bigger, and it allows for more space. There is new equipment and arts supplies and new culinary stuff. It opens up a lot of new opportunities for students in all areas, sports, art, business, everything."

&nbsp;Teachers are looking forward to their new spaces as well.

Maleigha&nbsp;Albers,&nbsp;English teacher, said&nbsp;the new extra space will help with her interactions with students.

"I love it. I love the room. Last year, I couldn't walk to the back of my room because it was so congested. I can move. I can help my kids better. I can maneuver the classroom a little bit better," she said.

Kathy Wagoner, English teacher, said, "It's an exciting time. I'm just thankful that the community has given us this opportunity to help kids grow. I love the extra space. It's an incredible building."

Wagoner said she taught for 34 years in a classroom with no windows. The new classrooms have many windows, which allow in natural light.

Many of the classrooms have class sliding doors that open into halls with flexible seating so students can work in small groups.

Wagoner said the design will allow for better supervision. In the old classrooms with the wooden doors, it was challenging to monitor both students working in the hall and the classroom.&nbsp;

"You were stuck in the doorway, and you had to look back and forth," she said.

Kayla Brown, chemistry teacher, said of her new classroom, "It's fabulous. More room to move around. Being able to use the desk as a class desk and dual lab benches is great. They are on casters, so it's easy to move them around."&nbsp;

She said the room has additional storage and it's more accessible.&nbsp;

A public ribbon cutting for the new high school will be at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, followed by the Maroon and Gold scrimmage. The public will be allowed to tour the building at that time.

🎙 New Hays High opens today for first day of classes

National Radio Day just got a whole lot tastier thanks to our friends at Bigg E Meats! Join us for a special Meat &amp; Greet today at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall Street in Hays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come hungry and sample an incredible spread courtesy of Bigg E Meats, featuring smoked pork loin, prime brisket, jalapeño summer sausage, buffalo and pepper jack cheese curds, beef sticks, Bloody Mary sticks, honey BBQ beef sticks and so much more!

While you’re here, you’ll also have the chance to MEAT your favorite Eagle Radio on-air personalities and get registered as a finalist in our UTV and Yuengling Golf Cart Giveaway!

Bigg E Meats is a local favorite, right here in Hays, offering a full lineup of fresh and frozen meats, seafood, cheese, homemade noodles, pies and even Kansas-made ice cream. From tenderloin, ribeye, T-bone, KC strips and brisket to skinless chicken thighs, smoked chickens and holiday turkeys, Bigg E Meats has something for everyone’s table.

Stop by today to celebrate National Radio Day in a BIG way with Bigg E Meats – because they’re a BIG deal!

Celebrate National Radio Day with Bigg E Meats at the Eagle Media Center!

Congratulations to Garrett Dreiling from Hays and Ruthy Muir from Stockton on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at &nbsp;Lewis Automotive this past Saturday.&nbsp; The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

Lewis Automotive finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Countryside Estates MHP, Hays KS public water supply system located in Ellis County.

This advisory does not affect customers who receive water from the City of Hays or the Ellis County Rural Water public water supplies.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 20, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to water main breaks. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 308-629-7874, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7cf103e-b5dd857c-0c66-491f-97af-6acfb416de7f-000000/K-ttGxp_qLoiwLVNNGSosH35J2YOwLctNbOZJYIYxBE=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Countryside Mobile Home Estates in Hays

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

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in the remote southwest corner of the state as President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-kristi-noem-alligator-alcatraz-02daf485e8a499022491c35f7c656fe8">races to expand</a>&nbsp;the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.

The facility will be dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” a play on Nebraska’s nickname of the Cornhusker State and an old slang term for jail. The alliterative name follows in the vein of the previously announced “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” detention centers in Florida and the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana.

Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook — a remote city of about 7,000 people in the middle of the wide-open prairies between Denver and Omaha — to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. It’s expected to be a Midwest hub for detainees from several states.

“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” Pillen said in a statement.

The facility can accommodate 200 people with plans to expand to 300. McCook is about 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Lincoln, the state capital.

“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App,” Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/19/cornhusker-clink-new-partnership-dhs-and-state-nebraska-expand-detention-space" target="_blank">said in a separate statement.</a>

Noem’s agency&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dhsgov/status/1957931320044138759?s=46" target="_blank">posted a picture</a>&nbsp;on social media showing ears of corn wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats, standing in front of a prison fence.

The governor said later at a news conference in McCook that the center will have the advantage of being located at an existing facility and near a regional airport. He told reporters he didn’t know if the center would house women as well as men or if children could be held there. He said he first learned the federal government was interested in the facility on Friday.

Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 soldiers will be involved. And he said the Nebraska State Patrol would allow six troopers to help federal immigration agents make arrests.

Adding detention facilities to hold growing number of immigrants arrested

The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">arrested and accused</a>&nbsp;of being in the country illegally. ICE centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019.

The new and planned facilities include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-ice-trump-alligator-alcatraz-2edf0cd03409b3526f34d4d7b33074be">remote detention center in the Florida Everglades</a>&nbsp;known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detainees-florida-cc2fb9e34e760a50e97f13fe59cbf075">“Alligator Alcatraz,”</a>&nbsp;which opened last month. It’s designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. When Trump toured it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-everglades-immigrant-detention-facility-visit-5dc5568ec15534947c29c9149b773d1d">he suggested it could be a model</a>&nbsp;for future lockups nationwide.

The Florida facility also been the subject of legal challenges by attorneys who allege violations of due process there, including the rights of detainees to meet with their attorneys, limited access to immigration courts and poor living conditions. Critics have been trying to stop further construction and operations until it comes into compliance with federal environmental laws.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-detention-center-desantis-dce8b6b8f634152a604eb06bfc2fb461">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that his administration is preparing to open a second facility, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” at a state prison in north Florida. It’s expected to have 1,300 immigration beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.

Also last week, officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-immigration-detention-facility-a4cbf17febb9c345282d2fc33087fc2b">rural Tennessee town of Mason</a>&nbsp;voted to approve agreements to turn a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by a private company, despite loud objections from residents and activists during a contentious public meeting.

And the Trump administration announced plans earlier this month for a 1,000-bed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-indiana-prison-immigrants-f4af2d5ad5ece8481b0750dad53fb743">detention center in Indiana</a>&nbsp;that would be dubbed “Speedway Slammer,” prompting a backlash in the Midwestern state that hosts the Indianapolis 500 auto race.

Corrections director Rob Jeffreys said the 186 inmates currently at the McCook work camp will be transferred to other state facilities over the next 45 to 60 days. The repurposed facility will be run by the state but will be paid for by the federal government. He said it’s already set up and accredited to hold prisoners, so detainees won’t be housed in tents or other temporary quarters.

The Nebraska plan has already raised concerns

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/758115393643071" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted to social media, state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent, blasted a lack of transparency about plans for a detention center, citing her unfulfilled request to the governor and executive branch for emails and other records.

She urged people to support local immigrant rights groups.

“The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbors, protect the people in our communities who are being targeted by these horrible people, these horrible organizations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbors and families and friends,” Hunt said.

Around a half-dozen protesters sat in the hallway outside the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon making signs that said, “No Nazi Nebraska” and “ICE = Gestapo.”

Maghie Miller-Jenkins of Lincoln said she doesn’t think an ICE detention center is a good idea, adding the state should tackle problems like child hunger and homelessness. “This state has numerous things they could focus on that would benefit the constituents,” she said.

Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jack Dura in Fargo, North Dakota, and Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.

‘Cornhusker Clink’ immigration detention center to open near NW Kansas

Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County. 

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Smith Center indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-282-3812 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7d5cfe1-90876970-fc05-4764-9a29-d719ffec7777-000000/4h5BJoIFe_zZg571dAAEBXrYQlO7Ky8M127R5fpYU-0=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory for Smith Center rescinded

LOGAN — The 47th annual Logan Labor Day Celebration will take place Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Logan Golf Course, located 1.25 miles east of Logan on Highway 9. 

Sponsored by the Hansen Museum with funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, this family-friendly tradition is free and open to all.

Festivities kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the Dane G. Bales Jr. Memorial Car Show, a community favorite since 1998. This year’s featured vehicle is Michael Ghumm’s stunning 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. Arrive before 4:00 p.m. to admire everything from sleek classic coupes and muscle cars to antique pickups and eye-catching hot rods.

Sand Volleyball Tournament – Gather your friends for some friendly competition! Teams must include three men and three women, all 16 years or older. First-place winners receive 50% of the purse plus t-shirts; second place earns meal tickets and t-shirts; third place takes home t-shirts. Register online at hansenmuseum.org/labor-day-celebration or on-site by 10:30 a.m. the day of the event. The tournament begins at 11:00 a.m.

Family Fun All Day – From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., kids can bounce, climb, and race on the inflatable obstacle course, take a turn on the 9-hole mini golf course, or enjoy the bouncy house. At 2:00 p.m., the Siruta Pedal Pullers State-Sanctioned Kid’s Tractor Pull begins—winners advance to compete at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

Food &amp; Refreshments – Satisfy your appetite with tasty offerings from the Logan Junior Class Food Booth, The Corn Kettle, and Buck’s Snow Shack—serving lunch, supper, and snacks in between.

Museum Exhibit: ASTRONAUT – The Hansen Museum will be open from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., offering the perfect afternoon break from the Labor Day Celebration. Festivities at the golf course slow down between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m., making it a great time to stop by and experience ASTRONAUT—an interactive, hands-on exhibit where you can train for space travel, “launch” into orbit, and explore life aboard the International Space Station. Free and fully accessible, this exhibition is a must-see for all ages.

Evening Entertainment &amp; Fireworks – At 5:30 p.m., the stage comes alive with the high-energy sounds of The Innocence from Kearney, Nebraska. Their diverse playlist ranges from Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, offering something for every musical taste and keeping the crowd entertained right up until sunset. The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display by Rainbow Fireworks of Inman, Kansas—lighting up the night sky for miles.

Join us for a day full of cars, competition, family fun, great food, live music, and fireworks at the 47th Annual Logan Labor Day Celebration. 

For more information, call the Hansen Museum at 785-689-4846 or visit www.hansenmuseum.org. 

Admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Logan hosts 47th-annual Labor Day celebration August 31

<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/hays-cpa-firm/">Adams Brown</a>, with offices in Hays, has earned a spot among the top CPA firms in the country, ranking No. 106 in the 2025 INSIDE Public&nbsp;Accounting Top 200 list.

The recognition comes as the firm prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary on Nov. 1, a milestone that&nbsp;reflects not just longevity but consistent, client-driven growth.

“For most of our clients, success isn’t just about profit—it’s about clarity,” said Ben Wilson, managing&nbsp;principal and CEO of Adams Brown. “Our job is to help them see around corners, make smart moves and&nbsp;keep the numbers working in their favor. This ranking is really a reflection of the trust they place in us.”

Adams Brown has steadily expanded its services and reach, with net revenue increasing from $44.3&nbsp;million in 2022 to $48.5 million in 2023, and reaching $54.1 million in 2024.

Adams Brown works with closely held businesses across a range of industries including construction,&nbsp;manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, dental and more.

80 years strong: Adams Brown ranks No. 106 nationally

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

A new interdenominational organization for moms will hold its first meeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

“The MomCo. is a faith-based community of moms with children of any age who meet together to be an encouragement and support to one another in our walk through motherhood and our relationship with Jesus,” said Alicia Kumer, one of the group’s leaders.

She said the organization was once known as MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and was geared to moms of younger children. But the new organization invites moms of all ages, Kumer said. Moms with grown children and grandmothers are welcome to attend and sometimes even become “mentor moms” to some of the younger members, she said.

Free childcare will be provided. Kumer said it will be helpful if moms could call the church at 785-628-8887 to let organizers know how many children will be accompanying them.

She said the group will meet the second Saturday of the month from September through May. More information is available by calling the above number.

New faith organization for moms to hold first meeting

<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

Hungry for bierocks? Place your order with the Cancer Council of Ellis County for their BIEROCK FUNDRAISER until Monday, September 1, 2025. These delicious bierocks are made by Cervs on Main Street. 

To place your order call the Cancer Council at 785-625-6653 or mail your order to 701 Riley St., Hays KS 67601. 

Orders must be paid for at time of order. 

Pick up will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Main Street Cervs, 1601 Main Street.

Cost is $30 for ½ dozen or $50 for a dozen; with cheese $35 for ½ dozen or $60 for a dozen.

The Cancer Council of Ellis County is a local organization that has been helping Ellis County residents dealing with cancer for 39 years.

Bierocks fundraiser underway for Cancer Council of Ellis 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

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. 

The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-324-0187 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c2eb1475-e44be482-7acb-4a59-9654-aac15d8075e0-000000/crrMNb5Fe6KxUw_3j5x8BG3gtor4MSL8HURsnWw8hzo=418">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Bunker Hill

KANSAS — During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross&nbsp;encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives&nbsp;with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O&nbsp;positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout.

In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for&nbsp;prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma&nbsp;donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential&nbsp;results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at&nbsp;RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period.

August also brings changes in routines. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports and final&nbsp;summer vacations may be top of mind right now, but patients can’t wait. Making and keeping&nbsp;donation appointments can be the difference in a patient’s treatment journey.

Help save lives and empower your health! Schedule a time to give now by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp;App.

Those who come to give Aug. 1-28, 2025, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of&nbsp;choice.

&nbsp;For details on both offers, visit <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/the-heat-is-on-for-blood-donors.html">RedCrossBlood.org/Test</a>.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31:

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

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete&nbsp;their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of their donation,&nbsp;before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood&nbsp;donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in&nbsp;and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving&nbsp;blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either&nbsp;position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies&nbsp;about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international&nbsp;humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is&nbsp;a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public&nbsp;to deliver its mission.

&nbsp;For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.redcross.org/">redcross.org</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/cruz-roja.html">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.

Area blood drives in August.; Free A1C screenings, gift cards

Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner, food trucks and yard games. 

The event starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and is free for students and the general public.&nbsp; This concert will be a dry event.

Sponsored by Kansas Regenerative Medicine in Kansas City and LOKAL

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at free FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

The Hays Police Department announced the launch of "Ride Right Hays," a new public safety and awareness campaign designed to educate residents on the proper and lawful operation of Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, motorized scooters, and bicycles within the city.

The initiative comes in response to the increasing popularity of these vehicles.

The campaign's primary goal is to proactively prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users by providing clear, concise information about current regulations.

In June 2024, the Hays City Commission passed Ordinance No. 4052, which repealed the requirement for annual city registration and inspection of UTVs.

While this simplifies the process for owners, the Hays Police Department stresses that all other state and local traffic laws remain in full effect.

Key regulations for UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, and golf carts that operators must follow include possessing a valid driver's license, being at least 18 years of age, and maintaining liability insurance on the vehicle.

Furthermore, UTVs must have all legally required safety equipment, such as headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, and seatbelts.

Operation is permitted on city streets but is strictly prohibited on state highways, including Vine Street (U.S. Highway 183), except for the purpose of crossing the highway.

"Our community's safety is our top priority," said Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. "With the growing number of these vehicles on our streets, public education is more critical than ever. The 'Ride Right Hays' campaign is about providing clear, simple information to empower residents to make safe choices, follow the law, and prevent accidents before they happen. We want people to enjoy these vehicles, but we want them to do it responsibly."

The "Ride Right Hays" campaign aims to eliminate confusion regarding other types of vehicles as well, including bicycles and motorized scooters.

Riders of both are reminded that they are often subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles.

This includes obeying all traffic signs and signals, riding in the direction of traffic, and using lights at night as required by law.

Over the coming weeks, the Hays Police Department will share detailed information, infographics, and safety tips across its social media platforms using the hashtag RideRightHays.

The department will also be participating in Pedal Patrol in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 13, at Aubel-Bickle Optimist Park, 30th and Sherman Ave., to teach children safety tips and ensure safe riding around Hays. 

During the event the department will also provide bicycle safety inspections. Residents are encouraged to follow the department's social media pages including, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cityofhayspoliceandfire/">Facebook</a>, Instagram, and LinkedIn, for Ride Right Hays information, and visit the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">City of Hays website</a> for full ordinances.

Hays Police Department launches 'Ride Right Hays' campaign to promote vehicle safety

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes in Manhattan.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 46-year-old Jeremy Welch of Tucson, Arizona, on a Riley Count District Court warrant, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Welch is being held on a $100,000 bond on requested charges that include two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.&nbsp; The RCPD did not report where the crimes are alleged to have occurred.

Arizona man jailed for alleged child sex crimes in Manhattan

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonel-aleccia">JONEL ALECCIA</a> Associated Press

Walmart has recalled frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states because federal health officials say it could have potential radioactive contamination.

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm">Click here for the FDA alert</a>

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Walmart to pull three lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp from stores after federal officials detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.

The products could pose a “potential health concern” for people exposed to low levels of Cesium-137 over time, FDA officials said.

“If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” FDA officials said in a statement.

The risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University.

Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear bombs, testing, reactor operations and accidents. It’s widespread around the world, with trace amounts found in the environment, including soil, food and air.

The level detected in the frozen breaded shrimp was far lower than FDA intervention levels. However, the agency said that avoiding potentially contaminated products could reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could lead to health problems over time.

The FDA is investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials alerted FDA that they found Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia.

FDA officials collected several product samples and detected contamination in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp. The shipping containers and products were denied entry into the U.S.

However, the FDA then learned that Walmart had received potentially affected products imported after the first detection, from shipments that did not trigger contamination alerts.

Walmart immediately recalled the products, a company spokesperson said. They include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1 and 8005539-1, all with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The shrimp was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Consumers should discard the products or return them to any Walmart store for refund.

___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp over potential radioactive contamination

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement on Tuesday shared a unique video of an arrest after a chase following a crash on a Kansas highway.

On Monday night, sheriff's deputies used a drone to locate a suspect in a field near the unincorporated Douglas County community of Vinland, according to the Douglas County Sheriff.

He had fled from a crash into a ditch in a vehicle that identified as involved in an earlier pursuit with another agency.

🎥 Kan. deputies use a drone to capture suspect hiding in a field

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a large house fire in Johnson County.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a home near 119th and Cherokee lane in Leawood after a 911 caller reported smoke in the area, according to the Leawood Fire Department.

First arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a large home. Fire moved into the attic and burned through the roof. Overland Park fire crews also responded to assist.

Two firefighters were injured. One was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other was treated on the scene. There was nobody home at the time of the fire.

119th Street was closed at Cherokee for several hours while crews battled the blaze and investigated.

Two firefighters injured battling  large Kansas house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning.

The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.

A Defense Department official confirmed that the military assets have been assigned to the region in support of counter narcotics efforts. The official, who was not authorized to comment about military planning, said the vessels would be deployed “over the course of several months.”

The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Trump has pushed for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities.

Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cartels-trump-administration-bondi-justice-department-712bdb8f99522ee72ec357492cfa393b">Mexico’s cartels</a>. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-us-drug-cartels-terrorist-organizations-8f010b9762964417039b65a10131ff64">Mexico’s sovereignty</a>, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military.

Trump in February&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-foreign-terrorist-organizations-eb35567b69fc66f13f7f79fb90906a50">designated</a>&nbsp;Venezuela’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tren-de-aragua-gang-venezuela-trump-40ec0390047c2b17e961dd029da02e65">Tren de Aragua</a>, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His Republican administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.

The designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends — not for money-focused crime rings such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/drug-cartels">the Latin American cartels</a>.

But the Trump administration argues the international connections and operations of the groups — including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory — warrant the designation.

Earlier this month, the Trump government announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-fbi-bondi-justice-department-0e618369ca68b79b1a2143a95955344a">doubling to $50 million</a>&nbsp;a reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements