By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar reopened its doors with a fresh community-focused vision.

The Chamber in Hays hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to mark the new chapter for Breaks under its new owner, Brent Lang.

"Everything we make here is made from scratch. All of our sauces and sandwiches... It's something I don't think you're going to find anywhere else in town," Lang said.

Breaks will also be offering all-day promotions Friday with food and drink specials. Deals include $16 beer buckets (five beers), $24.99 whiskey flights, $4 Prosecco, buy-one-get-one-free on select menu items and half-price wings.

"As far as the wings go, I'm excited for my special hot sauce blend. It's called the Prince Bonfire. It's a spicy Parmesan."

Breaks’ relaunch features a refreshed menu, longer hours and reduced prices. Lang highlighted food favorites like prime sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak and French dip.

"Breakfast burritos. I personally love it, but I'd say it's probably the most undervalued with the quality ingredients we put in there," Lang said.

Lang said Breaks is well-staffed, but he is continually seeking bartenders, as the restaurant is now open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day, for both food and bar services.

Other menu items include avocado toast, classic French toast, fluffy pancakes, omelets, breakfast burgers, and a variety of salads and pastas.

Lang said <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/catering/tbd-3203-vine-street">Breaks offers off-site catering</a> along with a banquet room that seats up to 250, in addition to the dining room, which holds about 185.

“I'm constantly working every day. I've spent a lot of hours here. I'm very dedicated to this because I love customer service and I want the customer to get the best experience," Lang said.

You can follow the restaurant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breakseatery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and visit its website <a href="https://breakseatery.com/">here</a>.

Before Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar hit Vine Street in May 2024, the location was Whisky Creek, a fixture in Hays for almost two decades.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eddb013b-e9b8-436d-b564-18be1f40c36f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Whiskey Creek closes after 18 years, rebrands to Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar</a>

Breaks Eatery & Bar reopens in Hays; celebration continues Friday

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

Kansans for Life is bringing a traveling memorial exhibit to Hays on Monday, Sept. 22, and is seeking volunteers to help with the event that day.

Father Andy Hammeke, chaplain at Comeau Catholic Campus Center in Hays, said in a news release that about 50 volunteers are needed. The exhibit, called “Aftermath,” will have 19,467 models of babies on display.

This was the number of babies aborted in Kansas in 2023, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Vital Statistics Report, which was published in December 2024, the most recent report available. This number represents a 58 percent increase from 2022 and a 148 percent increase from 2021, according to the report.

The exhibit will be on display at the Hays Downtown Pavilion, 117 E. 10th St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22.

“Sometimes when we hear how many abortions have taken place, the&nbsp;number is hard to comprehend.&nbsp; But a good image can help make the numbers strike&nbsp;closer to home,” Hammeke said.&nbsp;“These won't be bloody images or images of dead babies.&nbsp; Simply lots and lots of baby&nbsp;models.”&nbsp;The exhibit is suitable for fifth graders and older, he said.

The exhibit will also provide pro-life information, including resources for women who have had an abortion. In addition to Hays, the exhibit will be traveling to 11 other Kansas cities.

According to the website, volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the exhibit, greet visitors, and staff the information table. Volunteers may get more information and sign up at <a href="https://aftermathks.com/">aftermathks.com</a>.

Kansans for Life seeks volunteers for event coming to Hays

Fort Hays State University Communications

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s (KWEC) 12th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico. Nets and tags will be available during the event for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies.

Participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to capture monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.

On the way to Mexico, data collected from tagged monarchs helps support the research of Monarch Watch. Tagging helps answer questions about the origins of monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of migration, mortality during the migration, and changes in geographic distribution.

Egg. Larva. Pupa. Butterfly. That's magic!&nbsp;Steve Craig will have a butterfly magic show that makes learning this basic science fun using magic, puppets, and humor. The Butterfly Magic show is designed for family audiences - enjoy the metamorphosis at shows at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:15 a.m. Make sure to claim free tickets on your arrival at the festival.

Larned-based Kellie Honey Farm will be present with a demonstration hive on display in the exhibit hall to educate about the importance of honeybees.

Grassland Groupies, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the conservation of grassland ecosystems, will be at the festival. Depending on the availability of insects, they may have their Bumblebutt Petting Station, an all-male (so they won't sting), bumble bee interaction display, or a walk-in butterfly tent.

KWEC will also feature an invertebrate zoo, with giant walking stick insects, butterflies, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions, a tarantula, and more.

Kids can make a butterfly tealight lantern at the craft station and a monarch butterfly rest stop to assist the butterflies migrating through your own backyard. Race through a pollinator obstacle course and earn a temporary butterfly tattoo. Use a sling shot to shoot seed bombs full of potential pollinator blooms out into our prairie and take home your own packet of seeds.

Explore the Melody Marsh, an interactive play area in the KWEC Pollinator Garden. The garden provides wildflower planting ideas to use at home and features a variety of native and adaptable plants that serve as hosts for different species of caterpillars and provide nectar sources for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, beetles, and more.

Pollinator seed packets will be available for free until they run out.

Partnering with the Kansas Wetlands Education Center and the annual Butterfly Festival, the Central Kansas Partnership's Suicide Prevention Task Force Walk and Remembrance Ceremony will occur early in the morning at 7:15 a.m. to ensure it is completed by the time the festival is set to begin.

Each individual will be able to write the loved one's name on a painted butterfly to stake in the ground during the festival for attendees to see. The task force will also have a booth during the festival, sharing information on suicide prevention.

For more information, contact KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit: <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Annual Butterfly Festival set for Sept. 20 at Kansas Wetlands Education Center 

By KAREN MADORIN Hays Post

Kevin Costner’s character Ray in Field of Dreams listened to a mysterious voice repeating, “If you build it, they will come.” 

Against others’ advice, that farmer sacrificed a cornfield to construct a baseball diamond in the middle of Iowa farm country. If you watched this film, you know Shoeless Joe Jackson, members of the banned 1919 Black Sox team, and others show up to play some spirited baseball.

I love that concept. If you listen to good advice and prepare, adventure begins. In my case, the result wasn’t mystical, but it was rewarding. 

An insect-loving biologist advised me to garden not only to produce food but also to support butterflies. I’d written previously about adding rows of dill and fennel to my garden. Through her encouragement, I took another step—I interspersed flowers and herbs.

I planted fennel and dill amongst zinnias, larkspur, Indian blanket, bachelor buttons, and marigolds. Over the summer, a visitor would ask about that that ferny-looking stuff that smells like licorice.

Friends also remarked on dill thriving in that flowerbed.

“ Yes, that’s dill. No, not making pickles. I’m growing butterflies.”

Yes. Specifically, swallowtails. Their caterpillars devour dill, parsley, and fennel. Each spring either stunning yellow and black winged or black highlighted with blue and yellow winged creatures sipped nectar from lilacs, lilies, roses, and other summer blossoms. Then they mated and produced eggs. 

Because I followed my friend’s advice and planted to attract more brilliant-colored pollinators, I counted scores of funny looking caterpillars hatching from that summer’s efforts.

When gardeners provide host plants, adult female swallowtails lay yellow eggs on the leaves. After incubating, these tiny deposits hatch into segmented creatures dressed in vivid green adorned by yellow, black, and white stripes, dots, and dashes. 

This developmental stage camouflages pillowy caterpillars from voracious birds, but humans can easily spot these summer residents munching lacy leaves. If you don’t see them, you’ll know they’re busy digesting when you notice healthy poopers dotting soil and landscape rocks beneath garden greenery.

Before that year’s experiment, I was happy to see two or three ugly bugs in clown dress each summer. After adding additional fennel, parsley, and dill plants, I counted growing numbers of puffy, segmented caterpillars chomping foliage. One memorable morning, I counted more than two score of these future butterflies gobbling fennel fronds.

Blessings require patience, so I waited—and waited—and waited to watch these caterpillars transition into pupas. 

Despite researching the process, I wasn’t sure how this worked. I didn’t understand how these insects moved from feasting grounds to the site where they’d morph into a neutral-colored chrysalis. This was a live and learn lesson. Then I waited through fall and winter before seeing butterflies emerge and fill the sky as temperatures warmed and yards greened.

Not every egg that made it to caterpillar stage survived transitioning to a butterfly. Despite those losses, vivid yellow and black swallowtails pirouetted above my front flowerbed that following spring. All that fennel, parsley, and dill multiplied as well, so the current homeowners will enjoy butterflies forever more.

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

MADORIN: If you plant it, they will come

<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

First Care Clinic, Hays, is proud to announce it has been recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with six prestigious Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, honoring the clinic’s commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.

HRSA annually reviews the performance data of health centers across the United States to highlight organizations that meet or exceed its goals in categories of special focus, including quality, access, and health information technology, using data from the Uniform Data System (UDS). In August, HRSA awarded Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for excellence in clinical quality to nearly 1,000 health centers across the country.

HRSA awarded First Care Clinic with the following badges:

Health Center Quality Leader – Gold Badge, which is awarded to health centers that rank among the top 10% of all centers nationwide in overall clinical quality performance. This prestigious recognition reflects excellence across a broad range of care measures, from chronic disease management to preventive services, and demonstrates a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Earning the Gold Badge showcases First Care Clinic’s dedication to achieving outstanding outcomes and setting a standard of excellence in the community.

Heart Health, which recognizes health centers that demonstrate outstanding performance in clinical quality measures related to heart health, including screening patients for tobacco use and offering help to quit, preventing heart disease, using the proper medications to improve heart health, and helping patients control high blood pressure.

Diabetes Health, which recognizes health centers that demonstrate exceptional performance in caring for patients with diabetes. This award highlights organizations that meet or exceed key clinical quality measures, such as helping patients maintain healthy blood sugar levels through effective management, education, and support. It reflects First Care Clinic’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing complications, and empowering individuals to live healthier lives with diabetes.

Cancer Screening, which honors health centers that excel in providing timely and comprehensive cancer screenings for their patients. This recognition reflects a commitment to early detection and prevention by meeting or surpassing national targets for screenings such as cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer. It showcases the organization’s dedication to proactive care, improving survival rates, and promoting healthier communities through life-saving preventive services.

Preventative Health, which recognizes health centers that excel in delivering a wide range of preventive care services to help patients stay healthy and avoid serious illnesses. This distinction is awarded to organizations that meet or exceed national goals for screenings, immunizations, and other proactive health measures. It highlights a strong commitment to keeping communities well through early intervention, education, and comprehensive preventive care.

Improving Health Care Access, which recognizes health centers that have increased the total number of patients and the number of patients receiving comprehensive services – including mental health, substance&nbsp;use disorder, dental, and other services – by at least 5% between calendar year 2024 and 2025, the two most recent UDS reporting periods.

"Our mission at First Care Clinic is to provide access to compassionate, quality care for all. Anyone who has trusted their care to us has come to know that we live our mission every day,” said First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax.

 “Being consistently recognized, year after year, for providing quality care to our patients is just one example of that commitment to our patients and the health of our community. We take pride in the work we do, and we consider it a privilege to meet the needs of our patients. At First Care Clinic, you get first class care," Flax said.

First Care Clinic remains committed to advancing healthcare quality, expanding access, and improving the overall health of the communities it serves.

“These recognitions from HRSA reflect more than just numbers on a report—they represent healthier patients, earlier detection of disease, and improved quality of life for the people we serve,” said Dr. Christine Fisher, medical director at First Care Clinic. “Our team’s commitment to evidence-based care, prevention, and patient education is at the heart of everything we do. These awards are proof that when we work together—with our patients and our community—we can truly make a difference.”

HRSA-funded health centers, which include First Care Clinic, provide comprehensive, whole-person primary health services at more than 16,000 service sites nationwide to 1 in 8 children, 1 in 5 rural residents, and 1 in 15 adults 65 and older. Information about badge recipients can be found on an online dashboard at <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/">hrsa.gov</a>.

First Care Clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at 785-621-4990.

Purchase your pass for live action Hays High, TMP sports on Hays Post this season 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Thursday's work session agenda for the Hays City Commission is brief, with just three items, all of which deal with nuisance abatements.

City staff will investigate any improvements before the meeting.

The nuisance abatements are recommended for

• 515 E. 11th • 1716 Douglas Drive • 231 E. 12th

The property owners on Douglas Drive and East 12th have also been cited for inoperable vehicles.

The complete Sept. 4 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09042025-1567">here</a>.

The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Three nuisance abatements to be considered by Hays city commission

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks in Downtown Hays about upcoming events, including Wines &amp; Steins, Farm to Fork and the Christmas season.

🎙 Post Podcast: Upcoming events on The Bricks in Downtown Hays

Hays Police Department arrest log: Aug. 24-30, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: Aug. 24-30, 2025

 City crews will be working to repair a water main break in the 500 block of West 17th Street on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Please use caution and consider alternate routes if you're traveling through the area. We appreciate your patience as we work to get this repaired quickly.

The City of Hays Water Resources Department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Water main break repair today in 500 block of W. 17th, Hays

Girl Scout sign-up event set for Thursday in Hays

Celebrate Family Day with Pizza Make & Take in Hays

&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

Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

The Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau will partner with the Hays Recreation Commission to host the free Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show for the community on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, 1376 U.S. Hwy. 183 Bypass.

This family-friendly event will feature the giant kite displays of Great American Kites &amp; Events, a vendor based out of Missouri that puts on kite shows all over the country.

“We are excited to extend this special event to two days so that even more people can enjoy the show that Great American Kites &amp; Events puts on,” said Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Melissa Dixon.

“We thank Hays Rec and their staff for their generous partnership to make the event bigger and better.” Dixon said. “A two-day event gives us a better chance of the right weather – sustained winds – for the best show possible.”

Several food trucks are scheduled to be at the event including Snow Cone Express, Taco Riendo, The Local Food Truck, Chilly Charlie’s, Triple C Lemonade Stand, Chucherias Mexicanas Snacks, and Suck It Up Bubble Cup. These vendors will set up in the sports complex parking lot.

Other planned activities include the Hays Public Library Bookmobile, the Fort Hays State University MakerVan, live animal visits from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and yard games sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Ellis County.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and coolers into the sports complex, but glass bottles are not allowed. Pets on leashes are allowed at the complex, but owners must clean up after their pets.

For details and updates on this event, check the Community Events calendar at <a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.VisitHays.com</a> or search <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/906084298138398/">Facebook</a> for the event “Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show.”

About Great American Kites &amp; Events

Great American Kites &amp; Events, LLC specializes in producing, planning, and managing spectacular&nbsp;outdoor giant kite displays, festivals, and colorful community entertainment experiences. The team has over 16 years of amazing giant kite flying experiences, unique aerial displays, and magical once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all through the wonder of kites. Their company’s vision is to bring people together and create stronger communities through the extraordinary wonder of giant kites.

Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show expands to two-day event

Reach out to friends, family, classmates, and teammates and make plans to attend Fort Hays State University’s Homecoming!

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqjnQfcs-2FPVg5bO-2FQFSxaOcioJBHNcJIdkiMuGXDWF7ZawFUG_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOS1G1YVlK0jBWCZJvNQL7smIRX-2FeRZYTIJSWfF5wfJ-2FbBIWv-2FSVU4K766OsVtESPsJxRmiZuON2k0Iygny8gg4P24tljKPDR-2BfvJWIEZfXIWJjdBZ96Mo5i7aXRV8W-2BDIwct34kkJWt-2FIzfrPjvtPhmT17GGa9LqSg0xwqbJMHhH0YjxuuGp1SyanhzAluBPk7KZ2y9c9SYICSZKDlBpGO3UN2Fz2P966mbN8WUaIBpXg7wnj6WoWf1zEYkNCOg9C">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>&nbsp;for additional information and to register for a variety of weekend events set for Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27.

Several Homecoming events require advanced registration, which closes September 12, so don’t delay. Take a look at the schedule below&nbsp;and contact the FHSU Alumni Office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4430 with any questions.

• Chamber Chat: Promoting FHSU Homecoming and Oktoberfest – FHSU Robbins Center, Eagle Communications Hall, 9 a.m.

Monday, September 22 – Saturday, September 27

• Online Homecoming –&nbsp;FHSU.edu/homecoming/online

• Royalty Meet and Greet and Treats – FHSU Quad, 11 a.m.

• Homecoming Golf Tournament* – Smoky Hill Country Club, Registration 8 a.m., Shotgun Start 9 a.m. (Registration Full) • Tiger Bonfire – FHSU Robbins Center, 7:30 p.m.

• FHSU Major Gift Announcement – FHSU Library Front Lawn, 9 a.m.. Alumni Award Recipients&nbsp;Meet and Greet – Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. • Oktoberfest – Hays Municipal Park, visit&nbsp;OktoberfestHays.com&nbsp;for details. • Half Century Club Social, Luncheon, and Induction* – Memorial Union, Ballroom, Social 11 a.m., Luncheon and Induction, 12 p.m. Price for luncheon is $25. • Campus Walking Tour – Gather in Memorial Union, Sunset Atrium, 1:30 p.m. • Class of 1965 and 1975 Optional Campus and Hays Bus Tour – Gather in Memorial Union, Sunset Atrium, 2 p.m. • Alumni and Friends Awards Banquet* – Memorial Union, Ballroom, Social 6 p.m., Dinner 7 p.m. Price for banquet is $30.

• Class of 1965 and 1975 Reunion Breakfast* – Memorial Union, Stouffer Lounge, 8:30 a.m. Price for breakfast is $20.

• Student Government Association Reunion Breakfast* – Memorial Union, Ballroom, 9 a.m. Price for breakfast is $20. • Campus Walking Tour – Gather in Memorial Union, Sunset Atrium, 9:30 a.m. • Oktoberfest – Hays Municipal Park, visit&nbsp;OktoberfestHays.com for details. • Parade – The Bricks in Downtown Hays, 11 a.m. • Student Government Association Come-and-Go Reunion Reception – Memorial Union, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Tiger Tailgate* – Lewis Field Stadium, East Lawn, 5 p.m. Price for the tailgate buffet is $20. • Sigma Sigma Sigma Reunion Tailgate* (Celebrating 100 Years at FHSU) – Lewis Field Stadium, East Lawn, 5 p.m. Price for the tailgate buffet is $20. • Football Game – Lewis Field Stadium, FHSU vs. Missouri Western, Pre-Game 6:30 p.m., Kickoff 7 p.m. Purchase game tickets from FHSU Athletics by phone at 785-628-4050, online at FHSUathletics.com, or at the gate.

*Denotes events that require advanced registration prior to September 12 by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0VaYir6tJ6nKlfv5tq3B579f2v-2FJqQC49eO0U0kTvvId9uKI_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOS1G1YVlK0jBWCZJvNQL7smIRX-2FeRZYTIJSWfF5wfJ-2FbBIWv-2FSVU4K766OsVtESPsJxRmiZuON2k0Iygny8gg4MhMai7NorDHVuBgq0ZLOn4It66-2BTYdo-2B5-2BXhOh9UtgpjeR6UxNbPtL46XWfFyuVBPOxAFNO1AbIMkbjWORqt1oN5syztueK-2BLp8SEbFCCW-2BO4ZBsYTBmJBFiK-2BFT98Xgue4gKLm4WoeEJ5j-2B4SwKF2OV-2FLujolcZuUo8pANeRL3">FHSUhomecoming.com</a>

Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co. in the Memorial Union will be offering a 20% discount in-store on all regularly priced items the Friday and Saturday of Homecoming for Tiger fans looking for new FHSU apparel and memorabilia.

For questions, contact the FHSU Alumni Office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:alumni@fhsu.edu">alumni@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4430.

FHSU announces Homecoming 2025 activities, events

Hays High School will celebrate its first homecoming in the new facility Sept. 22-27.

Theme: Down the Rabbit Hole (Alice in Wonderland)

Parade:&nbsp;Friday, Sept. 26, Line up: 4 p.m., Parade starts at 5 p.m. (Parade Application:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/r/9NefGZ6HfM">https://forms.office.com/r/9NefGZ6HfM</a>)

Homecoming Assembly:&nbsp;Friday, Sept. 26, noon

Homecoming Game:&nbsp;OUR FOOTBALL STADIUM, vs. Garden City, 7 p.m., Coronation: Halftime

Homecoming Dance:&nbsp;Saturday Sept. 26, 8-10:30 p.m., cost: $10

Hays High to celebrate first homecoming in new school Sept. 22-27

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews&nbsp;responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Harrison Street and Armour Boulevard, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Emergency crews encountered 4 gunshot victims.&nbsp;All four patients were transported to area hospitals. 3 of the patients were in critical condition and 1 was in stable condition, according to Riley.

Police have not released ages of those injured or additional details.

Police investigating another mass shooting in Kansas City

MCPHERSON COUNTY —A dangerous storm with very large hail up to baseball size and damaging winds up 70mph moved through portions of central and southeastern Kansas Wednesday evening.

Baseball size hail was reported in portions of Saline County northwest of Smolan; Marion County near Lost Springs; McPherson County near Moundridge; Harvy County near Halstead and in portions of Wichita, according to the National Weather Service.

&nbsp;Elyria Christian School in McPherson is closed Thursday due to the storm damage and some of the sports activities were postponed. On social media the school wrote, 'while there is damage, we are so thankful for the many hands that showed up to help clean up the outside."

Late summer storm brought large hail to portions of Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration took the fight over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">tariffs</a>&nbsp;to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to rule quickly that the president has the power to impose sweeping import taxes under federal law.

The government called on the court to reverse an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-appeals-court-b714cfc8dff51289b1d5291f46d71f3f">appeals court ruling</a>&nbsp;that found most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs are an illegal use of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">emergency powers law</a>.

It's the latest in a series of Trump administration appeals to a Supreme Court he helped shape, and one that is expected to put a centerpiece of the president's trade policy before the justices.

<a href="https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf">The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit</a>&nbsp;left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed electronically late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to take up the case and hear arguments in early November.

“That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations,” he wrote. “The stakes in this case could not be higher.”

But the stakes are also high for small businesses battered by tariffs and uncertainty, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center.

“These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients,” he said.

The businesses have twice prevailed, once at a federal court focused on trade and again with the appeals court's 7-4 ruling.

Their lawsuit is one of several challenging the tariffs and erratic rollout that have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before.

Most judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters, though, said the law does allow the president to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations.

The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">the tariffs first announced in April</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-china-mexico-canada-inflation-753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4">ones from February</a>&nbsp;on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.

Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, weren’t covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act.

The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that it’s collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

Battle over President Trump's tariffs moves to the  Supreme Court 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a carjacking and wrong-way crash on Interstate 70.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an eastbound vehicle in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Paseo, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.&nbsp;

Police investigators revealed that a Buick Encore was possibly involved in a carjacking, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. After a short police pursuit, the Buick Encore entered the wrong way on Interstate 70 westbound from Locust causing a head on collision with a&nbsp; BMW. 

No police vehicles were in pursuit of the Buick when it entered the wrong way on the highway, according to Gonzalez. The driver of the Buick ran from the crash scene and the passenger from the Buick attempted to carjack another motorist but did not succeed. The passenger from the Buick then jumped on I- 70 Eastbound where he was struck by an unknown vehicle who left the scene. 

Police then apprehended the passenger. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries. A total of 5 patients were treated on scene, according to Riley. Two were transported to the hospital for treatment.

2 hospitalized after carjacking, wrong-way I-70 crash

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an eye-popping $1.7 billion, after yet another drawing passed without a big winner Wednesday.

The numbers selected were: 3, 16, 29, 61 and 69, with the Powerball number being 22.

Since May 31, there have been 41 straight drawings without a big winner.

The next drawing will be Saturday night, with the prize expected to be the third-largest in U.S. lottery history.

Powerball’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">terrible odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes becoming ever larger as they repeatedly roll over when no one wins. Lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game’s many smaller prizes. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-c750b32664d0b02d318ae8030f671952">three drawings each week</a>.

The estimated $1.4 billion jackpot from Wednesday night’s drawing would have been for a winner who had opted to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. Winners almost always choose the game’s cash option, which would have been an estimated $634.3 million.

Powerball tickets cost $2 and the game is offered in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Powerball jackpot skyrockets to $1.70 billion; no big winner Wednesday

KANSAS CITY— Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The deputies were unharmed, and the individual they shot had non life-threatening injuries.

Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action in the incident, according to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff's office. Perez-Engel is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department investigated the incident.

Just after 2p.m. August 30, Kansas City Missouri Police Officers were called to a reported disturbance involving a man later identified as Perez-Engel who armed with a large knife in the shopping center at the intersection of NE Englewood Road and N. Oak Trafficway. 

Perez-Engel had left the scene prior to police arrival. A suspect description was provided to dispatch via police radio and broadcasted out to other patrol officers, to include the Clay County Sheriff’s Office." 

At approximately 2:27 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of NE 50th Street and N. Oak Trafficway and located the described suspect involved in the disturbance. 

The deputy attempted to contact the Perez-Engel for further investigation. Perez-Engel presented a large knife from within his waistband and began running northbound on N. Oak Traffickway. A foot chase was initiated, and additional deputies were called to assist with apprehending the suspect.

Perez-Engel refused to comply with verbal commands and ran into a wooded area while being pursued by multiple Clay County Sheriff’s deputies. 

Perez-Engel stopped and was given further verbal commands to drop the knife. The suspect charged at the deputies before coming to a stop again. 

"Additional resources, to include Sheriff K-9’s, were being called to the scene to de-escalate the situation. Deputies continued giving verbal commands for the Perez-Engel to drop the knife and peacefully surrender. He&nbsp; refused to comply and ran towards the deputies a second time while armed with the weapon. 

At 2:33 PM, two Clay County Sheriff’s deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking the Perez-Engel. Deputies on scene immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS responded and transported the suspect to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A large knife was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No deputies were injured during this incident."

KCPD: Man wounded in officer shooting threatened them with a knife

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A woman found guilty of killing her 2-year-old son is going to prison.

On Monday, Sedgwick County Judge Eric Williams sentenced 30-year-old Stephanie Aviles to life up to 25 years, plus 34 months for abuse of a child, and 7 months for aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July, a jury convicted&nbsp; Aviles of first-degree murder in the&nbsp;death of 2-year-old Jacob Aviles.&nbsp;

Aviles former boyfriend, Bernardo Gonzalez-Mejia is scheduled for a jury trial on similar charges in the boy's death in December.

In September of 2019, officers responded to assist EMS on the report of a toddler not breathing at a home near Kellogg and Seneca in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. The child was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after they arrived.&nbsp;.

Two other children were taken into protective custody after Aviles and Gonzalez-Mejia were arrested.

Prison for Kansas woman in abuse death of her 2-year-old son

WASHINGTON (AP) — Survivors of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein's</a>&nbsp;sexual abuse made their voices heard Wednesday on Capitol Hill, pressuring lawmakers to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier and pushing back on President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;effort to dismiss the issue as a “hoax.”

In a news conference on the Capitol lawn that drew hundreds of supporters and chants of “release the files,” the women shared — some publicly for the first time — how they were lured into Epstein's abuse by his former girlfriend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>. They demanded that the Trump administration provide transparency and accountability for what they endured as teenagers.

It was a striking stand as the push for disclosure of the so-called Epstein files reaches a pivotal moment in Washington. Lawmakers are battling over how Congress should delve into the Epstein saga while the Republican president, after initially signaling support for transparency on the campaign trail, has been dismissing the matter as a “Democrat hoax.”

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