By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Arc of Central Plains in Hays will debut the Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, a festive twist on its annual fundraiser.

The market, featuring the Festival of Trees, combines its online auction with a new experience where shoppers can buy handmade holiday items on the spot.

"It's like going to a craft show. You can come in, you can find something you love, and you can take it home that day,"&nbsp;executive director of the Arc of Central Plains Kathy McAdoo said.

The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at 229 W. 10th St., the former Home Event Center. <a href="https://arcofcentralplains.org/">The online auction opens Nov. 13 on The Arc of Central Plains website and closes at 6 p.m. Nov. 17</a>.

Exact auction items will be available to view once they go live.

"We've been working since February creating all of the really cool stuff that we're going to have available," McAdoo said.

The four day 24/7 auction will feature decorated Christmas trees along with other festive pieces, including wreaths.

The Recycled Reindeer Market will feature smaller home decor items priced as low as $5, along with homegrown goods from Harvest Hays, including pickled peppers, pickles, zucchini relish, lemon zucchini bread and tomatoes.

"I wouldn't go anywhere else looking for Christmas decorations. I would go here first," McAdoo said.

The volunteer-run fundraiser will donate all proceeds to Harvest Hays and the Arc Buffalo's Special Olympics team. In previous years, funds supported the now-completed Arc Park project.

McAdoo said she hopes to raise close to $10,000.

"The economy is much different this year. The community always supports us. They're very generous and I think it'll be a great year," she said.

The Arc of Central Plains Thrift Shop has already begun posting items on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARCCPThrift">Facebook</a>&nbsp;page.

Hays ARC Recycled Reindeer Christmas Market, auction set for November

#5 (5) Hays High (7-2) at (4) Hutchinson High (7-2) Friday, Nov. 7 - 7 p.m. Hutchinson, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3013315">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a>

Hays High heads to Hutchinson on Friday for the Regional round of the 5A playoffs. It is the second consecutive year the Indians have made the playoff trip.

This the fifth all-time meeting between the two. This is the third that has occured in the playoffs.

Kickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX. Video is available at the above link.

🏈🎥 Hays High heads to Hutchinson for playoffs

TMP-Marian (6-2, 4-2 MCL) at Smith Center (9-0, 5-0 MCL) Friday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Smith Center, Kan. Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3013299">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Smith Center in the second round of the 1A playoffs for a rematch with the Redmen and a trip to the quarterfinals on the line Friday night.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 Monarchs take on Smith Center in 1A playoffs

Enter The Smart Flush Sweepskates brought to you by city of Hays Water Conservation. One lucky winner will be chosen on Nov. 20 to win a 0.8
gallon/flush toilet for World Toilet Day, which is Nov. 19!

&nbsp;FUN FACT - 0.8 gpf toilets are the most efficient toilets you can purchase in Hays, KS. If your home currently has a 1.6 gpf (the current federal standard) and you replace it with a 0.8 gpf toilet, you are essentially cutting your toilet water use in half! Do your part to be Water Smart!

Smart Flush Sweepstakes!

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

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on November 7, 2025, 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 waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; 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 785-324-0187, 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/1/0100019a60258ad3-1dbd301f-981b-4e9a-a0e9-687bad37cd69-000000/6LqNWSseefFS0jcsv4BFop6IRDPwg2fmAB-rOJxioQI=430">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 Bunker Hill, Russell County

To our veterans: thank you for your courage, your strength, and your dedication to keeping us safe. Submit a photo of a veteran to be honored below.&nbsp;

The Faces of Freedom - Veterans Day Tribute

Family, friends, and community members gathered at Hays High School on Wednesday, November 5, to celebrate Marisa Wasinger, Kansas FFA State Secretary, during her State Officer Hometown Celebration. The event recognized Wasinger’s year of leadership and service representing nearly 14,000 Kansas FFA members across the state.

The Kansas FFA State Officer Hometown Celebrations bring each of the six state officers back to their home chapters and communities, allowing them to share their experiences and express appreciation for those who have supported them throughout their journey.

Wasinger, a proud member of the Hays FFA Chapter, reflected on the meaning of returning home to celebrate with the community that helped shape her FFA experience.

“Going to my hometown was an amazing opportunity to get to see my family, friends, and supporters,” Wasinger said, “I really enjoyed seeing everyone that supports me and Hays FFA show up in such a great way.”

Johanna Anderes, with the Kansas FFA Foundation, shared that the State Officer Hometown Celebrations are a chance to bring state officers home to recognize the role their communities play in their success.

“These celebrations are a special opportunity to bring our officers home to share their experiences with the families and communities who have invested so much in them,” Anderes said. “With the busy schedules our state officers keep, it’s a meaningful time for them to reconnect and express appreciation for the local support that helped shape their journey.”

The evening was made possible through the generous support of Carrico Implement, Ellis County Conservation District, and Lewis Ford–Hays.

Kansas FFA extends appreciation to the Hays community for its continued investment in agricultural education and youth leadership. The support shown for Marisa and the Kansas FFA organization reflects the strong tradition of leadership and service that continues to grow in communities across Kansas

The Kansas FFA Association is a school-based youth leadership development organization with nearly 14,000 student members across 240 local FFA chapters in 104 of the 105 Kansas counties.

Kansas FFA State Secretary Marisa Wasinger honored at Hometown Celebration in Hays

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kris Munsch about his Hays businesses and his latest book.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kris Munsch, Hays entrepreneur, author

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>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;(KHP)&nbsp;held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 22 commemorating the recent completion of a&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;aircraft hangar facility at the Hays Regional Airport.

This 6,800 square foot hangar facility was completed in May 2025 and includes hangar space, offices for the trooper pilots, and a conference room for training and flight planning. This project was a collaborative effort between the City of Hays and&nbsp;KHP, where the city managed construction and&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;assumed ownership of the facility at a cost of $1.7 million. The hangar will house multiple law enforcement aircraft and serve as a staging location for joint agency air support operations within the region. Hays is a strategic location for&nbsp;KHP’s&nbsp;Air Support Unit. In conjunction with aircraft bases in Wichita and Topeka, the Hays base affords statewide coverage.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to those who committed so much of their time and talent to making this partnership a reality,” said Colonel Erik Smith,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;Superintendent. “The project is a model for interagency and intergovernmental cooperation.”

“Regional airports such as Hays provide vital and critical resources to local communities that reach far beyond air travel, especially when assisting with emergency response. These efforts often go unnoticed,” said Jamie Salter, Hays Regional Airport Director. “The collaborative nature of this project highlights the importance of partnership between governmental agencies to best service our communities.”

“The capabilities that&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;provides to local law enforcement is critical to rural communities like Hays,” said State Representative Ken Rahjes (Agra, Kansas). “We are grateful for the service of State Troopers in Western Kansas.”

KHP&nbsp;is the only entity in Kansas operating tactical law enforcement aircraft, providing vital support to local public safety agencies. The agency acquired its first aircraft in 1961 to patrol state highways and first established an aircraft base in Hays in 1979. In 2024,&nbsp;KHP&nbsp;flight crews in Hays were requested to assist local law enforcement agencies with numerous missions, including 17 manhunts, 23 vehicle pursuits, 19 searches for missing or endangered people, and three hazardous weather events involving endangered motorists.

KHP 2025-21: Kansas Highway Patrol held ribbon cutting ceremony

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will host its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St.

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

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets meeting

NICODEMUS — Thomas Wellington will be honored and remembered for his dedication in making this veteran’s memorial a reality. He was dedicated to the protection of the rights of all American citizens and served two terms in Vietnam, so that his brother Tim Wellington would not have to. He was a dedicated descendant of the Nicodemus pioneer settlers and was a great preservationist and interpretive steward of this great town. To him we honor this memorial.

Set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at&nbsp;Memorial Site—Washington St. Nicodemus.&nbsp;(Refreshments Following—Ernestine’s KBFA Certified Kitchen)

Nicodemus Veterans Memorial dedication set for Nov. 11

City of Hays offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday

CORRECTION: Ellis Food Pantry information corrected as of 10:11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

First Call for Help,&nbsp;&nbsp;607 E. 13th,&nbsp; 785-623-2800 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday&nbsp; Food pantry/box distribution-One per family every 30 days, ID required Meals on Wheels-Elderly or disabled individuals-call for more information

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food box distribution-One per family per month Some paperwork required

St. Joseph Food Bank,&nbsp;&nbsp;210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Distribution-First and third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon (Kennedy building, back entrance) Serving everyone, basic household information needed

&nbsp;Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Accessible 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday,&nbsp; Serving Ellis County residents, proof of income and residency (utility bill or lease)

&nbsp;FHSU Tiger Pantry - Located in Memorial Union-Chestnut Room Accessible 9:30-11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Monday-Friday and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday Fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Serving students, faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University

&nbsp;Unite Ministry,&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild,&nbsp;&nbsp;200 E. Eighth,&nbsp; 785-259-2539 &nbsp;Accessible 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food pantry and free store

&nbsp;Ellis County Health Department-NOT AVAILABLE DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN &nbsp;WIC (Women Infants and Children) ONLY-Income and other requirements

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accessible 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. PLEASE CALL FIRST

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accessible 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need Hays Middle School, Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need PLEASE CALL FIRST

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Serving area parishes and transients&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Serving USD 388 School District and the surrounding area Home deliveries for elderly/disabled. Call NWKS Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry, 210 Madison, 785-650-4225 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm. Residents need to live in Ellis USD 388.

First Call for Help,&nbsp;607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. y de 1:00 p. m. a 4:30 p. m. Distribución de cajas/despensas de alimentos: una por familia cada 30 días, se requiere identificación

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644&nbsp;&nbsp; Accesible de lunes a jueves de 8:00 a 17:00 horas Distribución de cajas de alimentos: una por familia por mes Se requiere algo de papeleo

Banco de alimentos&nbsp;de&nbsp;St. Joseph, 210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Renee Michaud Distribución: 1.er y 3.er sábado de cada mes, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. (edificio Kennedy, entrada trasera) Al servicio de todos, se necesita información básica del hogar.

Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Theresa Hill Accesible de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. Sirviendo a los residentes del condado de Ellis, comprobante de ingresos y residencia (factura de servicios públicos o contrato de arrendamiento)

Despensa Tiger de FHSU - ubicada en&nbsp;Sala Memorial Union-Chestnut,&nbsp;Accesible de lunes a viernes de 9:30 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. y de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. Viernes Frutas y verduras frescas cuando estén disponibles. Al servicio de estudiantes, profesores y personal de la Universidad Estatal de Fort Hays

Unite Ministry,&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild, 200 E. 8th, 785-259-2539 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 17:00 a 22:00 horas y sábados y domingos de 14:00 a 22:00 horas. Despensa de alimentos y tienda gratuita

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Ellis -&nbsp;NO DISPONIBLE DURANTE EL CIERRE DEL GOBIERNO FEDERAL WIC (Mujeres, bebés y niños) SOLAMENTE - Requisitos de ingresos y otros

North Oak Community Church,&nbsp;3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 9:00 a 15:00 horas; viernes de 9:00 a 12:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 10:00 a 17:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes y sus familias necesitadas

Hays Middle School,&nbsp;Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes de HMS y sus familias necesitadas&nbsp; &nbsp;POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Sirviendo parroquias y transeúntes del área POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible de lunes a martes, jueves y viernes. Sirviendo al Distrito Escolar 388 y sus alrededores&nbsp; Entregas a domicilio para personas mayores o discapacitadas. Llame a la Agencia del Área sobre el Envejecimiento de NWKS&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible Ya sea el primer o último día del mes, llame para confirmar

Food pantries in Ellis County; bancos de alimentos en el condado de Ellis

&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

The Ellis County Historical Society and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution invite the public to a special presentation, “A Look Back at Walker Army Airfield Base,” featuring historian and U.S. Army veteran Steven Arthur. The event will take place on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Ellis County Historical Society, 100 W. 7th, Hays.

Arthur, a Fort Hays State University history graduate, retired library director, and current NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, will share his research into the fascinating past of the Walker Army Airfield. 

His curiosity about the site began years ago—like many who have driven past the remains of the base and wondered about its story. What started as a model-building project for Forsyth Library became a three-year journey to uncover the airfield’s rich and largely forgotten history.

The event is free and open to the public. The museum’s south entrance is handicap accessible and includes an elevator.

This program is sponsored by the Ellis County Historical Society and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, as part of the “America 250!” commemoration.

Local historian to present 'A Look Back at Walker Army Airfield Base' near Hays

A group of passionate volunteers, business owners, and donors worked hard to make this the most magical holiday season Downtown Hays has ever seen. The 2025 Christmas Magic on Main initiative will bring more lights, more memories, and more&nbsp;free family fun&nbsp;than ever before — all to celebrate the spirit of the season in The Bricks.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors and donors, The Bricks and its Christmas Committee have raised more than $41,000 to transform Downtown Hays into a glowing winter wonderland. From lighting up Main Street and Union Pacific Park to hosting&nbsp;free Clydesdale wagonette rides, Santa appearances, a holiday movie at The Fox Theatre, and festive entertainment, this season promises something for everyone.

The celebration officially kicks off with the Christmas Magic on Main Jubilee on Saturday, November 29 from 6–8 PM at Union Pacific Park. This year’s Jubilee will feature holiday craft vendors, free train rides, youth activities, and a free soup supper for the first 500 guests, along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, cocoa, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Executive Director Lee Ann June shared, “Christmas Magic on Main is about connection — the community coming together, children making memories, and families rediscovering the joy of downtown. The best part is that so much of it is free and open to everyone.”

The magic continues with the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade on Sunday, December 7 at 6 PM. This year’s theme, “Timeless Traditions,” celebrates the memories, moments, and holiday customs that have stood the test of time. Parade entries are now open, and all community groups, businesses, and organizations are invited to take part in this cherished Hays tradition. Registration and details are available at downtownhays.com.

We’re grateful to the many businesses and families who make this magic possible:Tree Topper:&nbsp;Werth Wealth ManagementSecret Santa:&nbsp;Tim &amp; Michelle Flax Family &amp; Kay IrsikSleigh Sponsors:&nbsp;Joe Bob Outfitters, Riedel’s Garden Center, Hays CVBGarland Givers:&nbsp;AutoWorld, Glassman Corp, Hays Public Library, Hays Tees, HaysMed, Insurance Planning, Midwest Energy, Mills Engineering, PWC Inc., Signature Builders, Vitztum’s Carpet One Floor &amp; HomeBow Benefactors:&nbsp;A1 Scaffolding, Astra Bank, Bieker Insurance, Brungardt Hower, Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, Commerce Bank, Downing-Nelson Oil, Ellis County Abstract, Furniture Look, Heartland Community Foundation, Loftus DDS, Andrew &amp; Melissa Wasinger, Barb Wasinger

To learn more, view the full event schedule or to register for the FrostFest Parade, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">downtownhays.com</a>.

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as&nbsp;The Bricks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays. Through community events, business partnerships, and place-making initiatives, DHDC works to preserve our historic charm while fostering a thriving downtown for residents, visitors, and future generations.

🎙 Christmas Magic on Main Street in Downtown Hays

The women’s ministry at Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St., will host its annual fall fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

The United Women in Faith (UWF) Peddler’s Soup Luncheon and Bake Sale will feature homemade chili, hamburger vegetable soup, and chicken noodle soup; relishes; pie; and a beverage.

Tickets, which will be available at the door, will be $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 10 years of age.

Soup pre-sales in quart and pint jars will be available that morning. Soup pre-orders may be submitted to Debra at (785) 623-1554 or to the church office, (785) 625-3408.

Baked goods will also be sold at the luncheon. According to a news release, proceeds will go to UWF missions and local charities.

Hays Methodist women to host fall fundraiser Nov. 8

Cub Scout pancake feed set for Saturday at First Presbyterian Church

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations.

Just before midnight, November 5, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1500 block of SW Clearview Lane, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The suspect vehicle fled the scene. A nearby patrol sergeant observed the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the 6400 block of SW Topeka Boulevard. Four individuals were taken into custody. Jaquan L. Taylor, 21, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requestd charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property and&nbsp; criminal threat.

Kylin G. Goudeau, 24, and Charles T. Lolar Jr., 20, were arrested and booked into the SNDOC rquested charges of aggravated burglary and&nbsp; theft. A 33-year-old woman was released.&nbsp;

Police capture Kansas home burglary suspects

BOSTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP food aid payments amid the government shutdown, even though residents in some states already have received the funds.

A judge had given the Republican administration until Friday to make the payments through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-lines-snap-6b55e2c21c0198f3309f3a45a55f33b6">the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>. But the administration asked an appeals court to suspend any court orders requiring it to spend more money than is available in a contingency fund, and instead allow it to continue with planned partial SNAP payments for the month.

After a Boston appeals court declined to immediately intervene, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an order late Friday pausing the requirement to distribute full SNAP payments until the appeals court rules on whether to issue a more lasting pause. Jackson handles emergency matters from Massachusetts.

Her order will remain in place until 48 hours after the appeals court rules, giving the administration time to return to the Supreme Court if the appeals court refuses to step in.

The food program serves about 1 in 8 Americans, mostly with lower incomes.

Officials in more than a half-dozen states confirmed that some SNAP recipients already were issued full November payments on Friday. But Jackson's order could prevent other states from initiating the payments.

In Wisconsin, more than $104 million of monthly food benefits became available at midnight on electronic cards for about 337,000 households, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said. The state was able to access the federal money so quickly by submitting a request to its electronic benefit card vendor to process the SNAP payments within hours of a Thursday court order to provide full benefits.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, said state employees “worked through the night” to issue full November benefits “to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries” by Friday.

Hawaii had the information for November's monthly payments ready to go, so it could submit it quickly for processing after Thursday's court order — and before a higher court could potentially pause it, Joseph Campos II, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, told The Associated Press.

“We moved with haste once we verified everything,” Campos said.

Trump's administration told the Supreme Court that the fast-acting states were “trying to seize what they could of the agency’s finite set of remaining funds, before any appeal could even be filed, and to the detriment of other States’ allotments.”

“Once those billions are out the door, there is no ready mechanism for the government to recover those funds,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the court filing.

Officials in California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington state also said they moved quickly to issue full SNAP benefits Friday, while other states said they expected full benefits to arrive over the weekend or early next week. Still others said they were waiting for further federal guidance.

The court wrangling prolonged weeks of uncertainty for Americans with lower incomes.

An individual can receive a monthly maximum food benefit of nearly $300 and a family of four up to nearly $1,000, although many receive less than that under a formula that takes into consideration their income.

For some SNAP participants, it remained unclear when they would receive their benefits.

Jasmen Youngbey of Newark, New Jersey, waited in line Friday at a food pantry in the state’s largest city. As a single mom attending college, Youngbey said she relies on SNAP to help feed her 7-month-old and 4-year-old sons. But she said her account balance was at $0.

“Not everybody has cash to pull out and say, ‘OK, I’m going to go and get this,’ especially with the cost of food right now,” she said.

Later Friday, Youngbey said, she received her monthly SNAP benefits.

The legal battle over SNAP takes another twist

Because of the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration originally had said SNAP benefits would not be available in November. However, two judges ruled last week that the administration could not skip November’s benefits entirely because of the shutdown. One of those judges was U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who ordered the full payments Thursday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-lawsuits-deadline-4af8b0dec6cd31cddd023cc99c131b73">In both cases</a>, the judges ordered the government to use one emergency reserve fund containing more than $4.6 billion to pay for SNAP for November but gave it leeway to tap other money to make the full payments, which cost between $8.5 billion and $9 billion each month.

On Monday, the administration said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-government-shutdown-court-order-b354aa0b596dcb8bfc6dc59a3382e811">would not use additional money</a>, saying it was up to Congress to appropriate the funds for the program and that the other money was needed to shore up other child hunger programs.

Thursday’s federal court order rejected the Trump administration’s decision to cover only 65% of the maximum monthly benefit, a decision that could have left some recipients getting nothing for this month.

In its court filings Friday, Trump’s administration contended that the judge usurped both legislative and executive authority in ordering SNAP benefits to be fully funded.

“This unprecedented injunction makes a mockery of the separation of powers,” Sauer told the Supreme Court.

States are taking different approaches to food aid

Some states said they stood ready to distribute SNAP money as quickly as possible.

Colorado and Massachusetts said SNAP participants could receive their full November payments as soon as Saturday. New York said access to full SNAP benefits should begin by Sunday. New Hampshire said full benefits should be available by this weekend. Arizona and Connecticut said full benefits should be accessible in the coming days.

Officials in North Carolina said they distributed partial SNAP payments Friday and full benefits could be available by this weekend. Officials in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana and North Dakota also said they distributed partial November payments.

Amid the federal uncertainty, Delaware's Democratic Gov. Matt Meyer said the state used its own funds Friday to provide the first of what could be a weekly relief payment to SNAP recipients.

Read the order: Supreme Court temporarily blocks full SNAP funding

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has pardoned former New York Mets great&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-fc6318ff6f3d4133890956a7576999e6">Darryl Strawberry</a>&nbsp;on past tax evasion and drug charges, citing the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year’s post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety.

Strawberry was an outfielder and eight-time All-Star, including seven with the Mets from 1983-90. He hit 335 homers and had 1,000 RBIs and 221 stolen bases in 17 seasons.

Plagued by later legal, health and personal problems, Strawberry was indicted for tax evasion and eventually pleaded guilty in 1995 to a single felony count. That was based on his failure to report $350,000 in income from autographs, personal appearances and sales of memorabilia.

Strawberry agreed to pay more than $430,000 as part of the case. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 1998.

The following year, Strawberry was sentenced to probation and suspended from baseball after pleading no contest to charges of possession of cocaine and soliciting a prostitute. He eventually spoke in court about struggling with depression, and was charged with violating his probation numerous times — including on his 40th birthday in 2002.

Strawberry ultimately served 11 months in Florida state prison, and was released in 2003.

A White House official said Friday that Trump approved a pardon for Strawberry, who had served time and paid back taxes. Speaking on condition of anonymity to detail a pardon that had not yet been formally announced, the official noted that Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for more than a decade, and that he’d become active in ministry and started a still-active recovery center.

Strawberry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwok6mkUvw/?img_index=1&amp;igsh=NGJia3RzOGc3cXpv" target="_blank">posted on Instagram</a>&nbsp;a picture of himself and Trump and wrote, “Thank you, President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/" target="_blank">@realdonaldtrump</a>&nbsp;for my full pardon and for finalizing this part of my life, allowing me to be truly free and clean from all of my past.”

He described being home Thursday afternoon, caring for his wife, who was recovering from surgery, “when my phone kept ringing relentlessly.”

“Half asleep, I glanced over and saw a call from Washington DC. Curious, I answered, and to my amazement, the lady on the line said, ‘Darryl Strawberry, you have a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump,’” Strawberry wrote. “I put it on speakerphone with my wife nearby, and President Trump spoke warmly about my baseball days in NYC, praising me as one the greatest player of the ’80s and celebrating the Mets. Then, he told me he was granting me a full pardon from my past.”

Trump was a New York real estate mogul before becoming a reality television star and twice winning the presidency.

Strawberry said he was “overwhelmed with gratitude — thanking God for setting me free from my past, helping me become a better Man, Husband and Father.”

“This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ,” Strawberry wrote, while also noting, “This has nothing to do with politics — it’s about a Man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend. God used him as a vessel to set me free forever!”

The president has broad constitutional powers to grant pardons, which don’t expunge the recipient’s criminal record but can be seen as acts of justice or mercy, often in cases that can further public welfare.

Strawberry’s followed Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-former-tennessee-house-speaker-fa22308ddf176ad83f35d649e7f0e498">issuing pardons</a>&nbsp;this week for a former Republican speaker of the Tennessee House and a onetime aide on public corruption charges. It also adds to a list of celebrities and political allies who have similarly received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">unlikely pardons</a>&nbsp;— including a former Republican governor of Connecticut, an ex-GOP congressman and reality TV stars who had been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/television-personalities-sentenced-years-federal-prison-fraud-and-tax-evasion" target="_blank">convicted of cheating banks</a>&nbsp;and evading taxes.

Strawberry played for the Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants between 1983 and 1999. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-dodgers-mets-nlcs-1988-c9695f6b9931a217725e9c740dc06816">won the World Series</a>&nbsp;with the 1986 Mets, starring alongside the likes of Dwight Gooden and Keith Hernandez, and with the Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

Strawberry was hospitalized with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strawberry-darryl-heart-attack-002a53fd990e168734bfaa652260505a">heart attack</a>&nbsp;in March 2024, a day before he turned 62. That same year, the Mets retired his No. 18 and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/darryl-strawberry-mets-c8fe5620df275dd5280568ecc71862dd">emotional Strawberry</a>&nbsp;told the Citi Field crowd: “I’m truly, deeply sorry that I ever left you guys. I never played baseball in front of fans greater than you guys.”

President Trump pardons baseball star Darryl Strawberry

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal hit-and-run and asking the public for help to identify a vehicle.

The incident involving a pedestrian occurred Thursday evening just north of Lawrence in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, according to Sheriff's Department Spokesman Officer George Diepenbrock.

 A passerby notified dispatchers at 3:35 a.m. Friday upon finding a person near the road. When deputies responded, they determined the person had died.&nbsp;Deputies have determined the person was struck around 6 p.m. Thursday. 

Upon processing the scene, deputies were able to identify the person who died as a 20-year-old Lawrence woman.&nbsp;Deputies believe she had been running in the area before she was struck by a vehicle.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Detectives are following leads regarding a suspected driver of the vehicle involved.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the victim.

At this time, the Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who might have been in the area between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Det. Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.

Sheriff: 20-year-old Kansas woman killed in hit-and-run

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people died in a house fire Thursday in Sedgwick County.

Just after 10:30p.m., crews&nbsp;were dispatched a fire at a home in the 6000 block North West ParkView in Park City, according to county spokesperson Brandon Zenner.

Firefighters on scene were met with heavy smoke and flames from the front of the home. One victim was pulled out of the residence where life saving efforts were made but later succumbed of their injuries at the hospital. 

The second victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of fire is under investigation.&nbsp; Authorities did not release the names of the victims.

Two dead after fire at Kansas home

TOKPEA —On Friday, the Kansas Department for Children and Families issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance, according to a statement on the a agency website.

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