By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University broke ground on expanding Stroup Hall to address the growing need for Kansas health care workers.

FHSU President Tisa Mason introduced speakers at the ceremony for the $15.4 million project that will add 30,000 square feet to the nursing building.

"This commitment to education and health care lays the foundation for a brighter future and in some cases, the very survival of our rural communities," Mason said.

Stroup Hall opened in 1981 and has played a vital role in nursing education as the demand for health care professionals in rural areas continues to grow.

The project will unite the Departments of Nursing and Allied Health under one roof, placing Allied Health on the second floor and providing state-of-the-art spaces for learning and training.

FHSU Nursing Chairwoman Jenny Manry and Allied Health Chairwoman Christa Beiker said the expansion will allow the two departments to collaborate more closely in training the next generation of students, including those studying from home.

"[Our new hybrid program] strengthens our ability to prepare highly qualified nurses, while ensuring that rural communities throughout Kansas have access to health care professionals they urgently need," Manry said.

"We want them to get out there, hit the ground running, and be successful and competent out in the clinical environment," Beiker said. "A lot of our students stay at the hospitals where they need to go for clinicals. They're filling those voids."

Mason said enrollment in the nursing program is expected to grow by more than 65% and in medical diagnostic imaging by more than 40% with the expansion.

The project, funded by the Kansas Legislature, will include simulation labs, updated classrooms and hands-on training opportunities, with completion expected in December 2026, Mason said.

Jeff Briggs, dean of FHSU’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, said Sen. Jerry Moran helped secure $3 million in federal funding.

"Their support signifies their commitment to not only our students but also the hospitals, the clinics and care facilities here in western Kansas and throughout the state," Briggs said.

At the ceremony, Sen. Rick Billinger said the day was not only about breaking ground but about planting seeds of service, while highlighting the critical role of nurses.

"Together, we are building more than a facility. We are building a legacy," Billinger said.

In a previous interview with FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula, Briggs said annual admissions to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have grown from 60 to 80 students in 15 years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/830b6fd6-d1e7-4180-a549-41470fa3cf76">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU to expand Stroup Hall, nursing program for students</a>

Briggs recognized the support of Hays Medical Center, several critical access hospitals, and nearby technical and community colleges.

You can follow the FHSU <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NursingFHSU">Department of Nursing</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FHSUAlliedHealth/">Department of Allied Health</a> on Facebook.

FHSU Stroup Hall breaks ground to expand nursing program

TOPEKA — Thousands of vehicles will travel the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will head out for the long weekend as summer ends and the school year begins. 

Kids Kansas, which is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), State Farm Insurance and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most important cargo, their families.

This year, from Aug. 25 through Sept. 7, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” will be held in 41 cities across Kansas. 

Local volunteers will distribute dollar bills to drivers&nbsp;who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicles. Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.

“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in a crash in our lifetime. In 2024, 339 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways, and approximately 30 percent were unbuckled*,”&nbsp;Cherie Sage, state director for Safe Kids Kansas, said.&nbsp;“The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child safety seats every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”

According to the 2023 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Seat Belt Use Survey, 85 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts, compared to the national average of 90 percent.&nbsp;Kansas saw a nearly 2 percent decline in seat belt usage from 2022 to 2023. 

Seat belts save more than 15,000 lives yearly and are the best defense against drunk, aggressive and distracted drivers.

“Seat belts reduce your chances of serious injury from a vehicle crash by as much as 50 percent,”&nbsp;Sage said. “It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hands and buckle up.”

For more information about safety belts or child safety seat use, call 785-296-1223 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.safekidskansas.org%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce022938-2410be80-610e-4929-a157-45831b53c6fa-000000/UwaEc_JNfkhNS1V1y8Zv33zPX_VWWrKNg4qi9KTk_Gs=419">SafeKidsKansas.org</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.safekids.org%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce022938-2410be80-610e-4929-a157-45831b53c6fa-000000/bdxL4SCr0ME5jGR5XL5ivRa18i_7noOoAbXZOsFU7y4=419">SafeKids.org</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsafekidskansas%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198ce022938-2410be80-610e-4929-a157-45831b53c6fa-000000/_5seDkT5N-Y-FHo_YmtdbKYBUuBFDuMlF6LUoS4rHYc=419">Facebook.com/safekidskansas</a>.

Bucks rewarded to drivers who buckle up

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

As we move into the latter part of the growing season, it is time to consider late summer and fall pests as well as your plans for next year. 

Both stable and horn fly populations tend to decline over the dry, hot part of summer but can resurge in late summer into fall if sufficient rainfall occurs. 

Horn flies are found on the back and belly of the animals and stay constantly associated with the cattle host making topical insecticides (pour-ons, sprays and ear tags) effective control methods, with appropriate rotation. 

Stable flies in contrast feed preferentially on the legs of the animal for a short period of time (2-4 minutes), 1-2 times a day. This low contact time with the host makes chemical control difficult to achieve. Decaying hay and plant material are a primary breeding for stable flies; pay special attention to hay bale and feed wastage and surrounding crop fields.

House fly populations will continue to increase through the summer and can be a significant problem for feedlots and dairies. 

Minimize feed wastage spilled over bunkers and keep pens well scraped, paying special attention to areas around feed bunkers, water stations and under fence lines. Baits and traps can be useful against house flies; make sure the traps are placed away from buildings such as offices as they will attract flies to the location. 

Fall can also see face flies trying to enter barns and buildings for a place to overwinter. Sealing off cracks and crevices can remove these overwintering spots. If a second fall fly population boom occurs, any early season on-animal interventions applied are unlikely to still be effective this late in the season. If reapplying products within the same season, do not change insecticide group.

Larvae of the cattle grub should be treated in fall or early winter using oral medications or pour-ons. Treatment should not be carried out in January or February due to the potential for severe reactions. 

Lice populations also tend to thrive in cooler weather, watch out for patches of hair loss and rubbing, indicative of lice problems. Part the hair, especially along the neck and back of the animal and look for small cream insects about 1/16th of an inch. If large numbers of lice are observed, pour-on treatments can effectively treat lice infestation. Treatment must be repeated after two weeks to target any nits that were not killed after the first treatment.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Late summer, early fall pests for feedlots, dairies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings. They weave a web of lies about some bogus crisis. Then they trick older adults into giving them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The scams start with lies designed to create a sense of urgency and fear.

• Lie #1: Someone is using your accounts.&nbsp;Scammers pretend to be a bank employee with a warning about suspicious account activity. Or claim to be an Amazon rep following up on potentially fraudulent purchases. • Lie #2: Your information is being used to commit crimes.&nbsp;Scammers might say they're with the government and tell their target that their Social Security number is linked to serious crimes. • Lie #3: There’s a security problem with your computer.&nbsp;This lie might start with a computer security alert that warns of a hacked computer with a phone number to call for help.

Once they’ve convinced their mark that this crisis is real, they make empty promises and offer fake “help.” They say the only way to get out of the situation is to follow their very specific instructions — which always involve moving money. They tell their target that doing so will protect the money in their accounts or clear their name. Some say they're helping catch the “real” criminals.

A new FTC data spotlight report,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight">False alarm, real scam: how scammers are stealing older adults’ life savings</a>, shows that reports of losses to business and government imposters filed by older adults (60+) are soaring. Many reported losing tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, reported losses of over $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold from 2020 to 2024.

How can you protect yourself from a business or government imposter scam?

Government agencies will never threaten you, and they’ll never tell you to transfer your money to “protect it,” deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or hand off stacks of cash or gold to a courier. That’s a scam. Report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

For more advice, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams">How To Avoid Imposter Scams</a>.

FTC: Business and government impersonators go after older adults’ life savings

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about understanding pre-diabetes with Jessica Phelan, Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance assistant professor.

🎙 Post Podcast: Understanding pre-diabetes

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Studies suggest that alcohol and/or drugs play a part in as many as 90% of sexual assaults, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rainn.org/">Rape, Abuse &amp; Incest National Network</a>, and at least 50% of student sexual assaults involve alcohol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Representatives of&nbsp;Jana's Campaign and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services talked to Hays city commissioners during Thursday's work session about the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/50d5b7c5-782d-40d5-93a0-b08f297d2ef1">SafeBar Alliance program</a>.

"We are advocating for a city ordinance that would require all drinking establishments and bars in Hays to complete SafeBar Alliance Training and Bystander Intervention Training as part of the liquor license renewal process," said Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of Jana's Campaign. "This&nbsp; initiative aims to create safer environments, prevent alcohol-facilitated violence, and empower staff to recognize and respond to unsafe, harmful situations."

A similar ordinance is in place in Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

The free training for employees lasts an hour.

"We'll come in at their convenience," said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, director of client services at Options, "even if that's at 2 o'clock in the morning as they're cleaning up and shutting down the bar."

Commissioner Shaun Musil suggested cutting down the training time to 30 minutes.

"They're tired after a long shift, and you're asking them to stay another hour."

Sandy Jacobs, mayor, said, "This is definitely about quality of life in Hays."

She asked staff to look at the proposed ordinance changes for commissioners to discuss further at a future meeting.

Bonds and temporary notes for new projects

Commissioners heard details from Kim Rupp, finance director, about ordinances and resolutions in the process of issuing general obligation bonds and temporary notes for several new projects including:&nbsp;

• Automated water meter infrastructure--$3.6 million • Police department and municipal court facility--$6.85 million • The Grove Reinvestment Housing Incentive District--$3.675 million • The Grove economic development grant--$825,000 • Construction of infrastructure at Interstate 70, Exit 161--$4 million

&nbsp; "This authorizes the bonds to be issued to pay costs of improvements and allows the city to levy for debt service, if necessary," Rupp said.

The ordinances and resolutions will move on for approval at the Aug. 28 city commission meeting.

Rezoning for proposed Lincoln School apartment complex

Jesse Rohr, public works director, presented a rezoning request for the proposed Lincoln School apartment complex, 1906 Ash, from a public and institutional district to a residential multi-family district.

The owner of the property, Hays developer Michael Graham, is proposing remodeling the former elementary school into apartments and constructing a residential multi-family housing development on the surrounding property.

The request was moved on to next week's meeting.&nbsp;

Tom Howie, project manager, recommended a bid award for the Hays Regional Airport terminal passenger parking lot expansion. The airport has been seeing record enplanements, and the parking lot needs to be enlarged for a second time since 2018.

Parking at the airport continues to be free.

Estimates are for another record high of 17,000 passenger boardings in 2025.

"With the current capacity of paved and gravel lots at 141 spaces, vehicles still must park in the grass," Howie said.&nbsp;

Morgan Brothers Construction of La Crosse was the low bidder at $248,019. If approved next week, the project would be completed by the end of the year.

Jana's Campaign, Options propose mandatory SafeBar training for Hays bars

TOPEKA—The second&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/W9-_kvKckr7MzfDME43S-Iwj2kaPSlRYuNvYMx-Me08">Kansas Mental Health Summit</a>&nbsp;is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at Fort Hays State University in Hays. It supports a national initiative to improve court and community response to mental health issues that bring people to court.

The 2025 summit will feature national and local presenters who will educate and inform participants on how each system partner can contribute. The first Kansas Mental Health Summit was in 2022.

The 2022 Kansas Mental Health Summit was the first of its kind in the state. It was based on a 2019 regional summit involving the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/W9-_kvKckr7MzfDME43S-KpyA8NHdPETmDdr8LEDRBY">National Center for State Courts</a>, the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and the State Justice Institute.

“Our first Mental Health Summit led to Chief Justice Marla Luckert’s administrative order for our judicial districts to develop multibranch communities of practice,” said District Judge Robert Wonnell, 10th Judicial District, who chairs the summit planning committee. “Since the order, 26 of 31 districts have a community of practice or are getting one started.”

Luckert signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/W9-_kvKckr7MzfDME43S-PuidQsoSGyh-quZk7oBToo">Administrative Order 2022-CM-074</a>&nbsp;which created a statewide multibranch community of practice delegation and encouraged chief judges to create local communities of practice to act as liaisons to the statewide delegation.

“That first summit was a catalyst for us to break out of our silos and bring together the courts, law enforcement, mental health providers, and the community to improve our response to mental health issues,” Luckert said. “We have the power to provide people with mental health issues the resources they need to break the cycle of returning again and again to the justice system.”

A multibranch community of practice is composed of representatives from the court, community supervision, law enforcement, health care, behavioral health, and other community members. They provide a framework for members to share experiences, develop strategies, solve problems, and communicate needs.

“This isn’t a one-size-fits all issue,” Wonnell said. “What works in Hiawatha may not work in Hutchinson, which is why it’s so important that individual districts are meeting regularly, learning issues, and working together.”

Wonnell said information from these communities of practice helped lead to the Legislature passing House Bill 2353 in 2024. The bill amended the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons to extend the time someone may be held for treatment and added conditions for ordering continued treatment.

“The fact that individuals came together discussed their positions, worked up an idea, and that it passed unanimously, is significant,” he said. “In two years we went from the original bill dying in committee without a hearing to not a single member of the House or Senate voting no on the issue.”

Wonnell said the importance of the summit is shown by the state officials scheduled to give opening remarks: Governor Laura Kelly, Chief Justice Marla Luckert, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, and Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.

“I’m a big multibranch proponent,” he said. “The only way we're going to figure out how to address the issues is to bring together all levels of government.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/W9-_kvKckr7MzfDME43S-IYJcSS0SmxZMThxsHkyEO0">Videoconference registration&nbsp;</a>for the summit is open. Registration for in-person attendance is closed.

Second Kansas Mental Health Summit scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Cereal rye can provide excellent weed suppression as a cover crop; however, it should be handled carefully. Cereal rye can be introduced into a wheat field by contamination of harvest or seed conditioning equipment, dry fertilizer spreaders, or drills. Seeds and pollen can also be moved by wind or other natural means.

Cereal rye is very similar to wheat in terms of life cycle, growth requirements, and appearance. 

There are a few features that distinguish rye from wheat:

· Plant height: Cereal rye is generally taller than winter wheat.

· Seed heads: Rye seed heads are usually longer and thinner.

· Ligule: The ligule of cereal rye lacks the fringe of hairs that winter wheat has.

· Auricles: Cereal rye does not have prominent auricles, unlike winter wheat.

· Seed characteristics: Rye seeds are longer than wheat seeds and typically have a yellow or greenish shade, rather than red.

These differences can help with identifying cereal rye in the field.

Chemical control of cereal rye in wheat is limited to herbicide-tolerant varieties (discussed later in this article). 

Because there are few herbicide options in crops, preventing the introduction of cereal rye into wheat fields is critical. Cleaning equipment and planting weed-free seed are two important measures. Hand rouging has long been used to remove cereal rye from wheat prior to harvest. 

Crop rotation is also important for controlling cereal rye and other winter annual grass weeds. Cereal rye emerging during a fallow phase of the rotation can be controlled with glyphosate. If cereal rye is present in wheat stubble, atrazine can be used if the following crop will be corn or sorghum.

Herbicide-tolerant wheat varieties Clearfield wheat varieties allow the use of Beyond (imazamox). Imazamox is more effective on other cool-season grass weeds and only provides suppression of cereal rye. If you choose a Clearfield variety, be sure to spray before rye tillers and use a nitrogen fertilizer (up to 50% of the spray solution). 

Two applications (4 fl. oz. in the fall and 4 fl. oz. in the spring) will provide better control than a single application. If a single application is used, apply Beyond at the maximum single-use rate of 6 fl. oz. However, it is important to note that imazamox resistance has been confirmed in cereal rye from Colorado.

CoAXium wheat varieties allow the use of Aggressor (quizalofop). Quizalofop provides excellent control of cereal rye. In studies at Great Bend, control was 94% or greater with 10 or 12 fl. oz. of Aggressor applied with either NIS or MSO in fall or spring. Quizalofop is a Group 1 herbicide that only controls grasses.

In both systems, cereal rye control will be reduced if applications are made when temperatures are below 40°F during the week following application.

For more detailed information, see the “2025 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland” guide available online at <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/2025-chemical-weed-control-for-field-crops-pastures-rangeland-and-noncropland_CHEMWEEDGUIDE.pdf">https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/CHEMWEEDGUIDE.pdf</a> or check with your local K-State Research and Extension office for a paper copy.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements. Users should read and follow all label directions.

Information provided by Extension Weed Science Specialists

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Cereal rye control in wheat

<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

Register to become a finalist in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway this today at Brogden GMC in downtown Hays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; 

While you're there getting registered, make sure to check out all of the specials including 0% on new GMC 1500's and rebates up to $7,250.&nbsp; 

Brogden has a no pressure and friendly sales staff, and their service department is trusted and ready to help.&nbsp; 

Stop by this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brogden GMC in downtown Hays and get registered!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling!

Enter to be finalist for Yuengling Flight golf cart today at Brogden GMC 

An ongoing issue with the traffic signals at 13th and Canterbury has been identified as a fault in the signal cabinet's electronic connections. A replacement cabinet needs ordered and we hope to have an estimated time of arrival soon.

Until the new cabinet is installed, the intersection will be on a 4-way flash, operating as a 4-way stop.

For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, we'll have assistance from the Hays Police Department during morning and afternoon school rush hours. Please be patient, drive with caution, and treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

13th, Canterbury traffic signal is temporary a 4-way stop

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

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

The advisory was issued 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;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Countryside Estates Mobile Home Park 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: 308-629-7874 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/1/01000198d25f9524-f7654a83-a856-44b0-9b2b-8b9023b12a28-000000/MnWJRWFVuA6x_VD3vR714V82LXQUmM4s0Vzpn-nFI7M=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Hays' Countryside Estates mobile home park

&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

After 25 impactful years, HaysMed is retiring its traditional drive-thru flu shot clinic and launching a more flexible, integrated approach to community health. Starting this fall, flu shots will be offered during its monthly blood screening events- providing a convenient, one-stop opportunity for preventive care.

 The decision to discontinue the drive-thru format comes in response to changing community needs and increased access to free flu shots at local pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Dillon’s. While the HaysMed drive-thru clinic once served nearly 4,000 individuals annually, recent participation has dropped below 1,500. This new format allows the hospital to better align with current trends and improve accessibility for the community.

Participants can now receive a free flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or do both- all in one visit. Flu shots will be available on the following Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Entrance B (Miller Pavillion), using parking Lot B on September 6, October 4, or November 1, 2025.

Children’s flu shots will be administered in the same area as adult vaccinations to simplify the experience for families. To help with flow and minimize wait times, participants may choose to go directly to the flu shot station or begin with blood screening.

Since its inception, HaysMed has proudly administered 69,802 flu shots to the community. In 2024 alone, the hospital provided 1,300 adult and 378 pediatric vaccines free of charge, thanks to the support of the HaysMed Foundation.

The HaysMed flu shot events have also supported local families through food donations. In 2024, participants donated 583 pounds of canned food to the Community Assistance Center. Since 2007, the hospital collected a total of 26,854 pounds- nearly 13.5 tons of food! 

All attendees are encourage to bring a non-perishable food item to continue this tradition of giving back.

Watch the HaysMed 2025 Flu Shot video&nbsp;below about this change.

HaysMed is thrilled to continue partnering with Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays North Central Tech nursing students, who will assist with flu shot administration. Their involvement ensures hands-on learning and reflects the spirit of community collaboration.

· Free flu shots available for individuals 6 months and older

· Participants may choose to receive a flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or both

· Consent forms available at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a> – please complete, print, and bring a signed copy for each person being vaccinated

· Short-sleeved shirts recommended for ease of vaccination

· Egg-free vaccines will not be available; individuals with egg allergies should consult their healthcare provider

· High-dose flu vaccines for those 65+ will not be offered at these events

For more information about blood screenings, visit the most recent <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/august-volunteer-community-blood-screenings/">monthly blood screenings article</a>. For flu shot updates, maps, and logistics, visit <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu/</a>.

Together, HaysMed is working to keep the community healthy, strong, and connected- now in a format that’s more convenient than ever.

HaysMed announces new format for 2025 free Community Flu Shot Event

Free Community Shred Day offered by Bank of Hays

Hays High Sept. 4 soccer game cancelled

The Hays City Commission and the Russell City Council will have a joint meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Russell City Hall, 133 W. Eighth St., Russell.

The topic of discussion will be the joint development of the R9 water supply.

Hays, Russell city leaders to discuss R9 development Aug. 27 in Russell

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

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

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;

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

The Trump administration is considering placing marijuana in the same federal classification as codeine, instead of where it currently is alongside heroin

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri has won&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/11/missouris-1-4-billion-cannabis-market-outpaces-states-with-older-programs/">praise</a>&nbsp;for having one of the nation’s most robust cannabis markets.&nbsp;But buzz about the president’s interest in relaxing federal marijuana restrictions is raising questions about the potential impact on that economic success.

Last year in Missouri, a pound of wholesale marijuana sold for about $2,000 on average, according to the nation’s leading wholesale cannabis platform LeafLink. That put Missouri in the company’s top five highest prices.

It’s still profitable to sell a marijuana facility license in Missouri, said Ben Burstein, corporate development manager at LeafLink —&nbsp; a dynamic that is not true in many other states.&nbsp;

“You have tons of licensed operators that put millions of dollars into their businesses over time,” Burstein said of the experience in many other states. “And not only are they not making money, they have to pay to get rid of those licenses and all the closing costs associated with it.”&nbsp;

Experts agree the success is due, at least in part, to Missouri’s limited number of facility licenses.&nbsp;

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