By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A grandmother spoke at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Oct. 13 and expressed concerns about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cedda027-aca8-4d80-bcba-bc6115762b77">After more than three decades of students with mental health and emotional issues in the Westside program, the district began changing its model for these students in 2024.</a>

In 2024, Westside had an enrollment of 24 students in grades K-12. Students were bused to their home schools, as the students were deemed able to participate in general education classes.

Students were moved to Hays High and Roosevelt Elementary two years ago to pilot the program. The rest of the elementary students and middle school students were moved this fall.

Kyle Carlin, director of the special education coop, said the move has been in the planning stages for three to four years, and teachers and staff underwent training this summer to prepare for the change.

Students with mental health or behavior issues have a dedicated classroom at each school, but are integrated into general classes as they are able. Teachers and staff have followed these students to the general education schools.

Hillary Logan, who has a granddaughter in a Hays USD 489 elementary school, expressed concern about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools.

"I'm hearing disturbing accounts of repeated violent acts, screaming and cussing at students," Logan said.

"Sometimes teachers have to quote 'clear the room' while a disruptive student goes on a rampage," Logan said, "including cussing, throwing things, and kicking over desks and chairs."

"These outbursts are endangering students and teachers. The constant disruptions make quality learning impossible," Logan said. "It is also not ideal for innocent little ones to see and hear what they do."

Carlin said he was unsure how often rooms have to be cleared for a student having an outburst, but students who are being served by special education and those who are in general education can both have issues.

He said he could not speak to any specific student or incident for privacy reasons. The school board also did not address Logan specifically at the school board meeting, as is its policy.

However, Carlin said teachers and staff are trained to address student disruptive behavior and to use de-escalation techniques.

"There is always a goal to prevent before we have to respond, but there are also plans to respond," he said.

Carlin said the number of students needing help to meet their social and emotional needs has been increasing in all buildings.

He said there are many causes of students struggling with behavioral issues, some of which can include developmental aspects, environment, trauma and biology.

However, he said he did not want those students to be discounted because of those difficulties.

"To label or categorize students in a way that doesn't acknowledge they still have potential ..." Carlin said. "When we use words that don't build on that potential, I think it's harmful to the student and the community as a whole because all of a sudden the hope and the sense of belonging that student has in their school and their community starts to erode."

He said when hope erodes for those students, they have lifelong problems.

"Being able to intervene at a young age and being able to support positive behaviors and the strengths those students have, and helping them see those, is critical to our work," he said. "It relies so much on having the staff around that feels that way too."

Having special education staff in schools has resulted in quicker responses to students in distress, he said.

However, Logan said Wilson has been turned upside down.

"There is disruption after disruption every day," she said. "It is difficult for staff to handle these out-of-control kids, and [they] should not have to handle strong, violent kids at all."

Carlin said, "This is less about a specific school or a specific student incident and more about the global needs in our community and how we meet those needs across the buildings.

"That has been done with training and additional staff."

"The biggest thing I want to make sure everyone understands is that the safety and learning of our students is the most important thing," Carlin said. "Every action that we do is meant to support that for every student in every building."

Logan&nbsp;said she thought all school districts must have an alternative school.

Logan said she thought Westside was closed because of a lack of funding. That was not the case, according to district staff.

At the time the transition was announced, Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education coop director and Westside principal, said students needed more&nbsp;pro-social experiences, and that Westside students were losing instructional time because they were being bused to other schools. 

The program also had to rely heavily on online programs, especially for the older students.

The Westside program also lacked many resources, including a school nurse and a library.&nbsp;

Carlin said in an interview this week that having the students back at their home schools has allowed teachers, paras, and other staff to focus on meeting students' educational and emotional needs, rather than providing functions such as food service and transportation.

"Being back in the buildings has been very positive overall," Carlin said. "The supports that are now in the buildings are able to respond to things that were already happening in the buildings. It's less about the students who transitioned and more about the students who were not getting support in the past and are able to get more support now."

Carlin said the district has worked to ensure that the schools have all the staff and resources needed for the transition. The coop has made adjustments during the transitions, including adjusting staff schedules and rearranging resource room class space.

He said each school has had different challenges.

"The biggest key is we found that when the teams are communicating well and things are well organized, we are getting really good results with kids," Carlins said.

Carlin also noted Hays schools were not the only ones making the transition. The coop also includes students from Ellis, Victoria, LaCrosse, Russell and the private schools in those districts.

Carlin will be sharing an update on special education for the first quarter during the school board work session tonight. He said he will be speaking to the board about the transition.&nbsp;

The board meets at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The building adjacent to the Rockwell Administration Center, which had housed the Westside program, is temporarily being used by the WeKan program for special education students ages 18-21. The upper floor is being used for gifted students until Felten Elementary School is completed.

The Rockwell property is scheduled to close upon completion of the bond projects. Administrative offices will move to the former Wilson Elementary School.

Grandparent expresses concerns about alternative school student integration

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Global nonprofit Point 27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://point27.org/">https://point27.org/</a>&nbsp;recently honored fallen Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, who <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/828772e4-ab2d-416f-a5cb-bd6631c6d836">died of a gunshot wound September 28</a> he received responding to a domestic violence call.

To honor this fallen hero, Point 27 sent gifts of Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength dog-tag necklaces inscribed with Matthew 5:9,&nbsp;“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”&nbsp;to the Hays Police Department for Heimann’s&nbsp; partner and the officers who served closely with him; and Keepsake Folded Flag Pendant Necklaces inscribed with John 15:13,&nbsp;“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”&nbsp;for his family.

“We want law enforcement officers and their families to know we value them and their sacrifices, that God loves them, and that they are never alone” said Point 27 Director, U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. Dodd.

Dodd commanded a battalion of the first troops deployed to Afghanistan following 911.&nbsp; He wore a Shield of Strength inscribed with Joshua 1:9 next to his government-issued dog tags; and equipped each of the soldiers in his command with a Shield of Strength before they deployed.&nbsp;The face of the Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength shows an engraved silver American flag face designed with one flag stripe of metallic blue. The tag design and scripture were chosen by law enforcement officers.

Dodd served 27 years and four deployments in the military. After his military retirement, he founded Point 27, in 2014, to share the scripture-inscribed dog tags that encouraged him and his troops, with members of the military and veterans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fallen Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann honored by Point 27

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she is simultaneously hosting food drives at the remaining seven stops on her statewide ‘The People’s Budget’ listening tour. In partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Governor Kelly is encouraging Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items to give back to local communities.

“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m urging the Kansans attending my statewide listening tour to donate food items and support food banks struggling to meet already high demands. Kansans have always lifted up their neighbors during challenging times, and food drives are a simple way to give back to our communities.”

Food banks currently have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other shelf stable items in need include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and more. Additional information about in-demand items can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2Fhow-to-help%2Fgive-food%2Fmost-needed-items/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/WzcjBz8Xgm9dg4KQOYYXaDWaW_IiBxi9PRudcq0Snx0=428">here</a>. Kansans participating in the food drives should refrain from donating perishable food or items in glass packaging.

“As the shutdown continues, more families are turning to food banks and our partner agencies for help,”&nbsp;said Valerie Nicholson‑Watson, Interim President and CEO, Harvesters – The Community Food Network.&nbsp;“This food drive with Governor Kelly is important because hunger doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Kansans have always stepped up for one another, and these food drives are more than just cans of food—they’re about hope, community, and taking care of one another when it matters most.”

Governor Kelly will host the second and third stops of ‘The People’s Budget’ tour on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. in Hays and 6:00 p.m. in Garden City. Kansans interested in attending the events should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2F%3Fsplash=https%253a%252f%252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252f%253furl%253dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%25252FCL0%25252Fhttps%25253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2525252FBudgetTourRSVP%25252F1%25252F01010199b9f9d395-93c03dd8-a249-45d4-983b-7b5bac4c393e-000000%25252F1PxdLARohVWY6-nVpsw2k2ZcURnvUURQDDEa2PIdAQw%25253D425%2526data%253d05%25257C02%25257CGrace.Hoge%252540ks.gov%25257C609584ed2e1f4c82b81c08de04e82deb%25257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%25257C0%25257C0%25257C638953592407599034%25257CUnknown%25257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%25253D%25253D%25257C0%25257C%25257C%25257C%2526sdata%253dHyziOpDpTXfrJ%25252FJonLkDDEZP%25252FGgcx4nvWOQv9LwV7d8%25253D%2526reserved%253d0%26____isexternal=true/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/Vp9TD9bTO-VhjxN3wPXfrb581VSiohhDFwBqTQgNtpw=428">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional information. Those who plan to donate food at the events will be able to drop off items at the venue.

“We’re grateful to Governor Kelly for highlighting the issue of hunger through this tour,”&nbsp;said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Kansas Food Bank.&nbsp;“These food drives will provide vital support to families facing uncertainty during the shutdown and help ensure that our neighbors across Kansas have access to the nutritious food they need.”

The remaining stops on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour will take place on the schedule below:

Space at each venue will be limited, and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis. The Governor’s Office would appreciate RSVPs to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time. Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.

Gov. Kelly to host food drive at ‘The People’s Budget’ tour stop in Hays Wednesday

It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;

A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.

"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."

More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;

Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;

"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;

The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;

Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;

On Dec. 20, $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be given away.&nbsp;

A special Nov. 7 Chamber Chat with The Chamber in Hays will focus on the downtown holiday events.

🎙 It's holiday time on The Bricks in downtown Hays

<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

Craig Pallister has announced his candidacy for the USD 489 Board of Education. With decades of experience in education and leadership, Pallister says he’s running to continue supporting and improving public education for Hays students, teachers, staff and the community.

Pallister has served on the USD 489 Board of Education as both vice president (two one-year terms) and president (one year term). Before retirement, he spent 21 years as principal at Hays Middle School and four years as assistant principal. He also previously worked as a teacher and assistant principal in USD 443.

Pallister said one of his priorities would be lowering the teacher-to-student ratio to strengthen learning outcomes and improve classroom relationships. He also supports expanding course options for college-bound students as well as those pursuing technical training or entering the workforce directly after graduation.

To better address academic, behavioral and career needs, Pallister advocates for additional counselors at all grade levels. “Each student should have at least one adult every year who knows them well—someone who can advise them both academically and emotionally,” he said.

Pallister believes the completion of new and updated facilities under the current bond project will create lasting benefits for future generations. “Once those are complete, the district’s next focus must be on hiring and retaining the best teachers and staff,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of competitive pay and benefits for all employees — from teachers and administrators to para-educators, secretaries, cooks, custodians, coaches and bus drivers. “They’re the backbone of our schools and key to student success,” he said.

When it comes to making decisions as a board member, Pallister said his guiding question will always be: “Is this good for students?”

He also stressed the need for continued advocacy at the state and federal levels, particularly in funding special education as originally promised. “If special education were fully funded, districts could free up additional resources for general education or local tax relief,” he added.

Craig Pallister is asking for your vote in the USD 489 Board of Education election on Tuesday, November 4.

For more information, you can contact him at craigpallister489@gmail.com.

Bucklin City Council fined for violating open meetings law

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.

The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;

EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after semi travels into ditch, rolls

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 tonight for a work session.

The work session will include the following items:

• Superintendent evaluation. Alma Henry from the Kansas Association of School Boards will be a guest. • Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, will give an update on the co-op. • The board will review the five-year capital outlay plan • The board will discuss the possible sale of property at Hays Middle School, north of the football field. • The board will hear an update on the naming of the district facilities committee.

Hays BOE to discuss capital outlay, naming rights

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.

NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.

Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.

The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.

Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.

The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.

The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.

Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.

Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.

Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.

The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

News from the Oil Patch: Ups and downs in the crude markets

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

By 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .04 inches of rain. Hays has received 1.74 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The Eagle Media Center received .42 inches of rain over the weekend.

Hays has received 24.28 moisture year-to-date.

On average, Hays receives 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of October.

The forecast for today includes fog and cloudy skies, with a high of 57 and a low of 41. A 60% chance of showers is expected for tonight.

A 10% chance of showers is also expected on Tuesday, with a high of 56 and a low of 35.

Hays receives rain; showers expected tonight

The deadline for letters to the editor about the upcoming local elections on Nov. 4 will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Letters can be sent to hayspost@eaglemedia.com. All letters must be typed and signed.

Letters must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Media Center&nbsp;coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Election letter to the editor deadline

Annual Turkey Shoot at New Almelo on Nov. 9; pre-shoot on Nov. 2

October 30 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that day.&nbsp;

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

The Ellis County Landfill will be closed on the following days for the holidays:

Tuesday, November 11th - Veterans Day Thursday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 28th - Day after Thanksgiving Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25th - Christmas Day Thursday, January 1, 2026 - New Years Day

Normal operating hours will remain the same for all other days that we are open.&nbsp; If you have any questions, please feel free to call the landfill at (785) 628-9460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upcoming holiday closures for Ellis County Landfill

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Nov. 8.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dorrance American Legion steak feed Nov. 8

"The Three Little Pigs" are coming to Hays on Tuesday, Oct. 28. It's a free production by the popular Wichita Children's Theatre in cooperation with the Hays Arts Council. The performance is at 6:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenda Meder, director of school programming for the arts council. 

They also discuss the new Block Party on the Bricks on Saturday, Nov. 1. <a href="https://givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy">Tickets</a> for the fundraiser are on sale now.

🎙 Post Podcast: Free production of 'The Three Little Pigs' on Oct. 28 with Hays Arts Council  

The 2025 Annual Residential Fall Cleanup areas for trash and tree limb pickup have been completed.

The city of Hays thanks you for your cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350.

Fall residential cleanup 2025 complete for 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

Two Hays churches will host Trunk or Treat events for children and their families, but on different nights.

First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh, will have its annual Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will be held in the church parking lot off Eighth Street.

Matt Dumler, the church’s director of discipleship, said there will be lots of candy available for kids, and the Local Food Truck will be on site for those wishing to purchase dinner.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Dumler said.

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St., will hold its Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in the church parking lot.

Jill Goertzen, the church’s Administrative Assistant, said that the family-friendly event will feature games, candy for the kids, inflatables, and a free pulled pork dinner for all attendees.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Goertzen said.

Two Hays churches set Trunk or Treats

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce information about the annual Veterans, Military, Active Duty, Reservists, and Guardsmen Appreciation Lunch.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E.&nbsp; 8th.

 All veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and national guardsmen are invited to attend. 

Lunch will be free of charge and courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Hays. The meal will include fried chicken with choice of honey pecan sauce or gravy, potatoes, vegetable, side salad, roll, and dessert.

Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School, and a special thank you video will be provided by students from Hays Middle School. Some of Wilson Elementary’s 5th graders will also be present to help serve and honor the heroes with thank you cards. Singers will provide patriotic music, and a service photo presentation will be shared during the event. 

To RSVP for this event, please email sarahannwasinger@gmail.com or call 785-650-2196. RSVPs are requested by Monday, November 3.

Kiwanis Club of Hays plans veterans and military appreciation lunch

FORT WORTH, Texas —On October 23, two police officers responded to a vehicular collision on Interstate 30 between Eastchase Parkway and Cooks Lane that resulted in the female driver and an infant child being ejected from the vehicle, according to a media release from Fort Worth&nbsp; Police.

The infant was pinned beneath the overturned vehicle and was unresponsive. Sergeant Nichols and Office Bounds with help from witnesses to the accident, were able to free the trapped infant.

Sergeant Nichols immediately began to perform CPR on the unconscious infant, eventually waking the child and keeping her alive until <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FortWorthFireDepartment?__cft__[0]=AZUvQtqMvBwYlX8BHgQ4ms3HUCYAdSY5DzQxM-EOAU1Fww6IVLGYtyy3VblQHVhpcSlmVMw37Kho9PLD-bQdFrecJA3ZSkBAZ1s7btwPgvzj-Zb4Ex12Uf_wdPJ0p9z3Co5I4m7MgXpoDiYx6mtZqSvnkXnr-VJvVYEI-kPm6uzigU7b1aMkpBODHcoNb8-gyFXpTqWrJvU_FnjBr2TBGhfi&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Fort Worth Fire Department</a> arrived on scene.

The woman and infant are in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

"We are beyond proud of the life saving actions performed by Sergeant Nichols and Officer Bounds for their bravery and quick response to this terrible scene. We are also grateful to the Fort Worth citizens who saw someone in danger and, without hesitation, assisted our officers."

🎥Police, bystanders rescue baby pinned under car after rollover crash

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The 22-year-old Utah man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;can appear in court wearing street clothes but must be physically restrained due to security concerns, a judge ruled Monday.

Attorneys for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Tyler Robinson</a>&nbsp;argued images of him shackled and in jail clothing would spread widely in a case with extensive press coverage and public interest, which they said could prejudice future jurors.

Judge Tony Graf agreed to make some allowances to protect Robinson's presumption of innocence before a trial, agreeing that the case has drawn “extraordinary" public and media attention.

“Mr. Robinson shall be dressed as one who is presumed innocent,” Graf said during a virtual court hearing.

Utah prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on a Utah college campus. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.

While Robinson has no prior criminal history, Graf said the charges he faces are extremely serious and present safety concerns in the courtroom. It's the court's highest priority to protect the attorneys, court staff and Robinson himself during what could be emotional hearings, Graf said before denying Robinson's request to appear without restraints. He did, however, prohibit members of the media from photographing or filming Robinson's restraints.

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk — an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">steer young voters toward conservatism</a>&nbsp;— from a rooftop overlooking a crowded courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Robinson was arrested the following night when he showed up with his parents to turn himself in at his hometown sheriff’s office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from Orem.

As law enforcement agencies were scouring the state for the shooter, Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said he received a phone call from a retired deputy saying he knew who killed Kirk. Robinson's family had reached out to the retired deputy, who they knew through their involvement with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mormonism">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, and worked with him to help negotiate a peaceful surrender.

“Part of the negotiation of getting him to bring himself in was that, that we would treat it as delicate and as soft as possible to make him feel comfortable to where he would show up at my office,” Brooksby said just after the arrest.

Prosecutors have since revealed incriminating text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.

Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

Graf ordered Robinson to appear on Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 for his first in-person public hearings. He appeared Monday from jail on a blacked out screen and spoke only to confirm he was present.

Judge's decision gives alleged Charlie Kirk assassin a win 

No progress has been made to end the government shutdown as it enters&nbsp; another week. 

On Monday Senate chaplain, Retired Rear-Admiral Barry Black prayed,&nbsp;"When our children and grandchildren want to know what we were doing&nbsp; in the 119th Congress during the famous shutdown may we not have to give these answers: I helped set new record for keeping government closed. No gold medals are given for breaking shutdown records"

🎥Senate chaplain prayer: No medals for breaking gov't shutdown records

TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump began one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday by warmly greeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-japan-takaichi-trade-ford-trucks-e7be33728c7c3fdb6c314780c8a9a533">the new Japanese prime minister</a>, and taking her with him as he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier.

Although Trump is visiting one of America’s most steadfast allies in Asia, there’s no shortage of uncertainty while he’s there. Sanae Takaichi, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-takaichi-21224ba4c4429ffad1639e9fcc4abd4a">became the country’s first female prime minister</a>&nbsp;only days ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-takaichi-trump-us-china-asean-apec-29fc81ff026a1d4c257d1383b46d35f6">must solidify her relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;while defending her country’s economic interests. Trump is trying to nail down $550 billion in Japanese investment as part of a trade agreement.

As Trump and Takaichi met on Tuesday, they shook hands and he paid her a compliment: “That’s a very strong handshake."

In return, Takaichi talked about watching the third game of the U.S. World Series before the event. She added that Japan would give Washington 250 cherry trees next year to honor America's 250th anniversary, as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations.

She used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during his first term through their shared interest of golf.

“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.

Trump called her role as Japan's first woman prime minister as a “big deal,” putting an emphasis on the U.S. commitment to Japan. While the president in the past has publicly scolded his foreign counterparts, he had nothing but praise for Takaichi.

“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

Takaichi is primed for a charm offensive, including a potential purchase of Ford F-150 trucks. Reporters arriving for the event were hustled past a gold-hued Ford F-150 as well as what appeared to be white American-made Toyota vehicles parked outside the Akasaka Palace, which is Tokyo's guest house for visiting foreign leaders.

Trump has often complained that Japan doesn’t buy American vehicles, which are often too wide to be practical on narrow Japanese streets.

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