By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Ellen Riedel of Ellis and her husband transformed a long-vacant building into an event venue to breathe new life into town, but now she says they were hit with a tax bill that almost quadrupled overnight.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DolceVitaEllis/">Dolce Vita</a>, 203 E. Second St., has become a modern venue for weddings, corporate events, reunions and other community gatherings.

"Rather than just driving by this eyesore day after day, we purchased and invested in the property to give this community some pride," Riedel said.

However, Riedel said after investing in repairs, including new wiring, plumbing and roofing, their property taxes increased from $3,510 to $20,810, about a 492% increase.

In addition, the venue has two wet bars, a catering kitchen, and a 15-by-50-foot state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

Riedel said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, reached out to inform her about <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb13/">Senate Bill 13</a>. Ridel said she appealed the assessment to the county appraiser, who determined that her improvements did not qualify as maintenance. She added that the valuation dropped slightly before increasing again.

The bill states that it prohibits an increase in the appraised property value resulting from regular repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property.

"Everything is supposed to remain revenue neutral, but our property taxes continue to skyrocket out of control," she said.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktnbjGVOf6k">On Oct. 13, Riedel addressed the Kansas Special Committee on Taxation</a>, saying she has heard from many Kansas taxpayers who feel overwhelmed by rising property taxes.

Riedel and her husband purchased the roughly 10,000-square-foot building in 2022 after it had remained empty for two decades, saying that she has not given up on the city of Ellis and its population of about 1,900.

"My husband turned it into a beautiful venue, and what was our reward? Massive tax increases," she said.

Riedel said commercial and residential properties should be distinguished, as both generate property tax revenue. However, commercial properties also generate sales and employment taxes. She suggested placing a lower cap on valuation increases for commercial properties.

Riedel told Hays Post property owners are caught in a game of finger-pointing between county officials and mill levies. She is pushing for a statewide 3% cap on property valuation increases.

Riedel also said Senate Bill 13 needs stronger enforcement and that counties should be held accountable for “breaking the law.”

"Protect community revitalization rather than punishing people for improving their properties," she said to the committee.

Riedel said that residential valuations in Ellis County increased, citing CEO Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank that provides non-profit research.

"I promise you the voters in your counties are going to be slapping you high fives, patting you on the back, and you are going to be heroes," Riedel said to the committee. "I know that you can change our lives by implementing tax reform."

Riedel referred to Oklahoma as evidence that limiting annual property valuation increases can be effective.

Oklahoma attorney Wayne Allison told Topeka lawmakers his state limits annual valuation increases to 3% for homestead and agricultural properties and 5% for commercial properties, with any revenue hikes requiring voter approval.

Allison said the caps did not hurt local funding and Oklahoma relies more on sales tax to fund operations.

Riedel also raised concerns with the committee that seniors are being taxed out of their homes because property taxes now exceed their former mortgage payments. She also pushed for a 100% exemption for qualifying veterans.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh also testified that Kansas’s property valuation system is inconsistent and flawed, drawing on his own experiences to support his statement.

Ellis owner testifies in Topeka on steep property tax hike after revitalizing property

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/">Kansas Leadership Center</a>&nbsp;(KLC) has selected 76 organizations across Kansas – two from Hays – as 2026 Leadership Transformation Grant partners. The grants will help the partner organizations create a culture that embraces change, tackles problems and seizes opportunities.

“KLC has been awarding grants to civically engaged organizations around the state for the past 11 years. While this program has grown every year, this year we intentionally selected fewer partners to shift our focus on making a more profound impact for each partner. We look forward to helping these organizations make lasting progress on their biggest challenges,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.

The 2026 Leadership Transformation Grant partners from Hays are:

Leadership Transformation Grants provide the opportunity for participants to learn, practice and engage with the KLC Framework. The program also utilizes KLC’s best-selling book,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/when-everyone-leads/">When Everyone Leads</a>.

“Changing individual engagement with complex challenges is how organizations can improve innovation and employee satisfaction. We offer these experiences in order to help organizations create and support cultures where more people are exercising leadership,” said Monk-Morgan. “When everyone leads, we make progress on our most important challenges. That’s what the Leadership Transformation Grants are all about – engaging people across the state to solve daunting challenges in their communities, organizations and professional lives.”

Organizations who receive a Leadership Transformation Grant will establish a core team of three to six individuals to take on the responsibilities of the grant. Organizations chosen will have one year to participate in KLC’s dynamic program experiences and utilize KLC resources and consultation.

“The Leadership Transformation Grants provide access to programs on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/the-klc-path/">KLC Path</a>, a three-step sequence which teaches that leadership is an activity—not a position—and that anyone within an organization can exercise leadership effectively. These programs offer a framework by which organizations can share a common language and skills to approach their challenges and empower employees to mobilize others to create progress in their organization and communities,” said Camille Scott, KLC partner manager.

In the 11 years awarding these grants, KLC has given 776 grants, trained more than 15,000 people and partnered with 416 Kansas organizations and communities. Applications for Leadership Transformation Grants are accepted in the fall each year.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/announcing-recipients-of-2026-leadership-transformation-grants/">See the complete list of 2026 partners</a>.

Hays organizations receive 2026 Leadership Transformation Grant

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Saturday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer's service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas, electric or water service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer's responsibility to contact the utility to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of utility companies under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fabout-us%2Fjurisdiction%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a2b2604a9-f6a7259d-a238-4342-817a-a8b2bdf0fdd8-000000/ICa2swsBADbyMHC6Ahz3wX6mzo_3T4Lvnyi38RiMN68=428">KCC's jurisdiction</a>, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fconsumer-information%2Fcold-weather-rule%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a2b2604a9-f6a7259d-a238-4342-817a-a8b2bdf0fdd8-000000/dE6JZLddSVO2cTwiepzb8lIlZ6B8yZuYekimPxdSH3E=428">Commission’s website</a><a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinkprotect.cudasvc.com%2Furl%3Fa=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%252Fconsumer-information%252Fcold-weather-rule%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26c=E%252C1%252CEFhPWc-npJHC7SLIDM6OMuVKUr3wX9Xg4C-2l1zFp6i2MFyzNb_qLElkJQELZugDIrGtLQMT5BD4XlfbuOEOM56KVuryQVxL6SMnhGA16QG8r25Q%26typo=1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a2b2604a9-f6a7259d-a238-4342-817a-a8b2bdf0fdd8-000000/3Oz34MpIzAh2MQ-rohgr6rnjCvJD0DOzYw9a1dKCEmk=428">.&nbsp;</a>Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140 to learn more. A link to the Cold Weather Rule flyer appears below.

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fimages%2FPress_Links%2FCold%2520Weather%2520Rule%2FCWR_Eng-Span_2025.pdf%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019a2b2604a9-f6a7259d-a238-4342-817a-a8b2bdf0fdd8-000000/B9VO4aBY_BYAw0JufMb5CZTjKDxk6AVvqIEYenXc1yc=428">Cold Weather Rule Flyer (English/Spanish)</a>

Kansas cold weather rule takes effect Nov. 1

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

By 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .35 inches of rain. Hays has received 2.09 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The Eagle Media Center received .45 inches at the studios from overnight.

Hays has received 24.63 inches of 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 is mostly sunny and windy, with a high of 57 and a low of 32. Sunny skies are expected for the rest of the week, with highs remaining in the 50s.

Hays receives rain; sunny skies expected this week

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

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

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

<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.

Midland Marketing Farmers of Fall 2025

&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 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

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 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in the church parking lot.

The Rev. Dustin Mulkey, Youth Pastor, said that the family-friendly event will feature carnival-style games, candy for the kids, inflatables, and a free meal of pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, and cookies for all attendees.

Mulkey said, “We will be accepting non-perishable food items that will go toward the North Oak Food Pantry.”

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

Two Hays churches set Trunk or Treats

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 eat Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita. During a press conference on Tuesday, police announced&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is now offering a $5,000 reward in the case.&nbsp; Police also indicated they have only received three tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,00 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

Police: Few tips so far on fatal shooting at Kan. youth football game

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market pushed further into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-nikkei-trump-china-7d7150df20283db5a295abc64d225a63">record heights</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The S&amp;P 500 added 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8%. All three indexes set all-time highs for a third straight day.

Moves were also relatively modest in the bond market as Wall Street waits for a few&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">events that could shake things up</a>. On Wednesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-federal-reserve-aefac7cc9eb26d5cbf57c386a8f65839">Federal Reserve will announce</a>&nbsp;its latest move on interest rates, while some of the stock market’s most influential companies will report how much profit they made during the summer. On Thursday, President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-tariffs-rare-earths-soybeans-exports-efa3b57ce5cd94ee5bfcad1988d9fccd">Trump will meet China’s leader</a>, Xi Jinping, in hopes of smoothing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Until then, profit reports from overnight and the morning were the main drivers of Tuesday’s action.

United Parcel Service rallied 8% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-amazon-layoffs-turnaround-85afc1c459883f41a2283c8394ce1eaf">delivering stronger profit</a>&nbsp;and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. UPS also gave a forecast for revenue in the all-important holiday shipping season that was slightly above analysts’ expectations.

PayPal climbed 3.9% after saying it made a bigger profit during the summer than analysts expected. It also said it plans to pay its shareholders a dividend every three months, while announcing a deal where internet users will be able to pay for purchases through OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Skyworks Solutions climbed 5.8% after saying it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/skyworks-qorvo-merger-semiconductors-df463ada8345a3b18c5339a307191b15">merge with Qorvo</a>&nbsp;in a cash-and-stock deal where Skyworks shareholders will own roughly 63% of the combined company, valued at $22 billion. Qorvo’s stock rose nearly as much, 5.7%.

Microsoft was one of the strongest forces lifting the market after rising 2%. That sent the company's total value on Wall Street above $4 trillion.

On the losing end of Wall Street was Royal Caribbean, which lost 8.5% despite reporting a stronger profit than analysts expected. Its revenue for the latest quarter fell short of expectations. The cruise operator also said it’s seen a “minimal” hit to its business this quarter because of bad weather, along with the temporary closure of one of its exclusive destinations in Haiti.

Homebuilder D.R. Horton sank 3.2% after reporting a weaker profit for the summer than analysts expected. Executive Chairman David Auld said his company is still dealing with homebuyers finding it challenging to afford a house, along with cautious consumer sentiment. He said D.R. Horton will likely have to keep offering incentives in the upcoming fiscal year to attract buyers.

Amazon, meanwhile, rose 1% after saying it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-14000-artificial-intelligence-cb64af47ebb794541fbdfa8fd264932c">cut about 14,000 corporate jobs</a>, or about 4% of its corporate workforce, as it ramps up spending on artificial intelligence while cutting costs elsewhere.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-2025-amazon-ups-job-cuts-8413af9ac5b434b092ed76d6fa6cd196">slowing job market</a>&nbsp;is one of the main reasons Wall Street expects the Fed to announce another cut to interest rates on Wednesday. It would be the second time this year that it’s lowered the federal funds rate in hopes of helping the job market.

The widespread expectation is that the Fed will also cut rates for a third time at its final meeting of the year. A lot is riding on that, in part because U.S. stock prices have already rallied to records on expectations for it. That means the most important part of Wednesday’s announcement for Wall Street will be whether Fed Chair Jerome Powell gives any hints about upcoming moves.

Fed officials have indicated that they’re likely to keep cutting interest rates next year, but they may have to change course if inflation accelerates beyond its still-high level. That’s because low interest rates can make inflation worse.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 3.97% from 4.01% late Monday. A report showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-d406ec7cdf046a4c365a72672fdfbb8d">confidence among U.S. consumers</a>&nbsp;is a smidgen better than economists expected had little effect on the market.

On Wall Street, the S&amp;P 500 rose 15.73 points to 6,890.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 161.78 to 47,706.37, and the Nasdaq composite gained 190.04 to 23,827.49.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe following modest losses in Asia.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.6% from its record high. South Korea’s Kospi sank 0.8% for another one of the world’s larger moves.

Some of the strongest action in financial markets was again for the price of gold. It’s been struggling after an astonishing run this year, setting records and nearly reaching $4,400 per ounce last week. It’s since dropped back below $4,000 per ounce, and its gain for the year so far has trimmed to roughly 50%.

Stocks close at record highs for second day led by PayPal and UPS

WASHINGTON (AP) —The administration says it will appeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-mental-health-dei-ruling-8cb195602cffff3ee20724a9fbcd1bb1">a ruling</a>&nbsp;that it must release millions of dollars in grants meant to address a shortage of mental health workers in schools.

The Education Department said in a statement Tuesday that it is working with the Justice Department to appeal the Monday ruling by a federal judge in Seattle.

U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson ruled the administration’s move in April to cancel school mental health grants starting in December 2025 was arbitrary and capricious. The ruling applies only to some grantees in the 16 Democratic-led states that challenged the decision. Congress funded the mental health program after the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

The administration opposed aspects of the grant programs that touched on race, saying they were harmful to students. The department said in its statement Tuesday the grants, which were first awarded under the Biden administration, were used “to promote divisive ideologies based on race and sex.”

Trump admin. to appeal court order to restore grants for school counselors

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas farm leaders are pushing Congress to get back to work and solve problems facing the agriculture industry, pointing out that a closed government doesn’t mean U.S. lawmakers can’t be in session.

“I’m up here in Republic County and there’s a lot of activity going around harvest,” said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union. “And then, of course, wheat drilling and all that, too, and getting ready to move cattle off of pastures. The work doesn’t stop for farmers. We don’t pause, we don’t shut down. We have to keep going.”

Levendofsky, speaking earlier this month in a virtual press conference arranged by Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, echoed comments from Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam to get Congress back to work.

“It’s time to get back to work on and really address some things, particularly some things that really don’t cost money — it’s just public policy that we need to address,” Beam said on the same call.

Levendofsky said the farm bill was allowed to expire, and even though some agricultural issues were addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, much is left to do.

“I’ve talked with farmers in our organization, farmers in my area, and farmers all across the state, and they’re very frustrated with what’s going on right now,” he said.

As farmers are grappling with increased input expenses, tariffs and weather, Davids said she was “p***ed” about President Donald Trump’s expressed intentions to import more Argentinian beef.

“I think we need to be doing everything we can to support American ranchers and producers and farmers and not importing in stuff that we’re growing here,” she said.

Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, listens to news every day with a strong dose of caution and “trying to read through the lines.” As an engineer with a compliance background, he’s always looking deeper, he said.

“You’ve got to always be thinking about this is the black and white, what does all the gray around it mean?” he said in a call with the Kansas Reflector.

For instance, outcry about the potential of Mexico reopening its U.S. border to import feeder cattle doesn’t have as big of an impact as people might expect, Steele said.

About 1 million head a year come in from Mexico, out of 83 million head produced in the U.S., he said.

“It’s not that big of a number,” Steele said. “They’re still anywhere from three to eight or nine months from being ready for harvest anyway. Where the impact comes is those aren’t prime animals that are coming up. It’s not like they’re bringing in certified Angus roasts and steaks. It’s lower quality we grind up and serve as hamburgers.”

Still, the market took that news and went “crazy,” he said. Live cattle contracts fell Monday, dropping about $7 on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/future/lc00?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqe5Xw6SQAaUNwGs9A2aB5ASjPdCoXZgWQjhkC7P1xNSJF4pjUBVwcdsSUxoQ54%3D&amp;gaa_ts=6900dd4b&amp;gaa_sig=Lbzoo0bAhVTAV00lcfxF6snutG3jmoxhqzu_x9PHRP9kDvieAxABx0qDmPz3uZmoJfgkA4qY-GOI_WMvS5ytDA%3D%3D" target="_blank">according to Marketwatch</a>.

Steele said his organization is telling farmers to call their representatives to share stories and help them understand how the system works. Although organizations like Kansas Cattlemen’s are advocating, it means more coming from the people who are doing the work, he said.

Adam Phelon, a Kansas Soybean Association board member who farms with his family near Garnett, joined Davids’ call to share his frustration with the shutdown and what a challenge it can be throughout rural communities with a “snowball effect” that hits many areas.

Phelon said farmers need consistency and certainty to make plans, and they don’t have that right now. He also pointed to families that need support from programs like Women, Infants and Children payments and a friend in the Navy who is stationed in Germany and wasn’t able to make their house payment that was due in October.

“The difficult thing is that even when the government does get back up and running, we’re going to be so far behind,” Phelon said. “We applaud the Congress for getting the renewable fuel standards up to where they should be, but those should be implemented at the beginning of November, and because of this government shutdown, it may be pushed back into the following year.”

Although Davids said the Farm Service Agency announced last week it would resume partial operations, that wasn’t enough to help Kansas farmers.

“This is just a Band-Aid on a larger problem of a government shutdown, and our farmers, ranchers, producers are hurting,” Davids said. “They haven’t received some of their farm subsidies or loans. Conservation projects are stalled, like one that’s near Baldwin City, Kansas, they can’t move forward because no one is in the office to simply process the paperwork. Without crop or market reports, producers are being forced to make major financial decisions in the dark. These programs are truly a lifeline for rural America.”

We don’t shut down’: Kansas ag leaders tell Congress to get back to work

&nbsp;SALINE COUNTY—Police continue their investigation into the death of a baby in Salina.

On Tuesday, Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler&nbsp; reported an autopsy indicated the need for additional investigation into the death of the 7-week-old boy who died July 28. Police initially indicated they were waiting for the results of the autopsy and forensic report on the death.

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