By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The construction of the Tallgrass Addition, using housing incentives, has had an economic impact of $24.4 million on the Hays area.

Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, gave a presentation during the agency's quarterly luncheon on Tuesday, explaining how Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts work and how they have been utilized in Hays to promote development.

The nonprofit development group Heart of America purchased land for the second addition of the Tallgrass Addition in 2019.

The first 3 phases of the Tallgrass Addition have added 66 lots for development, with 101 more lots to be in the fourth addition, which will stretch north to Interstate 70.

Williams said the Tallgrass addition would not have happened had it not been for the incentive district.

The cost of developing infrastructure, such as streets and sewers, would have been too expensive, he said. Heart of America has invested more than $3 million in developing infrastructure for the first three phases.

In a larger community such as Kansas City, the developer could pass the cost of development on to consumers in the form of higher lot prices. He gave the example of lots selling for $100,000.

Without the incentive district, the lot prices would have averaged $47,738. With the incentive district, the lots averaged about $14,000.

Using special assessments would also push the cost of housing beyond the reach of most buyers, he said.

Had the cost of infrastructure been recouped through special assessments, homeowners would be paying an additional $340 per month to cover the infrastructure costs.

"If you look at the cost of home ownership, that is a significant reduction," Williams said.

The community benefited from the development because Heart of America chose to reconstruct Wheatland Avenue instead of doing an overlay. This created a better street not only for the development but for those entering Fort Hays State University Tech North Central.

"Had that been a private developer, no one would do that," Williams said.

Developers in larger urban areas can build on a larger scale. They built many homes at once. However, local developers might be able to build only one or two houses per year.

The Tallgrass Addition has several basements poured that need to be framed, but Hays only has one framer.

The Tallgrass home buyers were distributed between people who were new to Hays, first-time home buyers, people who were upsizing or downsizing and investors.

"I hear all the time about people coming to our community to accept a job, look for housing, and find out they can't find an acceptable house. [They] end up not coming," he said. "It's happened numerous times."

When you look at the upsizers and downsizers that added another 15 homes to the Hays housing inventory. People are buying the homes that Tallgrass buyers vacate, Williams said.

"The more supply we have, the more likely we are to be able to maintain stable prices," Williams said.

Many of the houses that were vacated by Tallgrass buyers sold for less than the Tallgrass homes. Those vacated homes filled a niche in the housing market, Williams said.

The total revenue from Tallgrass construction was estimated at more than $19 million. This is estimated to have a multiplier effect in the community of 1.26, resulting in a total economic impact of $24.4 million.

The sales tax impact alone was almost $900,000.

Homeowners still pay property taxes. Only the local incremental increase in property tax is allocated toward repayment of the developer's infrastructure costs.

The 20-mill state levy for schools is still in place. The new homes will raise an additional $969,000 for schools over the life of the incentive district.

"There are really no levied tax dollars that have been put into this project, but there have been a whole bunch of dollars that have come back the other way," Williams added later in his presentation.

"In my view, without a doubt, our taxes are lower than they would be because of this development."

The construction has also created jobs in the community, Williams said.

An estimated 116 direct construction jobs and 40 indirect jobs were created. Direct jobs could be carpenters or roofers, people working to build the homes. Indirect jobs could be landscapers.

Another 104 jobs have been created in industries such as retail or restaurants when the construction workers eat out or shop.

Williams said homeownership benefits the community at large.

It increases and stabilizes the workforce. Homeowners are more likely to stay in the community. Their children attended local schools, and they stimulate the economy by shopping, eating at restaurants and using services, such as medical care.

The city agreed to bond the initial $3.1 million&nbsp;Heart of America investment, allowing it to develop the fourth Tallgrass Addition.

Engineering on the latest addition is almost complete. Bids will likely go out in the next 30 days and construction on the infrastructure will likely start this fall, Williams said.

Within eight to nine months, work on building houses is expected to begin, he said.

"There still remains to be strong demand for these [homes]," Williams said.

Williams said the land on which the Tallgrass Addition now sits was producing $127 in property taxes.&nbsp;

"That's the trade for an RHID," he said. "I think it is a pretty good trade because of all that has happened because of the RHID and because the city, county, school district and Heart of America, all of those people were willing to step up to the plate and make something happen."

Mayor Sandy Jacobs lauded the collaboration that went into creating the Tallgrass Addition.

"No one entity could go out and do this on their own," she said. "I think we should be really proud of the collaboration, starting with Heart of America, because that was your first stop, looking for the money. They were able to see that future. I think it is amazing what this community can do when they all put their heads together."

She also said she thought the Tallgrass Addition stimulated development in the community because it highlighted the demand for housing in Hays.

🎙 Housing incentive district reaps millions in economic benefits for community

About 100 volunteers from Hays and the surrounding area joined the thousands of people across the nation for the annual Out of Darkness Walk on Saturday at Frontier Park East in Hays.

The gathering supported the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss.&nbsp;

Organizers said they doubled the amount raised from the previous year, and the Hays event raised more than Kansas communities much larger than Hays.

Women Who Lead was the advocate sponsor for this year's event, donating $2,500.

Walkers were encouraged to wear beads to symbolize how they have been affected by suicide, the death of a friend, the death of a loved one, a personal struggle with suicidal thoughts, etc.

Among the booths at the event was one that promoted the 988 crisis hotline. Like the 911 emergency line, you can dial 988 from any phone.

The 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories, according to its website.

 The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices, its website said.

High Plains Mental Health, which also participated in the event, offers a local crisis hotline, 1-800-432-0333.

Healing After Loss of Suicide, also known as HALOS, is a long-running group that helps those who are grieving the loss of someone who has died by suicide.&nbsp;

For more information on the group, call Leigha Dobson at 785-432-0989.

Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention walk draws crowd Saturday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved a reinvestment housing incentive district for Big Creek Estates Third Addition during its Tuesday meeting.

A public hearing provided the community with an opportunity to provide input.&nbsp;The project includes road improvements on Reservation Road with no financial impact to the county.

Resident Larry Dinkel, who lives in the area, said he spoke with neighbors and submitted 25 protest petitions.

"A lot of the concerns in our area is water. We are all on private water wells. We're worried about what the water status is like in that aquifer and what contamination could happen to the wells," he said.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county cannot promise a future water supply but emphasized it is in neither the county’s nor the city’s interest for homes to lose value.

"That's a bridge that has to be crossed if it ever comes up. It does us no good to make your home worth nothing, and a home without water is worth nothing," Leiker said.

Dinkel raised concerns about recent increases in sewer fees and the possibility of additional homes to drive the cost even higher. He also expressed concern about the poor condition of the roads.

Duane Kuhn, president of the Big Creek Improvement District, said the sewer system can handle current demand, but additional homes might require an additional pump. He said efforts to negotiate lower sewer rates with the city were unsuccessful. Commissioner Michael Berges said sewage rates have increased even without the addition of new homes.

Another resident raised concerns about stormwater runoff and potential flooding. Developer Adam Pray said a retention pond on the south end of the addition would address the issue.

Berges said homeowners will continue to pay their full property tax bill. Pray will cover project costs upfront and be reimbursed through the new property taxes generated by the district’s homes.

Commissioners approved a resolution to authorize Bill Jeter, county counselor, to initiate foreclosure proceedings on properties with delinquent real estate taxes.

A list provided by the county treasury includes 15 properties with a combined total of $44,394 in taxes, penalties and interest owed.&nbsp;Each property is at least three years delinquent.

The city of Gorham did not receive the commission's approval for the county public works department to assist with a road rehabilitation project.

The commission said performing work outside the county would be considered commercial and not appropriate.

"We've done work as a county for other cities, and it got to the point now that they're asking for help all the time. ... County lines is where I draw the line," Berges said.

Commissioners approved a new contract with County Counselor Jeter, effective Jan. 1. The agreement increases Jeter's monthly retainer from $5,500 to $6,000. The commission initiated the change and is already included in the 2026 budget.

County EMS received approval to accept bids from R Enterprise for the remounting of two ambulances. EMS also received approval to buy two stretchers and two loading systems for installation in the ambulances.

Commissioners appointed  Dylan Bryant as the new member to the Ellis County Library Board to fill a vacancy effective Oct. 1. The appointment will run until April 30.&nbsp;

Ellis County Commission approves RHID for Big Creek Estates

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced the members of his 2025 Service Academy Selection Board, including several area residents. 

The board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to the U.S. Service Academies.

Applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on Saturday, September 27, at Wichita State University. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Nominating Kansas students for service academies is one of my greatest honors as a U.S. Senator,”&nbsp;said Moran.&nbsp;“I appreciate this year’s Service Academy Selection Board for their dedication in choosing to invest in the next generation of leaders who are stepping up to defend and serve our nation. The young men and women applying to attend our service academies have already demonstrated integrity, a strong work ethic and dedication to our country, and they represent the best of Kansas. I am grateful for their desire to serve and look forward to receiving the board’s recommendations.”

Sen&nbsp;Moran’s 2025 Service Academy Selection Board:

Area residents appointed to Sen. Moran's Service Academy Selection Board

TOPEKA — The Kansas Hospital Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, as our new director of clinical services.

Prior to joining KHA, Siek was the vice president of patient care and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed in&nbsp;Hays.&nbsp;

Siek has longstanding experience as a nurse leader, educator and clinical nurse. The hospitals of Kansas are excited to tap into his extensive experience as he will provide nursing and clinical expertise across all KHA initiatives. 

As part of his role, Siek will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to implement quality, safety and clinical workforce initiatives. He also will serve as KHA’s nurse liaison to allied organizations, committees and external organizations.

Siek holds a bachelor of science in nursing and master of science in nursing from Fort Hays State University. His extensive knowledge over the past 34 years in nursing from the bedside to a nurse executive will be invaluable to the KHA membership. Siek joined the KHA team on Aug. 18.

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 242 member facilities, of which 124 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is Optimal Health for Kansans and Kansas hospitals.

Former HaysMed official named Kansas Hospital Association director of clinical services

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

State teenagers were arrested on Sept. 7 for allegedly breaking into a Fort Hays State University student dorm.

FHSU Chief of Police Terrance Pierce said at about 6:47 a.m., campus police were dispatched to McMindes Hall to respond to a report of a potential trespassing incident.

Residence life staff in McMindes Hall informed the officer that they had previously escorted 19-year-old Brett Patrick Schmidt of Lawrence and 18-year-old Luke Elias Arredondo of Haysville  from the building because they had violated the university’s visitor policy.

The two were told not to re-enter the building, Pierce said.

Schmidt and Arredeondo later allegedly re-entered the building, broke into a student's dorm while still occupied and stole food products. Pierce said Ellis County Dispatch was made aware of the alleged crimes along with the description of the two suspects.

Hays Police located the two individuals in the 400 Block of West Sixth Street in Hays. Hays Police and University Police arrested the two suspects and transported them to the Ellis County Jail.

Schmidt was arrested on requested charges of aggravated burglary, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, minor in possession of alcohol, underage possession of tobacco, felony interference with law enforcement and display fictitious identification.

Arredondo was arrested on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal trespass, minor in possession of alcohol and underage possession of tobacco.

Pierce said Schmidt and Arredondo are not enrolled at the university and had no connection to anyone in the dorm room they allegedly entered. No injuries were reported.

Two arrested after alleged burglary at FHSU student housing

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Recent obituaries and service times

The Point of Light is the highest recognition given by Thomas More Prep-Marian to honor significant individuals who have given time, talent, or resources through dedicated service to the school. Recipients of the Point of Light award show commitment to our tradition of excellence, are involved in activities that bring honor to the inductee and to TMP-Marian, and have a heart for service.

Inductees are nominated by the TMP-Marian community and voted on by a variety of individuals representing the school administration, staff, alumni, religious, and community for a diversified selection committee.

TMP-Marian is honored to announce the following 2025 Point of Light Inductees:

A lifelong advocate for education and the performing arts, Kathy Dreiling-Amrein has left an indelible mark on TMP-Marian. A 1976 graduate of Victoria High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Music from Fort Hays State University in 1980. Kathy was united in marriage to Frank Dreiling in 1987 until his passing in 1998 and later to Allan Amrein in 2004. Over the course of her remarkable 41-year career in education, she inspired countless students with her passion for music, including 20 years as a faculty member at TMP-Marian. She also served as co-chair of the school’s Centennial Celebration, ensuring that TMP-Marian’s rich history was celebrated with joy and reverence.

Kathy’s professional achievements include being named the KMEA Outstanding Teacher of 2012, serving as KMEA Northwest District President (2011–2012), and being inducted into the Ellis High School Teacher Hall of Fame.

Beyond the classroom, Kathy has remained deeply involved in faith and service. She is an active member of the Hays Lions Club, Christian Mothers, Daughters of Isabella, and the Liturgy Committee at St. Fidelis Parish in Victoria. Her commitment to her community and her school is matched only by her devotion to her family, with husband Allan and daughters Holly Lang ’07 and Hannah Schmidt ’13, and their seven grandchildren.

Gene and Theresa have been married for 49 years, having first met during their college years at St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City. Together, they have built a strong legacy rooted in faith, family, and service. They are the proud parents of five children—Don, Karen ’98, Matt ’01, Nick ’04, and Patrick ‘05—and the grandparents to 14 grandchildren.

Gene’s influence on TMP-Marian spans decades. For many years, he served as a football coach, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes. He also dedicated himself to leadership roles as Activities Director and Dean of Discipline, and Assistant Principal, as well as serving four years as Assistant Principal at Holy Family Elementary. Some of the highlights of Gene’s time at TMP-M include coaching the Shrine Bowl in ’03 &amp; ’04, receiving the Jack Schramm Spirit Award in 2010, and serving as Homecoming Grand Marshall with Theresa in 2022.

Theresa also made a lasting impact in Catholic education, teaching for 13 years at Holy Family Elementary, where she inspired young learners and helped form the foundation of their academic and spiritual journeys.

Both Gene and Theresa are active members of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in Hays, where their example of steadfast faith and service continues to inspire.

Duane &amp; Mary Lang are being honored as Points of Light for their commitment to TMP-M. Duane is a 1974 graduate of Ellis High School, and Mary (Wilkerson) Lang is a 1977 graduate of Marian High School. They have three children who graduated from TMP-M: Scott ‘99, Sarah ‘01, and David ‘07. After a 38-year career with Schwan’s Sales, Duane joined the maintenance crew at TMP-M in 2020. Mary joined the alumni staff in 1997 as the alumni office manager and served in that position for 27 years, retiring in 2023. Along with many different alumni board members throughout the years, Fr. Earl Befort, Wanda Billinger, Kathy Kaseforth, and Mary Lang took charge of the many capital improvement projects, including the stained glass windows and renovation projects in the Marian Chapel. This group also spearheaded the planning and organization of the TMP-M School Centennial Celebration in 2008. Through the Auction for Christian Education, Alumni Golf Classic, and soliciting donations from alumni, they helped raise funds for many projects, including new school buses, the alumni storage shed and addition. Duane and Mary have helped with many projects through the years sponsored by the Sports Booster Club, Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Parents, Teachers, and Friends. They are charter members of St. Nicholas of Myra parish, serving as past Eucharistic Ministers and helping on a variety of projects as members of the St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus and Ladies Guild. Duane and Mary are recognized as generous individuals who share an abundance of their time, talents, and treasure for the continued prosperity of TMP-M.

Bob graduated from Atwood High School in 1965 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years. Karen graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in 1970 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. The couple married in 1980 and raised two children, both graduates of TMP-Marian—Kevin ‘03 and Kendra ‘07.

Bob began his teaching and coaching career in 1973, enjoying various stints at TMP-Marian, leaving an enduring legacy on the school’s athletics. Over the years, “Coach T,” as his students called him, taught Physical Education and Driver’s Education while coaching football, pole vault, and his true passion—wrestling. His remarkable career produced 44 state qualifiers, 17 state medalists, 2 state champions, 1 Grand State Champion, and even a Big 12 champion. His name and legacy live on through the Bob Threlkel Wrestling Tournament at Hays Middle School, a tribute to the countless athletes he mentored.

Karen dedicated nearly four decades to the nursing profession, serving faithfully from 1979 until her retirement in 2018. Her vocation was marked not only by her professional excellence but also by her compassion and care for those in need.

Together, Bob and Karen continue to serve their community and their faith. Bob serves on the board of the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, and Karen serves at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

TMP-Marian announces 2025 Point of Light recipients

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas crude prices are up a dollar from last week, but down $1.25 from the first of the month, and nine dollars lower than at the first of the year.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at $53.00 a barrel at CHS in McPherson.

Employment in the oil patch is dropping, according to an online report citing government data. The publication Rig Zone cites data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showing total employment in oil and gas extraction has dropped by 4,000 jobs from January to August. Figures show a month on month drop on four occasions so far this year. Total employment as of August reached 119-thousand workers.

Baker Hughes reports 539 active drilling rigs nationwide, up two oil rigs from last week. The tallies in Texas and New Mexico are each up one, while Oklahoma is down one for the week.&nbsp; US totals are down 51 rigs from the same week a year ago.

The weekly Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service dropped nearly 17% from last week, 25% from last month, and 37% from last year. There are five active rigs in eastern Kansas, down three from a week ago. The total west of Wichita is unchanged at ten rigs.

The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named two brand-new oil fields. They're located in Logan and Ness counties. That's 16 new oil and gas fields so far this year.

Kansas regulators okayed 12 new drilling permits this week, with six in Western Kansas and six east of Wichita. That's 499 so far this year, compared to 733 new drilling locations by this time last year. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports eleven new well-completions, 824 so far this year. Three of those are in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County.

Kansas crude oil production in May increased slightly from April, but the daily average drops under 71-thousand barrels. Cumulative output through May reached 10.5 million barrels, dropping the cumulative daily average to 69.64 barrels per day. That's down nearly 3,000 barrels a day from a year ago. Output in Ellis County through May averaged 5,386 barrels a day, down 309 barrels from a year ago. Barton County produced 3,754 barrels a day, down slightly from last year. Russell County is up slightly from a year earlier, at 3,312 barrels a day. Output in Stafford County is also slightly higher, at 2,423 barrels a day.

US crude production topped 13.4 million barrels a day for a third week in a row, and nearly topped 13.5 million for the first time in nearly six months. The Energy Information Administration reports average output of &nbsp;13,495,000 barrels per day, the highest weekly average since March 28. The four-week average, and cumulative production so far this year, are each below 13.5 million barrels a day; each remains nearly two percent higher than a year ago.

The government added another half million barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, which now total more than 405 million barrels. SPR refilled more than 25 million barrels in the last year, at $30-$35 per barrel less than what we sold it for three years ago.

Commercial crude inventories rose nearly four million barrels, topping off at 424.6 million barrels as of September 5. EIA says stockpiles are down about three percent from the five-year average for this time of year.

Crude oil imports are down nearly seven percent from a week ago. They're down nearly nine percent from a year ago, and more than 17 percent from two years ago. The Energy Information Administration reports current average imports of 6.3 million barrels a day. The four-week average is down about half a percentage point from the same four weeks last year.

Crude exports dropped by more than a million daily barrels to 2.7 million barrels per day. Refined product exports jumped about half a million barrels a day to 7.2 million.

News from the Oil Patch: Oil patch employment plummets

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Though often found in agricultural crops, fall armyworms have been found in certain turfgrass species and we’ve had many reports of them recently. This has been a bad year for them in crops as well as in homeowners’ turf.

Description: Young larvae are ½ to ¾ inches long. Mature larvae can reach 1½ inches long. Fall armyworms can be identified by the inverted “Y” on top of the dark head. Adult moths are ½ inch long. The two front wings are brown-grey. Males have more dark markings than females.

Life Cycle: As a tropical insect, fall armyworms are not able to overwinter in Kansas limiting them to 2-4 generations each year. Moths migrate to their seasonal home and lay hundreds of eggs in clusters. Larvae hatch and begin feeding. Once established, new generations can occur every 23-25 days.

Damage: Larvae feed on grass blades. Heavy infestations will occasionally chew the blades to the crown. Though the damage may be unsightly it does not typically kill the grass. Regrowth of the turfgrass can be expedited with rain and/or irrigation.

Control: If insecticide applications are considered, cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide), permethrin (38 Plus Turf, Termite &amp; Ornamental Insect Spray; Hi-Yield Garden &amp; Farm Insect Control; Eight Yard &amp; Garden RTS) and spinosad (Conserve, Monterey Garden Insect Spray, Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew, Natural Guard Spinosad) and Dylox (BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Control) are commonly available materials registered for control of fall armyworm in turf. Neem oil is also an option if a homeowner does not want to use chemicals.

Spray treatments have greater and quicker contact efficacy than granular applications. Granular treatments require irrigation or rain to activate the insecticide from the dry granular carrier. Professional lawn care service personnel have access to additional materials (such as Scimitar and Deltamethrin) which may have more persistence than homeowner products.

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

BOOR: Fall armyworms

Hays Catholic Schools to celebrate 100th anniversary of homecoming

The Bricks is wrapping up its Brick-by-Brick Campaign. Community members and businesses have one last opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Downtown Hays before the September 30 deadline to purchase an engraved brick or limestone block for the new Shed Project.

The Shed Project will be a new storage and service facility adjacent to the Downtown Hays Pavilion. This addition is designed to secure event equipment, serve concessions, and host the Downtown Hays Market Manager’s station during community favorites such as the Downtown Hays Market, Christmas Magic on Main Street, and Wines &amp; Steins. Once complete, the Shed will provide much-needed support for year-round events that bring vibrancy and connection to The Bricks.

“We are very excited about this enhancement to Union Pacific Park, one of our most visible and well utilized contributions to Downtown. While events are just part of what we do, last year they brought over 15,000 people to the heart of our community. This project meets an immediate need for those initiatives and the functionality of the pavilion, while staying true to the beautiful architecture of the original railroad depot. None of this progress is possible without the support of our community!,” said Andrew Taylor, board chair of The Bricks (operating as the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or DHDC).

To participate, visit The Bricks office at 1200 Main Street, Suite 102 in Downtown Hays, or reach out online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.downtownhays.com/">www.DowntownHays.com</a>/pavilion-shed-project. For logo submissions (limestone block donors only), email your file and contact details to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thebricks@downtownhays.com">thebricks@downtownhays.com</a>.

“This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director at The Bricks. “It’s about the community who believes in Downtown Hays and wants to see it thrive for generations to come.”

The Brick by Brick Campaign officially closes on September 30, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to engrave your name, your business, or your family into the story of The Bricks.

 Brick-by-Brick campaign ends Sept. 30 for Downtown Hays shed project

Help us fill up the St. Joseph Food Pantry, Hays, and earn $3,000 in matching funds by donating to the Food Bank Fill-Up project at our Hays 24/7 Travel Stores location throughout the month of September! 

In recognition of National Hunger Awareness Month, 24/7 Travel Stores are partnering with food banks across Kansas to raise funds for the fight against hunger. 

Stop in the store at 3601 Vine Street and donate at the register, or drop off your financial donation at the parish office, 210 W. 13th. 

Matching funds, up to $3,000, will be provided to participating food pantries so every donation matters! 

Thank you for supporting the St. Joseph Food Pantry!

Help us fill up the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Hays

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

2025 Paradise Fall Festival set for Sept. 20

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #1655 in Hays is sponsoring a learn-to-fly informational meeting on Thursday, September 18, 6 p.m., at RANS Aircraft, 4600 U.S. Highway 183 Alternate.

Come learn about what is required to become a private pilot. Meet local&nbsp;instructors and pilots, and register for a chance to receive a discovery flight from Hays Aircraft.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Enjoy a complementary hamburger cookout.&nbsp;

Please register to attend by emailing your name and contact information to eaachapter1655@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, September 16.

Learn To Fly informational meeting in Hays Sept. 18

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below:

$2,413&nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp;Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp;Household of six $7,501&nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight

*Add&nbsp;&nbsp;$848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be mixed fruit, grape juice, diced tomatoes, potato slices, dehydrated potato flakes, applesauce cups, catfish, refried beans, Alaskan pollock, canned pumpkin, and cream of mushroom soup.&nbsp; 

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government surplus commodities to be distributed Sept. 23 in Hays

Katharinenstadt's Essenfest is Oct. 12; Registration open now

OAKLEY — Oakley will host its annual Gun, Coin, and Knife Show Sat., Sept. 20 and Sun., Sept. 21 at Western Vista Complex, 306 Sunrise.

See the many vendors with guns, rare coins, knives and collectibles.&nbsp;

The show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is one of the larges and most well attended shows in the region.

Oakley's annual Gun, Coin, Knife & Collectible Show is Sept. 20, 21

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a Utah university, was charged on Tuesday with aggravated murder.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a>

The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said in announcing the charges. He said Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk.

Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">gunned down</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students and died soon after. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.

A Utah Valley University police officer was watching the crowd from an “elevated position” and identified the roof of the Losee Center as a potential position for a shooter, Gray said. The officer found evidence on the roof immediately, he said, and spurred officers to direct their attention to surveillance video leading to the roof.

Robinson, 22, also was charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon.

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