By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://7brew.com/">7Brew</a> will be opening a new coffee shop at the former location of Long John Silver's and A&amp;W in Hays.

Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, confirmed the business opening on the Morning Blend on KAYS on Friday.

The footings are being laid at the site. Williams said the company uses prefabricated buildings, so the construction process should go quickly.

7Brew offers drive-through coffee service as well as a menu of other beverages. Other beverages include energy drinks, smoothies, tea, shakes and lemonade, according to its website.

The company has been in business since 2017, with its first store in Arkansas.&nbsp;

"7 Brew is so much more than just a coffee stand. It’s the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink – through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere," according to its website.

Williams said the new store is an excellent transition for that location.

Williams further discussed other redevelopment projects along the Vine Street corridor on the Morning Show.

Some of these have included Club Liquor, America Shooters, Credit Union of America at the former Love's location, the new Cerv's building, Tommy's Car Wash, Auto Zone at the former Firestone building and The Breaks.

The construction on Cerv's new building is almost complete, and Williams said he anticipates an opening near Nov. 1.

The former Rodeway Inn on north Vine is set for abatement by the city, but Williams said the owner of the property is trying to arrange for demolition before the city is forced to take action.

Williams said that should be a prime spot for development once the former motel is demolished.

He said there are also still lots behind 24/7 on north Vine, where the former Ambassador hotel was, that could be developed.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">Grow Hays is still working to build a retail development north of Home Depot.</a> He said he could not release the names of the stores at this time.

"There's a lot happening on the Vine Street corridor," he said.

Several lots north of Walmart are for sale and could be purchased for retail development, Williams.

"Activity generates activity," he said. "That's why I am excited by the Brew7 and Cervs. 

"When one person starts doing something, it can spur someone else to say, 'Clearly these people are willing to make a significant investment. It must make sense.' It's validation sometimes for them to do something."

Williams said Grow Hays continues to work with Big Creek Crossing, but indoor malls are challenging because reconfiguring existing space can be expensive.

"Some tenants are not willing to go into malls," he said. "Traditional shopping malls like we have here are a tough deal. All over the country, you see them closing, being torn down and being repurposed. I hope that doesn't happen here."

Williams said he still hopes someone will take over and reopen the former AMC movie theater at Big Creek Crossing. He said he thought Hays is large enough to support a theater.

Williams said downtown retail and food service continue to be strong. Downtown Hays doesn't have many empty buildings.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6c57b304-7633-42d9-b663-9ae7a99cfa68">Kat's Halmark has announced it is closing</a>, but Williams said Grow Hays has spoken to several businesses about possibly going into that downtown building.

🎙 7Brew to open in Hays; Williams gives retail update

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<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

1504 Vine St. B Hays, KS 67601 (785) 259-1462 <a target="_blank" href="http://ruhesalon.glossgenius.com/">ruhesalon.glossgenius.com</a>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">DELUXE PEDICURE &amp; FULL SET OF NAIL ENHANCEMENTS (GEL POLISH, BUILDER GEL, OR ACRYLIC</a>)

Treat yourself at Ruhe Salon with a variety of services designed to refresh and relax. From nails, pedicures, and waxing to facials, massages, and haircuts, our team is here to help you look and feel your best. Book your appointment today and enjoy comfort, care, and style in the heart of Hays.

Current Bid: $42.00 Retail Price: $130.00

213 W. 23rd St. Hays, KS 67601 (785) 222-3476 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/SandyWerthPhotosPhorever/">https://www.facebook.com/SandyWerthPhotosPhorever/</a>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">$150 CERTIFICATE</a>

Photos Phorever in Hays can convert your video tapes, slides, film reels, and more to digital! Plus, photo scanning your family photos to flash drive, allowing you to preserve them for yourself and future generations. Photos Phorever at 785-222-3476. Visit them online @ www.photosphorever.com. Certificate value $150 and valid for one year.

Current Bid: $31.00 Retail Price: $150.00

4240 Vine Hays, KS 67601 785-623-8315

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">$250 CERTIFICATE</a>

Lewis Paint &amp; Collision Center offers auto glass replacement, paintless dent repair, along with collision repair with guaranteed color match. Great way to take care of your insurance deductible. Certificate may not be used on account balance. Certificate good only at Lewis Paint &amp; Collision Center. Valid through March 31, 2026. See more @buylewis.com. Lewis Paint &amp; Collision Center, 4240 Vine in Hays.

Current Bid: $42.00 Retail Price: $250.00

📷 Ellis celebrates opening of new shelter, park improvments

The Hays Area Children’s Center hosted a Back-to-School Bash on September 18 for their friends, families, and staff. Donations from local sponsors meant a night of free food and fun for all! 

They are still running a set of raffles that are available for viewing on their Facebook page (Hays Area Children’s Center, Inc.). The online donation link is <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hays-area-childrens-center-back-to-school-bash-raffle--2025">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hays-area-childrens-center-back-to-school-bash-raffle--2025</a> .

Each classroom had a basket theme and families donated toward filling the baskets. The classroom teachers will get the proceeds from their basket to apply toward their classroom budgets for the year. The themes were Game Day, Movie Night, Family Discovery Time, Family Game Night, and Gardening. The raffle also includes a Charcuterie Class valued at $500 donated by Grater Whey, a $50 Sonic gift card, and a girl's bike!

Thanks to K-State Extension, Cottonwood Extension District (Monique Koerner) for bringing the Blender Bike to do Spin-Art. Thanks to FHSU Union Catering (Phil Kuhn) for hot dogs and drink coolers. Thanks to Pepsi (Mandy Giess) for water and soda! Thanks to Nex-Tech for use of the train. Thanks to Taco Riendo for use of their bounce house and the time to set-up and tear-down! A great time was had by all!

Hays Area Children’s Center celebrates Back to School Bash

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Venice mallow (Hibiscus trionum). This attractive annual species is also called “flower-of-an-hour” because each flower remains open for just a few hours before being shed. Venice mallow is in the Malvaceae family, and is related to velvetleaf and common mallow, as well as cotton. The species name trionum refers to the normally three-lobed appearance of the leaves.

Ecology Venice mallow is an introduced plant that has become naturalized in much of the United States. A native of southern Europe, the plant was introduced as an ornamental before escaping cultivation to become a weed. The species is most prevalent in the eastern part of Kansas, but can occur anywhere within the state. It can be found in gardens, cultivated fields, waste areas, pastures, and roadways.

Identification Venice mallow is an annual species reproducing by seeds. It normally grows 0.5 to 2 feet tall, with its many branches often spreading out from the base prior to curving upward. The stems are covered with stiff, short hairs. Leaves are alternate and borne on stalks (petioles), with hairs on the lower surfaces but generally smooth on the top surfaces. The cotyledon (seed) leaves are heart-shaped, and the first true leaves are rounded with gently lobed edges. Subsequent true leaves are normally deeply divided into three lobes, but may have as many as seven lobes (Figure 1). The center lobe is longer than the side lobes, but all are gently lobed to toothed along the edges.

Flowers are up to 2.5 inches wide, are short-lived, and originate from petioles arising from the junction of the stem and leaf petioles. The flowers have five petals, are white to pale yellow, and have a reddish to dark purple center. Seeds are produced in a globe-shaped capsule surrounded by a papery husk called a calyx (Figure 1). At maturity, the calyx and capsule dry and rupture, exposing the small (0.1 inch) seeds, which are kidney-shaped, dark brown, and rough.

Because Venice mallow is an indeterminate plant, flowers and seeds are produced throughout the growing season until a killing frost in the fall. Like its close relative, velvetleaf, Venice mallow seeds have an extremely hard seed coat. Consequently, seeds may lie dormant for many years, even decades, before emerging.

Management Historically, it was most often problematic in soybean production areas in Kansas. In recent years, newer herbicides and herbicide-resistant soybean varieties have reduced its prevalence in the crop. Herbicides which effectively control Venice mallow in soybean&nbsp;include 2,4-D (Group 4), glyphosate (Group 9), and glufosinate (Group 10) in herbicide-resistant varieties, as well as Group 14 herbicides (sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, flumioxazin) and Group 15 herbicides (pyroxasulfone) in conventional soybean. Group 4 herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, fluroxypyr) can be used if Venice mallow occurs in corn or sorghum.

Integrated weed management techniques should be the first line of defense when dealing with any weed situation, and this is particularly true in crops such as sunflowers, cotton, or dry beans. 

With fewer herbicides available to control Venice mallow and other weeds in these crops, prevention as well as mechanical and cultural control practices are even more important. With the longevity of Venice mallow seed viability, attention should be given to the prevention of seedset and movement of seed from infested fields to clean fields.

Information provided by Patrick Geier and Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Management Specialists.

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

CAMPBELL: 'Flower of an Hour' 

<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

First Care Clinic Inc. is pleased to welcome Mikayla Scheck, PharmD, to our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Mikayla brings valuable experience and a passion for patient-centered care that aligns with our mission of improving access to quality, affordable health services in our community.

Mikayla earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and has a strong background in the clinical pharmacy setting. Her commitment to personalized service and education empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO said, “Anyone who has used First Care Pharmacy knows that our pharmacy team works hard to meet your needs in a kind and caring manner. Mikayla is a natural fit for our Pharmacy. She is talented and genuinely cares about those she serves. We are very happy to have her at First Care!”

Pharmacy Director Tami Zimmerman, PharmD, stated, “Bringing Mikayla on board reflects our continued investment in exceptional pharmacy services. Her knowledge and dedication will be a tremendous asset as we grow to meet the evolving needs of our patients.”

First Care Pharmacy is located inside the entrance of Express Care, at the corner of 13th and Main in downtown Hays. Providing convenient, fast, and friendly service, and offering free local delivery! Patients can experience the benefit of getting their prescriptions filled at the same time as their medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment. For assistance with transferring prescriptions to First Care Pharmacy, patients can call our pharmacy directly at 785-301-9390.

ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at 785-621-4990.

🏈🎥 TMP opens district play at Smith Center

#3-5A Hays High (3-1, 1-0 WAC) vs #3-5A Junction City (3-1) Friday, Oct. 1 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551489">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians host Junction City Friday night at Hays High School.

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

🏈🎥 Hays High hosts Junction City

2713 Broadway Hays, KS 67601 (785) 301-2797 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Broadway-Automotive-LLC-1115577725237238/">https://www.facebook.com/Broadway-Automotive-LLC-1115577725237238/</a>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">$50 CERTIFICATE</a>

This $50.00 gift certificate to Broadway Automotive in Hays can be used for any services they provide. A basic oil change to major engine work they can do it....Things like getting your AC or heater working, fixing your pesty squeaking brakes, even finding out what that annoying check engine light is. This $50.00 gift certificate can be applied. Walk-ins and appointments always welcomed. Limit: 1 per customer per visit, no cash value. Good through October 31, 2026.

Current Bid: $5.00 Retail Price: $50.00

809 Main Victoria, KS 67671 785-386-802 9<a target="_blank" href="http://www.olympusperformance.net/">www.OlympusPerformance.net</a>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">4 WEEK WORKOUT/WELLNESS PLAN</a>

Are you ready to make yourself and your fitness a priority now that school is back in session? Maybe you have a goal in mind but don’t know where to start. Olympus Performance is here to help—offering custom workouts, nutrition guidance, virtual training, and weekly coaching calls to keep you on track. Completely virtual, completely flexible, and designed for you—no matter your schedule, space, or equipment. Founder Dan Rogers is a certified strength coach with more than a decade of experience in strength and sport settings. He launched Olympus Performance in 2024 after 12 years in education and athletics—coaching high school football to back-to-back state titles, leading middle school basketball, and serving as a PE teacher, athletic director, and principal. Dan also serves on the NHSSCA board for Kansas and lives by the motto, “Leave something better than you found it.” When you bid on this program, you’ll receive a four-week, fully customized workout plan built around your space, equipment, and schedule—plus personalized guidance, bi-weekly check-ins, and progression strategies to keep you moving toward your goals. Find more content on Facebook and Instagram @OlympusPerformance. For details, visit www.OlympusPerformance.net or call 785-386-8029.

Current Bid: There is no current bid on this item. Retail Price: $200.00

1480 Highway 183 Stockton, KS 67669 800-446-2845

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">$500 CERTIFICATE</a>

Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose from 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit your needs. This certificate is for tarps only. Cannot be used towards labor or tarp parts. Does not include boat tarps. Tarps Unlimited in Stockton, KS. 785-425-7070. Certificate value is $500 and good for one year.

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

🎤 Forward Ever: Craig Poe of High Plains Mental Health Center

October 12,&nbsp;9:30 AM Alton UMC Harvest Praise Service 408 Mill St., Alton 67623 Join us at 9:30 AM!

October 12, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM Fall Family Fun Day Roadside Park, Hwy. 24, Downs

Bring your lawn chairs, sit and chat, enjoy music and fun! Yard games, Kids games, Golf Cart Poker Run, and more! Enjoy the park amenities together as a community!

October 12, 5:00-7:00 PM Free Square Dancing Lessons Front Porch Event Center and Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton, KS Sept. 28, Oct. 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 28 Graduation Party

&nbsp;These are free lessons with the hope of stress-free learning, entertainment, and fellowship. You are asked to bring a finger food each time for all to enjoy. For more information call Peg Anschutz at 785-483-0660.

October 18, 1:00-4:00 PM Annual Pumpkin Party Downs Community Garden, 1312 Kansas St. Downs, KS

Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts, and fun!

October 25,&nbsp;5:00-9:00 PM Tangled Web Trick or Treat in the Park Lyman T. Earl Park, Alton, KS

There will be crafts, games and prizes!&nbsp;Any questions, call Robbin at 785-346-2128 Ext. 3

October 31,&nbsp;3:30-5:00 PM

Join us downtown Osborne as the chamber businesses pass out Halloween treats!

October events in Osborne County

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

Western Plains Arts Association

COLBY — Oakley High School auditorium will be the&nbsp;Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) next program with "The Sons of the Pioneers" returning to entertain on Sunday, October 12.

The program will start at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door or by WPAA season ticket which can also be purchased that day at the door.

We thank Dane G. Hansen and Logan County Community Foundation for their grants for this program along with area sponsors.

"The Sons of the Pioneers", the most influential and revered of all western music groups, celebrate an unparalleled 91 continuous years of performance, thrilling audiences with enchanting harmonies and picturesque images of the majestic American West. 

In 2025, the legendary group extends its remarkable run through nine decades, carrying the legacy of the outfit’s landmark, Grammy-honored music to new ears. Originals like “Cool Water,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” and “The Timber Trail” have come to define western music itself and are also deeply rooted in American culture. 

When Roy Rogers (then Leonard Slye) and gifted songwriters Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer founded the group in late 1933 and developed their trademark “Pioneer sound,” little did they realize they were launching a juggernaut that would become the longest-lived popular music group in American music history, creating a vast catalog of treasured music along the way.

Through the years, more than 40 gifted singers and instrumentalists have rotated into the group to build the Pioneers’ historic musical legacy. The Pioneers are the most decorated group in the history of western music, earning membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Western Music Association Hall of Fame, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Texas Swing Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to name a few. 

The group’s music has been honored by the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Smithsonian Institution named the group one of America’s “National Treasures.” 

They enjoy meeting those who attend and would gladly take pictures after the program.

'The Sons of the Pioneers' to perform in Oakley Oct. 12

&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

Thanks to the Hays VFW Post #9076  Honor Guards for adding the POW flag to the American flag  that they donated for the flag pole at the location of the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center on Friday, Sept. 26.

The POW flag was a welcomed addition to complete the pole near the Hays Senior Center new location.



Hays VFW Post #9076 donates POW flag to Community Center, Hays Senior Center flag pole 

KIRWIN — The&nbsp;94th annual Kirwin Lions Club Old Settlers Day is Saturday, Oct. 4

Start the day with a 5K Run/Walk or bike ride around Kirwin Lake.

Games on the Kirwin Square start at 10:30 a.m. Play bingo, try your hand at virtual golf, participate in cornhole, eat some delicious food and check out the vendors.

One of the area's largest Demolition Derbys begins at 7 p.m. with a $6,000 total purse.

94th annual Old Settler's Day is Saturday in Kirwin

On Friday, October 3, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be closed. 

All other services for Ellis&nbsp;County will remain open as scheduled. Emergency response will continue as normal operations.

This closure is to provide Sheriff’s Office staff the opportunity to attend Hays Police Department’s Sgt.&nbsp;Scott Heimann funeral services.

The Sheriff’s Office will resume regular hours on Monday, October 6.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office closed Friday; other county departments remain open

UPDATE: The annual Tootsie Roll Drive has been postponed to next weekend, Oct. 10-12.&nbsp;

It's time for the 55th annual drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in Hays, Munjor, Catherine and Schoenchen.

On Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out Tootsie Rolls in front of many Hays businesses.

Donations received during Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled as well as our citizens and our community.

Of the money collected, 80% stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes to our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund which helps finance projects like the Special Olympics.

Last year the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount of approximately $26,000.

Plan to attend the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament to be held March 20 and 21, 2026 in Hays. Last year there were more than 1,000 participants. The opening ceremonies are most impressive.&nbsp;

Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive moved to Oct. 10-12 in Hays

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Ellis Co. RWD 1C public water supply system located in Ellis County.

This does not affect those customers who receive their water from the City of Hays.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on October 1, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to maintenance in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-628-2186, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199a022ea63-1bd80ec1-c03d-4601-b957-f390024f89f4-000000/ToAKe-X5727ojZ7HWDa_7wESy4L4a9Mg7Zmd9085wHY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1C by KDHE

The Hays City Commission and USD 489 Board of Education (BOE) candidate election forum is set for Monday, October 6 at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University’s campus.

Candidates for the USD 489 BOE will open the forum at 6 p.m. and conclude by 7:00 p.m. After a 15-minute intermission including refreshments, Hays City Commission candidates will take the stage at 7:15 p.m. and will conclude by 8:45 p.m.

In a partnership with the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network, and The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, this election forum provides voters in the City of Hays and USD 489 district boundaries the opportunity to learn about each of the candidates and their stances on important community issues. A special thank you is extended to event sponsors Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News.

To submit questions in advance of the forum, email sarah@hayschamber.com.

Thank you to Tiger Media Network for offering a livestream/replay of the event for those who are unable to attend in person. The event link can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw">here:&nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw</a>

Important fall 2025 election dates and information:

· Early voting begins Tuesday, October 14th at the Ellis County Administration building located at 718 Main St. and ends at noon on Monday, November 3rd.

· Polling locations can be found here: https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations

· To view other races on the ballot and for general information, visit: <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election">https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election</a>.

Hays school board, city commission candidates public forum scheduled for Monday night

KANSAS CITY——Authorities are working to determine the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 5a.m. Friday, the Kansas City Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire&nbsp;in the 2400 block of E 9th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 Crews reported heavy fire from a 3-story apartment building on arrival, with fire through the roof of the structure.&nbsp;Offensive operations were initiated with four handlines being advanced into the structure.

During searches, KCFD companies found 3 victims and brought them out safely. Additional searches came back "all clear."&nbsp; Crews did pull out of the structure and went defensive for a short period while they used the aerial to extinguish fire on the upper level. Companies did return inside with handlines to continue with search and overhaul. The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;was brought under contro lat 5:40 a.m. Red Cross was ordered for 2 adults and 1 child. There were no injuries.

Crews rescue two adults, child from KC  apartment fire

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas has been quietly building a pot of more than $26 million that can be used for attracting professional sports teams to the state, giving the state an edge in its “border war” with Missouri.

Totaling more than $26.2 million and counting, those funds are for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/02/kansas-sports-wagering-bill-earmarks-80-of-state-revenue-to-pro-sports-stadium/">the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund</a>, which can be used to woo any professional sports team, including the Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs or the Kansas City Royals, to Kansas.

For years, Kansas has been trying to sway the region’s NFL and MLB teams to cross the border. Lawmakers in both states,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/14/pure-emotion-frequently-drives-debates-on-sports-stadium-deals/">motivated by pride and potential revenue</a>, have lobbed tax incentives, construction fund packages and seemingly arbitrary decision deadlines at the teams.

The addition of millions of dollars to cover costs that haven’t already been bundled in other proposed deals bolsters Kansas’ case, especially after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/" target="_blank">Missouri lawmakers approved a stadium incentives package</a>&nbsp;earlier this year. In July, Kansas lawmakers approved&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/">a deadline extension</a>&nbsp;until the end of the year for the Chiefs and the Royals to accept&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/21/kansas-gov-kelly-signs-bill-to-poach-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-from-missouri/">hundreds of millions of dollars in stadium incentives</a>.

At a recent legislative hearing, Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, examined how Kansas has amassed millions for professional sports teams without much attention.

“If you read that statute very carefully, it draws some questions,” he said.

The law says the fund can be used to pay the principal or interest costs on any state or municipal bonds, “which shall include any such financing structured as pay-as-you-go, issued to fund the construction, rehabilitation, revitalization or expansion of a professional sports team’s primary facility or any other ancillary development to such primary facility.”

In other words, Thompson said, the purpose of the fund is “so we can help a professional sports team make a profit, get a stadium and come to Kansas.”

“I’ve never seen any evidence that these things pay for themselves, that taxpayers will receive a reduction in tax rates,” he said.

Research has shown that funneling taxpayer money into sports stadium and arena projects a&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/02/20/more-taxpayer-money-benefits-pro-sports-owners-amid-stadium-construction-wave/" target="_blank">poor public investment</a>.

Attracting economic development, and the border war itself, goes beyond professional sports. In 2019, Kansas’ Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Missouri’s Republican Gov. Mike Parson, current Gov. Mike Kehoe’s predecessor, declared a truce. The two states vowed to temporarily halt the practice of recruiting businesses to cross the state line without job creation, in theory halting the border war.

But that did not include Kansas City’s professional sports teams,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/20/missouri-lawmakers-criticize-kansas-attempt-to-poach-royals-chiefs/" target="_blank">Kelly told the Missouri Independent</a>&nbsp;in June 2024.

That was the first sign of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/02/kansas-v-missouri-stadium-battle-shows-how-states-are-reigniting-border-wars/">truce’s disintegration</a>. Kansas City, Missouri’s City Council formalized an end to the truce this September. The council&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascity.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7665739&amp;GUID=ACBC7B2E-02E1-43B2-84F4-50D0BD396B54" target="_blank">repealed</a>&nbsp;a 10-year moratorium on tax incentives for job creation inside city limits that was passed in response to the truce. The truce expired in August.

Sports gambling dollars make up a relatively new revenue stream for Kansas. The state legalized sportsbooks in 2022 and could&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/25/kansas-legislators-look-for-bigger-payout-from-sportsbooks-with-contracts-set-to-expire/">consider modifying regulations</a>&nbsp;that govern books in the 2026 session.

The way sports wagering is regulated in Kansas allows gaming facility managers to keep 90% of revenues. The state gets 10%. Of that portion, the first $750,000 is deposited into the White Collar Crime Fund, which supports investigations of illegal wagers.

Once the white collar fund takes its allotted portion, 2% of what remains goes toward the Gambling Addiction Grant Fund, and 80% to the attracting professional sports coiffeur. In fiscal year 2024, about $8.7 million was deposited into it.

The state hasn’t yet used any of the $26 million, according to Megan Stookey, a spokesperson for Senate President Ty Masterson, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

If recruitment efforts don’t succeed, the funds will be reappropriated as the Legislature sees fit, she said. The Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of legislative leadership, is the body that could publicly consider any potential deals between the state and a professional sports team while the Legislature is not in session.

“Kansans can expect discussions to progress,” Stookey said in an email, “with the LCC prepared to review any proposals in the (time) prior to the deadline.”

Patrick Lowry, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Commerce, said the agency “continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of discussions to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas.”

Echoing nearly identical comments given to reporters in the past, Lowry said “all major economic development projects require discretion and confidentiality,” and he declined to comment on negotiations or agreements.

Kansas has amassed a $26 million fund from sports gambling revenue to help woo Chiefs, Royals

MORGAN COUNTY —Two Kansas teens were injured an accident just before 6p..m. Friday at Lake of the Ozarks.

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