By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Thomas More Prep-Marian outperformed statewide averages in graduation rates and state assessments for the 2024-25 school year.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16dJMkcHHA/">TMP-Marian highlighted its strong academic achievement</a>, with students scoring above Kansas state averages in the top two performance levels for the following subjects:

• Math: 58% (TMP-Marian) vs. 38% (state average) • English Language Arts: 58% (TMP-Marian) vs. 42% (state average) • Science: 59% (TMP-Marian) vs. 39% (state average)

TMP-Marian Principal Chad Meitner said teachers are intentional about aligning lessons with state standards and about teaching the material they will be tested on.

"We've got some small class sizes, so we're able to really work with kids individually. I think that definitely goes into one of the secrets of our success," he said.

The Kansas State Department of Education recognized the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Salina through the Kansans Can STAR Recognition Program for their outstanding student achievement.

TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary operate under the auspices of the Diocese of Salina.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17EqxyzwN7/" target="_blank">According to Salina Diocese Catholic Schools</a>, they received a gold star for their high school graduation rate, a gold star for their postsecondary success rate, and a silver star for the number of students they academically prepared for college or other postsecondary pathways.

The latest report on postsecondary success for the Salina Catholic Diocese is from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, the graduation rate was 90.5%, the success rate was 79.1% and the effective rate was 71.6%.

The state department of education considers post-secondary success based on a student meeting one of the following criteria:

1.&nbsp;Earned an approved certification during high school 2.&nbsp;Attained a postsecondary certificate 3.&nbsp;Obtained a postsecondary degree 4.&nbsp;Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduation 5.&nbsp;Student with disabilities who met the district graduation requirements for a diploma but remained in school to receive transitional services

The 2024 graduation rate for TMP-Marian is 97.2%, above the state's average of 89.5% for the same year.

The state department of education also issued its 2024-2025 school-year performance report card for students at TMP-Marian and statewide. The report shows test scores for math, English language arts and science.

The Kansas assessment results are reported across four levels.

Level one indicates a student shows a limited ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of the grade-level subject standards. Level two shows a basic ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject, level three shows a proficient ability, and level four shows an advanced ability, according to the state department of education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/be1ecb7f-dc52-4c44-aff4-c1ad39716611">The Kansas Department of Education has announced these levels will be changed in the coming years to reflect student achievement better.</a>

In math, 11.32% of TMP-Marian students in sixth through 12th grades have a limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 31.44% of students have a basic understanding, 50.94% show an effective ability to understand and 6.28% have demonstrated an excellent understanding of math.

The statewide performance for math in the same grade levels consists of 28.71% of students showing limited ability, 32.54% having a basic understanding, 27.82% having an effective ability to understand and 10.91% having an excellent understanding.

7.54% of students show limited ability to understand English, 34.59% have a basic understanding, 45.28% show an effective ability to understand and 12.57% demonstrated an excellent understanding of English.

The statewide performance for English in the same grade levels consists of 28.36% of students showing limited ability, 27.15% having a basic understanding, 34.79% having an effective ability to understand and 9.68% having an excellent understanding.

15.9% of students show limited ability to understand science, 25% having a basic understanding, 27.27% show an effective ability to understand and 31.81% have demonstrated an excellent understanding of science.

The statewide performance for science in the same grade levels consists of 29.52% of students showing limited ability, 29.02% having a basic understanding, 25.98% having an effective ability to understand and 15.46% having an excellent understanding.

Meitner said the school’s Catholic faith helps shape a culture of discipline, respect and resilience,&nbsp;which he attributes to student performance.

"It starts with the early grades. A lot of our students come from Holy Family Elementary. ... I think there's some consistency in that curriculum," he said.

Holy Family Elementary’s academic performance also ranks above the state average in math, English language arts and science. Holy Family Principal Megan Meagher said teachers and curriculum are credited for meeting students' needs.

"We help prepare our students all the way from the time they're at Holy Family through TMP to be academically successful in postsecondary education," Meagher said.

1.72% of students between pre-kingergarten to fifth grade fall under having limited ability to understand, 23.27% of students have a basic understanding, 48.27% show an effective ability to understand and 26.72% have demonstrated an excellent understanding of math.

6.89% of students in the same grade fall under having limited ability to understand English language arts, 13.79% of students have a basic understanding, 60.34% show an effective ability to understand and 18.96% have demonstrated an excellent understanding.

4.76% of students fall under having limited ability to understand science, 28.57% of students have a basic understanding, 40.47% show an effective ability to understand and 26.19% have demonstrated an excellent understanding.

Despite the strong performance, Meagher said the school continues to look for ways to improve student education through academics and faith.

"There's always room for growth. We always hope to continue to strengthen those scores," she said.

TMP-Marian, Holy Family Elementary exceeds state test score averages 

First Call for Help,&nbsp;&nbsp;607 E. 13th,&nbsp; 785-623-2800 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday&nbsp; Food pantry/box distribution-One per family every 30 days, ID required Meals on Wheels-Elderly or disabled individuals-call for more information

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food box distribution-One per family per month Some paperwork required

St. Joseph Food Bank,&nbsp;&nbsp;210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Distribution-First and third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon (Kennedy building, back entrance) Serving everyone, basic household information needed

&nbsp;Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Accessible 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday,&nbsp; Serving Ellis County residents, proof of income and residency (utility bill or lease)

&nbsp;FHSU Tiger Pantry - Located in Memorial Union-Chestnut Room Accessible 9:30-11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Monday-Friday and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday Fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Serving students, faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University

&nbsp;Unite Ministry,&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild,&nbsp;&nbsp;200 E. Eighth,&nbsp; 785-259-2539 &nbsp;Accessible 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food pantry and free store

&nbsp;Ellis County Health Department-NOT AVAILABLE DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN &nbsp;WIC (Women Infants and Children) ONLY-Income and other requirements

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accessible 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. PLEASE CALL FIRST

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accessible 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need Hays Middle School, Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need PLEASE CALL FIRST

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Serving area parishes and transients&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Serving USD 388 School District and the surrounding area Home deliveries for elderly/disabled. Call NWKS Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm

First Call for Help,&nbsp;607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. y de 1:00 p. m. a 4:30 p. m. Distribución de cajas/despensas de alimentos: una por familia cada 30 días, se requiere identificación

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644&nbsp;&nbsp; Accesible de lunes a jueves de 8:00 a 17:00 horas Distribución de cajas de alimentos: una por familia por mes Se requiere algo de papeleo

Banco de alimentos&nbsp;de&nbsp;St. Joseph, 210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Renee Michaud Distribución: 1.er y 3.er sábado de cada mes, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. (edificio Kennedy, entrada trasera) Al servicio de todos, se necesita información básica del hogar.

Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Theresa Hill Accesible de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. Sirviendo a los residentes del condado de Ellis, comprobante de ingresos y residencia (factura de servicios públicos o contrato de arrendamiento)

Despensa Tiger de FHSU - ubicada en&nbsp;Sala Memorial Union-Chestnut,&nbsp;Accesible de lunes a viernes de 9:30 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. y de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. Viernes Frutas y verduras frescas cuando estén disponibles. Al servicio de estudiantes, profesores y personal de la Universidad Estatal de Fort Hays

Unite Ministry,&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild, 200 E. 8th, 785-259-2539 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 17:00 a 22:00 horas y sábados y domingos de 14:00 a 22:00 horas. Despensa de alimentos y tienda gratuita

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Ellis -&nbsp;NO DISPONIBLE DURANTE EL CIERRE DEL GOBIERNO FEDERAL WIC (Mujeres, bebés y niños) SOLAMENTE - Requisitos de ingresos y otros

North Oak Community Church,&nbsp;3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 9:00 a 15:00 horas; viernes de 9:00 a 12:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 10:00 a 17:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes y sus familias necesitadas

Hays Middle School,&nbsp;Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes de HMS y sus familias necesitadas&nbsp; &nbsp;POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Sirviendo parroquias y transeúntes del área POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible de lunes a martes, jueves y viernes. Sirviendo al Distrito Escolar 388 y sus alrededores&nbsp; Entregas a domicilio para personas mayores o discapacitadas. Llame a la Agencia del Área sobre el Envejecimiento de NWKS&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible Ya sea el primer o último día del mes, llame para confirmar

Food pantries in Ellis County; bancos de alimentos en el condado de Ellis

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Freightliner driven by Robert J.&nbsp;Bellis, 60, Kansas City, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of County Road 11. The vehicle drifted off the road and the driver overcorrected. This caused the hitch for the second trailer to break when it reentered the roadway. The load shifted and the vehicle fell on its passenger side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Bellis to Citizens Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after I-70 semi accident

<a href="https://www.kscourts.gov/">Kansas Judicial Branch</a>

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association presented its annual Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge to Judge Brendon Boone of Gove County during a recent statewide conference for judges.

Boone serves in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego counties. He has been a district magistrate judge since 2015.

Boone said he was honored and surprised to receive the award and credits the judges and court staff for their guidance and support.

“This award reflects the teamwork, mentorship, and community that surround me every day and create success in our district,” he said. “The chief judges I’ve worked under have kept me grounded in proper legal direction and professionalism, and the clerks in our four counties are, in my opinion, the best in the state.”

Boone also credits the leadership of his fellow magistrate judges in helping him become the judge he is today.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best, including past Nusser Award recipients Judges Richard Flax and Douglas Bigge, whose wisdom, patience, and guidance have shaped how I approach this role every day.”

One of Boone’s roles is presiding over the assisted outpatient treatment court in Ellis County. Flax, who nominated Boone for the award, said Boone was instrumental in launching the specialty court program as one of five pilot sites in 2021.

The court is part of a community program to help people with mental health and substance use issues who have had frequent encounters with law enforcement. Rather than go to jail, program participants can enter a voluntary court-monitored treatment plan to aid in their recovery and independence.

"The program’s success is truly a reflection of the incredible team behind it,” Boone said. “Their dedication and compassion drive that court’s impact, and I’m grateful to be part of it. It has been one of my greatest joys as a judge.”

Boone graduated from Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. He taught junior high school math and video production for 17 years before becoming a judge.

Boone served on the Supreme Court Language Access Committee. He also served on the governing board of Northwest Kansas Community Corrections and Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services. He is a past president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.

The award is named for Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003. The award is given to a judge who has exhibited support of the Kansas judiciary and the dignity and integrity of the magistrate judges association.

District Magistrate Judge Brendon Boone receives statewide award

<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

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Keeping track of financial records can make life easier and more efficient for you. If the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?

Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.

This can feel like an overwhelming task but K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/o">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/our-valuable-records_MF685.pdf </a>or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.

This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.

Gathering the information into one place can also be a great time to review ownership and beneficiaries as life can change and the time to change these is not in the midst of a medical emergency. While these discussions can be tough, the Our Valuable Records document can also be a great tool to hold that conversation.

No matter what tool that you use to document your financial records, keeping a copy in a safe or safety deposit box is an important step to protect your sensitive financial information.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Financial recordkeeping for an easier, more efficient life

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

Just before 3p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for violating a protection order and stalking in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 26-year-old woman was listed as the victim. 

Just after 4p.m. , police arrested Alfred Walls, 29, of Ellis, in Manhattan. Walls is being held on a $6,000 bond on requested charges of&nbsp; violating a protection order and stalking. Walls has two previous drug related convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Ellis man with history of crime jailed on new allegations 

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

US crude-oil production exceeded 13.6 million barrels a day in each of the four weekly government reports this month including a new all-time high this week.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports average crude production of 13,644,000 barrels per day, up 15,000 from a week ago, and 8,000 barrels a day higher than the previous record high set just two weeks ago.

Crude oil imports fell last week by nearly a million barrels a day to just over five million. The four-week average is down more than five percent from a year ago. Crude exports rose slightly from last week to top four-thousand barrels a day for the third straight week.

Strategic crude inventories now trail commercial inventories by just under seven million barrels. The Energy Information Administration reports the Strategic Petroleum Reserves rose half a million barrels to just over 409 million.

Commercial stockpiles are down 6.9 million barrels this week. EIA says commercial inventories are about six percent below the five year average for this time of year.

Crude prices cap off four straight daily gains with a cumulative weekly loss of nearly a dollar. Near-month NYMEX crude ends the week Friday two pennies shy of $61 a barrel, then shied away even further on Monday. Brent crude in London drops under $65 a barrel as of Monday midday.

Kansas prices end the month of October a few cents higher. Kansas Common starts the month of November at fifty-one twenty-five ($51.25) per barrel. The average price for October is a dollar less than that. Prices at CHS in McPherson are down from $52 at the first of the month and $62 at the first of the year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down four at 546 active rigs. Louisiana, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up one, while the tallies in Texas, Wyoming and Colorado were each down one. The breakout for oil rigs is down six, and the count for horizontal rigs is down seven rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down four active rigs in eastern Kansas and down three more West of Wichita for a total of 12 active rigs. The report shows an increase of five "cold-stacked rigs" from a week ago, a total that has held steady since March. Total active rigs are down 20 percent from a month ago and nearly 65 percent from a year ago. The number of active, licensed operators who have drilled a well in Kansas is now 169, down from 230 a year ago.

Kansas regulators okay eleven new drilling locations statewide, 563 so far this year, compared to 918 a year ago. Eight are west of Wichita including one in Finney County.

Operators completed 17 wells this week. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 952 well-completions so far this year, compared to nearly 11-hundred a year ago.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 51 new intent-to-drill notices in October, That's 647 so far this year, compared to over a thousand through October last year, and more than 11-hundred through the first ten months of 2023. A search of the KCC Web site returns two new intents in Ellis County, two in Finney County, and one in Russell County.New US sanctions are having a Big impact on Big Russian oil.&nbsp; Russia's second-largest crude-oil producer announced it would sell its international assets in response to sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lukoil accounts for around two percent of global oil output, and has stakes in oil and gas projects in 11 countries. It has refineries in Bulgaria and Romania and a 45 percent stake in a refinery in the Netherlands. The company said in a statement that it was already talking with potential buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: U.S. sanctions prompt Russian asset sales

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/449cf648-9979-4a89-afa4-5de716b9cce5">Reese Barrick</a>

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<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c0016433-275d-4af3-aabe-af7379f8c56f">Sandy Jacobs</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4def5769-8a0a-4860-ab53-557afac250b3">David Koshiol</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/49060a66-e8fc-4755-a296-382a14c00a3d"></a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/49060a66-e8fc-4755-a296-382a14c00a3d"> Shaun Musil</a>

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Q&A's for Hays City Commission, Hays USD 489 candidates; Election Day Tuesday

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

Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau received a first place Marketing Award for Digital/Online Media at last week’s Kansas Tourism Conference in Manhattan, KS.

The Marketing Awards are presented at the Kansas Tourism Conference each year by the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) to honor the most creative and effective tourism marketing efforts across the state. Open exclusively to TIAK members, the awards recognize outstanding campaigns that promote destinations, events, and attractions in impactful ways.

The Hays CVB won for its dynamic e-newsletter, designed by Marketing Manager, Kyrsten Feik. The e-newsletter is sent out via email to over 4,450 recipients that include both locals and visitors.

The monthly communication focuses on upcoming events and activities happening in Hays, presented with eye-catching graphics and colorful photos. Anyone may sign up for the e-newsletter by going to the CVB’s website <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a>, clicking on “About Us,” then “E-newsletter Sign Up.”

The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau is located in the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine St. For additional information on CVB efforts or community events, call 785-628-8202 or go to <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a>.

Hays CVB receives marketing award at state conference

Hays Coat Drive giveaway set for Saturday

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

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider appointing a delegate to represent the county at the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

County officials from across Kansas will gather Dec. 9-11 in Wichita for a series of educational sessions and workshops.

Because the Kansas Association of Counties Conference overlaps with the regularly scheduled county commission meeting, a cancellation notice will be issued since all three commissioners plan to attend the event.

The commission will also hear the introduction of new and promoted employees at its meeting.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042025-708">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to attend state association of counties conference

&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

Nov. 1 Osborne Gift Fair, Sims Event Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne. Join us for all your Christmas needs!

The Craft Basket, Alton Community Room, 618 Mill St., Alton Unique, handmade gifts for everyone. Dates: Nov. 1-Dec. 21 Fridays &amp; Saturdays 9-5 Sundays 1-5. After Christmas Clearance Sale Dec. 27 9-5

Nov. 8 Hunters Feed at the Front Porch Event Center &amp; Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton. After a day of hunting and/or shopping at the Mill Street Market, join us at the Front Porch Event Center for a delicious meal! The menu is Brisket, Au Gratin Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob, and Pumpkin Pie!

Mill Street Market in Alton. A unique craft show located all over downtown Alton! Join us from 9-2 for all your Christmas shopping!

Nov. 11 Mommy &amp; Me Tea, 715 N. Second St., Natoma. Come on in for an elegant, fun and fanciful Tea Party! Every Second Tuesday at 6 P.M. Call 785-346-4772 for more information.

Veterans Day Salute, Natoma Elementary School, 610 3rd St., Natoma. Join us at 10:15 for a beautiful tribute to our veterans!

Nov. 15 Alice in Wonderland Tea Party and Play, Osborne High School, 219 N. 2nd St., Osborne. Visit Wonderland for a day! Join us for a tea party in the Old Gym at 6 PM on November 15th before our rendition of Alice in Wonderland at 7! Ticket (with VIP seating and tea party) $20* *RSVP to the high school office ( 785-346-2143) before November 1st! or Ticket at the gate $8 per adult and $5 per student. We hope to see you there!

Nov. 19 Dinner Club at the Second St. Café, 715 N. 2nd St., Natoma. Enjoy a 7-course meal every 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 at the Second Street Cafe Dinner Club! For more information call 785-346-4772.

Nov. 29 Downs Holiday Gift Fair, Lakeside Gym, 1306 N. Morgan, Downs. Join us at the Lakeside Gym from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM!

November events in Osborne County

November 2025 community events in Hays

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

First Call for Help of Ellis County is planning its annual “Homes 4 The Holidays Carnival Night” for children.

 While the event is especially geared for ages 2 to 12, “any ages are welcome as we will have games and concessions, too,” said Macey Pfeifer, First Call’s executive director.

The fundraising event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Hays Recreation Commission, 1105 Canterbury Dr. The night will also include inflatables and raffle prizes, Pfeifer said.

The cost is $10 per wristband or a maximum cost of $25 for families with three or more children. Only cash and Venmo will be accepted for payment. Concessions will be available for purchase.

 All participants must wear socks, Pfeifer said. Socks will be available for purchase for those who forget to wear them.

“Proceeds from this event will directly support individuals and families in securing safe, stable housing by covering the first month’s rent and/or deposit costs.&nbsp;Many people are currently living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions but are unable to move simply because they can’t afford the upfront costs required,” Pfeifer said.

“Our goal is to be a helping hand—removing that financial barrier and ensuring those in need have the opportunity to transition into a safer, more livable home where they can begin to rebuild and thrive.”

Helping with the event is a team of Leadership 310 students from Fort Hays State University. They are Mika Zimmerman, Hays junior; Matthew Berner, Hays junior; Thomas Pendergast, Hays sophomore; Anthony Arial, Hays junior; and Sabrina Adkins, Hays junior.

Pfeifer said, “Home 4 The Holidays Carnival Night is the perfect family-friendly event that won’t break the bank—especially for those with multiple children. But it’s more than just games, prizes, and memories—it’s a night that gives back.

“Your attendance helps support families in need by providing safe, livable housing and covering first month’s rent and deposit, giving them the stability they need to focus on building a better future. Come for the fun--stay for the impact.”

First Call schedules annual carnival night for children

Catholic Charities: Fill the freezer, shopping list to stock pantry

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they&nbsp;turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

This year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 500 people in Greater Kansas affected by 150 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS&nbsp;When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA6Lj2FgFiyyyTUiDOMExa5TsGr19lWibn_v_WvSniEXyckENNEZi1E-EluKAdgCksvgWZvqiZwHjORCqLIlJO2QvPcFEW8GLPKiPXhycRagR6v8bN9qy23lPhTWuMwVAoGK6-vrOb0HuabHcbyEuwh7FfZ6nufUuZa-jzHt_S7sdWmd5ca1ZdV55TxYtZo-cPsH4S4mQLBG9vTIv-O1j0OA5nxf-XOcyr7JcXTm7R3XOersi1PMpBUQZjXTgsrPBawl0nrR8ifZvwAAAP__F2xV-w">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

IF YOU NEED HELP&nbsp;If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsyzuu6yAUheHRQIfF-1FQpMk0og1sYhQc-4LviTL7o0Sn_db6S-QGNWSKUTgrvBLSerpGHaAIUBoVcuuAO2Or4U5gwpR9qrRFG7iywRiTrbU3oaXFyo02QflENJ-t4KP9Yxu0jmMyW3xNRbugme_H87F8Btrjep7HJOpC5JXI6-v1WgaWPPY5l33cibzW9izsvf8frO8ZOssrHCeOZT23TjcsDdjAjjCRtRK_cPsDoi7CaScFHXGF9zz2eRLNEe4dv8cl7xud50DcPnFJnoPJiiEGznSwwFKolpmUtZQhcF45_YnyNwAA__8chmDt">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES&nbsp;Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners,&nbsp;has saved at least&nbsp;2,284&nbsp;lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0uO6yAQheHVwAyLVxXUgEEm1t1FhKGcoNjXabA66t23EvX0O-evSQP7XCQnE9BEZyxGeU-oIazksiuwkIm5Og7oNcOKgSmDbAlJOyQAKIh4Nd4irxo8kIuL8Hq0yo_2pfbcNu5DYY3rUn0gr-L2_P-Y3oPc0v08n8JdhJ2FnV-v19S5ln6MMR39Juz879h5bp2H3Lm2rDpvnAerVtMHrn8g3MUEH6yRPd3zz3ge4xRec75t_DlO5djlODvz_o7rEnWG4hQzaeUJs1poRQVL8dYSab1q-Z3sbwAAAP__vqlYtw">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER&nbsp;State Farm®&nbsp;is the National Sound the Alarm Sponsor. Their funding helps our efforts to build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring Sound the Alarm.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8tuwyAQheGngR0Wl2HMLFhkk9eIuIwTFLtOwarVt68Sdfud89eoPUMqkqOZ0QRnLAb5iESccwnJ-GCqReJQasrsZwcZTM6yRSTtkLz3BRFvBizyoj14ciEL0KNVfrZvtaW2ch8Ka1hyhZlAhfX19Zzeg1zj4zhewl2EvQp7Pc9z6lxL38eY9n6XG9eWVOeV02DVavzA7R-Eu5gZZmtkj4_0O177OARoTveVP8ep7JscR2fe3nHNQSdfnGImrYAwqUwLKp8LWEuk9aLlT7R_AQAA__84iFVK">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy7Fy6yAQheGngQ7NAssCBYUbv4YHwcrmWrpyQIknefqMPWm_c_6awDHmIjlpTzpYbSjIWwIC69zMOhiwuFR0uWhvPPjijdVetkQRLEXnXCGii0ZDvIBDF22YBcJole_tQ225rdyHohqWuaKPqML6-H-fXoNc0-04HsKehDkLc34-n1PnWvo-xrT3qzDn0j9_VN__ZblxbVl1XjkPVq2mN1z-QNiT9uiNlj3d8vd47OMQCJyvK7-PU9k3OY7OvL3iOgfIrljFHEFhpKzmuJByc0FjYgRYQH4l8xsAAP__88tX8Q">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.&nbsp;

Red Cross asks you to test smoke alarms as clocks turn back this weekend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.

Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family.

“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States,” the statement said. "“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”

The quietly forceful Cheney served father and son presidents, leading the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush before returning to public life as vice president under Bush’s son, George W. Bush.

Cheney was, in effect, the chief operating officer of the younger Bush’s presidency. He had a hand, often a commanding one, in implementing decisions most important to the president and some of surpassing interest to himself — all while living with decades of heart disease and, post-administration, a heart transplant. Cheney consistently defended the extraordinary tools of surveillance, detention and inquisition employed in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Years after leaving office, he became a target of President Donald Trump, especially after daughter Liz Cheney became the leading Republican critic and examiner of Trump’s desperate attempts to stay in power after his election defeat and his actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

“In our nation’s 246-year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-wyoming-election-2020-33ab8e7df6a6fe46661130a410487b97">a television ad for his daughter</a>. “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward.”

In a twist the Democrats of his era could never have imagined, Dick Cheney said last year he was voting for their candidate, Kamala Harris, for president against Trump.

A survivor of five heart attacks, Cheney long thought he was living on borrowed time and declared in 2013 he now awoke each morning “with a smile on my face, thankful for the gift of another day,” an odd image for a figure who always seemed to be manning the ramparts.

His vice presidency defined by the age of terrorism, Cheney disclosed that he had had the wireless function of his defibrillator turned off years earlier out of fear terrorists would remotely send his heart a fatal shock.

In his time in office, no longer was the vice presidency merely a ceremonial afterthought. Instead, Cheney made it a network of back channels from which to influence policy on Iraq, terrorism, presidential powers, energy and other cornerstones of a conservative agenda.

Fixed with a seemingly permanent half-smile -- detractors called it a smirk -- Cheney joked about his outsize reputation as a stealthy manipulator.

“Am I the evil genius in the corner that nobody ever sees come out of his hole?” he asked. “It’s a nice way to operate, actually.”

A hard-liner on Iraq who was increasingly isolated as other hawks left government, Cheney was proved wrong on point after point in the Iraq War, without ever losing the conviction that he was essentially right.

He alleged links between the 2001 attacks against the United States and prewar Iraq that didn’t exist. He said U.S. troops would be welcomed as liberators; they weren’t.

He declared the Iraqi insurgency in its last throes in May 2005, back when 1,661 U.S. service members had been killed, not even half the toll by war’s end.

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