Corrections: 9:23 a.m. Nov. 11.&nbsp;Daniel Leo Neuburger's other siblings were added. 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 Major Norman A. Leikam was a battery commander and received additional medals.

By TOM ARNHOLD Special to Hays Post

When I grew up on our farm, just east of Hays, we would go into town to see my Uncle Zaccheus Dechant and his wife, Aunt Ella. Later, I would work for him at the Fort Hays State warehouse. 

I remember Uncle “Hays," as we called him, telling me that Arthur Klaus, who lived nearby, was killed in Vietnam. For some reason, that stuck in my mind. Now, nearly 60 years later, I decided to research Arthur’s life and death. When I did so, I learned that eight men from Ellis County died in Vietnam.

I will start with Arthur Klaus, since his name piqued my interest. Arthur Lee Klaus was born to Wilfred and Carolyn Gerstner Klaus on Sept. 7, 1948, in Hays. Klaus was drafted into the U.S. Army around July 1969. He was trained as an infantryman and on July 29, 1968, began his one-year tour of Vietnam as a corporal for the Bobcats of the 25th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, B Company. 

On Feb. 8, 1969, B Company was conducting a reconnaissance in force near Hua Nghia, South Vietnam, when enemy soldiers attacked the unit. At 1811 hours, Company B had two armored personnel carriers hit by RPG rounds. The company dusted off six wounded Bobcats and one dead Bobcat. Cpl. Klaus presumably was the Bobcat killed, as the records found by this author indicated he was the only member of B Company killed on Feb. 8, 1969, and that he died of small arms fire.

Klaus’ father lived until 2008, and his mother died in 2022, at the age of 93. Klaus had a brother and two sisters who survived him. Klaus’s body was recovered, and his grave is in St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. 

Klaus was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Not all servicemembers who died in Vietnam died in combat, but their loss is just as hard. Gary Lee Binder, born Dec. 6, 1946, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a construction man (CN) in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 121 (NMCB-121), 3rd Naval Construction Brigade, United States Naval Forces, Vietnam. 

He died in a vehicle crash in the Thua Thien province on Oct. 13, 1967. Binder was working on a road crew placing a seal coating on Route 1, three miles south of Phu Bai Combat Base in Thua Thien Province, RVN. Binder reportedly was on the side of the road when he was run over by a dump truck, which was backing up to dump a load of sand. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Major Norman A. Leikam also was not killed by hostile fire, but rather was killed in an incident at Camp Halloway Base, Pleiku, Vietnam, on Oct. 23, 1965, in the Quang Ngai province. He was a helicopter pilot and battery commander in the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Battalion, 20th Ara, Battery B. Major Leikam graduated from Hays High School in 1949 and Fort Hays State in 1953.

Major Leikam is buried in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, and was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Major Leikam was survived by his wife Patricia, a daughter, Debra, two sons, Michael and Steven and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Leikam. His father-in-law and mother-in-law were Mr. and Mrs. Felix Giebler.&nbsp; Patricia Leikam was told by officials that her husband was shot by “an individual who went berserk.” Patricia also stated that he was supposed to leave for the United States after his tour to attend War College.

Major Charles W. Malone was a logistics officer with the Headquarters &amp; Headquarters Company (HHC), 54th General Support Group, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army, Republic of Vietnam. The 54th GS Group was responsible for controlling combat service units and other logistical support activities in the Cam Ranh Bay area of Khanh Hoa Province, RVN. On Oct. 5, 1969, Major Malone was in a hospital at Cam Ranh Bay when he died of an apparent heart seizure. He was 44 years old.

Major Malone is buried at the Russell, Kansas, cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his four sons, Michael, Robert, Steven, and William, as well as two stepsons, Mevin and Jimmy Yanda. Major Malone was also survived by his mother, Lovisa Malone. 

Major Malone was the commanding officer of the 995th Maintenance Company of Kansas Army National Guard in Hays, which was activated for service in Vietnam. Previously, Major Malone served in World War II as a First Sergeant and also served in the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean&nbsp;Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

SPC4 James Earl Heskett was born on Feb. 4, 1944, and was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained as an infantryman. He was a member of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, B Company. He began his Vietnam tour on Oct. 6, 1967. On Jan. 7, 1968, he died by hostile action of multiple fragmentation wounds in the Quang Ngai province of South Vietnam. He is buried at Oakley and received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Specialist 4 Olis Ray Rigby was born on Aug. 16, 1948, and was only 19 years old when he was killed on Nov. 21, 1967, on Hill 875 in the Kontum province in South Vietnam. SPC 4 Rigby was missing in action for a period of time and was determined to have died of multiple fragmentation wounds. He enlisted in the United States Army, entering the service through the regular military channel. He began his tour on April 25, 1967. His military occupation or specialty was Medical Specialist, and he was attached to 173rd Airborne Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, Headquarters Company.

Awards bestowed upon SPC4 Rigby included the Purple Heart, Marksmanship Badge, Parachutist Badge, Combat Medical Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Rigby is buried at Ft. Hays Memorial Gardens, Hays. His military stone says HHC, 503 INF,173 ABN PH. His parents were Kenneth Rigby and Juanita Van Pool.

Like SPC4 Rigby, Private First Class Robert Lee Urban was only 19 when his convoy was ambushed by mortar fire in Hua Nghia province in South Vietnam on Oct. 8, 1968. PFC Urban was a medic with Company A. 3/187th Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division. PFC Urban was awarded the Purple Heart, Marksmanship Badge, Parachutist Badge, Combat Medical Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

He was born on Nov. 23, 1948, to Clarence and Evelyn Urban, and was their only child. PFC Urban was also survived by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Urban, and his maternal grandfather, Michael Fross. He is buried in St. Joseph Cemetery/Mt. Allen Cemetery in Hays. PFC Urban’s parents had received a letter from Robert only two days before his death. 

Urban was a 1965 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy, Hays, and worked for the Samsonite factory in Denver after graduation until he enlisted in 1968. At the time of his death, PFC Urban had been in the military for only five months before being sent to Vietnam on Sept. 6, 1968.

1LT Daniel Leo Neuburger was born on July 21, 1945, in Ellis. His father, Edward Ludwig Neuburger, was 26, and his mother, Kathleen Eleanor Wiesner, was 23. Neuburger graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays in 1964 and from the United States Military Academy in 1967. His military occupation or specialty was Field Artillery Unit Commander. He was attached to 4th Infantry Division, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, Battery B and was a forward observer. Neuburger arrived in Vietnam on July 4, 1968.

Neuburger fought near Dak To in Vietnam. Strategically, this was an important battleground because it was close to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was the trail the North used to get supplies to their troops. Dak To is located at the junction of two valleys that run into South Vietnam from Cambodia and Laos. It was one of the main emptying points for the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

A 4th Division publication gave this history of Neuburger’s death: “During the late summer of 1968, the 4th Infantry Division conducted reconnaissance and surveillance of the Cambodian border in Military Region II to block enemy infiltration routes from both Cambodia and Laos across the Central Highlands into the coastal provinces. The Division was tasked with destroying North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong units and conducted spoiling attacks on enemy base areas and supply installations. 

At 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 14, during combat operations near Fire Support Base 29, seven kilometers (4.3 miles) southwest of Ben Het&nbsp;village in Kontum Province, RVN, the 3rd and 4th platoons of A Company, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment received a heavy weapons attack, which included 75mm recoilless rifle and 82mm mortar fire.

&nbsp;A U.S. Air Force Forward Air Controller flying close air support for the besieged U.S. units received heavy ground fire and was forced to return to Dak To with three hits on his aircraft. The Americans suffered heavy losses in the contact, with 14 killed. The lost personnel included (from A -3/12) PFC Robert I. Brown, SP4 Pedro J. Camacho-Rodriguez, SGT Raymond L. Daniels, PFC Roy L. Edelstein, 1LT Leo L. Hadley, PFC Scott D. Henry, SP4 Gary L. Maloy, SP4 John B. Mularz, PFC Steve D. Lee, PFC Bobby L. Riley, PFC Francis A. Schwarz, and SFC Henryk T. Sulatycki; (from HHC-3/12) medic SP4 Robert J. Santoro; and (from B Btry, 6th Bn, 29th Arty) forward observer 1LT Daniel L. Neuburger. Brown and Henry were posthumously promoted to Corporal. Enemy losses were not reported.”

In addition to Neuburger being survived by his parents and his sisters, Donetta Robben, Billie Fuller, Peggy Waldschmidt and Kathleen Morris. Neuburger was also survived by his brothers, Glenn, Dean, Thomas and Mark Neuburger. Glenn and Thomas were also veterans.

1LT Neuburger’s awards included the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksmanship Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. 1LT Neuburger is buried in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Ellis.

These eight men are on the wall of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., and I am certain their families still grieve for them. For most of the rest of us, they are just names of those who paid with their lives for the defense of their country. My sole goal in writing this article was to remember these men for their sacrifice.

Tom Arnhold grew up in Hay and now lives in Olathe.

Ellis County casualties of Vietnam

The Hays Post delivered two shopping carts of food to the Community Assistance Center this afternoon.

The Hays Post food drive will continue on Wednesday and Thursday.

Food collected on Wednesday will be donated to First Call for Help, and food collected on Thursday will be donated to the St. Joseph Food Pantry.

We will have our big, red radio station truck in front of the station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, to make it easy for you to drop off your non-perishable food items.

<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/food-pantry">CLICK HERE for a list of recommended items for First Call for Help.</a>

The St. Joseph Pantry said they are in particular need of shelf-stable milk; proteins such as canned tuna, chicken, or meat, meals in a can, and canned fruit.

If you would rather contribute cash to these organizations, you can bring your cash donation into the radio station, and we’ll deliver it to the designated pantry of your choice.

Thank you from all of us at HaysPost.com, Hull Broadcasting and Eagle Media. Our Community…Connected!

Hays Post donates to Community Assistance Center; food drive continues Wed., Thurs.

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

U.S. crude production rose slightly in August to yet another record, the third in as many months. 

The Energy Information Administration reports average output nationwide rose 86,000 barrels per day from the previous record set in July. Texas, North Dakota and Colorado were each down marginally. New Mexico, Oklahoma and Alaska were higher.&nbsp; Kansas output falls more than one percent to 70,000 barrels a day.

The government reports weekly production topped last week's all-time record high by seven thousand daily barrels to reach an average of 13,651,000 barrels per day. Output has exceeded 13.6 million barrels per day in each of the last five weekly government reports. The four-week average is another record high at 13.64 million barrels per day. Cumulative production is nearly 13-and-a-half million barrels a day.

The largest agricultural cooperative in the United States, and operator of the largest refinery in Kansas, announces a big drop in income.&nbsp; CHS reports income just under $600 million dollars for fiscal 2025, down from $1.1 billion the year before. The Minnesota-based agribusiness giant reported its revenues dipped about four billion dollars, due largely to lower commodity prices. The company also reported tighter refining margins and planned maintenance at its refinery in McPherson, Kansas.

September was a big month for one of the state's biggest drillers. Murfin Drilling notches two new wildcat strikes, both now recognized and named by the Kansas Geological Society. One of them is in Logan County, and the other in Cheyenne County, continuing the company's long string of successes there. The Society identified five new fields last week, or 21 so far this year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up three gas rigs for a total of 548. The&nbsp;oil&nbsp;count is unchanged. Reports for Texas and Wyoming are each down one; Louisiana is up two rigs for the week.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Gas Service is unchanged in eastern Kansas, but up five west of Wichita at 13 rigs. Operators were rigging up rotary tools to spud a new well in Ellis County, and drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Russell and Gove counties. Operators completed 16 wells in Kansas this week including one in Ellis County. That's 968 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,137 a year ago.

The KCC okayed 24 new drilling locations, or 557 so far this year, compared to 961 a year ago. There's one new permit in Finney County this week.

The top five drilling contractors in western Kansas for the first three quarters of the year are Duke Drilling, Murfin Drilling, Discovery Drilling, Southwind Drilling and Pickrell Drilling. Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Gas Service bases the ranking on total footage drilled to total depth. 

The next five are Sterling Drilling, Fossil Drilling, L.D. Drilling, Lighthouse Drilling and STP Drilling. In eastern Kansas the leaders are RJ Energy, Colt Energy, C&amp;G Drilling, McGown Drilling, and TDR Construction, along with Thornton Air Rotary, Utah&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Steven A. Leis.

U.S. crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports averaged 5.9 million barrels per day last week, an increase of 873,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports averaged about 5.6 million barrels per day, 7.3% less than the same four-week period last year. Imports from Canada held steady in October at about 3.4 million barrels a day.

Crude exports topped four million barrels a day for a third week in a row. The four-week average is up 13% from a year ago. Crude imports topped exports by 1.5 million daily barrels, refined product exports topped imports by 5.3 million.

The Energy Information Administration reports a five-million barrel rise in commercial crude-oil&nbsp;inventories to just over 421 million barrels as of October 31. Stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year average, dipping more than six million barrels from a year ago.

The government reports another half-million-barrel addition to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is now just under 410 million. Refills in the last year total 22.4 million barrels, purchased at roughly $60 a barrel to replace barrels sold three years ago for roughly $95.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude-production records stacking up

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—A series of small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas over the past two days.

A 2.8 magnitude quake struck just before 6p.m. three miles northeast of Wilson, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Kansas Geological Survey reported a 3.2. magnitude quake in Russell County at approximately the same time.

The Kansas Geological Survey also reported two additional quakes measuring 2.6 and 2.1 in Russell County on Sunday morning and Monday morning.

The Ellsworth County Sheriff's office has not received any calls about the quakes.

Series of small earthquakes reported in central Kansas

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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

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will discuss proposed state legislation that could cap property valuation increases during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ellis County Appraiser Eugen Rupp will explain how implementing a property valuation cap, such as a 3% limit, could lead to disparities in local housing markets.

The county commission will continue discussions on future capital improvement projects and potential bond financing options, as the county lacks sufficient funds to complete them in full. Projects include:

• Sheriff's office and communications department renovation • Combined EMS/fire facility in Ellis • Fire storage building at public works • Landfill transfer station expansion

Hutton Builders representatives will present cost estimates for a complete design-and-build of all projects. A Glassman Corporation representative will provide information on the failing HVAC system at the county courthouse and fan coul replacements needed in the administrative building.&nbsp;

Ellis County Communications Director Jeff Ridgway will discuss a grant from the Kansas State 911 Board, which funds indoor and outdoor geographic mapping of infrastructures. Local facilities eligible for grant funding include:

• Public and private K–12 schools • Public post-secondary educational institutions • Government buildings • Mass gathering sites • Health care facilities

Several Hays schools have already received first-round grant awards. The county plans to pursue future funding opportunities for additional facilities.

The commission will consider approving the authorization of the Public Works Department to assist the city of Schoenche in repairing a ditch along Front Street, utilizing county labor and equipment. The cost estimate is $758.

The commission will consider approving a conditional-use permit for Tilman Infrastructure to construct a cellular tower and telecommunications equipment at 753 Vincent Ave. in Victoria.

Landowners in the Suburban Estates development will ask the commission to consider road improvements for their neighborhood and the possibility of establishing a community improvement district.&nbsp;

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-709">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss property tax caps

Join Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, as they sprinkle pixie dust and take you on an unforgettable adventure during Hays High School’s production of “Peter Pan – Journey to Neverland.”

Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers meet the Lost Boys and come face-to-face with a group of pirates, and of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13-15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16, it will be the first theatrical production in the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) at HHS. General admission tickets are $8 and are available at the door or at <a href="https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25142">https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25142</a>.

According to director Bill Gasper, the play is an original non-musical adaptation of the 1911 novel by J.M. Barrie, which is an expanded version of his 1904 play. Gasper said both the novel and play are in the public domain, which has led to numerous non-musical and musical adaptations.

“Many people mistakenly believe that Peter Pan is a musical, but that’s not the case,” Gasper said. “The first musical adaptation was the 1950 Broadway production with music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein. In fact, it wasn’t even a full-scale musical. A later 1954 musical adaptation became the version most people recognize. Disney also released an animated musical version in 1953.”

Gasper said the HHS version maintains the charm of the original and explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Changes in the play involve the humanization of Tinkerbell, as well as enhancing the roles of Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, and a group of bumbling pirates.

“When choosing the play, I wanted a family-friendly production that features a great set, cool costumes, enhanced lighting and a bit of humor mixed in,” Gasper said. “I feel we have hit the mark on all of those areas.”

One thing audiences will not see is actors “flying” about the stage, Gasper said.

“That type of theater rigging requires specialized training and can be very expensive,” Gasper said. “We’re hopeful that audience imagination will supplant the actual act of soaring above the stage. Our version features plenty of action with humorous moments throughout. It truly is a fun performance for the entire family.”

Patrons attending the play should note that the PAC entrance is on the south side just east of the football field. Those arriving at the front of the new high school (north side) will find those doors locked.

PETER PAN - JOURNEY TO NEVERLAND Adapted and directed by Bill Gasper From the public domain works of J.M. Barrie

Costume Assistants-Emily Buller, Sarah Leiker

Set Construction-Brad Moritz, Jerrett Leiker

Props/Prop Construction-Bill Gasper, Jerrett Leiker, Codi Fenwick

Director’s Assistant/Show Caller-Anna Zerr

Flight To Neverland Video-Allison Goertzen, Jake Dechant

Stage Crew-Emily Nicholas, Jordyn Paulson

HHS to present ‘Peter Pan – Journey To Neverland’ Nov. 13-16 in new Performing Arts Center

WABAUNSEE COUNTY— Two people died in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Liberty driven by Cheryl A. Martin, 63, Junction City,&nbsp;was eastbound on Interstate 70 at McFarland.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jeep drifted into the median, struck a culvert and rolled. A 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Robert Arnold, 53, Hays was entering the Interstate from an entrance ramp and struck the Jeep.

Martin and a passenger Perry A. Martin, 65, Junction City, were prononced dead at the scene and were transported Forensic Medical. Arnold was not injured.&nbsp; Perry Martin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man from Hays involved in double-fatal crash on I-70

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas hosted its annual awards luncheon in Hays on October 21st. Awards were given throughout the afternoon to staff, persons served, and community members. The first awards of the afternoon were given to employees of DSNWK for their years of service. Those staff recognized and listed by location, were:

Atwood - Amber Barnett, Martina Urban Hays - Robert Begler, Janet Bolander, Derek Crabtree, Tammy Dreiling, Terri Farrington, Timothy Gohl, Jeremy Goodale, Michael Greene, Kathrine Hampton, Hazen Hance, Timothy Herman, Magdalen Housman, Madeline Hutchins, LeAnne Kroeger, Vanessa Moore, Cheryl Morgan, Jared Normandin, Alicia Preston, Leah Schlyer, Terry Schmeidler, Lance Sprick Hill City - Cynthia Bauer, Kelly Granger, Dawn Powell Norton - Deirdre Nelson Russell - Tamara Lynch, Sandra Nietzke

Recognition was made to six people who retired from DSNWK over the past year. They were; Connie Fross, Dale Haag, Deanna Leiker, Denise Stritt, Audrey Ummel and Paul Wildeman.

Special recognition was also paid to three staff members for their outstanding work with persons with disabilities. April LeJuene of Atwood, Dilene Reinhardt of Hays, and Dawn Rose, of Russell were each presented with the Employee of the Year Award.

A $100 scholarship award was presented to Alyssa Cole who is attending Fort Hays State University. This award was given from the Jerelyn Becker Memorial Scholarship Fund for employees studying in higher education in a field related to serving people with developmental disabilities.

Several awards were given to individuals served by DSNWK for achievement through employment. Those receiving awards and listed by location were:

Atwood - Kelly Fisher, Judy Leiker Hays - Jimmy Brungardt, Matthew Green, Jacob Houghton, Olivia Hueneke, Anthony Morgan, Derrick Morton, Dallas Rupp, Asia Schonthaler, Tyrone Schumacher, Trenton Uhl Hill City - Alyssa Logue, Val Stradel Plainville - Haley Ciarallo

DSNWK’s newest awards recognized contractors through its Shared Living program. Those receiving awards for one year were: Kiera Goodwin, Kimberly Griffith, Gloria Johnson, Tabitha Madden, Casey Whitley and Landon Williams of Goodland.

DSNWK presented two Individual Achievement Awards to individuals served by DSNWK. AeraAna Austin Oder of Lucas and Jared Barnes of Hill City were presented these awards which go each year to one youth and one adult who have shown tremendous individual progress throughout the year.

Awards were presented to community individuals and businesses. Master Cleaners in Hays received DSNWK's Employer of the Year Award for their outstanding support of people with disabilities in the workforce. The Community Support Award was presented to U-Save Pharmacy of Hays for their support of DSNWK’s Employment Connections. Recognition was made to Martin Jimenez of Hays with DSNWK’s Good Neighbor Award for his outstanding volunteerism.

Finally, DSNWK recognized two long-time advocates of DSNWK for their support with its Vision of Hope Awards. The Scheopner Family of Goodland and Connie Weber and the late Allan Weber of Oakley were honored. DSNWK paid tribute to them for their outstanding support over the years for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DSNWK is a 501c3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community

For more information contact: Steve Keil 785-625-5678

DSNWK celebrates successes at awards luncheon

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

One of the ways that I have an opportunity to give back in my communities is by serving on the Golden Belt Community Foundation Board. While you have the opportunity to give to one of your favorite 126 organizations from now until Giving Tuesday on December 2, you can absolutely donate to those organizations all year!

I appreciate that organizations like community foundations exist because they allow donors to contribute amounts that work in their budget to compile with everyone else’s small amount to do great work!

In addition, right now our food pantries and food banks are doing critical work across our communities. Can I fund a whole day or week? No, but I can add a few extra items to drop off to help others.

Do I have extra coats taking up space in a closet that haven’t been worn for a couple of years? I get to remove some clutter from my home and benefit someone else! Several years ago, a closet clean-out by one of my adult children resulted in a bag of gently worn shoes that no longer fit. We were able to donate these to a center who made sure that each pair had a new home.

Our family lived on tight budgets for several years and one of my favorite activities during that time was to help my kids understand that even though we didn’t have a lot, there were others in much tougher circumstances. This led to good activities of regularly going through toy boxes and donating books and toys to our library and other organizations.

Yes, please check out the opportunities for Giving Tuesday in your communities and, especially the Golden Belt Community Foundation which serves four counties.

 But also, look for small and large ways that you can give every day – holding a door, sharing a smile or a wave, volunteering at your church or civic organization, and perhaps donating to a cause that is near and dear to your heart.

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: Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2

<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

Enter The Smart Flush Sweepskates brought to you by city of Hays Water Conservation. One lucky winner will be chosen on Nov. 20 to win a 0.8
gallon/flush toilet for World Toilet Day, which is Nov. 19!

&nbsp;FUN FACT - 0.8 gpf toilets are the most efficient toilets you can purchase in Hays, KS. If your home currently has a 1.6 gpf (the current federal standard) and you replace it with a 0.8 gpf toilet, you are essentially cutting your toilet water use in half! Do your part to be Water Smart!

Smart Flush Sweepstakes!

&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

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The Bricks in Downtown Hays is accepting entries for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade, happening Sunday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s illuminated parade celebrates the milestone anniversary with the nostalgic theme “Timeless Traditions.”

Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups are invited to take part by creating festive, lighted floats that bring to life the memories and traditions that have stood the test of time. From childhood Christmas moments to treasured family customs, each entry adds to the wonder and warmth of this beloved Hays holiday celebration.

“This year’s theme, Timeless Traditions, is all about honoring the memories that connect generations,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director of The Bricks. “FrostFest has been a cherished part of Hays for 25 years — and we can’t wait to see how the community brings that magic to life.”

The parade is part of the Christmas Magic on Main Street season, which includes free family events, Santa visits, Clydesdale rides, and downtown festivities throughout November and December.

Entry is free, and all participants must register by Sunday, November 30 at downtownhays.com. Parade guidelines, lineup details, and route maps will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Come be part of a “Timeless Tradition” and help light up The Bricks for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade — a celebration of community, nostalgia, and Christmas cheer!

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as The Bricks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays. Through community events, business partnerships, and place-making initiatives, DHDC works to preserve our historic charm while fostering a thriving downtown for residents, visitors, and future generations.

Entries open for the 25th-annual FrostFest Parade

The holidays may be difficult for those grieving the loss of a loved one. GriefShare will offer a free “Surviving the Holidays” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Youth Room at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

Carol Spalsbury, one of the organizers, said that the event “reassures people who are grieving the loss of a loved one that they are not alone—that help is available.

“The event offers encouragement and practical advice to navigate the Thanksgiving and Christmas season,” she said. “It gives insight into what to expect and strength to go on.”

Refreshments will be provided. In order for organizers to have adequate materials on hand, attendees are asked to pre-register by Friday, Nov. 14, by contacting the church at (785) 628-8887 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nocc@northoak.net">nocc@northoak.net</a>.

Grief support group to present free seminar

Hospice at HaysMed is once again offering its Hospice Community Christmas Tree to remember those who have died and honor those who are still living.

The tree will be decorated with brass doves, each engraved with the name of the person being remembered or honored. The suggested donation is $20 per dove. The tree will be on display at HaysMed during the Christmas holiday season.

Checks made payable to Hospice at HaysMed, along with the name of the person being honored or remembered, may be sent to HaysMed Foundation, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601.

The Hays Med Hospice ornaments orders are due by Dec. 11.

“Donations enhance the resources available for education, support the volunteer and bereavement programs in their entirety, and cover patient-related expenses not paid for by insurance,” a news release said.

Hospice at HaysMed has been in existence for more than 30 years, “providing hope, comfort, and understanding for the terminally ill and their families,” the news release said. It provides services in Ellis, Russell, Rush, and Rooks counties.

More information is available at 785-623-6200 or 800-990-0731.

Hospice taking orders for Christmas tree ornaments

Due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 will both be picked up on Monday, November 10. 

There will be no changes to the Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, November 14 collection schedules.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse/recycling collection in Hays changed due to Veterans Day 

The Community Engaged Art Program at Fort Hays State University is hosting a food drive to benefit the clients of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and other community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Amy Schmierbach, one of the event’s organizers, said in a news release, that for many people with disabilities, typical “food drive” items are difficult to open and use.

“Lack of developed motor skills, such as an inability to use a can opener; cognitive issues with understanding complex instructions following a recipe; or dependency on others to cook for them are just some of the barriers to accessible food for people with disabilities, especially those who live independently,” she said.

“Donating items with simple packaging or taking an extra step to prepare items in ways that eliminate difficult-to-open containers, such as removing items from boxes and placing them in easy-to-access containers, helps individual living with disabilities have accessible food.”

Schmierbach, professor of art, has prepared a list of suggested items that are more accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donors are asked to drop off the following specified, non-perishable food items on campus at the Center for Art building at the Atrium drop-off box or at DSNWK’s Custom Creations, 1107 Main St.:

Yogurt cups and other single-serving dairy products, such as pudding cups; canned fruits and vegetables with&nbsp;pop-top lids;&nbsp;instant oatmeal or cream of wheat;&nbsp;applesauce cups or pouches&nbsp;; non-perishable, non-frozen, microwavable meals&nbsp;(Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, Minute Rice); meat and cheese snack packs; fruit cups and Jell-O; granola bars and trail mix; instant mashed potatoes; and microwave popcorn.

Schmierbach said if people are unsure if an item qualifies as “accessible” for someone with a disability, they can ask themselves these four questions:

Can it be stored outside of refrigeration?&nbsp;Is it easy to open? Is it shelf-stable? Does it require fewer than two or three steps to prepare?

If the answer to all four questions is “yes,” then the item is “accessible,” she said.

Steve Keil, communications officer for DSNWK, said the food drive is coming at a good time to help those DSNWK clients who rely on SNAP benefits.

“DSNWK would like to thank FHSU for coordinating this food drive for the people we serve and supporting them with food items during these uncertain times.&nbsp;DSNWK serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from the SNAP program. We hope that the SNAP benefit issues at the federal level will resolve soon,&nbsp;and there appears to be some relief coming.&nbsp;

“It means a great deal to us that others are thinking of their neighbors with disabilities, those we serve, in this outreach.&nbsp; All donations received from this generous food drive will go directly to those served by DSNWK in its Supported Living program and group residential living sites,” Keil said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those who wish to make a financial donation may drop off a check at Custom Creations made out to DSNWK with the subject line: food drive. The drive will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.

FHSU food drive to make donated food accessible for people with disabilities

In light of the federal food assistance challenges our country is facing, Hays Post is hosting a food drive this coming week. 

On Tuesday, we will be collecting food for the Community Assistance Center, on Wednesday, we will collect food for First Call for Help, and Thursday, we will collect food for St. Joseph’s Food Bank. 

It's the Hays Post Food Drive, this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; 

Please consider giving if you can, and thank you from all of us at Hays Post dot com, Hull Broadcasting, and Eagle Media…Our Community…Connected!

Hays Post to sponsor food drive this week

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man charged in a deadly shooting in Wichita attended a plea hearing on Monday.

James Standefer, 37,&nbsp; pled guilty to murder in the 2nd degree (reckless), for the death of&nbsp; 43-year-old Jesse Dean Rau, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Law enforcement investigating one of several weekend homicides in Wichita have made an arrest after a standoff.

In September, the Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Section deputies located Standefer at an apartment complex in the 7100 block of W. Shade Lane in Wichita, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

As a precaution, deputies briefly evacuated or sheltered residents in the complex.&nbsp; The SWAT team was called to the complex. After a short standoff, Standefer surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody at 5:40 p.m.

Just before 3 a.m., the day before his arrest, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received an automated crash detection alert from a mobile device in the area in the 7700 Block of South Broadway near Haysville, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

Haysville Police officers, along with Sedgwick County EMS and Fire District 1, responded and located an SUV that had crashed into a tree.

Inside the vehicle, first responders found 43-year-old Jesse Dean Rau of Haysville suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. A female passenger sustained minor injuries from the crash.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe at least three individuals were inside the SUV when a disturbance occurred, during which Rau was shot by another occupant.&nbsp;

The SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree. The suspected shooter, believed to be Stadefer ran from the scene. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 7, according to district attorney's office.

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