By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Several projects that would create more jobs in Hays and advance business and housing developments were reviewed by city commissioners on Thursday.

The requests were moved on to next week's meeting for a final vote.

A proposed expansion project by Agiliti Hays would add 140 new employees to its workforce of 91. The medical equipment manufacturer leases its facility at 500 Commerce Parkway and wants to&nbsp;buy, renovate and expand the buildings, which formerly housed Sizewise.&nbsp;

The developer is requesting industrial revenue bonds be issued, using the city as a conduit, to benefit the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;

The bonds would allow the developer to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to construction and a real property tax abatement for the project for up to 10 years.

Industrial revenue bonds issuances do not count against the city’s debt limit or rating and do not require taxpayer commitment.

24-7 Travel Plaza and Convenience Store

Triplett, Salina, developer of a new 24/7 Travel Store plaza to be built just north of Interstate 70, Exit 157, is also requesting the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property.&nbsp;The developer will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.

The 9,000-square-foot travel plaza and convenience store would include gas and diesel fuel, electric vehicle charging stations, a dog park, RV overnight camp sites and some food service.

Ted Augustine, president of 24/7 Travel Stores, told commissioners it has been difficult to secure a full-service restaurant for the plaza, and project development will continue as the search for a restaurant continues.

"We do plan to proceed without one," Augustine said. "It's been a challenge to encourage a franchisee to join us out there. We do plan to provide some quick-service food in there."

The industrial revenue bonds are estimated to provide a benefit valued at $125,687. The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;

Audience member David Koshiol, who made an unsuccessful run for the Hays City Commission, asked commissioners if it was always necessary for the city to offer economic incentives to development investors.

"We're the middle grounds between Kansas City and Denver. People are going to come here to invest in Hays," Koshiol said. "I think they'd still be willing to come and invest in Hays because they're still going to make more than they invest."

Newly re-elected commissioner Shaun Musil said when he first started 12 years ago, the city gave out no incentives and wasn't growing.

"The last five or six years we've been giving out more than we ever have, and we've seen a lot of growth.&nbsp; ... It's just the way people are doing business now," Musil said.

"...I hate giving out incentives," he said, "but if we bring more people to this town, more people stopping in Hays, I think it's worth it."

Commissioner Alaina Cunningham said she agreed with Koshiol that Hays is a desirable location, "but in conversations I've had with developers, without incentives, we just can't get anyone here."

Former Lincoln Elementary School renovation

Hays developer Michael Graham is seeking a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District to renovate the former Lincoln Elementary School building, 1906 Ash, into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.

Graham is requesting the district finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs said she is excited about the housing project, especially because it is considered infill.

"No additional infrastructure needed. Everything is there, ready to go," she said. "It's also walkable to so many places."

The city is working with Grow Hays and the Heart of America to develop 101 lots in the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays, which requires the installation of gas and electric utilities.

The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. 

Midwest Energy requires prepayment for contracts related to electric and gas installations, estimated at $797,457. If the proposed agreement is approved, Midwest Energy will be paid from the temporary notes, which will cover all other infrastructure costs associated with the development. Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues would ultimately pay those costs.

The Kansas Department of Transportation solicited proposals for Hays' north multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;

It will eventually connect with the HaysMed/Grove path, which is currently under construction, and the 22nd Street path.

The low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.

If approved, the city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.

The city received a 2026 renewal proposal for employees' health insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which would result in a 12.8% increase in premiums.

Market bids from two other companies were significantly higher, according to Erin Giebler, human resources director. 

She told commissioners a significant portion of the premium increase is due to employee utilization, while the remainder can be attributed to market inflation.

"This is a high amount for the city but still well below the average," Giebler said. "We're still getting good rates from Blue Cross Blue Shield."

The recommended 2026 renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of&nbsp;Kansas would provide employees with a triple-option health insurance, not to exceed&nbsp;$2,013,000. It would be funded out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.

Hays City Commission says Incentives necessary as plans for business, housing move forward

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

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation has extended the closure of a portion of U.S. 281 in northern Osborne County.

The highway has been closed for reconstruction since late March and was originally scheduled to reopen by the end of November; however, construction setbacks have delayed progress. KDOT now anticipates reopening the route by the end of December, with the revised schedule dependent on weather and construction conditions.

U.S. 281 remains closed from the north U.S. 24 junction to the south city limits of Portis. Motorists should continue following the signed detour on U.S. 281, U.S. 36, K-181 and U.S. 24.

For more information, please contact District Construction Engineer Jim Riener at 785-302-6204 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jim.riener@ks.gov">jim.riener@ks.gov</a>.

U.S. 281 reopening in Osborne County delayed

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Fall is a wonderful season for agriculture and a time to, hopefully, reap the bounty of the year’s production.&nbsp; If producers have access to crop residue fields following grain harvest, then preparing to turn cattle out to graze such acres is one task that deserves to be near the top of the priority list.&nbsp; Grain sorghum represents an excellent opportunity to extend the grazing season.&nbsp; However, there are several important management considerations that need to be kept in mind with grazing sorghum residue.

Understandably, the absence of fences and water sources is one of the biggest limitations for residue grazing.&nbsp; Many acres are grown in rain-fed systems in which sourcing water from an irrigation well is not possible. Likewise, hauling water long distances is usually not practical.&nbsp; However, if water can be supplied and temporary fences put up, then grazing sorghum residues is usually economical.&nbsp; A single strand of electric fence can work quite well for keeping cows contained, while 2 or more strands may be needed for small calves.

Unlike actively growing forages, both the quantity and quality of residue available for grazing will be highest immediately following harvest and will steadily decline over time due to weathering, trampling, and consumption by cattle. Regarding forage quantity, field data indicate about 2.5 to 3.0 tons of residue per acre on average is produced following harvest.&nbsp; If accounting for 50% of the total residue on the field as available for grazing and of that amount 50% was utilized, then one acre would supply enough forage for one gestating cow for approximately 50 to 60 days.

High amounts of grain on the surface of the field pose a risk of acidosis, particularly for animals with experience grazing residue fields. Cattle selectively graze and will seek out and consume any grain present first.&nbsp; The degree to which grain in the field poses a risk is dependent on many factors, but levels greater than 10 to 15 bushels per acre generally require additional caution.&nbsp; Avoiding turning hungry animals directly on to fields by filling them up on forage, strip grazing to reduce the amount grain available per animal, supplementing low amounts of grain initially before turning them out, and feeding sodium bicarbonate as a rumen buffer are all strategies that may be used to decrease risk of acidosis.

Nitrate and prussic acid toxicity are both conditions that increase in prevalence due to plant stress and cause asphyxiation in the animal, yet are distinctly independent from each other.&nbsp; Nitrates accumulate in the base of the stalk or stem, and while issues associated with nitrate toxicity are generally less common in grazing situations as compared to when cattle are fed a diet, for this reason it is critical to manage stocking rate so that cattle are not forced to consume the lower 1/3rd&nbsp;of the stalk or stem.&nbsp; Prussic acid can occur in plant species within the broader sorghum family, and primarily accumulates in young, rapidly growing plant tissue.&nbsp; Therefore, avoiding grazing sorghum residue around a frost event and for the first 7 days following a killing freeze is a sound practice. Just as with harvested forages, representative samples of standing forage can be collected for analysis of nitrate and prussic acid to determine risk levels and guide management decisions.

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

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Grazing sorgum residues

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 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Agiliti expansion and other city incentive requests on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions for Doug for future interviews to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays on Agiliti expansion in Hays

HaysMed is pleased to welcome Dr. Derek Peckham, DO, a board-certified physician, to its Emergency Department team.

Dr. Peckham brings a strong educational and professional background to his role. He completed his residency at Lincoln Family Medicine Center and earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University. He also holds an undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University in Hays.

Dr. Peckham’s connection to HaysMed began early in his career, having worked as a phlebotomist from 2016 to 2018. His return to HaysMed as an emergency physician reflects his continued commitment to serving the Hays community with excellence in patient care.

He joins a highly skilled team in HaysMed’s 13-bed Emergency Department, which is fully staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced physicians, nurses, and emergency care professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care.

Dr. Peckham’s addition strengthens an already exceptional team, and HaysMed is proud to have him back as part of its mission to deliver expert emergency care to the community and region.

HaysMed welcomes doctor to Emergency Department

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

With over 80 years of experience serving producers, the Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) maintains a long-term commitment to Kansas agriculture, by building strong relationships with ag producers. 

Twenty-four KFMA economists, strategically located around the state who are part of the Department of K-State Agricultural Economics, comprise the professional staff of the KFMA program. The economists/fieldmen work cooperatively with farm families to provide members with production and financial management information for use in decision making.

The primary goal of the KFMA program is to provide each member with information that can be used to help make farm and family decisions. KFMA Economists assist producers by providing the following information and services:

If you would like further information about becoming a member of KFMA visit <a href="https://www.agmanager.info/kfma">https://www.agmanager.info/kfma</a> or contact Mark Dikeman, KFMA Director at 785-532-0516, dikemanm@ksu.edu or you can contact your local county or district Extension office and they can put you in contact too with KFMA.

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: Kansas Farm Management Association maintains long-term commitment to Kansas ag

<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

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. 

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.

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.

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 next 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

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will host its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make prior arrangements by contacting Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets meeting

NICODEMUS — Thomas Wellington will be honored and remembered for his dedication in making this veteran’s memorial a reality. He was dedicated to the protection of the rights of all American citizens and served two terms in Vietnam, so that his brother Tim Wellington would not have to. He was a dedicated descendant of the Nicodemus pioneer settlers and was a great preservationist and interpretive steward of this great town. To him we honor this memorial.

Set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at&nbsp;Memorial Site—Washington St. Nicodemus.&nbsp;(Refreshments Following—Ernestine’s KBFA Certified Kitchen)

Nicodemus Veterans Memorial dedication set for Nov. 11

City of Hays offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday.

City of Hays offices closed in observance of the Veteran's Day holiday

CORRECTION: Ellis Food Pantry information corrected as of 10:11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7.

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, 210 Madison, 785-650-4225 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm. Residents need to live in Ellis USD 388.

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

&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

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling nearly 878,000 of its exercise bikes across the U.S. and Canada because the products’ seat posts can break during use, posing fall hazards.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Peloton-Recalls-Original-Series-Bike-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards" target="_blank">notices published</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada on Thursday, the recall covers certain “Peloton Original Series Bike+” units carrying model number PL02. Peloton has received three reports of seat posts breaking on these bikes in the U.S., two of which resulted in fall injuries. There’s been no additional incidents&nbsp;<a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/peloton-original-series-bike-model-pl02-seat-post-recalled-due-potential-fall-hazard" target="_blank">in Canada</a>&nbsp;to date.

Both consumer safety watchdogs and Peloton urge owners of these bikes to stop using them and contact the New York-based exercise company for a free seat post replacement.

“The integrity of our products and our Members’ well-being are our top priorities,” a Peloton spokesperson said in an emailed statement — adding that the company would make its redesigned seat post replacements “available to all affected Bike+ users.”

<a href="https://support.onepeloton.com/s/article/Peloton-Original-Series-Bike-Plus-Seat-Post-Recall-and-Free-Seat-Post-Replacement?language=en_CA" target="_blank">Peloton’s website</a>&nbsp;has information to help determine if your bike is part of the recall and instructions on how to install this new seat post if needed.

The now-recalled bikes were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, as well as websites like Amazon and eBay, from 2020 through April 2025 for about $2,495. The impacted Bike+ units have serial numbers beginning with the letter “T.” About 833,000 units were sold in the U.S. and another 44,800 in Canada.

Peloton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peloton-recall-exercise-bike-97e041d66bb5677af87a2db02a093437">previously recalled 2 million of its original Bikes</a>&nbsp;(with model number PL01) back in 2023, following similar — and more numerous — reports of breaking seat posts and related injuries.

The Bike+ products recalled this week were manufactured before that 2023 recall, between December 2019 and July 2022. But the company has since rolled out its redesigned seat post. According to Peloton’s spokesperson, Bike+ products made since the middle of 2023 have had that new seat post and are not impacted.

Why Peloton is recalling 878,000 exercise bikes

Speaker: Ten Republicans in House refuse to sign petition to change U.S. House boundaries

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries in a bid to block reelection of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and to tackle a handful of unrelated bills.

Hawkins relied on his unilateral power as the House’s top leader to alter committee assignments and remove as chairmen GOP Reps. Steven Howe of Salina, Nathan Butler of Junction City and Jesse Borjon of Topeka. Hawkins also removed Rep. Clarke Sanders of Salina and Rep. Leah Howell of Derby from vice chair positions.

Sanders, who was vice chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, said Hawkins called him Friday with the news. Sanders said Republicans in committee leadership positions who wouldn’t sign the special session petition were targeted.

“Those of us who were chairs and vice chairs … have been relieved because we didn’t agree to sign on for a special session,” Sanders said. “I understand it. I knew that not signing it came with a risk. I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do. I hope to maintain a good relationship with the speaker, but this was something he felt he had to do.”

It’s likely additional committee vice chairs could be removed from leadership positions by the House speaker. Rank-and-file members of the House also could face sanctions in terms of committee assignments ahead of the 2026 legislative session in January.

The committee leaders demoted by Hawkins were among 10 Republican House members who declined to sign the petition for the special session. Neither Howe, Butler nor Borjon could be immediately reached for comment.

“I’m not shocked. It wasn’t too much of a surprise to me,” said Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican who was among the GOP representatives who didn’t sign the petition. “I’ve been there quite a long time as a lobbyist and legislator. I’ve seen that from leadership.”

He said the Republicans who lost committee assignments wouldn’t be deprived of an opportunity to represent their constituents in the House.

“They still have votes on the floor and can speak from the (House) well,” Schreiber said.

Hawkins was able to convince 78 of the 88 GOP members of the House to sign, which fell below the two-thirds requirement of 84 signatures from 125 House members to authorize the special session. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson was able to secure the necessary 27 signatures to complete special session requirements in that chamber. The special session had been scheduled for Nov. 7.

On Tuesday, Hawkins threw in the towel on a plan to circumvent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and call a special session devoted to congressional redistricting intended to undermine Davids, a four-term congresswoman with a district centered on Johnson County.

The Kansas Constitution permits the state’s governor to call special sessions. The Legislature also could convene the House and Senate at the Capitol for a special session, but that required petition signatures from at least two-thirds of members in the House and Senate.

Under legislative rules, Hawkins said, once the Nov. 7 deadline was breached the original House and Senate petitions would be voided and the signature search would have to start over.

“To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement,” Hawkins said in his newsletter posted Friday. “At this late date, the only option was to wait until we return for the regular session on January 12.”

In terms of Kansas’ four congressional districts, President Donald Trump urged GOP-led legislatures in Kansas and other states to redraw boundaries to promote election of more Republicans in November 2026 so the U.S. House might remain under GOP control.

Hawkins wanted the Legislature to gather in November to address Trump’s plea for mid-decade redistricting and to consider how to handle federal funding of rural health care and a court decision allowing Kansans to change gender information on a driver’s license. There also were discussions about taking up property tax legislation during the special session.

He said in a statement Tuesday that scheduling conflicts and competing agendas made planning a special session an “uphill battle.”

In the House speaker’s newsletter Friday, he said delaying decisions until January meant Kelly would have “full discretion” on allocation of new federal funding for health care in rural Kansas. Without advance guardrails, he said, funding accepted by Kelly couldn’t be returned to the federal government.

“Those who refused to sign a petition played right into the governor’s hands by giving her free rein without oversight on hundreds of millions of dollars. Sad,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said delaying passage of a gender identification bill meant the Legislature’s action to nullify the court decision would be “very costly and difficult.”

The timeline for imposing new congressional districts on Kansans — the focus has been on splitting voter-rich Johnson County among multiple districts — would be “greatly shortened,” Hawkins said.

He also disclosed there were “valid” complaints about the cost to taxpayers of a special session, especially since the regular session would begin in two months on Jan. 12. The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council voted in October to allocate $460,000 to the special session.

“It’s also important to remember that the Legislature did their business in record time this (2025 regular) session saving a significant amount of money,” Hawkins said. “These savings would have been more than enough to cover the cost of a special session.”

Hawkins notified the chief clerk of the House of committee changes in a memo dated Friday.

The memo shows Rep. Adam Turk of Shawnee replaced Howe as the chair of Higher Education Budget Committee. Rep. Rick James of La Cygne replaced Butler as chair of the Veterans and Military Committee. Rep. Carl Turner of Leawood replaced Borjon as chair of the Legislative Modernization Committee.

Rep. Kyler Sweely of Hutchinson replaced Sanders as vice chair on the Higher Education Budget Committee, and Rep. John Resman of Olathe replaced Howell as vice chair on the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee.

In other changes, Rep. Blake Carpenter was removed from the Interstate Cooperation Committee, Rep. Brian Bergkamp was removed from the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, and Rep. Megan Steele was removed from the Veterans and Military Committee.

Kansas House speaker punishes GOP colleagues for not supporting special session

Earlier this week, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasTurnpike?__cft__[0]=AZWTnnNDBynwYuBVyTdC0hFaaJITHuM7xH0uXoKT7JGNTIDF4mFinyqK6I1fiPdRp6bSOffsEnsbDcDnUr9kbYs-pAkEsKIKH8wwkgNK1W-itWBlSdRcZB7RiW8yVfItnVDw07qC3xiX7KKwBrnnye8Q-En5leIQU4Ri0bop7AWeSu-JRt4Nc5ndBQjXfeb8AlzOq_N6my10zrB32r4-8p9s&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Turnpike Authority</a> Trooper was stopped with its emergency lights activated in the left lane of traffic on I-70 blocking a wrecked vehicle in the roadway, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

 The trooper was in his vehicle, along with a witness of that previous crash.  A motorist failed to move over and struck the stationary patrol car. 

"This is why it’s important to Slow Down and Move Over." If you can’t tell exactly where the flashing lights are - on the shoulder or in the lane - you have time to react if you’ve already slowed to prepare for an emergency ahead."

"The new Move Over law includes moving over for anyone on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. For everyone’s safety, please remember to Slow Down. Move Over."

🎥Car slammed into Trooper's vehicle on I-70

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday spoke on the Senate floor ahead of Veterans Day next Tuesday to mark this year as the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans and recognize the impact Vietnam veterans have had on Kansas and the nation. Sen. Moran this week introduced a resolution to recognize 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

“In Kansas, many communities have set up memorials to recognize their hometown heroes and the hundreds of Kansans who died serving in the Vietnam War,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“From the Rooks County Memorial at the local courthouse near my hometown to the Vietnam Wall at Pittsburg State in the eastern part of the state, Kansans have made it their mission to never forget those who served.”

“As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of our nation’s commitment to honor those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces and to make certain their legacy is never forgotten,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Vietnam veterans were not treated with the dignity and respect they deserved when they returned home from their service. Their service earned our nation’s lasting gratitude, and we should strive to honor our nation’s heroes and the sacrifices they made.”

Sen. Moran also honored two Kansans from Rooks County, Marine Corps Sergeant Timmy Miller and Army Private First-Class Charles Acheson, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Vietnam.

Sens. Moran, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Learn more about the resolution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/E9913A5B-E16E-43B1-B93C-9497FDD654A1">here</a>.

🎥Moran on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated Press

People in some U.S. states will be able to buy groceries with federally funded SNAP benefits Saturday while those in other states were still waiting for November food benefits that had been delayed by a protracted legal battle over the federal government shutdown.

The Trump administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-government-shutdown-snap-trump-democrats-8a52a63b26a707ea676962226b090bb1">said last month</a>&nbsp;that it would not fund&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;benefits for November because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-government-shutdown-is-now-the-longest-in-history-d732b4616fa5467a9f6772793d1b8906">U.S. government shutdown</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-government-shutdown-trump-a807e9f0c0a7213e203c074553dc1f9b">twists and turns</a>&nbsp;since have exacerbated uncertainty for the nearly 1 in 8 Americans who receive monthly SNAP benefits to spend at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

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