By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

In line with new state mandates, Fort Hays State University is dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices.

Those changes have affected funding for some student groups, dictated what types of events those groups can host, and forced them to scrub key language from their mission statements.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/">According to the Kansas Reflector</a>, state lawmakers effectively ended DEI practices in state government and universities with Aug. 1 as the compliance deadline.

Kansas Secretary of Administration, Adam Proffitt, confirmed that all DEI-related positions, programs, trainings, grants and contracts were eliminated.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-schools-lawsuit-ruling-education-department-4c1dbb5f7b3997ba78c17b25a935fb3f">The Associated Press reported on Aug. 14</a> that a federal judge in Maryland struck down two Trump administration Education Department memos that threatened schools and universities with the loss of federal funding if they continued DEI programs.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled that the Education Department violated the law when it tried to impose sweeping anti-DEI restrictions without proper rulemaking.

Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, provided the following statement:

"Fort Hays State University has taken the necessary steps to ensure we fully comply with federal and state law and the guidance we received from the Kansas Board of Regents in this area," he said.

Cason provided a <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/2025-federal-transition/DEI%20Guidance%20For%20State%20Universities%20in%20Kansas%206.18.2025.pdf">document from the Board of Regents</a>, which provides guidance for state universities to comply with the <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb125_enrolled.pdf">2025 Senate Bill 125</a>. This bill mandates the elimination of positions, programs and policies related to DEI across state agencies.

The guidance also emphasized that federal and state antidiscrimination laws, academic freedom, research, curricula and programs open to all students are not restricted.

Julie Grabbe, FHSU's legal counsel and university culture strategist, said the university has been eliminating state-funded activities related to DEI.

"We're doing an entire audit. We're looking at everything because the law is very broad in general," she said. "There's a lot of confusion about the law... the legislature didn't define diversity [in Senate Bill 125]."

The guidance provided by the board of regents also states that the bill does not define what DEI is. Grabbe said, despite the changes, student organizations were already open to anyone interested in joining.

"We are working hard to keep the university compliant, while at the same time recognizing that we want our students to feel like they belong here," she said.

Grabbe said students and organizations with questions or concerns are welcome to contact her directly.

Star Parham, president of the FHSU Black Student Union, said her group was required to remove DEI terminology from its bylaws and event descriptions.

"We were going to have a guest speaker this past year, but that was during the heat of pushing back and getting rid of DEI. That speaker was no longer able to come out of fear that our funds that we were receiving at that time would not be able to be used for that exact event," Parham said.

Despite these obstacles, Parham said she remains committed to its mission and finding strength in adversity. Upcoming events for the student group include a Black History Month banquet in February, which could still face uncertainty.

Genesis Wilson, vice president of the Black Student Union, said DEI restrictions have affected student groups as funding and approvals now hinge on avoiding DEI language.

Wilson said events and posters have needed to be reworded, and the group of about 15 to 25 is discussing potentially making significant changes to how they present themselves and where they meet.

"Black Student Union is very concerned that we're going to have to A: change the meaning of our club or B: move off of campus," she said.

Wilson said the club has always been inclusive from the start, as a diverse group of active members is involved in celebrating Black culture and excellence. However, it now needs to reframe that messaging and advertise itself as open to everyone.

"We have to stop talking about DEI, but we're the Black Student Union, and that's what our biggest point of contention is. How are we supposed to take all this wording out when this is what we are and what we do?" she said.

Parham said DEI creates environments where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and protected, and, no matter what, there will always be something for everyone at FHSU.

"As a student at Fort Hays, I have felt both supported and like I was in the midst of what's going on. As time goes on, things may get harder, but there's plenty of student organizations on campus that are gonna keep fighting," she said.

FHSU Student Government Association and funding

Wilson said neither the university nor FHSU Student Government Association has been clear in providing guidance.

The government association serves as the representative body for students, advocating on their behalf to the administration, the Kansas Legislature and the Board of Regents.

Student senators manage funding sources that support student-led projects and opportunities on campus.

Wilson said the annual hair care event workshop, hosted by the Black Student Union, received no funding for the first time, as it was marked as "personal gain" despite its broader benefits.

"They didn't think it was inclusive enough for everyone because it's curly hair-focused. We talk about protective hairstyles for Black people... But in reality, our prizes we give out work for a lot of different hair types, and non-Black people have curly hair," she said.

Wilson said although campus faculty support DEI initiatives, the support feels insufficient without funding and actions. One strategy the Black Student Union has used is partnering with other student organizations through events.

In March, Wilson gave a presentation through the FHSU's American Democracy Project, a nonpartisan group, highlighting the need for DEI initiatives in various institutions, including education, the workforce and the everyday lives of minorities.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2e29344e-ecd4-42dd-a874-759be9154b12">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU hosts presentation on importance of DEI</a>

Wilson also said the university has removed a DEI webpage that listed student organizations and resources.

FHSU Hispanic American Leadership Organization

Karina Vargas, Hispanic American Leadership Organization president, says the group has updated its mission statement and communications to avoid restricted DEI terminology.

The student-led organization is a group dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community at FHSU and the local area, participating in civic events, and serving as a support system for those with Latin backgrounds.&nbsp;

"We are not allowed to use some words. For example, diversity, we couldn't include that in our mission statement," Vargas said.

She said the group's old mission statement referenced diversity but now emphasizes inclusivity for all.

"We do promote awareness of our culture and heritage, but we couldn't put [we pledge to increase diversity]," she said. "It's kind of a red flag."

Vargas said members in her group were shocked and discouraged when the DEI restrictions began to roll in, not expecting them to affect them as directly as they did, but she added there were no funding cuts to the organization.

The group consists of about 30 to 40 members. Vargas said DEI matters to her because it helps minorities and first-generation students feel welcome and supported in predominantly white higher-education spaces.

"Even with these new policies, we're gonna do our best to make students feel included and make their voices feel heard," she said.

Vargas said&nbsp;despite the changes,&nbsp;she still feels supported by the school, as each group has its own&nbsp;adviser.

"I feel like Fort Hays does a really good job with such a broad and diverse group of students on campus. It's their job to make students feel welcomed and connected," Vargas said.

The guidance from the Board of Regents also included the removal of gender pronouns or gender ideology from employee email signatures and communications.

FHSU Gender &amp; Sexuality Alliance President Anabeth Ratzlaff declined to comment on the board’s pronoun guidance but said the group has been affected in multiple ways by the DEI changes.

"Funding has been a challenge in the past when it comes to things that we as a club need," Ratzlaff said.

Ratzlaff said a lavender graduation, a university ceremony honoring the academic achievements and contributions of graduating LGBTQIA+ students, was one event that had to be modified.

Ratzlaff said the event’s flyer had to undergo numerous changes, ultimately stripping the ceremony of its intended purpose.&nbsp;The flyer was shared on the group’s social media, but without its usual rainbow that symbolizes LGBTQ+ pride.&nbsp;

"There is a sense of worry since there is not much certainty when it comes to the future of our club on campus. Not only for our club but also the individuals that make campus their home," Ratzlaff said.

The 22-member group has sought support from other campus organizations that may also be affected. Ratzlaff noted the situation is not FHSU’s fault, but rather stems from the current political climate and the restrictions the university must follow to continue educating future generations.

Ratzlaff added even before the recent DEI-related changes, the university had already experienced shifts, such as the removal of signs outside teacher offices that once indicated specialized training and identified the space as supportive for students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.

"DEI is important at the university level because it helps promote collaboration between different people and helps form a community for students," Ratzlaff said. "It helps form bonds between students, staff and even community members that will last years."

FHSU student groups react to DEI restrictions

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By KRISTI BIRCH <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/kansas-nursing-workforce-report.html">KU News Service</a>

The second report on the <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center.html">state of nursing in Kansas</a> was released by the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center, which is based at the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

The center formed in 2023 to address the shortage of nurses across the state. 

Compiled from 25 sources that include state and national databases and surveys, the report provides information on the supply and characteristics of nurses in Kansas.

“We look at the data through different vantage points. We look at the demographics of nurses: Who are they? How were they educated? How old are they? Where (in what setting) do they practice? We look at the data geographically: Where are they located?” said Barbara MacArthur, M.N., FAAN, director of the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center and clinical associate professor at KU School of Nursing. “And we look at it in terms of access to care, because our mission is that wherever and whenever Kansans need care, they have access to it.”

The report helps hospitals, health care systems, long-term care facilities, nursing schools, government agencies and other stakeholders make informed decisions that increase and support the workforce in the state and ultimately improve the health of Kansans.

The first report, issued in September of 2024, provided a snapshot of the state of nursing in Kansas with one year of data from 2022. This second report is based on data covering 10 years, from 2015 to 2025.

The new report shows that the number of nurses in Kansas has declined since 2019, and the nursing workforce is aging — 22.1% of registered nurses (RNs) and 20.5% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are 60 or older — with not enough younger nurses replacing them. And 25.9% of RNs and 23.4% of LPNs are planning to retire or leave the profession in the next five years. The report also notes that the population in Kansas is aging as well, and aging populations require more care.

Meanwhile, 85% of Kansas nurses are actively employed, which is lower than the national average. “If you look at nurses holding a license in Kansas, it doesn’t appear we have a crisis,” said Terry Siek, MSN, director of clinical services at the Kansas Hospital Association. “We need to be better at helping people see beyond that statistic to understand that we have quite a few nurses with a license that do not practice in Kansas, or do not practice at all.”

• The ratio of nurses to Kansans has not grown in the last 10 years, and the ratio of LPNs available to care for Kansans (currently, one LPN for every 322 Kansans) has decreased sharply. • Kansas has nursing care deserts, particularly in the western and southeast parts of the state. Five counties have fewer than 20 RNs and 41 counties have 20 or fewer LPNs. Five counties have no advanced practice nurses (APRNs), and 50 have fewer than 10 APRNs. • Kansas nurses work more jobs and longer hours. The percentage of Kansas RNs who hold two or more jobs rose from 15.7% in 2015 to 21.9% in 2024; during that period, the percentage who work more than 40 hours a week rose from 23.8% to 30.8%. • Wage gaps — between nurses who practice and those who teach — contribute to shortages of nursing faculty. These faculty are needed to train future nurses. • Multiple pathways are available to become a nurse. The report provides data on the different education levels that can lead to a career in nursing. Nearly 54% of RNs in Kansas began their career with a baccalaureate degree, 31% started with an associate degree and just 8% started their career as an LPN.

Making different pathways to a nursing career known to potential future nurses is part of the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center’s work, MacArthur said. Earlier this year, the center received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Board of Regents to increase nursing school applications. In addition to creating a unified application for all schools that provide nursing education in the state, staff of the center plan to build a web-based tool for people interested in nursing education to show potential nursing students what the options are for a career in nursing.

“Nurses make a difference,” MacArthur said, noting that health outcomes are improved when there is a higher ratio of nurses for a population. “Kansans, wherever they are, need to have access to good nursing care.”

Report: 26% of Kansas nurses plan to leave profession in next 5 years

Fort Hays State University Communications

This fall, Fort Hays State University's Career Development Office is partnering with various departments to host several career fairs. These events provide opportunities for students to meet with potential employers all in one location.

“These events allow freshmen through seniors to learn about internship and job opportunities and make valuable connections,” said Lisa Karlin, interim director of FHSU’s Career Development Office.

Mark your calendar for the following career fairs:

Accounting and Finance Career Fair:&nbsp;Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2-4 p.m., Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union.&nbsp;Accepting employer registrations through Sept. 11.

Nursing Employer Spotlight Day:&nbsp;Monday, Sept. 22, 12:30-3 p.m., Stroup Hall. Employer registrations for this event have closed.

Ag Career Fair:&nbsp;Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2-4 p.m., Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union.&nbsp;Accepting employer registrations through Oct. 1.

Speech-Language Pathology and Education Career Fair:&nbsp;Friday, Nov. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union.&nbsp;Accepting employer registrations through Oct. 31.

In addition to these fairs, Career Services will host the Majors and Graduate Programs Fair on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union. This will be an opportunity for students to visit with representatives of academic departments and discuss majors and potential careers within those disciplines.

To register or to find out more about FHSU career fairs, contact Career Development at 785-628-2460 or careers@fhsu.edu

FHSU’s Development Office announces fall career fairs

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University president

 In 1902, Hays, Kansas, was a vibrant yet rugged railroad and military outpost in the heart of the sprawling High Plains. The town offered opportunity and challenge, attracting a colorful mix of characters—from hardworking pioneers and recent immigrants seeking a fresh start to those with less honorable intentions. To thrive in such an environment required more than mere survival; it demanded an adventurous spirit, an ability to adapt, and heaps of determination. 

As Fort Hays State University (FHSU) opened its doors within the confines of a former military hospital on the grounds of the historic Fort Hays, it became a place where that very spirit flourished, shaping a community that continues to resonate with the same tenacity that built it.&nbsp;

Associate Professor of Teacher Education Matt Clay is at the forefront of this endeavor, a living testament to the adventurous spirit that defines FHSU. 

Raised in the rural town of Clearwater, situated southwest of Wichita, Matt spent his childhood outdoors, soaking up the beauty of nature while engrossed in tales of adventure. Books detailing the exploits of figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Sir Edmund Hillary inspired him. They instilled in him a lifelong passion for exploration—one he would carry into his career as he prepared the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educators.&nbsp;

Matt began his academic journey at Pittsburg State University, earning a bachelor of science in education, focusing on biology. He continued his studies at Montana State University, earning a master’s in science education before completing his doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado. Alongside his academic pursuits, he gained invaluable experience as an educator in public and private schools throughout rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Since he arrived at FHSU, Matt has creatively infused his classroom with his love for the outdoors and adventure. He regularly led students on expeditions to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and introduced them to the intricate art of using 360-degree landscape cameras to capture stunning vistas from heights exceeding 13,000 feet. The visuals they captured were transformed into teaching resources that now extend educational experiences to K-12 teachers and students around the globe.&nbsp;

With an undying curiosity driving him, Matt envisioned aligning his work with the established narratives of exploration he admired so much during his youth. 

Thus, he contacted the president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the New York City-based Explorers Club—a premier organization devoted to supporting scientific expeditions across varied disciplines. Known for its illustrious members, including Arctic pioneers Robert Peary and Roald Amundsen, astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and zoologist Jane Goodall, the club has long been a beacon for individuals passionate about discovery.&nbsp;

“I wasn’t sure if my work would even qualify for membership,” Matt confessed. “However, I felt compelled to give it a shot, even just to deepen my understanding of what being a member meant.” To his astonishment, his application was accepted in June, allowing him to become part of a legacy that typically includes those in hard science fields. “I was amazed,” he admitted. “This was a world I’d only dreamed of entering.”&nbsp;

Since joining this esteemed organization, Matt has gained more than just a membership card; he has tapped into a treasure trove of resources and connections in exploration. 

He met a botanist who has conducted groundbreaking fieldwork in the Himalayas—a dream location for Matt, who aspires to photograph its grandeur with his landscape camera. Additionally, access to valuable insights, like strategies for maintaining equipment in frigid conditions, has enriched his craft and field operations.&nbsp;

Emboldened by his connection to the Explorers Club, Matt envisions personal growth and avenues for his students to engage in exploration. “There are numerous private and corporate donors that could support the efforts of club members,” he explained. “While such funding rarely supports university work, opportunities arise if one isn't afraid to ask.”&nbsp;

His wife, Krysten, initially raised an eyebrow when he shared the news of his acceptance. “She wondered how I could benefit from a club I’d rarely visit,” he laughed, recounting his attempts to convince her. “I pointed out that the club’s location, just two miles from Broadway in Manhattan, might offer its own adventures!”&nbsp;

Matt Clay epitomizes the ethos of our Tiger Teacher Nation at FHSU. He doesn’t merely teach future educators; he embodies the passion for discovery that inspires them. 

Alongside his wife and three children, he dedicates his time to exploratory missions throughout Kansas and the Rocky Mountains, braving snowstorms, extreme cold, and wildfire threats alongside his intrepid students. Together, they’ve trekked to some of the most remote areas, documenting the natural world and forging connections between exploration and education.&nbsp;

As Dr. Matt Clay continues to blend adventure with academia, he resonates with the principles that have framed Hays, Kansas, from an outpost into a place of possibilities—a true modern-day explorer inspired by the legacy of those who came before him.&nbsp;

Three-day weather outlook

This is the last and final chance to sign up and become a finalist for the Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Elite Detailing &amp; Sales, 609 E. 8th, Hays.&nbsp;

While you’re there getting registered to become a finalist for a CF Moto U Force 4 seat UTV, take advantage of the offer of 10% off all detailing gift cards Friday only. 

Elite sells affordable vehicles with their selection displayed in the front row at 609 E. Eighth St. 

Courtesy of A &amp; A Coors Miller, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company.

Become a Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist today at Elite Detailing & Sales

GOVE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Toyota Tacoma driven by&nbsp; Steven Alwyn&nbsp;Williams, 21, Olathe, was northbound in the 1600 block of County Road 58 thirteen miles south of Interstate 70.

The pickup left the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected to the left, overcorrected again to the right and the vehicle entered the east ditch. The pickup traveled 100 feet into the ditch and the driver attempted to correct back to the road.&nbsp; The pickup rolled and came to rest in the west ditch. The driver was ejected and was found in the east ditch.

EMS transported Williams to Wesley Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver ejected in violent NW Kansas rollover accident

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Two men who were arrested on charges that they allegedly stole money from the Ellis Casey's will face additional charges for felony theft from the Hays Walmart.

Dresean Holden, 20, of Flint, Michigan, and Hakeem Black, 22, of Flint, Michigan, were arrested outside Limon, Colorado, after they were identified as possible suspects in a theft of $1,500 in cash from the Ellis Casey's on Sept. 6.

Lt. Brandon Wright of the Hays Police Department said the suspects allegedly entered the Hays Walmart. One of the suspects allegedly attempted to purchase an iPad using a fraudulent card.

Wright said the clerk thought the card was legitimate, but no charge was made when the card was run.

The second suspect allegedly used a card to make a similar fraudulent transaction for three more iPads. The suspects allegedly left the store with four iPads for which they did not pay, Wright said.

The reported loss was $3,941, which included insurance plans for the iPads.

Evidence was recovered from the suspects upon their arrest that allegedly linked them to several other thefts along the I-70 corridor in Kansas, according to the Ellis Police Department.

Information on the suspects' identities has been provided to the relevant agencies to assist in their investigations.

Suspects in Ellis Casey's theft face additional charges in Hays

A Hays man has been arrested on charges of felony theft and identity theft after allegedly signing up for internet services in the name of a disabled adult for whom he cared.

Curtis Joe Koerner, 39, of Hays, served as a caregiver for a disabled adult for two years.

He allegedly used that person's name to sign up for internet services in 2018 and was continuing to use those services.

Another caregiver was reviewing the victim's bills and found a second account under a different address, according to Lt. Brandon Wright of the Hays Police Department.

Officers were able to locate Koerner at the address associated with the account.

Koerner was arrested on Aug. 26 on requested charges of identity theft and felony theft.

The billing on the account from June 2018 to present amounted to more than $6,200, according to Wright.

Wright said this is a good example of why people should review their bills regularly.

Hays man allegedly steals disabled man's identity, racks up 7 years of internet bills

Schedule for Community/Alumni Participation:

Alumni Participation: Hays High Showcase Assembly 12 p.m., Friday in the Hays High Maroon Gym

Community/Alumni Participation: Hays High Homecoming Parade, Friday 5 p.m., Main St.

Community/Alumni Participation: Hays High Homecoming Game vs. Garden City, 7 p.m. at the Hays High Football Stadium. Coronation at Halftime&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays High announces Homecoming Court 2025

&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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Shred Day Saturday at Bank of Hays

&nbsp;Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Hays Police Department will partner with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau to present “Pedal Patrol in the Park,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, in Aubel Bickle Optimist Park at 30th&nbsp;and Sherman Ave.

The goal of the event is to promote bike and scooter safety among young riders, with emphasis on learning correct helmet use and rules of the road for bicycles and scooters.

Events will include rides around the park with the HPD Bike Patrol and Hays Area Bicyclists, along with parent/toddler rides and bicycle seat safety checks for those who ride with a grown-up.&nbsp;

Children aged 0-13 will be encouraged to bring their scooters, bikes, trikes, Little Tikes cars, skateboards – whatever wheels they ride – to the event. Parents are also encouraged to bring their bikes.&nbsp;

A limited number of bicycle helmets will be given away, thanks to a grant from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Heartland Healthy Living Fund of the Heartland Community Foundation.

“This will help us further our goal of improving public safety,” said Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler. “A helmet will help a child form a lifelong healthy habit of being safe every time they ride.”

Attendees can enjoy food trucks, music, games, and bike safety activities. Pfonz’s Smokehaus, The Local, Frozen Frog, and Suck It Up Bubble Cup are scheduled to be at the event.

Story times with the HPD and the Hays Public Library Bookmobile will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Other activities include safety obstacle courses, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/76c208bb-a6aa-4e68-9115-5092bb6f74a1">safety sessions with HPD Bike Patrol officers</a>, the Fort Hays State University MakerVan, yard games, volleyball, basketball, and bicycle safety checks with Precision Valley Golf and Bike Center.

There will be various giveaways and a raffle for three bicycles and one scooter courtesy of Hays Walmart.&nbsp;Raffle tickets can be earned by participating in the safety events throughout the day.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and coolers to the event, but no glass bottles are allowed.&nbsp;Pets on leashes are allowed but owners must clean up after their pets.

For details and updates on this event, check the Community Events calendar at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.visithays.com/">www.VisitHays.com</a>&nbsp;or search Facebook for the event “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pedal%20patrol%20in%20the%20park">Pedal Patrol in the Park.</a>”

Pedal Patrol event focuses on bike, scooter safety

DOWNS — The Kansas Storytelling Festival is holding three qualifying events for the 2026 Tall Tales storytelling contest. 

Anyone (amateur) is welcome to enter these preliminary events to become one of four finalists at the Storytelling Festival on April 24-25, 2026 in Downs. All qualifier events are free to attend.

The first qualifier will be held Saturday, September 13 at the Tonganoxie Community Historical Society, 201 W. Washington St., Tonganoxie, beginning at 5:00pm. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tonganoxieartscouncil.org/copy-of-story-telling-festival">Art Events &amp; Workshops | Arts Council</a> Following the Tall Tale contest at about 7:35 p.m., Professional Storyteller Paul Strickland will perform.

The second qualifier will be held Saturday, September 20 at the Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca St., Wichita, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Following the contest, previous Kansas Tall Tale champions and historical Legends will perform. Register by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or contacting Mike at 785-545-5285.

The final qualifier will be held in Downs, the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas” on Saturday, October 11, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 1018 Blunt Street, Downs. The Downs event begins at 7:00 p.m. Register by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansasstorytelling@gmail.com">kansasstorytelling@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or contacting Mike at 785-454-1177.

A tall tale is a unique form of American Story Telling in which the narrator usually has a part in the story. Telling a tall tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are.&nbsp; A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. 

Professional storytellers cannot compete. 

Information and rules for the Tall Tale Competition are posted at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">kansasstorytellingfestival.com</a>&nbsp;

Interested individuals can enter any of the events, or all of them if not selected as top qualifier. For more information or to register for each event, please go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a>&nbsp;or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival</a>.

Storytelling festival's Tall Tale preliminaries begin Saturday

Go Truck Go, a free family event, will be on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Early Childhood Connections, 2501 E. 13th across from Hays High School.

Children will get to experience vehicles they see daily. Go Truck Go features an ambulance, fire truck, police car, implements and construction vehicles.

Free food and drinks and free informational booths from area resources.

Go Truck Go to be Sept. 11 at Early Childhood Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer will be hosting a mass to commemorate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3:00 p.m. 

 Bishop Jerry Vincke, Fr. Curtis Carlson and Fr. Reggie Urban will be the celebrants.  Music will be provided by Trilogy. 

 Seed wheat will be blessed.  Free will donation BBQ social following mass. 

Feast commemoration Mass Sunday at Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., Hays, will have a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

The event will be held both inside and outside the church. 

Pastor Ben Houchen said proceeds will go the church’s Feeding Hays ministry and to the church’s youth group.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church to have garage sale Saturday

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and the University of Kansas are joining forces in September to present an exciting opportunity for Kansans interested in pursuing higher education: the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sunflowerstatetour.org/">Sunflower State Tour</a>.

Through combined programs in seven locations, prospective students and their families will gain valuable insights into applying and attending a Division 1, Research 1 institution in Kansas. Special sessions for high school counselors will also be offered.

In addition to valuable information, students and their guests will enjoy light refreshments and have the chance to win tickets to the K-State vs. KU football game. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sunflowerstatetour.org/">sunflowerstatetour.org</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Sunflower State Tour to stop in Colby and Phillipsburg this week

OREM, Utah (AP) — The suspect in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassinated-utah-university-shooter-search-b0acf4797f57f3436d8f8d0843dbea43">the Charlie Kirk assassination</a>&nbsp;has been captured, President Donald Trump said Friday in an announcement representing a significant breakthrough in the investigation into a targeted killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States.

“With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump announced in a live interview on Fox News Chanel. He said a minister also involved with law enforcement turned the suspect in to authorities.

“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘Hmm, that’s him,’” Trump said.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the suspect had indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting. Cox, a Republican, said the suspect had grown more political and was opposed to Kirk’s beliefs

The suspect in custody in connection with Kirk's killing is a 22-year-old from Utah, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Calls to telephone numbers listed for Robinson in public records rang unanswered.

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