By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, was in Hays Monday campaigning for governor in 2026.

Holscher stopped by the Eagle Media Center for an interview with Hays Post.

Holscher recounted a story of her 12-year-old daughter spotting her teacher working a weekend shift at Target during the “Brownback experiment.”

"I explained to her that we were in the midst of the 'Brownback crisis' and that her teacher probably wasn't making enough money to pay her bills. My daughter looked at me and said, 'You go fix that,'" Holscher said.

Holscher describes herself as a public school product and said fully funding general and special education remains one of her top priorities.

"We put a lot of demands on our school and teachers with pretty high expectations," Holscher said. "But the fact of the matter is, we often do not provide the funding for those expectations."

Holscher said that although general education has been adequately funded in recent years, with room for improvement, special education still falls short, forcing districts to shift money and limiting the best curriculum schools can offer.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 proposes mill levy increase; sees special ed costs rise</a>

She also pointed to her own advocacy efforts, noting that she marched to protest school underfunding before joining the Legislature and later earned a substitute teaching license after the COVID-19 pandemic to help cover staffing shortages.

Another priority for Holscher is making Kansas more affordable, which she said depends on improving access to housing, child care, health care and education.

On housing, Holscher said Kansas faces a statewide crisis in urban and rural areas. She said even newly built apartments remain out of reach for many residents.

"My team and I are looking at what's working in other states and putting together plans in that regard. If people can't pay their bills or afford housing, that's going to hurt our economy," she said.

Holscher said water preservation has been a concern since her youth, recalling that her first high school speech and debate topic focused on the looming depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer.

"My first year in the Legislature, I was actually assigned to the water committee. We put together a great plan to address water issues that was under Brownback, and it didn't get funded. Here we are still trying to figure out what to do," she said.

After speaking with farmers and agricultural experts, she highlights possibly shifting to low-water-use crops and upgrading irrigation equipment as possible steps.

Holscher said she was not familiar with the R9 Ranch project in any real depth.

Holscher said affordable, accessible health care is central to her affordability agenda and criticized the privatization of the KanCare program.

"That essentially inserted a middleman into the process that now takes millions of dollars. That's money that's going to an entity versus actually helping our people in terms of health care," Holscher said.

Holscher said federal policies have also strained the health care system, and about 26 hospitals statewide are at risk of closing. She said expanding Medicaid would help keep those hospitals open and reduce long-term emergency and transport costs, especially in rural Kansas.

"A lot of times, I hear legislators from the rural areas who say, 'Well, people choose to live here. They knew what it was going to be like.' I don't think people anticipated that we'd be facing this type of health care crisis," she said.

She added Medicaid expansion would also improve access to mental health services.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7fca52b8-e7e6-4d85-b43f-2016ae4336d4">Gov. Laura Kelly stopped in Hays during her Kansas Budget tour in October, warning that the state could face a $700 million deficit by fiscal year 2029 if current trends continue.</a>

Holscher said her experience managing budgets larger than the state’s during her time at Sprint Corp. made her uneasy with the Legislature’s approach to budgeting. This past year marked her first on the Senate Budget Committee.

To avoid future deficits, she proposed new revenue sources rather than cuts, including Medicaid expansion and legalizing medicinal cannabis.

"[Medicinal cannabis is] a huge revenue stream that we have not tapped into. All the states around us are, and we are losing money to other states," she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5d35a9a-1874-4311-9ccb-7147a97b8a39">Kelly formally endorsed state Sen. Ethan Corson’s gubernatorial campaign on Monday, saying she believes he can appeal to Republicans, Democrats and independents in 2026.</a>

Holscher said Kelly is “another voter” who can support whoever she wants, adding endorsements do not determine election outcomes.

"What makes the big difference is your policies," she said. "I'm the only Democrat in this field that wins in red areas. ... I'm the only Democrat in this race and the entire Legislature that wins in red districts and has actually defeated Republican incumbents. That's the toughest thing to do."

Holscher added she has received more than 135 endorsements from leaders across Kansas.

She also highlighted her work on affordability legislation, statute-of-limitations reform for sexual violence victims, the introduction of the purple alert system, and her co-founding of the Women’s Bipartisan Caucus as key accomplishments.

Gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher seeks to fully fund education

By:&nbsp;BRENT MAYCOCK KSHSAA Covered

Given the performances at the last three Unified Bowling state championships, Benjamin Bergman’s claim was dead on.

“We’ve established that the WAC’s the conference to beat,” the Hays senior said of the Western Athletic Conference’s recent run of dominance at the state tournament, one that continued Tuesday at West Ridge Lanes in Topeka.

Two years ago, Garden City became the first WAC school to hoist the championship trophy, leading a 1-2 finish for the conference after narrowly edging Liberal by seven pins for the title. Last year, it was Great Bend taking its turn at the top with the Panthers leading a 1-2-3 WAC finish with Hays and Liberal taking second and third, respectively.

That foursome went into Tuesday’s meet as the favorites following a 1-2-3-4 regional finish led by Liberal and one in which all four of their team scores were more than 100 pins better than any other regional champion.

But after seeing his conference rivals claim state and regional titles at the Indians’ expense, Bergman was ready for a bit of role reversal on Tuesday.

“It was our time to have the spotlight,” Bergman said. “This was definitely the year for us to do it, our strongest season yet.”

After taking a distant second to Great Bend at state last year and finishing runner-up to Liberal at last week’s regional meet, Hays put everything together on Tuesday and found its way to the top at state. 

The Indians posted a total of 1,115 pins that not only was a program-best, but also broke the state record set by Great Bend a year ago when the Panthers won the state title by 165 pins with a 1,110 total. Hays had no such cushion with its record-setting mark as both Liberal and Great Bend finished with totals over 1,000 as well.

Hays’ winning margin was a mere 23 pins as Liberal, which beat the Indians by 40 pins at regionals last week, took second with a 1,092 total while defending champion Great Bend was third at 1,013.

“Regionals was a little bit of a disappointment but we got first at state to make up for it,” Bergman said. “It was tough (at regionals). We didn’t bowl our best, but they had their best score of the season. So I think we just had to prove we could bowl better.”

Hays coach Richard Hodges said the focus at state wasn’t on what Liberal or anyone else had done at regionals. Instead, the focus was internal.

“We don’t come to compete with the field,” Hodges said. “We come to compete with ourselves. Each week, with the exception of one regular season meet, we improved our overall score every single time. That’s really what we wanted to reach. Today was no different. We came to roll one ball at a time and focus on what we can control and then see where we were.

“With the WAC being stout competition, we knew in the back of our heads that if we didn’t deliver, it was going to show up. But as long as we out-did ourselves we had a chance.”

Great Bend, which was a distant third at regionals, got off to a start that showed the Panthers weren’t going to relinquish their title without a fight. The Panthers had the only game over 200 in the first game with a 201 and then followed it up with a 203.

Hays stayed well within striking distance, however, turning in games of 189 and 201 to start to sit at 390 after two of the six games, just 14 behind the Panthers. At that point, it was largely a two-team race with Liberal following an opening game of 184 with a 129.

When Hays put together a 195 third game and Great Bend slipped to a 145, the Indians were well clear of the field.

“We made our shots, then we calmed down for a second, breathe and then focused,” said Indian junior Ethan Kuhlmann. “We just stayed focused. (Coach) helped us and helped me get my good shots and strikes.”

After a bit of a lull in the fourth game with a 148, the heat was suddenly on the Indians. After its down second game, Liberal roared to life with games of 184 and 219 to close the gap on Hays to just 17 pins.

But Hays’ found its groove again in the fifth game with a 226 that was the highest game for any team on the day. Liberal hung tough with a 204 fifth game, but faced a 39 pin deficit going into the last game. It was just enough for Hays to hang on as the Indians finished with a 156, but Liberal only managed a 172 to come up 23 pins short.

Great Bend never really got back into its groove from the first two games with its highest game in the final four a 167 closing game to finish 79 pins behind Liberal in third.

“The kids were huge,” Hodges said. “The biggest challenge for me was just keeping the focus where it needed to be. We don’t take it lightly what we did. We genuinely pride ourselves on focusing what we control and that’s our mindset.”

Bergman and Kuhlmann were joined by juniors Xander Clark, Camaron Daughhetee and Keaton Brown, each seemingly having their moments where they came up with a big spare or strike. Even in a missed mark, the Indians remained upbeat and as they waited for the final team scores to be read off, they huddled in anticipation knowing it was tight with their WAC rivals.

When it was announced they’d won, the celebration began.

“It was really fun,” Kuhlmann said. “I was cheering and I like to cheer and I like my friends. My team helped me. Thanks to them, to God and Go Hays High!”

Hays 1,115, Liberal 1,092, Great Bend 1,013, Garden City 917, Olathe East 823, Chanute 810, Campus 798, Basehor-Linwood 797, Shawnee Mission East 790, Washburn Rural 772, Shawnee Mission Northwest 764, Lansing 748, Olathe Northwest 745, Free State 735, Blue Valley Northwest 722, Olathe West 721, Seaman 721, Baldwin 708, Blue Valley North 696, Turner 679.

🎳 Hays takes its turn in leading WAC dominance at Unified Bowling state championships

NORTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Jessica Linn&nbsp;Ludowese, 34, Norton, was northbound on Kansas 383 four miles of Kansas 60. The pickup rear-ended a 2022 Volvo semi driven by Vasyl&nbsp;Tereschenko, 46, South Carolina. who was stopped attempting to make a turn on to Road E13.

EMS transported Ludowese to the Norton County Hopsital. The semi driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. woman hospitalized after pickup rear-ends a semi

Leaders at Hays Medical Center (<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">HaysMed</a>) and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcmc.org/">Gove County Medical Center</a>&nbsp;are pleased to announce a formalized strategic partnership designed to strengthen rural health care delivery in Quinter and across Gove County.

Today, the Board of Trustees at Gove County Medical Center approved and signed the final partnership agreement, culminating a thoughtful process of due diligence and collaboration following the letter of intent signed in early 2025.

With this agreement now official, the transition is underway. The partnership will take effect in early 2026.

This new chapter builds on a long-standing alliance between the two hospitals. As an official partner hospital of HaysMed, Gove County Medical Center will now be managed by HaysMed, enabling deeper alignment with the region’s only tertiary care center. 

The goal: to improve lives through shared resources, advanced technology, and expanded clinical services, all while preserving Gove County Medical Center’s local leadership and community investment.

“This partnership reflects our mutual and unwavering commitment to keeping health care local, sustainable and strong,” said Conner Fiscarelli, chief executive officer at Gove County Medical Center. “It’s a proactive step to ensure our patients, staff and neighbors across the county continue to thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environment.”

Terry Ostmeyer, President of Gove County Medical Center’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of community-based oversight. 

“This is not a merger or acquisition,” he said. “Rather, it’s a collaborative affiliation model that strengthens our local mission while opening doors to broader capabilities. We are excited to deepen our long-standing relationship with HaysMed, an organization that shares our values and vision for advancing rural health in our community.”

Modeled after HaysMed’s successful partnership with Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, this affiliation will allow Gove County Medical Center to maintain its name, identity and governing board while benefiting from access to resources typically not available to small rural hospitals.

In Kansas, almost 60% of rural hospitals are at risk of closure, driven by workforce shortages, shrinking reimbursement rates, and rising operational costs.

Many are being acquired by national health systems. Gove County Medical Center, however, has chosen a different path—one that prioritizes local control, long-term stability, and high-quality care.

“As the health care landscape grows more complex, we believe in forming partnerships that keep care rooted in the community,” said Eddie Herrman, president and chief executive officer at HaysMed. “Gove County Medical Center is a well-respected provider, and we’re honored to help support its growth and sustainability. This is rural health reimagined — collaborative, forward-looking, and focused on people.”

Benefits of the partnership for Gove County residents include:

While HaysMed will provide operational leadership and integration support, Gove County Medical Center will continue to be governed by its locally elected board of trustees. The hospital’s mission, values and dedication to community-focused care remain unchanged.

Implementation efforts will continue throughout the winter, with regular updates planned to keep patients, staff, and community members informed at every stage.

For more information and updates, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcmc.org/rural-health-reimagined">gcmc.org/rural-health-reimagined</a>.

HaysMed, Gove County Medical Center announce partnership to strengthen health care in Quinter, beyond

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

During its Tuesday meeting, the Ellis County Commission continued discussions on capital improvement projects, but staff reported the costs would be $3.7 million lower than initially estimated.

At last week’s commission meeting, Hutton representatives outlined initial project scopes and budget estimates for several improvements. The following are updated costs:

• Sheriff's office and communications department renovation, estimated cost of $2,986,097 • Combined EMS/fire facility in Ellis, estimated cost of $2,634,875 • Administrative Building fan coil units replacement, estimated cost of $1,700,000 • Courthouse HVAC replacement, estimated cost of $3,200,000 • Fire storage building at public works, estimated cost of $250,000 • Landfill transfer station expansion, estimated cost of $250,000

Hutton estimated the total cost at about $14.49 million, but commissioners lowered that figure to about $10.78 million after further review.

Darin Myers, county administrator, recommended removing the transfer station expansion from the bond package and instead funding it through solid waste reserve funds, with the project planned for 2027.

The commission explored issuing a $10 million to $11 million bond to cover the projects. Myers said the financing plan would not result in any increase in property taxes.

The Sheriff’s Office and communications renovation includes redesigned office space, upgraded security features and a new dispatch room. Once the Hays Police Department vacates the building in 2026, its former entrance area will be converted into a training room.

Myers said the main renovation totals about $2.4 million, but when adding jail security upgrades, relocating radio and dispatch equipment, the cost rises to about $2.9 million.

The new EMS and fire facility’s cost was lowered by almost $1 million by eliminating items such as storage space and drive-through bays. However, Myers said that adding those bays back in would depend on whether the city of Ellis wants them, which would increase the overall cost.

The courthouse’s Variable Refrigerant Flow heating system has been unreliable since it was installed in 2014, leading the county to spend $20,000 to $30,000 each year on repairs.

The commission expressed interest in switching to a water-to-air heat pump system with a lifespan of up to 40 years.

The administrative building has about 110 fan-coil units, many of which are leaking condensation and damaging ceiling tiles. Myers said some units are unused or have been replaced recently, so the actual number that needs replacement will be lower than 110.

The fire storage building will be placed on Public Works property at a lower-than-anticipated cost, with the commission receiving a local contractor estimate and even firefighters volunteering to do portions of the interior work.

🎙 Ellis County Commission sees decreased costs for multiple projects

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Future development at the Interstate 70, Exit 161, in east Hays will get a boost with infrastructure to be built at the city-owned property.

Water and sewer main extensions, abutting street and intersection improvements, and internal infrastructure improvements are planned for the 90-acre greenfield site. The low bid of $3.9 million from Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, will be presented to the Hays City Commission on Thursday. The project would be funded from general obligation bonds.

Commissioners will also look at requests to vacate the DK Ranch Addition and a portion of Country Club Estates Sixth Addition in west Hays and consider the Smoky Hills Plains Addition final plat for housing development.

The project will also require the deannexation of DK Ranch and annexation of the new Smoky Hills Plains Addition, a proposed residential subdivision owned by Sing Along Ranch LLC and BJKT LLC.

This is being done to clean up the legal descriptions of the properties, Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said.

Also on the agenda is a review of the 2026 street maintenance program, which has a budget of about $1 million. Contract bids will be solicited and brought back to the city commission for final approval in early 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The complete Nov. 20 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11202025-1581">here</a>. The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to review bid for infrastructure at I-70, Exit 161  

MORLAND — On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Morland celebrated their new Veterans Memorial. 

The Morland Community Foundation has been working for over three years on this project, and it started with acquiring a bronze statue of a World War II Army air corpsman by artist Sondra Jonson. Displaying the statue at several local events helped sell bricks, engraved with a veteran’s name, rank, branch and years served.

The City of Morland gave them the okay to start working in the city park 28 days before the Veterans Day ceremony. Every day the memorial took on a different look. Excitement was in the air.

Finally, Veterans Day was here and at 2:00 p.m., the program started with President Lucas Goddard, welcoming the crowd and briefly talked about the Morland Community Foundation. 

He introduced Pastor Julie Truhlar of the Morland United Methodist Church, giving the invocation. He asked the American Legion Honor Guard of Jennings and Selden to present the colors. A very emotional national anthem was sung by Brenlynn Rath of Selden. 

Lucas Goddard introduced the board members of the Morland Community Foundation and gave a background of its commitment to the local community. He then introduced the bronze statue artist Sondra Jonson. She gave a background of the work that goes into constructing a bronze statue.

Mike Frakes, a board member of the foundation and leader of this project, introduced Colonel Dallas McMullen, the program speaker. Colonel McMullen is a colonel in the United States Army and the&nbsp;Kansas Army National Guard, and is the commander of the 69th Brigade, headquartered in Topeka.&nbsp;

The Millbrook Lodge #281 Masons of Hill City, along with Cole Presley, past Grand Master of Masons, assisted by Derik Hockett, current Grand Master of Masons in Kansas, dedicated the memorial.

Frakes asked all veterans to stand up and then introduced a very moving song by Lee Greenwood, ‘God Bless the USA.’&nbsp; While the song was playing, veterans shared handshakes with other veterans.

Frakes presented the Morland Veteran’s Memorial to the inspiration and diligent worker on the project to Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Ray Toll. The sign at the entrance of the memorial was unveiled and displays “Ray Toll Veterans Memorial.”

Frakes asked the American Legion Honor Guard to retire the colors. He then thanked everyone for attending and offered refreshments.

Morland’s new veterans memorial dedicated 

WAKEENEY — Western Cooperative Electric has announced the first-ever recipient of its new W.O.R.K. (Western Opportunity for Rural Kansas) Scholarship, created to support members who return to the region after college and contribute to the vitality of rural communities.

The Western Cooperative Electric Board of Trustees strongly supported the launch of the program and funded $1,000 toward this inaugural award.

The 2025 W.O.R.K. Scholarship has been awarded to Kara Quilter, a 2019 graduate of Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School and Kansas State University. Quilter earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and returned to Ellsworth, where she now serves as the Lead Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor at her alma mater.

Since beginning her career, Quilter has made significant contributions to both the community and local youth. Under her leadership, the Ellsworth FFA Chapter earned the Bob Garlow Memorial Trophy, the highest honor a Kansas FFA chapter can receive. She has also hosted statewide horse evaluation contests, volunteered with 4-H organizations, supported local harvest efforts, and remained involved in a variety of school and civic activities.

Member Services Manager Christina Hayes shared that this scholarship marks an important milestone in Western’s commitment to emerging local leaders. “The W.O.R.K. Scholarship gives us a new way to support young members who come back to build their lives and careers in our rural communities,” Hayes said. “Programs like this help strengthen the future of our region by investing in those who choose to invest in us.”

Quilter expressed deep appreciation for the cooperative’s support. “I am grateful that my local electric cooperative believes in supporting young professionals who choose to return home,” she said. “This scholarship helps lighten the financial load of student loan debt and shows that Western Cooperative Electric is truly committed to the success of its members and our community.”

The W.O.R.K. Scholarship represents Western Cooperative Electric’s mission to support individuals who strengthen rural Kansas through leadership, education, and service.

Western Cooperative Electric extends its congratulations to Kara Quilter, the first-ever W.O.R.K. Scholarship recipient, and expresses appreciation for her ongoing dedication to the community

Western Cooperative Electric announces first-ever WORK Scholarship recipient

Hays Police Department arrest log: Nov. 9-15, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: Nov. 9-15, 2025

Diet culture and body-led eating are the topics on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Services and Brook Mann, assistant professor of psychology.

🎙 Post Podcast: Diet culture and body-led eating 

The Hays Optimists will not sell Christmas trees this year.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec7c6f93-727f-4b96-a51e-72192ad36e4f">The group disbanded as of this year and gave its remaining funds to the Heartland Community Foundation.</a>

The former group members urge you to continue to support other service orgnaizations in the community.

Hays Optimists will not have Christmas trees this year

COLBY — Coming to Hoxie High School auditorium Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., the next Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) program will feature Carl Acuff Jr. with the music of Glen Campbell.

&nbsp;You are also invited to a short Question and Answer session after the show ends for all those who would like to participate.

Admission to the show can be purchased at the door or by WPAA season tickets.&nbsp;

 We would like to thank all the area sponsors. This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Also the Sheridan County Community Foundation along with Dane G. Hansen Foundation are helping fund this project. And sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glen Campbell spent five decades entertaining audiences all over the world.&nbsp; He was an American treasure whose songs and dazzling showmanship shot him to superstardom in the 1960s.

Glen's hits included songs like: "Gentle On My Mind", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", "The Wichita Lineman", "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife", "Galveston", "Rhinestone Cowboy", and "Southern Nights." During his 50 years in the music business, Campbell released more than 70 albums.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Glen's death in August of 2017 fellow musician and entertainer in his own right, Carl Acuff Jr. along with a notable group of musicians decided to put together a tribute show to this entertainment legend featuring his wonderful catalog of music.&nbsp; With Glen's original arrangements and charts provided to the group by Mr. TJ Kuenster they are as close as you can come to the real deal. Therefore, The Wichita Lineman show was born.&nbsp;

For your information, Highway 23 south of Hoxie is now open.

WPAA concert features Carl Acuff Jr. with music of Glen Campbell

Cookies with Santa presented by Hays Lions Club on Dec. 3

&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

DODGE CITY — United Wireless Arena, managed by&nbsp;VenuWorks, is excited to announce that&nbsp;Lee Brice with special guest Jackson&nbsp;Wendell is coming to Dodge City on&nbsp;Friday, February 13, for a live acoustic&nbsp;experience. 

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will&nbsp;start at 7:30 p.m.

The pre-sale for Lee Brice Acoustic begins Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m., ending&nbsp;at 10:00 p.m., while the public on-sale starts Friday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.

When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn't selling out arenas, writing and recording&nbsp;songs, or building new brands like Dulce Vida Tequila and Loud Lemon, you'll find the family&nbsp;man with his wife, Sara, two young boys, and daughter. 

Meanwhile, with over 10 billion career&nbsp;streams, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services,&nbsp;and on the road. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling “Memory I&nbsp;Don’t Mess With,” which consecutively follows three prior #1s: ASCAP’s 2021 Country Song&nbsp;of the Year and 3x Platinum track “One of Them Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with&nbsp;Carly Pearce, and the 4x Platinum hit “Rumor,” which was nominated in the category Single of&nbsp;The Year at the 55th Annual Awards. One of the most played country artists of all time on&nbsp;Pandora, he was the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire&nbsp;plaque.

&nbsp;Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA and ACM award winner, and he's taken nine&nbsp;radio singles to Number One: "A Woman Like You," "Hard to Love," "I Drive Your Truck," "I&nbsp;Don’t Dance," "Drinking Class," “Rumor," “I Hope You’re Happy Now," “One of Them Girls,”&nbsp;and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and others&nbsp;have recorded his songs, and he's performed on numerous TV shows, including NBC's Today,&nbsp;ABC's The Bachelor, NBC's The Voice, and FOX's Miss USA 2018. Lee performed as part of&nbsp;the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Garth Brooks, which aired&nbsp;on PBS in March of 2020. 

At the 54th Annual CMA Awards, Lee took home the prize for&nbsp;Musical Event of the Year for his song with Carly Pearce, "I Hope You're Happy Now." At the&nbsp;56th ACM Awards, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” won Single of the Year and Music Event of&nbsp;the Year, and Lee and Carly Pearce performed the song live. Lee’s album, Hey World, has been&nbsp;certified as Platinum and features several multi-Platinum-selling 

hits. Lee kicked off 2024 with&nbsp;an intimate acoustic tour, the Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and this Spring he released his latest radio&nbsp;single, "Drinkin’ Buddies" with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters. The single was followed by&nbsp;the nostalgic summertime track, "Summer of Us.” 

In 2025, Brice announced the return of his&nbsp;acoustic tour, the You, Me &amp; My Guitar Tour, and released his latest single, “Cry,” available&nbsp;now.

Since his appearance in last year’s Good For Country Concert Series, Jackson has continued to&nbsp;gain momentum releasing original music and performing in dance halls and venues throughout&nbsp;the south, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in country music along the way. 

It’s&nbsp;obvious that Jackson has been playing guitar and writing songs since his early teenage years because when you listen to his lyrics, you would imagine you were hearing the stories of a&nbsp;much older songwriter, as each song takes you right to the middle of a familiar feeling. Jackson&nbsp;IS the future of country music, and his show is one you don’t want to miss.

Tickets to see Lee Brice with special guest Jackson Wendell will go on sale Friday,&nbsp;November 21 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets can be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box&nbsp;office or online through Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $61 for reserved seating,&nbsp;depending on location, plus applicable fees and taxes.

 United Wireless Arena is an exclusive&nbsp;Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a third-party&nbsp;vendor. 

Doors will open one hour before showtime.

Handicapped accessible seating must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena&nbsp;Ticket Office. 

United Wireless Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our website&nbsp;for more details

Lee Brice brings acoustic solo concert to United Wireless Arena with special guest Jackson Wendell

The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is bringing back a beloved favorite just in time for the holidays — Spitzbuben, the delicate, jam-filled sandwich cookie that has become a sweet symbol of our Volga German heritage.

Following a complete sellout during Oktoberfest, ECHS is excited to announce that Spitzbuben will now be available for holiday purchase, freshly baked and boxed by the dozen. 

New this season, the Society is partnering with Hays High School’s Culinary Classes, taught by Nicole Linenberger, to help with the baking.

“This partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to share a treasured Volga German baking tradition with our youth,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of ECHS. “By involving the students, we’re not only continuing the tradition — we’re passing it on.”

Each batch of Spitzbuben features the signature buttery shortbread dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a variety of fruit jam. ECHS uses homemade jams from Gwen Urban of Oma’s Farmhouse Baked Goods, Grainfield. Customers can choose from MIX boxes (four Blueberry, four Peach, four Strawberry) or single-flavor boxes of twelve Strawberry Rhubarb cookies. These cookies freeze well for weeks and weeks and can be taken out as needed (or wanted!).

Spitzbuben will be available by the dozen for $20 (cash or check only) and can be purchased in person at the ECHS office at 7th &amp; Main Street in Hays.

Pickup times are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

If any remain, ECHS will offer the boxes at their booth during the Downtown Hays Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29.

“These ‘naughty boys,’ as the name translates, always sell out fast,” Rupp added. “We encourage everyone to grab a box early, enjoy a taste of tradition, and support our mission to keep Ellis County’s heritage alive.”

Ellis County Historical Society offers traditional Spitzbuben for the holidays

GREAT BEND — The Shafer Art Gallery, Barton Community College, Great Bend, will celebrated the unveiling of its “Museum Exchange” exhibition with a free reception on Nov. 14 featuring music, light refreshments, and a gallery discussion.&nbsp;

The collaborative exhibition unites 11 art institutions and four community partners in a shared celebration of creativity, cooperation, and community spirit. The show will run through Dec. 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shafer Art Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the idea for the exhibition was inspired by preparations for co-hosting the Kansas Museums Association Conference, which will be held this November.&nbsp;

“As we began planning for the conference, I realized that the best way to honor this community was through partnership,” she said. “Having lived in other parts of the country, I can confidently say this area of Kansas is unique in the number of art institutions it sustains. Together, they’ve built a vibrant artistic community that continues to inspire and surprise.”&nbsp;

Participating institutions include the Shafer Art Gallery, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Salina Art Center, Carriage Factory Gallery, Grassroots Art Center, Barton Arts Council, Great Bend Public Library, Lincoln Art Center, Red Barn Studio Museum, and Vernon Filley Art Museum.&nbsp;

Each institution contributed works that represent their artistic communities, creating a diverse and dynamic exhibition that showcases the region’s shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.&nbsp;

Bliven said the exhibit is being presented in partnership with the Kansas Museums Association Conference, co-hosted by the Shafer Art Gallery and the City of Great Bend. The exhibition and conference together encourage visitors, artists, museum professionals, and community members to explore how art and collaboration strengthen cultural life across Kansas.&nbsp;

“Museum Exchange celebrates the strength that grows through connection,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience this gathering of regional talent and to join us in recognizing the power of partnership.”&nbsp;

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shafergallery@bartonccc.edu">shafergallery@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.|&nbsp;

Hays, Lucas museums part of 'Museum Exchange' exhibition in Great Bend

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High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

View the night sky with special FHSU Science Cafe event

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;signed legislation Wednesday that compels his administration to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, bowing to political pressure from his own party after initially resisting those efforts.

Trump could have chosen to release many of the files on his own months ago.

“Democrats have used the ‘Epstein’ issue, which affects them far more than the Republican Party, in order to try and distract from our AMAZING Victories,” Trump said in a social media post as he announced he had signed the bill.

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