12:29 Sept. 12, 2025 Editor's note: The Fort Hays State University Student Government Association President, Jackson Sinsel, reached out to provide statements not originally included in the article.

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 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.

The FHSU Student 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.

Jackson Sinsel, FHSU Student Government Association president, said that state funds cannot be used for items considered "personal gain," such as T-shirts, giveaways, or prizes, a rule applied consistently to student groups.

"Student Government Association has no issue with these events, but cannot fund these products with state funds," Sinsel said. "Similar expenses and requests were cut from 65 other groups on campus."

Sinsel said that the student association has partnered with several campus organizations in past events, including the Black Student Union. He added that all groups are welcome to submit funding requests.

Wilson said that although campus faculty support DEI initiatives, the support feels insufficient without funding and actions. The Black Student Union has partnered 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

TMP-Marian (0-1, 0-1 MCL) at Norton (0-1, 0-1 MCL) Thursday, Sept. 4- 7 p.m. Norton, Kan. Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551770">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road Friday night for a week two MCL matchup with the Norton Bluejays

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP travels to Norton for MCL showdown

Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) vs Choctaw, Ok. (1-0) Friday, Sept. 12 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2551462">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians host their home opener Friday night against Choctaw, Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Kickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Renta Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on MIX 103.

🏈🎥 Hays opens the season at Derby

At 11:47 p.m. on Sept. 2, an Ellis Police Officer was dispatched to Love's, 200 Washington for a possible disturbance. Love's employees stated that a female was inside the store, causing a disturbance, and had a disagreement about paying for items.

Throughout the officer's investigation, it was discovered that the female, identified as Janet McCoy, 24, Wichita KS, was in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Riley County, KS. Officers also located suspected Methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia.

Janet was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail without incident. The theft offense is being prosecuted by the Riley County Attorney's Office and the following charges were requested through the Ellis County District Court:

-Possession of Opiates, Opium, Narcotics, or a Certain Stimulant -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia -Criminal Use of a Financial Card

Wichita woman arrested in Ellis for alleged car theft, drug possession

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kelly Modlin of the Twisted Oz Motorcycle Museum in Augusta.

🎤 Forward Ever: Twisted Oz Motorcycle Museum 

Schoenchen Community Center&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4-7 p.m.

Sauerkraut Soup, Green Bean Dumpling Soup Noodles, Ham &amp; Beans, German Sausage Homemade Bread Pies, Kuchens &amp; Cakes Tea or Coffee

Sponsored by the St. Anthony Altar Society&nbsp;

Fundraiser for the St Anthony Park and Playground

50/50 RAFFLE (Need not be present to win)

Hays' approved 2026 budget does not exceed revenue neutral rate

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays Area Planning Commission members will review the final plat for Smoky Hill Plains Addition in west Hays during their meeting Monday afternoon.

The plan calls for&nbsp;replatting of the former DK Ranch and undeveloped Columbine Drive lots into 52 lots.&nbsp;

According to information provided to the commission,&nbsp;approximately 18 acres of the western half of DK Ranch Addition will be vacated. The eastern half of DK Ranch and the west half of Columbine will be replatted into Smoky Hill 2 Plains Addition. The property not included in the plat will remain outside city limits and remain unplatted.

The development is designed to have two access points from Columbine Drive.  Street access to future 33rd St. improvements at the north end of the development will also be provided. 

The water drainage way from north to south in the property will serve as greenspace. There will be a multi-use path incorporated from 33rd St. south along Columbine to 27th St.

City utilities will be extended for the development.

The complete Sept. 15 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152025-1569">here</a>.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Final plat of new housing in west Hays to be reviewed by Planning Commission

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Recent obituaries and service times

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

&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

KINGMAN COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a woman in Spivey, Kansas.

On Friday, Sept. 5, around 9:10 p.m., emergency medical services (EMS) were called to a residence in Spivey, according to a media release from the KBI.

The caller, identified as Linda Oeding, 70, requested EMS transport her mother, Betty Oeding, 94, to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for medical care. 

When EMS arrived, they observed Betty was experiencing malnourishment and improper living conditions, and recommended she be transported to a nearby hospital. Linda declined and insisted her mother be transported to Hutchinson.

Betty was admitted into the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and on Monday she was moved to hospice care. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, around 11:15 a.m., Betty died in hospice care. The Kingman County Sheriff’s Office was called at 4:53 p.m. to investigate and observed signs of neglect.

On Sept. 11, at approximately 11:05 a.m., the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI’s assistance with the investigation.

On Friday, Sept. 12, at 10:41 a.m., Linda Oeding was arrested and booked into the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder, mistreatment of a dependent adult/elder person, abuse and neglect, and interfering with medical care. Formal charges are pending.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI: Kansas woman  jailed for mistreatment death of her mother

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court this week for possession and transfer of machine guns, including machine gun conversion devices or “switches.”

Davorian M. Fleming, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 37 months’ imprisonment, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 3, 2025, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of machineguns. Fleming admitted the ‘switches” were machineguns and that he aided his co-defendants in the transfer of the machineguns.

Fleming’s co-defendant, K’Orion A. Duff, 23, also of Kansas City, Mo., was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the distribution of machinegun conversion devices.&nbsp; Two co-defendants are still awaiting sentencing.&nbsp;

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