By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 candidates met at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Monday night for an election debate.

All five of the candidates participated, Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Craig Pallister, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampeiri-Lillpopp. The forum was made possible by&nbsp;the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network and the Chamber in Hays.

The candidates were asked what revenue-generating opportunities, such as grants, partnerships, or innovative funding sources, they would use to help support operations or to keep taxes as low as possible.

Brooks, a board incumbent and risk management manager, said the school district will continue to pursue grants. The district is also establishing a committee to explore a policy for naming rights for its facilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/aefb9f40-2e86-4bb2-976e-2f731e7ce14f">The school district was approached by Golden Belt Bank earlier this year with an offer of $200,000 for naming rights of the Hays High football field, but the board allowed that offer to expire.</a>

"As our buildings are progressing, we will see more opportunities," he said. "We are eliminating costs of paying FHSU by not having to play here."

Pallister, who is retired middle school principal and served a previous term on the school board, said the Hays USD 489 Foundation provides grants to the district and teachers.

The foundation's annual auction fundraiser is Oct. 25.

Vajnar, a former USD 489 teacher and current business owner, said he hopes the district can hire a full-time grant writer.

He also references the foundation and the committee that is being formed to consider naming rights, or, as he prefers to call them, sponsorships.

Zampieri-Lillpopp, an incumbent who works for a nonprofit, said the early childhood program is already supported primarily through grants. The district also secured FEMA funds for tornado shelters. Private funds were also secured for some of the finishing at the new Hays High. She also mentioned that a committee has been formed to consider naming rights.

Ancar, a local business owner, said she also would support a full-time grant writer for the district. She said she would support the district partnering with the city for shared services, including HR, IT and maintenance.&nbsp;

The candidates were asked if the school board answers to the superintendent or the superintendent answers to the school board.

Pallister said the superintendent answers to everyone: the students, teachers, and parents. He said people don't have to start with administration; they can also share concerns with teachers, principals, or board members.

Vajnar said the superintendent brings items to the school board, and they discuss them. However, he said there is a chain of command. Teachers bring items to principals, which can bring concerns to building administrators, who can bring them to the superintendent. If needed, concerns can then be discussed by the board.

Zampeiri-Lillpopp said the short answer is that the superintendent answers to the board. However, she said the board members are lay people and they rely on the expertise of district administration, teachers and staff. She said the process is collaborative.

Ancar said the superintendent answers to the board. She said she wants more transparency as the superintendent works with the board.

Brooks said the superintendent is the only district employee who the board reviews. He said the superintendent collaborates with the board to meet the district's needs.

The candidates were asked if they thought that all the things promised in the bond vote had been delivered.

Vajnar said he thought the district had delivered on the promises for facility improvements. He said he thought the district is doing what is best for the teachers, principal and students.

He said he hoped the district was in a position financially to finish&nbsp;strong as it starts&nbsp; the remainder of the bond projects.

Zampieri-Lillpopp said, "I think we have given the facilities that were expected to host major artistic and sporting events. I think we have a very beautiful and welcoming facility for our community that we should be very proud of."

Ancar said she thought there had been a lack of transparency in the building process. 

"I think board members should be able to see the plans far in advance of the building, and the public should be able to give input and the community have a chance to be heard."

Brooks said, "I do believe so far everything that was promised to the city of Hays has been delivered within budget and on time."

He said at least one school board member was able to walk the Hays High site every one to two weeks during construction, and all of the board's meetings are televised, allowing the community to watch all the presentations and votes on the bond projects.

Pallister said he thought the bond promises had been delivered. He said some change orders had been approved to provide for a better situation for teachers and students.

The school board members were asked about what could be done to reduce class sizes.

Ancar said she would pursue new sources of revenue to support smaller class sizes. Brooks said one of the goals of the bond was to create more instructional space. Pallister and Zampeiri-Lillpopp discussed the district's efforts to reallocate resources to where they were needed most, including reducing the number of students in classes at the lower grade levels.

Vajnar talked about the district's efforts through negotiations to retain and recruit qualified teachers. He also mentioned the additional space created through the bond projects. He also said he hoped the consolidation of the elementary schools could decrease the need for support staff.

The board members were asked, "In the past, some board of education meetings have become contentious at times due to differing opinions. How do you plan to work professionally with other colleagues as a board of education member?"

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/03620484-d421-4ae2-b3be-d87652788a17">SEE RELATED STORY: Board member calls out fellow member after repeated no votes, including 1 on asbestos removal</a>

"There are seven different personalities up there on that board," Brooks said. "Each meeting, there are differences of opinion, and there has to be compromises. If the vote doesn't go your way, you can't sit there and be angry.

"You have to continue to work for what's best for the school district and not worry about your personal feelings."

Pallister said you are looking at how to do the best for the kids.

"When they vote, they're voting yes, because this is good for our students. It will make our students more successful," he said, "not to try to represent a certain group of the community or say that it's a process. Your voting yes for kids, or it would not be good for kids."

Vajnar said, "There are seven people, and there are seven different perspectives from seven different backgrounds. We're going to have some discussions. If that weren't true, then you would just need seven rubber stamps and move on."

Zampieri-Lillpopp said she reviews all of the materials before the meeting, and she expects the other board members to do the same.&nbsp;

If a board member needs more information, the board can use those questions to educate the public.&nbsp;

Ancar said she thought that everyone can be committed to setting a good example.

She said she thought some pressure could be taken off the board members if they received the agenda packets earlier.

Hays USD forum focuses on budget, class size, board relations

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved insurance contract renewals for employees during its Tuesday meeting. The premium changes cover health, dental and vision.

Health insurance rates for Ellis County employees will increase by less than anticipated.

Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums will increase by 3.6% over 2025 rates, which is below the 7% increase budgeted and will create about $42,500 in general fund savings for 2026.

Darin Myers, county administrator, said the county pays for 86% of employee health and dental premiums, with employees covering the reamaining 14%. Vision insurance rates will remain unchanged and are fully covered by the employee.

Myers said the employee health benefit fund currently sits at about $1.1 million, due to lower-than-expected renewal rates.

Commissioner Michael Berges asked whether the $42,500 in savings would be rolled into 2027, as the 2026 budget has already been approved. Myers said the funds will be placed in reserves, where they can be used during 2026 or carried over into 2027 if not needed.

Employees enrolled in the county’s health plan will see premium increases, including $2.80 per month for single coverage, $6.30 for employee and spouse, $5.60 for employee and children, and $8.40 for family plans.

Commissioners also renewed contracts with Freedom Claims Management and will continue providing Medical Access &amp; Service Advantage Air and Ground Transport coverage to employees.

The commission signed letters of support for ACCESS Transportation, which uses the county’s annual subsidy as matching funds for state transportation grants.

In Ellis County’s 2026 General Fund budget, the commission approved a $50,000 allocation to ACCESS. Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, invited the commission, the city of Hays and KDOT to discuss long-term funding solutions for rural public transportation at a meeting set for Nov. 5.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc146924-9a33-439f-bb6a-180129cff07a">SEE RELATED STORY: ACCESS Public Transportation still faces 2026 budget shortfall</a>

Berges said he is interested in attending the meeting.

Michaud said there are also plans to work with Kansas legislators, such as Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays. He added the program is also considering goals outside of its effort to keep riders on the bus for the shortest time possible.

"We're looking at multi-loading, which puts a pinch on how long people will actually ride, but it may be a way that we gain some efficiencies," Michaud said.&nbsp;

The commission approved and signed an amendment to the Build 2019 Grant for the Northwest Business Corridor Truck Route Improvements Project.

Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, said the project was completed about two and a half years ago. The amendment finalizes project completion dates and accounting details.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ee13dc26-a8f1-4c06-bcdd-fbfafc63c292">SEE RELATED STORY: Local officials advocate for 183 Bypass, I-70 bridge reconstruction</a>

Northwest Kansas Planning &amp; Development Commission provided an update on what the organization is doing in the area and Deb Minkler, the new director, introduced herself to the commission.

The Chamber in Hays provided an update on the efforts of the Ellis County Workforce Committee and the Child Care Taskforce.

The commission approved an updated job description for the IT Director position. Approval would allow HR to begin advertising the position on Nov. 1.

The commission also approved a list of surplus vehicles and equipment to be sold through an auction, including a fire engine from Victoria.

The consideration for an agreement granting AMP Rentals temporary access to a county-owned water well,&nbsp;allowing for the well's use until a rural water meter is obtained from the Trego County Rural Water District, was delayed until next week.

Berges also led a moment of silence in response to the death of Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty.

Ellis County Commission approves insurance premium changes

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

&nbsp;If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Fall is an excellent time to plant a tree. The soils are still warm, allowing the root system to begin to spread out. It also gives the roots time to settle and grow before the stress of the summer heat comes along. 

Homeowners should plan to do a little research in order to pick the right tree for their particular yard. Choose trees that are adapted to your location. Consider whether the tree produces nuisance fruit, or if there are disease-resistant varieties available. And consider the mature size of the tree to make sure you have enough room.

Here are ten rules for planting trees in a home landscape.

1. Select the right tree for the site. K-State has a list of<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/recommended-plants//">&nbsp;trees recommended for Kansas</a> available online. 2. Keep the tree well-watered and in a shady location until planting. When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot – not by the trunk. 3. Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant. Plant the tree on solid ground, not in fill dirt. 4. Dig a hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. The width should be three times the width of the root ball.&nbsp; 5. Remove all containers from the root ball, including plastic and peat pots. Roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess as possible. 6. Backfill the hole with soil that was removed. Make sure the soil is loosened, without clods or clumps. 7. Don’t cut back branches of the tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged. 8. Water the tree thoroughly, then once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall. 9. Place mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, and cover an area 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball. 10. Stake only when necessary; trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked.&nbsp;

By following these steps when planting your new tree, you are giving it the best start to be able to thrive in the years to come.

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

BOOR: Fall is an excellent time to plant a tree

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Osborne Co RWD 1A public water supply system located in Osborne County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on Tuesday, October 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-697-2970, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199beedf89f-f12fa8b2-672a-4c6e-9712-9c1a5227c916-000000/eqUz2JULezqR03vIbI-j2xy-nRNnrqDabjDvBdOdWBY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Osborne Co. Rural Water District 1A by KDHE

Jeff Leiker speaks with Crisy Crough of Hays USD 489 about the education foundation's upcoming fundraising auction on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 Auction

GOP House speaker cracks jokes about governor reaching out to Kansans

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly plans to embark on an eight-city tour during October and November to explore with Kansans their state budget priorities ahead of next year’s legislative session.

Kelly, who is term limited and cannot seek reelection, said on Monday the town halls dedicated to formation of “The People’s Budget” would give folks an opportunity to express where they wanted lawmakers to earmark spending.

“Kansans should know and have a say in where their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going,” Kelly said. “In the months ahead, it’s critical that we continue down the path of responsible budgeting to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of reckless fiscal mismanagement.”

She said her administration continued to be dedicated to creating and maintaining a financial foundation that could survive economic downturn.

In 2018, Kelly was elected in aftermath of aggressive state income tax cuts signed into law in 2012 and 2013 by Gov. Sam Brownback. The 2017 Legislature, in a bipartisan vote, wiped out much of Brownback’s tax agenda, which had been created as a mechanism to eventually eliminate the state income tax. Instead, the result was deep budget cuts, heavy borrowing and a sales tax hike.

During a special legislative session in 2024, lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/18/kansas-senate-votes-to-approve-tax-package-negotiated-by-gop-leaders-democratic-governor/">$2 billion, five-year program</a>&nbsp;of state tax reductions.

Kelly had cautioned the Legislature against income tax reductions that jeopardized the state’s financial well-being.

“My administration has been laser-focused on building a strong fiscal foundation for our state,” the governor said.

The first stop on the governor’s tour has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Salina South High School. She is to be joined by Adam Proffitt, the state budget director.

Other dates and locations: Hays, Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center, Oct. 29; Garden City, Garden City High School, 6 p.m. Oct. 29; Kansas City, Kansas, West Wyandotte Library Auditorium, 6 p.m. Nov. 3; Leawood, Leawood Community Center, 6 p.m. Nov. 5; Emporia, Lyon County History Center, 6 p.m. Nov. 6; Pittsburg, Frisco Events Center, 6 p.m. Nov. 10; and Wichita, Nov. 12.

Kansans interested in attending the first-come, first-serve events should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FBudgetTourRSVP/1/01010199ba798853-b5cef009-a1f0-446b-a667-d7e04d609c9e-000000/VRcrh_aUrxWcNDxcmtNkOjtfNhQtZEdTEYF-TSp0N1I=425" target="_blank">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional details.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita legislator seeking the Republican Party’s nomination in 2026 for state insurance commissioner, offered a tongue-in-cheek response to the governor’s announcement.

“After seven years in office, Governor Kelly has announced she and Secretary Profitt are living out their inner Sonny and Cher and launching a statewide duet tour. I hope in addition to their vocal stylings, they offer real budget solutions,” Hawkins said.

He said the House and Senate appropriately set aside the governor’s budget recommendations during the 2025 legislative session and adopted a package of bills that spent $30 million less than Kelly proposed.

“While the golden oldies tour makes its rounds, you can rest assured that the beat will go on in the Legislature as we keep doing the hard work of rooting out waste and abuse in government spending,” Hawkins said.

In January, the Democratic governor submitted to the Legislature as required a budget that outlined investments in education, health care, infrastructure, public safety and other areas. The Legislature, led by Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, a candidate for governor, built a separate budget plan designed to minimize Kelly’s influence on appropriations.

The governor’s office said the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F618%2F/1/01010199ba798853-b5cef009-a1f0-446b-a667-d7e04d609c9e-000000/Bg2FrMWR9VDuXOkL_YsIAYRraQQPUeO5dlaMjGAOE1A=425" target="_blank">budget bill passed in April</a>&nbsp;left the state with potential long-term problems. Legislative documents indicated the state could spend $300 million more than it collected in annually in taxes, which would jeopardize the state’s financial health.

Kelly’s statement said the budget tour was designed to gather feedback on “how to repair the damage caused by the Legislature’s reckless budget.”

Gov. Laura Kelly to launch eight-city listening tour on future state budget

Christmas Toy Drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters underway in Ellis County

TOPEKA — The Kansas Hospital Association recognizes hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital through the Heart of Health Care Award. Hospitals across the state nominate individuals because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty.

For the past several months, KHA has been recognizing individuals who were nominated for the Heart of Health Care Award. All these candidates demonstrated excellence in health care and routinely went above and beyond the call of duty. To just be nominated for this award is an honor. 

The six 2025 Heart of Health Care Award recipients are:

Twenty-three additional hospital employees were nominated and recognized:&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 242 member facilities, of which 124 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is Optimal Health for Kansans and Kansas Hospitals.

Regional hospital employees recognized as the 'Heart of Health Care'

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

The Thursday, Sept. 9 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled.

Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting canceled

&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

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion will host a steak feed Saturday, Oct. 11.

Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. with the meal served at 6:30 p.m.

* 12 OR 6-OUNCE RIBEYE WITH BAKED POTATO, CORN, GREEN BEANS, TEA OR WATER, AND A BIG SELECTION OF DESSERTS WILL BE SERVED* 

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available. 

Proceeds go to the Dorrance American Legion.&nbsp;

Dorrance American Legion to host ribeye steak feed Oct. 11

Ellis County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling announced that early voting for the upcoming election will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Administration Center, 718 Main Street, Hays.

Early voting hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The final day of early voting will be Monday, November 3, ending at 12:00 noon. For voter convenience, there will also be Saturday early voting on November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Administration Center.

The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when voter registration books will close.

Advance mail ballots will be mailed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Voters may request an advance mail ballot by completing an application. Applications are available online, by calling the County Clerk’s Office to have one mailed, or by visiting the office at 718 Main Street.

“As always, my office is here to assist voters,” said Dreiling. “If you have questions about registration, early voting, or advance ballots, please don’t hesitate to call us.”

For more information, please contact the Ellis County Clerk’s Office at 785-628-9410.

Early voting starts Oct. 20 for Nov. election; last day to register is Oct. 14

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

Drs. Curt and Christie Brungardt, professors emeriti at Fort Hays State University, will be back on campus Friday, Oct. 10. They will deliver an American Democracy Project Times Talk in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The couple founded Jana’s Campaign in memory their daughter, Jana Mackey, a Hays native who was a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas when she lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008.

Jana’s Campaign is an organization dedicated to preventing relationship-based violence.

The Brungardts will be speaking from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Trails Room of the Memorial Union on campus. A light lunch will be provided. Their free presentation is titled “Behind Every Statistic is a Story.”

Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, co-director of the American Democracy Project at FHSU, said in a news release: “This timely discussion will explore the realities of relationship violence, its far-reaching impact, and how we can work together to prevent it—on campus and beyond. Through storytelling, education, and real-world strategies, Jana’s Campaign will challenge us to look beyond the statistics and recognize the human lives behind them. Learn how advocacy, leadership, and student action can help end the cycle of abuse and build safer communities.”

A Zoom option is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/87459170203?pwd=fKallyDd6WWJqcRRsXc7G9Tk3bzWPg.1">https://fhsu.zoom.us/j/87459170203?pwd=fKallyDd6WWJqcRRsXc7G9Tk3bzWPg.1</a>.

The meeting ID is 874 5917 0203, and the passcode is 536587. Yang said that the session will also be recorded.

More information about Jana’s Campaign is available at <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">janascampaign.org</a>.

Brungardts to discuss Jana’s Campaign during public talk at FHSU

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Ellis Co RWD 1C public water supply system located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of loss of a pressure due to maintenance in the distribution system.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Ellis Co RWD 1C, indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-628-2186 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199aff40888-4adfae95-bbad-4d17-862c-42a4e6aa8859-000000/AhcqCkK9CGn_xqvRI8kP-hsezFT_d1XotX2eUmyWxHE=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Ellis Co RWD 1C, Ellis County

October 12,&nbsp;9:30 AM Alton UMC Harvest Praise Service 408 Mill St., Alton 67623 Join us at 9:30 AM!

October 12, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM Fall Family Fun Day Roadside Park, Hwy. 24, Downs

Bring your lawn chairs, sit and chat, enjoy music and fun! Yard games, Kids games, Golf Cart Poker Run, and more! Enjoy the park amenities together as a community!

October 12, 5:00-7:00 PM Free Square Dancing Lessons Front Porch Event Center and Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton, KS Sept. 28, Oct. 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 28 Graduation Party

&nbsp;These are free lessons with the hope of stress-free learning, entertainment, and fellowship. You are asked to bring a finger food each time for all to enjoy. For more information call Peg Anschutz at 785-483-0660.

October 18, 1:00-4:00 PM Annual Pumpkin Party Downs Community Garden, 1312 Kansas St. Downs, KS

Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts, and fun!

October 25,&nbsp;5:00-9:00 PM Tangled Web Trick or Treat in the Park Lyman T. Earl Park, Alton, KS

There will be crafts, games and prizes!&nbsp;Any questions, call Robbin at 785-346-2128 Ext. 3

October 31,&nbsp;3:30-5:00 PM

Join us downtown Osborne as the chamber businesses pass out Halloween treats!

October events in Osborne County

Western Plains Arts Association

COLBY — Oakley High School auditorium will be the&nbsp;Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) next program with "The Sons of the Pioneers" returning to entertain on Sunday, October 12.

The program will start at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door or by WPAA season ticket which can also be purchased that day at the door.

We thank Dane G. Hansen and Logan County Community Foundation for their grants for this program along with area sponsors.

"The Sons of the Pioneers", the most influential and revered of all western music groups, celebrate an unparalleled 91 continuous years of performance, thrilling audiences with enchanting harmonies and picturesque images of the majestic American West. 

In 2025, the legendary group extends its remarkable run through nine decades, carrying the legacy of the outfit’s landmark, Grammy-honored music to new ears. Originals like “Cool Water,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” and “The Timber Trail” have come to define western music itself and are also deeply rooted in American culture. 

When Roy Rogers (then Leonard Slye) and gifted songwriters Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer founded the group in late 1933 and developed their trademark “Pioneer sound,” little did they realize they were launching a juggernaut that would become the longest-lived popular music group in American music history, creating a vast catalog of treasured music along the way.

Through the years, more than 40 gifted singers and instrumentalists have rotated into the group to build the Pioneers’ historic musical legacy. The Pioneers are the most decorated group in the history of western music, earning membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Western Music Association Hall of Fame, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Texas Swing Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to name a few. 

The group’s music has been honored by the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Smithsonian Institution named the group one of America’s “National Treasures.” 

They enjoy meeting those who attend and would gladly take pictures after the program.

'The Sons of the Pioneers' to perform in Oakley Oct. 12

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– An explosive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">FBI document</a>&nbsp;obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reveals the FBI targeted eight Republican senators’ personal cell phones for “tolling data” as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, according to a statement from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

One Republican member of the House of Representatives was also impacted. The Arctic Frost investigation formed the basis of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Donald Trump.

The FBI in 2023 sought and obtained data about the senators’ phone use from&nbsp;January 4 through January 7, 2021. That data shows when and to whom a call is made, as well as the duration and general location data of the call. The data does not include the content of the call.

This document was found in a Prohibited Access file in response to Grassley’s oversight requests. Grassley’s oversight&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-investigates-prohibited-access-files-at-fbi-demands-accountability-for-document-destruction-and-obstruction-in-mueller-investigation" target="_blank">exposed the existence</a>&nbsp;of Prohibited Access files, a file system the FBI uses to limit access to certain documents by making some files inaccessible to most FBI agents.

Read the FBI document&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-toll-analysis-of-us-senators">HERE</a>.

The FBI targeted the following Members of Congress:Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

Grassley issued the following statement regarding today’s disclosure:

“Based on the evidence to-date, Arctic Frost and related weaponization by federal law enforcement under Biden was arguably worse than Watergate.

“What I’ve uncovered today is disturbing and outrageous political conduct by the Biden FBI. The FBI’s actions were an unconstitutional breach, and Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel need to hold accountable those involved in this serious wrongdoing.

“I started the Arctic Frost investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/grassley-to-justice-dept-fbi_-political-bias" target="_blank">in July 2022</a>&nbsp;after hearing from whistleblowers. It’s taken years to get records and advance my investigation, but what the public is seeing now demonstrates the importance of congressional oversight and whistleblowers. My whistleblowers deserve great thanks for what they’ve helped expose. None of this would have been known without them.”

Background:The FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/exhibit-8-arctic-frost" target="_blank">opened in April 2022</a>&nbsp;by former anti-Trump agent Timothy Thibault. In November 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">it was assigned</a>&nbsp;to Special Counsel Jack Smith.&nbsp;

Whistleblower disclosures to Grassley earlier this year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-records-showing-fbi-obtained-trump-pence-cell-phones-conducted-sweeping-interviews-to-advance-anti-trump-arctic-frost-investigation" target="_blank">revealed</a>&nbsp;the FBI acquired the government cell phones of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence during its Arctic Frost investigation. Officials in the Biden White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/releases/grassley-johnson-release-additional-arctic-frost-records-detailing-sweeping-anti-trump-investigation" target="_blank">personally assisted</a>&nbsp;the FBI in securing Trump and Pence’s government phones. FBI agents used taxpayer dollars to travel the country and conduct dozens of interviews in support of the political probe.

Records Grassley made public last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/download/arctic-frost-bank-record-subpoenas" target="_blank">showed</a>&nbsp;the FBI also placed 92 Republican-linked individuals and Republican groups – such as Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA – under Arctic Frost’s investigative scope.

Read the report: Biden's FBI spied on Republican U.S. Senators 

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement in Riley County are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an investigation and arrest in Shawnee County.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements