The Hays Post is sharing the Tiger Media Network live-stream for the funeral services for Sgt. Scott Heimann from Gross Memorial Colliseum.

<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/live/A__w6lc5JkY?feature=share">https://youtube.com/live/A__w6lc5JkY?feature=share</a>

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/259a0a4e-7e84-4de0-abd6-7a961ab84091">You can read Sgt. Heimann's full obituary here.</a>

Live-stream of Sgt. Scott Heimann's funeral

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center.

🎤 Forward Ever: Craig Poe of High Plains Mental Health Center

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

The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to host the second annual Give Fest — communitywide giving day — on Friday, October 10 in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties! Get ready to experience a day filled with philanthropy, community spirit, and Oktoberfest-themed fun. With up to 100% of donations matched by the Heartland Community Foundation, this is a powerful opportunity to maximize your impact while supporting your favorite local nonprofits.

During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits will be matched&nbsp;from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county. These donations go directly&nbsp;to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring a stable&nbsp;financial future for the organization, while the match dollars are available for immediate use,&nbsp;providing vital, immediate support. To give even more people the chance to give, early-bird giving&nbsp;begins online at midnight this Wednesday, Oct. 1, at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> and continues&nbsp;through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10.

With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause that will speak to everyone’s unique charitable passion. Whether your interests lie in education or healthcare, first responders or food insecurity, and many more, there is a nonprofit that aligns with the causes that matter most to you.

Give Fest was created to mobilize the community to “give back” in a big way. Not only does the event raise essential funds for nonprofits, but it also brings a playful Oktoberfest twist to the giving season, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.

 This is an opportunity to come together and make a difference. In 2024, Give Fest raised over $240,000 in donations, and with $160,000 in matching funds, more than $400,000 went directly to strengthen local nonprofits. This year, we’re ready to build on that success together. 

"Give Fest is one of my favorite days of the year because it shows the power of community," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "When neighbors come together to give, the impact multiplies — not just through the matching dollars, but through the spirit of generosity that carries forward long after the day is over."

This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays

• Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton

• Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney 

Nonprofits will share information with visitors, and attendees can enjoy Oktoberfest food, drinks, and entertainment while connecting with local organizations and learning more about the causes they can support.

Returning this year, nonprofits will get to compete in a lively cornhole challenge for a chance to win up to $400 in bonus match dollars for their organization. Attendees can also take part in the Nonprofit Passport activity: visit nonprofit tables (8 in Ellis County, 6 in Rooks and Trego counties) to be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card for yourself and $100 in bonus match dollars for your favorite organization. Come cheer on your favorite nonprofits and join in the fun! 

In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students will each receive $15, while Rooks and Trego County students will each receive $10. On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. This initiative teaches young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy.

• Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a full week!

• In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.

• Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They must be received by October 10.

• Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted. Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity’s name in the memo, along with a donor form.

One of the most convenient features of Give Fest is that donors can make a single donation and designate it to one or more participating nonprofits. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible, and you can easily support multiple organizations at once with one simple gift.

To keep with all the Give Fest excitement, follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%20Heartland%20Community%20Foundation%20%20">Heartland Community Foundation on Facebook</a> or the social media pages of your favorite nonprofits! Many participating organizations will mark Give Fest with their own events and fundraisers, so check in with them for updates on how you can participate.

About Heartland Community Foundation

Since 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the philanthropic causes they love, supporting initiatives in various areas including education, healthcare, youth, community development, and more. By fostering a spirit of generosity and engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, HCF aims to create a vibrant, supportive community for all. The Heartland Community Foundation is committed to promoting generosity, building endowment funds, and empowering communities to thrive.

For more information, visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest is Oct. 10 in Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

This year’s crown bearer is Luke Schoenthaler, son of Derek and Lyndsae Schoenthaler, and the flower girl is Brynlee Honas, daughter of Cody and Megan Honas.

2025 HOMECOMING WEEK ACTIVITIES THEME: ONCE UPON A TIME

Class Float Themes: Movies Seniors: "Cars" Juniors: "Finding Nemo" Sophomores: "Monsters Inc." Freshmen: "Up"

Spirit Week (Oct. 6-10) Monday: Sleeping Beauty (Pajama Day) Tuesday: Cars (Jersey Day) Wednesday: Inside Out (Class Colors Day) Seniors: Black, Juniors: Blue, Sophomores: Green, Freshmen: Yellow, JH: Red, Staff: Gray Thursday: Beauty and the Beast (Dressed to the Nines or Hobo Day) Friday: High School Musical (Orange &amp; Black Day)

Bonfire Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m. Location: South of Ellis High School Meeting Place: Tennis Courts at 8:15 p.m. Friday Schedule (High School Students) 10:15 a.m. – High school students will be released for class pictures 10:30 a.m. – High school students will play a dodgeball tournament in the gym (Games are five minutes in length) Game 1: Juniors vs. Sophomores Game 2: Seniors vs. Freshmen Game 3: Juniors vs. Freshman Game 4: Seniors vs. Sophomores Game 5: Sophomores vs. Freshman Game 6: Seniors vs. Juniors

11 a.m. – High students will play capture the flag in the front quad and east of the gym (Games are 8 minutes in length)

Game 1: Juniors vs. Sophomores Game 1: Seniors vs. Freshmen Game 2: Juniors vs. Freshman Game 2: Seniors vs. Sophomores Game 3: Sophomores vs. Freshman Game 3: Seniors vs. Juniors

12:15 p.m. – Powder Puff Football (Games are 10 minutes in length) Game 1: Seniors vs. Sophomores Game 2: Juniors vs. Freshmen Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

12:45 p.m. – Iron Man Volleyball (Games played to 15) Game 1: Staff vs. Freshman Game 2: Staff vs. Sophomores Game 3: Staff vs. Juniors Game 4: Staff vs. Seniors

1:30 p.m. – Dismiss to line up for parade

Friday Schedule (All Students) 1:30 p.m. – Parade Line-up at the North Campus 1:55 p.m. – JH students released (ride the buses to the North Campus or Memorial Park) 2:15 p.m. – Parade begins 2:45 p.m. – Pep Rally at Memorial Park 3:15 p.m. – JH students who need to return to EHS will load the bus at Memorial Park 5 p.m. – Homecoming barbecue sponsored by the Booster Club 6:30 p.m. – Crowning ceremony 7 p.m. – Football game vs. Quinter

Parade Route Parade will leave the North Campus (Old High School), going East on 10th Street to Dorrance Street.

They will turn South on Dorrance Street and continue to 13th Street.

They will turn East on 13th Street and continue until they get to Washington Street (Washington Grade School).

They will turn North on Washington Street and continue to 8th Street (Bukovina Society).

They will turn West on Eighth Street to Jefferson Street and then turn South on Jefferson Street (Post Office).

They will continue South through Ninth Street to the lot west of Memorial Park. The parade will end here.

Dance 8 – 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11

Ellis Homecoming set for Oct. 10

After 25 impactful years, HaysMed is retiring its traditional drive-thru flu shot clinic and launching a more flexible, integrated approach to community health. Starting this fall, flu shots will be offered during its monthly blood screening events- providing a convenient, one-stop opportunity for preventive care.

The decision to discontinue the drive-thru format comes in response to changing community needs and increased access to free flu shots at local pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Dillon’s. While the HaysMed drive-thru clinic once served nearly 4,000 individuals annually, recent participation has dropped below 1,500. This new format allows the hospital to better align with current trends and improve accessibility for the community.

Participants can now receive a free flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or do both- all in one visit. Flu shots will be available on the following Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Entrance B (Miller Pavillion), using parking Lot B on September 6, October 4, or November 1, 2025.

Children’s flu shots will be administered in the same area as adult vaccinations to simplify the experience for families. To help with flow and minimize wait times, participants may choose to go directly to the flu shot station or begin with blood screening.

Since its inception, HaysMed has proudly administered 69,802 flu shots to the community. In 2024 alone, the hospital provided 1,300 adult and 378 pediatric vaccines free of charge, thanks to the support of the HaysMed Foundation.

The HaysMed flu shot events have also supported local families through food donations. In 2024, participants donated 583 pounds of canned food to the Community Assistance Center. Since 2007, the hospital collected a total of 26,854 pounds- nearly 13.5 tons of food!

All attendees are encourage to bring a non-perishable food item to continue this tradition of giving back.

Watch the HaysMed 2025 Flu Shot video&nbsp;below about this change.

HaysMed is thrilled to continue partnering with Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays North Central Tech nursing students, who will assist with flu shot administration. Their involvement ensures hands-on learning and reflects the spirit of community collaboration.

· Free flu shots available for individuals 6 months and older

· Participants may choose to receive a flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or both

· Consent forms available at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a>&nbsp;– please complete, print, and bring a signed copy for each person being vaccinated

· Short-sleeved shirts recommended for ease of vaccination

· Egg-free vaccines will not be available; individuals with egg allergies should consult their healthcare provider

· High-dose flu vaccines for those 65+ will not be offered at these events

For more information about blood screenings, visit the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/august-volunteer-community-blood-screenings/">monthly blood screenings article</a>. For flu shot updates, maps, and logistics, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu/</a>.

Together, HaysMed is working to keep the community healthy, strong, and connected- now in a format that’s more convenient than ever.

Free flu shots at HaysMed on Saturday

<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

First Care Clinic Inc. is pleased to welcome Mikayla Scheck, PharmD, to our team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Mikayla brings valuable experience and a passion for patient-centered care that aligns with our mission of improving access to quality, affordable health services in our community.

Mikayla earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and has a strong background in the clinical pharmacy setting. Her commitment to personalized service and education empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO said, “Anyone who has used First Care Pharmacy knows that our pharmacy team works hard to meet your needs in a kind and caring manner. Mikayla is a natural fit for our Pharmacy. She is talented and genuinely cares about those she serves. We are very happy to have her at First Care!”

Pharmacy Director Tami Zimmerman, PharmD, stated, “Bringing Mikayla on board reflects our continued investment in exceptional pharmacy services. Her knowledge and dedication will be a tremendous asset as we grow to meet the evolving needs of our patients.”

First Care Pharmacy is located inside the entrance of Express Care, at the corner of 13th and Main in downtown Hays. Providing convenient, fast, and friendly service, and offering free local delivery! Patients can experience the benefit of getting their prescriptions filled at the same time as their medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment. For assistance with transferring prescriptions to First Care Pharmacy, patients can call our pharmacy directly at 785-301-9390.

ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at 785-621-4990.

FHSU daily crime log: Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2025

Hays Post to stream Heimann funeral

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bh8WP1mNj/">Watch the Senator's speech to the Senate here.</a>

U.S.Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, gave a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday honoring Sgt. Scott Heimann of the Hays Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday.

"Hays Police Officer Sgt. Scott Heimann tragically died on Sunday while defending his community from harm.  Hays is a small, tight-knit town, and the loss of this young man is deeply heartbreaking for us. 

We will always remember Sgt. Heimann's sacrifice and honor the legacy he leaves behind. My prayers are with Sgt Heimann’s wife, children and the entire law enforcement and Hays community during this difficult time."

Senator Marshall also introduced a Senate resolution to honor the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Heimann. 

Sen. Moran honors Sgt. Heimann on Senate floor 

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

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&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!

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

&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

Thanks to the Hays VFW Post #9076  Honor Guards for adding the POW flag to the American flag  that they donated for the flag pole at the location of the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center on Friday, Sept. 26.

The POW flag was a welcomed addition to complete the pole near the Hays Senior Center new location.



Hays VFW Post #9076 donates POW flag to Community Center, Hays Senior Center flag pole 

KIRWIN — The&nbsp;94th annual Kirwin Lions Club Old Settlers Day is Saturday, Oct. 4

Start the day with a 5K Run/Walk or bike ride around Kirwin Lake.

Games on the Kirwin Square start at 10:30 a.m. Play bingo, try your hand at virtual golf, participate in cornhole, eat some delicious food and check out the vendors.

One of the area's largest Demolition Derbys begins at 7 p.m. with a $6,000 total purse.

94th annual Old Settler's Day is Saturday in Kirwin

On Friday, October 3, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be closed. 

All other services for Ellis&nbsp;County will remain open as scheduled. Emergency response will continue as normal operations.

This closure is to provide Sheriff’s Office staff the opportunity to attend Hays Police Department’s Sgt.&nbsp;Scott Heimann funeral services.

The Sheriff’s Office will resume regular hours on Monday, October 6.

Ellis County Sheriff's Office closed Friday; other county departments remain open

UPDATE: The annual Tootsie Roll Drive has been postponed to next weekend, Oct. 10-12.&nbsp;

It's time for the 55th annual drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in Hays, Munjor, Catherine and Schoenchen.

On Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out Tootsie Rolls in front of many Hays businesses.

Donations received during Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled as well as our citizens and our community.

Of the money collected, 80% stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes to our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund which helps finance projects like the Special Olympics.

Last year the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount of approximately $26,000.

Plan to attend the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament to be held March 20 and 21, 2026 in Hays. Last year there were more than 1,000 participants. The opening ceremonies are most impressive.&nbsp;

Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive moved to Oct. 10-12 in Hays

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

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

This does not affect those customers who receive their water from the City of Hays.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on October 1, 2025 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 loss of pressure due to maintenance in the distribution system. 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 785-628-2186, 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/1/01000199a022ea63-1bd80ec1-c03d-4601-b957-f390024f89f4-000000/ToAKe-X5727ojZ7HWDa_7wESy4L4a9Mg7Zmd9085wHY=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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1C by KDHE

The Hays City Commission and USD 489 Board of Education (BOE) candidate election forum is set for Monday, October 6 at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University’s campus.

Candidates for the USD 489 BOE will open the forum at 6 p.m. and conclude by 7:00 p.m. After a 15-minute intermission including refreshments, Hays City Commission candidates will take the stage at 7:15 p.m. and will conclude by 8:45 p.m.

In a partnership with the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network, and The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, this election forum provides voters in the City of Hays and USD 489 district boundaries the opportunity to learn about each of the candidates and their stances on important community issues. A special thank you is extended to event sponsors Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News.

To submit questions in advance of the forum, email sarah@hayschamber.com.

Thank you to Tiger Media Network for offering a livestream/replay of the event for those who are unable to attend in person. The event link can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw">here:&nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw</a>

Important fall 2025 election dates and information:

· Early voting begins Tuesday, October 14th at the Ellis County Administration building located at 718 Main St. and ends at noon on Monday, November 3rd.

· Polling locations can be found here: https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations

· To view other races on the ballot and for general information, visit: <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election">https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election</a>.

Hays school board, city commission candidates public forum scheduled for Monday night

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.

“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.

Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.

Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.

Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.

Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.

“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

Trump sets final deadline for Hamas to agree to peace deal

MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement in a Kansas community are warning residents to be vigilant report of a rare venomous snake&nbsp;

On October 1, a citizen called in an animal complaint regarding a snake that was found moving from 4th Street into the City Park across from the 1st Baptist Church at 4th and Elm Street, according to the Louisburg Police Department.

 Officers responded and along with other City Public Works crew discovered the snake which turned out to be a mature Copperhead reptile that was handled and removed from the area. Checks were made to insure there were no other snakes of this variety still crawling about. While it is uncommon to find this type of snake in populated locations since they tend to avoid most people, they are native to the region and can occasionally turn up. Please be vigilant when out and about in our parks and other areas where trees and thicker foliage can be near the trails and equipment and structures. 

If you do observe a snake or other wild animal, please try to avoid it as most often it is not wanting to to be near you as well. And if you are just not sure, please reach out to the local animal control to handle the creature to insure that there are no issues that might be a safety concern. The local animal control in Louisburg is the Louisburg Police Department. To reach them, call Dispatch at 837-2300 and request an Officer to respond. Thanks.

Police warn Kan. residents after rare venomous snake reported

MIAMI COUNTY— One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in rural Miami County.

The Miami County Sheriff’s Office reported a 2015 Ram 1500 was eastbound on 231st Street and failed to stop at a stop sign at Waverly Road. The pickup collided with a southbound&nbsp;2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The impact&nbsp; forced the Chevy off the roadway and into a tree. The pickup left the roadway and rolled.

EMS transported the man driving the Chevrolet Cruze to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. EMS also transported the pickup driver to a hospital for treatment of&nbsp; life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release names of the victims.

The crash remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

Kansas man dies after crash pushed car into a tree

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins attends a Missouri Right to Life rally in March in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.

The portion revised under court order now reads:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>

Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.

The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.

Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.

Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”

This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.

Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

Missouri secretary of state submits second attempt at abortion ban ballot language

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a computer scam that cost a man thousands of dollars.

On Thursday,&nbsp;&nbsp;a 76-year-old Salina man reported that on Monday he received a “pop-up” on his computer indicating his computer had contracted a virus and to call Microsoft at the listed phone number, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman,

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