By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Five candidates, including the three incumbents, participated in Monday night's Hays City Commission Forum at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Reese Barrick, Sandy Jacobs, David Koshiol, Shaun Musil and David Vilaysing answered questions ranging from the budget and the R9 long-term water project, to low-income housing and economic development needs.

Candidates Samuel Allen, Justin Choitz and Candace Hathaway were not present for the forum. Kelly Ancar will be on the ballot for both a city and school board seat, but she has said she is only pursuing a school board seat.

Each of the three incumbents, Barrick, Jacobs and Musil, said they were running again in part to see the R9 water line, long-delayed by the judicial system, go online.&nbsp;

"I believe it's going to happen," said Musil, a Nex-Tech sales representative. "Our community and region is going to continue to grow. We're not taking away from Kinsley. We bought the water. ... We have by far the lowest water usage rate per person in the state, and we will continue to do that."&nbsp;

"We're getting extremely close to bringing sustainable water to Hays for the next 75 years," Sternberg Museum of Natural History Executive Director Barrick said. "In the recent past, we've had discussions with the governor's office, which has made water a priority for her administration. ... I think we need to have more discussions with the people of Edwards County and let them know we are being good neighbors."&nbsp;

"We've done everything by the book from day one," retired banker Jacobs said. "We're using water sustainably. ... The legal system is failing us. ... We've won everything substantive that Edwards County sues for."

"If I were elected," answered Vilaysing, "the first thing I would do is sit down and meet with all the parties involved to figure out where we're at and develop the game plan to push forward. ..."not just 10 years down the road but within the next four years."

 Vilaysing, a retired Hays Police officer, owns a private company that trains first responders across the country in effective communications.

Koshiol, a plumber for Auman Company, said he had changed his original stance on the situation, feeling that Hays was taking water from someone else. 

After looking at other possibilities, Koshiol said he doesn't see any other viable options.

"I think, at this point, we should leave it at litigation until it is settled. I think we've spent enough on this project," Koshiol said.

There was mostly consensus among the candidates that the city budget is streamlined, with no unnecessary spending.

Barrick said "priorities may shift," while Jacobs said "efficiencies can always be found." Vilaysing wanted to "get more out of the resources the city already has."

Koshiol specifically mentioned the bike lanes, saying he hears a lot of negative comments about the street markings.

"I know they're spoken about highly in public, but behind the scenes, I don't know many people who appreciate them.

"We can stop maintaining them," Koshiol said, "and it's just a little more money we can utilize for something that the bulk of the community will use."&nbsp;

Musil turned his focus to parks, noting that the ARC Park is the most utilized.

"I think we need to reprioritize on what we're putting in the parks, and it is something we're going to be talking about very soon," Musil said. "...&nbsp;I think we need to look at what we're maintaining and what we're sticking in the parks."

The lone audience applause of the night came when Vilaysing said he thought city commissioners should do their job without payment.&nbsp;

In January 2024, commissioners began receiving a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/504ead11-c223-4107-8986-c7caca66fa41">$10,000 annual pay increase</a>. Their vote for the increase was unanimous.&nbsp;

"We did it in an effort to attract younger people, who are probably working, to run for the commission," Jacobs said.

Koshiol said he didn't think the pay was necessary, but understood the "carrot and stick approach" to young people.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

Although there are some projects that have moved forward in the affordable housing area, including the former Washington Grade School, Barrick said, "we do have some issues."

He said, "just getting started building houses will allow us to build more affordable housing in the future."&nbsp;

Jacobs thinks the city is already causing affordable housing to be built "as it can," but "we need to first really understand what affordable housing means. Asking a developer to build affordable housing in today's market with the cost of goods is just impossible. ... What we're doing today is causing housing to be built, which is freeing up (other) housing in our community."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Koshiol said there are a number of options for the city. He suggested working with a land bank, flipping foreclosed homes, or purchasing vacant lots to invest in the community.

"We're trying to grow, but we're forgetting the bulk of our community,"&nbsp;Koshiol said. "The working class, the elderly, and our young adults are having a hard time finding a place that's affordable here."

Several development groups have come before the city asking for a letter of support in applying for federal or state funds to build affordable housing, but the developers have been turned down by those agencies, Musil said.&nbsp;

"Our goal is to build more houses and hopefully that opens up housing that is more affordable," he said. ... "City staff is working on (affordable housing planning) now, but it's a lot harder than it seems."

The most recent housing built in Hays is priced for the top 25 percent of income earners, Vilaysing said.&nbsp;

"The RHIDs (Reinvestment Housing Incentive District) leave it open to the developer to build whatever they want. I would suggest putting in a stipulation that you get the RHID if you build 'x' number of houses, and then you build one more house which meets the income qualifications of the medium to low-income people of the city of Hays," Vilaysing said.

He also suggested bringing modular homes into the city.

Each of the commissioners agreed the city should continue funding support for local nonprofits.

Musil said he'd like the total to be more, but that would "probably require a mill levy increase."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d615ae1-9b48-4ebd-9200-7c593c85db69">Hays mill levy has remained at 25 mills</a> or less for 17 years.&nbsp;

The forum was live-streamed by the FHSU Tiger Media Network and presented by the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network and the Chamber in Hays.

City commission candidates talk housing, budget, R9 water project

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Recent obituaries and service times

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Please use the south entrance.

The speaker will be Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the social work department at Fort Hays State University. Davis will discuss grief and its long-term effects and then will facilitate the meeting's share and support session.&nbsp;

The Healing Hearts group welcomes any adult who has lost a loved one of any age. The group’s facilitator is Dr. Kate McGonigal, who teaches in the Sociology Department at Fort Hays State University.

Social work professor to address grief support group

Fort Hays State University Alumni Office

Community members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27.&nbsp;Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.

Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.

The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family. 

Read more about the library’s renaming here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRAmqWsXudrdOTwQYq1O75GnAv067-2BZKviK1FL1K07AZjHYGKgtGDedXMkN6eMkMr0GArSuiE-2BLhN1mUrKCxzxm7z3QYklNsQRZwwrK7Hf7S7Q-3D-3DWj2x_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsNqWNXWClpv6L3f3gbBPyBP-2FELKHssyDL3FHTSv4W4wDSD5SfnTPJUL9KUnQHxPw7NTrN80yFhldCE28wYIOFkkg90-2Bb0kw3Tfr3NTG-2FsZS6I47hZoijnt3WWREez29VMC1gzCtWqWp6zC7RaeLIsxICJjIBnnvqvW7LpUdX3Gfa">foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library</a>

Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard&nbsp;’11&nbsp;and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso&nbsp;’14, ’17,&nbsp;a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis&nbsp;’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery&nbsp;’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt&nbsp;’08, ’11,&nbsp;and Jacie Hoyt&nbsp;’11. 

Learn more about each recipient here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aYR9Z8tDg7NaDuaaD04HBOwrASeRkFfF9qUs-2Bz2YCAlbmbJRCDVQSQwjO2fP4B0UjwsNSkZgkz4UUJSd4ekSWatFp4jkYXFbuUXiNKWgvZtR53R_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOcietdQGfFVQkm17oTQEFYO0H0q9wOl1NcUCkniCbAT5ySMYV3-2BTPDy1j-2BH7-2Bpfo1y4yhip3V249-2BbACdRV-2FRsDwwuXeBWWWYHcUWMAeXLd9vulD76evdrvlmvQfD-2B2zhvjPhX8m54V3K-2BZ54IQOUTjwE8NgAzowF1CaPx6thqnzE1c-2ByZWpiKKzaZwyqvOxjBEPPR-2BfS65udvmMAtuXOXiuTzCow4JuHr0yiNj2ddQHvHSa7aG8Wj5-2FRKKoLfmWZ">FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients</a>

The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.

“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”

Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.

Mark your calendars for October 1&nbsp;-&nbsp;3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year! 

Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.

FHSU Homecoming a weekend to remember for alumni

By KENDRA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension District

Medicare can be challenging to navigate. 

If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. 

The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.

The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in Hays or Ellis with a certified counselor.

When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. 

To schedule your appointment in Hays or Ellis, please call 785-628-9430.

Or if you are in surrounding areas such as Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, or Claflin, please call 620-793-1910 to schedule an appointment with Michelle Beran.

Karissa Frasier, M.S., is a Certified Community Health Worker for Cottonwood Extension District in Hays. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or by email at&nbsp;krfrasier@ksu.edu.

FRASIER: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

<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

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

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

&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

Area Pizza Hut fundraisers today for HPD Officer Scott Heimann family 

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

Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting canceled

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

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

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/james-comey">James Comey</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a criminal case that has highlighted the Justice Department's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">efforts to target adversaries</a>&nbsp;of President Donald Trump, with lawyers for the former FBI director saying that they plan to argue the prosecution is politically motivated and should be dismissed.

The arraignment lasted less than half an hour. But it was nonetheless loaded with historical significance given that the case has amplified concerns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pam-bondi-justice-department-congress-8674e9110d0d99b884ae9df530aa18bc">the Justice Department is being weaponized</a>&nbsp;in pursuit of Trump's political enemies and is operating at the behest of a White House determined to seek retribution for perceived wrongs against the Republican president.

Comey's not guilty plea to allegations that he lied to Congress five years ago kick-starts a process of legal wrangling at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington. Defense lawyers said they intend to ask that the case be thrown out before trial on the grounds that it amounts to a vindictive prosecution and to challenge the appointment of the prosecutor who brought it after being hastily named to the post days earlier by Trump.

“It’s the honor of my life to represent Mr. Comey in this matter,” one of Comey's lawyers, Patrick Fitzgerald, a longtime friend who served with him in President George W. Bush's Justice Department, said in court on Wednesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">The indictment</a>&nbsp;two weeks ago followed an extraordinary chain of events that saw Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-retribution-bondi-investigations-97207519e02dea460d6c68cc8b585c33">publicly implore</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other perceived adversaries. The president also replaced the veteran attorney who had been overseeing the investigation with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/letitia-james-eastern-district-of-virginia-trump-8c84bd8603a4b932f9cb2e451ef057a3">Lindsey Halligan</a>, a White House aide who had never previously served as a federal prosecutor but had been one of Trump's personal lawyers. Halligan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-james-comey-indictment-bondi-doj-cf18d2b6d411cd323d9a501c49f5b8a4">rushed to file charges</a>&nbsp;before a legal deadline lapsed despite warnings from other lawyers in the office that the evidence was insufficient for an indictment.

Halligan sat at the prosecution table but did not address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-michael-nachmanoff-james-comey-trump-b59d47e4fe18252c6afaf27af81b85bb">the judge</a>. The two prosecutors who have signed on to handle the case are both based in North Carolina.

The two-count indictment alleges that Comey made a false statement to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-donald-trump-confirmation-hearings-elections-judiciary-5fe42a7cbcc135c7e8f01bff3809e472">the Senate Judiciary Committee</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 30, 2020, by denying he had authorized an associate to serve as an anonymous source to the news media and that he obstructed a congressional proceeding. Comey has denied any wrongdoing and has said he's looking forward to a trial, which the judge set for Jan. 5, though that date will be subject to change. The indictment does not identify the associate or say what information may have been discussed with the media, making it challenging to assess the strength of the evidence or to even fully parse the allegations.

Though an indictment is typically just the start of a protracted court process, the Justice Department has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-comey-justice-department-james-schiff-309c573c2d9d16839afabb3af56ef2f8">trumpeted the development</a>&nbsp;itself as something of a win, regardless of the outcome. Trump administration officials are likely to point to any conviction as proof the case was well-justified, but an acquittal or even dismissal may also be held up as further support for their long-running contention the criminal justice system is stacked against them.

The judge randomly assigned to the case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judge-michael-nachmanoff-james-comey-trump-b59d47e4fe18252c6afaf27af81b85bb">Michael Nachmanoff</a>, was nominated to the bench by President Joe Biden's Democratic administration and is a former chief federal defender. Known for methodical preparation and a cool temperament, the judge and his background have already drawn Trump's attention, with the president deriding him as a “Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge."

Besides Comey, the Justice Department is also investigating other foes of the president, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. Lawyers for James and Schiff, both Democrats, call the investigations meritless.

Several Comey family members arrived in court Wednesday morning ahead of his arraignment, including his daughter Maurene, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-maurene-comey-trump-23fb32ac0e4402873862d3ca6d31d18e">fired by the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;earlier this year from her position as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, as well as Troy Edwards Jr., a son-in-law of Comey's who minutes after Comey was indicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/comey-son-law-resign-doj-4051b95b5f532c914cfff14aacdc49e8">resigned his job</a>&nbsp;as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia — the office that filed the charges.

The indictment was the latest chapter in a long-broken relationship between Trump and Comey.

Trump arrived in office in January 2017 as Comey, appointed to the FBI director job by President Barack Obama four years earlier, was overseeing an investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

The dynamic was fraught from the start, with Comey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-united-states-congress-general-news-3517e85629dd4a05891badc536713aa3">briefing Trump weeks before he took office</a>&nbsp;on the existence of uncorroborated and sexually salacious gossip in a dossier of opposition research compiled by a former British spy.

In their first several private interactions, Comey would later reveal, Trump asked his FBI director to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-congress-6ad1d266ad894766af68f6ff9e883d2c">pledge his loyalty</a>&nbsp;to him and to drop an FBI investigation into his administration’s first national security adviser,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-pardon-michael-flynn-russia-aeef585b08ba6f2c763c8c37bfd678ed">Michael Flynn</a>. Comey said Trump also asked him to announce that Trump himself was not under investigation as part of the broader inquiry into Russian election interference, something Comey did not do.

Comey was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-4ff1ecb621884a728b25e62661257ef0">abruptly fired</a>&nbsp;in May 2017 while at an event in Los Angeles, with Trump later saying he was thinking about “this Russia thing” when he decided to terminate him. The firing was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-russia-48f9d5132d7a4e2d823edad8fc407979">investigated by Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller</a>&nbsp;as an act of potential obstruction of justice.

Comey in 2018 published a memoir, “A Higher Loyalty,” that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e123c8153d6497c9e07ec77bdd24171">painted Trump in deeply unflattering ways</a>, likening him to a mafia don and characterizing him as unethical and “untethered to truth.”

Trump, for his part, continued to angrily vent at Comey as the Russia investigation led by Mueller dominated headlines for the next two years and shadowed his first administration. On social media, he repeatedly claimed Comey should face charges for “treason” — an accusation Comey dismissed as “dumb lies” — and called him an “untruthful slime ball.”

Former FBI director faces a judge on federal charges of lying to Congress

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in California charged a 29-year-old man with starting a fire that days later erupted into the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history and destroyed much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, federal law enforcement officials announced Wednesday.

Authorities accused 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year’s Day that was put out initially, but continued to smolder underground before reigniting during high winds, acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said during a news conference.

Rinderknecht fled the scene of the original fire, but returned to the same trail where he’d been earlier to watch it burn, Essayli said. During an interview with investigators, he lied about his location, claiming he was near the bottom of the hiking trail, Essayli said.

He was arrested Tuesday in Florida and was due to appear in court Wednesday. Essayli declined to say how investigators believe Rinderknecht started the Jan. 1 fire.

The blaze, which erupted on Jan. 7, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-evacuation-alerts-69f10d320df14c6394fc2c646d1ff0ce">Pacific Palisades</a>, a wealthy coastal neighborhood of LA. The fire ripped through hillside neighborhoods, destroying mansions with spectacular views of the ocean and downtown Los Angeles.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally lit, likely by a lighter taken to vegetation or paper, the according to a criminal complaint said.

Authorities first interviewed Rinderknecht on Jan. 24, according to the criminal complaint. He told them he had been in the area on Jan. 1 and did not see anyone else in the area at that time.

Investigators excluded other possibilities including fireworks, lightning and power lines. Authorities also looked into whether a cigarette could’ve caused the fire, but concluded that was not the cause, the complaint says.

Investigators still haven’t determined the cause of a second blaze called the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/drone-footage-reveals-devastated-altadena-neighborhood-following-eaton-wildfire-f823a1f0beee4315b98c811c5f21eda5">community of Altadena</a>&nbsp;and killed 18 people.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-eaton-palisides-urban-area-a162c86589b9102a85c510246539ab72">Both fires</a>&nbsp;burned for days, reducing block after block of entire neighborhoods to gray and black debris.

An outside review released in September found that a lack of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eaton-fire-california-report-f053786a9670af06a0a90cd2ea7150f0">resources and outdated policies</a>&nbsp;for sending emergency alerts led to delayed evacuation warnings.

The report commissioned by Los Angeles County supervisors said a series of weaknesses, including “outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities,” hampered the county’s response.

Man arrested, accused of starting wildfire that leveled LA neighborhood

SUMNER COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 10a.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by John Karlin&nbsp;Stoddard, 56, Belle Plaine, was eastbound in the 1100 Block of U.S. 160. The pickup traveled left of center and struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt box-truck driven by Michael Anthony&nbsp;Windahl, 29, Harper.&nbsp;

After impact, both&nbsp;vehicles came to rest in the south ditch and caught on fire.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Cornejo Funeral Home. The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

SUMNER COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash and fire that occurred just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The Patrol reported an eastbound vehicle in the 1100 Block U.S. 160 traveled left of center and struck a westbound vehicle.&nbsp; After impact the vehicles traveled into a ditch and caught on fire.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP IDs victims in fatal 2-vehicle crash and fire

Federal health officials this week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-meals-containing-spinach-may-be">warned</a>&nbsp;people not to eat certain Hello Fresh subscription meal kits containing spinach that may be contaminated with listeria.

The U.S. Agriculture Department issued a public health alert for the meals, which were produced by FreshRealm, the San Clemente, California-based company linked to an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-meatball-chicken-alfredo-listeria-70ffb419f0ac7dfc13d2a1b655c1578f">expanding listeria outbreak</a>&nbsp;tied to heat-and-eat pasta meals.

The products include 10.1-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and 10-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. Both were shipped directly to consumers.

The pork pepper pasta is identified with establishment number Est. 47718 and lot code 49107 or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840. The unstuffed peppers with ground turkey is identified with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698.

The problem was discovered when FreshRealm notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service that the quick-frozen spinach used in the products tested positive for listeria. The spinach was provided by Sno Pac Foods of Caledonia, Minnesota, through their supplier, Del Mar Foods of Watsonville, California. The strain of listeria detected did not match any known outbreak and no illnesses have been reported, FreshRealm officials said in a statement.

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