"We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works." 

— Jennifer Hecker, director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.

If you are domestic violence victim, you can access help,&nbsp;call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411. For more on Options' services, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00ebb752-0851-47cb-b62e-cf175f298b31">CLICK HERE.</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Four police officers have been killed this year in the line of duty in Kansas. Two of those four, including Hays Sgt. Scott Heimann, were killed responding to domestic violence calls.

Early Sunday morning, a woman called 911 and said she had escaped a domestic violence situation.

The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help, according to the KBI.

When Heimann and officers were trying to set up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing, a single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck&nbsp;Heimann, according to the KBI.&nbsp;

Despite life-saving efforts, the officer died from his injuries.

Tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In 2023, the Hays Police Department and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services launched a program to try to intervene before domestic violence escalates to the point of severe injury or death.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0e23095e-92ee-4d2d-81df-6b263d4e263f">At that point, the last six murders in Hays were all connected to domestic violence.&nbsp;</a>

Officers were given a lethality survey to ask domestic violence victims, which was supposed to be accompanied by a call to an advocate at Options.

Jennifer Hecker, Options' executive director, said Options has struggled to fully implement the program because of a lack of funding.

Options has made three attempts for state funding and one attempt for federal funding to support a high-risk team coordinator. All four requests have been denied due to a lack of available funding, Hecker said.

Within the last month, Options reassigned its case manager to a position serving as the high-risk team coordinator.&nbsp;

"We made some internal changes to make that a priority despite the lack of funding for it," Hecker said.

She said this is the fourth domestic violence-related murder in Options' service area in a year.

"We are seeing domestic violence homicides rising sharply at a time when funding for advocacy organizations like ours is facing cuts," she said.

Hecker has also been a vocal advocate, calling for reform within our judicial system.

"Domestic violence is not considered a serious crime," she said. "It's not treated as systemic terrorism that domestic violence actually represents.

"Domestic violence isn't less deadly, because it's happening between a husband and wife or two people in a relationship," she said.

She said that with a well-functioning high-risk team, we can prevent these things from happening.

"We can reduce risk," she said. "If we had a full-operational high-risk team, we could intervene before officers walk into death traps," Hecker said.

Hecker, as well as Kati Blackburn of Jana's Campaign, noted that domestic violence does not only affect the two people in the relationship.

In the incident on Sunday, people were evacuated from their homes.

 Children who witness abuse can face long-term trauma. Families and friends lose loved ones. Coworkers, neighbors, and bystanders can become unintended victims, Blackburn said in a press release issued Monday.

According to national research, 13.9% of officer-involved shootings occur in response to domestic violence incidents (wcadv.org, 2020). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies and education at every level of the community, the release said.

“Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by the recent incidents here in our home community of Hays,” Blackburn added. “Incidents like this remind us why prevention education is necessary.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dd421f47-4d2f-4848-b265-72e711ada80a">SEE THE FULL JANA'S CAMPAIGN HERE.</a>

Jana's Campaign is an organization that promotes education and prevention of relationship violence. It often focuses on youth and young adult programs.

The program was founded by Christine and Curt Brungardt of Hays after a former boyfriend murdered their daughter.

“We know the devastating impacts of domestic violence fatality as our organization was created as a result of our own family tragedy,” said Curt Brungardt, co-founder of Jana’s Campaign in the press release.

“Every call for help represents not just a private dispute, but a potential life-or-death crisis that can ripple outward and harm innocent people.”

Hecker also sent her condolences to the officer's family, first responders, Hays Police Department and the domestic violence victim.

However, she said&nbsp;condolences are not enough.

"We need to stop accepting thoughts and prayers as a substitute for actual investment in saving lives. This officer died trying to protect someone. We owe it to his sacrifice to build a system that works," Hecker said. ...

"Domestic violence is dangerous. When are we going to do something? What will it take?"

She added, "If I could say one thing to the victim, it would be, 'This is not your fault."

Hecker said Options services are available for anyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

Wickham had a criminal history, according to court records.

He was charged with a count of aggravated battery and three counts of battery in 2011. He pleaded no contest to all four charges, according to court records.

In May 2012, he entered a diversion agreement.

He also entered a diversion agreement for a felony as a juvenile, according to court records.

In 2024, he was arrested on charges of DUI, disorderly conduct, interference with a law enforcement officer and other traffic violations. That case was on appeal as of Sept. 5, according to court records.

Domestic violence prevention groups call for action after shooting; suspect had criminal record

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has arranged for many Ellis County churches to be open from noon to 1 p.m. (or longer) Wednesday for those who would like to pray for our community.

Area churches will toll their bells as we unite in prayer. At 12:15 p.m., for those who can’t be there, if you can stop what you're doing and join in a moment of prayer or silence as we unite our hearts and thoughts for our community and friends and families who are suffering so deeply.

Churches to open, moment of silence requested at noon Wednesday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video Monday saying she is being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.

On Sept. 10, the day Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, Chance posted the following the same day:

"In my post, I just stated that there's karma," Chance said in the TikTok video. "There's irony associated with that, and that's by no means to celebrate someone's death."

Chance added when she thinks of karma and irony, she thinks of it in a scientific sense rather than a mythical one. Chance compared the death of Kirk to Newton's laws of physics, saying that energy is not destroyed.&nbsp;

"I believe that it's passed and transferred. The energy that one puts out, one receives," Chance said.

Chance also made the following post on her social media:

In her video response, she pointed out FBI statistics about the demographics of mass shooters.&nbsp;

"Not that I conclude that every single white American man is a terrorist or potentially violent. I mean, I come from a white home. I'm actually biracial, and I'm half white myself," Chance said.

Chance said that events like 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting have shaped her views on gun control and that they should not impact her work.

"Who I am as a person outside of my professional spaces should never be put under attack," she said. "The institution that I am an employee at has been put in a hard place. I'm black in America. I get hard places."

Scott Cason, FHSU’s chief communications officer, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/09/fort-hays-state-university-statement-regarding-recent-social-media-post-about-race-and-violence#gsc.tab=0">press release</a>&nbsp;the university is aware of content on the X account Libs of TikTok linking a faculty member to social media posts about Charlie Kirk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Individuals who post commentaries to their personal social media accounts do not speak for the University, nor does their commentary reflect the views or values of this university," Cason said.

Cason said FHSU is reviewing the situation as a confidential personnel matter and asks for patience as they address it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bf5501-02df-472c-a43a-a4ff11ff5305">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk</a>

"Although I am mentally exhausted, I realized that no one's going to speak up for you but yourself. You have to be your own advocate," Chance said. "I refuse to be anyone's victim."

Libs of TikTok, a right-wing social media account that curates and reposts videos designed to provoke outrage among conservative followers, posted the following Sunday and tagged the FHSU X page.&nbsp;

The university also shared its press release on its X page, where Libs of TikTok responded with criticism.

"Sorry, but I don't have 'patience' for professors who call white Americans 'dangerous animals' and mock the murder of a young father. This statement says absolutely nothing," the X post said.

FHSU assistant professor under review for Charlie Kirk posts responds

The dignified transfer of Sgt. Scott Heimann from Wichita is expected to arrive in Hays between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30.

They will enter the city of Hays via I-70, Exit 157, traveling south on U.S. 183 Bypass, turning east on 27th Street. They will continue south on Hall Street, east on 13th Street, north on Vine Street, turning west on 20th Street to conclude at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine St.

Please be aware traffic delays may be experienced during this time.

The city of Hays appreciates resident patience.

Residents are encouraged to line the route and welcome Scott home.

On behalf of the Hays Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announces the fallen officer escort of SGT Scott Heimann from Wichita, Kansas, to Hays, Kansas, on September 30. SGT Heimann died in the line of duty on September 28.

The escort, to include the Kansas law enforcement and larger first responder community, will leave Wichita at approximately noon and travel north on I-135 through Salina. They will continue west out of Salina on I-70 to Exit 157.

The escort will enter the City of Hays via south U.S. 183 turning east on 27th Street. They will continue south on Hall Street, east on 13th Street, north on Vine Street, turning west on 20th Street to conclude at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street.

During the escort, motorists traveling along this route may experience delays.

Vehicle escort for fallen officer to pass through Hays today

Members of the public Monday afternoon and overnight have left flowers, stuffed animals and other items at Sgt. Scott&nbsp;Heimann patrol vehicle, which is parked in front of the Hays Police Department office on 12th Street.

Children have colored pictures among the many tribute items left as memorials.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d47e259b-e783-4435-9af2-c91b85b73b66">Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident on Sunday.</a>

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/259a0a4e-7e84-4de0-abd6-7a961ab84091">See the full obituary here.&nbsp;</a>

Memorials are suggested for&nbsp;Heimann’s children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.

Community mourns loss of police officer; funeral set for Friday

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

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

US weekly crude production is back within fracking distance of the all-time record high. The Energy Information Administration reports average output of 13,501,000 barrels a day. Production tops 13.5 million for the first time since April 2nd and only the 14th time ever. The best-ever weekly production average dates back to December of last year, when output topped 13.6 million barrels a day.

Crude oil exports dropped by nearly a hundred thousand barrels a day from last week's 21-month high.&nbsp; The government reports crude exports dipped under 4.5 million barrels a day, from over 5.2 million a week ago. Four week average crude exports are up 200,000 barrels from a year ago.

Crude imports are up 14% from last week, but barely changed from a year ago at about 6.5 million barrels a day.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve tops out at 406 million barrels this week after taking delivery on another 200-thousand barrels. The SPR is up 24 million barrels from a year ago, and nearly 42-million barrels since refills resumed in April of 2024.

Commercial inventories, not including the SPR, dropped by more than half a million barrels to just under 415 million. EIA says stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Weekly statistics from the oil patch in Kansas continue to sag. The Kansas Corporation Commission okayed five new drilling locations statewide this week, with one east of Wichita and four in Western Kansas including one new permit in Russell County. That's two in Russell County this year.

Operators completed nine wells in Kansas during the week. Independent Oil and Gas Service notes six in Western Kansas and three east of Wichita. The total this year is 850 wells, down from more than a thousand a year ago.&nbsp; Just 586 wells have been drilled to total depth this year, down more than 40 percent from a year ago. Overall drilling activity is down 36%.

The Kansas Rig Count is down 25% from last week, with eight active rigs West of Wichita, down two, and four rigs in eastern Kansas, down two. The total is half what it was a year ago.

Current rig counts in Texas and New Mexico confirm that shale-oil producers in both states are getting more bang for the buck. The rig count in Texas is up four from last week, but remains 31 rigs lower than a year ago. Baker Hughes reports New Mexico increased by one rig last week but is nine rigs lower than a year ago. Both state's have produced dramatic increases in oil output. Baker Hughes reports 549 active rigs nationwide as of Friday, up seven for the week but 38 rigs lower than last year at this time.

The number of producing oil wells in North Dakota rose to an all-time high in July, leading to a big bump in production. The Department of Mineral Resources &nbsp;reports the #3 crude-producing state pumped 1.16 million barrels per day in July, up about two thousand barrels from June. DMR reported a slight increase in the amount of natural gas captured at oil wells in the state to 95.2%, dropping the amount of flared natural gas by 15%. Officials say there are 19,547 producing wells in the state, up 38 from the month before.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production resumes near-record pace

Happy 18th birthday to the Heartland Community Foundation! The last week of September, the organization celebrates nearly two decades of inspiring local philanthropy — and the timing is extra special: at the close of fiscal year 2025 on June 30, Heartland surpassed $10 million in assets for the first time, ending the year at $10,271,155.25.

“Reaching this milestone is a moment of pride for everyone involved with Heartland — our donors, board members, staff, and the entire community,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director.

 “Every dollar entrusted to us is a vote of confidence in our local nonprofits and a commitment to building a stronger future for our region. It’s exciting to celebrate both 18 years of service and the power of generosity coming together to make a real difference.”

During fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), Heartland granted $691,954.80 to local nonprofits and community organizations, supporting programs and initiatives across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.

Now home to more than 140 funds and supported by nearly 725 donors in fiscal year 2025 alone, the foundation’s resources include an operating endowment of $2,010,134.68, countywide unrestricted funds totaling $3,919,532.90, and numerous donor-directed funds. 

Heartland offers six primary fund types to meet most charitable goals — including donor-advised funds, which can be a tax-advantaged vehicle for giving — as well as funds for individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and tributes. These tools make it easy for donors to give strategically, flexibly, and in alignment with their passions.

Since its founding in 2007 by 47 visionary donors, Heartland has grown into the region’s trusted resource for charitable giving. The foundation’s permanent and endowed funds are invested for long-term growth, allowing Heartland to provide reliable grantmaking and support for local nonprofits year after year.

 By taking care of the giving, Heartland allows nonprofits to focus on what&nbsp;they do best — serving families, seniors, children, and neighbors across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.

“Heartland is the hub for charitable giving in our community,” said Josh Dreher, board chair. “From education to healthcare, food security to community development, Heartland makes it easy for donors to amplify their impact. Every gift, whether large or small, is pooled, invested, and granted in a way that ensures it goes further and makes a lasting difference.”

The foundation’s work extends beyond grantmaking. Heartland inspires philanthropy by providing tools, resources, and expertise to help donors give in ways that are strategic, impactful, and aligned with their passions. 

Over the years, Heartland has granted nearly $5.4 million back into the region, supporting a wide array of causes and programs that strengthen communities now and for generations to come.

As Heartland celebrates its 18th anniversary, the foundation extends heartfelt thanks to its founding donors, current and past board members, staff, and supporters, whose vision and dedication have shaped Heartland into a permanent pillar of regional philanthropy.

 We also want to extend a special thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, for their continued investment, match dollars, pass-through dollars, and other ways they have supported Heartland and the other county community foundations in northwest Kansas. 

And, we extend a special thank you to the Greater Salina Community Foundation, our host community foundation, and their staff and board for providing administrative, strategic, and investment support to Heartland and the other affiliates. Together, we have created a vehicle for generosity that makes giving easy, accessible, and impactful for everyone, no matter the charitable passion.

For more information about the Heartland Community Foundation and ways to give, visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

Heartland Community Foundation surpasses $10M in assets; celebrates 18th anniversary

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Outdoor watering restrictions in Hays which started June 1 will end Tuesday, Sept. 30. 

Until then, outdoor water use is prohibited between noon and 7 p.m., including from private wells.&nbsp;

In addition to the seasonal restrictions, Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, said the following are banned year-round:

• Washing down of hardscapes such as sidewalks, parking lots, driveways • Known water loss through breaks, leaks in plumbing systems • Escape of water from private property onto public property such as&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;landscape irrigation onto sidewalks, street gutters

If the weather is warm and windy in October, Dickman encouraged watering landscape plants and turfgrass if necessary.

"Fortunately, with cooler night temperatures and shorter days, the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced," she said. "Always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."

Dickman said fall is also an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs as well as many drought-tolerant perennials.

"The cooler temperatures make the environment less stressful, while the warm soil temperatures encourage good root growth," she said.&nbsp;

Outdoor seasonal watering restrictions end today in Hays

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension Agent

As an Ag agent for KSRE over these past ten years, I have made countless home visits for individuals with tree issues. There are many reasons a tree can have problems. 

The drought we lived through these past few years has taken its toll on our trees, to the other extreme the heavy rains and flooding that occurred in Barton County around 2019 also caused significant damage to our trees. These environmental conditions are unpreventable but, giving your tree a little extra TLC for some time after can help your tree stay healthy for a long time after such events.

If your tree falters and dies what should you do? What type of tree should be the replacement? Here are some observations I have seen over time to help you find the right tree for the area you want to plant.

First of all, take a look at the site you wish to plant and observe the surroundings. How close to buildings are you? Are there powerlines above that area? What other obstacles will the tree encounter as it grows?

 One example is powerlines. If you have some in the area you wish to plant, you will want to chose a tree that won’t grow as tall as to interfere with them.

Soil type is also important. Most trees prefer moist, well drained soils. Knowing your soil type and how your landscape is in various conditions will help you find a tree that will thrive in your yard.

Another question you need to address: what types of diseases and what insects are prone to the type of tree you are looking to plant? 

The Red Maple for example is a popular choice for a landscape tree with its vibrant fall color but, the tree has several issues in our area. 

The soil pH in our region tends to be high causing iron to be tied up chemically. As maples need more iron than other trees, they become chlorotic. This hinders chlorophyll production and causes the leaves to turn yellow. This in turn causes the tree to be unable to make its own nutrients and eventually it causes the tree to decline and die. 

If you want a maple tree, be prepared to treat the tree with an iron supplement as it ages and shows symptoms. Maples also tend to have poor branching, so early pruning and extra care as its ages is very important to have a tree that will be around for years to come.

The Kansas Forest Service has a publication for each region of Kansas that rates trees for environmental and landscape attributes to help you select the right tree for the place you want to plant. 

To access the one for Northwest Kansas, including Barton and Ellis Counties got to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf">https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf</a>&nbsp;or call our offices and we can get a copy to you.

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: Picking a tree to plant

<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 Oct. 2, 2025, Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

No Hays City Commission meeting for Thursday

The majority of Ellis Co. Rural water district 1-C will experience an outage on Wednesday, October 1st, starting at 8 am to 4pm due to repairs on the 6-inch main line.&nbsp; We apologize for the inconvenience.&nbsp;

Water outage planned for Ellis County rural water district 1-C Wednesday

&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

FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute

"Tonight’s Science Café has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date. We will share the new date with you as soon as it is confirmed."

FHSU Science Cafe tonight canceled 

Born and raised in Hays, he is the only Kansas Governor from Hays. He is also the State’s longest-serving Lt. Governor. After volunteering as a doctor in intense war zones like Kosovo, Rwanda and Iraq; He doesn’t just talk, he walks the walk. Come hear the story of former Kansas Governor, Jeff Colyer!

Former Gov. Jeff Colyer to speak at FHSU

The Bricks (Downtown Hays Development Corporation) is proud to announce the return of its signature fall event, the Farm to Fork dinner, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at The Strand, 1102 Main Street, Hays.

Presented by Werth Wealth Management, the Farm to Fork Dinner is a one-of-a-kind culinary experience celebrating the bounty of northwest Kansas. 

Guests will enjoy a gourmet multi-course meal crafted by Executive Chef Austin Petz, featuring the freshest produce from the Downtown Hays Market and local growers.

“Farm to Fork has become a tradition that not only showcases the incredible talent of local chefs and farmers, but also highlights the community spirit that makes Downtown Hays so special,” said Lee Ann June, executive director at The Bricks in Downtown Hays. “It’s an evening of connection, celebration, and unforgettable flavors.”

• A thoughtfully curated menu designed to highlight local produce and ingredients. • Elegant dining inside one of Downtown Hays’ most iconic venues, The Strand. • A chance to connect with neighbors, friends, and supporters of Downtown Hays.

Tickets are limited to just 100 seats. Individual tickets are $75 each or $580 for a reserved table of 8. Proceeds support The Bricks’ mission to enhance and promote Downtown Hays through events, beautification, and historic preservation.

Tickets are on sale. Reserve your tickets at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.downtownhays.com/farm-to-fork-dinner">https://www.downtownhays.com/farm-to-fork-dinner</a>&nbsp;or call/email The Bricks to reserve your seat today (785-621-4171 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thebricks@downtownhays.com">thebricks@downtownhays.com</a>). Early reservations are strongly encouraged as the event traditionally sells out quickly.

Farm to Fork dinner returns Oct. 21 to celebrate local flavors and community

Attention student-athletes: On Monday, September 29, the Sports Injury Walk-In Clinic will be held from 2:00–3:00 p.m. instead of its regular morning time.

During the school year, this clinic is available every Monday from 8:00–9:00 a.m. to evaluate acute/new injuries, no appointment needed. Dr. Wally Walstrom and the HaysMed Sports Medicine and Orthopedic team are here to help you get back in the game.

Student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of this convenient opportunity for injury evaluation. Simply walk in to the HaysMed Orthopedic Institute, located in the Bickle/Eagle Health Complex at 2500 Canterbury Drive, Suite 112 in Hays. No appointment is necessary.

Schedule change for Sports Injury Walk-In Clinic on Monday

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is inviting citizens to share ideas and discuss regional transportation needs concerning highways, public transit, pedestrians and more at Local Consult meetings taking place across the state in October.

“We want to hear directly from Kansans about what transportation improvements are important to them,” said Secretary Calvin Reed. “Those attending the Local Consult meetings will be providing input on what projects KDOT should prioritize for future infrastructure improvements.”

Attendees will also learn more about transportation investments being made in their area as well as about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

Eight regional and metro meetings&nbsp;are set to help citizens be able to attend. The public is invited to participate in one or more meetings including:

COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave. (northwest Kansas, District 3).

SALINA - 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 23:&nbsp;Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway (north central Kansas, District 2).

STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199773ec5c2-87a2cc36-214d-4785-8bb3-381100f212d3-000000/Ux5QwiRQM_ECmnygVz5MCEiukAWBXV03QpAv8du2eaI=423">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.

KDOT is encouraging all Kansans to complete a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkdot.sjc1.qualtrics.com%2Fjfe%2Fform%2FSV_81fxrTHDCI0qxX8%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199773ec5c2-87a2cc36-214d-4785-8bb3-381100f212d3-000000/EvD1y2LapyjI2LB2Jd2rxmyFPWz-mr_L_m4V6eiWFwg=423">short online survey</a>&nbsp;to provide their input on the state's transportation system before attending the meetings.

Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Consult meeting in Colby to focus on regional transportation priorities in Kansas

DORRANCE — It's Bazaar time again at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Dorrance.

The Bazaar will be held Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Wilson Catholic Parish Hall in Wilson.

A complete turkey dinner including homemade pie and drinks will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. Games and the cake wheel start at 5:30 p.m. Bingo with a variety of great prizes will start at 7 p.m.

 St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Dorrance celebrates its bazaar on Oct. 12

QUANTICO, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to use American cities as training grounds for the armed forces and joined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday in declaring an end to “woke” culture before an unusual gathering of hundreds of top U.S. military officials who were abruptly summoned to Virginia from around the world.

Hegseth announced new directives for troops that include “gender-neutral” or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-military-fitness-infantry-special-operations-247fbd7a4f9d0ba79111194139208fa5">“male-level” standards</a>&nbsp;for physical fitness, while Trump bragged about U.S. nuclear capabilities and warned that “America is under invasion from within.”

“After spending trillions of dollars defending the borders of foreign countries, with your help we’re defending the borders of our country,” Trump said.

Hegseth had called military leaders to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, near Washington, without publicly revealing the reason until this morning. His address largely focused on his own long-used talking points that painted a picture of a military that has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-ends-trump-program-women-5c9e65044c33ff780440bd123e16d28e">hamstrung by “woke” policies</a>, and he said military leaders should “do the honorable thing and resign” if they don’t like his new approach.

Meetings between top military brass and civilian leaders are nothing new, but the gathering had fueled intense speculation about the summit’s purpose given the haste with which it was called and the mystery surrounding it.

Admirals and generals from conflict zones in the Middle East and elsewhere were summoned for a lecture on race and gender in the military, underscoring the extent to which the country’s culture wars have emerged as a front-and-center agenda item for Hegseth’s Pentagon, even at a time of broad national security concerns across the globe.

Trump is used to boisterous crowds of supporters who laugh at his jokes and applaud his boasts during his speeches. But he wasn't getting that kind of soundtrack from the generals and admirals in attendance.

In keeping with the nonpartisan tradition of the armed services, the military leaders sat mostly stone-faced through Trump’s politicized remarks, a contrast from when rank-and-file soldiers cheered during Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-fort-bragg-6df36485dec1df2350d5b7be0882a703">speech at Fort Bragg</a>&nbsp;this summer.

During his nearly hour-long speech, Hegseth said the U.S. military has promoted too many leaders for the wrong reasons based on race, gender quotas and “historic firsts.”

“The era of politically correct, overly sensitive don’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings leadership ends right now at every level,” Hegseth said.

That was echoed by Trump, who said “the purposes of America military is not to protect anyone’s feelings. It’s to protect our republic.″

″We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom,” Trump said. “And we will be a fighting and winning machine.”

Hegseth said he is loosening disciplinary rules and weakening hazing protections, putting a heavy focus on removing many of the guardrails the military had put in place after numerous scandals and investigations

He said he was ordering a review of “the department’s definitions of so-called toxic leadership, bullying and hazing to empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second guessing.”

The defense secretary called for “changes to the retention of adverse information on personnel records that will allow leaders with forgivable, earnest, or minor infractions to not be encumbered by those infractions in perpetuity.”

“People make honest mistakes, and our mistakes should not define an entire career,” Hegseth said. “Otherwise, we only try not to make mistakes.”

Bullying and toxic leadership has been the suspected and confirmed cause behind numerous military suicides over the past several years, including the very dramatic suicide of Brandon Caserta, a young sailor who was bullied into killing himself in 2018.

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