By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays is gaining some ground in its housing market, but demand is still far outpacing supply, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said Tuesday.

Williams gave his end-of-the-year report at the Grow Hays quarterly luncheon at the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.

He said a housing shortage and the high cost of building new units are increasing home and rental prices. However, Hays' median home price is still lower than some comparable communities.

"Our housing problems persist, and our supply and demand are pretty out of whack," Williams said. "We have a lot of work to do in that area. We are making strides, but the challenge is accelerating."

In 2025, housing permits were issued for 14 single-family homes, 48 multi-family units and four duplexes.

"In housing, we have a ton of stuff going on but not enough," Williams said.

The 48 multi-family units are in the new apartment complex being built by Michael Graham on West 10th Street.

The developer continues to finish the Ellis Estates apartments, which are geared toward retired residents. The shells for 42 units are in place, and the developer is finishing those as he can.

Graham has also planned for 56 units at the former Lincoln School property. This will include seven fourplexes plus renovation of the former school building into apartments.

A four-plex is also being built on West Eleventh Street.&nbsp;

The last six homes in the third phase of the Heart of America Tallgrass Addition are under construction. Those homes should be completed within the next three to six months.

Another 101 homes are planned for phase four of the Tallgrass Addition between the existing addition and the interstate.

Work on the infrastructure for those homes should begin after the first of the year. It will take a year to finish that work and at least another year to build out the lots.

Williams said the builders currently working on Tallgrass Addition each have a list of 25 to 30 people wanting homes, but there aren't enough lots.

Williams said the housing market both needs more subcontractors to finish projects and more lots on which to build.

Infrastructure is in at the Grove addition on Canterbury, and construction is beginning on the first five homes.

He said at least two of the first homes have been sold, and he thought the others would be sold before completion.

Williams said he has heard some complaints about the number of Airbnbs in the community. He said those units are occupied by some of the transient workers in the community working on the many development projects, both residential and commercial.

"That won't go forever," he said. "At that point in time, when the market shrinks for those kinds of tenants, some of that is going to revert back to a more traditional rental situation."

The area has about 9,000 units and about 60 to 80 Airbnbs, Williams said.

"I have a hard time thinking that's making a huge impact on our rental market, in terms of people not finding a place to live," he said.

Williams said he has heard a lot of chatter about high property taxes forcing people out of Hays.&nbsp;

"Some of that may be true,"&nbsp; he said. "The increase in property taxes, increase in homeowners insurance, increase in health insurance, increase in car insurance and increase in food costs all have an impact on fixed-income individuals."

However, he said property taxes are not as high as some comparable communities in Kansas and Nebraska.

Williams said he saw no reckless spending among the local taxing entities. He shared the graphic below that breaks down where your local property taxes go.

Williams said 60 to 70% of the school district's, county's and city's costs are people. That is teachers, sheriff's deputies, police officers and firemen, he said.

These government entities are not hiring people for less or paying less in health care costs.&nbsp;

"When people say our taxes are too high, I ask, 'Compared to what?'" he said. "Compared to what they used to be, yeah, so is everything else."

Williams shared charts comparing Hays' median home value, median income and property taxes to other comparable cities in Kansas and Nebraska.

"We are not the highest, and we're not the lowest, but we compare pretty favorably," Williams said.

The school bond accounted for a significant increase in property taxes, but that was a result of deferred spending for the last 50 years, he said.

In some smaller rural communities, where the population is shrinking, property taxes are twice as high as in Hays because there are fewer people to spread the costs among, Williams said.

Local officials are easier to blame for increased costs because they are visible in the community. The CEO of your health insurance company or your auto insurance company is not, Williams said.

"I think the other side of the story needs to be told and looked at," Williams said. "I think we need to look at solutions instead of gripes."

People can suggest we build more affordable housing, but the economics are not allowing that to happen, he said.

Williams said on the Morning Blend show on Friday state subsidies for low-income housing are drying up.

"I think the evidence shows we are not overtaxed here, and the cost of living compared to other places and home prices shows that we are not way out of line with these other communities," he said.

🎙 Grow Hays: City making progress on housing, but demand still outpacing supply

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Missouri woman was arrested on Dec. 1 after allegedly pushing a hotel employee because breakfast was not ready in the morning.

Hays Police Lt. Brandon Wright said officers arrested 54-year-old Bridget Mahoney Farmer of Kansas City, Missouri, after she allegedly caused a disturbance at the Hilton Garden Inn, 221 W. 43rd St.

Wright said the disturbance happened between 4 and 5:30 a.m. and that Farmer was reported as allegedly intoxicated, yelling and cussing at staff.

Wright said after the employee was allegedly shoved, the hotel staff called the police, and Farmer returned to her hotel room. She then reportedly refused to open the door for about an hour despite officers' orders.

Wright said officers tried to use a tool to release the secondary latch on her hotel room door, but Farmer allegedly grabbed the tool and broke it. Officers then forced the door open as Farmer continued to refuse commands.

She was handcuffed and forcibly removed from the property, Wright said.

Farmer was charged with alleged simple battery, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, criminal damage and interference with law enforcement. No injuries were reported.

Missouri woman arrested for alleged battery, dispute over hotel breakfast in Hays

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will vote on two ordinances to issue industrial revenue bonds for business expansions on Thursday.

Agiliti, a medical equipment manufacturer on South Commerce Parkway, plans to buy, renovate, and expand its campus buildings. The company will add a total of 140 new jobs in phases to the current 91 positions.

The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.

The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the&nbsp;intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.

The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2-million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A&nbsp;community improvement district is also being sought.

Construction engineering services contract

The commission will also vote on a bid from  Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.

The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned 90-acre property.

Commissioners approved a contract on Nov. 25 with Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, to build the infrastructure, which includes&nbsp;extending water and sewer mains to the property as well as the construction of internal roads, water/sewer service lines, stormwater infrastructure, and intersection and roadway improvements to 27th Street and Commerce Parkway.

Following a review of its 2025 pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission requested a 50% reimbursement for its operating loss, as outlined in the pool services agreement with the city. City commissioners will vote on paying $25,501 to the recreation commission from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.

Commissioners will consider re-appointment of Hays resident Hali Bielser to the CARE Council for a second two-year term.

Approval of the 2026 cereal malt beverage city licenses for several businesses will be voted on.&nbsp;

The Dec. 11 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12112025-1585">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to vote on industrial revenue bonds for 2 business expansion projects

Karen Thomason is retiring from Hays Area Children's Center after 37 years.

 Her retirement celebration here at is at Hays Area Children's Center, 94 Lewis Drive, Friday, December 12, 3-7 p.m.

Thomason to retire after 37 years at Hays Area Children's Center; reception Friday

Hays Police Department arrest log: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2025

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>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

Russell Arben Fox’s recent column,&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/788bc415-cbb0-4bb7-8509-378203a26761">"Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas,”</a> raises timely and important points about how our cities are governed.

As a civic-minded Kansan and a retired city manager, I appreciate his reminder that debates over the council-manager form of government are neither trivial nor temporary. I write to offer historical context on why the city manager profession emerged more than a century ago and to address the concerns he raises about democracy, accountability, and effectiveness.

The council-manager model took shape during the Progressive Era, when many American cities were plagued by corruption, patronage, and inefficiency. 

Reformers believed that trained, nonpartisan administrators could manage public services more honestly and effectively than political machines. This belief led the National Civic League and what is now the International City/County Management Association to publish the first Model City Charter in 1915, introducing a system in which an elected council sets policy and a professional manager executes it. 

Early adopters reported immediate improvements in fiscal management, service delivery, and ethical integrity. In short, the city manager position was created to clean up city hall and restore public trust.

Over the past century, this system has proven its value. Today, a majority of U.S. cities with populations over 2,500 use the council-manager model, including most communities in Kansas. Here, elected mayors serve as part of the council, while a professional manager oversees day-to-day operations. This structure has helped Kansas cities avoid the hyper-partisanship seen at higher levels of government and focus instead on pragmatic problem-solving.

City managers bring professional training in public administration, finance, and urban policy, and they serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Their recommendations are grounded in analysis, not political advantage. 

Research supports these benefits: one comprehensive study found that cities with council-manager governments have roughly 57 percent fewer corruption convictions than strong-mayor cities. Public trust is also higher at the local level than at the federal or state level, due in part to the nonpartisan, professional nature of council-manager governance.

Professor Fox raises an important question about democratic accountability: if managers and staff help shape complex policies and budgets, does this create a “democratic deficit”? 

It is a reasonable concern, but one that the council-manager system was designed to address. Managers serve entirely at the pleasure of the elected council and can be removed by a simple majority. 

The council/commission sets the community’s vision, adopts ordinances and budgets, and represents voter priorities; the manager implements these policies and provides professional options for consideration. 

Managers are evaluated—and retained—based on how effectively they carry out the council’s direction. Rather than diluting democracy, this model reinforces it by ensuring that elected officials make policy while administrative professionals carry it out responsibly.

Dr. John Nalbandian of Lawrence captures this balance well: city managers stand “at the intersection of the political and administrative arenas,” helping bridge what is politically acceptable with what is operationally sustainable. This connection strengthens democratic governance by allowing elected leaders to focus on community vision while relying on professional staff to deliver results.

To be sure, supporters of the council-manager model must take citizen engagement seriously. If voters sense that their voices matter less because professionals run daily operations, turnout may suffer. 

The solution, however, is greater transparency and more opportunities for public involvement—not abandoning a system that has served Kansas communities well. 

Wichita’s recent debate over its manager hiring process demonstrates that residents expect openness, even within a professionally administered government. We should welcome that expectation.

Comparing this model with the strong-mayor system underscores what is at stake. In strong-mayor cities, executive power is concentrated in one elected individual who oversees departments, prepares budgets, and can veto council actions. While this structure can produce decisive leadership, it also allows the city’s priorities—and personnel—to shift dramatically with each new administration.

 A strong-mayor model can energize a community when leadership is sound, but when it is not, the consequences can be destabilizing. Numerous cities that experienced turbulence or scandal under powerful mayors later added professional oversight or shifted toward council-manager governance. Concentrating executive authority in one office is inherently risky.

Kansas’s experience has shown the advantages of balanced, professional administration. Under home-rule authority, each city chooses its governing structure, and the vast majority have selected the council-manager form. This is because it helps ensure stability, ethical conduct, and long-term planning that transcends election cycles. 

Our governing bodies still debate vigorously, but city services remain steady and centered on community needs rather than personal politics. As Fox himself notes, this model “fosters pragmatic governance” in a time when pragmatism is sorely needed.

After ten decades of practice, the council-manager system remains a proven framework that upholds both democratic accountability and professional competence. It was created to curb corruption and improve performance, and those goals are as vital today as they were 100 years ago. 

Rather than concentrating power in a single elected executive, we should continue strengthening the partnership between our elected councils and the professional managers who carry out their vision.

Mr. Fox is right that Kansans should regularly examine how we govern ourselves. But before considering a shift to strong-mayor systems, we should recall what the council-manager model was designed to prevent and what it continues to provide: stability, transparency, ethical administration, and a collaborative balance between democratic leadership and professional expertise. Our communities deserve nothing less.

LETTER: City managers: Century of balancing professionalism, democracy in local government

Girl Scouts from northwest Kansas were honored on Nov. 1 at Starwood Girl Scout camp for service awards.

Troop 11262 from Hays was honored with a Bronze Award for its care-home planters project.

Troop 10149 from Goodland was honored with a Bronze Award for their "Using All Their Resources Wisely" project.

The Bronze Award is the third-highest in Girl Scouting and is awarded to Junior Scouts in the fourth or fifth grade.

The Service Unit 74 Junior Three-Part Campout Committee was awarded the President's Award. Those members included Diana Staab, Sean Davis, Vicky Chessmore, Megan Howe, Loren Ashlock, Jennifer Griffin and Taylor Lindeman.

Jessica Albers, troop leader and service unit manager 74 manager, was awarded the Treasured Time Award for her more than 10 years of service to Girl Scouting.

Cristina Janney, troop leader, was awarded the honor pin.

Autum Omwenga, troop leader, and Amber Arnold, support volunteer, were awarded the Volunteer of Excellence Award.

Area Girl Scouts honored with service awards

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Even if you are not planning any large purchases in the near future, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends checking your credit report annually. The CFPB is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

There are several tools to handle this and the easiest is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website: <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/">https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/</a>.

From this secure site, you can access one, two, or all three of the reporting credit bureaus. They also include a reminder that this annual check doesn’t negatively impact your credit rating. It is an important tool to verify that the information reported about you is accurate.

What is the difference between a credit report and a credit score? Both are important! 

The report is just that – a report of your information and includes both open and closed accounts such as a car loan, mortgage, or credit card. Per the CFPB website, a credit score predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan on time. 

Companies use a mathematical formula—called a scoring model—to create your credit score from the information in your credit report. It is important to know that you do not have just “one” credit score and there are many credit scores available to you as well as to lenders. Any credit score depends on the data used to calculate it, and may differ depending on the scoring model, the source of your credit history, the type of loan product, and even the day when it was calculated.

K-State Extension also has a good publication that explains basic terms and provides a handy resource for checking your credit. It can be located at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/program-areas/financial-planning/familyfinances.html">ksre.ksu.edu</a> under Family Financial Resource or at <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/images/Understanding%20Your%20Credit%20Report.pdf?_gl=1*14pztdt*_gcl_au*MTM2MzY3OTA3Ny4xNzYxNTgyNTcw">https://bit.ly/48mMv6Y</a>.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Check your credit report annually 

<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

&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

McKenna Youth Center Open House Dec. 14 with Shopapalooza, free movie

Get ready for a sound that fills the season with cheer! TubaChristmas, the beloved annual concert featuring musicians on tuba, euphonium, and baritone horns, is set to bring its joyful, brassy melodies to Big Creek Crossing at 3 p.m. Dec. 14.

This festive event, a national tradition since 1974, celebrates the holiday spirit by gathering local players of all ages and skill levels to perform classic Christmas carols. From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners, the concert showcases the rich, resonant sounds of these low brass instruments in a unique and heartwarming display.

The Hays Tuba Christmas group will be performing at the Big Creek Crossing Mall at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Twenty-five to 30 tuba and baritone players participate in this event every year. Hays is one of many international TubaChristmas concerts held annually. Jim Tanis is the coordinator for the event. Traditional Christmas Carols will be presented at this 45-minute concert. Low brass players from area high schools, colleges as well as adults participate in this ensemble.

Our group is under the leadership of Peter Lillpopp, the director of bands at Fort Hays State University. At FHSU, he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Hays City Band, and the FHSU Tiger Marching Band. He also teaches the Low Brass Studio and directs the Low Brass Choir.

This concert is free and open to the public.

If you would like to join us in the performance, contact Peter or Jim Also, see <a href="http://www.tubachristmas.com">www.tubachristmas.com</a> for details

Attendees can expect a lively performance of holiday favorites, often with participants adorned in festive attire, creating a truly memorable experience for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to enjoy the booming brass that signals the start of the holiday season.

Event Details: · What: Hays Kansas TubaChristmas Concert · When:&nbsp; 3 p.m. Dec. 14 · Where: Big Creek Crossing Mall · Cost: Free admission ·Who: Tubas, euphoniums and baritone players of all ages

Call for Musicians: Musicians interested in participating in the ensemble are encouraged to come early, starting at 12:30 p.m., to register with a practice session after.

Join us for a joyous celebration of music and community as we make the holidays bigger, brighter and brassier!

Hays to host annual TubaChristmas Concert: A booming holiday tradition returns

A decorated U.S. Army Colonel and combat veteran, Kansas State Representative Pat Proctor,&nbsp;representing the 41st House District,&nbsp; is running for Secretary of State.

Come hear his plan for Kansas on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Trails Room of the Memorial Union at Fort Hays State University. 

He is hosted&nbsp;by FHSU College Republicans.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2">https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2</a>

Kansas Secretary of State candidate Pat Proctor to speak at Fort Hays State University

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The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will have its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, at First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th&nbsp;St.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make prior arrangements by contacting the ECMA president, Cheryl Glassman, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets December meeting

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 981 graduates for the fall commencement on Friday (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, for the virtual ceremonies.

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies on Saturday.

The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. (central time) on Friday for undergraduate and master’s candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be held for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education, honoring undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DXoSu_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zprL8noPkpRRTbTSEUxp9EO9NiivC9QhHl0fRqbTXDXiSzWmaaBp41i-2B9Kn7DwFzAWRfunfVxUvPA83JAwzoiYogC0pCp3xZR3ZDDHMXR1eDWUDIeuKP-2F4leZ3SL0-2B8S2zazgMaQXYdo6sKBMphm8Lt5pVbPazYryZnUkuc8scRF6">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)

The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DEyr__1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpofLy5lZhI4-2BwvxqTszfaKOp-2BZHXJXtgT-2F99qvTHTuBTWr8zLoQSIrsup4IGOBGjUg44G-2FVwXiS0G4rAdGeWuY93bSfrHE4dMTGu4tHghfMpVt8guUkuhv7QOrywzIhtzuNgXVed4ov42qaPnynAx3AglouAQaIBUm4q8078No-2FJ">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.

The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0cdeTry58ih-2F0ByFBW-2FXzaO2dfEgAhUEeT4iu401VQSaRs_3_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpk5ylbdtLiMpk9hcF-2Bj3WNCEy2taTkiT4sNIpzIxh2yaYz1Gjwo93V-2BxMQZ-2F-2BS0IRNbiKvp1rmfBRgdcWN38sQQ1XoRd-2Bpe-2BMr7XlUldWJYIZi4yTv2rrcdojvcuQIAH-2B59hfubkecCWAO36jvA1OTj-2BEPLP70jFXNbr482HbEEk">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

FHSU fall commencement set for Dec. 12, 13

The United Way of Ellis County announces the opening of the 2026 CARE Council application process.

The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 19.

Any&nbsp;501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three&nbsp;criteria of education, health, and financial stability.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 community volunteers who review the applications to determine funding for&nbsp;the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County&nbsp;alcohol tax funds.

The online application for funding can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://liveunited.us/apply2026">https://liveunited.us/apply2026</a>.

Deadline for submission is now Friday, December 19.

For questions, please contact Janelle VanKooten,&nbsp; executive director, at 785-628-8281 or info@liveunited.us.

Deadline extended to Dec. 19 for United Way CARE Council applications

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Donald Trump, who has demanded steep reductions to borrowing costs.

In a statement released after a two-day meeting, the Fed’s rate-setting committee signaled that it may keep its rate unchanged in the coming months. And in a set of quarterly economic projections, Fed officials signaled they expect to lower rates just once next year.

Wednesday's cut reduced the rate by a quarter-point to about 3.6%, the lowest it has been in nearly three years. Lower rates from the Fed can bring down borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards over time, though market forces can also affect those rates.

Three Fed officials dissented from the move, the most dissents in six years and a sign of deep divisions on a committee that traditionally works by consensus. Two officials voted to keep the Fed's rate unchanged, while Stephen Miran, whom Trump appointed in September, voted for a half point cut.

December’s meeting could usher in a more contentious period for the Fed. Officials are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-8a0060c2f52f884ed3489450a66619b8">split</a>&nbsp;between those who support reducing rates to bolster hiring and those who’d prefer to keep rates unchanged because inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target. Unless inflation shows clear signs of coming fully under control, or unemployment worsens, those divisions will likely remain.

And Trump could name a new Fed chair as soon as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-bessent-26f23d4bbccd2476e913c0e675fbffdc">later this month</a>&nbsp;to replace Powell when his term ends in May. Trump’s new chair is likely to push for sharper rate cuts than many officials may support.

A stark sign of the Fed’s divisions was the wide range of cuts that the 19 members of the Fed’s rate-setting committee penciled in for 2026. Seven projected no cuts next year, while eight forecast that the central bank would implement two or more reductions. Four supported just one. Only 12 out of 19 members vote on rate decisions.

At a press conference following the announcement of the rate cut, Powell signaled that the Fed may hold off on cutting rates at least in January, and said Fed officials “will carefully evaluate the incoming data,” adding that the Fed is "well positioned to wait to see how the economy evolves.” He did, however, rule out an increase in rates.

"What you see is some people feel we should stop here and we’re in the right place and should wait, and some people think we should cut more next year,” Powell said.

The Fed met against the backdrop of elevated inflation that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-12-9-2025">frustrated</a>&nbsp;many Americans, with prices higher for groceries, rents, and utilities. Powell has previously acknowledged those frustrations and said they reflect the sharp overall price increases in the five years since COVID. Consumer prices have jumped 25% in that time.

In a delayed report last week, the government said the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge remained high in September, with both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">overall and core prices rising 2.8%</a>&nbsp;from a year earlier. That is far below the spikes in inflation three years ago but still painful for many households after the big run-up since 2020.

The Fed typically keeps its key rate elevated to combat inflation, while it often reduces borrowing costs when unemployment worsens to spur more spending and hiring.

Adding to the Fed's challenges, job gains have slowed sharply this year and the unemployment rate has risen for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-tariff-bf603d63e13d6dc1083e9a6616c7ffee">three straight months</a>&nbsp;to 4.4%. While that is still a low rate historically, it is the highest in four years. Layoffs are also muted, so far, as part of what many economists call a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-economy-c48fd84dfaa71eee962feb3a88fd8575">“low hire, low fire”</a>&nbsp;job market.

The lack of economic data since the government shutdown ended Nov. 13 has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-federal-reserve-fabecefa501709184895bf73b3dc698a">contributed</a>&nbsp;to the divisions at the Fed. But when Fed officials next meet in late January, they’ll have up to three months of backlogged reports to consider. If those figures show that the job market has worsened, the Fed could reduce rates again in January.

By contrast, if hiring has stabilized while inflation remains elevated, they may hold off on additional cuts for several months.

The Fed met against the backdrop of Trump’s move to name a new Fed chair to replace Powell in May.

In an interview with Politico published Tuesday, Trump said “yes” when asked if reducing rates “immediately” was a litmus test for a new Fed chair. Trump has hinted that he will likely pick Kevin Hassett, his top economic adviser.

Hassett has often called for lower borrowing costs, but this week has been more circumspect. In an interview Tuesday on CNBC, when asked how many more rate cuts he would support, Hassett did not give a specific answer and said, “What you need to do is watch the data.”

🎥Merry Christmas: Fed explains decision to cut interest rates

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans announced Tuesday they will hold a vote on their own health care proposal later this week to counter a Democratic bill that would extend enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans for three more years.

<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf">Click here to read</a> the bill

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/health_care_freedom_for_patients_act.pdf" target="_blank">32-page GOP bill</a>&nbsp;would not address the expiring ACA marketplace tax credits but would send payments to certain Americans through Health Savings Accounts to cover some of the cost of health care.&nbsp;

Neither measure has the 60 votes needed to advance under that chamber’s rules. That would leave the ACA marketplace subsidies to expire at the end of the year and dramatically spike the cost of health insurance for the millions of people enrolled in those plans.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats’ bill to simply extend the enhanced ACA marketplace tax credits to offset the costs Americans pay for that insurance was unacceptable.&nbsp;

“The way that the program is structured, the money goes straight to the insurance companies,” Thune said. “And the way that we think this ought to work is you ought to come up with a way in which you can deliver the benefit to the patients and not to the insurance companies.”

Thune said the Democratic bill lacks an income cap for ACA marketplace tax credits and allows $0 premiums for health insurance plans — guaranteeing the measure will fail.

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