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

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

Hays, KS - First Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kaylie Walker, APRN, to its primary care provider team. While Kaylie is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, she is certainly not new to First Care Clinic. She has been a dedicated member of the organization for a combined seven years.

Kaylie began her career with First Care Clinic as a Registered Nurse, where she developed strong patient relationships, delivered exceptional clinical care, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of improving community health. After pursuing advanced education and completing her nurse practitioner training, Kaylie returns to First Care Clinic in this expanded role, ready to continue serving patients with the same compassion and professionalism she has always shown.

“Kaylie has been an essential part of our clinical team for many years,” says First Care Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher. “Her dedication to our patients, her calm presence, and the genuine compassion she brings to every interaction have made a lasting impact on our clinic. We are extremely proud to see her step into the provider role, and we know our patients will continue to benefit from the exceptional care she has always delivered.”

First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax stated, “We are very excited to have Kaylie step into a provider role at First Care Clinic. Throughout her time in our clinic as a Registered Nurse, she has been a pilar of quality and compassionate patient care. As a provider, we know she will continue to provide that same high-level care to her patients. We have known for some time that Kaylie was destined to be a provider. We are fortunate to have Kaylie on our care team!”

Kaylie will be accepting new patients of all ages, at the 13th Street location in Hays, beginning in February. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventive care, chronic disease management, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and a sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.

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

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

“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

Hays welcomes KC2026 World Cup countdown clock

Hays High vs Liberal Tuesday, Dec. 9 - 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3279809">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a>

Hays High opens up Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Liberal tonight.

Girls #6-5A Hays (3-0) is the two-time defending WAC champions. #4-6A Liberal (3-0) started their season with three games in Salina on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Boys Hays (2-1) is coming off a runner-up finish at the Hays City Shootout. Liberal (0-3) has a new head coach for their program.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00. The Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show beings at 5:40 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX. Video is available at the above link.

🏀 Hays High open WAC play with Liberal

Free Senior Supper tonight sponsored by Women Who Lead

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Highlander driven by Paul Gross, 73, Gorham, was northbound on U.S. 183 from Interstate 70. The SUV traveled off the road to the right, struck the embankment, a power pole and came to rest on its side.

EMS transported Gross to Hays Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after violent SUV crash

The WaKeeney Police Department reported seizing drugs and a weapon after a traffic stop on Wednesday night.

During the late hours of Wednesday night, Officer Peterson of the Wakeeney Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a damaged and non-functional headlight, according to a post on Facebook by the WaKeeney Police Department.

After making contact with the driver, Peterson learned that the vehicle's registration had expired, the vehicle did not have liability insurance and the driver had a suspended driver’s license.

Peterson and Sgt. Schneider subsequently placed the driver under arrest on requested charges of driving with a suspended license and having no insurance.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, in which the officers located and seized baggies containing cocaine, MDMA and ketamine, according to the WaKeeney Police Department.

Additional items located were drug paraphernalia, unlawfully obtained prescription medications and a credit card belonging to someone else, according to the Facebook post.

 A firearm was also located in the driver’s door and subsequently seized for evidence, the post said.

"Officers at the WaKeeney Police Department remain dedicated to locating and arresting criminals who believe they can bring these dangerous drugs into our community and our state, without facing the proper consequences for their crimes," the post said.

It should be noted that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WaKeeney police seize drugs, gun after traffic stop

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

&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

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

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

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

On Tuesday, December 16 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , we will be having a Drive-Through Caroling Night combined with a food drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, 2000 MacArthur Street. 

 Our students and families will line the Roosevelt drive and will collect any food items or other donations anyone is able to provide.  We will be singing Christmas carols for them to enjoy while driving through. 

 Even if someone is not able to donate, we still want community members to drive through and enjoy the Christmas carols

Drive-through Caroling Night Dec. 16 at Roosevelt School includes food drive

WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violently attacking a federal law enforcement agent, the maximum punishment allowed under the statute, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents, Diego Barron-Esquivel, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.&nbsp;

On February 28, 2025, Barron-Esquivel intentionally assaulted and strangled an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation officer who was in Wichita performing his official duties, causing bodily injury to the officer. &nbsp;

“Violence against law enforcement is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our society would cease to function without brave officers enforcing the law. We owe these officers our thanks and our respect. This sentence shows how egregious the conduct was in this case.”

“This sentencing is a victory for justice and a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can assault law enforcement officers without consequences,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “We are grateful to the Honorable Judge John Broomes for handing down a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this crime. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten the safety of our officers and the rule of law are held accountable.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

Prison: Mexican man living illegally in Kansas attacked ICE officer 

COWLEY COUNTY—Explosive experts responded to assist law enforcement with the investigation of an unknown device found in Winfield.

On December 9, during an active investigation, sheriff's deputies located unclaimed property in the 1500 block of Main Street in Winfield, according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Falletti.

The item was collected and transported to the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office for further examination. During the evaluation process, an additional item was discovered that appeared to be an unknown device. In accordance with safety protocols, the Wichita Bomb Squad was contacted and responded to retrieve the item.

For the safety of the public, the area south of the Cowley County Courthouse was temporarily closed during the response.

The sheriff's office released no additional details late Tuesday.

Bomb squad investigating device found by Kan. deputies

MOUNT POCONO, Pa. (AP) — On the road in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Donald Trump tried to emphasize his focus on combating inflation, yet the issue that has damaged his popularity couldn't quite command his full attention.

The president told the crowd gathered at a casino and resort in Mount Pocono that inflation was no longer a problem and that Democrats had used the term “affordability” as a “hoax” to hurt his reputation. But his remarks weaved wildly to include grievances he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-international-news-fdda2ff0b877416c8ae1c1a77a3cc425">first raised behind closed doors</a>&nbsp;in his first term in 2018 — and later denied saying — asking why the U.S. doesn't have more immigrants from Scandinavia.

“Why is it we only take people from s—-hole countries, right?” Trump said onstage. "Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few?”

Trump said he objected to taking immigrants from “hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and many other countries." He added for emphasis that those places “are a disaster, right? Filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime.”

Tuesday’s gathering in the swing state — and in a competitive House district — was an official White House event, yet it seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that his chief of staff said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms. But instead of being in an arena that could draw several thousand attendees, it was held in a conference center ballroom at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, a small town of about 3,000 residents.

Voters starting to blame lasting inflation on Republicans

Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-issues-exit-poll-election-2025-6b72dd7ea327d56235c350e84addc8dc">dismal results for Republicans</a>&nbsp;in last month's off-cycle elections, the White House has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-visits-pennsylvania-e39cd8b6253e521d909370012bf3e7af">sought to convince voters</a>&nbsp;that the economy will emerge stronger next year and that any anxieties over inflation have nothing to do with Trump.

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