By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Designs for Hays' and Russell's R9 water pipeline and the wellfield are complete.

Project manager John Braun made the report to the Hays City Commission on Thursday.

Braun also said 115 of 130 easements needed to build the 70-mile pipeline have been acquired.

Assuming Hays and Russell receive final water transfer approval by mid-year, Braun said bid documents would be finalized by year's end, and the project would be advertised. Early in 2027, contracts would be awarded, and construction would start in April 2027, with completion of the project in the summer 2029. "City staff is pleased with the progress and ready to proceed when we get the green light," Braun said.

The city is awaiting the ruling of the Kansas Supreme Court, which heard arguments Dec. 15, in the latest round of legal wrangling between Hays and Russell and WaterPACK, a group of central Kansas irrigators who oppose the water transfer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The arguments went very well," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "We hope the Supreme Court will give us a positive ruling, and when they do, this will put an end to that challenge."

"I think it was made clear in the testimony," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, "how long this has taken and what we have done to get here."

The water transfer panel has indicated it will have its hearing as soon as the Supreme Court issues its ruling.&nbsp;

Mason Ruder, mayor, said he received a phone call from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, last week. Moran said the city's request for funds for the water project was included in the most recent federal funding bill.

"That means the city of Hays will be getting about $11 million toward this project to help offset some of these costs, which is a huge deal. Russell will be getting $1 million for their share. ... We really appreciate Sen. Moran's support in securing those funds," Ruder said.&nbsp;

Chris Smith, property manager, said the walk-in hunting access on the R9 has been very successful, with hunters coming from as far away as Vermont.

"We will continue to be good stewards of the land," he said.&nbsp;

Financial management policy revisions

In other business, commissioners voted to approve recommended revisions to the comprehensive financial management policy.

Kim Rupp, finance director, presented the updates, including setting a $3 million cap on the balance of the budget&nbsp;stabilization reserve fund.

"History has proven the city’s budgeted unreserved fund balance, commission capital reserve and budget stabilization reserve have been sufficient to fund unforeseen emergency needs," Rupp said.

Other minor changes included some clarifying terminology, deleting obsolete sections, providing language for the earlier switch to a Kansas municipal audit and accounting guide audit, minor formatting and edits.

Hays named Community of the Year by Community Playmaker

Melissa Dixon, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, announced Hays won the national 2025 Community of the Year award from Community Playmaker. Hays competed against 100 towns across the country.

Community Playmaker is a media platform dedicated to empowering civic leaders and providing ideas to make their communities even better.&nbsp; 

"They were looking for impactful initiatives in areas of economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and creation of inclusive, high-quality environments," Dixon said. "Hays is doing all those things."&nbsp;

🎙Hays water project manager: R9 pipeline, wellfield designs complete

As of about 11:15 a.m. today, the city of Hays was reporting a possible water main break north of the city.

The City of Hays Water Resources Department is currently investigating a water leak north of town. Our crews are on-site and working to locate the exact source as quickly as possible.

We need your eyes! If you live north of town or are traveling through the area and spot unusual standing water, bubbling ground, or running water where it shouldn't be, please let us know immediately.

Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep our water system running smoothly!

WATER LEAK INVESTIGATION – NORTH HAYS

---------------------------------------------------------

No Mass at Antonino or Schoenchen today per Fr. Job.&nbsp;

No Mass at St Fidelis at 5 p.m. in Victoria 

No Mass at St Ann at 6:30 p.m. in Walker 

First Call for Help - Meals on Wheels program (Hays) canceled for Saturday.

Russell public transportation closed. The Hays Public Library closed. HaysMed:&nbsp;The Center for Health Improvement will operate on a&nbsp;delayed schedule&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday, January 24. The facility will&nbsp;open at 8 a.m.&nbsp; The following events and services are&nbsp;cancelled for Saturday, January 24: • Play Center-closed • 9 a.m. Group fitness class-canceled • 9:30 a.m. water aerobics class-canceled • Family gym/swim-canceled for Saturday and Sunday The Arc Thrift store will not be accepting donations on Saturday due to the weather.&nbsp; Ellis Public Library, closed. Heartland Gymnastics events are canceled for Saturday.

FHSU basketball in Hays games&nbsp;moved up two hours.&nbsp;The women's game will now be at noon, with the men's game to follow at 2 p.m.

Ellis Junior High wrestling at Larned is canceled. The TMP chess tournament scheduled for tomorrow at Kennedy Middle School in Hays has been canceled.

Hays Lions Club Lensmeter processing and training for Saturday has been postponed. A rescheduled date will be announced.&nbsp;

JoAnn Fleharty’s funeral has been postponed. A future date for the service has yet to be determined.

The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed until Monday at noon. Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting canceled.

Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County ReStore closed.

Shiloh Vineyard is moving their Puzzle exchange event to Saturday January 31.

Churches • No mass at&nbsp;St Boniface at 8:30 a.m. in Vincent&nbsp;Sunday 10 a.m. Mass at St Fidelis will still be held. •&nbsp;There will be Mass at Schoenchen only on Sunday at 3 p.m.&nbsp; • 9 a.m. Mass at St. Catharine Church in Catherine, canceled. • Gorham Community Church will not hold services this Sunday. • Canceled services for St. Michael's Episcopal Church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Hays. • The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed until Monday at noon.

Trinity Lutheran Church at 2700 Fort St., Hays, has canceled its Sunday services this week. ------ Tebo Library closed. St John's Place Community meeting set for this Sunday, January 25, canceled. New date TBD.

Beef and noodle dinner in Boque has been postponed to Sunday, Feb. 1.

St. Mary’s School in Ellis has POSTPONED its Annual School Carnival and Soup Lunch set for Sunday, Jan. 25 to Sunday, Feb. 1st. Please watch their School Facebook page for updates.

The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed until Monday at noon.

For Kansas road conditions, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/">https://www.kandrive.gov/</a>

Latest cancellations and delays

TOPEKA — Washburn University has announced its fall 2025 Dean's List honorees. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must be enrolled in 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 3.4 to 3.99.

More than 1,050 students qualified for the Dean's List. Congratulations to all these students, Washburn University is proud of their hard work and commitment to their education.

Hays residents qualify for Dean's List at Washburn University 

Join the United Way of Ellis County for a special Dueling Pianos fundraiser and party with a purpose!

Enjoy&nbsp;a request-driven show where two&nbsp;talented&nbsp;pianists battle it out, playing&nbsp;all your&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;from classic rock to modern hits, ensuring a night of non-stop singing, laughing and fun!&nbsp;

Best of all, every ticket&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;goes directly to supporting vital community programs offered by our 15 non-profit partner agencies here in Ellis County.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great night out for an even greater cause!&nbsp;

This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds,&nbsp;Unrein Building, 1344 Fairground Road, Hays.&nbsp;Doors open at&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;p.m.;&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;catered by&nbsp;Thirsty’s&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.; pianos at 8 p.m.&nbsp;Those enjoying the pianos only may enter at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Purchase your tickets&nbsp;now online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExV2J4WmRrQVJVRXR6OHVSeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5VT-DQtW63JqEFEafPNPRLn8dmOqyJAiyJ6xScOwneh9S2EuW5jQrpmZQOpQ_aem_8l26WJoc12s-o3VElCMdAw">https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianos-12 </a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">www.liveunited.us</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information, contact Janelle VanKooten, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.

A big thanks to our sponsors including&nbsp;

PREMIERE SPONSORS &nbsp;M &amp; D Excavating&nbsp;&nbsp; Commerce Bank&nbsp; Nex-Tech &nbsp; EVENT SUPPORTERS Golden Belt Bank Midwest Energy Car Zone Doghouse Liquor Emprise Bank Northwestern Printers Astra Bank PoPt! SILENT AUCTION DONOR Genuine Appliance&nbsp; Auto World Creekside Resort The Niche Chris Schmidt Ashley Furniture&nbsp; Nex-Tech Wireless Second Wind IV&nbsp; Jaren Kanak Dylan Dreiling

UNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY PARTNER AGENCIES&nbsp; Big Brothers Big Sisters Ellis County&nbsp; Cancer Council of Ellis County CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocates CPRF Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas First Call for Help Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County Hays Senior Center High Plains Mental Health Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services PACT&nbsp;Parents and Teachers Together Salvation Army St. Michael's Episcopal Church Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled Western KS Child Advocacy Center

🎙 Dueling Pianos fundraiser February 7 for United Way of Ellis County  

BELOIT – Each semester Fort Hays Tech | North Central awards a member of our staff or faculty with a 212° Award. The purpose of the 212° Award is to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior dedication and the willingness to go that extra degree.

212 degrees is the boiling point of water. Everyone has watched it happen as water goes from still to rumbling when it reaches that threshold. That boiling point is a transformation point.

 Recipients of this award are employees who voluntarily go above and beyond the call of duty and are transformational leaders at the college. These employees demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to their profession, students, fellow employees, and a loyalty to the mission of Fort Hays Tech | North Central.

The recipient of 2025 Fall 212° Award is Emma Carlin. Carlin is the student account specialist for the college and works on the Beloit campus.

Carlin exemplifies the spirit of the 212° Award. She has been with the college for over four years and during that time she has provided steadfast support in helping both students and staff. Carlin is selfless, dedicated, and dependable and always willing to go above and beyond in order to help others.

"We are blessed to have Emma Carlin on our team, and I am very pleased that she was selected by her peers for this recognition," said Fort Hays Tech | North Central's President Eric Burks.

 "Emma is an amazing person and does a fantastic job of thinking of ways to make things work better for our students and our staff. Emma's kind and caring demeanor and her outstanding work ethic are very much appreciated by students and staff. Emma is very deserving of the 212 Award as she consistently goes above and beyond to help people and fulfill the college's mission," Burks said.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central honors staff member with Fall 2025 212° Award

<a target="_blank" href="https://communityplaymaker.com/">Community Playmaker</a>, a media platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering civic leaders, has named&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, as its 2025 Community of the Year. The annual honor recognizes cities, towns, parishes, and counties across the United States for their outstanding commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovative programs, visionary leadership, and community-driven solutions.

The&nbsp;Community of the Year Award&nbsp;highlights impactful initiatives in areas such as economic development, community engagement, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and the creation of inclusive, high-quality environments. Finalists are selected for their measurable progress, strong civic partnerships, and clear vision for the future. Hays rose to the top from a competitive field of communities nationwide, including fellow 2025 finalists: Port St. Lucie, Florida and Monessen, Pennsylvania.

“Hays is a powerful example of what happens when a community commits to long-term, balanced growth,” said Ashley Whittaker, editor-in-chief of Community Playmaker. “From protecting scarce water resources to investing in inclusive recreation, education, and public art, Hays shows how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create a place where people of all ages truly want to live, learn, work, and retire.”

Hays, Kansas, demonstrates how Midwestern hospitality can be paired with modern innovation and environmental responsibility. The city has carefully balanced infrastructure growth with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of its natural resources or quality of life. Its long-standing leadership in water conservation has yielded groundbreaking initiatives that protect limited water supplies while still supporting new development and community amenities.

Hays distinguished itself through several key initiatives and investments, including:

“Hays shows what it looks like when a community invests in every stage of life—from early childhood to retirement—while still protecting the environment and celebrating its culture,” added Whittaker. “Their story is a roadmap for communities that want to grow without losing their sense of place.”

Hays will be featured in upcoming Community Playmaker content highlighting its innovative strategies, partnerships, and long-term impact on residents.

Subscribe to Community Playmaker’s weekly newsletter to learn more about Hays, for updates on the 2026 Community of the Year, and for stories from communities across the United States.

Community playmaker awards Hays 2025 community of the year

Coming up on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District crop production specialist, about upcoming soil fertility programs and how agriculture producers deal with winter weather.

🎙 Post Podcast: Campbell: Soil fertility; ag producers deal with winter weather

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December was so warm. However, variability is a characteristic of Kansas weather and a drop in temperature with above normal precipitation can create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded.

Many of us are all too aware of the impact wind has on what it takes to keep warm in the winter. Wind speed along with temperature, humidity, and solar radiation have been combined into an animal comfort index that can be used to classify the level of weather-related stress for cattle. 

The K-State Mesonet now provides both current conditions and a 7-day forecast of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">Animal Comfort Index</a>&nbsp;that producers can use for planning.

During extreme cold, cattle need more energy just to maintain body heat. Windbreaks are a key tool in helping livestock cope with cold stress and reduce the amount of energy, and in effect cost, to maintain weight. 

Some of the best windbreaks are multiple rows of established trees, but they take years to develop and serve a fixed location. 

If building a portable windbreak or a windbreak fence, the most effective for wind protection is 75 to 80% solid to reduce wind speed but prevent snow drifting. An opening of 4 to 6” at the base will promote drying and drainage.Bedding is another tool to help livestock manage cold stress. 

Bedding provides insulation from mud and frozen ground and helps keep cattle clean. Shelter and bedded areas only calves can access will help young calves better cope with the winter weather.

 Bulls can be overlooked during the winter months; however frostbite of the scrotum can cause anywhere from short-term to permanent damage to sperm production. Windbreaks and bedding are great tools to protect your investment in bulls and their genetics.

Drought has impacted forage availability in parts of the state and may make it harder to find sources of bedding. If needed, unrolling large round bales of good quality feed can do double duty as feed and bedding for a short-term solution. 

Feedlot calves that received bedding (4 lbs. per head per day) during a particularly cold January gained 3.33 lbs. per day compared to 2.25 lbs/day for un-bedded calves. For young or already stressed calves, bedding may minimize negative health impacts from the combined stressors.

When cold stress occurs, feeding cattle late in the day can help cattle cope with night-time temperature declines as the heat of fermentation in the rumen will peak about 6 hours after consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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: Cold weather and livestock protection

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

PLAINVILLE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys basketball team is headed back
to the Mid-Continent League tournament championship for the first time since
2023, while the TMP girls fell short, losing in the tournament semifinals.

GIRLS: No. 1 Hoxie 54, No. 5 TMP 25

The TMP girls shot just 17 percent from the floor, and Hoxie
used a 14-3 run to close out the first quarter, and they never trailed in a
54-25 loss.

Hoxie’s Evie Schippers scored the game's first seven points
and led all scorers with 26 in the game. She scored eight in the first half and
10 total points in the second quarter.

Down 7-0, the Monarchs answered with seven straight, tying
the game at 7, but the Indians finished the first quarter on a 5-2 run and led
12-9.

The Monarchs were held to just three points, all from the free-throw
line, in the second quarter, while Hoxie outscored TMP 15-3 in the quarter and
built a 27-12 halftime lead.

Hoxie continued to build on its lead in the third quarter,
and with a running clock in the fourth quarter, it secured the 54-25 victory.

TMP’s Raegan Allen finished with eight points, and Bria
Windholz finished with seven points and seven rebounds.

Hoxie will take on Oakley in the championship game on January 31, at 1 p.m in Plainville. Oakley deafeated Trego 48-41.

The TMP boys used a 16-6 run to end the first quarter and begin
the second quarter to secure a 59-45 victory and secure their spot in the MCL tournament
champion game for the first time since 2023.

Ty Schmeidler knocked down a three-pointer to open the game
for TMP. He went on to score a game-high 20 points to lead the way for TMP.

The Monarchs outscored Phillipsburg 21-13 in the second quarter
and had a 34-22 halftime lead.

Phillipsburg closed within three in the third quarter, but
Schmeidler connected on his fifth three-pointer of the game, giving TMP room to
breathe and a 37-33 lead.

The Monarch converted on 9-of-13 from the free line in the
final quarter on their way to the 59-45 win.

They will take on Plainville in the championship game at approximately 2:30 p.m. next Saturday, Jan. 20

The Cardinals were 63-33 winners over the top-seed Plainville.

🏀 TMP boys advance to MCL tournament finals; girls fall short

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS has received a&nbsp;stabilization grant&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Public Media Bridge Fund, providing critical financial support following the loss of federal funding last year, which&nbsp;resulted in a nearly 52% reduction in its operating budget.&nbsp; This grant will help ensure continued service to rural communities in central and western Kansas.

Smoky Hills PBS is one of 115 public media stations nationwide to receive funding through this initiative. The grants were awarded to stations facing the greatest financial challenges, particularly those serving&nbsp;rural and underserved areas. For many of these communities, local public media stations are the&nbsp;only source of local news, educational programming, and community storytelling.

“For many of the communities we serve, Smoky Hills PBS is more than a television station - we’re a connection point,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “This funding helps us continue showing up for our viewers with reliable service, local stories, and educational programming that reflects and supports rural Kansas.”

·&nbsp; Expenses related to Transmitter repairs and maintenance to ensure reliable access to Smoky Hills PBS across a large rural coverage area.

·&nbsp; Programming costs that allow the station to continue offering trusted PBS content and locally relevant programs.

·&nbsp; Equipment upgrades of productions, helping maintain a high-quality coverage of local events, public affairs, and community-focused programming.

These investments will help stabilize operations and strengthen the station’s ability to serve viewers today while preparing for the future.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Public Media Bridge Fund,” said Helen Hands, Smoky Hills PBS board member. “This grant is a significant step forward for Smoky Hills PBS, but our work isn’t finished here. The continued support of our viewers is what will help keep Smoky Hills PBS strong for generations to come.”

The Public Media Bridge Fund is a strategic philanthropic initiative of Public Media Company (PMC), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. For more than 20 years, PMC has helped local public and independent media organizations expand their service and impact, strengthen their communities, and secure their long-term sustainability.

Funds from the Public Media Bridge Fund are intended to stabilize operations and preserve essential services for stations navigating unprecedented financial disruption, allowing them to remain a trusted, local presence for the communities they serve.

For more information about Smoky Hills PBS and how you can support its mission, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>, call 1-800-337-4788, or follow the station on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmokyHillsPBS">@SmokyHillsPBS</a>).

Smoky Hills PBS receives essential grant from Public Media Bridge Fund

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the award of a generous grant from the Beach Family Foundation, providing vital support for educational initiatives, local storytelling, and expanded digital access across central and western Kansas.

The grant will directly support several key Smoky Hills PBS programs and services, including the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, the Share A Story early literacy summer program, locally produced content, and the Smoky Hills PBS mobile app.

“These funds will have a meaningful and immediate impact on the families and communities we serve,” said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. “Support from the Beach Family Foundation helps ensure that children have access to educational opportunities, local stories continue to be told, and viewers across our large coverage area can connect with Smoky Hills PBS wherever they are.”

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas, providing free, accessible programming that educates, informs, and inspires viewers of all ages. Educational outreach programs like the PBS KIDS Writers Contest and Share A Story encourage creativity, literacy, and a lifelong love of learning, while local productions highlight the people, history, and culture of the region.

The Beach Family Foundation’s investment also supports Smoky Hills PBS’s digital platforms, including its mobile app, helping ensure audiences can access trusted public media content on their preferred devices.

Beach Family Foundation awards grant to support Smoky Hills PBS

Phillipsburg Chamber and Main Street

PHILLIPSBURG — Phillipsburg Chamber and Main Street invites you to the Winter Bluegrass Bash Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Huck Boyd Center in Phillipsburg.

It's a perfect Valentine's date night. Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the bluegrass concert starts with Breanne Stone and 80 Proof Alice.&nbsp;

Tickets: • $30 per person or $50 per couple • After Feb. 1: $40 per person or $60 per couple

Visit the Phillipsburg Chamber and Main Street <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/748250354445972">Facebook page</a> for more info or call Phillips County CVB at 785-543-2321.

Phillipsburg Winter Bluegrass Bash tickets available now

&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

In its commitment to supporting the mental well-being of students from pre-kindergarten through college, the FHSU Department of Advanced Education Program will present the Olliff Family Educational Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 5. This virtual event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Will Stutterheim, M.S., LCP, from the Department of Psychology at FHSU. 

Titled “Fields of Stress: The Hidden Mental Health Burden on America’s Agricultural Heartland,” the presentation will focus on a critical, yet often overlooked challenge – the mental well-being of those within the agricultural community. Given the vital role agriculture plays in western Kansas, this session will provide essential insights for educators and mental health professionals supporting individuals from farming and ranching backgrounds.

Will Stutterheim is an instructor at FHSU with more than 20 years of experience in mental health therapy and education. Having grown up on a multi-generational farm in northwest Kansas, Stutterheim brings a deeply personal perspective to his clinical expertise. After 13 years as a therapist in the rural farming community of Phillipsburg, he specializes in helping families navigate the unique stressors of agricultural life.

His presentation will focus on agriculture, stress, and mental health, as well as skills and strategies to support individuals struggling with their mental health.

Registration is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZpfNdjkVHLvPZyvGz2cNpY3nlYvkJIBR07h8FDQEdTmZnWy_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOqq9UCDR9oz8qLOLS-2Fr-2Bz5dQeVrtHtUaiHUIafhjAdlgkG-2FGXK0oOIJHxe8IFkbvimXlSLYAoBdl-2FnCjh-2BVWk-2BvDr5dkcHT7BoXDe-2BlKWvw1BTZdZ5LYkBbCXrqJBLyMaMGE-2FkkacNZhi4YPmCF6lnM4vfWeZ23CbEqvCQBWDbEFf9SrfFwJ2gpnTt8xBAJGEYY3k7ECF0QNHLTxwm25iFzCGz-2Bgkgfrx4qLhdoJV31wXIO2clW5Pp0ylTwHqroDl">https://forms.gle/Qe6p7egzEmfbYtxj7</a>

The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants two days prior to the symposium.

Hidden mental health burden on America’s agricultural heartland topic at FHSU Feb. 5

Cold weather won’t cool the savings in Downtown Hays this week. The Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale returns Thursday through Saturday,&nbsp;January 22–24, inviting shoppers to explore warm, welcoming storefronts filled with special discounts and end-of-season deals.

Downtown retailers will offer sidewalk-sale-style pricing inside their shops, featuring seasonal markdowns on winter apparel, home décor, books, gifts, and unique one-of-a-kind items. The sale provides an opportunity to shop local while discovering new favorites throughout the district.

“This event is a fun way for businesses to beat the winter blues and welcome the community in with deals that are as cool as the temps,” said&nbsp;Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks in Downtown Hays.

The Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale supports local retailers during the winter season and encourages residents to shop small while enjoying the charm of Downtown Hays. Hours vary by business, and shoppers are encouraged to check with individual stores for details.

For a list of participating businesses and updates throughout the sale, follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">@DowntownHays</a>&nbsp;on social media.

Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale brings hot deals to Downtown Hays

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;

Unite Free Shelves (iInside The Gamers Guild) 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street, Hays, on Tue., Jan. 27 from&nbsp;7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.

Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.&nbsp;

To be eligible for commodities, your household’s total monthly income must be below:

$2,413&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp; Household of three $4,957&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp; Household of six $7,501&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;Household of eight *Add&nbsp;$848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, black beans, tomato soup, vegetable soup, frozen strawberries, garbanzo beans, dehydrated potatoes, raisins, peanut butter, pasta, and Great Northern beans.

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader, with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government surplus commodities distribution in Hays Jan. 27

USD 489 Kindergarten info meeting set for February 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 51-year-old man who was shot Saturday by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis has died, a hospital record obtained by The Associated Press shows.

The person was shot amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the AP in a text messages that the person had a firearm with two magazines and that the situation was “evolving.”

The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good</a>, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle. Saturday's shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot.

Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House after the shooting. He urged President Donald Trump to end what the Department of Homeland Security has called its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-ice-noem-minnesota-somali-db661df6de1131a034da2bda4bb3d817">largest-ever immigration enforcement operation</a>.

“Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now,” Walz said in a post on X.

DHS distributed a photo of a handgun they said was on the person who was shot.

After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them “cowards” and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: “Boo hoo.” Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car.

The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents are on the scene wielding batons.

The shooting happened a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-immigration-protest-unions-faith-leaders-edc6c4884f8cc26be9ad34a28d82a7a5">thousands of demonstrators</a>&nbsp;protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the city’s streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 51-year-old man shot Saturday by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis has died, a hospital record obtained by The Associated Press shows.

The person was shot amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Gov. Tim Walz said. The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the AP in a text messages that the person had a firearm with two magazines and that the situation was “evolving.”

The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good</a>, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal officers shot another person in Minneapolis amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday.

Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House after the shooting. He called on the President Donald Trump to end the crackdown in his state. The details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately clear.

After the shooting, bystanders gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them “cowards” and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: “Boo hoo.” Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car.

The shooting came amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good</a>, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle.

It also comes a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-immigration-protest-unions-faith-leaders-edc6c4884f8cc26be9ad34a28d82a7a5">thousands of demonstrators</a>&nbsp;protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the city’s streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave.

Man shot during Minneapolis immigration crackdown has died

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a> <a href="https://apnews.com/author/ap-airlines">AP Airlines</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/travel-writer">Travel Writer</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-ice-snow-freezing-rain-f8f2277db0d87b1aa3d4893c565ce57c">Winter weather</a>&nbsp;can upend even the best-laid travel plans, but one less thing to worry about is losing money if your flight is canceled: U.S. airlines are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/airlines-junk-fees-baggage-delays-c4a93f9ee9a2bf7d9ee07394183a0374">required to provide refunds</a>.

A major, dayslong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-weekend-storm-e82e152fea39809180714137d7aa56a4">winter storm</a>&nbsp;is threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice and extensive power outages to about half the U.S. population. Thousands of weekend flights already have been canceled, and forecasters warn that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">rival that of a hurricane</a>.

Here’s a guide for travelers as flight disruptions start stacking up:

When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to postpone their trips by a few days without having to pay a fee. Search online for your airline’s name and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to look for possible rescheduling offers.

American Airlines, for example, said it is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm, which brought freezing rain to parts of Texas on Friday. The Texas-based airline has canceled more than 1,200 flights scheduled to depart Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

American also added extra flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through at least Sunday — totaling more than 3,200 additional seats.

Use the airline’s app to make sure your flight is still on before heading to the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days before departure time.

If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.

Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.

You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then it can be a hit or miss.

If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.

The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.

If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

U.S. airlines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-delays-cancellations-compensation-52d65b39d2cf063c43885e71bf88317c">aren’t required</a>&nbsp;by the Transportation Department to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight during an “uncontrollable” event like bad weather.

Each airline, however, does have its own policies for assisting passengers who are stranded by a so-called “controllable” flight cancellation or long delay. These include disruptions caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages or computer outages that halt operations. The Transportation Department can hold airlines accountable for these commitments and maintains a website that lets travelers see what each&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard" target="_blank">airline promises</a>&nbsp;if a major disruption is their fault.

If the weather forecast is troubling, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests looking into booking a backup flight. Some airlines stand out as potential backups, Potter says, because they let customers get a full refund as long as they cancel within 24 hours of booking.

The customer service phone lines will be slammed if flight cancellations and delays start stacking up during a bad storm. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, call the airline using their priority number. Another trick: Look up the airline’s international support number. Those agents can often rebook you just the same.

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