By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

CASA of the High Plains has set a Neon Moon Sweetheart Country Prom for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.

The event will raise funds for the local Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which provides volunteers who give a voice to children in need of care in court.

The event's cocktail hour will start at 6 p.m., with a silent auction at 7 p.m. and a country-themed dance with a DJ at 8 p.m.

A cash bar will be offered. This is a 21-and-older event.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">casaofthehighplains.org</a>.

Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple. Sponsorship packages are available, all of which include drinks and some offer discounted rooms at the Hilton.

These packages can be found on the <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">CASA website</a>.

CASA is still accepting sponsorships for the event and donations for the silent auction. You can contact CASA at 785-628-8641&nbsp;or email&nbsp;info@casaofthehighplains.org&nbsp;for more information.

Traditionally, CASA had sponsored an annual Valentine's dinner fundraiser. However, the organization has not had that event for several years.

Jan Johnson, CASA director, said this event is a resurrection of the group's winter fundraiser.

Johnson said she imagines an '80s or '90s country theme, but she has friends coming in all sorts of attire, from boots and jeans to prom dresses.

CASA is a nonprofit organization and receives no federal funds. It receives two small state grants and a small annual grant from the county. The remainder of the organization's operating costs are funded through local donations.

CASA of the High Plains covers the four counties of the 23rd Judicial District: Gove, Trego, Rooks and Ellis counties, with the majority of cases originating from Ellis County.

Court Appointed Special Advocates serve as a voice for children in court. They are trained volunteers who meet with all of the parties involved when a child is in state custody.&nbsp;

After conducting an independent investigation, which includes building a relationship and speaking with the child, the advocate writes a report and submits a recommendation to the court regarding the child's custody.

"When you put it down in black and white and make a nice bullet point timeline, what has happened to this child since the case came into care, generally about the time they hit kindergarten ... especially if you can get a direct letter from the child about what their experience has been, it can really clear things up," Johnson said. "The CASA is the one who gets that done."

Johnson said some of the children who finally receive CASAs are teenagers and still in the system.

"Being a child, a teenager, is tough enough. It's a pretty rough time of life. Everything is happening to you. You aren't in charge of anything," Johnson said. "It truly does set the tone for the rest of your life. This is where and how changes get made."

In 2024, the latest year for which complete statistics are available, the 23rd Judicial District had 99 new child-in-need-of-care cases.

"Here all the time, 'Kids today, kids today.' But kids today are the direct result of adults today," she said. "There are so many people who are in positions to make a change for a kid, and they just don't.

"Something is holding them back from being the one to step up for a kid."

CASA's work was slowed during the pandemic.

However, CASA went from two cases two years ago to 26 cases during the last two years and 15 of those cases were resolved.

"Over and over on the cases we have closed, it was the CASA who made the difference in the case," Johnson said.

Johnson said the local CASA chapter has had a high rate of resolution for children, which she credited to the excellent volunteers working on those cases.

County attorneys, case workers and others will come and go, but the CASA is a consistent person in the child's life throughout the court case. The CASA maintains regular contact with the child even when the child is not in court, Johnson said.

The local CASA chapter is in need of more volunteers to work as advocate and in support roles, Johnson said.

The local CASA chapter has four advocates with three more in training.

You don't need any legal training to become a CASA. You have to submit to a background check and complete 35 to 40 hours of training.

When a volunteer first takes a case, they might volunteer 15 to 20 hours in a month. Later in the cases, volunteers may be needed for only three hours per month, Johnson said.

Volunteers can take breaks between cases.

Volunteers are also needed for the local CASA board and to serve on committees, which could include working on a single event.

The CASA board is planning another event in the spring based on Child Abuse Prevention Month.

You can donate to CASA&nbsp;at any time by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/" target="_blank">CASA website</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;mailing checks to 107 W. 13th, Hays, KS 67601.

"Your dollar given goes directly to serving these kids," Johnson said. "This organization is on a shoestring. There's not a lot of overhead here."

CASA sets Sweetheart Country Prom fundraiser to support advocacy for children

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Central Plains Oilers in their final game before the Christmas break Friday night.

TMP-Marian v Sylvan-Lucas Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3315064">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs in the first game back following the holiday break.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP opens 2026 at home against Sylvan-Lucas

Hays High vs Manhattan Tuesday, Jan. 6 - 6:00 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 &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3314631">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High opens 2026 with homes games against Manhattan.

All four teams are ranked in their respective classification.

The Hays girls beat Manhattan 61-53 in the Hays City Shootout Championship earlier in the season.

🏀 📺 Hays High opens 2026 by hosting Manhattan

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission voted&nbsp;during its Tuesday meeting to return the preliminary plat for Big Creek Third Addition to the Joint Ellis County Planning Commission for further review.

The project proposed by Adam Pray would be north of Reservation Road and include 14 residential lots and one stormwater retention lot.

Commissioners cited unresolved concerns involving stormwater drainage, lot sizes and zoning compliance, many of which were also raised by county residents during public comments.

"There are some inaccuracies that need to go back to the zoning commission and be corrected or addressed one way or another," Commissioner Michael Berges said.

Justin Craig, county environmental services director, opened the discussion by outlining concerns about the preliminary plat. He said he is working to secure an agreement with the Big Creek Sewer District before submitting a final application, as there will be no water septic systems.

James Graham, a Big Creek Estates resident, echoed those concerns, questioning the availability of water in the area.

"Water has been a long contentious point regarding any further development within Big Creek Estates," Graham said. "We all rely on domestic water wells for our drinking water and there is no provision of a plan for Ellis County or the city of Hays to provide residents with water if something were to cause an issue with our supply."

Commissioner Neal Younger suggested Big Creek Estates residents explore forming a rural water district or seeking water from the city of Hays. Graham said the city has shown no interest in doing so, based on informal inquiries.

Graham added existing Big Creek Estate residents are already facing high sewer fees, and additional costs for rural water would not be feasible at this time.

Graham said he supports a stormwater retention lot but the proposed design does not comply with county drainage regulations.

"Storm runoff from just about every lot in this plan would have to travel more than 400 feet and cross at least four adjacent lots to reach the retention area," he said.

The proposed lots vary in size from about 12,200 to 25,500 square feet.

Graham also raised concerns about whether the proposed roadway would remain private or be transferred to the county. He noted the planned cul-de-sac radius falls 15 feet short of county standards.

Randy Purdue of Kaw Valley Engineering said the cul-de-sac radius can be adjusted to meet the 75-foot requirement, and the roadway would remain private, with maintenance handled by Pray.

Purdue also addressed concerns about double-fronted lots and said the plat will be revised to limit direct access to existing city roads, including Reservation Road and Logan Drive.

The commission unanimously voted to send the preliminary plat back to the planning and zoning commission, along with a list of issues to be addressed at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Commissioners emphasized they were not denying or approving the preliminary plat.

The Ellis County District Court received approval to transfer $9,600 from opioid settlement funds to purchase a one-year license for a phone application that would be used to monitor up to 30 individuals released on supervised bond.

The commission also approved a resolution formally establishing weight limits on certain county-maintained bridges.

Ellis County Commission sends housing development plat back to planning commission

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

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

A weekend of military action atop the world's largest proven oil reserves is having little impact on prices. Amid what's approaching a global oil glut, US actions in Venezuela are not expected to disrupt prices much, according to widespread analysis online. At just over $57 a barrel, NYMEX near-month crude settled Friday a dime lower than the pre-holiday close on Wednesday. Offers on Monday dropped as low as $56 in the morning. Prices were nearly a dollar higher by lunchtime, with New York crude topping $58 per barrel and London Brent rising toward $62.

Kansas prices dropped 25 cents on Friday (1/5) and starts the week at $47.50 per barrel. The monthly average price in McPherson dips to its lowest level in nearly five years. CHS reports the average for December is a fraction over $48.11 per barrel for Kansas Common, the lowest monthly average since January of 2021.

Year-end analysis by The Energy Information Administration shows Brent crude prices dropping from a monthly average of $79 per barrel in January to a low of $63 per barrel in December. That's the lowest monthly average for the global benchmark since early 2021. The annual average last year was just $69 a barrel, which is the lowest since 2020. EIA estimates global production outpaced consumption all year, prompting one of the biggest inventory build-ups in 25 years.

Commercial crude inventories dropped nearly two million barrels and are about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government adds another 200,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which now tops 413 million barrels.

The Energy Information Administration reported a slight increase US crude production, which remains over 13.8 million barrels per day.&nbsp; The four-week average and cumulative output this year remain at record highs, with both about two percent higher than last year at this time.

Total statewide intent-to-drill notices drop by 500 for the year. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 52 new intents in December, or 749 for the year. That's down from over 1,252 last year. Ellis County reports two new intent-to-drill notices, for a year-end total of 18. There are no new intents in Barton County, which winds up the year with 13. Russell County adds one; that's three for the year.&nbsp; Stafford County also adds one new intent notice in December, for a year-to-date total of 13. Finney County shows two new intents in December, 24 for the year. Gove County ends the year unchanged at 28 intents. Haskell County shows 14 for the year, which is also unchanged for December.

Crude imports from Canada drop to 3.1 million barrels a day, the lowest weekly tally since June. For the year, Canada crude imports have topped four million barrels a day eleven times, with the best weekly tally ever in the first week in January: 4.4 million barrels a day.&nbsp; Canadian crude imports came into the cross-hairs, and declined, early on in the Administration's tariff program.

US Crude exports this week drop to their lowest level in three months, 3.4 million barrels a day. That's still more than last year at this time, when exports averaged just over three million barrels a day.

The government announced details from the first of many new offshore lease auctions, under the Administration's expanded drilling proposals. To encourage participation, the government offered some 80 million acres at the lowest royalty rate since 2007, 12.5%.&nbsp; The government says they drew more than 200 bids from 30 companies for 15,000 previously-unreleased blocks. The blocks are situated in what are called the Western, Central and Eastern Gulf planning areas.

Baker Hughes reports 546 active drilling rigs nationwide as of December 30th. That final Rotary Rig Report of the year shows Texas down one rig, but holding firm with 231 active rigs, 42 percent of the national tally. New Mexico was steady with 101 rigs, Oklahoma and Louisiana each had 43, and North Dakota had 27.

Year-to-date oil-by-rail shipments surpassed half a million tanker carloads in the latest report from the Association of America Railroads. The last weekly tally of the year is just under 10,400 carloads. The average weekly tally this year is down nearly two percent from last year, and is also just under 10,400 carloads. The industry group reports total freight traffic by rail is up nearly two percent compared to last year.

News from the Oil Patch: Venezuela don't budge dire oil prices

(View or share the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F9o-lFh0Asso&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2026%2F01%2Finfluencers-are-pushing-illegal-trick-fix-your-credit-report%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">YouTube&nbsp;version</a>&nbsp;of this video.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking for some life hacks or advice about managing money? There’s no shortage of online influencers ready to help. But not all advice is good advice (or truthful). And in some cases, what they’re telling you might be more than a bad idea — it might be illegal.

Credit matters. What’s in your&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/understanding-your-credit">credit report</a>&nbsp;can be used to decide things like whether someone will loan you money, give you credit, offer you insurance, rent or sell you a home, or even hire you. If there’s a lot of negative information in your credit report, you also might&nbsp; have to pay more in interest to borrow money.

Some online influencers are telling people they have a fix: file a false identity theft report about a debt they owe. That’s advice&nbsp;not&nbsp;to take. Filing a false identity theft report may leave you worse off — and it’s a crime that could get you a fine, imprisonment, or both.

The truth is, credit repair companies can’t legally remove information from your credit report if it’s accurate and current. But there are things you can do for free to improve your credit. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/creditrepair">ftc.gov/creditrepair</a>.

Not sure what’s in your credit report?&nbsp;All three nationwide credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) have permanently extended a program that lets everyone in the U.S. check their credit report from each once a week for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.annualcreditreport.com%2Findex.action&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Farticles%2Ffixing-your-credit-faqs">AnnualCreditReport.com</a>.

That’s in addition to the free copy each nationwide credit bureau is required to give you once every 12 months if you ask for it at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.annualcreditreport.com%2Findex.action&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Farticles%2Ffixing-your-credit-faqs">AnnualCreditReport.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Federal Trade Commission: Influencers push this illegal trick to “fix” your credit report

Veterans Connection Tour-Listen and Share set for Jan. 13 in Scott City

<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 City Automotive has moved into a new, expanded location at 1121 East 27th Street, directly across from Jimmy John’s. The shop had previously operated from 808 Milner, Hays. Owner Daniel Dysinger, an automotive technician with two decades of experience, said the larger facility will allow the business to serve more customers and accommodate increasing demand.

The move marks a milestone for the family-owned business, which Daniel operates with support from his wife, Kelly, a nurse, and their two children, Wrenley and Westin. “We wanted a space that let us work more efficiently and continue growing,” Daniel said. “This new building gives us the room to do that.”

Daniel began his career in automotive repair 20 years ago and has built a reputation locally for a straightforward, customer-focused approach. He said many of the shop’s practices grew out of his own experience as a parent and long-time Hays resident who understands how difficult it can be for families to budget time and money for car maintenance.

“Our goal is to make service as clear and convenient as possible,” he said, noting that customers can book appointments online and receive text updates during inspections and repairs.

The expanded facility allows the shop to continue offering core maintenance and repair services, including oil and filter changes, suspension work, brake inspections, AC system diagnostics, and fuel system services. The shop also uses manufacturer-level equipment for computer diagnostics and provides digital vehicle inspection reports, which outline the condition of major systems before any repair decisions are made.

Oil and filter changes remain one of the most common services the shop performs. According to Daniel, many vehicle owners underestimate the importance of routine oil service. As oil breaks down over time, he explained, it becomes less effective at lubricating engine components, which can lead to costly repairs.

During an oil change, the shop also conducts a visual courtesy inspection to evaluate the overall health and safety of the vehicle.

Brake inspections at the shop include checks of pad thickness, calipers, rotors, hydraulic fluid levels, brake hoses, and related hardware. Suspension evaluations address common issues such as vibration, uneven tire wear, and alignment concerns.

For AC issues — including reduced cooling, unusual odors, or leaks — the shop uses modern diagnostic equipment to identify the source of the problem before recommending repairs. In cases involving fuel systems, technicians evaluate conditions that may lead to reduced fuel efficiency or performance, and most repairs are covered under a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

With the move complete, Daniel said he enjoys the new location and its central accessibility to the community. It will help the business continue to grow while maintaining the personal, family-run environment customers are familiar with.

Hays City Automotive shares updates and monthly specials on Facebook and Instagram. The shop is now fully operational at 1121 East 27th Street and open for scheduling.

82-year-old Hays man dies after struck by car in crosswalk

&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

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The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to perform sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the attached map in the Southern part of the City. Cleaning will begin on or around Monday, January 5, 2026. The entire project should be completed within 1 month, weather permitting. Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning.  An example of the door knocker is included.  Work will begin at the North end of the project area and proceed South until completed.

During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process.

If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

Sanitary sewer line cleaning, inspection starts today

A new year is here, and many of us are thinking about how to do something meaningful. Resolve to make a difference in 2026 by becoming an American Red Cross volunteer.

“Volunteers are the true heart of the Red Cross, making up 90% of our workforce and powering our humanitarian mission every day. Whether responding to disasters, teaching lifesaving skills, supporting military families, or helping patients in need of blood, their impact is profound,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas.

In 2026, join a team of changemakers working together to make an impact.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y01uwyAQxfHTwA4LMF9esMjG14gGmImt2nUCNG5vXyWquv299y9RWjSQOUblndd-cqPnS7RSIxnykIp1E2F2oEwmGXRWJZDia3STdSFR0tJAvipNbixBmhCUl6NmRra14Mf6EDusG9Ym_JSSLZ4Sie_z0d3wGvgWl97vjY0Xpmem5_M8h4ol16O14ag3pufnsX19dsTK9JwwHzsKEP84LH3f-I5lBVFxQ2go1hLfcP0DNl60tMFYXuMCP-1-tM6MRLht-D4O-dh56xVxf8VSO6IJrbCgUBgFVkzBO1GI8uiMSeAVf0b9GwAA__-uP2U5">Sign up here</a>&nbsp;and be part of the solution.

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMjzFywyAURE8DHRpAfJAKCje6hgfEx2KCjAzYSm6fsSdFup23-4oNlgMqt1K0wmgjzaxHQzcbQMCkQHkYEfwqJogawHCvVlRGcZqsnkFPPnrJlVuvQkY9homraRKGj5Io3lLAr_Rgu0sZa2Nm9h6CiT6y7_PR9fAuaLZb70cj44XIhcjlPM-hYlhraW0o9Ubk8ir5ee-I9X9m5ThK7c976gkbkUvFwD4WC5jTC2sbtr5nIhe6Y0iOVczoGrIU7Adc_wAZL5K_39JqN_fTjtI6URzdLeNnOKxlp61XxP0tc6ljnBEYOIFMCQdsnoxmIcZ11Ep5ZwR9WfkbAAD__1Hhbx8">BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS</a>&nbsp;Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer, you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You’ll receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30 minutes to two hours. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszLtuwjAUBuCnsTcj3y-DByTE1LFSu6Hj-LixSBSIDSlvXwV1_f5LjtyghoFiFM466YJVjo4xK5-CzrJAKEUYB4lzaZRXThZhgqE12mCsTyVJrmG4CFmsyp5r74XjShLNW814rXc2Q51wbcyFlEx2JRX2u927PewBneLY-60RdSTyTOR527bDa3n0R8LDsMy7QB9Gos5Pok7fbPxsHzh8na50xlyBrTghNGQ1xzdc_oGoo-TGa0PXOMKr3ZbWieYIPxO-i_s7bX1FnPcxl7aUgIYZEMi0AMOCd5blUgZltU7gBH1G-RcAAP__uj5eFQ">Find more information here.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMyz3y2yAUBPDTQIeGb1BB8W90Dc9DPCwmkpEBW8ntM_akSLfz290UuEENK8UgnHXSzVY5uoWUNQivuEpiTU6hFdYKLwx34MBmQ0uws7E-5ii5hvUmZLYqea69F44rSTTvJeGv8mQHlB1bZ26O0SSXY2a_r-ew06ege9jGODtRP0QuRC7XdU0N09pq71NtdyKXd91fj4HY_s-snmdt4_Uoo2Ancol7rYml-qiNwRGhd0i1Tds4dnpgKsAa7ggdWUnhC7d_QNSP5MZrQ1vY4E8_ax9Ec4T7jt_htNaD9tEQj8-ZS5vzjIYZEMi0AMNm7yxLOa_Kah3BCfoO8m8AAAD__z7acDU">BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR</a>&nbsp;If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador, a role that makes a real difference in your community. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszMtu4jAUBuCnsXdGvhzfFl6gGSGNNH2ArtBxfEyiJgJiQ8rbV0Hdfv-lJGkJcOCUlHde--iM52MyplKIKlspDWEOKshSZcTgh6A8AJ-Si9aFXLOWgMNZ6epMCRJCUF4azUC2qdDXdBcLTjOtTfiYsy2-5iq-t3t3hz3gcxp7vzVmjkyfmD5t23Z4XR_9kekwXJddsA8jM6cnM38vf-CDoPwX_z75QmVCsdJM2EhMJb3h_AvMHLW0ASxf04ivdru2zkASXmZ6F_d33vpKtOxjqV2tkaywqEiAQiti8E6UWgfjADJ6xZ9J_wQAAP__bRddhg">Learn more here.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsyz1ywyAQxfHTQIcG0PKhgsKNruFZxGIxkSwbiJXcPmNP2t97_xSkIcCFU1DOOu0mOzq-BqsmGwmcm0YfjQQLxmgpPUVQPiPwEuxkrI85agm4XJXOdkxegvfKyVEzkK0k-ipPsWPZqDbhphhNcjlm8XM-ux3eA9_C2vujsfHC9Mz0fJ7nUCkt9WhtOOqN6fl1bN_3TlSZnlNp2DpVgUsvx110wn1Y-77xnVJBUWkjbCRKCh-4_gMbL1oaD4bXsOJvexytM5CEt40-x2E5dt56JdrfsdQ254mMMKhIgEIjJu-sSDkvowWI6BR_Bf0XAAD___NzZJY">DISASTER ACTION TEAM</a>&nbsp;Every year, the Red Cross responds to over 65,000 emergencies. The vast majority of these are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support, and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8tu1DAUxvGncXaO7GPHl0UWgVGQWBQQQtBuKl-OG9OkmbFNM-3To1bd_r7vH0c2oHShw5FrpUFbJXS3jMEHaxJY4MYIEMJKLiJ4J1ALkxLr8qjsoIxPHph04Z5DUiIaJo3hmgkgktUc8TFf6ObyiqVSbb0fok4-0etxaap_G7p1XFo7VyImAjOB-TiOvmAMZa-138sDgfl5X_89NcRCYI65utqwUBda3p9oQ7f1S9tWIuZa6tpyJOI0pe3Tt_1c9cT_TNZcv-Bv-evn43pzu7Cb-fr3srzcydPn8PW13n33P7bby1JOYF-7DWN2tOCKriLNcXyH-w8gYgI2GDl0ZVzcSz3vtRHJ0D2s-H7sw751tRXE7S1moFKyONDBcaSSu4FaoxWNKQWhpPRO8-55hP8BAAD__4pWfIc">Learn more&nbsp;</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJxMy72u4yAUBOCnMR0WHP4LijR5jQjMIUZrBwdIvPv2q0S3uN3om5nkmUIZFoKeG23AOC0MWb0w4Jh0Cni0bslGS4CYwCThEHSwpHjtlLYxR2AyLDcOWYtkmbSWGyZgkqyXhH_Kk-6hbNg6NS5GlUyOmf49n0PPn4Jsfh3j6JO4THCd4Hqe59wwLa32Ptd2n-D6rtvrMRDb70zrcdQ2Xo8yCvZ5HftGdkwl0IYbho60JP-F2w9M4gJMWalI82v414_axyQZhvuG3-G81J300RD3z5mBztmhoipwpJIHRZ01mqacF6GljMFw8vbwPwAA___OUGaj">DUTY OFFICER</a>&nbsp;As a Duty Officer, you’ll be the vital link between disaster responders and those in need — dispatching volunteers to scenes like home fires and floods, all from the comfort of your own home. This is a remote, on-call role that keeps our disaster response program running smoothly. You’ll coordinate with field teams, emergency partners and staff to ensure fast, effective help reaches those affected by disaster.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8tu1DAUxvGncXaO7GPHl0UWgVGQWBQQQtBuKl-OG9OkmbFNM-3To1bd_r7vH0c2oHShw5FrpUFbJXS3jMEHaxJY4MYIEMJKLiJ4J1ALkxLr8qjsoIxPHph04Z5DUiIaJo3hmgkgktUc8TFf6ObyiqVSbb0fok4-0etxaap_G7p1XFo7VyImAjOB-TiOvmAMZa-138sDgfl5X_89NcRCYI65utqwUBda3p9oQ7f1S9tWIuZa6tpyJOI0pe3Tt_1c9cT_TNZcv-Bv-evn43pzu7Cb-fr3srzcydPn8PW13n33P7bby1JOYF-7DWN2tOCKriLNcXyH-w8gYgI2GDl0ZVzcSz3vtRHJ0D2s-H7sw751tRXE7S1moFKyONDBcaSSu4FaoxWNKQWhpPRO8-55hP8BAAD__4pWfIc">Learn more here</a>.

JOIN US&nbsp;Your time and talents can drive our lifesaving mission forward. Don’t see an opportunity here that speaks to you? One not available in your area? There are lots of other ways to get involved! Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y01uwyAQxfHTwA4LMF9esMjG14gGmImt2nUCNG5vXyWquv299y9RWjSQOUblndd-cqPnS7RSIxnykIp1E2F2oEwmGXRWJZDia3STdSFR0tJAvipNbixBmhCUl6NmRra14Mf6EDusG9Ym_JSSLZ4Sie_z0d3wGvgWl97vjY0Xpmem5_M8h4ol16O14ag3pufnsX19dsTK9JwwHzsKEP84LH3f-I5lBVFxQ2go1hLfcP0DNl60tMFYXuMCP-1-tM6MRLht-D4O-dh56xVxf8VSO6IJrbCgUBgFVkzBO1GI8uiMSeAVf0b9GwAA__-uP2U5">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>&nbsp;and get started on what will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.&nbsp;

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTmB0WnzOwYJFNrhENMCRWbTkBq25vXyXq9vfevybl2VERnDQCGoxgUTxSU9EGT1A0BgTAEnJ22mOhzNFiFkuC6CHklo1yVG7aNLA1KBeCRmXN5NRYKn8tL7nRsnIfEmPOvmLLTf6crwPm9yDW9DiO52Qvk7lO5nqe59y5lr6PMe_9LjauC8nOK9NgudT0gds_TPZilA_Oi54e9Due-zgmp5juK3-Oc9k3MY7OvL1jZaC1yF560iydJi9jQJC1tWLBuUyoxXcyfwEAAP__xdZWDA">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0tOwzAUheHV2DNHfj8GHlRIXQAbqK7t68aQkNYOBFg9asX0O-cvkRvUkClG4ayTLljl6ByVQ1tUkilLUbVXBoIWNRdeFGTDPW3RBmN9qklyDfkiZLWqeK69F44rSTQfreB7u7MV2oJ9MBdSMsXVVNn3cd_t9BjoEud9vxF1IvJM5Pk4jumlf_6-bm9wWrG3DB8wbf1KVywNWMcFYSBrJT7h8g9EnSQ3Xhva4ww_47aNnWiOcF3weZzyttKxd8T1EXNpaw1omAGBTAswLHhnWak1K6t1AifoV5R_AQAA__9Ri1mb">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.

Resolve to make a difference in 2026; Help people in need as a Red Cross volunteer

The Hays Eagle Media Center will be closed today and New Year's Day.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post!

Hays Eagle Media Center closed today, New Year's Day

A workshop is coming up for those interested in volunteering to staff a Red Cross shelter in times of emergencies.

The free “American Red Cross Shelter Fundamentals Training” will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Hays First Baptist Church, 1111 Fort St. Registration is due by midnight Wednesday, Jan. 7, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.train.org/ks">www.train.org/ks</a>. Those registering will need to create an account and then enter course No. 1132663.

“Shelter Fundamentals is a basic level course that introduces the roles and responsibilities for opening, operating, and closing a shelter during a disaster,” a news release said. “The course focuses on what new shelter workers need to know to work in a shelter.”

The workshop is being presented by the American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. It will be taught by trained Red Cross volunteers.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of operating a Red Cross shelter and will participate in a hands-on simulation to support the learning objectives,” the news release said.

“This course will enable our partners to help us carry out our mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of disaster in their communities.”

More information is available from Lyle Pantle, Ellis County Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, at (785) 621-1780 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lpantle@ellisco.net">lpantle@ellisco.net</a>.

Red Cross shelter training workshop to be offered in Hays

Due to the observance of the New Years holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Wednesday, December 31. 

There are no anticipated changes to Monday, Tuesday or Friday routes.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Holiday week to alter refuse/recycling collection in Hays

The Board of Ellis County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to have an executive session. The purpose of the executive session is for non-elected personnel matters for interviews.

Ellis County Commission to hold special meeting

Make your nomination below to help us recognize an Ellis County Child Care Provider.

Nominate a Child Care Champion

DOUGLAS COUNTY–&nbsp; A man who broke into City Hall in Lawrence early Monday and was fatally shot by a city employee has been identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Omar Dominguez Gavilan from Buffalo, Minnesota, according to Lawrence Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

Investigators learned that Gavilan was traveling through Kansas on a Greyhound bus. Early Sunday evening he was at Lawrence’s Kansas Turnpike Authority service station on I-70, just east of town. The Kansas Highway Patrol was called to remove him from the service station area due to erratic behavior. KHP transported Gavilan to the Amtrak station in Lawrence.&nbsp; Police did not have contact with Gavilan Sunday evening nor into the morning hours on Monday.

Just before 8a.m. Monday, Gavilan entered the City Hall building through a locked back door, proceeded up a stairwell to the 4th&nbsp;floor where he broke out a window within another secure door to enter the office area.&nbsp; Employees encountered Gavilan along his route and notified authorities that an intruder was in the building and attempted to find a safe area for themselves.&nbsp; An on-duty court security officer ultimately approached the man, announced his authority, and asked him to put his hands behind his back.&nbsp; 

Gavilan did not comply and began fighting the security officer.&nbsp;Details of the physical fight that followed will not be released until the investigation is complete because detectives are still interviewing those involved and police don’t want to influence any witness accounts.&nbsp;Within seconds of the shots being fired, Lawrence police officers were on-scene and began rendering aid to Gavilan along with the initial security officer and a second security officer who had arrived at the scene. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical quickly arrived, took over his care, then pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives in the Lawrence Police Investigations Unit expect to have a full report of the events sent to&nbsp;the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review within 2-3 weeks.&nbsp; During this time, the City employee is on administrative leave, which is standard.

Police ID intruder shot by city employee at Lawrence City Hall

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 5:30p.m. January 4, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy on routine patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding 101 mph in a 65 mph zone in the vicinity of U.S. 75 and&nbsp; 160th, according to Brown County Sheriff&nbsp; John Merchant.

While making contact with the driver&nbsp; of the vehicle identified as 71-year-old Clarence Riley of Minot, North&nbsp; Dakota, an odor of burnt marijuana was detected&nbsp; coming from the vehicle.&nbsp; 

The deputy arrested Riley on requested charges ofPossession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff: Driver was transporting cocaine at 101mph on Kan. highway

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bill-barrow">BILL BARROW</a> Associated Press

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday he wants Republicans to reach a deal on health care insurance assistance by being willing to bend on a 50-year-old budget policy that bars federal money from being spent on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion services</a>.

“You have to be a little flexible” on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-90e629ff016a4e3d98e7be9c149f5c73">the Hyde Amendment</a>, Trump told House Republicans as they gathered in Washington for a caucus retreat to open the midterm election year. “You gotta be a little flexible. You gotta work something. You gotta use ingenuity.”

With his suggestion, Trump, who supported abortion rights before he entered politics in 2015, is asking conservatives to abandon or at least ease up on decades of Republican orthodoxy on abortion and spending policy — something lawmakers and conservatives pushed back on immediately.

At the same time, he is demonstrating his long-standing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-election-2024-ivf-contraception-d91f0959087e803db390be11eb60975b">malleability on abortion</a>&nbsp;and acknowledging that Democrats have the political upper hand on health care after Republicans, who control the White House, the Senate and the House, allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/affordable-care-act-health-subsidies-expire-35060610e82ca3257821c53f2a34ecf6">the expiration of premium subsidies</a>&nbsp;for people buying Affordable Care Act insurance policies. As negotiations on Capitol Hill continue on the matter, some Democrats are pushing to end the Hyde restrictions as part of any new agreements on health care subsidies.

Trump’s road map on the Hyde Amendment came more than an hour into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-house-republicans-meeting-kennedy-center-ad8705ea228a8a4591567fb51f87edb3">a stem-winding speech</a>&nbsp;intended as a part strategy session and part pep rally as Republicans attempt to maintain their threadbare House majority in the November midterms.

The president touted the GOP proposal to replace ACA subsidies — which taxpayers typically steer directly to insurance companies after selecting their policies — with direct payments that taxpayers could use for a range of health care expenses, including insurance. The expanded ACA subsidies expired on Dec. 31, 2025, hitting millions of policy holders with steep premium increases.

“Let the money go directly to the people,” Trump said, before casually slipping in a reference to the Hyde Amendment.

“We’re all big fans of everything,” he said. “But you have to have flexibility.”

Turning directly to GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump added, “If you can do that, you’re going to have — this is going to be your issue.”

House Republicans did not visibly react to Trump’s argument. But Senate Republicans appeared unlikely to back off their demands that any new health care legislation maintain existing restrictions on government funding for abortion services.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated his stance Tuesday afternoon that any legislation must ensure “that those dollars aren’t being used to go against the practice that has been in place for the last 50 years.”

Beyond Capitol Hill, Trump drew swift condemnation from parts of the GOP coalition that want absolute opposition to any policy that might ease abortion restrictions.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said it would sour core conservative voters and make Republicans “sure to lose this November.”

“To suggest Republicans should be ‘flexible’ is an abandonment of this decades-long commitment,” she said in a statement. “The voters sent a GOP trifecta to Washington and they expect it to govern like one. Giving in to Democrat demands that our tax dollars are used to fund plans that cover abortion on demand until birth would be a massive betrayal.”

Even before Trump’s speech, activists were ramping up pressure on Republicans in their talks with Democrats.

At Americans United for Life, a leading advocacy group that opposes abortion rights, Gavin Oxley penned an op-ed this week for “The Hill” titled, “Republicans must hold the line: No Hyde Amendment, no deal on health care.”

“If they play their cards right,” Oxley wrote, “Republicans just might earn back enough of their base’s trust to sustain them through the 2026 midterms.”

The Hyde Amendment, named for the late Rep. Henry Hyde, originally applied to Medicaid, the joint federal-state insurance program for poor and disabled Americans, and barred it from paying for abortions unless the woman’s life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Hyde first introduced it in 1976, shortly after the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion nationwide.

Over the years, Congress reauthorized Hyde policy as part of spending bills that fund the government. Democrats who support abortion access often joined Republicans who opposed abortion rights as a bipartisan compromise to pass larger spending deals. But as the two parties hardened their respective positions on abortion, Democrats became more uniform opponents of the ban, most famously when presidential candidate Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-presidential-election-national-national-c142b9f08fa741c89bc26330d43e3abc">reversed his long-standing support for Hyde</a>&nbsp;on his way to winning the 2020 Democratic nomination and general election.

Republicans have maintained their near-absolute support for the amendment.

The anti-abortion movement was initially skeptical of Trump as a presidential candidate in 2015 and 2016. But he has mostly aligned with the key faction of the Republican coalition, especially on Supreme Court appointments that led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the 2022 decision overturning Roe</a>.

—- Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press reporter Stephen Groves contributed from Washington.

🎥What Presidet Trump told Republicans on abortion restrictions

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ronald-reagan">Ronald Reagan</a>&nbsp;and a conservative commentator, has died. He was 80.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday, calling him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”

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