By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Once the music starts, the stage won't be big enough to hold the joy at Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Organizers with DSNWK and Styles Dance Centre said&nbsp;the show is an inclusion-focused performance and fundraiser.

The event brings together Styles dancers and individuals served by DSNWK. Sarah Biggs, DSNWK director of programs and services, said the partnership brings many smiles to everyone involved.

"It's just a great mix," she said. "Interacting with them in the studio is so much fun."

The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 1 at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University. Admission is by free-will donation, and raffle tickets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting DSNWK.

Alyssa DeChant, owner of Styles Dance Centre, said she has helped coordinate the event for several years, and this year’s performance will include 50 DSNWK participants.

"Some are traveling from all over Kansas this year to participate," DeChant said. "It's a really great way for my kids to work with individuals with disabilities and bring them together into the studio."

Their first rehearsal on Monday prepared dancers for the show, which will end with a grand finale featuring cheerleaders and dancers from the Arc, Hays High School and FHSU. Participants practiced in large and small groups.

DSNWK participants are traveling from surrounding areas, including as far away as Norton. With the large number of performers, organizers said audience members can expect to see dancers in the aisles.

"You can just feel the whole auditorium moving, and it's a pretty cool piece," Biggs said.

Allison Dreiling, a Styles Dance Centre alumna, is again choreographing and leading rehearsals this year. The annual event began as a project in an FHSU leadership class and now fosters year-round connections.

"It's created such a community for my dancers that they may not have ever been introduced to if it weren't for this show," DeChant said. "We see these individuals out in the community and at other events. They remember us, they know our names and we know theirs."

Trudi Mapes, a DSNWK client and dancer, said she enjoyed the rehearsal and that it wasn't her first rodeo.

"I've done this lots of times—about four or five times," Mapes said.

The song she is learning to dance to is "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" by One Direction.

Biggs thanks the moms who work extra hours to make the event possible and the businesses that donated to the 20 raffle baskets.

DeChant said the show precedes her dancers’ upcoming competitions and offers an opportunity to practice while working with individuals with disabilities.

You can follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a>&nbsp;on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dancing Together for DSNWK set for March 1 in Hays

Hays High vs Garden City Thursday, Feb. 19 - 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/3483753">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High plays their only game of the week on Thursday night when they host Garden City. Both Indian programs currently lead the conference standings.

The game was moved up a day as Hays High prepares to host the 5A Super Regional boys wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Girls: #4-5A Hays (18-1, 5-0) vs Garden City (13-7, 4-2) Boys: #9-5A Hays (15-4, 5-0) vs Garden City (10-10, 3-3)

Tip-off is set for 6:00. The Hertz Pregame Show will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

🏀📺 Hays High returns home to host Garden City

Annual Hays Lions Club pancake feed fundraiser is March 10

From the Office of Sen. Jerry Moran-R-Kansas

“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Kansan Verlin Pfannenstiel. Verlin was a graduate of Fort Hays State University and owned the Heartland Building Center in Hays, a beloved business that served the communities of Hays, Russell and Stockton for 60 years."

"Verlin was a man of faith and dedicated service, making significant contributions to his community. He organized the Annual City Wide Festival of Faith and, along with his wife, Elaine, was instrumental in the construction of the new Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas office in Hays which allowed the organization to expand and offer new services to the counties they serve."

"Verlin will be greatly missed, and my prayers are with Elaine, their children, Christi, Cindy, Russ and Ryan, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

Sen. Moran statement on passing of Verlin Pfannenstiel

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will consider two rezoning requests on East 27th Street at its work session this afternoon.&nbsp;

The first request is to rezone property at 2460 E. 27th St. from an agricultural district to a light industrial district.&nbsp;

The property is owned by L&amp;A Enterprises. The owner wants the zoning change in order to expand services.

The second rezoning request is for the adjacent property at 2470 E. 27th St., owned by Josh Ziegler, to change the designation from general commercial district to&nbsp;light industrial district.&nbsp;

Ziegler owns and operates <a href="https://www.tsbstorage.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23323755535&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAokUTqCRaxeubmKyusoso_RcCp8Ue&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAl-_JBhBjEiwAn3rN7Uu-Tmxv4JVtdjMi4Fbm4GUE55Gcd4ji0N4oSpadTrSohYTt32qBghoCp2cQAvD_BwE">T.S.B. Storage</a> on&nbsp;the property.

The Hays Area Planning Commission is supportive of both requests.&nbsp;

The other two agenda items involve the planned 24-7 Travel Plaza at Interstate 70, Exit 157.

Two resolutions are calls for public hearings, one for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project plan and the other for a Community Improvement District (CID).

The financing district would capture all incremental property tax revenues within the TIF District, but&nbsp;no sales taxes, in line with the city’s economic&nbsp;development policy. No bonds would be issued.

The developer estimates that the TIF&nbsp;would generate $4.5 million during its 20-year life for TIF-eligible expenses.

Within&nbsp;the improvement district, a 2% CID sales tax would be imposed in addition to the city's current 2.25% sales tax.&nbsp;

The CID sales tax revenues would be used to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go&nbsp;basis for CID-eligible expenses, primarily related to the private construction costs of the&nbsp;Travel Store, gas pumps and related private improvements.

The developer estimates the CID sales tax would&nbsp;generate about $2 million to fund CID-eligible expenses during its 22-year life.&nbsp;

The complete Feb. 19 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192026-1596">here</a>.

The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission to review rezoning, public hearing requests for 2 businesses 

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.

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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

The Kansas House of Representatives was fairly busy last week as it worked and voted on sixteen House Bills (HBs) and one Senate Concurrent Resolution. Detailed below are six bills from those worked:

· First is HB 2542. This legislation would rename a portion of US Highway 56, near Elkhart, as the Bill Tucker Memorial Highway. HB 2542 was voted out favorably in the House and is now in the Senate Committee on Transportation;

· Second is HB 2438. This bill would restrict online voter registration to only government run websites, with a .gov domain, or websites vetted and chosen by the Secretary of State, upon meeting several security criteria, like data encryption. HB 2438 was voted out favorably in the House and is now in the Senate Committee on Transportation;

· Third is HB 2478. This piece of legislation would mandate criminal history checks for nursing license applicants seeking to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or registered nurse anethetists. HB 2478 was voted out favorably in the House and is now in the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare;

Fourth is HB 2533. This bill would provide the legal framework to join Kansas into an Occupational Therapist Licensure Compact, an inter-state organization aimed at greater cooperation between states. HB 2533 was voted out favorably in the House and is now in the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare;

· Fifth is HB 2416. This legislation would enact legal immunity for liability in civil lawsuits regarding nuisance, taking, or similar theories for racetrack venues that predated their civil plaintiffs. HB 2416 was voted out favorably in the House but has not yet been received by the Senate;

· Last is HB 2534. This bill would provide the legal framework to join Kansas into a Respiratory Therapist Licensure Compact, similar to HB 2533. HB 2534 was voted out favorably in the House and is now in the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare.

House Appropriations (HAPP) was quite busy again this week as it finished working through agency budgets, heard one senate bill, and then worked the House Budget Bill, HB 2434.

Monday saw two and a half agency budgets worked. Those agencies were the Kansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood, and the Department for Children and Families. Each agency received significant discussion, from discussing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to the consolidation of state agency functions with the new Office of Early Childhood.

On Tuesday the committee heard Senate Bill 181, adjusting State General Fund transfers, and worked on one and a half agency budgets. Those agencies were the Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment—Health. Just as the day before the committee discussed both agency budgets vigorously.

Wednesday witnessed the committee work two agency budgets and start work on HB 2434, the House’s Budget. The two agency budgets worked were the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Board of Regents. Again, lively discussion occurred, especially on curricula requirements in higher education.

Thursday and Friday saw HAPP continue work on the budget, ultimately passing it out to the floor after several hours of debate on Friday. Both days saw hours of discussion and covered topics ranging from housing development to helping first responders.

The House Committee on Taxation heard House Bill 2745 on February 12. HB 2745 is one of the more ambitious tax relief bills introduced this session. The legislation attempts multiple forms of property tax relief. First, it mandates elections within a taxing district for property tax rate increases above a three percent increase. Only tax rate increases beneath three percent, aimed at construction and improvements or repayment of bonds would be exempt from this mandate, along with school districts and the State of Kansas. 

Second, it would create the Property Tax Relief Fund, funded by State General Fund and administered by the State Treasurer. The fund would be allocated to eligible taxing districts annually with a flat value, supplemented based on property valuations and population distribution. Only taxing districts that did not increase rates by more than three percent, through election, would be eligible for the fund.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Representative Troy L. Waymaster 109th District 300 SW 10th&nbsp;Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> www.troywaymaster.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Feb. 16

The Heartland Community Foundation is proud to announce the opening of a new designated fund created by a generous Hays donor who has invested $500,000 as a family endowment to benefit 15 charitable organizations — both locally and nationally. The fund was formally announced last Friday during a Chamber event, marking a meaningful milestone in community philanthropy.

Established as a way to honor the donor’s late spouse and give back to the community where they raised their children, the fund reflects a deeply personal approach to charitable giving. While the donor has chosen to remain anonymous at this time, the intent and impact of the gift are already being felt.

“This fund is a beautiful example of how philanthropy can honor loved ones, involve family, and make a lasting difference,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. “It is creative, intentional, and rooted in gratitude for both place and people. We are so grateful to the donor for this investment and for trusting us with their legacy.”

Originally planned as an estate gift, the donor made the decision to open the fund during their lifetime in order to witness the impact firsthand and invite family members into the giving process. Through this fund, annual distributions will be made to support the missions of organizations that hold special meaning to the donor and their family.

The designated fund will provide ongoing support to the following organizations with an annual gift that they can put toward any operating needs

1. Humane Society of the High Plains, Hays, KS 2. First Call for Help, Hays, KS 3. Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Inc., Hays, KS 4. Ellis County Legacy Fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, Hays, KS 5. ARC Park Fund, Hays, KS (non-endowed) 6. Fort Hays State University Shotgun Team, Hays, KS 7. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Food Security Fund, Hays, KS 8. Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, Topeka, KS 9. Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY 10. Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tampa, FL 11. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, UT 12. Wounded Warrior Project, Jacksonville, FL 13. Samaritan’s Purse, Boone, NC 14. International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Washington, D.C. 15. St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

By establishing a designated fund, the donor ensures that each organization will receive ongoing, reliable support through annual distributions, while the principal remains invested for long-term impact and growth, forever. This structure allows donors to align their values with causes they care about most, while simplifying giving and creating a legacy that can be shared across generations. So often, people believe the only way to honor a loved one is through a scholarship, but there are countless meaningful and unique ways to create a legacy — ways that reflect a donor’s passions, values, and the causes closest to their heart. Giving can be personal, creative, and lasting, and it doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all model.

“This gift demonstrates that philanthropy doesn’t have to wait,” Meiner said. “It shows how donors can honor those they love, involve their families in meaningful conversations about giving, and see the difference their generosity makes—right now.

The Heartland Community Foundation is honored to steward this fund and grateful for donors who believe in strengthening communities through thoughtful, intentional giving. The foundation is also deeply appreciative of our professional partners. This donor was first&nbsp;introduced to the Heartland Community Foundation through their attorney at Jeter Law Firm, in Hays. It would not have been possible without their help. 

For more information about designated funds, other fund options, or legacy giving opportunities, contact the Heartland Community Foundation at heartland@gscf.org or 785- 621-4090.

About Heartland Community Foundation Since 2007, Heartland Community Foundation has been connecting donors with philanthropic causes they love. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF is proud to serve the communities and residents of Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties. For more information, visit <a href="https://smokyhillscf.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>

Anonymous donor establishes family endowment to benefit 15 organizations

The City of Hays Parks Department is pleased to announce that the installation of new playground equipment at Massey Park is complete and open to the public.

Located at 17th and Allen, the upgraded playscape replaces structures originally installed in 2002 that had reached the end of their operational lifespan.

The new equipment features two large slides, an enclosed rope climb tunnel, and several agility components designed to encourage active play.

A separate play piece has been included specifically for younger children to ensure the park serves families with kids of all ages.

The project is part of the Parks Department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safety and quality across Hays’ public spaces.

The previous equipment at Massey Park had served the community for over two decades but had begun to deteriorate, with replacement parts no longer available.

Identifying and addressing these safety needs is a key component of the department's year-round maintenance operations.

Jeff Boyle, director of the Parks Department, emphasized that keeping the city’s primary recreational spaces current is a priority for the department.

"We take the management of our parks to heart," Boyle said. "Massey is one of our four master plan parks, serving a specific quadrant of our town. We believe these main parks should have nice, safe playground equipment in them for the community to use."

“Watching the younger kids tackle the new play pieces and really enjoy themselves is a great reward for the whole department," he said.

The update to Massey Park aligns with the city's broader strategy to support its four major quadrant parks, which also include Seven Hills, Aubel-Bickle, and Sunrise.

"For us, it’s about ensuring these master plan parks remain a destination for the neighborhood,” Boyle said. “There is nothing better than seeing the kids excited about their local park again. We think the community deserves nice facilities like this."

The project was awarded to Aspire 2 Play of Kansas City, staying within the city’s budgeted funds for park improvements.

"We’ve already seen the new equipment getting a lot of use,” Boyle said. “With school out on Monday and the nice weather we had, the park was full of families. It’s exactly what we want to see in one of our main quadrant parks."

For more information on Hays parks and upcoming projects, please visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

New playground equipment installed at Massey Park

When I grew up in the 60s, girls could play sports with boys at recess if they played rough as guys--no handicapping because they had to play in a dress. By the time I got to junior high, schools offered girls basketball, volleyball, softball, and track, but no football or soccer. Girls’ basketball played with odd rules—a split court with offense on one side and defense on the other—only the ball passed across the center line. By the time our daughters competed, females played 5-man full court. Recently, girls’ athletics added the option of wrestling. With a granddaughter grappling for the first time this year, we face a steep learning curve. The critical lesson learned so far: It ain’t over til it’s over.

Our ten-year-old, a ranch kid, feels more at home on horseback herding cattle or squatting in dusty corrals to help during annual brandings than she does competing in a ball game. She tried soccer and preferred working cows. This year, inspired by her cousin, she tried wrestling. The individualist in her found a sport she loves, leading her fans to heart-stopping moments and laughter.

Parents and sis support her 110 percent, getting her to practices, acquiring necessary gear, and doubling up on weekend chores to attend wrestling events. Mom found affordable shoes on Marketplace that caused giggles. When Coach asked our very literal gal where she got her foot wear, she answered, “Mom got ‘em off a lady’s porch.” Mom quickly explained the pre-arranged purchase. More laughs followed as we watched videos filmed by an enthusiastic little sis. Camera focus tilts wildly as ad lib commentary reveals the photographer’s commitment. “I believe in you, Sissy!”

Wrestling requires physical participation. Athletes clash muscle to muscle, fighting to survive 3 one-minute periods as opponents attempt to knot them into pretzels and pin their shoulders to the mat. Attend any weekend match to find over-crowded parking lots and standing-room only for latecomers supporting youngsters giving this sport their all.

Our grand is a novice. Good coaches guide her, allowing her to discover she loves one-on-one competition and the confidence she gains from watching and supporting others, losing, and winning. She and her loved ones have relished every opportunity to explore this intense sport that delivers character development in spades.

This sport more than some demands a burning desire to overcome painful opposition. It also demands quick analytical and decision-making skills as well as stamina to either overpower stronger competitors or employ strategic leverage to win. It also means athletes and their fans can’t let scoreboards psych them out. Loved ones alternate between holding their breath or cheering loud enough to rattle rafters as they encourage their wrestlers to hang tough. Staying in the fight is essential.

It’s high-tension time when wrestlers are down 15 points with 3 seconds left. If they flip that opponent to their back and pin them with only a heartbeat left, they win. Sometimes we think we’re licked when we aren’t. Wrestling teaches that life lesson early. Considering girls didn’t experience this when I was a school girl, I’m thrilled to watch gyms filled with singlet-clad little girls realizing the match “ain’t over til it’s over.”

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

Madorin: It’s not over 'til it’s over

<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

VICTORIA - Victoria Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fries, Fridays, February 27, March 13, and March 27 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Victoria VFW Hall.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start Feb. 27

Please save the date for "Vessel of Survival," an MFA thesis exhibition by Jonah Simmons, presented in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree at Fort Hays State University.

The exhibition features sculptural ceramic works that explore themes of endurance, vulnerability, and material transformation, drawing from personal narrative as well as broader social and cultural frameworks.

Exhibition:&nbsp;Vessel of Survival Artist:&nbsp;Jonah Simmons, MFA Candidate (Ceramics) Dates:&nbsp;July 14–17 Reception:&nbsp;Friday, July 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Location:&nbsp;Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Fort Hays State University

'Vessel of Survival' ceramics exhibition to be presented in July at FHSU

Hays USD 489 kindergarten round-up set for next week

&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

First Call for Help seeks Meals on Wheels drivers

The Chamber in Hays announces the 38th Annual Ag Appreciation event, sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit on Tuesday, February 24.

The gathering will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schenk Building, located on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Rd.

This long-standing tradition honors and celebrates the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout western Kansas.

The event is free to attend, with the first 300 guests receiving a complementary dinner that includes chili from Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant or green bean and dumpling soup from Gella’s Lb. Diner &amp; Brewing Co. Hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, and traditional fixings will be provided to accompany the chili, as well as pop, water, and two beer vouchers for attendees aged 21 and over.

The evening will conclude with prize drawings, courtesy of generous member sponsors who help make the celebration possible each year.

“Agriculture is a key economic contributor to Hays and Ellis County. Over 600 family farms proudly tend livestock and raise crops to feed our heartland and nation,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays.

No tickets are required for the event. However, save the date cards may be acquired from title sponsor High Plains Farm Credit. Other locations with cards include: Astra Bank, Carrico Implement, Eagle Radio – KHAZ, Equity Bank, Gella’s Diner and Lb.&nbsp;Brewing Co., Guetierrez Mexican Restaurant, HaysMed, Nex-Tech, and through cultivator sponsor locations, which can be found at hayschamber.com in the event link.

The first 150 guests will be treated to a swag bag full of gifts from sponsors. During the evening, door prize drawings will be held, with items donated by community businesses. With the help of generous sponsors, The Chamber is pleased to celebrate Ellis County’s ag producers at this free and fun event for local ag families.

For additional information contact The Chamber in Hays at 785-628-8201 or visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Chamber invites area farmers, ranchers to 38th-annual Ag Appreciation

Friends, families, and community of Hays, we are announcing our Spring Community Service Project.

We will be writing a check with a donation from our club funds to Hays USD 489 on March 1 to help go towards the lunch debt crisis. There is a total of $2,636 in school lunch debt across all Hays USD 489 schools. We are not able to cover this entire amount on our own, so we call on you, the community. 

We invite everyone in our community to help clear the balance on all of these lunch accounts.

1. You can donate through our CheddarUp fundraiser and on March 1, Moms Club of Hays will write a check directly to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services with all donations collected at&nbsp;<a href="https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaGV0YlJCSHljbWhnVzZwS3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6EKKTNSHW6Rmw9fGAuJuoWUlatlE_aHYY8l7araBN8zhZ0mKAedpuU7IS8bQ_aem_7X5Yk8noko3YxhlzxysKKw" target="_blank">https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. You can mail in a check to the following: PAY TO THE ORDER OF HAYS USD 489 ATTN: NUTRITION SERVICES 323 W. 12TH STREET HAYS, KS 67601 (MEMO: School Lunch Debts)

3. You can directly donate to a school of your choice. Just give that specific school a call and they will direct you on how to make that donation.

We are fundraising starting now through February 28. We will be writing a check to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services on March 1 with our own funds plus any donations collected.

This is a fantastic way to support your community and we are excited to see what Hays is capable of.&nbsp;

'Feed the Kids' fundraiser to clear USD 489 school lunch debt

Women Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. 

The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.

At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2026 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.

If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com or Renee&nbsp;

Women Who Lead offers $1,000 scholarships for 2026-27 school year

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas Board of Directors and staff will be conducting a strategic planning session early this spring. We would like to collect feedback from you, our valued member investors, to ensure we are focusing on areas and initiatives that matter to you the most! Thank you for your time and support!

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv7eIWzBssTLnlJMdDkqiT1pf19-M_YmXJlghcG6c3bZTrZg/viewform?usp=headerPlease&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawQAFEBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJtZmhzSjUyNW1jalhORW40c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHho8HAiKeRzdk9OKJM2PN1-ynJbK6klvd6O4eyZ3LUckWaft7iYulU5ftG7F_aem_WlE-hV7TzOrzHjaw22c8xQ">Click HERE for the survey.</a>

Chamber in Hays seeks your input

BEAVER COUNTY —On Tuesday, troopers in Troop I of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to an overturned Rosston fire truck during the Ranger Road wildfire between Rosston and Englewood, Kansas, according to a statement from the patrol.. 

Three firefighters were on board. Two were riding on the back of the truck as they navigated a smoke-filled pasture with extremely limited visibility.

The driver, unable to see through the dense smoke, drove into a burning canyon. The truck overturned, trapping the driver and ejecting the two firefighters who were riding on the rear.

After noticing a missing fire truck, fellow first responders searched for the fireman as every second counted. Once located, all three men were rescued from the burning canyon and transported by ambulance to a hospital. Each sustained serious injuries. The trapped driver suffered second-degree burns to his upper body.

"We are grateful for the fellow first responders who, like these brave Rosston firefighters, came from across the state to assist Oklahomans as this massive wildfire spread. They pushed flames back from homes, evacuated residents, and moved livestock for people they may never meet." the OHP wrote.

"Please keep these three firefighters in your thoughts as they recover, along with the men and women who continue responding to the ongoing wildfire threat."

Injured firefighters rescued after crash in burning canyon

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks fell Thursday, while oil prices rose with worries about a potential conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.3% for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%.

Booking Holdings dropped 6.1% for one of the market’s sharper losses, even though the company behind the Booking.com, Priceline and OpenTable brands reported a profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations.

Its stock has been under pressure because of worries that competitors powered by artificial-intelligence technology could upend its industry and take away customers. Booking’s stock has lost roughly a quarter of its value so far this year already.

Such&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">worries have been rolling through Wall Street</a>, hitting industries as far flung as software and legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have been punishing stocks of companies seen as under threat by AI so suddenly and aggressively that analysts have likened it to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.

The doubts are hurting not just companies seen as potential victims of AI but also the private-credit companies that have lent them money. Blue Owl Capital fell 5.9% to bring its loss for the year so far to 22.5%, for example. Apollo Global Management dropped 5.2%, and Ares Management sank 3.1%.

Carvana sank 7.9% even though the retailer reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Investors may have been paying more attention to how much profit the auto retailer made per vehicle sold, which was lower than expected.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">Walmart</a>, meanwhile, pushed and pulled on the market after jumping to an early gain of 2.7% and then flipping to a loss. The retail giant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">delivered stronger results</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it gave a profit forecast for the upcoming year that fell short of estimates. It finished the day with a loss of 1.4%.

Helping to limit the market’s losses was Deere, which jumped 11.6% after the machinery maker reported a higher profit than analysts expected. CEO John May said it’s seeing a continued recovery in demand from construction and smaller agricultural customers, though its global, large agricultural customers are still feeling pressure.

Some of the bigger gains in the S&amp;P 500 came from stocks of oil companies, which climbed with the price of crude. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 1.9% to $66.43, while Brent added 1.9% to $71.66 per barrel.

Oil prices rose with worries about a possible military confrontation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>. President Donald Trump has been raising the pressure on Iran, which is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, because of its disputed nuclear program. If a conflict were to break out, it could constrict the global flow of oil.

Occidental Petroleum jumped 9.4% after it also reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 19.42 points to 6,861.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267.50 to 49,395.16, and the Nasdaq composite lost 70.91 to 22,682.73.

In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-77f64caa00f49af45d52e7e909cd4f79">number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits eased</a>&nbsp;last week. That could be a signal that the pace of layoffs is slowing.

A solid job market, in turn, could keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">Federal Reserve on hold</a>&nbsp;for longer before it resumes its cuts to interest rates. Fed officials said at their last meeting that they want to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-fed-trump-d7aabc066d5a3a330022963289abc0c0">inflation fall further</a>&nbsp;before they would support cutting rates further this year.

If oil prices keep rising, that would push upward on inflation.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.07% from 4.09% late Wednesday.

Other U.S. economic reports said that growth for manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is accelerating, but potential homebuyers across the country didn’t sign as many contracts in January to purchase. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-deficit-tariffs-china-9eb6bd10ff635d63e46ee99d34ce1d05">U.S. trade deficit</a>&nbsp;also widened in December by more than economists expected.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell in Europe following better performances in Asia.

South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.1% as trading resumed following a Lunar New Year holiday. Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai remained closed.

Oil prices climb on mounting US-Iran tensions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.

The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.

Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.

Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.

The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

The panel received mainly negative comments from the public

Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.

Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.

Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.

Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”

The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.

Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.

A lawsuit against the project is still pending

The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.

In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”

At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.

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