By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays has ramped up its online presence and constituent communications since hiring its first public relations manager, James Bell, one year ago.

"This is something I really thought we needed in this community," said Sandy Jacobs, commissioner, following a year-in-review presentation by Bell during Thursday's work session.

Bell said," I like to think of social media as the town square, and traffic in 2025 was pretty heavy."

Jacobs said, "What I love is, people that I've spoken to, they no longer have to go hunting for (information) because you're already ahead of that for them. ... I don't have near the number of people calling me asking when their trash is going to be picked up on holidays."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofHaysKS">Facebook</a> is overwhelmingly the most popular platform used by followers of the city.&nbsp;

Seven other social media platforms are also used by Hays.&nbsp;

"(These) help us reach a demographic that is younger and definitely not engaging in news websites or newspapers or legacy media," Bell said, "but they are very much willing to watch a 30-second video of a firefighter giving a safety demonstration or sharing a tip."&nbsp;

Reaching more people of diverse ages and backgrounds with helpful information and promoting the city were among the goals the commissioners set.

"I like how you're looking at the next generation," said David Vilaysing, commissioner. "We're a bunch of gray-haired people sitting up here, but the younger generation is into TikTok, and that's always going to be changing."

"Us being able to give factual information regarding things like the R9 (water project), I think, is just invaluable," said Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor.&nbsp;

Shaun Musil, commissioner, said, "I think it makes us more transparent.&nbsp;

"It's a lot easier to see what's going on in the city of Hays. ... They're short, quick, and to the point, and I think that's the most important part."

Jacobs said the ease of accessing information was even more important to people considering visiting or moving to Hays.

Bids for the seven projects in the 2026 street maintenance program came in lower than expected.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, presented the bids to city commissioners, noting that the total was almost $136,000 under budget. Rohr said the remaining funds will be used for additional curb and brick repairs and pavement markings.

Commissioners approved the plan and bids as presented.&nbsp;

The largest project will be replacing several concrete panels on Fort Street between 22nd and 27th streets.&nbsp;

The other major rehabilitation project scheduled this year is the reconstruction of the 500 block of Oak Street.

Commissioners discuss city of Hays' social media presence, street maintenance projects

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 285 students to the President’s List for the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Beloit Kailyn Follis Amber Robinson

Burdett Briseida Ibarra Danielle Jones Sydney Stoll Ellinwood Makayla Burton Erin Dannebohm Cooper Gunn Penelope Rugan Ava Thill&nbsp;&nbsp; Goodland Brady Brumbaugh&nbsp;&nbsp; Great Bend Judy Alvarez Carla Burnette Alexis Cruz-Campos Baylie Fyler Francisco Garcia Jacklyn Garcia Brecken Guthrie Kylee Hallmark Caleb Hayes Lieu Hoang Halle Johnson Tiffany Lewing Anderson Luttrell Abigail Miller Remmington Miller Anthony Ramirez Manuel Tavarez Kate Welcher&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Dawson Vonfeldt&nbsp;&nbsp; Hoisington Ellie Crawford Kevin Patterson Garrett Tindall&nbsp;&nbsp; Jewell Ryan Scarrow&nbsp;&nbsp; La Crosse Aidan Grumbein 

Larned Maggie Haas Erin Stuchlik Cadee Upson Camryn Wachs

&nbsp;&nbsp; Odin Ryann Metro&nbsp;&nbsp; Otis Louis McVey Jhordynn Nelson&nbsp;&nbsp; Phillipsburg David Atwood&nbsp;&nbsp; Rozel Olivia Snodgrass

Rush Center Olissa Randa&nbsp;&nbsp; Russell Zachary Axtell Cassandra Smith&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilson Matthew Adams Shawn Shipley&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College has named 317 students to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Bird City Shane Todd&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Bison Kaylee Ficken

&nbsp; Burdett Lili Cissell 

Claflin Tiffany Andrulis Nethan Cauthon Paxton Dody Courtney Liebl&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; 

Ellinwood RhiAnn Dauber Rachel Franco Laelah Hartfield Adam Hayes&nbsp; Grace Sturtz

&nbsp; Great Bend Jesus Ayala Chirstian Batres Anna Bitter Lakyn Carroll Uriel Castruita Carter Coombs Mayci Craven Guadalupe Cruz Kaden Deines Daniel Delgadillo&nbsp; Dixie Gallant&nbsp; Jace Gant Emma Grandclair&nbsp; Tanaja Gray &nbsp; Cadence Halfhill Mya Higgins Dalton Hoch Daijah Jones Hayden Kelly Rachel Loera Castanon Alessandra Madrid Anahi Mendez LeAnna Oden Nineth Pereyra Zuany Carson Poe&nbsp; Elle Anne Reed &nbsp; Kiersten Rogers Ryan Rossouw&nbsp;&nbsp; Georgia Schwager Chais Smith Mersadie Spray Evan Strobel&nbsp; Matthew Williams Dorian Witte&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Ange Patricia Guikpa Epse Kouame

Hoisington Hailey Petersilie Kassy Petersilie&nbsp;&nbsp;

La Crosse Alexander Hiemstra Cassandra Sexton&nbsp; 

Larned Matthew Burns Tyler Donley Edward Ladish Mason Miller&nbsp; Maverick Munden Jesse Phillips Alexis Stude&nbsp; Max Vividor&nbsp; Madison Wood

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ness City Karina Rios&nbsp; Oakley&nbsp; Killian Lackamp Maya Rodriguez&nbsp;&nbsp; Odin Aiden Hekele Otis Madyson Chapman

Russell Brynn Coleman Kierra Eck Peyton Pfannenstiel&nbsp; Eastin Redetzke&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saint Francis Manuel Yanez&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Area students earn spots on Barton Community College President's, Dean's Lists

LINCOLN, NE — Madelyn Martin of Hays has been named to the Deans' List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

Martin, a senior majoring in marketing, was named to the Dean's List for the College of Business.

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center.&nbsp;

Hays resident named to Dean's List at University of Nebraska-Lincoln 

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the economic benefits of Fort Hays Tech North Central to Hays and Ellis County.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays: Economic benefits of FHSU Tech North Central

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Outdoor Kansas

I’m always raving about all the wildlife and outdoor adventures we have here in Kansas, but much like an inverse bucket list, there are also things I’m glad we DON’T have here. I recently watched a TV show about the Florida Everglades. The host of the show was there to try and catch a monster everglades bull shark, and as sort of a “rite-of-passage,” his local guides made him first swim in alligator-infested waters and then help them catch a huge python snake which are an invasive species to the everglades and are wreaking havoc with its fragile ecosystem. I’ve trapped muskrats in the McPherson Valley wetlands just outside Inman, which involves wading around in marshes of cattails and marsh grass that look a little like areas of the Everglades. I’m eternally grateful I didn’t have to keep my eyes peeled for gators and pythons; geez, I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.

I think Joyce and I must have been storm chasers in a previous life; when the tornado sirens blare and the TV weathers guys are yellin’ at us to get into our storm cellars or go to the basement, we’re bustin’ out lawn chairs and watching for the twister, despite the devastation they can cause. Some of the memories I’ll take with me to the grave are pictures and news footage showing cities and states ravaged by hurricanes like Katrina and Helene, and of the huge devastating walls of water produced by tsunamis as they wash cars and buildings through the streets of seaside countries like Haiti. So as much as I’d like to own some oceanfront property outside Inman, I’ll take the occasional tornado that can wipe out parts of towns along its way over a hurricane or tsunami that can wipe out the entire state; geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas.

The memories that inspired this column are from a trip to Mesa, Arizona some years back where Joyce and I spent time with my dad who had a place in a “snowbird park” there. One of the activities he enjoyed was picking oranges, lemons and grapefruits with other guys from the park. The Mesa and Scottsdale areas are havens for citrus fruit trees. There are acres of commercial orange groves within the Mesa city limits, plus many homeowners have citrus trees in their backyards like homeowners in Kansas have apple, apricot and pear trees. And like homeowners here, many people don’t want or use most of the citrus fruit from those trees. Each February a crew of guys from dad’s park would go one day each week and pick unwanted fruit for homeowners, then bag the fruit and take it back to the park and put it out for any residents who wanted it. Many of the homeowners even gave the guys gas money for picking and taking their unwanted fruit. It was a win-win deal all the way around, but the homeowners there seemed much more serious about getting rid of their unwanted oranges, lemons and grapefruit than homeowners here are about getting rid of their unwanted fruit, and I often wondered why. I found out it’s because of a rodent called a “roof rat.”

Roof rats are also known as black rats (but are not really black) and are slightly distinguished from other rats by the length of their tails which are longer than their bodies. Roof rats are historically thought to be the vermin that spread the Plague or Black Death during the Middle Ages. They were first noticed in the Phoenix AZ area in 2001, and have become a problem throughout the area because fresh fruit and especially citrus fruit is their favorite meal. I found a website maintained by Maricopa County AZ, which contains the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, called www.roofrat.net. Its mission statement reads “To help neighborhoods work, Donate quality fruit and Eradicate roof rats.” On a list of roof rats&nbsp;preferred foods, the top 6 were citrus fruits, which according to the website, the rats will even eat off the trees. To help eradicate roof rats, the website urges homeowners to “Promptly and completely pick all fruit (ripe or not) from citrus and other fruit and nut trees and to pick up all fallen fruit every season.” I was told that Scottsdale residents may even incur a hefty fine for not doing so. Roof rats nest in attics, hedges and even in trees.

Maybe writing this column was a lesson in just how good we Kansans have it compared to some other states. Yes, we have ticks and brown spiders which both require our respect. We have earth shattering thunderstorms and tornados, but not hurricanes. We have bull snakes, rat snakes and the occasional prairie rattler, but not gators and pythons. We have mice, rats and pack rats (which can be a problem if not discovered,) but not roof rats to eat the fruit off our trees and infest our neighborhoods. Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas

I'm very thankful to the Good Samaritan team and the community for the support we see at The Good Samaritan Hays. A CMS 5 Star Rating is not something that is given to you, but it is a Quality-of-Care Recognition that must be earned as only ten percent of all nursing homes in America can be a 5 Star rated facility at a given time.

I want to thank our Good Samaritan Team Members on all departmental levels, for it is these team members that truly are the backbone of success and the great culture that has been built for those we serve. There are other leaders that play a key role in our facility’s success, and those leaders would include our medical providers that take the time out of their day to come into our building and round on the residents they serve.

This also includes our contracted vendors that we can call on at any time of day, no matter what the situation is. I appreciate our KDADS surveyors who provide oversight to us as well, as they too truly want what is best for all those we serve in our State. To our residents and family members, I have always appreciated the support and willingness to work together so that we can improve our care for you or your loved one.

Lastly, as the Administrator, there are days I must step back and remind myself and others that we must allow The Lords Will to be done in the work that is provided to all those at Good Samaritan. When Christ is our guidance for those that we serve, then our community will always be grounded and in good hands. 

Thank You to all those that have been a part of this success. We look forward to continuing to serve and improve our quality of care in the year 2026.

A website link to view local nursing home ratings can be found at this Medicre.gov link provided. https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?guidedSearch=NursingHome&amp;providerType=NursingHome

If you are interested in learning more about the Good Samaritan – Hays as it relates to Long term care, Senior Living Apartments, or even employment please contact the team at 785.625.7331 or https://www.good-sam.com/locations/hays

Good Samaritan - Hays becomes 5-star nursing home

In January, 100 Who Care of Ellis County awarded $3,100 to the Buffalo Adventures/Hays Buffs.

Buffalo Adventures/Hays Buffs creates opportunities and experiences for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9d927241-4275-474f-ae75-c515602f1a96">Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics USA Games basketball team and a bowler are headed to nationals in Minneapolis in June.</a>

100 Who Care is a giving circle that asks 100 residents to donate $100 each. The group convenes to hear from three local nonprofits and then votes on its preferred cause each quarter.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c48efeb4-6d47-49eb-9bd5-4f27a3660bc2">SEE RELATED STORY: 100 Who Care seeks members, gears up for Oct. meeting</a>

"This is what happens when people choose to give where they live—$100, one hour, and a whole lot of impact. Thank you to every member who shows up with a heart to serve and bless others. Together, we are changing lives in Ellis County," the group said in a Facebook post.

The group will have an informational meeting on March 18, and its next giving meeting will be on April 14.

100 Who Care Awards funds to Buffalo Adventures/Hays Buffs 

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Kansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation.&nbsp;

There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since.

Which raises the question: What would it take for Democrats to finally break the streak?

First, the broader political environment must break decisively in their favor. Second, they must field a top-tier candidate.

Let’s consider the environment.&nbsp;Since 1934, the president’s party has lost an average of four Senate seats in midterm elections. High presidential approval can blunt those losses and in rare cases, like 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, even produce gains.

Low approval can increase them, like in 2006, when George W. Bush’s approval fell to the low 30s and Republicans lost six Senate seats.

Trump’s approval rating has slipped steadily since taking office and is especially low among Independents whose support will be crucial in November.

Midterm elections also have much lower voter turnout than presidential years. The smaller electorate tilts heavily toward the out-party, which is more motivated to regain power.&nbsp;

In addition, shifting party coalitions benefit Democrats. Democrat voters today are more affluent and educated than in the past, characteristics strongly associated with political participation, especially in off-year election cycles. Thus, intense Democrat motivation to stop Trump, stronger turnout propensity, and Trump’s low approval ratings together create a rare opening for Kansas Democrats.&nbsp;

Yet, so far, the Senate contest has failed to attract topnotch candidates.&nbsp;Laura Kelley ruled it out.&nbsp; Barbara Bollier, who turned in the most competitive performance by a Democrat in a quarter-century, losing by 11 points against Roger Marshall in 2020, appears content working behind the scenes.&nbsp;

That brings us to U.S. Representative Sharice Davids. 

Citing Republican plans to gerrymander her congressional district, Davids signaled a potential Senate bid, though nothing official. While gerrymandering efforts seem to have lost momentum, they’ve worked to Davids’s advantage, amplifying her visibility and providing an unambiguous vehicle for attacking Republican overreach and extremism, themes that historically play well for Kansas Democrats.

For 2025, Davids raised&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H8KS03155/?tab=raising">2.3 million</a>, nearly forty percent coming from small donations under $200.&nbsp; During the same time period, incumbent Senator Marshall raised&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S0KS00315/?cycle=2026&amp;election_full=false&amp;tab=raising">2.5 million</a>, with high dollar contributions over $2,000 making up the largest share.

Davids has also established herself as a formidable campaigner. She not only unseated four-term incumbent Kevin Yoder by a commanding nine-point margin in 2018 but has since turned the third congressional district into a reliably blue seat.&nbsp;

In advanced forecasting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://split-ticket.org/full-wins-above-replacement-war-database/">models</a>, Davids stands out, repeatedly outperforming expectations derived from political fundamentals.

By contrast, Marshall underperforms, falling well short of what an average Republican candidate would achieve given the environmental conditions.

Davids, in other words, could be the Democrat who ends the streak.&nbsp;

She would undoubtedly attract national attention, having already broken down barriers, becoming a historic first in several categories.&nbsp;Now, the chance to dismantle another long-standing barrier lies ahead. If you value political competition, you’re hoping Davids takes that chance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: No better time than now

Big Creek 4-H Club met Jan. 4 at Gorham Senior Center. Newly elected president Katie H led a room full of 4-Hers in a lively and productive first meeting of the new year.

A fun and educational Clover Bud activity followed, with first-time officers doing a great job with their meeting responsibilities. The members brainstormed ideas for an upcoming club lock-in.

Some exciting upcoming events for the club include the Favorite Food Show on Jan. 18. The next Big Creek 4-H Club meeting will be held on February 1st at Gorham Senior Center.

Big Creek 4-H monthly update

On Feb. 15, the WPAA will present Magicians Pomeroy and Lamb at 3 p.m. at Oakley High School. &nbsp;

The Conjurors invite guests to the world of the impossible - a place where limitations have yet to be created and amazing memories are waiting to be made. From captivating stories, incredible magic, large illusions, and breathtaking demonstrations of mind control, this show guarantees an adventure that will amaze all ages.

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door. Thank you to the area sponsors especially the Logan County Community Foundation, Dane G Hansen Foundation. Sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

My earliest memories are being on and around a stage. I was mesmerized by every aspect and element of performing. Every show is a journey filled with magic, wonder, enchantment and story telling.

Magic allows us to experience the impossible. Together we will create moments and memories that will be remembered long after the lights dim and the curtains close.

Magicians Pomeroy, Lamb set for Oakley High School

Fort Hays State University has been awarded the Community Engagement Classification by the American Council of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.&nbsp;

Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the designation with Dr. Lori Kniffin, the Omer G. Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership and the director of Civic Learning and Engagement on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙Post Podcast: FHSU earns Community Engagement Classification

Lions provide usable eyeglasses to Children and Adults throughout the World.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, we will be sorting used eyeglasses, determining their prescriptions and PREPARING THEM FOR MISSION TRIPS.

The Public is invited to attend to watch, learn or help.

We will be at STEM, (the old Hays Daily newspaper building, south side entrance), 507 Main, Ste D, from 10 to 4 on Saturday the 14th.

For more information, please call Lion Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club, VP KLSF,

Hays lions club to host recycling used glasses Feb. 14

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

North Central and North West Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 10 through Tuesday, March 10, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers.  These will be on Tuesdays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST. 

In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers. 

Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information. 

Planned topics of discussion include Understanding Flex Leases; Available Soil Water at Planting and Related Management; Wheat conditions and Breeding efforts on Mosaic Viruses; Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum and Insects to watch for in the Field. 

There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions. 

You register once and get information for all five webinars. The Zoom and YouTube links will be emailed out after you register and on the day of the webinar. Register online at <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">www.bit.ly/KSUCropTalk</a> or call your local Extension Office.&nbsp;Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

&nbsp;CCA credits have been applied for with one credit for each session. 

For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local County or District Extension Office. The Cottonwood Extension District office in Great Bend can be reached at 620-793-1910 and in Hays at 7856-628-9430.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

'Crop Talk' sessions available online for area farmers in Feb., March

A Hays City Commission retreat will be held on Saturday, February 7,&nbsp; at The Oread Hotel (Cottonwood Room), 1200 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Hays city commissioners to hold retreat in Lawrence Saturday

A Prescribed Burn meeting is scheduled to be held on Feb. 26 starting at 9 a.m. and running until 11. The program will be held at the Agriculture Research Station at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. in Hays.

1. Benefits of prescribed burning 2. Planning a safe burn 3. Burn Safely (PBA option) 4. Protect your homes and community

Speakers will include Keith Harmony, K-State Rangeland Specialist, Dennis Carlson, Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans, and Shawna Hartman.

Breakfast will be provided for program attendees. 

While this is a free program to attend an RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 23 for an accurate meal count. Please contact Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;, or call her office at 620-793-1910 to RSVP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prescribed burn meeting set for Feb. 26 in Hays 

&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

To ensure the health and safety of our community, HaysMed is implementing visitor restrictions due to increased local spread of influenza, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1476857071110421&amp;set=a.747486360714166">Facebook post</a>.

At this time, HaysMed kindly requests that visitors who are feeling unwell or are under the age of 12 refrain from visiting. To assist in safeguarding everyone, signage and stations with hand sanitizer and masks are available at all entrances.

Additionally, surgical masks must be worn by all visitors and associates in the following units: Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Birth Center/NICU, and&nbsp; Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

HaysMed is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

HaysMed implements visitor restrictions due to local spread of flu

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas will mark the one-year anniversary of its Hays Thrift Store with a community celebration on Wednesday, February 11, at 1011 Centennial Blvd. in Hays. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the anniversary event.

The community is invited to stop by for free popcorn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with 50 percent off all winter clothing and shoes throughout the day. Shoppers who make a $5 purchase will also receive a complimentary Catholic Charities Thrift Store tote bag. Popcorn and tote bags are available while supplies last.

Since opening in February 2025, the Hays Thrift Store has served as a reliable source of affordable, quality secondhand goods—from clothing and shoes to small appliances and home decor. The store also plays a vital role in sustaining Catholic Charities’ mission to serve&nbsp;all&nbsp;people in need across northern Kansas.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to make basic necessities more accessible to families who need a little extra help,” said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. “The store provides an option that’s not only affordable but also dignified.”

Conveniently located on the same site as Catholic Charities’ Hays office, the thrift store allows clients who already visit for food boxes, diapers, or hygiene kits to access household goods without needing to travel elsewhere. Individuals and families who meet income guidelines can receive clothing vouchers—typically two pairs of pants and two shirts for each family member every other month—with additional support available for needs such as winter coats or work clothing.

“When you shop here, you’re shopping with a purpose,” said Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store manager. “Your money goes right back into helping people in need. No matter where you are in life, you are welcome here.”

&nbsp;The Hays Thrift Store is open to the public and offers a wide variety of gently used items at affordable prices. Donations are carefully sorted by volunteers to ensure only quality, gently used items are offered, with all items priced affordably. 

Every purchase helps fund essential Catholic Charities programs, including housing and utility assistance, food distribution, pregnancy and adoption services, and affordable mental health counseling—making a lasting impact.

&nbsp;The store is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;

For more information about Catholic Charities Hays Thrift Store, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/haysthriftstore">www.ccnks.org/haysthriftstore</a>

Hays Thrift Store celebrates 1-year anniversary Feb. 11

Hays Community Theatre has announced auditions for “The Shady Caper at Golden Acres,” an original comedy written by HCT board member and Hays High School theatre director Bill Gasper.

The action of the play, which is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. on April 26, takes place in the retirement community of Golden Acres, where residents get tricked into a money-making scam dreamed up by the activities director and her inept boyfriend. In the end, they are caught, but not before a series of twists and turns.

To help people determine if the play is for them, a copy of the script can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iiIe-mAIjZxFVZICy1NTm_wymLZQm5af/view">https://tinyurl.com/Shady-Caper-Golden-Acres-Final</a>

“It’s a fun play that I wrote quite a few years ago,” Gasper said. “When Hays Community Theatre expressed an interest in producing it, I pulled it off the shelf, reworked it, and presented it to a few people to read. It was met with positive reviews, so I’m excited to get things rolling.”

The cast is composed of eight women and six men. Eight people (three men, five women) will play Golden Acre residents. Four people (two men, two women) will play facility employees and the mother of a resident, and two teens (one male and one female) will play the grandchildren of one of the residents.

“With 14 people in the cast, it’s a great opportunity for people to get involved – whether they’ve been a part of productions in the past or want to get involved for the first time,” Gasper said.

Auditions have been scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, and Tuesday, Feb. 17. Auditions will consist of a cold read of a short monologue or “sides” provided at auditions. 

Interested actors can sign up for a 10-minute audition time here: <a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/393379640036/false#/invitation">https://signup.com/go/JbOMrDu</a>.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Gasper at bgasper56@gmail.com

Hays Community Theatre seeks actors for original comedy

What better way to begin celebrating Volga German heritage than around the table? The Ellis County community is invited to launch the sesquicentennial celebration with a series of cooking demonstrations highlighting treasured Volga German food traditions passed down through generations.&nbsp;

The Sesquicentennial Cooking Demo Series will be held on&nbsp;Feb. 4, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25, each beginning at&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Gallery Room at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;

Food has always been at the heart of Volga German families, with recipes carefully shared, adapted, and loved over time. These demonstrations celebrate those traditions and the stories behind them.&nbsp;

The series begins on&nbsp;Feb. 4&nbsp;with&nbsp;Earl Legleiter, who will share his family’s recipe for&nbsp;Mahogany Cake, a longtime favorite. Recipes will be provided, and yes—there will be samples.&nbsp;

Each session offers a chance to learn, taste, and connect with the rich culinary heritage that helped shape Volga German communities in western Kansas.&nbsp;

All are welcome to attend and take part in this flavorful start to the Sesquicentennial celebration.&nbsp;

For more information, contact the Ellis County Historical Society at 785-628-2624.&nbsp;

Sesquicentennial cooking demos kick off today for Volga German heritage celebration 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man arrested in Missouri for a&nbsp;deadly shooting in Wichita is now in a Kansas Jail.

On Thursday, 27-year-old Donny J. Harris of Springfield, Missouri was booked into the Sedgwick County jail, according to online jail records. He made his first court appearance and is charged with first degree murder.

Just after 8a.m. Jan. 26., police were dispatched to the&nbsp;the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita&nbsp;for a reported welfare check after receiving information about a man down, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Wichita police officers and detectives conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation, working through challenging weather conditions and utilizing multiple departmental resources.

Officers from multiple WPD sections, Crime Scene Investigators,&nbsp;K-9 Mantra, and&nbsp;Flock technology&nbsp;were utilized to canvass the area, locate evidence, and develop investigative leads.&nbsp;K-9 Mantra located multiple shell casings in the snow during the search.

As a result of this coordinated effort, detectives were able to quickly identify a suspect identified as Harris and establish probable cause. An arrest warrant was issued for first-degree murder.

Working in close coordination with the Springfield Police Department, Harris was located and arrested on the evening of Jan. 26, in Springfield, Missouri.&nbsp;

Harris is being held on a $500,000 bond. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Missouri man accused of murder is now in a Kansas jail

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State men's basketball team overcame a stellar performance by freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa to beat 16th-ranked BYU 99-92 on Wednesday night. Now the Oklahoma State University is facing a reprimand from the Big 12 Conference.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the conference announce on their social media account, "in accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game."

"The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others."

Big 12 Conference fines school for chants which referenced Mormons 

RENO COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Saturday in Reno County have identified the victims.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, preliminary information indicates that a silver Jeep Liberty driven by 59-year-old Adam Arevalo of Hutchinson was northbound on Kansas 14 Highway one half mile north of US 50.&nbsp; The Jeep and a southbound Chevy Malibu driven by 27-year-old Cecil Chandler IV of Hutchinson, were involved in a collision. Both drivers were pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel.

A passenger from the Malibu identified as 19-year-old Shyann Cullison of Hutchinson was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was later transferred to a Wichita hospital, where she remains in serious condition.

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs victims in double-fatal Kansas crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ken-sweet">KEN SWEET</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Rent can eat up an entire paycheck at the start of the month, so a growing number of renters are turning to a financial product that promises relief by letting them split the bill — for a price.

So-called “rent now, pay later” services have emerged over the past few years as&nbsp;<a href="https://f5411012e10fa78d0257c137e60c1be3/" target="_blank">housing costs climb</a>&nbsp;and paychecks grow less predictable, particularly for lower-income and gig-economy workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rents have jumped nearly 28% in past five years.

Companies such as Flex, Livble and, more recently, Affirm, say breaking rent into multiple payments can help renters manage cash flow. But consumer advocates warn the products typically function like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-missed-payments-regulation-f7fd30f2a0e900460919fad76a1e0dbf">short-term loans</a>, layering fees onto already strained budgets and, in some cases, carrying triple-digit effective interest rates — raising questions about whether they ease financial pressure or deepen it.

Kellen Johnson, 44, started using Flex to split up his rent payments about two years ago. Instead of paying the whole $1,850 of his rent on the first of the month, Johnson would pay $1,350 on that date, and $500 on the 15th. For the service, Flex collected a $14.99 monthly subscription fee, as well as 1% of the total rent, which for Johnson was $18.50, bringing his monthly charges for the app to more than $33.

Johnson said he was willing to pay the extra costs in part because he worked as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/work-side-jobs-security-salaries-layoffs-df229576002b9b99cf4149b3978e937c">independently contracted delivery person</a>&nbsp;for Amazon at the time, and his paychecks could vary.

“It was an expense that I was incurring, but I went ahead as it was more convenient,” said Johnson, who now works as a driver for senior citizens in Sacramento, California.

Roughly 109 million Americans, or about 42.5 million households, are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/realpage-doj-lawsuit-settlement-rent-data-4d8985a50c28b6322b8f82a2fbb5c79e">renters in the United States</a>. The Census Bureau estimated in 2024 that a large share of those households pay 30% or more of their monthly income on rent. The bureau considers such households to be “cost burdened,” meaning rent consumes so much of their income that they have less ability to plan for future expenses or build wealth.

Rent now, pay later services generally operate the same way: The company pays the landlord the full rent when due, and the renter repays the company in two or more installments over the course of the month. Because rent can be such a large expense, the companies argue that spreading payments out can give renters more cash on hand.

Many of these services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-debt-holidays-0bb6006ddf14077ee5ae83fd43486923">come with fees</a>. The fees can be structured differently but should be generally thought of as cost of credit, consumer advocates warn. In Johnson’s case, he was paying $33.49 for a two-week loan of $500, for an effective annual percentage rate of 172%, when expressed using standard consumer-lending calculations.

“Renters should be skeptical of any financing providers that have partnered with a landlord and be skeptical of anything that sells itself as no fees or no interest,” said Mike Pierce, executive director of Protect Borrowers. Pierce previously worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Launched in 2019, Flex is one of the largest companies focused on splitting rent payments. The company says its 1.5 million customers now send about $2 billion a month in rent through its system, and several of the country’s largest landlords accept Flex as a payment option.

Flex says most of its customers are lower-income renters with weaker credit profiles. The company reports a median credit score of 604 among its users and says about one in three customers works more than one job to make ends meet. A Flex spokesman says the average customer uses the service three to four times a year. Johnson used it every month.

Livble does not charge a subscription, but charges renters a fee ranging from $30 to $40, according to the company’s help page. Depending on how long the renter defers part of the payment, Livble’s fees can translate into effective annual percentage rates of roughly 104% to 139%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-loans-installments-02852578a991fb0d31879acd0b687e0d">buy now, pay later</a>&nbsp;company Affirm said this month that it is piloting a program allowing some customers to split rent into two payments. The program is being tested in partnership with Esusu, a company that reports rent payments to credit bureaus to help consumers build credit. An Affirm spokesman said the company is not charging renters interest or fees to use the product, but may charge landlords fees. However, to access the Affirm service, renters must subscribe to Esusu Plus or Premium, which cost $35 and $50 a month, respectively.

As another financing option, landlords are increasingly accepting credit cards for rent payments. Bilt, a credit card startup, built its brand around targeting renters when it launched, and some tenants also use credit cards to accumulate rewards or points.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-default-51f76dea3666e9b2d95156b47c8092cd">paying rent by credit card</a>&nbsp;can also be costly. Landlords typically pass the processing fees on to tenants. Depending on the card issuer and payment network, these fees can range from about 2.5% to 3.5% of the rent. For a renter paying $1,500 a month, that translates to roughly $37.50 to $52.50 in fees — a monthly cost comparable to what services like Livble and Flex charge.

Economists and renters’ advocates argue that none of these financing options address the fundamental issue of affordability in the rental market. If credit cards, or flexible rent payment options become more widely used, they worry rents could rise further as landlords start factoring in a potential renters’ weekly cash flow as opposed to the rental market in the area the building is located in.

Merchants already pass along credit card processing costs to customers in the form of higher prices, and advocates worry that the rental market could adopt similar patterns. For example, Livble is owned by RealPage, which last year settled allegations that its algorithm allowed landlords to collude and push rents higher.

Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed from Washington.

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