By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

From Grandma Dot's rolls to Gracie's cheesecake, which funded an adoption, Andy Stanton's family life has centered around food.

"I have always loved to cook, being in the kitchen with my parents and grandparents. I have always enjoyed cooking," he said.

Stanton has self-published a new cookbook, "Kitchen Therapy," which he said is based on family recipes and others he and his family have refined over the years in his home.

Stanton, 56, admits he is by no means a professional chef. He has worked for years in communications and marketing and works out of a home office in Hays as a marketing coach for Farm Bureau Financial Services.

He learned from cooking with his grandparents, watching kitchen shows in the 1990s and 2000s, and experimenting in his own kitchen.

Andy's great-grandma, Ashley, was a school cook when the school lunch program began in 1948 in Logan, where Andy grew up. A few years later, his grandmother, Dot Stanton, joined her mother in the kitchen.

She was the head cook at Logan Public Schools for many years, retiring in 1977.

His aunt was also a full-time cook at the school, and his mom and dad were substitute cooks.

He fondly recalls in the book going to school in the wee hours of the morning with his grandma, who arrived early to bake bread.

The cookbook's first recipe is Dot's bread, a general yeast bread that Dot used to make rolls. All of the recipes in the book are favorites, but he said his grandmother's bread is a favorite among favorites.

He uses the basic recipe for dinner rolls, bierocks and cinnamon rolls.&nbsp;

"A lot of my time in the kitchen is reliving those old recipes and coming up with new ones," he said. "That is why I titled the cookbook 'Kitchen Therapy,' because it truly is my therapy. When I am stressed and I am done with everything, and I want to have my own time, I go to the kitchen.

"From baking to cooking meals, it's just been fun."

"Some people spend time in the woodshop or on the golf course," he said. "I spend my time in the kitchen."

For years, Andy has shared images of his culinary creations on Facebook and Instagram. He went back to those images for inspiration, but he still needed more images for the cookbook.

His family and friends benefited from the bounty as he revisited some of his favorite recipes, taking color photos to show the step-by-step progression of the recipes.

The cookbook has a diversity of recipes from local favorites such as bieroks, green bean dumpling soup, and kolaches to a bit fancier cuisine such as creme brulee, cream puffs and eggs Benedict.

Andy said he had never had creme brulee until he was 30 and on a work trip. He researched and compared recipes until he found one that he liked.

"I usually put my own twist on it," he said.

When Andy's youngest son, Gabe, was in about seventh grade, he told his dad he wanted to learn to cook some of his recipes. A summer of cooking with Gabe is where the cream puff recipe came from.

"We had a dad and Gabe cooking school that summer," Andy said.&nbsp;

Gabe considered becoming a chef, but is now studying nutrition, health, and human performance at Fort Hays State University.

Andy's oldest son, Jackson, also loves to cook, but prefers smoking and working with meats.

Andy's biscuits and gravy is another favorite of the favorites. He makes his biscuits square. He saw no use in leaving so much waste by cutting round biscuits.

Jackson calls them square biscuits of awesomeness.

Although Andy and Dana's daughter, Gracie, who is preparing for law school at Kansas State University, prefers to stay out of the kitchen, she has a recipe named for her in the cookbook—Gracie's cheesecake.

Gracie and her brother, Gabe, were both adopted from China. When Andy and Dana decided to pursue adoption, they knew they needed to raise about $20,000 in a year.

"We said, 'OK, what are our talents? What can we do? We did all sorts of things, but one thing we did was start a catering company out of our home. One of the things we got really good at was making cheesecake," Andy said.

However, her parents said back in 2004, "We'll get to China one cheesecake at a time." And they did.

Although Andy has been asked about opening a restaurant, he said that's not in the stars for him.

"I don't want it to be my work," he said. "I want it to be my leisure time."

Trained in publication design, Andy designed, wrote and did all the photography for the cookbook. He published through Amazon Publishing on Demand.

Andy said his main objective was to compile his favorite recipes into a book to share with his friends and family.

"It would be great if I became a New York Times bestselling author, but I don't think that's going to happen," he joked.

This is not Andy's first foray into cookbooks or publishing. He helped put together a cookbook that contained some of his family's recipes as a fundraiser for the Logan school district. He also collected his grandparents' handwritten recipes into a few copies for his family.

His wife, Dana, joked as she flipped open a copy of the family cookbook, its pages filled with handwritten recipe cards.

"One is the one thing kids can't read—cursive," Dana laughed. "They call us up and say, 'I can't understand what grandma is saying.'"

Andy said he had been thinking about writing the cookbook for a couple of years, with periodic nudges from friends and family members, but he finally set a deadline this spring. He set his sights on completion by the end of October.

"I hope people enjoy looking at the book and making these recipes as much as I enjoy cooking them and sharing those dishes with my friends," he said.

He said he has already been collecting recipes for a second book.

Andy parted with a few tidbits of advice for beginning cooks.

• Always read the recipe completely before beginning to make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. "Make a game plan." • Good, sharp knives are a must. Dull knives can cause injuries in the kitchen • Don't be afraid of experimenting and don't be discouraged if your recipe flops. "It happens to all of us."

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Stanton/author/B0G1L8FBJB?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeybdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNeVZ6Vk4xNmdXdnlBU3lmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkx7UAKnO4K89WuLK17Umj6ih8jqeS_iQpzC29Do3vhb47-Lol4Zn9SS4fky_aem_vBiwfKo3bijOfbf1sLi9Aw&amp;ref=ap_rdr&amp;isDramIntegrated=true&amp;shoppingPortalEnabled=true&amp;ccs_id=200c8998-3cda-4797-b4db-17f66a87dc2f">The paperback copies of "Kitchen Therapy" are $14.99</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Stanton/author/B0G1L8FBJB?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeybdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNeVZ6Vk4xNmdXdnlBU3lmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkx7UAKnO4K89WuLK17Umj6ih8jqeS_iQpzC29Do3vhb47-Lol4Zn9SS4fky_aem_vBiwfKo3bijOfbf1sLi9Aw&amp;ref=ap_rdr&amp;isDramIntegrated=true&amp;shoppingPortalEnabled=true&amp;ccs_id=200c8998-3cda-4797-b4db-17f66a87dc2f" target="_blank">&nbsp;on Amazon, and the hardbacks are $24.99. You can</a>&nbsp;also&nbsp;purchase directly from Stanton locally for $15 for paperbacks and $25 for hardbacks. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitchentherapycookbook.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaWNTN3d0eUx2ZXNrYlBXRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5V3j4NtDH7rRQsynkaggOxg6SavRm2RU6hsZtqx8iOx5S73slx3UJa7D09nQ_aem_vRDZ2sUsSM0BQaA83O4_jg" target="_blank">www.kitchentherapycookbook.com</a>.

Nwester: Family central in Hays home chef's 'Kitchen Therapy' cookbook

The Hays Welcome Center is hosting an official KC2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock through Sunday.

There are several FIFA World Cup countdown clocks in the Kansas City area, while the clock that is in Hays is devoted to touring Kansas.

Visitors can track the time until matches begin on June 11. The public is welcome to visit the countdown clock and take photos at the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine St. Fans are encouraged to use #KCCountdown and #WeAre2026 on social media.

The FIFA World Cup has three host countries in 2026: Canada, United States, and Mexico. Kansas City is one of 11 U.S. host cities, which include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

For additional information on CVB efforts or community events, call 785-628-8202 or go to <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a>.

Hays welcomes KC2026 World Cup countdown clock

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

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

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

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

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

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

🏀 Hays High open WAC play with Liberal

Free Senior Supper tonight sponsored by Women Who Lead

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

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

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

Kansas man hospitalized after violent SUV crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WaKeeney police seize drugs, gun after traffic stop

By CRISTINA JANNEY and TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

ELLIS COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by George A. Crawford, 72, Elk City, Kansas, was southbound on Vincent Road at Old Highway 40.&nbsp; The driver did not see or hear the train's whistle. A Union Pacific Train with 41 cars struck the semi as it was crossing the tracks. EMS transported Crawford to Hays Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

The train engineer Troy A. Young, 52, Abilene and conductor Tyler S.&nbsp;Gurnee, 33, Salina, were not injured. Crawford was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is on the scene of a train versus semi-truck accident at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria.

The driver of the truck has been taken to HaysMed for treatment, but the driver's condition and name were not released.

An accident report is pending with the highway patrol. More infromation on this incident will be posted on the Hays Post as it becomes available.

New details on train, semi crash east of Victoria

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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

In every community, there are quiet moments of care that often go unseen — a volunteer slipping an extra box of cereal into a family’s food box, a school teacher sending snacks home with a student so he will have something to eat over the weekend, a neighbor dropping off a warm meal at someone’s door. These acts of compassion happen every day in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, carried out by people and programs that work tirelessly to keep plates full.

Today, the Heartland Community Foundation announces the launch of the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund — a new food-security initiative designed to support the helpers behind those everyday moments. This non-endowed, invested fund will provide flexible, responsive dollars to the organizations feeding our community—where needs are rising faster than resources. The more the fund grows, the more it can grant.

“For years, our grant committees have wrestled with the same tension: food requests are so urgent and human that it’s hard to prioritize anything else ahead of them,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. 

“When a pantry is running low or a school’s lunch debt rises, it feels impossible to say yes to arts, parks, community development, or other programs instead. This fund gives us a dedicated way to meet those food needs without sacrificing support for other important community projects.”

The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund is built to support the full ecosystem of food access in our three counties, including: • Food pantries and food box distribution • Meals on Wheels, senior meal programs, and community meal sites • School nutrition gaps such as unpaid lunch balances, extra milks, or snacks • New community solutions such as cooking classes or gardens • Emerging needs like soup kitchens or expanded meal services • Any initiative that increases access to nutritious food for residents

Since 2018, the Heartland Community Foundation has granted $105,502 to food-related needs. While meaningful, this figure highlights something important: the need is simply outpacing the capacity of traditional grant cycles. The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund allows the community to give more, respond faster, and support hunger-relief work more strategically.

“This fund is about feeding people — but also about feeding the work that feeds people,” Meitner added. “When we strengthen the programs doing the heavy lifting, we strengthen the entire community.”

The fund is non-endowed, meaning dollars are invested for growth but remain flexible, allowing timely support when gaps appear. It was created in direct response to the rising challenges faced by local partners, from increased food costs to reductions in federal support.

Organizations may apply for support through the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund during Heartland’s regular Spring and Fall grant cycles, with deadlines on May 15 and November 15. Requests may also be considered outside these cycles during special circumstances, similar to the Heartland Disaster Funds, following a streamlined application, agreement, and reporting process.

Community foundations exist to bring people together around shared challenges — and food insecurity remains one of the most urgent.

This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, Heartland invites the community to make a cash or non-cash gift to the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund to support food-security needs in our area. Donations are accepted year-round and make a real difference in strengthening the programs that keep tables full. The more the fund grows, the more it can grant.

Donate online any time here: <a href="https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11164&amp;sorg_id=1039">https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11164&amp;sorg_id=1039</a> or visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org</a>. Click “GIVE ONLINE” and search for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund.

For questions, reach out at 785-621-4090 or email heartland@gscf.org.

Heartland Foundation food-security fund aims to strengthen hunger-relief efforts across region

Get ready for a sound that fills the season with cheer! TubaChristmas, the beloved annual concert featuring musicians on tuba, euphonium, and baritone horns, is set to bring its joyful, brassy melodies to Big Creek Crossing at 3 p.m. Dec. 14.

This festive event, a national tradition since 1974, celebrates the holiday spirit by gathering local players of all ages and skill levels to perform classic Christmas carols. From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners, the concert showcases the rich, resonant sounds of these low brass instruments in a unique and heartwarming display.

The Hays Tuba Christmas group will be performing at the Big Creek Crossing Mall at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Twenty-five to 30 tuba and baritone players participate in this event every year. Hays is one of many international TubaChristmas concerts held annually. Jim Tanis is the coordinator for the event. Traditional Christmas Carols will be presented at this 45-minute concert. Low brass players from area high schools, colleges as well as adults participate in this ensemble.

Our group is under the leadership of Peter Lillpopp, the director of bands at Fort Hays State University. At FHSU, he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Hays City Band, and the FHSU Tiger Marching Band. He also teaches the Low Brass Studio and directs the Low Brass Choir.

This concert is free and open to the public.

If you would like to join us in the performance, contact Peter or Jim Also, see <a href="http://www.tubachristmas.com">www.tubachristmas.com</a> for details

Attendees can expect a lively performance of holiday favorites, often with participants adorned in festive attire, creating a truly memorable experience for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to enjoy the booming brass that signals the start of the holiday season.

Event Details: · What: Hays Kansas TubaChristmas Concert · When:&nbsp; 3 p.m. Dec. 14 · Where: Big Creek Crossing Mall · Cost: Free admission ·Who: Tubas, euphoniums and baritone players of all ages

Call for Musicians: Musicians interested in participating in the ensemble are encouraged to come early, starting at 12:30 p.m., to register with a practice session after.

Join us for a joyous celebration of music and community as we make the holidays bigger, brighter and brassier!

Hays to host annual TubaChristmas Concert: A booming holiday tradition returns

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

For many, the rich color of poinsettias is a comforting symbol of the holidays. With proper care, the popular plant can last through the end of the year and beyond.

Poinsettias should be kept in a spot where daytime temperatures are 65 to 75 degrees F, and 60 to 65 at night. Temperatures above 75 will shorten the life of blooms, and below 60 degrees may cause root rot. 

Place your poinsettia in a sunny window or the brightest areas of your room, but don’t let it touch cold window panes. Move plants away from drafty windows at night, or draw the drapes to avoid cold damage.

Poinsettias can be “finicky” when it comes to soil moisture. Avoid over-watering poinsettias because they do not like ‘wet feet'. On the other hand, if the plant is allowed to wilt (due to not getting enough water), it will drop some leaves.

To maintain proper moisture, stick a finger about ½ inch deep into the soil. If it’s dry to ½ inch, the plant needs water. When it becomes dry to the touch, water the plant with lukewarm water until some water runs out of the drainage hole, then discard the drainage water.

Despite rumors to the contrary, poinsettia leaves are not poisonous to humans or animals.

The plant could cause an allergic reaction to the milky sap in the leaves, but there has never been a recorded case of poisoning due to a poinsettia.

Some members of the genus Euphorbia, to which the poinsettia belongs, have a toxin that can cause vomiting. The poinsettia, however, does not contain that toxin. It is still a good idea though to keep an eye on children and pets.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

BOOR: Caring for your Christmas poinsettias

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

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

A decorated U.S. Army Colonel and combat veteran, Kansas State Representative Pat Proctor,&nbsp;representing the 41st House District,&nbsp; is running for Secretary of State.

Come hear his plan for Kansas on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Trails Room of the Memorial Union at Fort Hays State University. 

He is hosted&nbsp;by FHSU College Republicans.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2">https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2</a>

Kansas Secretary of State candidate Pat Proctor to speak at Fort Hays State University

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The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will have its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, at First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th&nbsp;St.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make prior arrangements by contacting the ECMA president, Cheryl Glassman, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets December meeting

Fort Hays State University will recognize approximately 981 graduates for the fall commencement on Friday (in person) and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, for the virtual ceremonies.

Graduates who have chosen to participate in person will be honored in two ceremonies on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum (GMC). All graduates will be recognized in two virtual ceremonies on Saturday.

The ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. (central time) on Friday for undergraduate and master’s candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will be held for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education, honoring undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.

Saturday’s virtual ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. for the Ed.S. and master’s students. The undergraduate virtual ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All ceremonies – in-person and virtual – will be broadcast on the Tiger Media Network (<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DXoSu_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zprL8noPkpRRTbTSEUxp9EO9NiivC9QhHl0fRqbTXDXiSzWmaaBp41i-2B9Kn7DwFzAWRfunfVxUvPA83JAwzoiYogC0pCp3xZR3ZDDHMXR1eDWUDIeuKP-2F4leZ3SL0-2B8S2zazgMaQXYdo6sKBMphm8Lt5pVbPazYryZnUkuc8scRF6">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>)

The in-person commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0aUTrZUkCBF5-2Bwz-2F2-2FlggJ2tC25tLyyU758yaYV0K7ynpi6-2FB-2F0T0nosQeX9aa5b8Q-3D-3DEyr__1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpofLy5lZhI4-2BwvxqTszfaKOp-2BZHXJXtgT-2F99qvTHTuBTWr8zLoQSIrsup4IGOBGjUg44G-2FVwXiS0G4rAdGeWuY93bSfrHE4dMTGu4tHghfMpVt8guUkuhv7QOrywzIhtzuNgXVed4ov42qaPnynAx3AglouAQaIBUm4q8078No-2FJ">https://www.youtube.com/@TigerMediaNetwork</a>.

The commencement schedule, maps, directions, links to accommodations in Hays, and general information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0cdeTry58ih-2F0ByFBW-2FXzaO2dfEgAhUEeT4iu401VQSaRs_3_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOTStA1TVXnUTL-2FN4IihJRlpFvH4-2FanCy6lV6Ruf9aJvbAi22Auv-2Bw8aFwIrRb-2BIle-2FGdCqLckaTvUimYc-2Bw8zpk5ylbdtLiMpk9hcF-2Bj3WNCEy2taTkiT4sNIpzIxh2yaYz1Gjwo93V-2BxMQZ-2F-2BS0IRNbiKvp1rmfBRgdcWN38sQQ1XoRd-2Bpe-2BMr7XlUldWJYIZi4yTv2rrcdojvcuQIAH-2B59hfubkecCWAO36jvA1OTj-2BEPLP70jFXNbr482HbEEk">www.fhsu.edu/commencement/</a>.

FHSU fall commencement set for Dec. 12, 13

The United Way of Ellis County announces the opening of the 2026 CARE Council application process.

The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 19.

Any&nbsp;501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three&nbsp;criteria of education, health, and financial stability.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 community volunteers who review the applications to determine funding for&nbsp;the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County&nbsp;alcohol tax funds.

The online application for funding can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://liveunited.us/apply2026">https://liveunited.us/apply2026</a>.

Deadline for submission is now Friday, December 19.

For questions, please contact Janelle VanKooten,&nbsp; executive director, at 785-628-8281 or info@liveunited.us.

Deadline extended to Dec. 19 for United Way CARE Council applications

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

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

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

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

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

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must have a role in any Ukraine peace deal and criticized what he said was the Trump administration’s effort to “break apart” the long-standing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-security-strategy-russia-interference-dd672c0d0b3f31378c39381ef8ea8dea">U.S.-European alliance.</a>

Leo spoke to reporters after meeting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>, who is on another tour to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-europe-talks-297fc6a148fdb8dce4defb31b953ce0f">rally European support</a>&nbsp;for Kyiv. The American pope said they discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace proposal and the seeming sidelining of European powers in the process. Speaking as he left his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted that Europe’s role was crucial to any deal.

“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” he said. “Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.”

Zelenskyy has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners, a framework document of 20 points, a second document with security guarantees, and a third document about Ukraine's recovery.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine but appeared to respond to a broader question about the Trump administration’s views on the U.S.-Europe alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration released its U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-security-strategy-europe-russia-america-first-068488ca7e6d1c92ccaddd1649958218">national security strategy</a>, which questions the U.S.-European alliance and stresses a desire to improve U.S.-Russia relations.

Leo said what he had read would “make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States.” Additionally, some comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest an effort “trying to break apart what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.”

While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, “I think many others would see things in a different way,” Leo said.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war while offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it calls the “martyred” people of Ukraine. Leo has met now three times with Zelenskyy and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-ukraine-russia-war-negotiations-children-c83dc48e3c197a66bb1377bbb50a341a">returned children at the Vatican.</a>

Pope Leo issues demand on Ukraine pease deal

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a residential fire Friday in Nemaha County.

Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, the Wetmore Fire Chief noticed smoke in the valley near the community and&nbsp; eventually found a trailer fully involved in fire in the 300 Block of 1st Street, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office.

 Wetmore Fire Department, Nemaha County Fire District #3, and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire incident.

The occupant was known to be homebound and believed to be in the residence. Special Agents arrived at the scene, and the victim, identified as 65-year-old Randall Nott, was soon located inside the residence deceased. He was a user of Home Oxygen Therapy and a known smoker.

&nbsp;The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was requested to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;Three Special Agents/Certified Fire Investigators from the KSFM responded to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;

The fire incident is classified as undetermined.

Kansas man dies in trailer house fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Joe Ceballos, a Kansas man who made national news after being charged with voting illegally, resigned his position as mayor of Coldwater.

The Coldwater City Council announced Monday that it had accepted Ceballos’ resignation.

“We will continue with the daily work of the city ensuring that all services and operations move forward without interruption,” a statement said. “Our priority is keeping the community informed and maintaining stability during this transition.”

The council swore in Britt Lenertz, president of the city council, as the town’s mayor. She will serve out the rest of Ceballos’ term, Lenertz said.

Ceballos was elected to his second term as mayor one day before Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">announced at a November news conference</a>&nbsp;that Ceballos had been arrested for multiple felonies. Ceballos has a green card, which means he is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but he did not apply for citizenship until February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/11/13/dhs-reveals-new-records-criminal-alien-who-voted-multiple-times-kansas-elections" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a>.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Ceballos will be “placed in removal proceedings” if he is convicted.

Kansas man charged with election fraud resigns his position as mayor

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/christopher-rugaber">CHRISTOPHER RUGABER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve faces an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-8a0060c2f52f884ed3489450a66619b8">unusually contentious</a>&nbsp;meeting this week that will test Chair Jerome Powell’s ability to corral the necessary support from fellow policymakers for a third straight interest rate cut.

The Fed’s 19-member rate-setting committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-8a0060c2f52f884ed3489450a66619b8">sharply divided</a>&nbsp;over whether to lower borrowing costs again. The divisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-economy-federal-reserve-d6f4bbc6c458f73cd230c63e6abb1985">have been exacerbated</a>&nbsp;by the convoluted nature of the economy: Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">remains elevated</a>, which would typically lead the Fed to keep its key rate unchanged, while hiring is weak and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-tariff-bf603d63e13d6dc1083e9a6616c7ffee">unemployment rate has risen</a>, which often leads to rate cuts.

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