Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561995642681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post</h2>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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732287931438.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the New Years holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Wednesday, December 31. There are no anticipated changes to Monday, Tuesday or Friday routes.It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Holiday week to alter refuse/recycling collection in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Kat’s Hallmark is giving away countless hugs to loyal customers as it prepares to close its doors before the end of the year.

Kathy and John Schupman, owners of Kat's Hallmark at 1003 Main St., announced the store will close Dec. 31. Kathy reflected on her move to Hays and on the store's evolution during the past decade.

"Where I'm at in life, it's time to balance family time and give to other events more so than my career," Kathy said.

Kat’s Hallmark will offer 75% off storewide and all cards priced at two for $1 through its final day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Kathy moved to Hays from Ohio after meeting her husband, John, a Hays native, at a pinochle tournament that brought her to northwest Kansas.

Kathy said the idea of opening a store organically grew from her passion for community involvement. Through years of working at the Kansas State Fair, she built relationships with vendors and discovered a strong market for locally made gift items.

Kathy asked John if they could open a store featuring Kansas-made products, marking the start of a new business venture. During that time, the Hallmark store operated in Big Creek Crossing Mall and Tebo Village before settling in downtown Hays in 2023.

"The dream always was community involvement. I just love that, and I love being around people," Kathy said.

The historic building, constructed in 1919, previously housed JCPenney, Jackie Creamer’s Dance Studio and TR’s Sportswear. Kathy said the closure also comes as she can no longer manage the store on her own.

"It has been difficult to keep a consistent full-time staff in the last few years. We've had wonderful employees, but ultimately they graduate, move on or get married. Good things like that," she said.

"When we're 20 years old, you can keep kicking on," John said. "But once you get older, money ain't worth it if you're not healthy to go another 20 years."

Kathy said the store always had strong support from loyal customers, many of whom traveled from across Kansas and beyond. She said news of the closure reached customers as far away as coastal states.

"We're getting cards from people in Missouri, New York, people who traveled to Denver and stopped here," she said. "They heard we're closing, so they've been writing cards and sending us stuff. That's just so priceless," Kathy said.

She said she plans to pursue a slower-paced career and spend more time with family and at the VFW, where she also serves on the Honor Guard. Kathy and John said many hugs have been shared with customers during the store's final days.

"We're so appreciative and thankful for the relationships,&nbsp;camaraderie, and for including us in their family. The experience really was a Hallmark moment in total," Kathy said.&nbsp;

Kathy said her faith was central to the creation and operation of the gift shop, shaping the store’s identity and the products it carried, including religious items not commonly found in larger corporate stores.

"We have a crucifix hanging up, and it's from the Holy Land. That's what kept us going. Faith and family were able to create this," she said.

You can follow Kat's Hallmark on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katshallmark/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for any more announcements.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767026963838.jpeg" alt="Kathy and John Schupman, owners of Kat's Hallmark in Hays, standing behind their store counter for one of the last times before closing shop. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kathy and John Schupman, owners of Kat's Hallmark in Hays, standing behind their store counter for one of the last times before closing shop. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostKat’s Hallmark is giving away countless hugs to loyal customers as it prepares to close its doors before the end of the year.Kathy and John Schupman, owners of Kat's Hallmark at 1003 Main St., announced the store will close Dec. 31. Kathy reflected on her move to Hays and on the store's evolution during the past decade."Where I'm at in life, it's time to balance family time and give to other events more so than my career," Kathy said.Kat’s Hallmark will offer 75% off storewide and all cards priced at two for $1 through its final day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027141832.jpeg" alt="A shelf of holiday gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A shelf of holiday gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027185430.jpeg" alt="A display of gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A display of gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kathy moved to Hays from Ohio after meeting her husband, John, a Hays native, at a pinochle tournament that brought her to northwest Kansas.Kathy said the idea of opening a store organically grew from her passion for community involvement. Through years of working at the Kansas State Fair, she built relationships with vendors and discovered a strong market for locally made gift items.Kathy asked John if they could open a store featuring Kansas-made products, marking the start of a new business venture. During that time, the Hallmark store operated in Big Creek Crossing Mall and Tebo Village before settling in downtown Hays in 2023."The dream always was community involvement. I just love that, and I love being around people," Kathy said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027212384.jpeg" alt="Christmas gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Christmas gift items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027232245.jpeg" alt="The interior and aisles at Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The interior and aisles at Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The historic building, constructed in 1919, previously housed JCPenney, Jackie Creamer’s Dance Studio and TR’s Sportswear. Kathy said the closure also comes as she can no longer manage the store on her own."It has been difficult to keep a consistent full-time staff in the last few years. We've had wonderful employees, but ultimately they graduate, move on or get married. Good things like that," she said."When we're 20 years old, you can keep kicking on," John said. "But once you get older, money ain't worth it if you're not healthy to go another 20 years."Kathy said the store always had strong support from loyal customers, many of whom traveled from across Kansas and beyond. She said news of the closure reached customers as far away as coastal states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027348796.jpeg" alt="Stuffed animals and festive items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Stuffed animals and festive items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027262898.jpeg" alt="Christmas decorations and items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Christmas decorations and items from Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027278235.jpeg" alt="An aisle of gift cards from Kat's Hallmark. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An aisle of gift cards from Kat's Hallmark. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We're getting cards from people in Missouri, New York, people who traveled to Denver and stopped here," she said. "They heard we're closing, so they've been writing cards and sending us stuff. That's just so priceless," Kathy said.She said she plans to pursue a slower-paced career and spend more time with family and at the VFW, where she also serves on the Honor Guard. Kathy and John said many hugs have been shared with customers during the store's final days."We're so appreciative and thankful for the relationships,&nbsp;camaraderie, and for including us in their family. The experience really was a Hallmark moment in total," Kathy said.&nbsp;Kathy said her faith was central to the creation and operation of the gift shop, shaping the store’s identity and the products it carried, including religious items not commonly found in larger corporate stores."We have a crucifix hanging up, and it's from the Holy Land. That's what kept us going. Faith and family were able to create this," she said.You can follow Kat's Hallmark on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katshallmark/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for any more announcements.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027456770.jpeg" alt="A crucifix hangs on a wall at Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A crucifix hangs on a wall at Kat's Hallmark in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Kat's Hallmark in Hays to close after 10 years on New Year's Eve

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

The beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs just scored their biggest win of the year. On December 22, the Chiefs announced a new agreement with the state of Kansas to spend $3.3 billion on a new domed stadium in western Wyandotte County, relying heavily on the tax mechanism called STAR bonds. Governor Laura Kelly and other policymakers are ecstatic about the deal, which also includes an entertainment district.

Unfortunately, economists have thoroughly documented that <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/blog/sports-stadium-subsidies-taxpayers/">sports stadium incentives do not pay for themselves</a>. The massive amounts of revenue diverted to pay back the STAR bonds could fund schools, libraries, first responders, and infrastructure. What economic growth the Chiefs generate is being relocated within the Kansas City area, not “created.” If the proposed entertainment district materializes, it will simply move the spending from other parts of the metro, such as Kansas City, MO’s Power and Light District.

It should also be noted that Kansas is a <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/right-to-work-states-have-lower-wages/">“right to work”</a> state, meaning that the laws protecting unions are much weaker than Missouri’s. Non-union contractors paying workers less will likely be involved in constructing the new stadium– some may not even be located here. This also affects those who work at the concessions, who are <a href="https://www.seiu1.org/blog/2019/03/22/seiu-local-1-arrowhead-stadium-maintenance-workers-game-day-staff-win-strong-new-contract-kansas-city-chiefs">currently unionized</a> at the Truman Sports Complex in Missouri. After the big move, they may be stripped of their right to representation as well as some pay and benefits.

The Chiefs chose scrappy, often-overlooked Kansas City, Kansas over wealthy Johnson County for their project. Known as the Legends, the site lies in the western portion of Wyandotte County, surrounded by existing development including the Kansas Speedway, a soccer stadium, a theme park, hotels, and shopping. Unfortunately, because the STAR bonds will use the tax revenue generated to pay for the development itself, there will be little if any benefit to the eastern part of Wyandotte County, one of the poorest parts of the state where good jobs, stable tax revenue, and infrastructure development are badly needed.

The Chiefs deal and associated negotiations with the Royals also scuttled the border war truce. From 2009 until the truce was signed in 2018, Missouri and Kansas <a href="https://www.cato.org/blog/how-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-restarted-subsidies-war">wasted $335 million in potential tax revenue</a> luring businesses back and forth across the state line, creating only 1200 jobs, costing about $280,000 per job. The sports deals ended the truce, and just this week, real estate developer VanTrust Real Estate accepted nearly $120 million to move insurance brokerage firm Lockton to Leawood from Kansas City, MO’s Country Club Plaza, while the Plaza’s own developers simultaneously requested nearly half a billion in tax incentives of their own to redevelop that area.

In 2024, Jackson County, MO affordable housing advocates led a backlash against the sales tax funding the Truman Complex, arguing that a sales tax on food (among other things) should not be used to subsidize real estate developers and for-profit sports teams when others struggle to find affordable groceries and housing.

Now, any hope of taxpayers, unions, and property tax-reliant local schools being involved in a tax deal is gone. Team owners, politicians, and developers are back in the driver’s seat. This project will not pay for itself. Given their generosity, Kansas taxpayers can only hope that the Chiefs match their win in the capitol with more victories on the field.

Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasThe beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs just scored their biggest win of the year. On December 22, the Chiefs announced a new agreement with the state of Kansas to spend $3.3 billion on a new domed stadium in western Wyandotte County, relying heavily on the tax mechanism called STAR bonds. Governor Laura Kelly and other policymakers are ecstatic about the deal, which also includes an entertainment district.Unfortunately, economists have thoroughly documented that <a href="https://taxfoundation.org/blog/sports-stadium-subsidies-taxpayers/">sports stadium incentives do not pay for themselves</a>. The massive amounts of revenue diverted to pay back the STAR bonds could fund schools, libraries, first responders, and infrastructure. What economic growth the Chiefs generate is being relocated within the Kansas City area, not “created.” If the proposed entertainment district materializes, it will simply move the spending from other parts of the metro, such as Kansas City, MO’s Power and Light District.It should also be noted that Kansas is a <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/right-to-work-states-have-lower-wages/">“right to work”</a> state, meaning that the laws protecting unions are much weaker than Missouri’s. Non-union contractors paying workers less will likely be involved in constructing the new stadium– some may not even be located here. This also affects those who work at the concessions, who are <a href="https://www.seiu1.org/blog/2019/03/22/seiu-local-1-arrowhead-stadium-maintenance-workers-game-day-staff-win-strong-new-contract-kansas-city-chiefs">currently unionized</a> at the Truman Sports Complex in Missouri. After the big move, they may be stripped of their right to representation as well as some pay and benefits.The Chiefs chose scrappy, often-overlooked Kansas City, Kansas over wealthy Johnson County for their project. Known as the Legends, the site lies in the western portion of Wyandotte County, surrounded by existing development including the Kansas Speedway, a soccer stadium, a theme park, hotels, and shopping. Unfortunately, because the STAR bonds will use the tax revenue generated to pay for the development itself, there will be little if any benefit to the eastern part of Wyandotte County, one of the poorest parts of the state where good jobs, stable tax revenue, and infrastructure development are badly needed.The Chiefs deal and associated negotiations with the Royals also scuttled the border war truce. From 2009 until the truce was signed in 2018, Missouri and Kansas <a href="https://www.cato.org/blog/how-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-restarted-subsidies-war">wasted $335 million in potential tax revenue</a> luring businesses back and forth across the state line, creating only 1200 jobs, costing about $280,000 per job. The sports deals ended the truce, and just this week, real estate developer VanTrust Real Estate accepted nearly $120 million to move insurance brokerage firm Lockton to Leawood from Kansas City, MO’s Country Club Plaza, while the Plaza’s own developers simultaneously requested nearly half a billion in tax incentives of their own to redevelop that area.Here we go again.In 2024, Jackson County, MO affordable housing advocates led a backlash against the sales tax funding the Truman Complex, arguing that a sales tax on food (among other things) should not be used to subsidize real estate developers and for-profit sports teams when others struggle to find affordable groceries and housing.Now, any hope of taxpayers, unions, and property tax-reliant local schools being involved in a tax deal is gone. Team owners, politicians, and developers are back in the driver’s seat. This project will not pay for itself. Given their generosity, Kansas taxpayers can only hope that the Chiefs match their win in the capitol with more victories on the field.Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

Insight Kansas: Playing devils advocate on the Chiefs deal

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce has awarded $337,833 in Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants, supporting 15 quality-of-life projects across Kansas. The awards leveraged more than $744,186 in local contributions, bringing the total investment available for the projects to almost $1.1 million.

“Our small towns in Kansas are the heart of this state — they have character, history and most importantly, they have passion for growth,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these projects provides opportunities for smaller, rural communities to make themselves more appealing to their current and future residents as well as attract potential new businesses.”

Awardees of the grant represent communities with a population of 5,000 or less. They also commit to a minimum 10% match and to provide a completed project proposal within 12 months. The projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories: Childcare and Senior Programming, Community Vibrancy, Food Retail or Libraries.

The Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity had a special check presentation on Monday, December 22, in Yates Center for the awardees. The 2025 SEED grant recipients by category:

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Office of Rural Prosperity in the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

The SEED grant funds are one of the many tools provided by Commerce to support rural Kansas communities. To view the list of past SEED awardees and projects, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fseedgrants%2F/1/0101019b51280f22-e3791696-b540-4164-959f-9bc1869cf9af-000000/q4xSBeMSSMev4lOYo8ncz-C9Gpd79jg3tlOXrOhcYhg=437">here</a>.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:&nbsp;

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Site Selection Magazine</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761064950571.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce has awarded $337,833 in Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants, supporting 15 quality-of-life projects across Kansas. The awards leveraged more than $744,186 in local contributions, bringing the total investment available for the projects to almost $1.1 million.“Our small towns in Kansas are the heart of this state — they have character, history and most importantly, they have passion for growth,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these projects provides opportunities for smaller, rural communities to make themselves more appealing to their current and future residents as well as attract potential new businesses.”Awardees of the grant represent communities with a population of 5,000 or less. They also commit to a minimum 10% match and to provide a completed project proposal within 12 months. The projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories: Childcare and Senior Programming, Community Vibrancy, Food Retail or Libraries.The Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity had a special check presentation on Monday, December 22, in Yates Center for the awardees. The 2025 SEED grant recipients by category:Childcare and Senior Programming<ul>
 <li>City of Larned, Pawnee County, $25,000: Developing a greenhouse for senior and youth programs at the Larned community garden</li><li>Grow &amp; Learn Childcare Center, Inc., Wichita County, $14,206: Enhancing a local playground and replacing the center’s washer and dryer</li><li>Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, Brown County, $25,000: Furnishing the Natchez Street Café with ADA-compliant tables, chairs and booths</li><li>LiveWell, Sherman County, $25,000: Building an outdoor play area for families in Goodland</li><li>Seneca Downtown Impact, Inc., $11,986: Improving gathering spaces with portable picnic tables downtown as well as adding privacy fencing and improving parking for a daycare facility shared with small businesses</li>
 </ul>Community Vibrancy<ul>
 <li>City of Alden, Rice County, $22,420: Installing two limestone monument entrance signs that read “Alden Welcomes You – Est. 1872”</li><li>City of Clifton, Washington County, $25,000: Building a new and safe playground at the Berner Memorial Park</li><li>Downtown Plainville, Inc., Rooks County, $25,000: Transforming vacant lots into a vibrant community space called “The Yard”</li><li>Greeley County Community Development, Greeley County, $24,468: Assisting businesses with freshening their facades through paint, signage, windows and door replacements, landscaping, outdoor seating and masonry repairs</li><li>Wallace County, $25,000: Adding new mulch, shade structures, a basketball backboard, picnic tables and other greenspace improvements to North Park in Sharon Springs</li><li>Woodson County Revitalization, RevitalizeYC, Inc., $14,753: Creating a system for Yates Center and the historic town square that reduces logistical challenges of sourcing and integrating adequate equipment, enhance capacity and quality of event sound</li>
 </ul>Food Retail<ul>
 <li>City of Isabel, Barber County, $25,000: Rehabilitating the Isabel Community Store with a new roof, interior replacements and new cooler</li><li>City of Jewell, Jewell County, $25,000: Transforming a long-vacant building into a community micro-market and restaurant</li><li>Phillips County, $25,000: Rehabilitating the only grocery store by updating the floors, sealing the metal roof and pouring concrete to replace the dirt floor</li>
 </ul>Libraries<ul>
 <li>Madison Public Library, Greenwood County, $25,000: Renovating the library into a welcoming, updated and functional environment for all to utilize</li>
 </ul>Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Office of Rural Prosperity in the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.The SEED grant funds are one of the many tools provided by Commerce to support rural Kansas communities. To view the list of past SEED awardees and projects, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fseedgrants%2F/1/0101019b51280f22-e3791696-b540-4164-959f-9bc1869cf9af-000000/q4xSBeMSSMev4lOYo8ncz-C9Gpd79jg3tlOXrOhcYhg=437">here</a>.About the Kansas Department of Commerce:&nbsp;As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Site Selection Magazine</a>.

15 rural economic development grant recipients announced

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

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 </figure><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

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Hays Police Department activity log: Dec. 21-27, 2025

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Hays Police Department arrest log: Dec. 21-27, 2025

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Venezuela is now storing crude-oil in aging and obsolete oil tankers parked in its coastal waters. Inventories are mounting, with production of 1.1 million barrels a day, and shipping delays across the board prompted by the US blockade. Reuters reports an emerging backlog filling onshore storage. Venezuelan stockpiles are the highest since August, rising over 22 million barrels. They began transferring barrels to tankers over the weekend.

Reuters reported at least one crude carrier flagged to Panama returned to port in Venezuela following the US interception of another.&nbsp; Two tankers, the "Kelly" and the "Centuries," left port under escort by the Venezuelan Navy. The Coast Guard intercepted the Centuries. The Kelly returned to Caracas.

The United States told the United Nations it will impose and enforce sanctions (quote:) "to the maximum extent"... to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources.

Iran state media reports its Navy seized an oil tanker reportedly carrying 25-thousand barrels of smuggled fuel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Officials did not disclosed the flag of the tanker, nor the nationalities of the 16 crew members taken into custody Friday.

India's largest conglomerate is still receiving crude-oil shipments from Russian supplier Rosneft, despite US sanctions against the company and its customers. Reuters reports Reliance Industries has what it calls a temporary arrangement allowing it to receive Russian cargoes while working toward compliance. The Administration specifically sanctioned Rosneft, and gave its customers until November to comply. Additional shipments were expected in December and January.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dated Tuesday shows an increase of three oil rigs. The gas tally was unchanged. The total of 545 rigs of all types is down 44 from a year ago. This week, Texas is up two, Louisiana is up one and New Mexico is down one.

Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 15 active drilling rigs in a report dated Christmas Day. Most of those rigs are shut down for the holiday, but actual drilling is reported on leases in Gove and Bourbon County. The current active-rig inventory is unchanged from last week, 14 percent higher than a month ago, and 37 percent lower than a year ago.

In it's final Red Top report for the year, Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 189 active licensed operators in Kansas who have drilled a well here this year. That's down 68 operators, or 26 percent, from last year. Overall activity is down 37 percent compared to last year.

There are nine new well-completions in the final weekly report, or completed wells 1,078 wells year-to-date.&nbsp; The completion tally trails last year by nearly three hundred wells.&nbsp; The statewide leaders are in eastern Kansas: Woodson County with 135 wells, and Anderson County with 117.*Ellis County with 25 well-completions this year, compared to 24 by the end of last year.*Barton County operators completed 33 wells, up from 30 last year.*Russell County completions drop by nearly half, from 19 a year ago to ten this year.*Stafford County is down four from last year to 17 wells.*Finney County operators completed 32 wells, Gove County reports 29 and Haskell County notches 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US House passed a sweeping permitting and regulatory reform bill, the so-called SPEED Act, which stands for Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development. The measure eliminates some environmental reviews and accelerates approvals for major energy projects, along with infrastructure, manufacturing and data centers. The bill's supporters say it eliminates duplicate reviews and blocks litigation. Critics say it ties the hands of judges and local communities. It now faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Crude oil production in North Dakota increased slightly in October. The Department of Mineral Resources in the number-three crude producing state reports output inched up by 483 barrels per day from September to October to 1.168 million barrels per day. Natural gas production is down, and statewide flared volume increased by nearly four percent. Operators were able the capture 95.2 percent of the natural gas coming out of their oil wells. The rest is vented or burned off.

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 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaVenezuela is now storing crude-oil in aging and obsolete oil tankers parked in its coastal waters. Inventories are mounting, with production of 1.1 million barrels a day, and shipping delays across the board prompted by the US blockade. Reuters reports an emerging backlog filling onshore storage. Venezuelan stockpiles are the highest since August, rising over 22 million barrels. They began transferring barrels to tankers over the weekend.Reuters reported at least one crude carrier flagged to Panama returned to port in Venezuela following the US interception of another.&nbsp; Two tankers, the "Kelly" and the "Centuries," left port under escort by the Venezuelan Navy. The Coast Guard intercepted the Centuries. The Kelly returned to Caracas.The United States told the United Nations it will impose and enforce sanctions (quote:) "to the maximum extent"... to deprive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of resources.Iran state media reports its Navy seized an oil tanker reportedly carrying 25-thousand barrels of smuggled fuel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Officials did not disclosed the flag of the tanker, nor the nationalities of the 16 crew members taken into custody Friday.India's largest conglomerate is still receiving crude-oil shipments from Russian supplier Rosneft, despite US sanctions against the company and its customers. Reuters reports Reliance Industries has what it calls a temporary arrangement allowing it to receive Russian cargoes while working toward compliance. The Administration specifically sanctioned Rosneft, and gave its customers until November to comply. Additional shipments were expected in December and January.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dated Tuesday shows an increase of three oil rigs. The gas tally was unchanged. The total of 545 rigs of all types is down 44 from a year ago. This week, Texas is up two, Louisiana is up one and New Mexico is down one.Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 15 active drilling rigs in a report dated Christmas Day. Most of those rigs are shut down for the holiday, but actual drilling is reported on leases in Gove and Bourbon County. The current active-rig inventory is unchanged from last week, 14 percent higher than a month ago, and 37 percent lower than a year ago.In it's final Red Top report for the year, Independent Oil and Gas Service notes 189 active licensed operators in Kansas who have drilled a well here this year. That's down 68 operators, or 26 percent, from last year. Overall activity is down 37 percent compared to last year.There are nine new well-completions in the final weekly report, or completed wells 1,078 wells year-to-date.&nbsp; The completion tally trails last year by nearly three hundred wells.&nbsp; The statewide leaders are in eastern Kansas: Woodson County with 135 wells, and Anderson County with 117.*Ellis County with 25 well-completions this year, compared to 24 by the end of last year.*Barton County operators completed 33 wells, up from 30 last year.*Russell County completions drop by nearly half, from 19 a year ago to ten this year.*Stafford County is down four from last year to 17 wells.*Finney County operators completed 32 wells, Gove County reports 29 and Haskell County notches 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;The US House passed a sweeping permitting and regulatory reform bill, the so-called SPEED Act, which stands for Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development. The measure eliminates some environmental reviews and accelerates approvals for major energy projects, along with infrastructure, manufacturing and data centers. The bill's supporters say it eliminates duplicate reviews and blocks litigation. Critics say it ties the hands of judges and local communities. It now faces an uncertain future in the Senate.Crude oil production in North Dakota increased slightly in October. The Department of Mineral Resources in the number-three crude producing state reports output inched up by 483 barrels per day from September to October to 1.168 million barrels per day. Natural gas production is down, and statewide flared volume increased by nearly four percent. Operators were able the capture 95.2 percent of the natural gas coming out of their oil wells. The rest is vented or burned off.

News from the Oil Patch: Kansas completion stats up, down

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received one inch of snow on Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays had wind gusts of up to 45 mph early Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Although Hays saw seasonably warm temperatures during the holiday, it did not reach a record high last week.

Hays has received .2 inches of precipitation for December compared to an annual average of .71 inches by the end of the month.

Hays has received 26.48 inches of precipitation year-to-date, compared to an average annual precipitation rate of 22.96 inches.

The high for today is forecast at 36 degrees, with sunny skies and the wind dying down in the afternoon.

Highs are forecast to be in the 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a high of 46 degrees forecast for New Year's Day.

The forecast calls for sunny skies Tuesday and Wednesday and no precipitation through Friday.

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 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received one inch of snow on Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.Hays had wind gusts of up to 45 mph early Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.Although Hays saw seasonably warm temperatures during the holiday, it did not reach a record high last week.Hays has received .2 inches of precipitation for December compared to an annual average of .71 inches by the end of the month.Hays has received 26.48 inches of precipitation year-to-date, compared to an average annual precipitation rate of 22.96 inches.The high for today is forecast at 36 degrees, with sunny skies and the wind dying down in the afternoon.Highs are forecast to be in the 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a high of 46 degrees forecast for New Year's Day.The forecast calls for sunny skies Tuesday and Wednesday and no precipitation through Friday.

Hays receives snow Sunday, but forecast calls for warming trend

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Ellis County Jail bookings: Dec. 21-27, 2025

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Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Dec. 21-27, 2025

SHERMAN COUNTy —Streets are back open and a suspect is in custody following an overnight incident in Goodland.&nbsp; No injuries are reported at this time to the suspect or officers.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on what prompted the 'shelter in place' order or the name of the suspect and possible charges.

SHERMAN COUNTY —Police in northwest Kansas issued a shelter in place order for portions of the city of Goodland late Sunday.

According to Goodland Police, a situation occurred that required the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol SRT Team, according to a social media report from police.

They asked residents to stay away from the area of 4th/5th and Caldwell Streets. "Please stay in your homes and away from windows. We have the situation contained to a household; however, we ask that everyone shelter in place until the suspect is in custody." Police have Caldwell from 3rd to 5th closed, and 4th Street from Clark to Cherry closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The scene was still active early Monday.

Police released no additional information.

SHERMAN COUNTy —Streets are back open and a suspect is in custody following an overnight incident in Goodland.&nbsp; No injuries are reported at this time to the suspect or officers.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on what prompted the 'shelter in place' order or the name of the suspect and possible charges.-----------------SHERMAN COUNTY —Police in northwest Kansas issued a shelter in place order for portions of the city of Goodland late Sunday.According to Goodland Police, a situation occurred that required the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol SRT Team, according to a social media report from police.They asked residents to stay away from the area of 4th/5th and Caldwell Streets. "Please stay in your homes and away from windows. We have the situation contained to a household; however, we ask that everyone shelter in place until the suspect is in custody." Police have Caldwell from 3rd to 5th closed, and 4th Street from Clark to Cherry closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The scene was still active early Monday.Police released no additional information.

Police: Shelter in place order lifted, NW Kan. suspect in custody

By TIM THOMAS Special to Hays Post

In December 1905, the remains of soldiers who had long been buried at the historic Fort Hays were unearthed for reinterment at Fort Leavenworth. What was initially just an administrative move took a macabre turn. Rumors began to spread that some of the buried may not have entered their graves entirely dead.

Fort Hays was established in 1867 and was a key post on the western frontier until its decommissioning in 1889. In 1905, the bodies of soldiers who had died at the fort were to be moved to the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. The bodies in Fort Hays cemetery had been buried for almost 40 years at that point, and many were victims of a cholera epidemic at the post.

The initial report from the Ellis County Republican was published on Dec. 23, 1905. The paper mentioned that during the exhumation of soldiers, “a number of strange things were brought to light.”

These included: a man buried with brass knuckles on his hands, a man whose only remains were hair and feet that were encased in immaculate socks and shoes, hair of the dead turned a reddish color (it was supposed from the clay earth in the cemetery), and “a number of other odd conditions reported by the men employed in digging up the bodies."

The most disturbing detail reported by the Republican was the condition of at least one man.

“In another grave, the body was found lying on its face with the arms and limbs drawn up as if in agony.”

Six days after the initial reports by the Ellis County Republican were published, a story popped up in the Fort Leavenworth Post. This story featured an account from a Hays businessman, J.H. Wood, who spoke with a newspaper representative.

His account stated that there was “unmistakable evidence” that men were buried alive, and the “gruesome evidence was plain in a number of cases” according to the Fort Leavenworth Post. The Post also made mention of the fact that victims of cholera were buried rapidly, which could lead to a person mistakenly being buried alive.

That same day, December 29, 1905, a short article ran on page one of the Kansas City Journal with J.H. Wood’s account of live burials at Fort Hays. From there, the news spread like wildfire, with articles appearing in newspapers all over the country republishing Mr. Wood’s account.

While the story told by J.H. Wood was going the early 20th century version of viral, another report appeared in Nebraska. On Jan. 2, 1906, The Hastings Daily Republican published a news note from Omaha. A Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Black had recently returned from a trip to visit Mrs. Black’s mother in Hays.

It seems Mr. and Mrs. Black had been in town during the exhumation of the bodies, and the Blacks had a gruesome report.

According to the Hastings Daily Republican, “Some of the bodies had turned over, others had the legs drawn up to the neck, and in others the hands were filled with hair that had been torn from the scalp."

The Daily Republican mentioned that the evidence of soldiers being buried alive came from the section of the cemetery where the cholera victims had been buried.

Modern medicine has made it so that many people take doctors' knowledge and abilities for granted. Medicine in the 1800s was not nearly as advanced, and people of the time feared being mistakenly pronounced dead and put in an untimely grave.

So great was this fear that Edgar Allen Poe published a story, “The Premature Burial," about being buried alive in 1844. There were also two different patents for safety caskets to prevent live burial. In 1868, Franz Vester was granted a patent for an “Improved Burial-Case,” and in 1882, John Krichbaum received a patent for a “Device for Indicating Life in Buried Persons."

This fear was compounded by cholera, which, throughout most of the 1800s, would periodically tear through the country. A standard operating procedure for stopping the spread of the disease was to bury the dead as quickly as possible. Pairing this with overworked doctors and limited knowledge could theoretically lead to mistakes being made in properly identifying the dead.

J.H. Wood’s account of soldiers being buried alive had been reprinted in St. Louis area newspapers. One of those newspapers was the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, which published the account on Dec. 31, 1905.

There it came to the attention of Lawrence “Old Larry” Ring. Lawrence Ring sold newspapers in downtown St. Louis. He was a Civil War veteran of the United States Navy. After the war, he spent time as a government teamster, where he passed through Fort Hays during the cholera epidemic.

The 1867 cholera epidemic hit western outposts and towns particularly hard. While en route to Fort Riley, Elizabeth Custer, the wife of General George Armstrong Custer, was stopped in Ellsworth. There, she described the disease as so bad that there was not enough lumber, and coffins had to be improvised from hardtack boxes.

Fort Hays was not spared. At least 30 soldiers and over 100 local civilians would succumb to cholera in just two short months. While at Fort Hays, Lawrence Ring came down with cholera and was nearly buried alive.

“I had been sick but four days,” he said, “when they removed me to the deadhouse.”

According to Ring, a few minutes after his last rites had been read, he was carried off by hospital attendants. He was placed in the “deadhouse” but crawled out and returned to his cot to the surprise of the staff.

“When the doctor saw me on my cot the next morning, he acted like he thought I was a ghost,” Ring said, “it was the only bit of humor I recall out of my experiences during the plague.”

After recovering, Mr. Ring worked as a hospital orderly, where he likely would have interacted with the fort’s most famous cholera victim, Elizabeth Polly. Elizabeth is commonly known as the “Blue Light Lady” for her spectral appearances around the fort. During his time as an orderly, Mr. Ring attested to the speed at which burials occurred.

“I witnessed much misery,” he said, “I know too, that no time was lost in burying the dead, as the laws respecting interment of cholera victims were very stringent.”

That brings the story back to Hays and the question of whether soldiers were truly buried alive during the 1867 cholera epidemic.

The Ellis County Republican published a small note on Jan. 13, 1906. In the paper, it claimed regarding the possibility of people being buried alive that “Only one body was found bordering on this.”

This body, they claimed, was of the man who was found buried while still wearing brass knuckles. This was accounted for in a Dec. 30, 1905, letter to the editor by Hill P. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson stated the man was a soldier from the 38th U.S. Infantry. In 1868, the soldier had attempted to break into a house while wearing brass knuckles and was shot dead. The soldier was left dead in the house for people to view, which Mr. Wilson did and was then buried while still wearing the brass knuckles.

This account certainly explains the man wearing brass knuckles. Still, it does not explain the body that was found flipped over with its arms and legs drawn up “in agony” as originally reported by the Republican.

It also leaves the people who related their stories to other newspapers, J.H. Wood and Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Black. At the time, Hays was a small town with a population of less than 2,000. It is possible that rumors could have spread quickly. It is also possible that they could have witnessed the exhumations firsthand, as many newspaper reports at the time said it was a spectacle for the town.

After 120 years it is impossible to know and it’s probably true that the people of Hays may have wanted it that way to keep a dark tale from spreading about their home.

As stated in the Hastings Daily Republican, “The matter was being discussed as little as possible by the authorities, and no information was given out voluntarily.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764344099686.jpeg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM THOMAS Special to Hays PostIn December 1905, the remains of soldiers who had long been buried at the historic Fort Hays were unearthed for reinterment at Fort Leavenworth. What was initially just an administrative move took a macabre turn. Rumors began to spread that some of the buried may not have entered their graves entirely dead.Fort Hays was established in 1867 and was a key post on the western frontier until its decommissioning in 1889. In 1905, the bodies of soldiers who had died at the fort were to be moved to the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. The bodies in Fort Hays cemetery had been buried for almost 40 years at that point, and many were victims of a cholera epidemic at the post.The initial report from the Ellis County Republican was published on Dec. 23, 1905. The paper mentioned that during the exhumation of soldiers, “a number of strange things were brought to light.”These included: a man buried with brass knuckles on his hands, a man whose only remains were hair and feet that were encased in immaculate socks and shoes, hair of the dead turned a reddish color (it was supposed from the clay earth in the cemetery), and “a number of other odd conditions reported by the men employed in digging up the bodies."The most disturbing detail reported by the Republican was the condition of at least one man.“In another grave, the body was found lying on its face with the arms and limbs drawn up as if in agony.”Six days after the initial reports by the Ellis County Republican were published, a story popped up in the Fort Leavenworth Post. This story featured an account from a Hays businessman, J.H. Wood, who spoke with a newspaper representative.His account stated that there was “unmistakable evidence” that men were buried alive, and the “gruesome evidence was plain in a number of cases” according to the Fort Leavenworth Post. The Post also made mention of the fact that victims of cholera were buried rapidly, which could lead to a person mistakenly being buried alive.That same day, December 29, 1905, a short article ran on page one of the Kansas City Journal with J.H. Wood’s account of live burials at Fort Hays. From there, the news spread like wildfire, with articles appearing in newspapers all over the country republishing Mr. Wood’s account.While the story told by J.H. Wood was going the early 20th century version of viral, another report appeared in Nebraska. On Jan. 2, 1906, The Hastings Daily Republican published a news note from Omaha. A Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Black had recently returned from a trip to visit Mrs. Black’s mother in Hays.It seems Mr. and Mrs. Black had been in town during the exhumation of the bodies, and the Blacks had a gruesome report.According to the Hastings Daily Republican, “Some of the bodies had turned over, others had the legs drawn up to the neck, and in others the hands were filled with hair that had been torn from the scalp."The Daily Republican mentioned that the evidence of soldiers being buried alive came from the section of the cemetery where the cholera victims had been buried.Modern medicine has made it so that many people take doctors' knowledge and abilities for granted. Medicine in the 1800s was not nearly as advanced, and people of the time feared being mistakenly pronounced dead and put in an untimely grave.So great was this fear that Edgar Allen Poe published a story, “The Premature Burial," about being buried alive in 1844. There were also two different patents for safety caskets to prevent live burial. In 1868, Franz Vester was granted a patent for an “Improved Burial-Case,” and in 1882, John Krichbaum received a patent for a “Device for Indicating Life in Buried Persons."This fear was compounded by cholera, which, throughout most of the 1800s, would periodically tear through the country. A standard operating procedure for stopping the spread of the disease was to bury the dead as quickly as possible. Pairing this with overworked doctors and limited knowledge could theoretically lead to mistakes being made in properly identifying the dead.J.H. Wood’s account of soldiers being buried alive had been reprinted in St. Louis area newspapers. One of those newspapers was the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, which published the account on Dec. 31, 1905.There it came to the attention of Lawrence “Old Larry” Ring. Lawrence Ring sold newspapers in downtown St. Louis. He was a Civil War veteran of the United States Navy. After the war, he spent time as a government teamster, where he passed through Fort Hays during the cholera epidemic.The 1867 cholera epidemic hit western outposts and towns particularly hard. While en route to Fort Riley, Elizabeth Custer, the wife of General George Armstrong Custer, was stopped in Ellsworth. There, she described the disease as so bad that there was not enough lumber, and coffins had to be improvised from hardtack boxes.Fort Hays was not spared. At least 30 soldiers and over 100 local civilians would succumb to cholera in just two short months. While at Fort Hays, Lawrence Ring came down with cholera and was nearly buried alive.“I had been sick but four days,” he said, “when they removed me to the deadhouse.”According to Ring, a few minutes after his last rites had been read, he was carried off by hospital attendants. He was placed in the “deadhouse” but crawled out and returned to his cot to the surprise of the staff.“When the doctor saw me on my cot the next morning, he acted like he thought I was a ghost,” Ring said, “it was the only bit of humor I recall out of my experiences during the plague.”After recovering, Mr. Ring worked as a hospital orderly, where he likely would have interacted with the fort’s most famous cholera victim, Elizabeth Polly. Elizabeth is commonly known as the “Blue Light Lady” for her spectral appearances around the fort. During his time as an orderly, Mr. Ring attested to the speed at which burials occurred.“I witnessed much misery,” he said, “I know too, that no time was lost in burying the dead, as the laws respecting interment of cholera victims were very stringent.”That brings the story back to Hays and the question of whether soldiers were truly buried alive during the 1867 cholera epidemic.The Ellis County Republican published a small note on Jan. 13, 1906. In the paper, it claimed regarding the possibility of people being buried alive that “Only one body was found bordering on this.”This body, they claimed, was of the man who was found buried while still wearing brass knuckles. This was accounted for in a Dec. 30, 1905, letter to the editor by Hill P. Wilson.Mr. Wilson stated the man was a soldier from the 38th U.S. Infantry. In 1868, the soldier had attempted to break into a house while wearing brass knuckles and was shot dead. The soldier was left dead in the house for people to view, which Mr. Wilson did and was then buried while still wearing the brass knuckles.This account certainly explains the man wearing brass knuckles. Still, it does not explain the body that was found flipped over with its arms and legs drawn up “in agony” as originally reported by the Republican.It also leaves the people who related their stories to other newspapers, J.H. Wood and Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Black. At the time, Hays was a small town with a population of less than 2,000. It is possible that rumors could have spread quickly. It is also possible that they could have witnessed the exhumations firsthand, as many newspaper reports at the time said it was a spectacle for the town.After 120 years it is impossible to know and it’s probably true that the people of Hays may have wanted it that way to keep a dark tale from spreading about their home.As stated in the Hastings Daily Republican, “The matter was being discussed as little as possible by the authorities, and no information was given out voluntarily.”

Buried alive at historic Fort Hays

HaysMed announces that Gina Givens, RN, a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Gina provides specialized care for patients requiring close monitoring and advanced support, bridging the gap between intensive care and general medical care. Her role demands exceptional clinical skill, quick decision-making, and a compassionate approach to ensure patients and families feel safe and supported during challenging times.

A patient who nominated Gina for the award shared: “I’m nominating Gina Givens for the Daisy award because of the outstanding care she gave me during my stay at HaysMed. From the moment we met, this nurse treated me with kindness, respect and professionalism. What meant the most to me was how she handled the more difficult moments, especially when I was experiencing confusion and delusional episodes. This nurse remained calm, patient and compassionate, always making sure I felt safe and heard. She explained everything clearly in simple, understandable terms, both to me and my family, which brought us all comfort and peace of mind.

Beyond her clinical skills, Gina has a warm and friendly personality that helped put me at ease. She makes a tough experience much more manageable and I’m truly grateful for her dedication and care. All of the doctors, nurses, and aids and staff I encountered at HaysMed were wonderful, but this nurse truly stood out in the most meaningful way. HaysMed is lucky to have such a remarkable nurse. This nurse embodies what their profession is all about- compassion, competence, and a genuine heart for helping other’s. With heartfelt thanks!”

Joben Rieth, HaysMed Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, stated: “Gina’s ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion is what makes her stand out. The DAISY Award is about recognizing nurses who make a lasting impact, and Gina exemplifies that every day. Her calm presence and dedication to patient-centered care truly reflect the heart of nursing.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care provided by nurses. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner.

To nominate a nurse or team at HaysMed for the DAISY Award, visit: <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form/">https://www.haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form/</a>

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766505634212.jpeg" alt="Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Gina Givens, RN, recipient of the DAISY Award, and Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. Courtesy of HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Gina Givens, RN, recipient of the DAISY Award, and Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. Courtesy of HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed announces that Gina Givens, RN, a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Gina provides specialized care for patients requiring close monitoring and advanced support, bridging the gap between intensive care and general medical care. Her role demands exceptional clinical skill, quick decision-making, and a compassionate approach to ensure patients and families feel safe and supported during challenging times.A patient who nominated Gina for the award shared: “I’m nominating Gina Givens for the Daisy award because of the outstanding care she gave me during my stay at HaysMed. From the moment we met, this nurse treated me with kindness, respect and professionalism. What meant the most to me was how she handled the more difficult moments, especially when I was experiencing confusion and delusional episodes. This nurse remained calm, patient and compassionate, always making sure I felt safe and heard. She explained everything clearly in simple, understandable terms, both to me and my family, which brought us all comfort and peace of mind.Beyond her clinical skills, Gina has a warm and friendly personality that helped put me at ease. She makes a tough experience much more manageable and I’m truly grateful for her dedication and care. All of the doctors, nurses, and aids and staff I encountered at HaysMed were wonderful, but this nurse truly stood out in the most meaningful way. HaysMed is lucky to have such a remarkable nurse. This nurse embodies what their profession is all about- compassion, competence, and a genuine heart for helping other’s. With heartfelt thanks!”Joben Rieth, HaysMed Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, stated: “Gina’s ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion is what makes her stand out. The DAISY Award is about recognizing nurses who make a lasting impact, and Gina exemplifies that every day. Her calm presence and dedication to patient-centered care truly reflect the heart of nursing.”The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care provided by nurses. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner.To nominate a nurse or team at HaysMed for the DAISY Award, visit: <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form/">https://www.haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form/</a>About HaysMedHays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

DAISY Award presented to recipient for outstanding nursing excellence

PHILLIPS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a police pursuit in northwest Kansas.

Just before 3p.m. Saturday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office assisted in a vehicle pursuit that began in Smith County, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

 The pursuit continued into Rooks County, where a Rooks County Sheriff’s Deputy successfully deployed spike strips, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.

With the vehicle disabled, the male driver—identified as being from Pennsylvania—was given clear commands and taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. Area agencies maintained communication throughout the incident, and the Kansas Highway Patrol, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Rooks County Sheriff’s Office, and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office coordinated to ensure the pursuit was resolved safely and efficiently.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a police pursuit in northwest Kansas.Just before 3p.m. Saturday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office assisted in a vehicle pursuit that began in Smith County, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. The pursuit continued into Rooks County, where a Rooks County Sheriff’s Deputy successfully deployed spike strips, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.With the vehicle disabled, the male driver—identified as being from Pennsylvania—was given clear commands and taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. Area agencies maintained communication throughout the incident, and the Kansas Highway Patrol, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Rooks County Sheriff’s Office, and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office coordinated to ensure the pursuit was resolved safely and efficiently.

Suspect arrested after northwest Kansas police chase

Brant's Meat Market, locally owned for more than 100 years, has brought home yet another award.

The market's Plainville location was recently awarded a Northwest Award of Merit for Retail from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Brant's has a long history of Czechoslovakian specialities like ring bologna and sausages, but when husband-and-wife duo Adam and Ashley Comeau took over the business in 2018, they added some of their own recipes.

James and Marie Brant acquired the Harrison &amp; Sons Meat Shop on Lucas in 1922. James Brant ran the business as a full-service butchery shop.

James and Marie's sons, Frank and George, ran the shop, with George's son Douglas purchasing the business with his wife in 1988.

Doug Brant was the fourth generation to run the meat market. His daughter, Stephanie, worked alongside her father starting in 2014. Doug finally retired after 30 years and the market was closed.

However, Adam and Ashley Comeau of Plainville bought and reopened the shop in 2018 and, in 2020, expanded the business to a second location in Plainville.

Adam and Ashley were not butchers or chefs. They have learned on the job, with Adam taking lessons on the old Czech recipes from Doug and experimenting with more of his own.

The business focuses on smoked and cured products such as beef sticks, jerky, bologna and brats. However, they also offer fresh-cut steaks and Kansas-sourced companion products, such as mustard, rubs, barbecue sauce, honey and cheese.

You can even pick up a recipe to try with those products and cut of the market's fresh meat.

The market is known for its ring bologna. It is one of the original recipes that James Brant brought from&nbsp;Czechoslovakia. His son, George, developed a pepper sausage that contains beef and pork and is a little spicier.

"Generations have purchased it and come with their grandparents," Adam said.&nbsp;

The Lucas store has been in the community so long that people travel there from across the region to purchase its products. The store also ships as far away as the Pacific Northwest, where families clamor for the Czech favorites they grew up with.

"Some of the products we produce are very unique, Jaternice, which is a&nbsp;Czechoslovakian sausage, which is really not produced by very many people. But everyone's grandparents made it, and they're used to eating it," Adam said.

Raw burger, a German speciality, is also popular this time of year.

Lucas lost its grocery store, and the meat market there became a key source of fresh meat for the community. Both stores also offer fresh ground beef from beef muscle, not trimmings.

The meat market does not slaughter its own meat. The Comeaus buy boxed beef from local sources throughout Kansas. Adam said they source from local ranchers when they can.&nbsp;

Both stories have accumulated a pile of other awards for their products, including:

• American Association of Meat Processors, Reserve Grand Champion 2025 for their original beef sticks • Kansas Association of Meat Processors awards for their whole-muscle beef jerky, fresh sausage, bratwurst, restructured beef jerky and smoked ham • Central Region Award of Merit for Retail from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the Lucas store

Adam and Ashley both have full-time jobs in addition to the meat market. Ashley is an attorney and Adam is a paramedic.

"Both sets of our parents owned their own businesses," Ashley said. "We grew up the children of entrepreneurs. It got a lot of attention when the business closed, and we thought, 'Why not us?'"

Adam said the couple's most significant challenge is time. Both husband and wife work in the stores. Adam's mother, Shirley, helps at the Plainville market, and&nbsp;Calvin, 7, their son, usually walks to the store after school.

Finding staffing for the back end of the store has been difficult, Ashley said.

As with many retailers, business has been slower this holiday season, but Ashley said demand remains high at both stores.

You can learn more about the markets online at <a href="https://www.brantsmarket.com/">brantsmarket.com</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrantsMarket">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434650970.jpeg" alt="Adam and Ashley Comeau and their daughter, Hollis, 2, and Calvin, 7, at Brant's Meat Market in Plainville. The market offers award-winning meat products made from Kansas-sourced beef. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Adam and Ashley Comeau and their daughter, Hollis, 2, and Calvin, 7, at Brant's Meat Market in Plainville. The market offers award-winning meat products made from Kansas-sourced beef. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBrant's Meat Market, locally owned for more than 100 years, has brought home yet another award.The market's Plainville location was recently awarded a Northwest Award of Merit for Retail from the Kansas Department of Commerce.Brant's has a long history of Czechoslovakian specialities like ring bologna and sausages, but when husband-and-wife duo Adam and Ashley Comeau took over the business in 2018, they added some of their own recipes.James and Marie Brant acquired the Harrison &amp; Sons Meat Shop on Lucas in 1922. James Brant ran the business as a full-service butchery shop.James and Marie's sons, Frank and George, ran the shop, with George's son Douglas purchasing the business with his wife in 1988.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766436762011.jpeg" alt="Shirley Comeau, co-owner Adam Comeau's mother, helps a customer at the Plainville store. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Shirley Comeau, co-owner Adam Comeau's mother, helps a customer at the Plainville store. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Doug Brant was the fourth generation to run the meat market. His daughter, Stephanie, worked alongside her father starting in 2014. Doug finally retired after 30 years and the market was closed.However, Adam and Ashley Comeau of Plainville bought and reopened the shop in 2018 and, in 2020, expanded the business to a second location in Plainville.Adam and Ashley were not butchers or chefs. They have learned on the job, with Adam taking lessons on the old Czech recipes from Doug and experimenting with more of his own.The business focuses on smoked and cured products such as beef sticks, jerky, bologna and brats. However, they also offer fresh-cut steaks and Kansas-sourced companion products, such as mustard, rubs, barbecue sauce, honey and cheese.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766436973137.jpeg" alt="In addition to beef sticks and jerky, the markets offer fresh steaks, ground beef and Kansas-sourced cheeses. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>In addition to beef sticks and jerky, the markets offer fresh steaks, ground beef and Kansas-sourced cheeses. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>You can even pick up a recipe to try with those products and cut of the market's fresh meat.The market is known for its ring bologna. It is one of the original recipes that James Brant brought from&nbsp;Czechoslovakia. His son, George, developed a pepper sausage that contains beef and pork and is a little spicier."Generations have purchased it and come with their grandparents," Adam said.&nbsp;The Lucas store has been in the community so long that people travel there from across the region to purchase its products. The store also ships as far away as the Pacific Northwest, where families clamor for the Czech favorites they grew up with."Some of the products we produce are very unique, Jaternice, which is a&nbsp;Czechoslovakian sausage, which is really not produced by very many people. But everyone's grandparents made it, and they're used to eating it," Adam said.Raw burger, a German speciality, is also popular this time of year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766437280263.jpeg" alt="The two Brant's Meat Market locations have won many awards for their products, including an&nbsp;American Association of Meat Processors Reserve Grand Champion Award for their original beef sticks this year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The two Brant's Meat Market locations have won many awards for their products, including an&nbsp;American Association of Meat Processors Reserve Grand Champion Award for their original beef sticks this year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Lucas lost its grocery store, and the meat market there became a key source of fresh meat for the community. Both stores also offer fresh ground beef from beef muscle, not trimmings.The meat market does not slaughter its own meat. The Comeaus buy boxed beef from local sources throughout Kansas. Adam said they source from local ranchers when they can.&nbsp;Both stories have accumulated a pile of other awards for their products, including:• American Association of Meat Processors, Reserve Grand Champion 2025 for their original beef sticks • Kansas Association of Meat Processors awards for their whole-muscle beef jerky, fresh sausage, bratwurst, restructured beef jerky and smoked ham • Central Region Award of Merit for Retail from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the Lucas storeAdam and Ashley both have full-time jobs in addition to the meat market. Ashley is an attorney and Adam is a paramedic."Both sets of our parents owned their own businesses," Ashley said. "We grew up the children of entrepreneurs. It got a lot of attention when the business closed, and we thought, 'Why not us?'"Adam said the couple's most significant challenge is time. Both husband and wife work in the stores. Adam's mother, Shirley, helps at the Plainville market, and&nbsp;Calvin, 7, their son, usually walks to the store after school.Finding staffing for the back end of the store has been difficult, Ashley said.As with many retailers, business has been slower this holiday season, but Ashley said demand remains high at both stores.You can learn more about the markets online at <a href="https://www.brantsmarket.com/">brantsmarket.com</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrantsMarket">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

Brant's Meat Market preserves legacy while innovating its way to awards

The Heartland Community Foundation recently awarded $152,515.67 to local organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego County during our fall/winter grant cycle. In total, the community foundation helped fund 35 projects -- including 14 that were fully funded and 21 that were partially funded. 

Grant dollars were awarded from the foundation’s permanent endowed funds, including the Ellis, Rooks, and Trego County Legacy Funds – our largest granting funds. As these funds grow with time, patience, continued investment, and donor generosity, the Heartland Community Foundation will be able to grant even more and continue to make a lasting impact in the region.


In Ellis County, $58,324.28 was distributed to these organizations

• $1,250 to Ellis Youth Action Council, facilitators for two local teenagers, for the Snow Angels Project

• $5,000 to USD 388 Education Foundation for the Little Railers Childcare Project

• $5,000 to the Basillica of St. Fidelis – Parish Activity Center in Victoria for exterior restoration

• $3,500 to First Call for Help of Ellis County toward the purchase of a new van

• $2,500 from the Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund to Fort Hays State University for improvements to Sternberg Discovery Room at the Sternberg Museum

• $3,500 to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 toward purchase of a new medical transport van

• $1,700 to First Baptist Church for kitchen upgrades 

• $3,000 to High Plains Mental Health Center for safety features for Crisis Intervention Center

$10,000 from the Ellis County Disaster Fund to STEM Harvest for the Hays Community Radar Project

• $4,000 to USD 432 Victoria for upgrades to the high school gym sound system

• $1,000 to Hays Arts Council for professional theatre production for elementary students

• $2,500 to HaysMed Foundation for equipment at the new planned outdoor exercise area, Lifelong Vitality: Bickle Schmidt Center for Health Improvement

• $2,500 to Holy Cross Church for stained glass window restoration

• $3,000 to Victoria Recreation Commission for Pickleball Court Project

• $905.28 to DSNWK for medical equipment

• $2,325 to Lovegrass Music Festival for the downtown Hays Summer Concert Series

• $750 to Hays Area Bicyclists for marketing support for new youth mountain bike team coming this spring

• $2,000 to Victoria Community Coalition for cleaning equipment for St. John’s Place

• $2,000 to the Ellis Kids Wrestling Club for score clocks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752157220210.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation recently awarded $152,515.67 to local organizations in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego County during our fall/winter grant cycle. In total, the community foundation helped fund 35 projects -- including 14 that were fully funded and 21 that were partially funded. Grant dollars were awarded from the foundation’s permanent endowed funds, including the Ellis, Rooks, and Trego County Legacy Funds – our largest granting funds. As these funds grow with time, patience, continued investment, and donor generosity, the Heartland Community Foundation will be able to grant even more and continue to make a lasting impact in the region.
In Ellis County, $58,324.28 was distributed to these organizations• $1,250 to Ellis Youth Action Council, facilitators for two local teenagers, for the Snow Angels Project• $5,000 to USD 388 Education Foundation for the Little Railers Childcare Project• $5,000 to the Basillica of St. Fidelis – Parish Activity Center in Victoria for exterior restoration• $3,500 to First Call for Help of Ellis County toward the purchase of a new van• $2,500 from the Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund to Fort Hays State University for improvements to Sternberg Discovery Room at the Sternberg Museum• $3,500 to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 toward purchase of a new medical transport van• $1,700 to First Baptist Church for kitchen upgrades • $3,000 to High Plains Mental Health Center for safety features for Crisis Intervention Center$10,000 from the Ellis County Disaster Fund to STEM Harvest for the Hays Community Radar Project• $4,000 to USD 432 Victoria for upgrades to the high school gym sound system• $1,000 to Hays Arts Council for professional theatre production for elementary students• $2,500 to HaysMed Foundation for equipment at the new planned outdoor exercise area, Lifelong Vitality: Bickle Schmidt Center for Health Improvement• $2,500 to Holy Cross Church for stained glass window restoration• $3,000 to Victoria Recreation Commission for Pickleball Court Project• $905.28 to DSNWK for medical equipment• $2,325 to Lovegrass Music Festival for the downtown Hays Summer Concert Series• $750 to Hays Area Bicyclists for marketing support for new youth mountain bike team coming this spring• $2,000 to Victoria Community Coalition for cleaning equipment for St. John’s Place• $2,000 to the Ellis Kids Wrestling Club for score clocks• $894 to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School for CAD lab monitors • $1,000 to Ellis County Youth Action Council, facilitator for one local teenager, for communication boards at local parkIn Rooks County, $35,950 was distributed to these organizations:• $7,500 to City of Stockton for CPR devices for Rooks County EMS response vehicles• $4,000 from the Rooks County Disaster Fund to the City of Stockton for Rescue Chain Saws• $2,000 to Rooks County Historical Society for museum frontage sign• $3,450 to Stockton Public Library for a Charlie Cart• $5,000 to Stockton Recreation Commission for Kincaid Field fence renovation and safety upgrade• $5,000 to USD 269 Palco for Saw Stop Machine – Woods Shop• $1,000 to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 towards purchase of new medical access van• $1,000 to USD 270 for Paradise Flats Theatre Collective/Cardinal Drama Program• $1,500 to High Plains Mental Health Center for safety features for Crisis Intervention Center• $2,500 from the Rooks County Disaster Fund to STEM Harvest for the Hays Community Radar Project• $3,000 to Damar Community Foundation for basketball/pickleball court improvementIn Trego County, $58,241.39 was distributed to these organizations:• $13,072.39 to USD 208 for the highway Crosswalk Sign Project to create safer access• $15,000 to the Trego County Fair Board for Commercial Building HVAC• $3,000 to Trego Chamber of Commerce for Buzzard Bash tables and chairs• $9,000 to Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital for C-1 Ventilator, humidifier, trolly &amp; clinical training• $2,449 to High Plains Mental Health Center for safety features for Crisis Intervention Center• $2,500 from the Trego County Disaster Fund to STEM Harvest for the Hays Community Radar Project• $4,220 to USD 208 for Auditorium Video Project• $8,000 to Trego Sky View Foundation for Portable Restroom Trailer to be used at the new drive-in and other places in town• $1,000 to Prairie Faith Shared Ministry for Parish Nurse equipment &amp; trainingThis round of grants was made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which focuses on improving quality of life throughout the county; the Ellis County, Rooks County, and Trego County Legacy Funds; the Heartland Healthy Living Fund and the Kansas Health Foundation Fund for Heartland Community; Heartland Action Fund; Ellis, Rooks, &amp; Trego County Disaster Relief Funds; Trego County Enhancement Fund; Trego Youth Action Council Fund, and the Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund.
The foundation’s next grant cycle opens March 15, with online applications due May 15, 2026.For more information, please visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a> or email heartland@gscf.orgAbout 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. Dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region, HCF supports initiatives in various areas, including education, health care, youth, community development, and more. By engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, the Heartland Community Foundation strives to create a vibrant and thriving Heartland community. For more information, visit <a href="https://smokyhillscf.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>

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