Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar, Hays' new destination for delicious food and an urban atmosphere, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new seasonal menu, now featuring steak and lobster options for dinner. Guests can indulge in these culinary delights while enjoying the welcoming ambiance that Breaks is quickly becoming known for.

Conveniently located at 3203 Vine Street, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar offers a delightful dining experience from Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and Friday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Reservations can be made by calling (785) 621-2662.

"Our new seasonal menu is designed to elevate the dining experience for both our local regulars and visitors," said Executive Head Chef Shaun Wood at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar. "Steak and lobster are classic favorites, and we’re excited to bring them to our Friday and Saturday dinner offerings," said Executive Head Chef Andrew Victoria at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar.

Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar prides itself on crafting a menu that delights every palate, from scrumptious breakfasts to satisfying lunches and weekend dinners. The addition of steak and lobster complements a selection of unique cocktails, fine wines, and champagnes, ensuring that every meal is special.

With a dog-friendly patio and attentive staff, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar remains committed to creating memorable experiences for all its guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with friends, the team at Breaks looks forward to welcoming you.

For more information about Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar and to explore the new seasonal menu, please visit www.breakseatery.com or call (785) 621-2662.

Join us at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar—where delicious food meets a warm, inviting atmosphere!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729870240772.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBreaks Eatery &amp; Bar, Hays' new destination for delicious food and an urban atmosphere, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new seasonal menu, now featuring steak and lobster options for dinner. Guests can indulge in these culinary delights while enjoying the welcoming ambiance that Breaks is quickly becoming known for.Conveniently located at 3203 Vine Street, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar offers a delightful dining experience from Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and Friday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Reservations can be made by calling (785) 621-2662.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729789071115.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"Our new seasonal menu is designed to elevate the dining experience for both our local regulars and visitors," said Executive Head Chef Shaun Wood at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar. "Steak and lobster are classic favorites, and we’re excited to bring them to our Friday and Saturday dinner offerings," said Executive Head Chef Andrew Victoria at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar.Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar prides itself on crafting a menu that delights every palate, from scrumptious breakfasts to satisfying lunches and weekend dinners. The addition of steak and lobster complements a selection of unique cocktails, fine wines, and champagnes, ensuring that every meal is special.With a dog-friendly patio and attentive staff, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar remains committed to creating memorable experiences for all its guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with friends, the team at Breaks looks forward to welcoming you.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729870193835.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>For more information about Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar and to explore the new seasonal menu, please visit www.breakseatery.com or call (785) 621-2662.Join us at Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar—where delicious food meets a warm, inviting atmosphere!

🎤Forward Ever: Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson

I have never given much thought to the position of the County Clerk until I received another flyer (3rd) from the Kansas Union Civil Liberties (KUCL), so I figured I would do my own research rather than having an organization do it for me.

On the flyers the KUCL says they are not endorsing or opposing either candidate. I found it interesting that Allen said yes to all the questions, and Dreiling had no response. With their answers being so far apart, I was curious as to what both candidates were asked, and what form these questions were asked in.

I went to their website KansansUnited.org and read the questions they were both asked. This was the moment of clarity and I realized that the KUCL seems to be somewhat biased against Dreiling despite their claim of neither endorsing or opposing either candidate.

The flyer states Allen pledged Yes, she would put polling places that are more “conveniently located” in Ellis County? The actual question was: “Do you pledge to put a polling location on FHSU campus in 2025?” I found the question and what was stated on the flyer was very deceiving. I have to only guess that Allen is okay with this misinformation as it is well known FHSU campus is only convenient for the students and not everyone in Ellis County. I would think this will cost tax payers more money for the election budget.

The next question that Allen pledged Yes to was making polling locations more accessible to the disabled and elderly. Dreiling had no response. I understand why Dreiling would not respond to this because all the polling sites are already ADA compliant. I wonder if Allen is considering additional changes to these places that will cost the taxpayers more money since by law Dreiling is already doing what she has to with the polling places.

A question that Allen pledged Yes to but did not make it on the flyer; but since I did my research, I’ll share it with you: She pledged Yes that there will be Spanish materials available for elections starting in 2025. I called County Clerk Dreiling to ask her about this. Clerk Dreiling said the Secretary of State would mandate any county when they meet the requirements, and then they would then be required to supply Spanish ballots. Dreiling also mentioned this will come with a big price tag and the election budget would have to be increased. As of now Ellis County does not meet those required mandates. Again it seems as Allen is wanting to spend more tax dollars on something that is not needed.

What I finally garnered from the flyers is candidate Allen can’t wait to spend our tax dollars . My decision will be based on how my tax dollars are being currently used by Dreiling, and not what Allen, if elected, intends to do in 2025. If you are concerned about your taxes, I hope that you do your own research and make the right decision.

I have never given much thought to the position of the County Clerk until I received another flyer (3rd) from the Kansas Union Civil Liberties (KUCL), so I figured I would do my own research rather than having an organization do it for me.On the flyers the KUCL says they are not endorsing or opposing either candidate. I found it interesting that Allen said yes to all the questions, and Dreiling had no response. With their answers being so far apart, I was curious as to what both candidates were asked, and what form these questions were asked in.I went to their website KansansUnited.org and read the questions they were both asked. This was the moment of clarity and I realized that the KUCL seems to be somewhat biased against Dreiling despite their claim of neither endorsing or opposing either candidate.The flyer states Allen pledged Yes, she would put polling places that are more “conveniently located” in Ellis County? The actual question was: “Do you pledge to put a polling location on FHSU campus in 2025?” I found the question and what was stated on the flyer was very deceiving. I have to only guess that Allen is okay with this misinformation as it is well known FHSU campus is only convenient for the students and not everyone in Ellis County. I would think this will cost tax payers more money for the election budget.The next question that Allen pledged Yes to was making polling locations more accessible to the disabled and elderly. Dreiling had no response. I understand why Dreiling would not respond to this because all the polling sites are already ADA compliant. I wonder if Allen is considering additional changes to these places that will cost the taxpayers more money since by law Dreiling is already doing what she has to with the polling places.A question that Allen pledged Yes to but did not make it on the flyer; but since I did my research, I’ll share it with you: She pledged Yes that there will be Spanish materials available for elections starting in 2025. I called County Clerk Dreiling to ask her about this. Clerk Dreiling said the Secretary of State would mandate any county when they meet the requirements, and then they would then be required to supply Spanish ballots. Dreiling also mentioned this will come with a big price tag and the election budget would have to be increased. As of now Ellis County does not meet those required mandates. Again it seems as Allen is wanting to spend more tax dollars on something that is not needed.What I finally garnered from the flyers is candidate Allen can’t wait to spend our tax dollars . My decision will be based on how my tax dollars are being currently used by Dreiling, and not what Allen, if elected, intends to do in 2025. If you are concerned about your taxes, I hope that you do your own research and make the right decision.— Rick Pfannenstiel

LETTER: Writer questions flyer on Ellis County Clerk race

PHOTOS by TONY&nbsp;GUERRERO Hays Post

Downtown Hays came alive on Halloween with monsters, princesses, superheroes, and animals setting out for a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating along Main Street.

PHOTOS by TONY&nbsp;GUERRERO Hays PostDowntown Hays came alive on Halloween with monsters, princesses, superheroes, and animals setting out for a fun-filled night of trick-or-treating along Main Street.<figure>
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📷 Photo gallery: Halloween Trick or Treat on The Bricks 2024

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fort Hays State University's Pi Sigma Alpha organized a political showdown featuring two student-led political groups.

The fifth-annual debate between the FHSU College Republicans and FHSU Young Democrats on Tuesday at the Memorial Union addressed foreign policy,&nbsp;abortion, immigration, gun control and climate change.

Each team had one minute to respond to the same pre-written question. Teams were allowed one 30-second rebuttal per question.

Isaac Hargett, Genesis Wilson, Sarah Braun, and Lily Nash represented the FHSU Young Democrats, and Jackson Sinsel, Mickey Mason, and Hazel Frans represented the FHSU College Republicans.

The College Republicans introduced themselves and said their commitment is upholding the Constitution while promoting economic freedom through conservative principles.

The Young Democrats introduced themselves and said their commitment is to equal opportunities for all individuals while recognizing the progress achieved during President Joe Biden's administration.

The Young Democrats' position on foreign policy and what they called rising authoritarianism is that it is essential to support allies, particularly against Russia and China. Hargett said Trump has fallen short in this regard.

"America needs to push back on that," Hargett said. "What we need to do is impose our own strong diplomacy with the support of their enemies."

Sinsel agreed to support allies abroad, such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel but said there is a need for transparency regarding aid.

"If we're going to support those countries, we'd like to know where that aid is going and how it's being used," he said.

Wilson said the America first movement does not aid diplomacy abroad or combat the spread of authoritarianism, saying there is transparency in using aid.

"We give older weapons to them that America is no longer using. This also helps us see how our weapons of war are working," she said.

Mason said that although supplying older weapons is a point of discussion, issuing "blank checks" requires transparency.

Frans of the College Republicans said restricting insurance coverage for abortion services based on personal beliefs is protected by the First Amendment rights.

"What comes to mind is a Catholic institution if they are hiring and supporting these individuals. It is against Catholic morals to support abortion," she said.

Nash of the Young Democrats said employers' women are still going to seek abortions even if there are restrictions on health care access or if abortions are illegal.

"Catholic people are not the only people who are employing others. It is incredibly important to make abortion safe and readily available," Nash said.

Nash mentioned the case of Amber Nicole Thurman, who passed away after taking abortion pills in Georgia, where laws prohibit the procedure after roughly six weeks.

Frans of the College Republicans said Thurman's tragic case resulted from taking two pills as well as not receiving a procedure to remove tissue from her uterus.

"This is due to abortion laws being very vague. If there are going to be abortion laws, they need to be simple enough for everyone to understand them and so that doctors do not hesitate to provide care in terms of the life of the mother," Frans said.

Wilson of the Young Democrats added that millions of Americans depend on job-related health care, and being denied an abortion based on personal views could also result in the denial of other essential medical care.

The Young Democrats said utilizing military resources for border and immigration is necessary during times of crisis. However, it should not be used for mass deportations and must be implemented humanely.

"Having the military at the border at times is super helpful for our country and helps us not become a failing country," Wilson of the Young Democrats said. "We should not use it to cage people, separate people from their families and children from their mothers."

Mason of the College Republicans said the border should be well-structured, and the military is commonly used to combat cartels.

"Anytime that there are military weapons used by the other side, our people need to be able to act effectively against that," he said.

Wilson of the Young Democrats agreed military use is appropriate in that situation but said Republicans, including Donald Trump, seek to use the military for mass deportations.

"We agree with [College Republicans], but the plan actual Republicans in Congress have do not align with that," she said.

Sinsel of the College Republicans said although deportation may cost millions of dollars, the primary focus should be on securing the border and dismantling cartels and trafficking rings.

Sinsel said the College Republicans' position on mental health relating to guns varies, but they do support common-sense gun restrictions.

Frans of the College Republicans said removing firearms from individuals with mental health issues would not stop them from inflicting harm.

"If they want to hurt somebody, they will use whatever they can. Gun violence is awful, but taking guns away will not stop all violence," she said.

Braun said the Young Democrats all agree guns should not be confiscated, but there should be laws in place to prevent more significant harm.

"People with mental health issues who want to hurt others will continue to hurt people, but they can hurt a lot fewer people with a knife than they can with a very large gun," Braun said.

Wilson said Democrats support the Affordable Care Act, while Trump and other Republicans advocate for its repeal, emphasizing that it helps Americans access mental health resources.

Braun of the Young Democrats said the government should start enacting legislation to reduce carbon emissions, warning that we are five years away from a point of no return.

"A way we can do this that won't harm citizens or impact their lives is the Inflation Reduction Act," she said. "Biden had a part in it that allowed for tax credits that would reduce the amount of money people owed if they invested in renewable energy."

Frans of the College Republicans said she does not necessarily support government regulations and would prefer to see governments invest in their own clean, renewable resources.

"This can be something that the government takes charge of as an example rather than being hypocritical and using their own nonrenewable energy," Frans said.

Hargett of the Young Democrats said the lack of regulation in energy sectors can become harmful, as the low costs of oil and gas for companies negatively impact the economy.

"It's not the state doing it. It's the companies causing that change in the climate we're seeing," he said.

Frans of the College Republicans said the government funds most scientific research and can develop methods to reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of renewable energy, which can be shared with American companies and businesses.

Audience members also had the opportunity to ask both teams questions.

The College Republicans said they favor reducing the Department of Education's involvement instead of abolishing it, as Trump has advocated. They also said they support school choice and believe states should determine how to manage their education systems.

The Young Democrats said they opposed abolishing the Department of Education, arguing it could eliminate essential programs like FAFSA. They also stated that school choice leads to the defunding of already struggling public schools.

The Young Democrats said inflation is stabilizing and not at the same level as last year, with wages outpacing it. They attribute rising wages and grocery costs to corporate greed and say Vice President Kamala Harris has a plan to prevent companies from engaging in price gouging.

The College Republicans said gas and grocery prices are high. They questioned why Harris had not implemented a plan to address inflation, considering her position and close relationship with the Biden administration.

The College Republicans said they support legalizing marijuana for taxation purposes to fund roads and education but have skepticism, noting that Colorado had similar intentions. Yet, the results do not reflect that success.

The Young Democrats said they advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana to support marginalized communities rather than legalization, as they are also skeptical about the effectiveness of tax revenue and its allocation for infrastructure.

The Young Democrats said extremism exists in both parties, highlighting that far-right extremism is a danger to society. They cite groups like the Proud Boys and the KKK, which they say emerge in local communities due to a lack of political dialogue.

The College Republicans said both parties exhibit tendencies toward extremism but say that such extremism is more prevalent in national politics rather than at the local level while still condemning it regardless.

Both student organizations said voting is a powerful means for change and an opportunity for students to influence their futures and the policies that impact their lives.

The attendance in the Cody Commons room at the Memorial Union was roughly half of its maximum capacity.

You can follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/college.republicans.fhsu/?utm_medium=copy_link">FHSU College Republicans</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fhsu.youngdems/">Young Democrats</a> on Instagram.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730316677685.jpeg" alt="(From left to right) Young Democrats Lily Nash, Genesis Wilson, Issac Hargett, Sarah Braun and College Republicans Hazel Frans, Mickey Mason and Jackson Sinsel at the fifth-annual political debate at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(From left to right) Young Democrats Lily Nash, Genesis Wilson, Issac Hargett, Sarah Braun and College Republicans Hazel Frans, Mickey Mason and Jackson Sinsel at the fifth-annual political debate at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University's Pi Sigma Alpha organized a political showdown featuring two student-led political groups.The fifth-annual debate between the FHSU College Republicans and FHSU Young Democrats on Tuesday at the Memorial Union addressed foreign policy,&nbsp;abortion, immigration, gun control and climate change.Each team had one minute to respond to the same pre-written question. Teams were allowed one 30-second rebuttal per question.Isaac Hargett, Genesis Wilson, Sarah Braun, and Lily Nash represented the FHSU Young Democrats, and Jackson Sinsel, Mickey Mason, and Hazel Frans represented the FHSU College Republicans.The College Republicans introduced themselves and said their commitment is upholding the Constitution while promoting economic freedom through conservative principles.The Young Democrats introduced themselves and said their commitment is to equal opportunities for all individuals while recognizing the progress achieved during President Joe Biden's administration.<h2>Foreign Policy</h2>The Young Democrats' position on foreign policy and what they called rising authoritarianism is that it is essential to support allies, particularly against Russia and China. Hargett said Trump has fallen short in this regard."America needs to push back on that," Hargett said. "What we need to do is impose our own strong diplomacy with the support of their enemies."Sinsel agreed to support allies abroad, such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel but said there is a need for transparency regarding aid."If we're going to support those countries, we'd like to know where that aid is going and how it's being used," he said.Wilson said the America first movement does not aid diplomacy abroad or combat the spread of authoritarianism, saying there is transparency in using aid."We give older weapons to them that America is no longer using. This also helps us see how our weapons of war are working," she said.Mason said that although supplying older weapons is a point of discussion, issuing "blank checks" requires transparency.<h2>Abortion</h2>Frans of the College Republicans said restricting insurance coverage for abortion services based on personal beliefs is protected by the First Amendment rights."What comes to mind is a Catholic institution if they are hiring and supporting these individuals. It is against Catholic morals to support abortion," she said.Nash of the Young Democrats said employers' women are still going to seek abortions even if there are restrictions on health care access or if abortions are illegal."Catholic people are not the only people who are employing others. It is incredibly important to make abortion safe and readily available," Nash said.Nash mentioned the case of Amber Nicole Thurman, who passed away after taking abortion pills in Georgia, where laws prohibit the procedure after roughly six weeks.Frans of the College Republicans said Thurman's tragic case resulted from taking two pills as well as not receiving a procedure to remove tissue from her uterus."This is due to abortion laws being very vague. If there are going to be abortion laws, they need to be simple enough for everyone to understand them and so that doctors do not hesitate to provide care in terms of the life of the mother," Frans said.Wilson of the Young Democrats added that millions of Americans depend on job-related health care, and being denied an abortion based on personal views could also result in the denial of other essential medical care.<h2>Immigration</h2>The Young Democrats said utilizing military resources for border and immigration is necessary during times of crisis. However, it should not be used for mass deportations and must be implemented humanely."Having the military at the border at times is super helpful for our country and helps us not become a failing country," Wilson of the Young Democrats said. "We should not use it to cage people, separate people from their families and children from their mothers."Mason of the College Republicans said the border should be well-structured, and the military is commonly used to combat cartels."Anytime that there are military weapons used by the other side, our people need to be able to act effectively against that," he said.Wilson of the Young Democrats agreed military use is appropriate in that situation but said Republicans, including Donald Trump, seek to use the military for mass deportations."We agree with [College Republicans], but the plan actual Republicans in Congress have do not align with that," she said.Sinsel of the College Republicans said although deportation may cost millions of dollars, the primary focus should be on securing the border and dismantling cartels and trafficking rings.<h2>Guns</h2>Sinsel said the College Republicans' position on mental health relating to guns varies, but they do support common-sense gun restrictions.Frans of the College Republicans said removing firearms from individuals with mental health issues would not stop them from inflicting harm."If they want to hurt somebody, they will use whatever they can. Gun violence is awful, but taking guns away will not stop all violence," she said.Braun said the Young Democrats all agree guns should not be confiscated, but there should be laws in place to prevent more significant harm."People with mental health issues who want to hurt others will continue to hurt people, but they can hurt a lot fewer people with a knife than they can with a very large gun," Braun said.Wilson said Democrats support the Affordable Care Act, while Trump and other Republicans advocate for its repeal, emphasizing that it helps Americans access mental health resources.<h2>Climate Change</h2>Braun of the Young Democrats said the government should start enacting legislation to reduce carbon emissions, warning that we are five years away from a point of no return."A way we can do this that won't harm citizens or impact their lives is the Inflation Reduction Act," she said. "Biden had a part in it that allowed for tax credits that would reduce the amount of money people owed if they invested in renewable energy."Frans of the College Republicans said she does not necessarily support government regulations and would prefer to see governments invest in their own clean, renewable resources."This can be something that the government takes charge of as an example rather than being hypocritical and using their own nonrenewable energy," Frans said.Hargett of the Young Democrats said the lack of regulation in energy sectors can become harmful, as the low costs of oil and gas for companies negatively impact the economy."It's not the state doing it. It's the companies causing that change in the climate we're seeing," he said.Frans of the College Republicans said the government funds most scientific research and can develop methods to reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of renewable energy, which can be shared with American companies and businesses.Audience members also had the opportunity to ask both teams questions.<h2>Department of Education</h2>The College Republicans said they favor reducing the Department of Education's involvement instead of abolishing it, as Trump has advocated. They also said they support school choice and believe states should determine how to manage their education systems.The Young Democrats said they opposed abolishing the Department of Education, arguing it could eliminate essential programs like FAFSA. They also stated that school choice leads to the defunding of already struggling public schools.<h2>Inflation</h2>The Young Democrats said inflation is stabilizing and not at the same level as last year, with wages outpacing it. They attribute rising wages and grocery costs to corporate greed and say Vice President Kamala Harris has a plan to prevent companies from engaging in price gouging.The College Republicans said gas and grocery prices are high. They questioned why Harris had not implemented a plan to address inflation, considering her position and close relationship with the Biden administration.<h2>Legalizing marijuana</h2>The College Republicans said they support legalizing marijuana for taxation purposes to fund roads and education but have skepticism, noting that Colorado had similar intentions. Yet, the results do not reflect that success.The Young Democrats said they advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana to support marginalized communities rather than legalization, as they are also skeptical about the effectiveness of tax revenue and its allocation for infrastructure.<h2>Extremism</h2>The Young Democrats said extremism exists in both parties, highlighting that far-right extremism is a danger to society. They cite groups like the Proud Boys and the KKK, which they say emerge in local communities due to a lack of political dialogue.The College Republicans said both parties exhibit tendencies toward extremism but say that such extremism is more prevalent in national politics rather than at the local level while still condemning it regardless.Both student organizations said voting is a powerful means for change and an opportunity for students to influence their futures and the policies that impact their lives.The attendance in the Cody Commons room at the Memorial Union was roughly half of its maximum capacity.You can follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/college.republicans.fhsu/?utm_medium=copy_link">FHSU College Republicans</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fhsu.youngdems/">Young Democrats</a> on Instagram.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730316996057.jpeg" alt="(From left to right) Young Democrats Lily Nash, Sarah Braun, Genesis Wilson, Issac Hargett and College Republicans Hazel Frans, Mickey Mason and Jackson Sinsel at the fifth-annual political debate at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>(From left to right) Young Democrats Lily Nash, Sarah Braun, Genesis Wilson, Issac Hargett and College Republicans Hazel Frans, Mickey Mason and Jackson Sinsel at the fifth-annual political debate at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU hosts debate between College Republicans, Young Democrats

BUNKER HILL – Real Ag Season 13 is set to premiere on November 1st exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS. This season, Real Ag focuses on agriculture's past, present, and future. From ancient farming methods to modern innovations, we'll explore how we are all shaping our food future.

“I became so obsessed with potatoes this season that I'm going to start growing them,” said Max Aguiar, producer of Real Ag Season 13. “I'm also incredibly excited for people to learn the really interesting and complicated history behind hemp!”

Catch the Season 13 premiere of Real Ag on November 1 on Smoky Hills PBS and tune in every week for fresh episodes full of insight, education, and stories that matter to Kansas.

Tune In: Real Ag, Season 13 premieres every Friday at 8:30 p.m. CST, starting November 1. Rebroadcasts of each episode will air on Sundays at 1 p.m.

Previous seasons of Real Ag are available to stream anytime on Smoky Hills PBS Passport.

To watch, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS LLS Channel, DirecTV, Dish Network, the LocalNow app, YouTube TV, and HULU+LIVE TV. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices. For more information, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org or call 1-800-337-4788.

Real Ag is made possible in part by these current sponsors:

Kansas Farmers Union, Kansas Grain Sorghum, and Bank of Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730319398219.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – Real Ag Season 13 is set to premiere on November 1st exclusively on Smoky Hills PBS. This season, Real Ag focuses on agriculture's past, present, and future. From ancient farming methods to modern innovations, we'll explore how we are all shaping our food future.Season 13 Episodes:11/1 - Potatoes11/8 - Dairy11/15 - Hemp11/22 - Wheat12/6 - An Interview with Rachel Stroer12/13 - Potatoes – Part 212/20 - Predators and the Prairie12/27 - Season Recap“I became so obsessed with potatoes this season that I'm going to start growing them,” said Max Aguiar, producer of Real Ag Season 13. “I'm also incredibly excited for people to learn the really interesting and complicated history behind hemp!”Catch the Season 13 premiere of Real Ag on November 1 on Smoky Hills PBS and tune in every week for fresh episodes full of insight, education, and stories that matter to Kansas.Tune In: Real Ag, Season 13 premieres every Friday at 8:30 p.m. CST, starting November 1. Rebroadcasts of each episode will air on Sundays at 1 p.m.Previous seasons of Real Ag are available to stream anytime on Smoky Hills PBS Passport.Ways to Watch:To watch, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS LLS Channel, DirecTV, Dish Network, the LocalNow app, YouTube TV, and HULU+LIVE TV. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices. For more information, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org or call 1-800-337-4788.Real Ag is made possible in part by these current sponsors:Kansas Farmers Union, Kansas Grain Sorghum, and Bank of Hays

Smoky Hills PBS announces the premiere of Season 13 of Real Ag

Sunday, November 10th, at 3:00 PM central time&nbsp;(2:00 PM MT) in the Goodland High School auditorium, Western Plains Arts Association presents Thomas Glynn performing “American Tune: Simon, Croce &amp; Taylor”. &nbsp;

A pianist and guitarist since the age of 10, Glynn started writing songs in his late teens and fronted a popular club band in Boston called 5-0 throughout his twenties. His heart, however, was always with great singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, and David Wilcox. "I began to focus on writing songs that were more introspective and personal to me as well as performing live as a solo acoustic artist."&nbsp;

Admission to this program is by WPAA season ticket or tickets can be purchased at the door. This program is made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a grant from the Dane Hansen Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581542018976.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSunday, November 10th, at 3:00 PM central time&nbsp;(2:00 PM MT) in the Goodland High School auditorium, Western Plains Arts Association presents Thomas Glynn performing “American Tune: Simon, Croce &amp; Taylor”. &nbsp;A pianist and guitarist since the age of 10, Glynn started writing songs in his late teens and fronted a popular club band in Boston called 5-0 throughout his twenties. His heart, however, was always with great singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, and David Wilcox. "I began to focus on writing songs that were more introspective and personal to me as well as performing live as a solo acoustic artist."&nbsp;Admission to this program is by WPAA season ticket or tickets can be purchased at the door. This program is made possible through the generosity of area businesses, individual donors and a grant from the Dane Hansen Foundation.

Western Plains Arts Association presents Thomas Glynn performing 'American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor'  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730383259923.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </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

Let's have our typical good ol' party! Good food, awesome social, and some high-end merchandise. Preview a bit below. Cocktails, social, and raffles begin at 5:00. 

Purchase tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Hays-Banquet-99416?_gl=1*11omrf0*_ga*MTcxNjYwODU4NC4xNzMwMTMxNTkz*_ga_2X0ECQZQ09*MTczMDMxMDYwNy4zLjAuMTczMDMxMDYwNy42MC4wLjA">https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Hays-Banquet-99416?_gl=1*11omrf0*_ga*MTcxNjYwODU4NC4xNzMwMTMxNTkz*_ga_2X0ECQZQ09*MTczMDMxMDYwNy4zLjAuMTczMDMxMDYwNy42MC4wLjA</a>&nbsp;

And enjoy the social hour, delicious dinner from Chubb’s Que, silent auction, live auction, games, raffle, and open bar!!

•November 2nd, 2024 •Ellis County Fairgrounds •Doors open at 5pm •Tickets price - $60 per couple, $50 single •Doors open at 5 pm with silent auction, games, and cocktails, dinner at 6:30, and live auction at 8pm •Tickets can purchased online at ducks.org or purchased in person at Miracle Ear in Hays. •Contact John Lang for more information at &nbsp;(785) 650-1543

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712691668203.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLet's have our typical good ol' party! Good food, awesome social, and some high-end merchandise. Preview a bit below. Cocktails, social, and raffles begin at 5:00. Dinner at 7.Purchase tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Hays-Banquet-99416?_gl=1*11omrf0*_ga*MTcxNjYwODU4NC4xNzMwMTMxNTkz*_ga_2X0ECQZQ09*MTczMDMxMDYwNy4zLjAuMTczMDMxMDYwNy42MC4wLjA">https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Hays-Banquet-99416?_gl=1*11omrf0*_ga*MTcxNjYwODU4NC4xNzMwMTMxNTkz*_ga_2X0ECQZQ09*MTczMDMxMDYwNy4zLjAuMTczMDMxMDYwNy42MC4wLjA</a>&nbsp;And enjoy the social hour, delicious dinner from Chubb’s Que, silent auction, live auction, games, raffle, and open bar!!Here’s a bit more info:2024 Hays Area Ducks Unlimited Banquet•November 2nd, 2024 •Ellis County Fairgrounds •Doors open at 5pm •Tickets price - $60 per couple, $50 single •Doors open at 5 pm with silent auction, games, and cocktails, dinner at 6:30, and live auction at 8pm •Tickets can purchased online at ducks.org or purchased in person at Miracle Ear in Hays. •Contact John Lang for more information at &nbsp;(785) 650-1543

SPONSORED: Celebrate fall at the Hays Ducks Unlimited Banquet

By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/31/a-stupefying-poll-shows-harris-breathing-down-trumps-neck-in-kansas-heres-what-that-means/">Kansas Reflector</a>

You want to talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state? OK, let’s talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state.

The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;from the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris a mere&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">five points behind</a>&nbsp;Republican candidate Donald Trump. Given that the survey covers traditionally conservative Kansas, political pundits pounced.

“BREAKING: Trump only winning by 5 In KANSAS,” wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TristanSnell/status/1851120567262298528" target="_blank">legal commentator Tristan Snell</a>.

“If Harris is only down 5 to Trump in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;– election night is going to be very good for Democrats,” added Obama campaign and administration&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TimFullerton/status/1850981599556616491" target="_blank">alumnus Tim Fullerton</a>.

“…holy sh*t?” exclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SethAbramson/status/1851092122004300089" target="_blank">journalist and lawyer Seth Abramson</a>.

Let’s step back from excited progressive reactions for a moment and actually talk about the poll, what it means and whether Harris has a shot in Kansas. (Spoiler alert, she&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/17/electoral-college-will-incinerate-a-half-million-kansas-votes-for-kamala-thats-a-problem/">almost certainly does not</a>). We found a great person to help us break things down:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/sociology/faculty/zollinger/" target="_blank">Brett Zollinger</a>, director of the Docking Institute itself. He sat down with Kansas Reflector staff on Tuesday afternoon to give background on those surprising results.

First off, we should understand that the data presented comes from a survey, not a poll. Kansas Speaks primarily tracks public opinion on issues rather than candidates. It gathers a representative panel of Kansans and collects information from them via a carefully designed survey online.

“The presidential election is a very minor focus for us in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks</a>,” he said. “We are far more focused on policies, issues that are going to be relevant to Kansans, likely to come up in the legislative session, that sort of thing. But every four years, we get this unique opportunity to see what our survey methodology bears out in terms of some actual voter decisions in the state in the presidential election. So in 2020, we were within 0.2% actually, in the spread between Trump and Biden with our survey panel methodology.”

<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/20elec/2020_General_Official_Vote_Totals.pdf" target="_blank">For reference</a>, in 2020 Trump finished at 56.2% in Kansas, while President Joe Biden reached 41.6%, a 14.6 percentage point gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2020-kansas-speaks-report-v7.pdf" target="_blank">The 2020 Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;found 52% support for Trump and 37.6% for Biden, a 14.4 percentage point gap.

That earlier accuracy was much remarked upon by online commentors. But Zollinger wanted Kansas Reflector readers to understand that the modeling and weighting decisions made for the Kansas Speaks survey are not necessarily the same ones made by political polling firms. They’re playing different games.

“If we were actually trying to measure, with a lot of predictive ability, the presidential vote turnout, we would probably engage in a fuller methodology common to the survey industry, especially the presidential polling industry,” Zollinger said. “We don’t. But we do winnow it down to registered voters who say that they plan to vote, which is not a bad methodology necessarily for doing that. And the survey panel is what it is. These are folks who have opted in to be surveyed. It’s not uncommon to use these today. Pew Research has its own big one. Gallup has one.”

Researchers looked at various demographic factors, he said, “and we did pretty much a simple proportionate weighting.” (You can dig into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">crosstabs on page 96</a>.) They did the same with their 2020 results.

“We took the proportion in the sample who fit a certain age profile, and we adjusted it to the state’s age profile of adults, same with gender, same with education. … We believe it is the most reasonable approach to trying to make up for some underrepresentation by some age groups in the panel and some underrepresentation by certain education levels,” Zollinger said.

Which brings us all down to the basic question: Do we believe the survey results?

Kansas has changed. In the eight years&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/23/want-to-make-kansas-a-better-place-for-new-opinion-editor-that-means-raising-our-voices-for-change/">since I returned</a>&nbsp;to the state, I’ve watched as a motley mix of Republicans, Democrats and independents have rejected Trump and extreme ideologies. I’ve watched a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion fail by an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">18-point margin</a>. I’ve watched voters twice elect Democrat Laura Kelly as governor. I’ve also heard, over and and over, and read, in repeated email messages, that Kansans don’t like the current political atmosphere.

Now, that doesn’t turn us into an immediate swing state. It doesn’t guarantee a Democratic Legislature anytime soon. But it does, at least from my perspective, suggest that Republicans can’t count on a blank check from Kansas voters.

Trump will almost certainly win Kansas. But that margin will matter.

Alex Middlewood, a political scientist at Wichita State, weighed in on the survey results&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexmiddlewood/status/1851403069684072824" target="_blank">via a Tweet thread</a>. She said the results showed that Trump has been losing ground in Kansas over the past eight years.

“His vote share in 2020 was lower than it was in 2016, and 2024 is very likely going to be even lower. Make no mistake, Trump is going to win Kansas,” she wrote. “However, any shift in the margins, like we’re seeing from these results, will likely have major impact on the state legislature races. Ds are working hard (and spending lots of money) to break the R supermajority. These results should give them hope.”

I’ve been keeping track of interesting presidential endorsements in Kansas news outlets over the past couple of weeks. You might not be able to read an endorsement from the Washington Post, but these plucky Kansans have a lot to say.

“<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eadd4e4e-bed9-4d2c-81d5-f67355e1840f" target="_blank">Rep. Steven Howe reflects on voting for Trump after earlier criticism</a>,” by Steven Howe, Salina Post, Oct. 26.

“<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article294546054.html" target="_blank">My fellow conservatives, we have to split the ticket to save the US Constitution</a>,” by David Mastio, Kansas City Star, Oct. 29.

“<a href="https://kaninfo.com/opinion/oops-i-voted-for-hitler-again/" target="_blank">Oops, I voted for Hitler…again</a>,” by Dane Hicks, Kansas Informer, Oct. 30.

“<a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/opinion/columnists/being-a-republican-is-not-a-loyalty-test" target="_blank">Kamala Harris has what it takes</a>,” by Susan Lynn, The Iola Register, Oct. 25.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/31/a-stupefying-poll-shows-harris-breathing-down-trumps-neck-in-kansas-heres-what-that-means/">Kansas Reflector</a>You want to talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state? OK, let’s talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state.The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;from the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris a mere&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">five points behind</a>&nbsp;Republican candidate Donald Trump. Given that the survey covers traditionally conservative Kansas, political pundits pounced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730413570584.jpeg" alt=" Brett Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute, talks to reporters about the Kansas Speaks survey during an Oct. 29, 2024, interview at the Kansas Reflector office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Brett Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute, talks to reporters about the Kansas Speaks survey during an Oct. 29, 2024, interview at the Kansas Reflector office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“BREAKING: Trump only winning by 5 In KANSAS,” wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TristanSnell/status/1851120567262298528" target="_blank">legal commentator Tristan Snell</a>.“If Harris is only down 5 to Trump in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;– election night is going to be very good for Democrats,” added Obama campaign and administration&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TimFullerton/status/1850981599556616491" target="_blank">alumnus Tim Fullerton</a>.“…holy sh*t?” exclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SethAbramson/status/1851092122004300089" target="_blank">journalist and lawyer Seth Abramson</a>.Let’s step back from excited progressive reactions for a moment and actually talk about the poll, what it means and whether Harris has a shot in Kansas. (Spoiler alert, she&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/17/electoral-college-will-incinerate-a-half-million-kansas-votes-for-kamala-thats-a-problem/">almost certainly does not</a>). We found a great person to help us break things down:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/sociology/faculty/zollinger/" target="_blank">Brett Zollinger</a>, director of the Docking Institute itself. He sat down with Kansas Reflector staff on Tuesday afternoon to give background on those surprising results.First off, we should understand that the data presented comes from a survey, not a poll. Kansas Speaks primarily tracks public opinion on issues rather than candidates. It gathers a representative panel of Kansans and collects information from them via a carefully designed survey online.“The presidential election is a very minor focus for us in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks</a>,” he said. “We are far more focused on policies, issues that are going to be relevant to Kansans, likely to come up in the legislative session, that sort of thing. But every four years, we get this unique opportunity to see what our survey methodology bears out in terms of some actual voter decisions in the state in the presidential election. So in 2020, we were within 0.2% actually, in the spread between Trump and Biden with our survey panel methodology.”<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/20elec/2020_General_Official_Vote_Totals.pdf" target="_blank">For reference</a>, in 2020 Trump finished at 56.2% in Kansas, while President Joe Biden reached 41.6%, a 14.6 percentage point gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2020-kansas-speaks-report-v7.pdf" target="_blank">The 2020 Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;found 52% support for Trump and 37.6% for Biden, a 14.4 percentage point gap.That earlier accuracy was much remarked upon by online commentors. But Zollinger wanted Kansas Reflector readers to understand that the modeling and weighting decisions made for the Kansas Speaks survey are not necessarily the same ones made by political polling firms. They’re playing different games.“If we were actually trying to measure, with a lot of predictive ability, the presidential vote turnout, we would probably engage in a fuller methodology common to the survey industry, especially the presidential polling industry,” Zollinger said. “We don’t. But we do winnow it down to registered voters who say that they plan to vote, which is not a bad methodology necessarily for doing that. And the survey panel is what it is. These are folks who have opted in to be surveyed. It’s not uncommon to use these today. Pew Research has its own big one. Gallup has one.”Researchers looked at various demographic factors, he said, “and we did pretty much a simple proportionate weighting.” (You can dig into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">crosstabs on page 96</a>.) They did the same with their 2020 results.“We took the proportion in the sample who fit a certain age profile, and we adjusted it to the state’s age profile of adults, same with gender, same with education. … We believe it is the most reasonable approach to trying to make up for some underrepresentation by some age groups in the panel and some underrepresentation by certain education levels,” Zollinger said.Which brings us all down to the basic question: Do we believe the survey results?I do, with caveats.Kansas has changed. In the eight years&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/23/want-to-make-kansas-a-better-place-for-new-opinion-editor-that-means-raising-our-voices-for-change/">since I returned</a>&nbsp;to the state, I’ve watched as a motley mix of Republicans, Democrats and independents have rejected Trump and extreme ideologies. I’ve watched a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion fail by an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">18-point margin</a>. I’ve watched voters twice elect Democrat Laura Kelly as governor. I’ve also heard, over and and over, and read, in repeated email messages, that Kansans don’t like the current political atmosphere.Now, that doesn’t turn us into an immediate swing state. It doesn’t guarantee a Democratic Legislature anytime soon. But it does, at least from my perspective, suggest that Republicans can’t count on a blank check from Kansas voters.Trump will almost certainly win Kansas. But that margin will matter.Alex Middlewood, a political scientist at Wichita State, weighed in on the survey results&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexmiddlewood/status/1851403069684072824" target="_blank">via a Tweet thread</a>. She said the results showed that Trump has been losing ground in Kansas over the past eight years.“His vote share in 2020 was lower than it was in 2016, and 2024 is very likely going to be even lower. Make no mistake, Trump is going to win Kansas,” she wrote. “However, any shift in the margins, like we’re seeing from these results, will likely have major impact on the state legislature races. Ds are working hard (and spending lots of money) to break the R supermajority. These results should give them hope.”<h2>More Kansans speak</h2>I’ve been keeping track of interesting presidential endorsements in Kansas news outlets over the past couple of weeks. You might not be able to read an endorsement from the Washington Post, but these plucky Kansans have a lot to say.“<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eadd4e4e-bed9-4d2c-81d5-f67355e1840f" target="_blank">Rep. Steven Howe reflects on voting for Trump after earlier criticism</a>,” by Steven Howe, Salina Post, Oct. 26.“<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article294546054.html" target="_blank">My fellow conservatives, we have to split the ticket to save the US Constitution</a>,” by David Mastio, Kansas City Star, Oct. 29.“<a href="https://kaninfo.com/opinion/oops-i-voted-for-hitler-again/" target="_blank">Oops, I voted for Hitler…again</a>,” by Dane Hicks, Kansas Informer, Oct. 30.“<a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/opinion/columnists/being-a-republican-is-not-a-loyalty-test" target="_blank">Kamala Harris has what it takes</a>,” by Susan Lynn, The Iola Register, Oct. 25.Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

OPINION: A stupefying poll shows Harris breathing down Trump’s neck in Kansas. Here’s what that means.

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California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE AT A NEW LOCATION  New Hays location: The Mall, Big Creek Crossing - Nov. 8 &amp; 9 (2918 Vine Street, inside Front Entrance) Selling Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

COME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! 

SubmittedCALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IS OWNED BY MIKE AND MARLA KNAUS FROM QUINTER, KANSAS! THEIR PRODUCT COMES FROM CALIFORNIA AND IS THIS YEAR'S CROP! THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 8 YEARS AND STRIVE TO BRING YOU QUALITY DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS!California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE AT A NEW LOCATION New Hays location: The Mall, Big Creek Crossing - Nov. 8 &amp; 9 (2918 Vine Street, inside Front Entrance) Selling Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.mCOME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! You won't want to miss it!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730316791289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU crime log Oct. 25-31, 2024

I attended the forum for the position of Ellis County Clerk with the two candidates, Bobbie Dreiling and Laura Allen and decided Bobbie is definitely the person we want in that position.

I found Bobbie to be an honest and sincere person and good steward of our taxpayer dollars!

Bobbie praised her staff , which were present to support her. Obviously they all have a good working relationship and friendship. To me that is a sign of a great &nbsp;leader and that is important when getting things done.

Bobbie comes with years of experience and she does her homework. She did check out a polling place on campus and discovered it wasn’t feasible. There are 1,650 students living on campus and only 69 registered to vote. The numbers just aren’t there. It’s common sense.

Ms. Allen seems to think college kids aren’t capable of knowing where and how to register to vote and to vote. These are young adults pursuing a higher education, I’m sure they can figure it out. Ms Allen seems to be focused on this one issue, voting poll on campus. I question if she truly understands what the position entails.

Bobbie doesn’t need several misleading flyers sent to our homes to get votes. Her record and job performance speaks for itself. In my opinion Bobbie deserves another 4 years, she’s proven it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

— Ellis County Citizen, Ruth Legleiter

I attended the forum for the position of Ellis County Clerk with the two candidates, Bobbie Dreiling and Laura Allen and decided Bobbie is definitely the person we want in that position.I found Bobbie to be an honest and sincere person and good steward of our taxpayer dollars!Bobbie praised her staff , which were present to support her. Obviously they all have a good working relationship and friendship. To me that is a sign of a great &nbsp;leader and that is important when getting things done.Bobbie comes with years of experience and she does her homework. She did check out a polling place on campus and discovered it wasn’t feasible. There are 1,650 students living on campus and only 69 registered to vote. The numbers just aren’t there. It’s common sense.Ms. Allen seems to think college kids aren’t capable of knowing where and how to register to vote and to vote. These are young adults pursuing a higher education, I’m sure they can figure it out. Ms Allen seems to be focused on this one issue, voting poll on campus. I question if she truly understands what the position entails.Bobbie doesn’t need several misleading flyers sent to our homes to get votes. Her record and job performance speaks for itself. In my opinion Bobbie deserves another 4 years, she’s proven it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; — Ellis County Citizen, Ruth Legleiter

Letter: Dreiling's record as Ellis County Clerk speaks for itself

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 40th year of honoring the achievements and contributions of local businesses, leaders, and community members.

The event will take place on&nbsp;Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from&nbsp;5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.&nbsp;at the&nbsp;FHSU Memorial Union, 600 Park Street.

The evening will kick off with a social hour in the Black &amp; Gold Room from&nbsp;5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner service at&nbsp;6:30 p.m.The awards program will begin promptly at&nbsp;7:00 p.m.&nbsp;in the Ballroom, where attendees will celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 nominees and award recipients.

In celebration of this historic 40th anniversary, The Chamber encourages community members to participate by submitting award nominations.

“The Annual Chamber Awards Banquet is a long-standing tradition in our community, and we are excited to see who will be recognized in this milestone year,” said&nbsp;Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of The Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;“We invite everyone to take this opportunity to highlight those who have made a lasting impact in our region.”

Community members are encouraged to submit their nominations using the online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/242746141210142">https://form.jotform.com/242746141210142</a>&nbsp;before the deadline on&nbsp;Nov. 4.

These awards aim to recognize individuals and businesses significantly contributing to the community through leadership, innovation, and service.

In addition to celebrating the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, the event offers attendees the chance to connect with local leaders, business owners, and fellow community members.

Tickets are available for&nbsp;$60 each&nbsp;and can be purchased by contacting The Chamber at (785) 628-8201. Reserved seating is available for tickets purchased&nbsp;January 13, 2025.

Wasinger said the Chamber extends special thanks to the FHSU Office of the President for serving as the Venue Sponsor, providing a welcoming space for this important community celebration.

The Chamber is looking forward to another memorable evening that reflects the dedication and achievements of those who contribute to the vitality and growth of Hays and Ellis County and celebrates the accomplishments of chamber membership.

“The success of our local businesses and community members makes Ellis County such a vibrant place to live and work,” Wasinger said. “We look forward to celebrating their stories and accomplishments during the 2025 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet.”For more information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, contact&nbsp;The Chamber staff&nbsp;by calling (785) 628-8201.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 40th year of honoring the achievements and contributions of local businesses, leaders, and community members.The event will take place on&nbsp;Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from&nbsp;5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.&nbsp;at the&nbsp;FHSU Memorial Union, 600 Park Street.The evening will kick off with a social hour in the Black &amp; Gold Room from&nbsp;5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner service at&nbsp;6:30 p.m.The awards program will begin promptly at&nbsp;7:00 p.m.&nbsp;in the Ballroom, where attendees will celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 nominees and award recipients.In celebration of this historic 40th anniversary, The Chamber encourages community members to participate by submitting award nominations.“The Annual Chamber Awards Banquet is a long-standing tradition in our community, and we are excited to see who will be recognized in this milestone year,” said&nbsp;Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of The Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;“We invite everyone to take this opportunity to highlight those who have made a lasting impact in our region.”This year’s awards include:<ul>
 <li>City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award</li><li>Commerce Bank Helping Hands Award</li><li>Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award</li><li>Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award</li><li>Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award</li><li>Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award</li><li>Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award</li><li>Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award</li>
 </ul>Community members are encouraged to submit their nominations using the online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://form.jotform.com/242746141210142">https://form.jotform.com/242746141210142</a>&nbsp;before the deadline on&nbsp;Nov. 4.These awards aim to recognize individuals and businesses significantly contributing to the community through leadership, innovation, and service.In addition to celebrating the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, the event offers attendees the chance to connect with local leaders, business owners, and fellow community members.Tickets are available for&nbsp;$60 each&nbsp;and can be purchased by contacting The Chamber at (785) 628-8201. Reserved seating is available for tickets purchased&nbsp;January 13, 2025.Wasinger said the Chamber extends special thanks to the FHSU Office of the President for serving as the Venue Sponsor, providing a welcoming space for this important community celebration.The Chamber is looking forward to another memorable evening that reflects the dedication and achievements of those who contribute to the vitality and growth of Hays and Ellis County and celebrates the accomplishments of chamber membership.“The success of our local businesses and community members makes Ellis County such a vibrant place to live and work,” Wasinger said. “We look forward to celebrating their stories and accomplishments during the 2025 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet.”For more information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, contact&nbsp;The Chamber staff&nbsp;by calling (785) 628-8201.

Nominations open for 2025 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Kansas Fire Marshal inspection reports released Wednesday indicate significant structural damage to the Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine, Hays.

The reports, which were released after the Hays Post filed a Kansas Open Records Request, said inspectors found structural instability in the second-floor walkways of the motel.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a971b850-cbe9-40c3-8d20-21f4611006c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas Fire Marshal orders Rodeway Inn in Hays closed</a>

The Hays Fire Department placed a wooden support structure under one of the walkways as a temporary measure. It issued a complaint to the state fire marshall's office on July 25.

That temporary support was still in place during the last inspection of the facility in October and a Hays Post visit to the building on Monday.

The fire marshal's office delivered a cease-and-desist order to the business on Aug. 12 after multiple safety issues were found in August.

The fire marshal's office said in an order that a structural engineer needed to access the structure and provide repair recommendations.

Other issues included problems with the electrical system, non-working smoke detectors, and a stairway that had at least one step completely broken through.

The state inspected the facility again on Oct. 4 and found 10 rooms were still occupied despite the cease and desist order. Some of those rooms were on the second floor. According to a lodging report, the owner told an inspector employees of the closed motel were still trying to find places to live.

The Hays Post was unable to confirm if anyone was still living at the motel as of this post.

The motel's lodging license was listed as expired in May, according to a lodging inspection.

HKHR Hospitality, the motel's owner, also owes $43,580 for unpaid 2023 property taxes, according to the Ellis County Treasurer's Office. Property owners have three years to pay delinquent taxes before the property is auctioned at a tax sale.

The motel, built in 1974, is actively listed on a real estate broker's website, Hotel Broker One, for sale for $1.2 million.

The Hays Post has not been able to identify or contact the owners of the motel. A clerk at the Ellis County Register of Deed's Office said the signature on the motel's deed was unreadable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730230931407.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKansas Fire Marshal inspection reports released Wednesday indicate significant structural damage to the Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine, Hays.The reports, which were released after the Hays Post filed a Kansas Open Records Request, said inspectors found structural instability in the second-floor walkways of the motel.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a971b850-cbe9-40c3-8d20-21f4611006c1">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas Fire Marshal orders Rodeway Inn in Hays closed</a>The Hays Fire Department placed a wooden support structure under one of the walkways as a temporary measure. It issued a complaint to the state fire marshall's office on July 25.That temporary support was still in place during the last inspection of the facility in October and a Hays Post visit to the building on Monday.The fire marshal's office delivered a cease-and-desist order to the business on Aug. 12 after multiple safety issues were found in August.The fire marshal's office said in an order that a structural engineer needed to access the structure and provide repair recommendations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730316575527.png" alt="Issues with smoke detectors and outlets that Hays Deputy Hays Fire Chief Shane Preston documented in May at the Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine." />
 <figcaption>Issues with smoke detectors and outlets that Hays Deputy Hays Fire Chief Shane Preston documented in May at the Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other issues included problems with the electrical system, non-working smoke detectors, and a stairway that had at least one step completely broken through.The state inspected the facility again on Oct. 4 and found 10 rooms were still occupied despite the cease and desist order. Some of those rooms were on the second floor. According to a lodging report, the owner told an inspector employees of the closed motel were still trying to find places to live.The Hays Post was unable to confirm if anyone was still living at the motel as of this post.The motel's lodging license was listed as expired in May, according to a lodging inspection.HKHR Hospitality, the motel's owner, also owes $43,580 for unpaid 2023 property taxes, according to the Ellis County Treasurer's Office. Property owners have three years to pay delinquent taxes before the property is auctioned at a tax sale.The motel, built in 1974, is actively listed on a real estate broker's website, Hotel Broker One, for sale for $1.2 million.The Hays Post has not been able to identify or contact the owners of the motel. A clerk at the Ellis County Register of Deed's Office said the signature on the motel's deed was unreadable.

Reports show structural damage at Rodeway Inn; delinquent taxes owed

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

RUSSELL — Residents of Russell will vote during the Nov. 5 general election on whether to approve <a href="https://www.russellcity.org/319/Water-Sales-Tax">a 3/4 cent sales tax</a>.

The tax will be dedicated to building its water reserve fund and developing water sources and infrastructure at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, which it co-owns with the city of Hays.&nbsp;

Russell has been operating under a water warning since April 2022.

Russell owns 18% of the R9 Ranch, which was first purchased by Hays in 1995 as a long-term water supply resource. Russell bought in a year later, in 1996.

The estimated total cost of the project is now $140 million.

A public forum about the proposed tax and the R9 was conducted Tuesday night at the Dream Theatre, with information provided by interim City Manager Kayla Schneider and Randy Baker, water utility director.&nbsp;

Also attending were Mayor Jim Cross, City Attorney Ken Cole, and several city council members and city staff who helped answer audience questions.

"Our Plant B failed about three years ago, and we had to spend $1.3 million of the water reserve fund to get it back up and running so we would have adequate water production capabilities," Cross said. "We really depleted that fund at that time. We started seeing the need [to build it back up]. Costs of the R9 project have just escalated."&nbsp;

Current water sources for Russell are Big Creek, eight miles south of town, and the Pfeifer Wellfield, 23 miles to the southwest.

 The Big Creek surface water is "susceptible to contamination and unreliable during drought," Schneider said.

Groundwater from the Smoky Hill River alluvium flows into the Pfeifer Wellfield.&nbsp;

"The Smoky Hill River has an intermittent flow and is greatly influenced by drought," she said. 

"Water conservation has become a way of life for us."

• No filling/refilling of residential swimming pools • Outdoor watering for residential customers is limited to one day a week between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. • No outdoor watering for commercial or industrial customers • No washing of vehicles, boats or trailers • No washing of building/structure exteriors • Industrial customers must reduce consumption by 15-25% of the average previous five-year period

Russell also offers free low-flow shower heads to its residential customers and rebates for the installation of low-flow toilets.

In 2015, Hays and Russell applied to change the water rights at the ranch from irrigation to municipal use and submitted a water transfer application to the state in 2016.

In February 2024, the cities received a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d8e87f6-e3c9-4950-bcea-9cac40e269bd">favorable ruling for the transfer</a>.

Along the way, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a356c3c3-47d3-49eb-98d5-fe030ffd2b8e">Water Protection Association of Central Kansas</a>&nbsp;(WaterPACK) has filed numerous objections to the project.&nbsp;

Regulatory delays have continued, and in early October, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7dd78a9-6785-4137-8502-4046eab09f91">Russell and Hays filed a lawsuit against the Edwards County Commission</a>, the Edwards County Planning Commission and several other parties, claiming illegal zoning practices designed to block the project southwest of Kinsley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730297026882.jpeg" alt="Russell city officials present information Tuesday night about the proposed 3/4 cent sales tax to build a water reserve fund. Russell and the city of Hays jointly own the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Russell city officials present information Tuesday night about the proposed 3/4 cent sales tax to build a water reserve fund. Russell and the city of Hays jointly own the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term water supply project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostRUSSELL — Residents of Russell will vote during the Nov. 5 general election on whether to approve <a href="https://www.russellcity.org/319/Water-Sales-Tax">a 3/4 cent sales tax</a>.The tax will be dedicated to building its water reserve fund and developing water sources and infrastructure at the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, which it co-owns with the city of Hays.&nbsp;Russell has been operating under a water warning since April 2022.Russell owns 18% of the R9 Ranch, which was first purchased by Hays in 1995 as a long-term water supply resource. Russell bought in a year later, in 1996.The estimated total cost of the project is now $140 million.A public forum about the proposed tax and the R9 was conducted Tuesday night at the Dream Theatre, with information provided by interim City Manager Kayla Schneider and Randy Baker, water utility director.&nbsp;Also attending were Mayor Jim Cross, City Attorney Ken Cole, and several city council members and city staff who helped answer audience questions."Our Plant B failed about three years ago, and we had to spend $1.3 million of the water reserve fund to get it back up and running so we would have adequate water production capabilities," Cross said. "We really depleted that fund at that time. We started seeing the need [to build it back up]. Costs of the R9 project have just escalated."&nbsp;<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FT4VicSdvTs" title="Jim Cross Russell water tax" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Current water sources for Russell are Big Creek, eight miles south of town, and the Pfeifer Wellfield, 23 miles to the southwest. The Big Creek surface water is "susceptible to contamination and unreliable during drought," Schneider said.Groundwater from the Smoky Hill River alluvium flows into the Pfeifer Wellfield.&nbsp;"The Smoky Hill River has an intermittent flow and is greatly influenced by drought," she said. "Water conservation has become a way of life for us."Mandatory restrictions are• No filling/refilling of residential swimming pools • Outdoor watering for residential customers is limited to one day a week between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. • No outdoor watering for commercial or industrial customers • No washing of vehicles, boats or trailers • No washing of building/structure exteriors • Industrial customers must reduce consumption by 15-25% of the average previous five-year periodRussell also offers free low-flow shower heads to its residential customers and rebates for the installation of low-flow toilets.In 2015, Hays and Russell applied to change the water rights at the ranch from irrigation to municipal use and submitted a water transfer application to the state in 2016.In February 2024, the cities received a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d8e87f6-e3c9-4950-bcea-9cac40e269bd">favorable ruling for the transfer</a>.Along the way, the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a356c3c3-47d3-49eb-98d5-fe030ffd2b8e">Water Protection Association of Central Kansas</a>&nbsp;(WaterPACK) has filed numerous objections to the project.&nbsp;Regulatory delays have continued, and in early October, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7dd78a9-6785-4137-8502-4046eab09f91">Russell and Hays filed a lawsuit against the Edwards County Commission</a>, the Edwards County Planning Commission and several other parties, claiming illegal zoning practices designed to block the project southwest of Kinsley.If the 3/4 cent sales tax is passed, it is estimated to generate at least $400,000 annually. It would go into effect on April 1, 2025, for 10 years.Russell's total local sales tax is currently 8.5%.If voters do not approve the tax, it's on to Plan B and Plan C,&nbsp; Cross said.&nbsp;"We've talked about water rates having to go up 30 to 50%," Baker said. "There could also be a water surcharge. We don't want to have to do that."Russell and Hays have jointly pursued state and federal grants and low-interest loans to fund the project. A meeting with FEMA concerning a grant opportunity is scheduled for today."Having a tax is never a good thing. ... The sales tax is the most fair tax," Cross said. "It would also be paid by visitors to Russell, and we get a lot coming off of I-70. .... If somebody buys off Amazon, Russell gets a share of that sales tax."Local property taxes are not in play in this proposal," he said.