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.

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.

<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.

🎥 Russell sales tax for water reserve fund, R9 Ranch on Tuesday ballot  

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

A “profound story worth telling,” The Amish Project will be presented by Fort Hays State University's Music and Theatre Department Nov. 15 through 17. Show times are Nov. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

The play centers on the radical acts of forgiveness of the Amish community following the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in 2006. 

Written by Jessica Dickey, the play uses ten fictional characters to tell the story of the shooting, exploring the ripple effect of the Amish community’s compassion toward the family of the shooter.

Directed by Catherine Trieschmann Miller, FHSU Theatre Program Specialist, the play incorporates four chorale pieces and has flexible casting. Chorale selections will be directed by Allie Straub, Hays sophomore, with choreography by Brooke Raacke, Hays freshman.

 Cast members include:&nbsp;Grace Betts, Russell senior; Caleb Johnson, Hays sophomore; Allie Straub; Holly Trullinger, Jetmore freshman; Rebecca Cole, Hays MPS student; Hailey Maldonado, Hugoton sophomore; Lillyan Kimberlin, Holton junior; Kasheia Peterson, Salina freshman; Karter Smith, Great Bend junior; and Addyson Brown, Ottawa freshman. The stage manager is Jacob Wegner, Garden City senior; and the assistant director is Lauryn Gaddis, Smith Center senior.

Catherine said she is very excited about the talent level of the students she is working with for The Amish Project.

“Half the students have done plays at FHSU before and half have not, which is also very exciting,” she said. “It’s young and diverse and fresh – a good mix.”

Because of violence, the play is recommended for mature audiences, although Catherine said the violence is handled “very poetically and not explicitly.”

“It is really a beautiful play that is intended to provoke conversation and meditation when you leave the theatre. The play doesn’t politicize the issue at all. It is really a spiritual journey.

Although this is her first theatrical production at Fort Hays State, Catherine is no stranger to theatre or life in western Kansas. She and her husband, Carl Miller, FHSU associate professor of philosophy, have been Hays residents for almost twenty years. Catherine joined FHSU’s faculty in August when “the timing was just right.”

Catherine and Carl were living in Washington, D.C. in 2006, when Carl was offered a faculty position at FHSU. Catherine had just lined up her first theatre agent and was preparing for her first professional play in London. After careful consideration, though, she decided that western Kansas might be a quiet place for her to continue her writing career.

“I moved here and never looked back,” she said. The move proved to be a positive one. In her first decade here, she had three plays performed off-Broadway and wrote a movie script that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Her belief that geography influences artistic production has proven true over the years.

“When I moved out here, I started writing plays about this landscape, which I found so poetic and beautiful and strange,” Catherine said. “It has really infused my writing. You can create art anywhere.”

During the COVID pandemic, when she was unable to travel outside Hays, Catherine began to look for projects she could do locally.

“I just started to see the possibilities of the great art I could do right here in my own backyard,” she said. “That was such a blessing and so eye-opening. I thought of this position at FHSU as a good mirror to where I am in life right now.”

Catherine looks forward to collaborations with other departments and FHSU organizations as she undertakes her new role on campus.

For tickets to The Amish Project, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0SSl-2Fsj6Q5LaLFRAJwBKaL1PFYTX-2BjkUz6WC8wJFLzJLf2Nv5SWLvPMSfquaY1oGQV0hfUNbjo4tC3aTgnymVp4-3Dxl59_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEu2ukRWWgT6ExshnMC5YAfrkWjJiw7hLsndsVvAAzOVpks3JGYw-2B3KRPInvPW2a3CGTLhlr1RwL8bnu8wnGcOgO9Usw03cadKWxwaaT4UVzVDOCQYB1-2BOPwFXQlsV-2FKzvZ-2FwOPrUOcJmYHoWGp8eQgcJgg4DMJ585B-2BZSQRcSarjDulIqgSxMapT-2Fi7ti7mS2ymn0Z25w-2F80ySZgn5zS6Rd4dGiwM8HNGZM2vRM1zTIhxuAKamP-2BL1IrGTSkG6wL">https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=18717</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730296458487.png" alt="FHSU image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU image</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsA “profound story worth telling,” The Amish Project will be presented by Fort Hays State University's Music and Theatre Department Nov. 15 through 17. Show times are Nov. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.The play centers on the radical acts of forgiveness of the Amish community following the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in 2006. Written by Jessica Dickey, the play uses ten fictional characters to tell the story of the shooting, exploring the ripple effect of the Amish community’s compassion toward the family of the shooter.Directed by Catherine Trieschmann Miller, FHSU Theatre Program Specialist, the play incorporates four chorale pieces and has flexible casting. Chorale selections will be directed by Allie Straub, Hays sophomore, with choreography by Brooke Raacke, Hays freshman. Cast members include:&nbsp;Grace Betts, Russell senior; Caleb Johnson, Hays sophomore; Allie Straub; Holly Trullinger, Jetmore freshman; Rebecca Cole, Hays MPS student; Hailey Maldonado, Hugoton sophomore; Lillyan Kimberlin, Holton junior; Kasheia Peterson, Salina freshman; Karter Smith, Great Bend junior; and Addyson Brown, Ottawa freshman. The stage manager is Jacob Wegner, Garden City senior; and the assistant director is Lauryn Gaddis, Smith Center senior.Catherine said she is very excited about the talent level of the students she is working with for The Amish Project.“Half the students have done plays at FHSU before and half have not, which is also very exciting,” she said. “It’s young and diverse and fresh – a good mix.”Because of violence, the play is recommended for mature audiences, although Catherine said the violence is handled “very poetically and not explicitly.”“It is really a beautiful play that is intended to provoke conversation and meditation when you leave the theatre. The play doesn’t politicize the issue at all. It is really a spiritual journey.Although this is her first theatrical production at Fort Hays State, Catherine is no stranger to theatre or life in western Kansas. She and her husband, Carl Miller, FHSU associate professor of philosophy, have been Hays residents for almost twenty years. Catherine joined FHSU’s faculty in August when “the timing was just right.”Catherine and Carl were living in Washington, D.C. in 2006, when Carl was offered a faculty position at FHSU. Catherine had just lined up her first theatre agent and was preparing for her first professional play in London. After careful consideration, though, she decided that western Kansas might be a quiet place for her to continue her writing career.“I moved here and never looked back,” she said. The move proved to be a positive one. In her first decade here, she had three plays performed off-Broadway and wrote a movie script that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.Her belief that geography influences artistic production has proven true over the years.“When I moved out here, I started writing plays about this landscape, which I found so poetic and beautiful and strange,” Catherine said. “It has really infused my writing. You can create art anywhere.”During the COVID pandemic, when she was unable to travel outside Hays, Catherine began to look for projects she could do locally.“I just started to see the possibilities of the great art I could do right here in my own backyard,” she said. “That was such a blessing and so eye-opening. I thought of this position at FHSU as a good mirror to where I am in life right now.”Catherine looks forward to collaborations with other departments and FHSU organizations as she undertakes her new role on campus.For tickets to The Amish Project, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0SSl-2Fsj6Q5LaLFRAJwBKaL1PFYTX-2BjkUz6WC8wJFLzJLf2Nv5SWLvPMSfquaY1oGQV0hfUNbjo4tC3aTgnymVp4-3Dxl59_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEu2ukRWWgT6ExshnMC5YAfrkWjJiw7hLsndsVvAAzOVpks3JGYw-2B3KRPInvPW2a3CGTLhlr1RwL8bnu8wnGcOgO9Usw03cadKWxwaaT4UVzVDOCQYB1-2BOPwFXQlsV-2FKzvZ-2FwOPrUOcJmYHoWGp8eQgcJgg4DMJ585B-2BZSQRcSarjDulIqgSxMapT-2Fi7ti7mS2ymn0Z25w-2F80ySZgn5zS6Rd4dGiwM8HNGZM2vRM1zTIhxuAKamP-2BL1IrGTSkG6wL">https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=18717</a>

The Amish Project at FHSU reflects on forgiveness amid tragedy

Normally, someone referring to hot fingers makes me think of thievery. After a recent jalapeño popper- making session, scorched fingers now come to mind.

I thought I’d learned this lesson years ago when I canned jalapeños. That time, I picked a two-gallon bucket full of the searing torches and did NOT wear gloves to deseed or defiber them. Holy cow, my hands sizzled for three solid days. I washed them repeatedly. I used high quality hand lotion. I soaked them in milk. I soaked them in baking soda. I soaked them in vinegar. Nothing alleviated that pain. The fiery sensation prevented sleep, leaving me contentious as a momma bear.

This time, I only cleaned 24 freshly-harvested peppers to make poppers, dices, and slices. Because of past experience, I wore gloves while removing seeds and internal fibers. Once I’d cut them in half, I parboiled them before filling with cream cheese and wrapping with par-cooked bacon to reduce baking time later.

I filled those little dugouts with the cream cheese, garlic, and cheddar mixture. Then I wrapped each one in a half slice of bacon, skewered with a toothpick. Again. no issues. Latex protected my fingers.

What triggered the melt-down involved 6 leftover deseeded peppers. For those who make their own poppers, you know we can’t waste a perfectly good, cleaned jalapeño. I decided to dice half and slice decorative rings from the rest.

Using gloves to finely dice something is difficult, so I tugged them off. After all, I’d removed scorching seeds and combustible guts. Surely, I was safe. Yeah, right….

Acting like the queen of cutting boards and sharp knives, I slivered those babies and diced them into tiny bits to toss into soups and casseroles this winter. So finely chopped, it took a while to collect the bits into a container, but my nerve cells remained calm for that moment.

Once I got the slivered bits in the bag, nerve receptors hit the alert button, which I ignored. What the heck? I’d washed ‘em and set out cleaned, whole peppers for decorative slicing. While I didn’t think I’d contacted innards, sensory detectors disagreed. Suddenly, a three-alarm fire nipped at every finger-tip on both hands. I had to finish the job, so I worked through the pain and stored those pretty little rings to garnish winter meals.

After tucking those fiery treasures into the freezer, I washed and washed and washed agonized flesh. I coated it with lanoline-based creams. That helped for a minute or two before jalapeño capsaicin re-activated. Clearly, pepper flesh contains chemical enough to trigger nerve endings even when seeds and stringy flesh are removed.

While six of those poppers roasted enticingly in the oven, I continued washing with soap and water over and over and over. Frankly, I didn’t expect relief after that three-day marathon of burning flesh a few decades ago. The good news is this time wearing gloves prevented that. I may have gotten a reminder of that experience, but soap and water finally did the trick, letting nerve endings calm.

Lesson learned. No matter how awkward it is to wear gloves while dicing jalapeños, do it anyway. The poppers tasted great, by the way. I think I’ll throw on a pair of gloves and make a second batch to carry us through coming cold days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730127838287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINNormally, someone referring to hot fingers makes me think of thievery. After a recent jalapeño popper- making session, scorched fingers now come to mind.I thought I’d learned this lesson years ago when I canned jalapeños. That time, I picked a two-gallon bucket full of the searing torches and did NOT wear gloves to deseed or defiber them. Holy cow, my hands sizzled for three solid days. I washed them repeatedly. I used high quality hand lotion. I soaked them in milk. I soaked them in baking soda. I soaked them in vinegar. Nothing alleviated that pain. The fiery sensation prevented sleep, leaving me contentious as a momma bear.This time, I only cleaned 24 freshly-harvested peppers to make poppers, dices, and slices. Because of past experience, I wore gloves while removing seeds and internal fibers. Once I’d cut them in half, I parboiled them before filling with cream cheese and wrapping with par-cooked bacon to reduce baking time later.I filled those little dugouts with the cream cheese, garlic, and cheddar mixture. Then I wrapped each one in a half slice of bacon, skewered with a toothpick. Again. no issues. Latex protected my fingers.What triggered the melt-down involved 6 leftover deseeded peppers. For those who make their own poppers, you know we can’t waste a perfectly good, cleaned jalapeño. I decided to dice half and slice decorative rings from the rest.Using gloves to finely dice something is difficult, so I tugged them off. After all, I’d removed scorching seeds and combustible guts. Surely, I was safe. Yeah, right….Acting like the queen of cutting boards and sharp knives, I slivered those babies and diced them into tiny bits to toss into soups and casseroles this winter. So finely chopped, it took a while to collect the bits into a container, but my nerve cells remained calm for that moment.Once I got the slivered bits in the bag, nerve receptors hit the alert button, which I ignored. What the heck? I’d washed ‘em and set out cleaned, whole peppers for decorative slicing. While I didn’t think I’d contacted innards, sensory detectors disagreed. Suddenly, a three-alarm fire nipped at every finger-tip on both hands. I had to finish the job, so I worked through the pain and stored those pretty little rings to garnish winter meals.After tucking those fiery treasures into the freezer, I washed and washed and washed agonized flesh. I coated it with lanoline-based creams. That helped for a minute or two before jalapeño capsaicin re-activated. Clearly, pepper flesh contains chemical enough to trigger nerve endings even when seeds and stringy flesh are removed.While six of those poppers roasted enticingly in the oven, I continued washing with soap and water over and over and over. Frankly, I didn’t expect relief after that three-day marathon of burning flesh a few decades ago. The good news is this time wearing gloves prevented that. I may have gotten a reminder of that experience, but soap and water finally did the trick, letting nerve endings calm.Lesson learned. No matter how awkward it is to wear gloves while dicing jalapeños, do it anyway. The poppers tasted great, by the way. I think I’ll throw on a pair of gloves and make a second batch to carry us through coming cold days.

MADORIN: Hot fingers

This general election, Rooks County residents will have a chance to weigh in on updating the county’s longstanding liquor by the drink regulation. Since 1987, Kansas counties have had the option to opt out of a rule, known as the “30% Food Rule,” which requires businesses to earn a minimum of 30% of their gross receipts from food sales in order to serve liquor by the drink. Forty-seven counties have already opted out by instituting a "0% Food Rule" as of January 2024.

As a semi-dry county, Rooks County currently mandates that any business selling liquor by the drink must derive at least 30% of its revenue from food. However, on Tuesday, November 5, voters will now decide: “Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Rooks County be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross receipts be from sales of food?”

I urge everyone to vote YES on the proposal to allow the sale of liquor by the drink without the burdensome food sales requirement.

For too long, Rooks County has limited the potential for new and diverse businesses to thrive. By eliminating the mandate that establishments serving liquor must derive at least 30% of their revenue from food, we can align ourselves with the Kansas counties that have already embraced this modernization,&nbsp;including three neighboring counties - Ellis, Phillips, and Graham. This change will provide local entrepreneurs the flexibility to explore a range of business models, from sports bars to breweries, cocktail lounges to distilleries, and more. Personally, as the owner of Letha's Events in Downtown Plainville, I would love to be able to provide bartending services at public events in our recently renovated space, without the need to offer a complete food menu as well.

Imagine the economic benefits as new establishments open their doors, filling vacant spaces and attracting visitors from neighboring communities. The potential for growth is significant, and by voting YES, we can remove the red tape that has held us back.

Let’s make Rooks County a vibrant place for both residents and visitors. Vote YES to modernize our liquor by the drink law and pave the way for economic development and greater choice in our community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This general election, Rooks County residents will have a chance to weigh in on updating the county’s longstanding liquor by the drink regulation. Since 1987, Kansas counties have had the option to opt out of a rule, known as the “30% Food Rule,” which requires businesses to earn a minimum of 30% of their gross receipts from food sales in order to serve liquor by the drink. Forty-seven counties have already opted out by instituting a "0% Food Rule" as of January 2024.As a semi-dry county, Rooks County currently mandates that any business selling liquor by the drink must derive at least 30% of its revenue from food. However, on Tuesday, November 5, voters will now decide: “Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Rooks County be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross receipts be from sales of food?”I urge everyone to vote YES on the proposal to allow the sale of liquor by the drink without the burdensome food sales requirement.For too long, Rooks County has limited the potential for new and diverse businesses to thrive. By eliminating the mandate that establishments serving liquor must derive at least 30% of their revenue from food, we can align ourselves with the Kansas counties that have already embraced this modernization,&nbsp;including three neighboring counties - Ellis, Phillips, and Graham. This change will provide local entrepreneurs the flexibility to explore a range of business models, from sports bars to breweries, cocktail lounges to distilleries, and more. Personally, as the owner of Letha's Events in Downtown Plainville, I would love to be able to provide bartending services at public events in our recently renovated space, without the need to offer a complete food menu as well.Imagine the economic benefits as new establishments open their doors, filling vacant spaces and attracting visitors from neighboring communities. The potential for growth is significant, and by voting YES, we can remove the red tape that has held us back.Let’s make Rooks County a vibrant place for both residents and visitors. Vote YES to modernize our liquor by the drink law and pave the way for economic development and greater choice in our community.Sincerely, &nbsp;Ashley ComeauRooks County Resident&nbsp;&nbsp;

Letter to the Editor: Vote yes for modernizing liquor sales in Rooks Co.

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

2 NW Kansas teens among 3 injured in 2-vehicle crash

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!

Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!Thanks for playing and good luck!!Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.<div><script src="https://xp.audience.io/widget.js"></script>
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I am writing to express my strong support for incumbent candidate Bobbi &nbsp;Dreiling for County Clerk. As a citizen of Ellis County, I believe we should elect leaders who are committed to improving our community, and Bobbi is one such leader. She has proven over the last 3.5 years how well she has conducted elections being the Election Official, as well as her other duties as County Clerk.

I strongly urge you to vote for Bobbi Dreiling in the upcoming election. I know she will continue to make a positive impact and strive for the betterment of our community. Join me in support of Bobbi Dreiling.

I am writing to express my strong support for incumbent candidate Bobbi &nbsp;Dreiling for County Clerk. As a citizen of Ellis County, I believe we should elect leaders who are committed to improving our community, and Bobbi is one such leader. She has proven over the last 3.5 years how well she has conducted elections being the Election Official, as well as her other duties as County Clerk.I strongly urge you to vote for Bobbi Dreiling in the upcoming election. I know she will continue to make a positive impact and strive for the betterment of our community. Join me in support of Bobbi Dreiling.<a></a>— Deanna J&nbsp;Staab

Letter: Dreiling committed to improving community

I am writing to endorse Bobbi Dreiling for Ellis County Clerk. I have known Bobbi for over 40 years, and I can&nbsp;say&nbsp;with confidence that she has the necessary qualities and skills to continue to excel as the County Clerk given her almost four years she has been in office.

As a citizen of Ellis County, I believe it is&nbsp;important&nbsp;to elect leaders who are willing to improve our community, and&nbsp;Bobbi with her proven track record as the current County Clerk,&nbsp;would&nbsp;obviously make&nbsp;her&nbsp;the better candidate.

I urge you to vote for Bobbi Dreiling as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a></a>County Clerk in the upcoming election as I will be doing.

I am writing to endorse Bobbi Dreiling for Ellis County Clerk. I have known Bobbi for over 40 years, and I can&nbsp;say&nbsp;with confidence that she has the necessary qualities and skills to continue to excel as the County Clerk given her almost four years she has been in office.As a citizen of Ellis County, I believe it is&nbsp;important&nbsp;to elect leaders who are willing to improve our community, and&nbsp;Bobbi with her proven track record as the current County Clerk,&nbsp;would&nbsp;obviously make&nbsp;her&nbsp;the better candidate.I urge you to vote for Bobbi Dreiling as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a></a>County Clerk in the upcoming election as I will be doing.— Gwen&nbsp;Klaus&nbsp;Summers

Letter: Writer endorses Dreiling for Ellis County Clerk

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

A big drop in&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices is being called a collective sigh of relief after Israel refrained from attacking Iran's energy infrastructure. The benchmarks were all down six percent Monday.

Weekly crude production in the United States topped 13.5 million barrels per day for only the second time ever, but output declined from last week's all-time high. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports output of 13,526,000 barrels per day in the week through October 18, a decline of 5,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. 

Cumulative production so far this year is up six percent to top 13.2 million barrels a day for the first time ever.

EIA reports crude inventories increased by more than five million barrels to 426 million barrels. That's about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The government took delivery on 800,000 barrels of crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) last week. The SPR now holds more than 384 million barrels, up nearly ten percent from a year ago, but just over half the total from three years ago.

The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was 585 rigs, up two&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs but down two seeking natural gas. Louisiana was down two rigs; Pennsylvania was down one. New Mexico, Oklahoma and Ohio were each up one.

Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;&amp; Gas Service this week reported 27 new drilling locations statewide last week. There are 15 in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita, with one new permit in Barton County and one in Stafford County.

Crude prices at CHS in McPherson are nearly three dollars below the monthly average, but rose $1.50 on Friday to start the week at $62 per barrel. That's up $2.50 from a week ago and $2.00 higher than at the first of the month.

Two offshore drillers that were once the world's largest are considering a merger. According to World&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Bloomberg, stock prices for &nbsp;both Transocean and Seadrill are both down by more than 25%, but the two would create a combined market value of $6 billion at current prices. 

Transocean, which owned the Deepwater Horizon rig involved in the blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, was the only major offshore rig contractor to avoid bankruptcy during the 2020 downturn. The companies could yet opt to remain independent. Bloomberg reports the talks are ongoing and no deal has been reached as of yet.

The U.S. is a net crude-oil&nbsp;importer, bringing in about 2.3 million barrels a day more than we shipped out last week. Product exports outpace imports by nearly 5 million barrels a day. Weekly crude imports rose nearly a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels a day. The four-week average is up slightly from a year ago. 

Crude exports averaged just over 4million barrels a day, down 11,000 daily barrels. Four-week average crude exports are down nearly 100,000 barrels a day from a year ago.

North Dakota crude oil&nbsp;production increased by nearly 300,000 barrels from July to August. The Department of Mineral Resources reported an August production total of just over 36.5 million barrels, or 1.18 million barrels a day.

An&nbsp;oil&nbsp;terminal Iran built to bypass the vital Strait of Hormuz now appears partially filled with crude, offering Tehran a means to get a little of its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;into the world without using the waterway. 

Iran has threatened to close the strait many times, a hollow threat because it would lock in its own&nbsp;oil&nbsp;production. The so-called "Jask" terminal is located outside the Persian Gulf and would bypass the relatively narrow waterway. Jask can load one million barrels per day, with storage capacity of about 20 million barrels. Iran's main terminal at Kharg Island boasts capacity of roughly three times that.

After eight months, they have found the tug boat that was dragging the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;barge that was leaking&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and fouling the waters around the island of Tobago. They found the tug nearly 6,000 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean in Angola. The&nbsp;oil&nbsp;spill was first noticed last February. It took until August to remove the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;barge. And now, in October, they have taken the tug into custody and filed a $270 million claim. But as of now they have no idea who owns the tug.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670507085360.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaA big drop in&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices is being called a collective sigh of relief after Israel refrained from attacking Iran's energy infrastructure. The benchmarks were all down six percent Monday.Weekly crude production in the United States topped 13.5 million barrels per day for only the second time ever, but output declined from last week's all-time high. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports output of 13,526,000 barrels per day in the week through October 18, a decline of 5,000 daily barrels from a week earlier. Cumulative production so far this year is up six percent to top 13.2 million barrels a day for the first time ever.EIA reports crude inventories increased by more than five million barrels to 426 million barrels. That's about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The government took delivery on 800,000 barrels of crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) last week. The SPR now holds more than 384 million barrels, up nearly ten percent from a year ago, but just over half the total from three years ago.The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was 585 rigs, up two&nbsp;oil&nbsp;rigs but down two seeking natural gas. Louisiana was down two rigs; Pennsylvania was down one. New Mexico, Oklahoma and Ohio were each up one.Independent&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;&amp; Gas Service this week reported 27 new drilling locations statewide last week. There are 15 in eastern Kansas and 12 west of Wichita, with one new permit in Barton County and one in Stafford County.Crude prices at CHS in McPherson are nearly three dollars below the monthly average, but rose $1.50 on Friday to start the week at $62 per barrel. That's up $2.50 from a week ago and $2.00 higher than at the first of the month.Two offshore drillers that were once the world's largest are considering a merger. According to World&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;and Bloomberg, stock prices for &nbsp;both Transocean and Seadrill are both down by more than 25%, but the two would create a combined market value of $6 billion at current prices. Transocean, which owned the Deepwater Horizon rig involved in the blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, was the only major offshore rig contractor to avoid bankruptcy during the 2020 downturn. The companies could yet opt to remain independent. Bloomberg reports the talks are ongoing and no deal has been reached as of yet.The U.S. is a net crude-oil&nbsp;importer, bringing in about 2.3 million barrels a day more than we shipped out last week. Product exports outpace imports by nearly 5 million barrels a day. Weekly crude imports rose nearly a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels a day. The four-week average is up slightly from a year ago. Crude exports averaged just over 4million barrels a day, down 11,000 daily barrels. Four-week average crude exports are down nearly 100,000 barrels a day from a year ago.North Dakota crude oil&nbsp;production increased by nearly 300,000 barrels from July to August. The Department of Mineral Resources reported an August production total of just over 36.5 million barrels, or 1.18 million barrels a day.An&nbsp;oil&nbsp;terminal Iran built to bypass the vital Strait of Hormuz now appears partially filled with crude, offering Tehran a means to get a little of its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;into the world without using the waterway. Iran has threatened to close the strait many times, a hollow threat because it would lock in its own&nbsp;oil&nbsp;production. The so-called "Jask" terminal is located outside the Persian Gulf and would bypass the relatively narrow waterway. Jask can load one million barrels per day, with storage capacity of about 20 million barrels. Iran's main terminal at Kharg Island boasts capacity of roughly three times that.After eight months, they have found the tug boat that was dragging the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;barge that was leaking&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and fouling the waters around the island of Tobago. They found the tug nearly 6,000 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean in Angola. The&nbsp;oil&nbsp;spill was first noticed last February. It took until August to remove the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;barge. And now, in October, they have taken the tug into custody and filed a $270 million claim. But as of now they have no idea who owns the tug.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production records tumble

Members of the VFW Post 9139 and its auxiliary joined members of Boy Scout Troop 101 and Girl Scout Troop 11262 for a flag-retirement ceremony to dispose of damaged American flags.

Submitted Members of the VFW Post 9139 and its auxiliary joined members of Boy Scout Troop 101 and Girl Scout Troop 11262 for a flag-retirement ceremony to dispose of damaged American flags.Photos courtesy of Guy Windholz<figure>
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VFW Post 9139, auxiliary join Boy, Girl Scouts for flag retirement ceremony

RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital.

On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; 

As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;McRae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. 

Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. 

Migchelbrink is now being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284348631.png" alt="Migchelbrink photo Thomas County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Migchelbrink photo Thomas County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in northwest Kansas that sent a woman to the hospital.On October 27, the&nbsp; Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating that a woman had been shot at 3401 Road 17, in rural Atwood, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Catlyn Wahrman. The woman was transported to the Rawlins County Hospital by a third-party.&nbsp; She was later flown out by Flight For Life.&nbsp; As Rawlins County Deputies arrived at 3401 Road 17,&nbsp; a vehicle driven by a man, later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;McRae Migchelbrink, left the scene and refused to stop for law-enforcement.&nbsp; &nbsp;Migchelbrink&nbsp;drove the vehicle across multiple fields, trying to elude deputies. The vehicle crashed and was Migchelbrink ejected, continued to run and hid from law-enforcement officers. Deputies eventually took Migchelbrink&nbsp; into custody and EMS&nbsp; transported him to the Rawlins County Hospital and he was flown out by Flight For Life. Migchelbrink is now being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree; Intentional;&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; x2 - (Cocaine and Hydrocodone);&nbsp;Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Criminal carry of weapons; brass knuckles;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony and Possession of Marijuana, according to Sheriff Wahrman.

Sheriff: Woman shot in rural northwest Kansas

The Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine, Hays, has been closed by the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office.

The fire marshall inspected the motel on July 25 and found fire code violations, according to&nbsp;Lance Feyh, public information manager for the&nbsp;Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Another inspection was conducted on Aug. 7, and many of the same fire code violations were still present,&nbsp;Feyh said.

The fire marshal's office issued a cease-and-desist order to the business.

The Kansas lodging inspection reports for the business showed issues before the fire marshal's order in August.

An inspection on May 15 indicated the business's license had expired.&nbsp;

The report also said the motel was out of compliance in the following areas: •&nbsp;Facility structurally sound with repairs and maintenance to ensure safety • Evacuation, fire and carbon monoxide safety measures maintained •&nbsp;Guest rooms maintained clean and in good repair; toilet room and hand sink requirements met • Guest rooms properly serviced and cleaned, cribs clean •&nbsp;Exterior areas, including playgrounds and storage areas clean and in good repair •&nbsp;Refuse containers maintained; vector control measures implemented, pets •&nbsp;Electrical properly installed and maintained

A complete list of the specific issues can be seen below.

Another lodging inspection was conducted on Oct. 5. The inspector knocked on the doors of four rooms. The report said the person in charge of the motel opened the door to the office and called the owner.

The report said the owner confirmed the motel was closed and said employees were in the process of finding new living quarters.

The Hays Post could not confirm whether any employees are still living in the motel as of this post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730230931407.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Fire Marshall has ordered the Rodeway Inn in Hays closed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Fire Marshall has ordered the Rodeway Inn in Hays closed. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine, Hays, has been closed by the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office.The fire marshall inspected the motel on July 25 and found fire code violations, according to&nbsp;Lance Feyh, public information manager for the&nbsp;Office of the State Fire Marshal.Another inspection was conducted on Aug. 7, and many of the same fire code violations were still present,&nbsp;Feyh said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730231015292.jpeg" alt="The Rodeway Inn was cited for multiple lodging violations, including an expired license in May, according to state records. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Rodeway Inn was cited for multiple lodging violations, including an expired license in May, according to state records. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire marshal's office issued a cease-and-desist order to the business.The Kansas lodging inspection reports for the business showed issues before the fire marshal's order in August.An inspection on May 15 indicated the business's license had expired.&nbsp;The report also said the motel was out of compliance in the following areas: •&nbsp;Facility structurally sound with repairs and maintenance to ensure safety • Evacuation, fire and carbon monoxide safety measures maintained •&nbsp;Guest rooms maintained clean and in good repair; toilet room and hand sink requirements met • Guest rooms properly serviced and cleaned, cribs clean •&nbsp;Exterior areas, including playgrounds and storage areas clean and in good repair •&nbsp;Refuse containers maintained; vector control measures implemented, pets •&nbsp;Electrical properly installed and maintainedA complete list of the specific issues can be seen below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730230037666.png" alt="Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 2.04.52 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 2.04.52 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Another lodging inspection was conducted on Oct. 5. The inspector knocked on the doors of four rooms. The report said the person in charge of the motel opened the door to the office and called the owner.The report said the owner confirmed the motel was closed and said employees were in the process of finding new living quarters.The Hays Post could not confirm whether any employees are still living in the motel as of this post.

Kansas Fire Marshal orders Rodeway Inn in Hays closed

Editor's note: The same questionnaire was sent to Wasinger's opponent, Democrat Joseph Lantz of Hays.&nbsp;He did not respond.

Barbara Wasinger Republican, incumbent Kansas House of Representatives, 110th District Hays&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is the top issue facing the state legislature in the
upcoming session?

Currently we are planning on pushing through a property
tax reduction bill and working on school funding to make sure its equitable for
all.

Do you have a legislative priority heading into the session,
if you are elected?

I am working on the Cybersecurity Bill for all three
branches in Kansas and need to make sure Appropriations and Ways and Means
Committees understand the critical need for all Kansans and make it a priority
for the safety of us all.&nbsp; I am also
working on Administrative Rules and Regulations to give Kansas the relief from
overburdensome regulations that cost us all money.

The legislature passed a substantial tax reform package last
session. Do you believe more reform could be discussed in the upcoming session?
Where are some areas you believe we could see reform?

Property tax relief such as freezing property taxes for
seniors and giving tax relief to disabled veterans which was vetoed by the
governor last year.

After the legislature passed a measure allowing the Chiefs
and Royals to use STAR bonds to build new stadiums in Kansas, do you support an
ongoing effort to try and lure the teams from Missouri?

We have given them a very tempting offer and I know many
would love to have them in Kansas.&nbsp; I
believe that Missouri will work to keep them when it gets down to the wire but
at least we tried.

Access to water is an ongoing issue in Kansas, what are some
areas where you believe the legislature will help?

This past session a comprehensive water funding bill was
passed and we need to continue to work on making water available to all in
Kansas in a responsible manner.&nbsp; LEMAs
(Local Enhanced Management Areas) are working and we need to try to get more
created.

Governor Laura Kelly is expected to once again call for
Medicaid Expansion in Kansas, do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Why
or why not?

There is not a lot of support for Expansion – at a time
we need more workers in Kansas it will take well bodied Kansans out of the job
market and cost the State far more than what it brings to the table.&nbsp; Medicaid was developed for the Elderly,
disabled, pregnant women and children.&nbsp;
Adding more to the rolls will make the IDD waiting lists longer and push
the truly needy into the back of the line for services.&nbsp; We need to fix our state first and provide
better reimbursements for hospitals and drs. to take care of Kansans.

Do you believe that the legislature is currently funding
Kansas public schools adequately? Are there areas you'd like to see
improvement?

We are funding schools exactly as told to do by the
Kansas Supreme Court.&nbsp; We need to look at
the school finance formula and make sure all students are needs are being
met.&nbsp; Over 60% of the State budget is
spent on schools. 

Do you believe that the legislature has an obligation to
support economic growth in western Kansas?

We have an obligation to support communities in their
efforts to provide economic support and we do that with funding mechanisms
now.&nbsp; We have started asking Legislative
Post Audit to look at different programs and discontinue the programs that are
not working and move that money into the ones that are working.

Editor's note: The same questionnaire was sent to Wasinger's opponent, Democrat Joseph Lantz of Hays.&nbsp;He did not respond.Barbara Wasinger Republican, incumbent Kansas House of Representatives, 110th District Hays&nbsp;&nbsp;What is the top issue facing the state legislature in the
upcoming session?Currently we are planning on pushing through a property
tax reduction bill and working on school funding to make sure its equitable for
all.Do you have a legislative priority heading into the session,
if you are elected?I am working on the Cybersecurity Bill for all three
branches in Kansas and need to make sure Appropriations and Ways and Means
Committees understand the critical need for all Kansans and make it a priority
for the safety of us all.&nbsp; I am also
working on Administrative Rules and Regulations to give Kansas the relief from
overburdensome regulations that cost us all money.The legislature passed a substantial tax reform package last
session. Do you believe more reform could be discussed in the upcoming session?
Where are some areas you believe we could see reform?Property tax relief such as freezing property taxes for
seniors and giving tax relief to disabled veterans which was vetoed by the
governor last year.After the legislature passed a measure allowing the Chiefs
and Royals to use STAR bonds to build new stadiums in Kansas, do you support an
ongoing effort to try and lure the teams from Missouri?We have given them a very tempting offer and I know many
would love to have them in Kansas.&nbsp; I
believe that Missouri will work to keep them when it gets down to the wire but
at least we tried.Access to water is an ongoing issue in Kansas, what are some
areas where you believe the legislature will help?This past session a comprehensive water funding bill was
passed and we need to continue to work on making water available to all in
Kansas in a responsible manner.&nbsp; LEMAs
(Local Enhanced Management Areas) are working and we need to try to get more
created.Governor Laura Kelly is expected to once again call for
Medicaid Expansion in Kansas, do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Why
or why not?There is not a lot of support for Expansion – at a time
we need more workers in Kansas it will take well bodied Kansans out of the job
market and cost the State far more than what it brings to the table.&nbsp; Medicaid was developed for the Elderly,
disabled, pregnant women and children.&nbsp;
Adding more to the rolls will make the IDD waiting lists longer and push
the truly needy into the back of the line for services.&nbsp; We need to fix our state first and provide
better reimbursements for hospitals and drs. to take care of Kansans.Do you believe that the legislature is currently funding
Kansas public schools adequately? Are there areas you'd like to see
improvement?We are funding schools exactly as told to do by the
Kansas Supreme Court.&nbsp; We need to look at
the school finance formula and make sure all students are needs are being
met.&nbsp; Over 60% of the State budget is
spent on schools. Do you believe that the legislature has an obligation to
support economic growth in western Kansas?We have an obligation to support communities in their
efforts to provide economic support and we do that with funding mechanisms
now.&nbsp; We have started asking Legislative
Post Audit to look at different programs and discontinue the programs that are
not working and move that money into the ones that are working.

Kansas House of Representative District 111: Barbara Wasinger

Editor's note: The same questionnaire was sent to Rahjes' opponent, Democrat Ellace Henderson of Phillipsburg. She did not respond.

Ken Rahjes Republican, incumbent Kansas House of Representatives, 110th District Agra

What is the top issue facing the state legislature in the upcoming
session?

I beleive there will be two that should be
the focus:&nbsp; One is taxes and the other
water.&nbsp; We need to continue to work to
reduce the property tax burden on landowners in the state, we must also work
with agricuture, municipalities and industry on water quality and quanity
through the state water plan and develop a comprhensive long term plan for all
Kansans. 

Do you have a legislative priority heading into the session, if you are
elected?

This January one of the biggest priority is
working with all the new elected Representives and senators to build working
releationships and help them through the process of the legislature. I belive
the 2025 session will be alot of learning and listening and many of the heavy
lifts will be in the 2026 session. 

The legislature passed a substantial tax reform package last session. Do
you believe more reform could be discussed in the upcoming session? Where are
some areas you believe we could see reform?

Leadership has said this will be one of the
priorities and I am with them. In my opinion we fell a little short on property
tax releif.&nbsp; I am glad that we worked on
eleminating income tax on social security and I am sure there will be many
ideas that will be coming out of the tax committes. 

After the legislature passed a measure allowing the Chiefs and Royals to
use STAR bonds to build new stadiums in Kansas, do you support an ongoing
effort to try and lure the teams from Missouri?

In the end, I did vote in support of the
professional sports teams exploring the idea of moving to Kansas. In recent
days there has been much speculation on what the end result might be.&nbsp; At this time the legislature is not the chief
negotiator, we set the paramiters for the disussions from the state and we will
have to see. The 110 Distict is split in loyalty to the Kansas City and Denver
professional teams, so it is worth pursing if it helps grow our economy and will
lower peoples tax burden. 

Access to water is an ongoing issue in Kansas, what are some areas where
you believe the legislature will help?

Western Kansas legislators led the way in
securing additonal money for the state water plan and will continue that
leadersip moving forward. We will continue to work with stakeholders to find
that good balance that does not penalize agriculture water users, and work with
our smallest communities and all of us who need good clean drinking water.&nbsp; I beleive we will fund the various programs
that will enhance the lives of each of us as Kansans.

Governor Laura Kelly is expected to once again call for Medicaid
Expansion in Kansas, do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Why or why
not?

I have not been a supporter of medicaid
expansion.&nbsp; As per every year, the
Governor will make it a priority, but the votes are not there.&nbsp; It is difficult to say I support an expansion
of government without knowing what that fully entails and what the cost would
be to us as taxpayers.I am listening to health care professinals and areas
hospital board members to find other ways to stenthen health care delivery in
the 110th District.&nbsp; I have supported and
did vote in favor of increasing reimbursement rates to our hospitals and would
have done more, but we were thwarted by the federal agency. I also encourage of
federal delegation to continue to work in support of our critical access
hospitals.&nbsp; 

Do you believe that the legislature is currently funding Kansas public
schools adequately? Are there areas you'd like to see improvement?

The Kansas Legislature is fully funding K-12
public education as laid out in the Kansas Constitution.&nbsp; We all know that SPED or Special Education
funding is not at the prescribed level and this is not all on the State
Legislature.&nbsp; We have increased funding,
albeit not enough to meet all the needs, but this should be led by the federal
government and if they would meet their obligations we would be much closer to
fully funded also. 

Do you believe that the legislature has an obligation to support
economic growth in western Kansas?

I don't know if obligation is the correct
word. As a state, we have an obligation to provide an public education to
children and as a legislature our role is to pass a balanced budget. There are
many local foundations and organizations that are supported privately and
publicly to assistst in any number of economic development ventures.&nbsp; Over the last few years we have seen some
good public/private partnership develop innovative programs to help in
strenthing communities, and in our area we have seen great leadership come from
Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp; To me, our
obligation is to make good investment choices of hard earned taxpayer dollars
to help in developing a good quality of life for those&nbsp; who chose to make western Kansas home. 

Editor's note: The same questionnaire was sent to Rahjes' opponent, Democrat Ellace Henderson of Phillipsburg. She did not respond.Ken Rahjes Republican, incumbent Kansas House of Representatives, 110th District AgraWhat is the top issue facing the state legislature in the upcoming
session?I beleive there will be two that should be
the focus:&nbsp; One is taxes and the other
water.&nbsp; We need to continue to work to
reduce the property tax burden on landowners in the state, we must also work
with agricuture, municipalities and industry on water quality and quanity
through the state water plan and develop a comprhensive long term plan for all
Kansans. Do you have a legislative priority heading into the session, if you are
elected?This January one of the biggest priority is
working with all the new elected Representives and senators to build working
releationships and help them through the process of the legislature. I belive
the 2025 session will be alot of learning and listening and many of the heavy
lifts will be in the 2026 session. The legislature passed a substantial tax reform package last session. Do
you believe more reform could be discussed in the upcoming session? Where are
some areas you believe we could see reform?Leadership has said this will be one of the
priorities and I am with them. In my opinion we fell a little short on property
tax releif.&nbsp; I am glad that we worked on
eleminating income tax on social security and I am sure there will be many
ideas that will be coming out of the tax committes. After the legislature passed a measure allowing the Chiefs and Royals to
use STAR bonds to build new stadiums in Kansas, do you support an ongoing
effort to try and lure the teams from Missouri?In the end, I did vote in support of the
professional sports teams exploring the idea of moving to Kansas. In recent
days there has been much speculation on what the end result might be.&nbsp; At this time the legislature is not the chief
negotiator, we set the paramiters for the disussions from the state and we will
have to see. The 110 Distict is split in loyalty to the Kansas City and Denver
professional teams, so it is worth pursing if it helps grow our economy and will
lower peoples tax burden. Access to water is an ongoing issue in Kansas, what are some areas where
you believe the legislature will help?Western Kansas legislators led the way in
securing additonal money for the state water plan and will continue that
leadersip moving forward. We will continue to work with stakeholders to find
that good balance that does not penalize agriculture water users, and work with
our smallest communities and all of us who need good clean drinking water.&nbsp; I beleive we will fund the various programs
that will enhance the lives of each of us as Kansans.Governor Laura Kelly is expected to once again call for Medicaid
Expansion in Kansas, do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Why or why
not?I have not been a supporter of medicaid
expansion.&nbsp; As per every year, the
Governor will make it a priority, but the votes are not there.&nbsp; It is difficult to say I support an expansion
of government without knowing what that fully entails and what the cost would
be to us as taxpayers.I am listening to health care professinals and areas
hospital board members to find other ways to stenthen health care delivery in
the 110th District.&nbsp; I have supported and
did vote in favor of increasing reimbursement rates to our hospitals and would
have done more, but we were thwarted by the federal agency. I also encourage of
federal delegation to continue to work in support of our critical access
hospitals.&nbsp; Do you believe that the legislature is currently funding Kansas public
schools adequately? Are there areas you'd like to see improvement?The Kansas Legislature is fully funding K-12
public education as laid out in the Kansas Constitution.&nbsp; We all know that SPED or Special Education
funding is not at the prescribed level and this is not all on the State
Legislature.&nbsp; We have increased funding,
albeit not enough to meet all the needs, but this should be led by the federal
government and if they would meet their obligations we would be much closer to
fully funded also. Do you believe that the legislature has an obligation to support
economic growth in western Kansas?I don't know if obligation is the correct
word. As a state, we have an obligation to provide an public education to
children and as a legislature our role is to pass a balanced budget. There are
many local foundations and organizations that are supported privately and
publicly to assistst in any number of economic development ventures.&nbsp; Over the last few years we have seen some
good public/private partnership develop innovative programs to help in
strenthing communities, and in our area we have seen great leadership come from
Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp; To me, our
obligation is to make good investment choices of hard earned taxpayer dollars
to help in developing a good quality of life for those&nbsp; who chose to make western Kansas home.

Kansas House of Representative District 110: Ken Rahjes

<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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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730316502264.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

If you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Rawlins County Health Center has a lot to offer!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718892432266.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIf you are a Registered Nurse, or you know of a nurse searching for a fulfilling career opportunity, Rawlins County Health Center has a lot to offer!Our nursing positions offer a 3-day, 12-hour work schedule with overnight stay options. Comprehensive full-time benefits, a $5,000 (pre-tax) sign-on bonus, and student loan forgiveness programs are also being offered to qualifying Registered Nurses.Rawlins County Health Center is a critical access hospital, part of the CommonSpirit network of hospitals in Northwest Kansas. Rawlins Clinic, Atwood Kansas, is home to primary care and visiting specialty care. Together providing health care for Rawlins County and the surrounding communities since 1950.Join our passionate and skilled care team. At RCHC you’ll find both professional growth and a supportive, enjoyable work environment. Discover more about this exciting opportunity at www.rchc.us/careers/.