By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays is gaining some ground in its housing market, but demand is still far outpacing supply, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said Tuesday.

Williams gave his end-of-the-year report at the Grow Hays quarterly luncheon at the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.

He said a housing shortage and the high cost of building new units are increasing home and rental prices. However, Hays' median home price is still lower than some comparable communities.

"Our housing problems persist, and our supply and demand are pretty out of whack," Williams said. "We have a lot of work to do in that area. We are making strides, but the challenge is accelerating."

In 2025, housing permits were issued for 14 single-family homes, 48 multi-family units and four duplexes.

"In housing, we have a ton of stuff going on but not enough," Williams said.

The 48 multi-family units are in the new apartment complex being built by Michael Graham on West 10th Street.

The developer continues to finish the Ellis Estates apartments, which are geared toward retired residents. The shells for 42 units are in place, and the developer is finishing those as he can.

Graham has also planned for 56 units at the former Lincoln School property. This will include seven fourplexes plus renovation of the former school building into apartments.

A four-plex is also being built on West Eleventh Street.&nbsp;

The last six homes in the third phase of the Heart of America Tallgrass Addition are under construction. Those homes should be completed within the next three to six months.

Another 101 homes are planned for phase four of the Tallgrass Addition between the existing addition and the interstate.

Work on the infrastructure for those homes should begin after the first of the year. It will take a year to finish that work and at least another year to build out the lots.

Williams said the builders currently working on Tallgrass Addition each have a list of 25 to 30 people wanting homes, but there aren't enough lots.

Williams said the housing market both needs more subcontractors to finish projects and more lots on which to build.

Infrastructure is in at the Grove addition on Canterbury, and construction is beginning on the first five homes.

He said at least two of the first homes have been sold, and he thought the others would be sold before completion.

Williams said he has heard some complaints about the number of Airbnbs in the community. He said those units are occupied by some of the transient workers in the community working on the many development projects, both residential and commercial.

"That won't go forever," he said. "At that point in time, when the market shrinks for those kinds of tenants, some of that is going to revert back to a more traditional rental situation."

The area has about 9,000 units and about 60 to 80 Airbnbs, Williams said.

"I have a hard time thinking that's making a huge impact on our rental market, in terms of people not finding a place to live," he said.

Williams said he has heard a lot of chatter about high property taxes forcing people out of Hays.&nbsp;

"Some of that may be true,"&nbsp; he said. "The increase in property taxes, increase in homeowners insurance, increase in health insurance, increase in car insurance and increase in food costs all have an impact on fixed-income individuals."

However, he said property taxes are not as high as some comparable communities in Kansas and Nebraska.

Williams said he saw no reckless spending among the local taxing entities. He shared the graphic below that breaks down where your local property taxes go.

Williams said 60 to 70% of the school district's, county's and city's costs are people. That is teachers, sheriff's deputies, police officers and firemen, he said.

These government entities are not hiring people for less or paying less in health care costs.&nbsp;

"When people say our taxes are too high, I ask, 'Compared to what?'" he said. "Compared to what they used to be, yeah, so is everything else."

Williams shared charts comparing Hays' median home value, median income and property taxes to other comparable cities in Kansas and Nebraska.

"We are not the highest, and we're not the lowest, but we compare pretty favorably," Williams said.

The school bond accounted for a significant increase in property taxes, but that was a result of deferred spending for the last 50 years, he said.

In some smaller rural communities, where the population is shrinking, property taxes are twice as high as in Hays because there are fewer people to spread the costs among, Williams said.

Local officials are easier to blame for increased costs because they are visible in the community. The CEO of your health insurance company or your auto insurance company is not, Williams said.

"I think the other side of the story needs to be told and looked at," Williams said. "I think we need to look at solutions instead of gripes."

People can suggest we build more affordable housing, but the economics are not allowing that to happen, he said.

Williams said on the Morning Blend show on Friday state subsidies for low-income housing are drying up.

"I think the evidence shows we are not overtaxed here, and the cost of living compared to other places and home prices shows that we are not way out of line with these other communities," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667693144584.jpeg" alt="Construction in the Tallgrass Addition. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Construction in the Tallgrass Addition. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcats: Grow Hays Year End 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=p3xdp-19e524b-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays is gaining some ground in its housing market, but demand is still far outpacing supply, Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams said Tuesday.Williams gave his end-of-the-year report at the Grow Hays quarterly luncheon at the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.He said a housing shortage and the high cost of building new units are increasing home and rental prices. However, Hays' median home price is still lower than some comparable communities."Our housing problems persist, and our supply and demand are pretty out of whack," Williams said. "We have a lot of work to do in that area. We are making strides, but the challenge is accelerating."In 2025, housing permits were issued for 14 single-family homes, 48 multi-family units and four duplexes."In housing, we have a ton of stuff going on but not enough," Williams said.The 48 multi-family units are in the new apartment complex being built by Michael Graham on West 10th Street.The developer continues to finish the Ellis Estates apartments, which are geared toward retired residents. The shells for 42 units are in place, and the developer is finishing those as he can.Graham has also planned for 56 units at the former Lincoln School property. This will include seven fourplexes plus renovation of the former school building into apartments.A four-plex is also being built on West Eleventh Street.&nbsp;The last six homes in the third phase of the Heart of America Tallgrass Addition are under construction. Those homes should be completed within the next three to six months.Another 101 homes are planned for phase four of the Tallgrass Addition between the existing addition and the interstate.Work on the infrastructure for those homes should begin after the first of the year. It will take a year to finish that work and at least another year to build out the lots.Williams said the builders currently working on Tallgrass Addition each have a list of 25 to 30 people wanting homes, but there aren't enough lots.Williams said the housing market both needs more subcontractors to finish projects and more lots on which to build.Infrastructure is in at the Grove addition on Canterbury, and construction is beginning on the first five homes.He said at least two of the first homes have been sold, and he thought the others would be sold before completion.Williams said he has heard some complaints about the number of Airbnbs in the community. He said those units are occupied by some of the transient workers in the community working on the many development projects, both residential and commercial."That won't go forever," he said. "At that point in time, when the market shrinks for those kinds of tenants, some of that is going to revert back to a more traditional rental situation."The area has about 9,000 units and about 60 to 80 Airbnbs, Williams said."I have a hard time thinking that's making a huge impact on our rental market, in terms of people not finding a place to live," he said.Property taxesWilliams said he has heard a lot of chatter about high property taxes forcing people out of Hays.&nbsp;"Some of that may be true,"&nbsp; he said. "The increase in property taxes, increase in homeowners insurance, increase in health insurance, increase in car insurance and increase in food costs all have an impact on fixed-income individuals."However, he said property taxes are not as high as some comparable communities in Kansas and Nebraska.Williams said he saw no reckless spending among the local taxing entities. He shared the graphic below that breaks down where your local property taxes go.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765312913670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Williams said 60 to 70% of the school district's, county's and city's costs are people. That is teachers, sheriff's deputies, police officers and firemen, he said.These government entities are not hiring people for less or paying less in health care costs.&nbsp;"When people say our taxes are too high, I ask, 'Compared to what?'" he said. "Compared to what they used to be, yeah, so is everything else."Williams shared charts comparing Hays' median home value, median income and property taxes to other comparable cities in Kansas and Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765313389973.png" alt="Media list price of homes for sale in Hays as of December 2025 on Zillow." />
 <figcaption>Media list price of homes for sale in Hays as of December 2025 on Zillow.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765313453240.png" alt="Total annual property tax based on median home prices in Hays listed on Zillow as of December 2025." />
 <figcaption>Total annual property tax based on median home prices in Hays listed on Zillow as of December 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765313603156.png" alt="Media family income in Hays and comparable communities. Source: American Community Survey" />
 <figcaption>Media family income in Hays and comparable communities. Source: American Community Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are not the highest, and we're not the lowest, but we compare pretty favorably," Williams said.The school bond accounted for a significant increase in property taxes, but that was a result of deferred spending for the last 50 years, he said.In some smaller rural communities, where the population is shrinking, property taxes are twice as high as in Hays because there are fewer people to spread the costs among, Williams said.Local officials are easier to blame for increased costs because they are visible in the community. The CEO of your health insurance company or your auto insurance company is not, Williams said."I think the other side of the story needs to be told and looked at," Williams said. "I think we need to look at solutions instead of gripes."People can suggest we build more affordable housing, but the economics are not allowing that to happen, he said.Williams said on the Morning Blend show on Friday state subsidies for low-income housing are drying up."I think the evidence shows we are not overtaxed here, and the cost of living compared to other places and home prices shows that we are not way out of line with these other communities," he said.

🎙 Grow Hays: City making progress on housing, but demand still outpacing supply

Russell Arben Fox’s recent column,&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/788bc415-cbb0-4bb7-8509-378203a26761">"Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas,”</a> raises timely and important points about how our cities are governed.

As a civic-minded Kansan and a retired city manager, I appreciate his reminder that debates over the council-manager form of government are neither trivial nor temporary. I write to offer historical context on why the city manager profession emerged more than a century ago and to address the concerns he raises about democracy, accountability, and effectiveness.

The council-manager model took shape during the Progressive Era, when many American cities were plagued by corruption, patronage, and inefficiency. 

Reformers believed that trained, nonpartisan administrators could manage public services more honestly and effectively than political machines. This belief led the National Civic League and what is now the International City/County Management Association to publish the first Model City Charter in 1915, introducing a system in which an elected council sets policy and a professional manager executes it. 

Early adopters reported immediate improvements in fiscal management, service delivery, and ethical integrity. In short, the city manager position was created to clean up city hall and restore public trust.

Over the past century, this system has proven its value. Today, a majority of U.S. cities with populations over 2,500 use the council-manager model, including most communities in Kansas. Here, elected mayors serve as part of the council, while a professional manager oversees day-to-day operations. This structure has helped Kansas cities avoid the hyper-partisanship seen at higher levels of government and focus instead on pragmatic problem-solving.

City managers bring professional training in public administration, finance, and urban policy, and they serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Their recommendations are grounded in analysis, not political advantage. 

Research supports these benefits: one comprehensive study found that cities with council-manager governments have roughly 57 percent fewer corruption convictions than strong-mayor cities. Public trust is also higher at the local level than at the federal or state level, due in part to the nonpartisan, professional nature of council-manager governance.

Professor Fox raises an important question about democratic accountability: if managers and staff help shape complex policies and budgets, does this create a “democratic deficit”? 

It is a reasonable concern, but one that the council-manager system was designed to address. Managers serve entirely at the pleasure of the elected council and can be removed by a simple majority. 

The council/commission sets the community’s vision, adopts ordinances and budgets, and represents voter priorities; the manager implements these policies and provides professional options for consideration. 

Managers are evaluated—and retained—based on how effectively they carry out the council’s direction. Rather than diluting democracy, this model reinforces it by ensuring that elected officials make policy while administrative professionals carry it out responsibly.

Dr. John Nalbandian of Lawrence captures this balance well: city managers stand “at the intersection of the political and administrative arenas,” helping bridge what is politically acceptable with what is operationally sustainable. This connection strengthens democratic governance by allowing elected leaders to focus on community vision while relying on professional staff to deliver results.

To be sure, supporters of the council-manager model must take citizen engagement seriously. If voters sense that their voices matter less because professionals run daily operations, turnout may suffer. 

The solution, however, is greater transparency and more opportunities for public involvement—not abandoning a system that has served Kansas communities well. 

Wichita’s recent debate over its manager hiring process demonstrates that residents expect openness, even within a professionally administered government. We should welcome that expectation.

Comparing this model with the strong-mayor system underscores what is at stake. In strong-mayor cities, executive power is concentrated in one elected individual who oversees departments, prepares budgets, and can veto council actions. While this structure can produce decisive leadership, it also allows the city’s priorities—and personnel—to shift dramatically with each new administration.

 A strong-mayor model can energize a community when leadership is sound, but when it is not, the consequences can be destabilizing. Numerous cities that experienced turbulence or scandal under powerful mayors later added professional oversight or shifted toward council-manager governance. Concentrating executive authority in one office is inherently risky.

Kansas’s experience has shown the advantages of balanced, professional administration. Under home-rule authority, each city chooses its governing structure, and the vast majority have selected the council-manager form. This is because it helps ensure stability, ethical conduct, and long-term planning that transcends election cycles. 

Our governing bodies still debate vigorously, but city services remain steady and centered on community needs rather than personal politics. As Fox himself notes, this model “fosters pragmatic governance” in a time when pragmatism is sorely needed.

After ten decades of practice, the council-manager system remains a proven framework that upholds both democratic accountability and professional competence. It was created to curb corruption and improve performance, and those goals are as vital today as they were 100 years ago. 

Rather than concentrating power in a single elected executive, we should continue strengthening the partnership between our elected councils and the professional managers who carry out their vision.

Mr. Fox is right that Kansans should regularly examine how we govern ourselves. But before considering a shift to strong-mayor systems, we should recall what the council-manager model was designed to prevent and what it continues to provide: stability, transparency, ethical administration, and a collaborative balance between democratic leadership and professional expertise. Our communities deserve nothing less.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Russell Arben Fox’s recent column,&nbsp; <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/788bc415-cbb0-4bb7-8509-378203a26761">"Questions for, and about, city managers in Kansas,”</a> raises timely and important points about how our cities are governed. As a civic-minded Kansan and a retired city manager, I appreciate his reminder that debates over the council-manager form of government are neither trivial nor temporary. I write to offer historical context on why the city manager profession emerged more than a century ago and to address the concerns he raises about democracy, accountability, and effectiveness.The council-manager model took shape during the Progressive Era, when many American cities were plagued by corruption, patronage, and inefficiency. Reformers believed that trained, nonpartisan administrators could manage public services more honestly and effectively than political machines. This belief led the National Civic League and what is now the International City/County Management Association to publish the first Model City Charter in 1915, introducing a system in which an elected council sets policy and a professional manager executes it. Early adopters reported immediate improvements in fiscal management, service delivery, and ethical integrity. In short, the city manager position was created to clean up city hall and restore public trust.Over the past century, this system has proven its value. Today, a majority of U.S. cities with populations over 2,500 use the council-manager model, including most communities in Kansas. Here, elected mayors serve as part of the council, while a professional manager oversees day-to-day operations. This structure has helped Kansas cities avoid the hyper-partisanship seen at higher levels of government and focus instead on pragmatic problem-solving.City managers bring professional training in public administration, finance, and urban policy, and they serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Their recommendations are grounded in analysis, not political advantage. Research supports these benefits: one comprehensive study found that cities with council-manager governments have roughly 57 percent fewer corruption convictions than strong-mayor cities. Public trust is also higher at the local level than at the federal or state level, due in part to the nonpartisan, professional nature of council-manager governance.Professor Fox raises an important question about democratic accountability: if managers and staff help shape complex policies and budgets, does this create a “democratic deficit”? It is a reasonable concern, but one that the council-manager system was designed to address. Managers serve entirely at the pleasure of the elected council and can be removed by a simple majority. The council/commission sets the community’s vision, adopts ordinances and budgets, and represents voter priorities; the manager implements these policies and provides professional options for consideration. Managers are evaluated—and retained—based on how effectively they carry out the council’s direction. Rather than diluting democracy, this model reinforces it by ensuring that elected officials make policy while administrative professionals carry it out responsibly.Dr. John Nalbandian of Lawrence captures this balance well: city managers stand “at the intersection of the political and administrative arenas,” helping bridge what is politically acceptable with what is operationally sustainable. This connection strengthens democratic governance by allowing elected leaders to focus on community vision while relying on professional staff to deliver results.To be sure, supporters of the council-manager model must take citizen engagement seriously. If voters sense that their voices matter less because professionals run daily operations, turnout may suffer. The solution, however, is greater transparency and more opportunities for public involvement—not abandoning a system that has served Kansas communities well. Wichita’s recent debate over its manager hiring process demonstrates that residents expect openness, even within a professionally administered government. We should welcome that expectation.Comparing this model with the strong-mayor system underscores what is at stake. In strong-mayor cities, executive power is concentrated in one elected individual who oversees departments, prepares budgets, and can veto council actions. While this structure can produce decisive leadership, it also allows the city’s priorities—and personnel—to shift dramatically with each new administration. A strong-mayor model can energize a community when leadership is sound, but when it is not, the consequences can be destabilizing. Numerous cities that experienced turbulence or scandal under powerful mayors later added professional oversight or shifted toward council-manager governance. Concentrating executive authority in one office is inherently risky.Kansas’s experience has shown the advantages of balanced, professional administration. Under home-rule authority, each city chooses its governing structure, and the vast majority have selected the council-manager form. This is because it helps ensure stability, ethical conduct, and long-term planning that transcends election cycles. Our governing bodies still debate vigorously, but city services remain steady and centered on community needs rather than personal politics. As Fox himself notes, this model “fosters pragmatic governance” in a time when pragmatism is sorely needed.After ten decades of practice, the council-manager system remains a proven framework that upholds both democratic accountability and professional competence. It was created to curb corruption and improve performance, and those goals are as vital today as they were 100 years ago. Rather than concentrating power in a single elected executive, we should continue strengthening the partnership between our elected councils and the professional managers who carry out their vision.Mr. Fox is right that Kansans should regularly examine how we govern ourselves. But before considering a shift to strong-mayor systems, we should recall what the council-manager model was designed to prevent and what it continues to provide: stability, transparency, ethical administration, and a collaborative balance between democratic leadership and professional expertise. Our communities deserve nothing less.— Jon Quinday, Russell

LETTER: City managers: Century of balancing professionalism, democracy in local government

Girl Scouts from northwest Kansas were honored on Nov. 1 at Starwood Girl Scout camp for service awards.

Troop 11262 from Hays was honored with a Bronze Award for its care-home planters project.

Troop 10149 from Goodland was honored with a Bronze Award for their "Using All Their Resources Wisely" project.

The Bronze Award is the third-highest in Girl Scouting and is awarded to Junior Scouts in the fourth or fifth grade.

The Service Unit 74 Junior Three-Part Campout Committee was awarded the President's Award. Those members included Diana Staab, Sean Davis, Vicky Chessmore, Megan Howe, Loren Ashlock, Jennifer Griffin and Taylor Lindeman.

Jessica Albers, troop leader and service unit manager 74 manager, was awarded the Treasured Time Award for her more than 10 years of service to Girl Scouting.

Cristina Janney, troop leader, was awarded the honor pin.

Autum Omwenga, troop leader, and Amber Arnold, support volunteer, were awarded the Volunteer of Excellence Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765234364298.jpeg" alt="Girl Scout Volunteers of Excellence Award winners. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Girl Scout Volunteers of Excellence Award winners. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostGirl Scouts from northwest Kansas were honored on Nov. 1 at Starwood Girl Scout camp for service awards.Troop 11262 from Hays was honored with a Bronze Award for its care-home planters project.Troop 10149 from Goodland was honored with a Bronze Award for their "Using All Their Resources Wisely" project.The Bronze Award is the third-highest in Girl Scouting and is awarded to Junior Scouts in the fourth or fifth grade.The Service Unit 74 Junior Three-Part Campout Committee was awarded the President's Award. Those members included Diana Staab, Sean Davis, Vicky Chessmore, Megan Howe, Loren Ashlock, Jennifer Griffin and Taylor Lindeman.Jessica Albers, troop leader and service unit manager 74 manager, was awarded the Treasured Time Award for her more than 10 years of service to Girl Scouting.Cristina Janney, troop leader, was awarded the honor pin.Autum Omwenga, troop leader, and Amber Arnold, support volunteer, were awarded the Volunteer of Excellence Award.

Area Girl Scouts honored with service awards

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Even if you are not planning any large purchases in the near future, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends checking your credit report annually. The CFPB is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

There are several tools to handle this and the easiest is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website: <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/">https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/</a>.

From this secure site, you can access one, two, or all three of the reporting credit bureaus. They also include a reminder that this annual check doesn’t negatively impact your credit rating. It is an important tool to verify that the information reported about you is accurate.

What is the difference between a credit report and a credit score? Both are important! 

The report is just that – a report of your information and includes both open and closed accounts such as a car loan, mortgage, or credit card. Per the CFPB website, a credit score predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan on time. 

Companies use a mathematical formula—called a scoring model—to create your credit score from the information in your credit report. It is important to know that you do not have just “one” credit score and there are many credit scores available to you as well as to lenders. Any credit score depends on the data used to calculate it, and may differ depending on the scoring model, the source of your credit history, the type of loan product, and even the day when it was calculated.

K-State Extension also has a good publication that explains basic terms and provides a handy resource for checking your credit. It can be located at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/program-areas/financial-planning/familyfinances.html">ksre.ksu.edu</a> under Family Financial Resource or at <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/images/Understanding%20Your%20Credit%20Report.pdf?_gl=1*14pztdt*_gcl_au*MTM2MzY3OTA3Ny4xNzYxNTgyNTcw">https://bit.ly/48mMv6Y</a>.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764950508996.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictEven if you are not planning any large purchases in the near future, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends checking your credit report annually. The CFPB is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.There are several tools to handle this and the easiest is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website: <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/">https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/</a>. From this secure site, you can access one, two, or all three of the reporting credit bureaus. They also include a reminder that this annual check doesn’t negatively impact your credit rating. It is an important tool to verify that the information reported about you is accurate.What is the difference between a credit report and a credit score? Both are important! The report is just that – a report of your information and includes both open and closed accounts such as a car loan, mortgage, or credit card. Per the CFPB website, a credit score predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan on time. Companies use a mathematical formula—called a scoring model—to create your credit score from the information in your credit report. It is important to know that you do not have just “one” credit score and there are many credit scores available to you as well as to lenders. Any credit score depends on the data used to calculate it, and may differ depending on the scoring model, the source of your credit history, the type of loan product, and even the day when it was calculated.K-State Extension also has a good publication that explains basic terms and provides a handy resource for checking your credit. It can be located at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/program-areas/financial-planning/familyfinances.html">ksre.ksu.edu</a> under Family Financial Resource or at <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/family-finances/images/Understanding%20Your%20Credit%20Report.pdf?_gl=1*14pztdt*_gcl_au*MTM2MzY3OTA3Ny4xNzYxNTgyNTcw">https://bit.ly/48mMv6Y</a>.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Check your credit report annually 

Hays, KS - First Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kaylie Walker, APRN, to its primary care provider team. While Kaylie is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, she is certainly not new to First Care Clinic. She has been a dedicated member of the organization for a combined seven years.

Kaylie began her career with First Care Clinic as a Registered Nurse, where she developed strong patient relationships, delivered exceptional clinical care, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of improving community health. After pursuing advanced education and completing her nurse practitioner training, Kaylie returns to First Care Clinic in this expanded role, ready to continue serving patients with the same compassion and professionalism she has always shown.

“Kaylie has been an essential part of our clinical team for many years,” says First Care Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher. “Her dedication to our patients, her calm presence, and the genuine compassion she brings to every interaction have made a lasting impact on our clinic. We are extremely proud to see her step into the provider role, and we know our patients will continue to benefit from the exceptional care she has always delivered.”

First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax stated, “We are very excited to have Kaylie step into a provider role at First Care Clinic. Throughout her time in our clinic as a Registered Nurse, she has been a pilar of quality and compassionate patient care. As a provider, we know she will continue to provide that same high-level care to her patients. We have known for some time that Kaylie was destined to be a provider. We are fortunate to have Kaylie on our care team!”

Kaylie will be accepting new patients of all ages, at the 13th Street location in Hays, beginning in February. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventive care, chronic disease management, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and a sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990.

“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764798473878.jpeg" alt="Kaylie Walker, APRN" />
 <figcaption>Kaylie Walker, APRN</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays, KS - First Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kaylie Walker, APRN, to its primary care provider team. While Kaylie is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, she is certainly not new to First Care Clinic. She has been a dedicated member of the organization for a combined seven years.Kaylie began her career with First Care Clinic as a Registered Nurse, where she developed strong patient relationships, delivered exceptional clinical care, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of improving community health. After pursuing advanced education and completing her nurse practitioner training, Kaylie returns to First Care Clinic in this expanded role, ready to continue serving patients with the same compassion and professionalism she has always shown.“Kaylie has been an essential part of our clinical team for many years,” says First Care Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher. “Her dedication to our patients, her calm presence, and the genuine compassion she brings to every interaction have made a lasting impact on our clinic. We are extremely proud to see her step into the provider role, and we know our patients will continue to benefit from the exceptional care she has always delivered.”First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax stated, “We are very excited to have Kaylie step into a provider role at First Care Clinic. Throughout her time in our clinic as a Registered Nurse, she has been a pilar of quality and compassionate patient care. As a provider, we know she will continue to provide that same high-level care to her patients. We have known for some time that Kaylie was destined to be a provider. We are fortunate to have Kaylie on our care team!”Kaylie will be accepting new patients of all ages, at the 13th Street location in Hays, beginning in February. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventive care, chronic disease management, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and a sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990.“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

🦌 WIN WITH REINDEER RADIO!

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765317891632.jpeg" alt="FIFA World Cup Clock and Hays CVB staff members Kyrsten Feik, Melissa Dixon and Jenni Rajewski. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>FIFA World Cup Clock and Hays CVB staff members Kyrsten Feik, Melissa Dixon and Jenni Rajewski. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Welcome Center is hosting an official KC2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock through Sunday.There are several FIFA World Cup countdown clocks in the Kansas City area, while the clock that is in Hays is devoted to touring Kansas.Visitors can track the time until matches begin on June 11. The public is welcome to visit the countdown clock and take photos at the Hays Welcome Center at 2700 Vine St. Fans are encouraged to use #KCCountdown and #WeAre2026 on social media.The FIFA World Cup has three host countries in 2026: Canada, United States, and Mexico. Kansas City is one of 11 U.S. host cities, which include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.For additional information on CVB efforts or community events, call 785-628-8202 or go to <a href="http://VisitHays.com">VisitHays.com</a>.

Hays welcomes KC2026 World Cup countdown clock

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Liberal Tuesday, Dec. 9 - 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3279809">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a>Hays High opens up Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Liberal tonight.Girls #6-5A Hays (3-0) is the two-time defending WAC champions. #4-6A Liberal (3-0) started their season with three games in Salina on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Boys Hays (2-1) is coming off a runner-up finish at the Hays City Shootout. Liberal (0-3) has a new head coach for their program.Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00. The Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show beings at 5:40 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX. Video is available at the above link.

🏀 Hays High open WAC play with Liberal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765315655279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765316660247.jpeg" alt="Christmas stew available free for seniors at the Bob and Pat Community Center tonight." />
 <figcaption>Christmas stew available free for seniors at the Bob and Pat Community Center tonight.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Free Senior Supper tonight sponsored by Women Who Lead

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

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

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

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Highlander driven by Paul Gross, 73, Gorham, was northbound on U.S. 183 from Interstate 70. The SUV traveled off the road to the right, struck the embankment, a power pole and came to rest on its side.EMS transported Gross to Hays Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after violent SUV crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765295874252.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe WaKeeney Police Department reported seizing drugs and a weapon after a traffic stop on Wednesday night.During the late hours of Wednesday night, Officer Peterson of the Wakeeney Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a damaged and non-functional headlight, according to a post on Facebook by the WaKeeney Police Department.After making contact with the driver, Peterson learned that the vehicle's registration had expired, the vehicle did not have liability insurance and the driver had a suspended driver’s license.Peterson and Sgt. Schneider subsequently placed the driver under arrest on requested charges of driving with a suspended license and having no insurance.A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, in which the officers located and seized baggies containing cocaine, MDMA and ketamine, according to the WaKeeney Police Department.Additional items located were drug paraphernalia, unlawfully obtained prescription medications and a credit card belonging to someone else, according to the Facebook post. A firearm was also located in the driver’s door and subsequently seized for evidence, the post said."Officers at the WaKeeney Police Department remain dedicated to locating and arresting criminals who believe they can bring these dangerous drugs into our community and our state, without facing the proper consequences for their crimes," the post said.It should be noted that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WaKeeney police seize drugs, gun after traffic stop

By CRISTINA JANNEY and TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226171900.jpeg" alt="The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY and TONY GUERRERO Hays PostELLIS COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by George A. Crawford, 72, Elk City, Kansas, was southbound on Vincent Road at Old Highway 40.&nbsp; The driver did not see or hear the train's whistle. A Union Pacific Train with 41 cars struck the semi as it was crossing the tracks. EMS transported Crawford to Hays Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.The train engineer Troy A. Young, 52, Abilene and conductor Tyler S.&nbsp;Gurnee, 33, Salina, were not injured. Crawford was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226210299.jpeg" alt="A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>------------By CRISTINA JANNEY and TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Kansas Highway Patrol is on the scene of a train versus semi-truck accident at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria.The driver of the truck has been taken to HaysMed for treatment, but the driver's condition and name were not released.An accident report is pending with the highway patrol. More infromation on this incident will be posted on the Hays Post as it becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226229934.jpeg" alt="The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226192917.jpeg" alt="A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226250114.jpeg" alt="Damaged road signs at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Damaged road signs at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

New details on train, semi crash east of Victoria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackson calls them square biscuits of awesomeness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764881138200.jpeg" alt="Andy Stanton of Hays displays his new cookbook, "Kitchen Therapy," from his home kitchen in Hays. The cookbook features local favorites like bierocks and green bean dumpling soup and self-taught variations on fancier dishes, such as creme brulee and eggs Benedict. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Andy Stanton of Hays displays his new cookbook, "Kitchen Therapy," from his home kitchen in Hays. The cookbook features local favorites like bierocks and green bean dumpling soup and self-taught variations on fancier dishes, such as creme brulee and eggs Benedict. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765209150989.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFrom Grandma Dot's rolls to Gracie's cheesecake, which funded an adoption, Andy Stanton's family life has centered around food."I have always loved to cook, being in the kitchen with my parents and grandparents. I have always enjoyed cooking," he said.Stanton has self-published a new cookbook, "Kitchen Therapy," which he said is based on family recipes and others he and his family have refined over the years in his home.Stanton, 56, admits he is by no means a professional chef. He has worked for years in communications and marketing and works out of a home office in Hays as a marketing coach for Farm Bureau Financial Services.He learned from cooking with his grandparents, watching kitchen shows in the 1990s and 2000s, and experimenting in his own kitchen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764952393373.jpeg" alt="Andy's Grandma Stanton in the Logan High School kitchen. She and other family members cooked for the school district. Andy said his love of cooking was inspired by his early memories of his family in the kitchen. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Andy's Grandma Stanton in the Logan High School kitchen. She and other family members cooked for the school district. Andy said his love of cooking was inspired by his early memories of his family in the kitchen. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Andy's great-grandma, Ashley, was a school cook when the school lunch program began in 1948 in Logan, where Andy grew up. A few years later, his grandmother, Dot Stanton, joined her mother in the kitchen.She was the head cook at Logan Public Schools for many years, retiring in 1977.His aunt was also a full-time cook at the school, and his mom and dad were substitute cooks.He fondly recalls in the book going to school in the wee hours of the morning with his grandma, who arrived early to bake bread.The cookbook's first recipe is Dot's bread, a general yeast bread that Dot used to make rolls. All of the recipes in the book are favorites, but he said his grandmother's bread is a favorite among favorites.He uses the basic recipe for dinner rolls, bierocks and cinnamon rolls.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764952583467.jpeg" alt="Andy's mom working over the Thanksgiving Day table. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Andy's mom working over the Thanksgiving Day table. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"A lot of my time in the kitchen is reliving those old recipes and coming up with new ones," he said. "That is why I titled the cookbook 'Kitchen Therapy,' because it truly is my therapy. When I am stressed and I am done with everything, and I want to have my own time, I go to the kitchen."From baking to cooking meals, it's just been fun."Andy decided cooking would be his niche."Some people spend time in the woodshop or on the golf course," he said. "I spend my time in the kitchen."For years, Andy has shared images of his culinary creations on Facebook and Instagram. He went back to those images for inspiration, but he still needed more images for the cookbook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764952910798.jpeg" alt="Andy and his dad at Thanksgiving. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Andy and his dad at Thanksgiving. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>His family and friends benefited from the bounty as he revisited some of his favorite recipes, taking color photos to show the step-by-step progression of the recipes.The cookbook has a diversity of recipes from local favorites such as bieroks, green bean dumpling soup, and kolaches to a bit fancier cuisine such as creme brulee, cream puffs and eggs Benedict.Andy said he had never had creme brulee until he was 30 and on a work trip. He researched and compared recipes until he found one that he liked."I usually put my own twist on it," he said.When Andy's youngest son, Gabe, was in about seventh grade, he told his dad he wanted to learn to cook some of his recipes. A summer of cooking with Gabe is where the cream puff recipe came from."We had a dad and Gabe cooking school that summer," Andy said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764952649763.jpeg" alt="Andy's youngest son, Gabe, with cream puffs. When Gabe was in middle school, he and his dad spent a summer learning new recipes together. Cream puffs was one of the recipes Gabe wanted to learn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Andy's youngest son, Gabe, with cream puffs. When Gabe was in middle school, he and his dad spent a summer learning new recipes together. Cream puffs was one of the recipes Gabe wanted to learn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Gabe considered becoming a chef, but is now studying nutrition, health, and human performance at Fort Hays State University.Andy's oldest son, Jackson, also loves to cook, but prefers smoking and working with meats.Andy's biscuits and gravy is another favorite of the favorites. He makes his biscuits square. He saw no use in leaving so much waste by cutting round biscuits.Jackson calls them square biscuits of awesomeness.Although Andy and Dana's daughter, Gracie, who is preparing for law school at Kansas State University, prefers to stay out of the kitchen, she has a recipe named for her in the cookbook—Gracie's cheesecake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764881365915.jpeg" alt="The Stanton family, second from left, Gracie, Gabe, Andy, Dana, and Jackson, and their children's significant others. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Stanton family, second from left, Gracie, Gabe, Andy, Dana, and Jackson, and their children's significant others. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Gracie and her brother, Gabe, were both adopted from China. When Andy and Dana decided to pursue adoption, they knew they needed to raise about $20,000 in a year."We said, 'OK, what are our talents? What can we do? We did all sorts of things, but one thing we did was start a catering company out of our home. One of the things we got really good at was making cheesecake," Andy said.Gracie is not a big fan of cheesecake.However, her parents said back in 2004, "We'll get to China one cheesecake at a time." And they did.Although Andy has been asked about opening a restaurant, he said that's not in the stars for him."I don't want it to be my work," he said. "I want it to be my leisure time."Trained in publication design, Andy designed, wrote and did all the photography for the cookbook. He published through Amazon Publishing on Demand.Andy said his main objective was to compile his favorite recipes into a book to share with his friends and family.But who knows?"It would be great if I became a New York Times bestselling author, but I don't think that's going to happen," he joked.This is not Andy's first foray into cookbooks or publishing. He helped put together a cookbook that contained some of his family's recipes as a fundraiser for the Logan school district. He also collected his grandparents' handwritten recipes into a few copies for his family.His wife, Dana, joked as she flipped open a copy of the family cookbook, its pages filled with handwritten recipe cards."One is the one thing kids can't read—cursive," Dana laughed. "They call us up and say, 'I can't understand what grandma is saying.'"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764881189383.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Andy said he had been thinking about writing the cookbook for a couple of years, with periodic nudges from friends and family members, but he finally set a deadline this spring. He set his sights on completion by the end of October."I hope people enjoy looking at the book and making these recipes as much as I enjoy cooking them and sharing those dishes with my friends," he said.He said he has already been collecting recipes for a second book.Andy parted with a few tidbits of advice for beginning cooks.• Always read the recipe completely before beginning to make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. "Make a game plan." • Good, sharp knives are a must. Dull knives can cause injuries in the kitchen • Don't be afraid of experimenting and don't be discouraged if your recipe flops. "It happens to all of us."<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Stanton/author/B0G1L8FBJB?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeybdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNeVZ6Vk4xNmdXdnlBU3lmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkx7UAKnO4K89WuLK17Umj6ih8jqeS_iQpzC29Do3vhb47-Lol4Zn9SS4fky_aem_vBiwfKo3bijOfbf1sLi9Aw&amp;ref=ap_rdr&amp;isDramIntegrated=true&amp;shoppingPortalEnabled=true&amp;ccs_id=200c8998-3cda-4797-b4db-17f66a87dc2f">The paperback copies of "Kitchen Therapy" are $14.99</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Stanton/author/B0G1L8FBJB?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeybdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNeVZ6Vk4xNmdXdnlBU3lmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkx7UAKnO4K89WuLK17Umj6ih8jqeS_iQpzC29Do3vhb47-Lol4Zn9SS4fky_aem_vBiwfKo3bijOfbf1sLi9Aw&amp;ref=ap_rdr&amp;isDramIntegrated=true&amp;shoppingPortalEnabled=true&amp;ccs_id=200c8998-3cda-4797-b4db-17f66a87dc2f" target="_blank">&nbsp;on Amazon, and the hardbacks are $24.99. You can</a>&nbsp;also&nbsp;purchase directly from Stanton locally for $15 for paperbacks and $25 for hardbacks. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kitchentherapycookbook.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaWNTN3d0eUx2ZXNrYlBXRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5V3j4NtDH7rRQsynkaggOxg6SavRm2RU6hsZtqx8iOx5S73slx3UJa7D09nQ_aem_vRDZ2sUsSM0BQaA83O4_jg" target="_blank">www.kitchentherapycookbook.com</a>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764689320666.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationIn every community, there are quiet moments of care that often go unseen — a volunteer slipping an extra box of cereal into a family’s food box, a school teacher sending snacks home with a student so he will have something to eat over the weekend, a neighbor dropping off a warm meal at someone’s door. These acts of compassion happen every day in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, carried out by people and programs that work tirelessly to keep plates full.Today, the Heartland Community Foundation announces the launch of the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund — a new food-security initiative designed to support the helpers behind those everyday moments. This non-endowed, invested fund will provide flexible, responsive dollars to the organizations feeding our community—where needs are rising faster than resources. The more the fund grows, the more it can grant.“For years, our grant committees have wrestled with the same tension: food requests are so urgent and human that it’s hard to prioritize anything else ahead of them,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. “When a pantry is running low or a school’s lunch debt rises, it feels impossible to say yes to arts, parks, community development, or other programs instead. This fund gives us a dedicated way to meet those food needs without sacrificing support for other important community projects.”The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund is built to support the full ecosystem of food access in our three counties, including: • Food pantries and food box distribution • Meals on Wheels, senior meal programs, and community meal sites • School nutrition gaps such as unpaid lunch balances, extra milks, or snacks • New community solutions such as cooking classes or gardens • Emerging needs like soup kitchens or expanded meal services • Any initiative that increases access to nutritious food for residentsSince 2018, the Heartland Community Foundation has granted $105,502 to food-related needs. While meaningful, this figure highlights something important: the need is simply outpacing the capacity of traditional grant cycles. The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund allows the community to give more, respond faster, and support hunger-relief work more strategically.“This fund is about feeding people — but also about feeding the work that feeds people,” Meitner added. “When we strengthen the programs doing the heavy lifting, we strengthen the entire community.”The fund is non-endowed, meaning dollars are invested for growth but remain flexible, allowing timely support when gaps appear. It was created in direct response to the rising challenges faced by local partners, from increased food costs to reductions in federal support.How agencies can applyOrganizations may apply for support through the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund during Heartland’s regular Spring and Fall grant cycles, with deadlines on May 15 and November 15. Requests may also be considered outside these cycles during special circumstances, similar to the Heartland Disaster Funds, following a streamlined application, agreement, and reporting process.How the community can helpCommunity foundations exist to bring people together around shared challenges — and food insecurity remains one of the most urgent.This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, Heartland invites the community to make a cash or non-cash gift to the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund to support food-security needs in our area. Donations are accepted year-round and make a real difference in strengthening the programs that keep tables full. The more the fund grows, the more it can grant.Donate online any time here: <a href="https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11164&amp;sorg_id=1039">https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11164&amp;sorg_id=1039</a> or visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.HeartlandCommunityFoundation.org</a>. Click “GIVE ONLINE” and search for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund. For questions, reach out at 785-621-4090 or email heartland@gscf.org.