By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays has agreed to contribute $1 million towards the community center project at the planned mixed housing development, The Grove.

The project, to be built north of Hays Medical Center by Grow Hays, has secured slightly more than $4.2 million of the estimated total cost of $6 million for the project. That includes a $3.6 million grant from the state's capital fund accelerator project.&nbsp;

"This will be an intergenerational facility," said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays.&nbsp;

"It will provide a proper home for our senior center. ... The location now out on the highway (2450 E. 8th) is not safe at certain times and it's difficult to get to. I believe the attendance will be much better in the new facility."&nbsp;

The community center also contains a child care center with 77 slots, which Williams said fits the city's future needs for child care.&nbsp;

"We've made great strides, thanks to Sarah Wasinger and the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, but that doesn't mean the problem is resolved.

"We need to position ourselves for any growth opportunity that comes along and child care is always going to be a part of that, " Williams said.

The facility will also have community rooms for the public to use for events and activities.&nbsp;

"I think it's going to be a great recruiting tool for our community," he said.

Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, spent some time recently at the current senior center, hearing the wants and needs of patrons for something bigger and better.&nbsp;

"I believe we owe these people so much," Jacobs said. "This community was built by the people using this facility and we are now the benefactors of that."

Commissioner Reese Barrick said "we're putting our money where our&nbsp; mouth is. We've been trying to push businesses to help with childcare for the people that work for them. This is a chance for us to help with that part."&nbsp;

Commissioners informally agreed to the request at their Nov. 16 work session following Williams' presentation and made it official during their meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The community center must be completed by late 2025, according to a provision in the state grant.

The money will come from the commission capital reserve fund. Mayor Shaun Musil noted it does not involve a tax hike of any type.&nbsp;

Williams also spoke to the commission about a proposed funding arrangement with Heart of America Development Corporation for future development and a potential rural housing incentive district policy exception for The Grove and Tallgrass Phase 4 developments.

The non-profit economic development group Heart of America purchased the land for the Tallgrass housing addition in January 2020 and the city approved the incentive district in June 2020.&nbsp;

"This project has outperformed anything than we had planned on," Williams said.

Phase 1 is occupied and Phase 2 has 14 of its 18 homes under construction. The first 14 are all sold.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Street infrastructure for Phase 3 and its 12 homes is scheduled to start in the spring.&nbsp;

Heart of America is asking to be cashed out of the first three phases of the Tallgrass development and then moving ahead with Phase 4.&nbsp;

"The current pay-as-you-go policy is somewhat self-limiting in that a developer spends all their money and they have to wait a long, long time to get it back," Williams said.&nbsp;

The rural housing incentive district captures the property tax increments&nbsp;to be paid to the developer over 20 years.&nbsp;

The city would receive the property tax increments and pay Heart of America approximately $2.4 million for recovery of its investment.

City staff would use existing incentive revenues to fund a revenue bond. The monies generated by the bond would allow Heart of America to move forward with Phase 4 of the Tallgrass development as well as the build-out of the industrial park on Commerce Parkway.

"What Doug is pitching tonight is we cash them out and they do these two things," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "But those things would be governed by a new development agreement that spells out all the details.

"We look at this as a pretty safe bet because the revenues - the improvements - are already there. It's highly unlikely property values would drop that much.&nbsp; Very low risk on our part."

Williams also presented the idea of a bonded rural housing incentive district for development of Tallgrass Phase 4 and The Grove. 

It would utilize a financing mechanism where the developer places 30% down, and the infrastructure is then created along with an rural housing incentive district. The city would then issue temporary notes to fund the capital infrastructure improvements. After enough houses are built, the city would use the property taxes generated by the incentive district to fund a revenue bond. 

Dougherty said this plan does come with some risks "of something not getting built, something that exists in our current policy.

"Essentially, we are bonding the remainder of that 70%. So if the lots don't sell or don't get built on,&nbsp;you may end up with a lot but you don't have any revenue to pay those lot special assessments [for infrastructure] and would have to pay it on your own.

"There's a risk profile any way you go on that."

The proposed financing changes will be discussed at a future meeting.

<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GDccXcZC7vE" title="Grow Hays financing plans" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays has agreed to contribute $1 million towards the community center project at the planned mixed housing development, The Grove.The project, to be built north of Hays Medical Center by Grow Hays, has secured slightly more than $4.2 million of the estimated total cost of $6 million for the project. That includes a $3.6 million grant from the state's capital fund accelerator project.&nbsp;"This will be an intergenerational facility," said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays.&nbsp;"It will provide a proper home for our senior center. ... The location now out on the highway (2450 E. 8th) is not safe at certain times and it's difficult to get to. I believe the attendance will be much better in the new facility."&nbsp;The community center also contains a child care center with 77 slots, which Williams said fits the city's future needs for child care.&nbsp;"We've made great strides, thanks to Sarah Wasinger and the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, but that doesn't mean the problem is resolved."We need to position ourselves for any growth opportunity that comes along and child care is always going to be a part of that, " Williams said.The facility will also have community rooms for the public to use for events and activities.&nbsp;"I think it's going to be a great recruiting tool for our community," he said.Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, spent some time recently at the current senior center, hearing the wants and needs of patrons for something bigger and better.&nbsp;"I believe we owe these people so much," Jacobs said. "This community was built by the people using this facility and we are now the benefactors of that."Commissioner Reese Barrick said "we're putting our money where our&nbsp; mouth is. We've been trying to push businesses to help with childcare for the people that work for them. This is a chance for us to help with that part."&nbsp;Commissioners informally agreed to the request at their Nov. 16 work session following Williams' presentation and made it official during their meeting Tuesday afternoon.The community center must be completed by late 2025, according to a provision in the state grant.The money will come from the commission capital reserve fund. Mayor Shaun Musil noted it does not involve a tax hike of any type.&nbsp;Williams also spoke to the commission about a proposed funding arrangement with Heart of America Development Corporation for future development and a potential rural housing incentive district policy exception for The Grove and Tallgrass Phase 4 developments.The non-profit economic development group Heart of America purchased the land for the Tallgrass housing addition in January 2020 and the city approved the incentive district in June 2020.&nbsp;"This project has outperformed anything than we had planned on," Williams said.Phase 1 is occupied and Phase 2 has 14 of its 18 homes under construction. The first 14 are all sold.&nbsp;&nbsp;Street infrastructure for Phase 3 and its 12 homes is scheduled to start in the spring.&nbsp;Heart of America is asking to be cashed out of the first three phases of the Tallgrass development and then moving ahead with Phase 4.&nbsp;"The current pay-as-you-go policy is somewhat self-limiting in that a developer spends all their money and they have to wait a long, long time to get it back," Williams said.&nbsp;The rural housing incentive district captures the property tax increments&nbsp;to be paid to the developer over 20 years.&nbsp;The city would receive the property tax increments and pay Heart of America approximately $2.4 million for recovery of its investment.City staff would use existing incentive revenues to fund a revenue bond. The monies generated by the bond would allow Heart of America to move forward with Phase 4 of the Tallgrass development as well as the build-out of the industrial park on Commerce Parkway."What Doug is pitching tonight is we cash them out and they do these two things," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "But those things would be governed by a new development agreement that spells out all the details."We look at this as a pretty safe bet because the revenues - the improvements - are already there. It's highly unlikely property values would drop that much.&nbsp; Very low risk on our part."Williams also presented the idea of a bonded rural housing incentive district for development of Tallgrass Phase 4 and The Grove. It would utilize a financing mechanism where the developer places 30% down, and the infrastructure is then created along with an rural housing incentive district. The city would then issue temporary notes to fund the capital infrastructure improvements. After enough houses are built, the city would use the property taxes generated by the incentive district to fund a revenue bond. Dougherty said this plan does come with some risks "of something not getting built, something that exists in our current policy."Essentially, we are bonding the remainder of that 70%. So if the lots don't sell or don't get built on,&nbsp;you may end up with a lot but you don't have any revenue to pay those lot special assessments [for infrastructure] and would have to pay it on your own."There's a risk profile any way you go on that."The proposed financing changes will be discussed at a future meeting.

🎥 Grow Hays asks city for $1M, financing changes for housing developments   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700230336307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted

Try out being a 'Monarch for a Day' at TMP-Marian on Jan. 5

GREAT BEND — Join the Fort Hays State University Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a holiday open house from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The center's gift store is stocked with perfect gift selections for any nature enthusiast. Visitors can take advantage of a 40 percent discount on one item, excluding consignment items. Find the hidden Christmas Goose and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.

This year, visitors can decorate bird-shaped sugar cookies to resemble the birds that visit Cheyenne Bottoms. Participants can also build a unique nature ornament to take home.

No registration is required for this free, family-friendly event. Kickstart your holiday spirit with a visit to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMEYWEZ_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbpTT0C-2B3R-2FJuadJb9kL3abTggBrY-2Fk-2BymeRRIH-2FHfSKbRzniu1BJnfGXd8qgPqBnWXY5i7Li9JkXU95HMvd07yOdJ1UHspTVn1lK-2Bnvt9QTpmHZgAhIN1FEtvNxd4YwWbzG5yYO8gFyX6DUyQCSL82wERDEpx-2F-2BW9kbdgxxuFqNg7pMULxUmgZKMBaczIkAiDbISfaMQEfhuCZP5XyRiAIi7gtw06jI6ulNlFQbXbcLCcOFsTjwmmK4o5HB47mIrCaCHCAdhtjRMFwWZNLlwEpw-3D-3D" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700494871782.jpeg" alt="KWEC" />
 <figcaption>KWEC</figcaption>
 </figure>KWEC GREAT BEND — Join the Fort Hays State University Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a holiday open house from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 2.The center's gift store is stocked with perfect gift selections for any nature enthusiast. Visitors can take advantage of a 40 percent discount on one item, excluding consignment items. Find the hidden Christmas Goose and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.This year, visitors can decorate bird-shaped sugar cookies to resemble the birds that visit Cheyenne Bottoms. Participants can also build a unique nature ornament to take home.No registration is required for this free, family-friendly event. Kickstart your holiday spirit with a visit to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=AzU7JuM9gNoo13mIpsUPJFGAsRGoL0-2FbjeliW-2Fj2r2aNIeZS-2B4-2BIyzaQbuh7JNMEYWEZ_scuE6QATIAo5tLVPwSgAru2c-2BhK2yoyXg2bmw7NiE0fAh1KPMZMELOQP7nofz6yYQ-2Bqf093MhwFAtRepL8jHlz54IAfPLuFjTL9o8QdaXZuZ89uG8p7HAdjtWBhgDXVbpTT0C-2B3R-2FJuadJb9kL3abTggBrY-2Fk-2BymeRRIH-2FHfSKbRzniu1BJnfGXd8qgPqBnWXY5i7Li9JkXU95HMvd07yOdJ1UHspTVn1lK-2Bnvt9QTpmHZgAhIN1FEtvNxd4YwWbzG5yYO8gFyX6DUyQCSL82wERDEpx-2F-2BW9kbdgxxuFqNg7pMULxUmgZKMBaczIkAiDbISfaMQEfhuCZP5XyRiAIi7gtw06jI6ulNlFQbXbcLCcOFsTjwmmK4o5HB47mIrCaCHCAdhtjRMFwWZNLlwEpw-3D-3D" target="_blank">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center to celebrate holiday open house Dec. 2

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can personally answer your food safety questions on weekdays year-round.

The hotline receives more than 50,000 calls yearly. This toll-free telephone service, which began July 1, 1985, helps prevent foodborne illness by answering questions about the safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.

Food Safety Questions? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. If you have questions about meat, poultry, or egg products, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll fee at 1-888-674-6854. The Hotline is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm Eastern time and is available in English or Spanish. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. Check out the FSIS Web site at <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/">www.fsis.usda.gov</a>. Send email questions to MPHotline@usda.gov.

The hotline is staffed by food safety specialists with backgrounds in home economics, nutrition, and food technology.

The majority of calls come from consumers regarding how to properly handle their food, including food safety during power outages, food manufacturer recalls, foodborne illnesses, and the inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products.

Hotline Answers Millions of Calls The hotline has answered over 2 million calls as part of USDA's consumer food safety education efforts. Often the first question callers ask is, "Are you a real person?" The hotline is one of the rare services where a live person answers callers individually specific questions one-on-one.

In the more than 35 years of operation, callers have asked the hotline increasingly more sophisticated questions. Now they frequently know the names of bacteria many people had never heard of 10 or 20 years ago.

From novice cooks wondering how long to safely roast a chicken to more experienced food handlers asking about additives, residues, and foodborne bacteria. Hotline food safety specialists have heard it all—2 million times over.

Hotline Services Available in Spanish

 Beginning in 2002, the toll-free Hotline extended its service to callers whose first language is Spanish. By touching the appropriate number at the prompt, callers will be connected to a Spanish-speaking food safety specialist who can answer their questions. Callers may also listen to more than 50 food safety messages recorded in Spanish, 24 hours a day.

The hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central Time and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m., Eastern Time, but closed on other federal government holidays.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline can personally answer your food safety questions on weekdays year-round.The hotline receives more than 50,000 calls yearly. This toll-free telephone service, which began July 1, 1985, helps prevent foodborne illness by answering questions about the safe storage, handling, and preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.Food Safety Questions? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. If you have questions about meat, poultry, or egg products, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll fee at 1-888-674-6854. The Hotline is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm Eastern time and is available in English or Spanish. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. Check out the FSIS Web site at <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/">www.fsis.usda.gov</a>. Send email questions to MPHotline@usda.gov.The hotline is staffed by food safety specialists with backgrounds in home economics, nutrition, and food technology.The majority of calls come from consumers regarding how to properly handle their food, including food safety during power outages, food manufacturer recalls, foodborne illnesses, and the inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products.Hotline Answers Millions of Calls The hotline has answered over 2 million calls as part of USDA's consumer food safety education efforts. Often the first question callers ask is, "Are you a real person?" The hotline is one of the rare services where a live person answers callers individually specific questions one-on-one.In the more than 35 years of operation, callers have asked the hotline increasingly more sophisticated questions. Now they frequently know the names of bacteria many people had never heard of 10 or 20 years ago.From novice cooks wondering how long to safely roast a chicken to more experienced food handlers asking about additives, residues, and foodborne bacteria. Hotline food safety specialists have heard it all—2 million times over.Hotline Services Available in Spanish Beginning in 2002, the toll-free Hotline extended its service to callers whose first language is Spanish. By touching the appropriate number at the prompt, callers will be connected to a Spanish-speaking food safety specialist who can answer their questions. Callers may also listen to more than 50 food safety messages recorded in Spanish, 24 hours a day.The hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central Time and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m., Eastern Time, but closed on other federal government holidays.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: USDA Meat, Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700591860365.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

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A Ransom man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child in
2015 was sentenced to life in prison Monday in Ellis County District Court.

Robert Wayne Evel, 54, was arrested in 2022 and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328945bd-3185-4168-beee-a63606c71842">charged </a>in
Ellis County with one count each of aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted rape,
aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal threat.

According to court documents, Evel was accused of assaulting
a child, who was 10 years-old at the time, between June 1, 2015, and August 31,
2015.

In September a jury, after four hours of deliberation, found
Evel <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3497e49-d392-4531-93de-5f9bbcc3bc20">guilty on all four counts.</a>

Because the victim was 10 years old at the time of the crime,
the three most serious felony charges fall under the Jessica’s Law statue.

In Kansas, a conviction under Jessica’s Law carries a
lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years if the
defendant is older than 18, and the victim is younger than 14.

Monday Evel and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and a motion for acquittal based on inconsistencies in the trial.

Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied the
motions.

The victim addressed the court and said, “the only thing
that matters is that he can’t do this to any other child.”

During his opportunity to address the court before
sentencing, Evel said that the victim gave a lot of inconsistent answers in her
testimony and interviews with the police. He questioned whether the county
attorney’s office and the court was, “looking for the truth or just imprisonment.”

During sentencing, Evel had also requested a downward or durational
departure. A downward departure allows the judge to issue a prison sentence
shorter than what is in the sentencing guidelines. 

In handing down his sentence Braun addressed testimony from
a friend of Evel who testified on his behalf and asked the court to allow him
to, “live as a free man.”

Braun said, “The victim will never live as a free woman. She
will live with that pain and scars for the rest of her life.”

He also said that Evel took advantage of the trust the
victim had built with Evel when he was her mother’s boyfriend.

Braun sentenced Evel to life in prison without the possibility
of parole for 25 years for the three Jessica’s Law crimes — charges of aggravated
criminal sodomy, attempted rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Under Kansas law, only the convictions for aggravated criminal
sodomy and attempted rape can run consecutively for
a total of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years.

The life sentence for aggravated indecent liberties with a
child and the six month sentence for criminal threat will run concurrently to
the other charges.

Evel was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County
Sheriff's Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA Ransom man found guilty of sexually assaulting a child in
2015 was sentenced to life in prison Monday in Ellis County District Court.Robert Wayne Evel, 54, was arrested in 2022 and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/328945bd-3185-4168-beee-a63606c71842">charged </a>in
Ellis County with one count each of aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted rape,
aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal threat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694529800148.png" alt="Evel photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Evel photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court documents, Evel was accused of assaulting
a child, who was 10 years-old at the time, between June 1, 2015, and August 31,
2015.In September a jury, after four hours of deliberation, found
Evel <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d3497e49-d392-4531-93de-5f9bbcc3bc20">guilty on all four counts.</a>Because the victim was 10 years old at the time of the crime,
the three most serious felony charges fall under the Jessica’s Law statue.In Kansas, a conviction under Jessica’s Law carries a
lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years if the
defendant is older than 18, and the victim is younger than 14.Monday Evel and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and a motion for acquittal based on inconsistencies in the trial.Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied the
motions.The victim addressed the court and said, “the only thing
that matters is that he can’t do this to any other child.”During his opportunity to address the court before
sentencing, Evel said that the victim gave a lot of inconsistent answers in her
testimony and interviews with the police. He questioned whether the county
attorney’s office and the court was, “looking for the truth or just imprisonment.”During sentencing, Evel had also requested a downward or durational
departure. A downward departure allows the judge to issue a prison sentence
shorter than what is in the sentencing guidelines. Braun also denied that motion.In handing down his sentence Braun addressed testimony from
a friend of Evel who testified on his behalf and asked the court to allow him
to, “live as a free man.”Braun said, “The victim will never live as a free woman. She
will live with that pain and scars for the rest of her life.”He also said that Evel took advantage of the trust the
victim had built with Evel when he was her mother’s boyfriend.Braun sentenced Evel to life in prison without the possibility
of parole for 25 years for the three Jessica’s Law crimes — charges of aggravated
criminal sodomy, attempted rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Under Kansas law, only the convictions for aggravated criminal
sodomy and attempted rape can run consecutively for
a total of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years.The life sentence for aggravated indecent liberties with a
child and the six month sentence for criminal threat will run concurrently to
the other charges.Evel was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County
Sheriff's Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Ransom man sentenced to life in prison for child sex crimes

A former Victoria resident, convicted of 10 child sex crimes,
was sentenced this week to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years.

Daniel Betancourt, 38, was arrested in August 2021, on a 2007
arrest warrant and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7bf26a96-27fb-4a5c-86a8-d3f80cf2115a">was found guilty by a jury in August of 10 felony
counts.</a>

According to the Ellis County Attorney’s office, the charges
stem from child abuse crimes that occurred between February and March of 2007.

The complaint was filed in 2007 under former Ellis County
Attorney Tom Drees, and an arrest warrant was issued for Betancourt. He fled
to Mexico for 14 years, according to County Attorney Robert Anderson, before he
was arrested on August 22, 2021.

Betancourt was charged with 10 child sex abuse felonies. All
10 fall under the Jessica’s Law statute. 

According to Kansas law, a conviction under Jessica’s Law
carries a lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25
years if the defendant is older than 18 and the victim is younger than 14.

Betancourt was accused of assaulting the daughters of his
girlfriend at the time. The victims were 7 and 8 years old when they
were assaulted.

He was charged and found guilty of three counts of rape,
five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent
liberties with a child.

At Monday’s sentencing in Ellis County District Court, Betancourt
argued the state did not do enough to prove that he was at the Victoria
residence when the crimes occurred. 

Betancourt and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and for durational departure. Durational departure allows the judge to
change the length of the prison sentence.

Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied both
motions.

During allocution, Betancourt asked the judge for leniency. His
attorney also read a letter from Betancourt’s mother in support of her son.

The victim’s mother elected to address the court on behalf
of her daughters. 

She said Betancourt “knows what he did was wrong,” and the
sentencing will, “let my daughters be at peace.”

Braun said during the testimony the victims, “gave some
of the most concise testimony” he had heard and the girls, “did not waiver.”

Braun added the girls called Betancourt dad and, “you
took advantage of that trust and stole their innocence.”

Braun sentenced Betacourt to 25 years without the possibility
of parole on two counts of rape. Those are to run consecutively for a total of
50 years with the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Betancourt was also found guilting of the remaining rape
charge, five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated
indecent liberties with a child.

Under Kansas law, only the first two sentences can run consecutively. The rest of the sentences must run concurrently with
the first two. 

While Betancourt was sentenced to life without the
possibility of parole for 25 years on all 10 charges, he can only be sentenced
to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years.

Betancourt’s defense team filed a notice of appeal before
the sentencing hearing.

He was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff's
Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA former Victoria resident, convicted of 10 child sex crimes,
was sentenced this week to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years.Daniel Betancourt, 38, was arrested in August 2021, on a 2007
arrest warrant and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7bf26a96-27fb-4a5c-86a8-d3f80cf2115a">was found guilty by a jury in August of 10 felony
counts.</a>According to the Ellis County Attorney’s office, the charges
stem from child abuse crimes that occurred between February and March of 2007.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692399746319.png" alt="Betancourt" />
 <figcaption>Betancourt</figcaption>
 </figure>The complaint was filed in 2007 under former Ellis County
Attorney Tom Drees, and an arrest warrant was issued for Betancourt. He fled
to Mexico for 14 years, according to County Attorney Robert Anderson, before he
was arrested on August 22, 2021.Betancourt was charged with 10 child sex abuse felonies. All
10 fall under the Jessica’s Law statute. According to Kansas law, a conviction under Jessica’s Law
carries a lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole for 25
years if the defendant is older than 18 and the victim is younger than 14.Betancourt was accused of assaulting the daughters of his
girlfriend at the time. The victims were 7 and 8 years old when they
were assaulted.He was charged and found guilty of three counts of rape,
five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent
liberties with a child.At Monday’s sentencing in Ellis County District Court, Betancourt
argued the state did not do enough to prove that he was at the Victoria
residence when the crimes occurred. Betancourt and his defense team filed a motion for a new
trial and for durational departure. Durational departure allows the judge to
change the length of the prison sentence.Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun denied both
motions.During allocution, Betancourt asked the judge for leniency. His
attorney also read a letter from Betancourt’s mother in support of her son.The victim’s mother elected to address the court on behalf
of her daughters. She said Betancourt “knows what he did was wrong,” and the
sentencing will, “let my daughters be at peace.”Braun said during the testimony the victims, “gave some
of the most concise testimony” he had heard and the girls, “did not waiver.”Braun added the girls called Betancourt dad and, “you
took advantage of that trust and stole their innocence.”Braun sentenced Betacourt to 25 years without the possibility
of parole on two counts of rape. Those are to run consecutively for a total of
50 years with the Kansas Department of Corrections.Betancourt was also found guilting of the remaining rape
charge, five counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated
indecent liberties with a child.Under Kansas law, only the first two sentences can run consecutively. The rest of the sentences must run concurrently with
the first two. While Betancourt was sentenced to life without the
possibility of parole for 25 years on all 10 charges, he can only be sentenced
to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years.Betancourt’s defense team filed a notice of appeal before
the sentencing hearing.He was remanded to the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff's
Office awaiting transportation to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Former Victoria man sentenced to life for child sex crimes

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a>, President and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Vice President of Membership Leigh Purdy about advocacy at The Chamber.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Advocacy remains large part of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas mission" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kuxic-1504c7a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with <a href="https://hayschamber.com/" target="_blank">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a>, President and CEO Sarah Wasinger and Vice President of Membership Leigh Purdy about advocacy at The Chamber.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Advocacy remains large part of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas mission

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Government reports were delayed last week because of a systems upgrade at the Energy Information Administration. But the record-setting continued. 

Production in the week through November 3 reached 13,236,000 barrels per day, the highest weekly average ever. Output in the following week, the week through November 10, was down slightly but still high enough to tie for second-best ever, topping 13.2 million barrels per day for the sixth week in a row.

Energy Information Administration reported the biggest two-week increase in crude-oil inventories in recent memory. As of November 10, stockpiles were a fraction above 430 million barrels. That's up 3.6 million barrels from last week, which was more than 13 million barrels above the week before. Stockpiles remain about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Crude oil imports last week dropped to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is more than three percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 618 active drilling rigs Friday, up six oil rigs while the gas rig count dropped by four. Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two rigs from last week. 

The Kansas Rig Count is up eight percent from a week ago, up more than two percent from a month ago, but down 25 percent from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 22 west of Wichita, which is up two from last week. Drilling was underway or about to start on three leases in Barton County Friday.

Kansas regulators okayed 31 permits for drilling at new locations last week. So far this year that's 1,171 new permits, down 20% from a year ago.&nbsp; There are 14 new drilling locations in western Kansas, including two in Barton County and two in Russell County.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 40 new well completions for the week. That's 1,525 so far this year, up 105 wells over last year at this time. Out of 25 completions west of Wichita, operators completed three wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

The West’s sanctions on Russian oil exports are failing to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, meaning the measures are not succeeding in one of their principal objectives. A study cited by Bloomberg showed that nearly ALL seaborne shipments were for oil priced over the $60 per barrel cap. Government data show revenues from petrodollars nearly doubled between April and October, to more than $13 billion last month.

Western allies are ramping up pressure on the shippers, and the ships, used to violate the sanctions. The European Union has tasked Denmark with scrutinizing the so-called "ghost ships" Moscow uses to transport crude oil while avoiding Western price caps. According to a Bloomberg report, Russia sold 99% of its crude above the West's price cap of $60 a barrel last month. The Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian ships that sail through the Danish straits. Russia sends the equivalent of two million barrels of oil through the straits each day. That's 60% of its total seaborne crude exports.&nbsp; The U.S. announced penalties against three companies, and three ships were designated "blocked property."

A Reuters report says the EU wants to ban the sale of crude-oil tankers. The measure would outlaw the sale or use in Russia of tankers to haul crude oil. The new sanctions also include efforts to block access to Russia's diamond industry. The U.S. imposed sanctions against three companies involved in transporting sanctioned crude at prices below the cap. Three ships were designated "blocked property."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsGovernment reports were delayed last week because of a systems upgrade at the Energy Information Administration. But the record-setting continued. Production in the week through November 3 reached 13,236,000 barrels per day, the highest weekly average ever. Output in the following week, the week through November 10, was down slightly but still high enough to tie for second-best ever, topping 13.2 million barrels per day for the sixth week in a row.Energy Information Administration reported the biggest two-week increase in crude-oil inventories in recent memory. As of November 10, stockpiles were a fraction above 430 million barrels. That's up 3.6 million barrels from last week, which was more than 13 million barrels above the week before. Stockpiles remain about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.Crude oil imports last week dropped to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is more than three percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes showed 618 active drilling rigs Friday, up six oil rigs while the gas rig count dropped by four. Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota were each up two rigs from last week. The Kansas Rig Count is up eight percent from a week ago, up more than two percent from a month ago, but down 25 percent from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 17 active rigs in eastern Kansas, up one, and 22 west of Wichita, which is up two from last week. Drilling was underway or about to start on three leases in Barton County Friday.Kansas regulators okayed 31 permits for drilling at new locations last week. So far this year that's 1,171 new permits, down 20% from a year ago.&nbsp; There are 14 new drilling locations in western Kansas, including two in Barton County and two in Russell County.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 40 new well completions for the week. That's 1,525 so far this year, up 105 wells over last year at this time. Out of 25 completions west of Wichita, operators completed three wells in Barton County and one in Ellis County.The West’s sanctions on Russian oil exports are failing to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, meaning the measures are not succeeding in one of their principal objectives. A study cited by Bloomberg showed that nearly ALL seaborne shipments were for oil priced over the $60 per barrel cap. Government data show revenues from petrodollars nearly doubled between April and October, to more than $13 billion last month.Western allies are ramping up pressure on the shippers, and the ships, used to violate the sanctions. The European Union has tasked Denmark with scrutinizing the so-called "ghost ships" Moscow uses to transport crude oil while avoiding Western price caps. According to a Bloomberg report, Russia sold 99% of its crude above the West's price cap of $60 a barrel last month. The Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian ships that sail through the Danish straits. Russia sends the equivalent of two million barrels of oil through the straits each day. That's 60% of its total seaborne crude exports.&nbsp; The U.S. announced penalties against three companies, and three ships were designated "blocked property."A Reuters report says the EU wants to ban the sale of crude-oil tankers. The measure would outlaw the sale or use in Russia of tankers to haul crude oil. The new sanctions also include efforts to block access to Russia's diamond industry. The U.S. imposed sanctions against three companies involved in transporting sanctioned crude at prices below the cap. Three ships were designated "blocked property."

News from the Oil Patch: Targeting the shippers, and the ships

TOPEKA — Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;Assistant Executive Director Craig Manteuffel announced his plans to retire on Sept. 30.&nbsp;He has served in this position since July 1, 2015.

During his tenure, Manteuffel maintained administrative leadership for the activities of music, debate, speech and spirit. Additionally, Manteuffel was involved with general interpretations of KSHSAA rules for the member schools of the association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Mr. Manteuffel has demonstrated steady, thoughtful and engaged leadership for the member schools we serve,” noted KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “His desire to inspire students through connections to learning and growth opportunities helped prepare countless students to be successful in life and will resonate across our great state and beyond for years to come.”

A native of Hays, Manteuffel graduated from Hays High School and earned his undergraduate degree in instrumental/vocal music education from Fort Hays State University. He also earned a Master's of Liberal Studies/Fine Arts with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from Fort Hays State.&nbsp;Prior to joining the staff of the KSHSAA, Manteuffel had teaching and coaching stints in Otis-Bison Schools (1986-1996) and at Hays High School (1996-2015).&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

During his tenure with the KSHSAA, Manteuffel provided timely leadership and support, never wavering from the mission. His leadership inspired significant upgrades to the KSHSAA music program which allows for a new custom program to schedule performances and adjudicators, while tracking performance scores. Even through the challenges of a pandemic, Manteuffel persevered, and music students were provided opportunities for festival performances, which allowed for feedback and ratings. Additionally, Manteuffel developed and implemented a first-of-its-kind annual State Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. As the leader of spirit activities, Manteuffel solidified a positive relationship with partner company Varsity Spirit to create and launch the Game Day Spirit Showcase, a culminating statewide event for cheer teams and dance teams.

During his 38-year career in education, serving as a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Manteuffel never stopped learning, using those lessons to inform his work as a state and national leader.

He is admired as an active contributor to the National Federation of State High School Associations, serving four years as the chair of that group's Music Committee, providing a steady hand during and after the pandemic with his leadership helping provide educators and administrators guidance for best practices for music education.

He was active with the Kansas Music Educators Association, which included service as district and state band chairperson, northwest district site coordinator and president.

Additionally, Manteuffel was selected to serve as the Kansas Music Educators Association state president and served six years on the&nbsp;Kansas Music Educators Association executive council (2009-2015). As he retires from the KSHSAA, Mr. Manteuffel will serve as&nbsp;Kansas Music Educators Association executive director.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;Assistant Executive Director Craig Manteuffel announced his plans to retire on Sept. 30.&nbsp;He has served in this position since July 1, 2015.During his tenure, Manteuffel maintained administrative leadership for the activities of music, debate, speech and spirit. Additionally, Manteuffel was involved with general interpretations of KSHSAA rules for the member schools of the association.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Mr. Manteuffel has demonstrated steady, thoughtful and engaged leadership for the member schools we serve,” noted KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “His desire to inspire students through connections to learning and growth opportunities helped prepare countless students to be successful in life and will resonate across our great state and beyond for years to come.”A native of Hays, Manteuffel graduated from Hays High School and earned his undergraduate degree in instrumental/vocal music education from Fort Hays State University. He also earned a Master's of Liberal Studies/Fine Arts with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from Fort Hays State.&nbsp;Prior to joining the staff of the KSHSAA, Manteuffel had teaching and coaching stints in Otis-Bison Schools (1986-1996) and at Hays High School (1996-2015).&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;During his tenure with the KSHSAA, Manteuffel provided timely leadership and support, never wavering from the mission. His leadership inspired significant upgrades to the KSHSAA music program which allows for a new custom program to schedule performances and adjudicators, while tracking performance scores. Even through the challenges of a pandemic, Manteuffel persevered, and music students were provided opportunities for festival performances, which allowed for feedback and ratings. Additionally, Manteuffel developed and implemented a first-of-its-kind annual State Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. As the leader of spirit activities, Manteuffel solidified a positive relationship with partner company Varsity Spirit to create and launch the Game Day Spirit Showcase, a culminating statewide event for cheer teams and dance teams.During his 38-year career in education, serving as a teacher, coach, director and administrator, Manteuffel never stopped learning, using those lessons to inform his work as a state and national leader.He is admired as an active contributor to the National Federation of State High School Associations, serving four years as the chair of that group's Music Committee, providing a steady hand during and after the pandemic with his leadership helping provide educators and administrators guidance for best practices for music education.He was active with the Kansas Music Educators Association, which included service as district and state band chairperson, northwest district site coordinator and president.Additionally, Manteuffel was selected to serve as the Kansas Music Educators Association state president and served six years on the&nbsp;Kansas Music Educators Association executive council (2009-2015). As he retires from the KSHSAA, Mr. Manteuffel will serve as&nbsp;Kansas Music Educators Association executive director.&nbsp;

Hays native, KSHSAA assistant director announces retirement

A Hays man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing
his wife and trying to cover it up as a suicide.

Colby Alan Trickle, 29, was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6c032e6-536c-4ad8-b646-fea6b6b293bf">found guilty</a> by a jury in September
of first degree premeditated murder and interference with law enforcement.

On the morning of Oct. 31, 2019, 26-year-old Kristen Trickle
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">was found dead </a>of a gunshot wound to the head at her home. The 911 caller
reported the incident as a suicide.

But according to Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron
Cunningham, investigators worked through the evidence and determined that Kristen
was murdered, and they identified her husband, Colby, as the main suspect.

In front of a standing room only courtroom, at Monday’s
hearing in Ellis County District Court, Cunningham said investigators
determined that 10 days before Kristen was found dead, Colby Trickle searched
the internet for information on how to collect on her life insurance policy. 

Trickle was also engaged in an online affair at the time,
according to investigators.

Investigators also learned that Colby collected on Kristen’s
life insurance policies, and he spent all of the money in just a few months
after her death.

Cunningham said during Monday’s sentencing that Colby, “murdered
his wife for insurance money and then wasted it.”

During his allocution Colby apologized for being a bad husband
and son but continued to claim that he did not shoot his wife and that he was being
“wrongfully persecuted.”

Chief Judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court,
Glenn Braun oversaw the trial and Monday’s sentencing and said that Colby,
Trickle’s mother, who testified on his behalf, and two family members of Kristen’s
who spoke on her behalf all talked about family.

But there is only one person that won’t be involved with her
family again and that is Kristen.

Braun added there was clear evidence her murder
was connected to money.

“There is clear evidence that this crime was committed for
financial gain,” Braun said. And that Trickle has, “refused to take one iota of
responsibility.”

Cunningham applauded the work of all those involved in the
prosecution, including the investigators with he Hays Police Department and
Kansas Bureau of Investigation, court and the county attorney’s staff and Kristen’s
family.

He also apologized for a nearly year and a half delay in the
case.

According to County Attorney Robert Anderson, Kristen’s case
was among dozens that were caught in a backlog at the county attorney’s office
when he took office.

Anderson said that investigators urged his office to take
another look at the case and that Cunningham was eager to take the lead in the
case and bring justice for Kristen and her family.

Monday, just three days before his 30th birthday,
Colby was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years for first
degree, premeditated murder. 

Braun also sentenced Colby to six months for interfering
with law enforcement.

Kristen’s remains are still in the possession of Colby’s mother
and the county attorney’s office filed a motion to get her ashes back for her
family.

The defense argued the motion should go before a civil
court judge to determine what is ultimately done with her ashes.

County Attorney Robert Anderson asked that while the case
moves forward in civil court, that the Hays Police Department be allowed to house
them for safe keeping.

Braun ordered Colby’s mother to hand over the remains to the
police when they ask while the civil case is decided.

Colby was remanded to the care of the Ellis County Sheriff’s
department and will be transported to Kansas Department of Corrections custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714143945539.png" alt="Trickle is being held in the Ellsworth Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Trickle is being held in the Ellsworth Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA Hays man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing
his wife and trying to cover it up as a suicide.Colby Alan Trickle, 29, was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6c032e6-536c-4ad8-b646-fea6b6b293bf">found guilty</a> by a jury in September
of first degree premeditated murder and interference with law enforcement.On the morning of Oct. 31, 2019, 26-year-old Kristen Trickle
<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc229296-d187-4557-9cd4-e18e936e0994">was found dead </a>of a gunshot wound to the head at her home. The 911 caller
reported the incident as a suicide. But according to Assistant Ellis County Attorney Aaron
Cunningham, investigators worked through the evidence and determined that Kristen
was murdered, and they identified her husband, Colby, as the main suspect.In front of a standing room only courtroom, at Monday’s
hearing in Ellis County District Court, Cunningham said investigators
determined that 10 days before Kristen was found dead, Colby Trickle searched
the internet for information on how to collect on her life insurance policy. Trickle was also engaged in an online affair at the time,
according to investigators.Investigators also learned that Colby collected on Kristen’s
life insurance policies, and he spent all of the money in just a few months
after her death.Cunningham said during Monday’s sentencing that Colby, “murdered
his wife for insurance money and then wasted it.”During his allocution Colby apologized for being a bad husband
and son but continued to claim that he did not shoot his wife and that he was being
“wrongfully persecuted.”Chief Judge of the 23rd Judicial District Court,
Glenn Braun oversaw the trial and Monday’s sentencing and said that Colby,
Trickle’s mother, who testified on his behalf, and two family members of Kristen’s
who spoke on her behalf all talked about family.But there is only one person that won’t be involved with her
family again and that is Kristen.Braun added there was clear evidence her murder
was connected to money.“There is clear evidence that this crime was committed for
financial gain,” Braun said. And that Trickle has, “refused to take one iota of
responsibility.”Cunningham applauded the work of all those involved in the
prosecution, including the investigators with he Hays Police Department and
Kansas Bureau of Investigation, court and the county attorney’s staff and Kristen’s
family.He also apologized for a nearly year and a half delay in the
case.According to County Attorney Robert Anderson, Kristen’s case
was among dozens that were caught in a backlog at the county attorney’s office
when he took office.Anderson said that investigators urged his office to take
another look at the case and that Cunningham was eager to take the lead in the
case and bring justice for Kristen and her family.Monday, just three days before his 30th birthday,
Colby was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years for first
degree, premeditated murder. Braun also sentenced Colby to six months for interfering
with law enforcement.Kristen’s remains are still in the possession of Colby’s mother
and the county attorney’s office filed a motion to get her ashes back for her
family.The defense argued the motion should go before a civil
court judge to determine what is ultimately done with her ashes.County Attorney Robert Anderson asked that while the case
moves forward in civil court, that the Hays Police Department be allowed to house
them for safe keeping.Colby refused.Braun ordered Colby’s mother to hand over the remains to the
police when they ask while the civil case is decided.Colby was remanded to the care of the Ellis County Sheriff’s
department and will be transported to Kansas Department of Corrections custody.

Hays man gets life for killing wife

Ellis County Jail bookings, Nov. 13-20, 2023

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 208&nbsp; incidents Nov. 12-18 2023, according to the incident report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 208&nbsp; incidents Nov. 12-18 2023, according to the incident report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff's Activity Log, Nov. 12-18, 2023

The Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board recently presented its first quarterly report to the Hays City Commission.

The idea to form the seven-member group of Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian High students came from then-mayor Mason Ruder to promote and encourage community development and involvement with young leaders within Hays.

"I was actually involved in something similar back when I was in sixth grade," Ruder said in a Hays Post interview, "but I really don't think it knew what it wanted to be and disbanded."

As a full-time student at Fort Hays State University, Ruder was looking for a capstone project for his leadership studies class, and the idea popped up.

"Everybody wants the youth involved and to keep that brain drain from happening. An involved community stays and grows," he said.

Isabelle Jones, vice-chairperson and Hays High student, told commissioners, "Our main goal when we came together was really to find more ways in the community to get people involved, especially aiming toward high school and middle school ages. We felt like there's a lot to do for college ages and adults."

"But also with our events, we wanted to allow families and make community-wide events that everyone could attend," she said.

They started with outdoor movie nights under the pavilion in downtown Hays with free popcorn and water.

"We targeted high school students with our first one, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,'" said&nbsp;Evyn Cox, chairperson of the board and a Hays High School senior.

"We thought it went really well and had a pretty good turnout for the first one."

More movie nights will be indoors as the weather turns cooler.&nbsp;

They most recently planned an event dragging Main Street in cooperation with the Hays Police Department, followed by a free concert in Municipal Park.&nbsp;

The group meets once a month and has some big projects in the works.

Preston Mermis, TMP-Marian, has plans to initiate an Explorers program with the Hays Fire Department.&nbsp;

"It introduces youth members, basically high school students, into the fire service," Mermis said. "We're working with regional fire departments to try and enact programs."

Mermis, who is working on his Eagle Scout award, also wants to do something similar with the Hays Police Department.&nbsp;

"I'm really excited about this," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. 

"I've had the opportunity to sit in on some of their meetings and got to hear about this one from the very beginning. You're very passionate about it," she said to Mermis, "and whenever you're passionate about something, it's going to work. I know this is going to happen."

Their main contact for working on projects with city departments and personnel is Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, who attends each meeting.

The leadership board was appointed by the mayor of Hays upon recommendations from the schools and unanimously approved by the city commission.&nbsp;

"I feel we've been welcomed very well, and every single idea we've had has been taken very seriously, even if it's just a passing thought or something for the very distant future," Cox said in the Hays Post interview. "It's made me appreciate more what goes into running the city."

Mia Lang, social media coordinator and TMP-Marian student, said she appreciated the support system the city commission has given.

 "They're really hoping for us to succeed, and they're helping us in any way they can," she said.

Both young women said this experience will make them more successful leaders.

The high school students want younger students to understand the importance of local government and the democratic process.&nbsp;

They'll soon be working with TMP-Marian eighth graders to run a mock election. Hays Middle School is expected to opt in next year.&nbsp;

"It'll give them the experience of voting," Cox said.

 Jones said, "We'll also talk to them about what makes a good candidate and what qualities can you look for."

Reese Barrick, commissioner, said "I think it's a really important thing for you to think about and be involved in, especially when you're in Hays High School. The [Hays USD 489] school board election is affecting you immediately, even if you're not [yet] voting. Getting involved and educating others and promoting different candidates impacts you."&nbsp;

Details are still being discussed about a community mural competition with artwork representing Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There's just seven of you, and look at the influence that you guys have had in just five months," Ruder said.&nbsp;"It's already created such a positive influence in the community."

He urged them to "continue to spread that contagious nature of community involvement."

"I don't know if I ever imagined what these guys would do with this board. These seven kids are amazing," he said.

Members of the inaugural Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board are&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700241853289.jpeg" alt="Preston Mermis, Thomas More Prep-Marian; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High School, Mia Lang; TMP; Evyn Cox, HHS; and Isabelle Jones, HHS; members of the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board, present their first quarter report to the Hays City Commission on Nov. 9. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Preston Mermis, Thomas More Prep-Marian; Henry Fitzthum, Hays High School, Mia Lang; TMP; Evyn Cox, HHS; and Isabelle Jones, HHS; members of the Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board, present their first quarter report to the Hays City Commission on Nov. 9. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board recently presented its first quarterly report to the Hays City Commission.The idea to form the seven-member group of Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian High students came from then-mayor Mason Ruder to promote and encourage community development and involvement with young leaders within Hays."I was actually involved in something similar back when I was in sixth grade," Ruder said in a Hays Post interview, "but I really don't think it knew what it wanted to be and disbanded."As a full-time student at Fort Hays State University, Ruder was looking for a capstone project for his leadership studies class, and the idea popped up."Everybody wants the youth involved and to keep that brain drain from happening. An involved community stays and grows," he said.Isabelle Jones, vice-chairperson and Hays High student, told commissioners, "Our main goal when we came together was really to find more ways in the community to get people involved, especially aiming toward high school and middle school ages. We felt like there's a lot to do for college ages and adults.""But also with our events, we wanted to allow families and make community-wide events that everyone could attend," she said.They started with outdoor movie nights under the pavilion in downtown Hays with free popcorn and water."We targeted high school students with our first one, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,'" said&nbsp;Evyn Cox, chairperson of the board and a Hays High School senior."We thought it went really well and had a pretty good turnout for the first one."More movie nights will be indoors as the weather turns cooler.&nbsp;They most recently planned an event dragging Main Street in cooperation with the Hays Police Department, followed by a free concert in Municipal Park.&nbsp;The group meets once a month and has some big projects in the works.Preston Mermis, TMP-Marian, has plans to initiate an Explorers program with the Hays Fire Department.&nbsp;"It introduces youth members, basically high school students, into the fire service," Mermis said. "We're working with regional fire departments to try and enact programs."Mermis, who is working on his Eagle Scout award, also wants to do something similar with the Hays Police Department.&nbsp;"I'm really excited about this," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor. "I've had the opportunity to sit in on some of their meetings and got to hear about this one from the very beginning. You're very passionate about it," she said to Mermis, "and whenever you're passionate about something, it's going to work. I know this is going to happen."Their main contact for working on projects with city departments and personnel is Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, who attends each meeting.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/laNmeJLSMQQ" title="Hays Youth Advisory Board" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The leadership board was appointed by the mayor of Hays upon recommendations from the schools and unanimously approved by the city commission.&nbsp;"I feel we've been welcomed very well, and every single idea we've had has been taken very seriously, even if it's just a passing thought or something for the very distant future," Cox said in the Hays Post interview. "It's made me appreciate more what goes into running the city."Mia Lang, social media coordinator and TMP-Marian student, said she appreciated the support system the city commission has given. "They're really hoping for us to succeed, and they're helping us in any way they can," she said.Both young women said this experience will make them more successful leaders.The high school students want younger students to understand the importance of local government and the democratic process.&nbsp;They'll soon be working with TMP-Marian eighth graders to run a mock election. Hays Middle School is expected to opt in next year.&nbsp;"It'll give them the experience of voting," Cox said. Jones said, "We'll also talk to them about what makes a good candidate and what qualities can you look for."Reese Barrick, commissioner, said "I think it's a really important thing for you to think about and be involved in, especially when you're in Hays High School. The [Hays USD 489] school board election is affecting you immediately, even if you're not [yet] voting. Getting involved and educating others and promoting different candidates impacts you."&nbsp; Details are still being discussed about a community mural competition with artwork representing Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's just seven of you, and look at the influence that you guys have had in just five months," Ruder said.&nbsp;"It's already created such a positive influence in the community."He urged them to "continue to spread that contagious nature of community involvement.""I don't know if I ever imagined what these guys would do with this board. These seven kids are amazing," he said.<figure>
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 </figure>Members of the inaugural Hays Youth Leadership Advisory Board are&nbsp;Evyn Cox-Chairperson (Hays High School) Cy Drobeck-Secretary (Hays High School) Henry Fitzthum-(Hays High School) Isabelle Jones-Vice-chairperson (Hay High School) &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Mia Lang-Social media coordinator (Thomas More Prep-Marian) Preston Mermis-Working with the Explorers program (Thomas More Prep-Marian) Nathan Stecklein-(Thomas More Prep-Marian) &nbsp; Their terms began May 1 and will run through May 1, 2024.&nbsp;Each successive mayor will appoint the new youth board members with commission approval.&nbsp;

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