FHSU daily crime log: Oct. 10-16, 2025

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Recommended bid awards for two projects in Hays will be presented to the city commission during its meeting today.

Jeff Crispin, water resources director, will talk about the 2025 sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection program.&nbsp;

The low bid for light cleaning and video inspection of about 20 miles of sewer line was from CC Steel, LLC, North Dakota, for&nbsp;$145,022.

Replacement of the playground equipment at Massey Park, 17th and Allen, will be discussed by Jeff Boyle, parks director.

&nbsp;The selection committee reviewed all of the proposals and recommended&nbsp;approval of the Aspire 2 Play&nbsp;for $119,363. Boyle said the  playground unit would be unlike any other in Hays.

The existing playground at Massey Park was installed in 2002.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, will also present a proposal for consent to vacate annexation, or deannex, the plat of DK Ranch Addition west of Columbine Drive in anticipation of the planned&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fd7b7dd8-86e3-4e72-bcfb-91fa38f6f8a8">Smoky Hill Plains Addition</a> housing development.

The complete Oct. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10162025-1575">here</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostRecommended bid awards for two projects in Hays will be presented to the city commission during its meeting today.Jeff Crispin, water resources director, will talk about the 2025 sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection program.&nbsp;The low bid for light cleaning and video inspection of about 20 miles of sewer line was from CC Steel, LLC, North Dakota, for&nbsp;$145,022.Replacement of the playground equipment at Massey Park, 17th and Allen, will be discussed by Jeff Boyle, parks director.&nbsp;The selection committee reviewed all of the proposals and recommended&nbsp;approval of the Aspire 2 Play&nbsp;for $119,363. Boyle said the playground unit would be unlike any other in Hays.The existing playground at Massey Park was installed in 2002.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760622980959.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse Rohr, public works director, will also present a proposal for consent to vacate annexation, or deannex, the plat of DK Ranch Addition west of Columbine Drive in anticipation of the planned&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fd7b7dd8-86e3-4e72-bcfb-91fa38f6f8a8">Smoky Hill Plains Addition</a> housing development.The complete Oct. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10162025-1575">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to discuss bids for sewer cleaning, playground equipment 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays Public Library met on Wednesday to a standing-room-only crowd after criticism erupted on social media about a display of books in the young adult section of the library during Banned Book Week.

The president of the library board read a statement concerning the book display, followed by 30 minutes of comments from community members in support and against the display.

Amy Feauto, board president, said the books displayed last week in the young adult section of the library addressed the practice of banning books and were part of an American Library Association awareness campaign that runs for one week every year.

"While we understand that a number of the comments circulating on social media these last few days focused on content within examples of books that have been targets of banning that were on display, the display was not about promoting any particular book," Feauto said.

"It was instead about the free and open exchange of ideas. The display included, in fact, arguments on both sides of the issue of book banning, including examples of arguments for and against banning certain books, in keeping with the idea that the foundation of a public library rests upon a free and open exchange of ideas," she said.

Sophie Miller, a young Hays resident, said she had the unique perspective of being able to read most of the books that were part of the display.

Miller described herself as an avid reader when she was 13, checking out as many as 10 books at a time.

"I am so grateful that was something that was available to me and that I was able to learn about it through a source of educational library books, and not through sketchier sources on the internet&nbsp;or through peers who are less knowledgeable on these subjects," Miller said.

She said she thought all ages having access to information is important.

"I'll say that I have experienced no negative results from having read any of those books, and, in fact, it made me a more knowledgeable and more thoughtful person having been well read from a young age," Miller said, "So I would like to thank the board for allowing libraries to exist in this community."

Hays resident John Pyle said he was not supporting banning the books in question, but he thought books on sex or LGBTQ issues should be moved to the adult section of the library.

He compared the books to Playboy or Hustler magazines and called them porn.

"The LGBTQ movement takes a route to teach and normalize gender confusion and transgenderism, and the children will likely grow up to be at least accepting of the movement, or at worst, a part of it, as at the core of this is a sick perversion that seeks to display sexuality to children and, of course, sexualize them," Pyle said.

Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, a former library employee, spoke in favor of access to diverse titles in the library and urged parental supervision of children's book choices.

Although speaking only as a Hays resident Zampieri-Lillpopp, who is the director&nbsp; of client service at Options Domestic and Sexual Violence services, described how books can be outlets for survivors of vioelnce both young and old to deal with their trauma.

&nbsp;"This curfuffle began over a week ago, and since then, no fewer than three women have told me or the public that bad things were happening in their home when they were young," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. 

"They didn't know that these things were bad, because the person hurting them was supposed to love them. They had to seek outside help, and in some cases, not all of them, that outside&nbsp;help was books."

She gave several examples of books that people have tried to ban, which feature characters dealing with traumatic experiences, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," "The Kite Runner" and "13 Reasons Why."

"Brave authors, especially those who share their own life stories, give us the words and hope we need sometimes to keep going," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "I've seen people find themselves in a book after years of feeling invisible. I've seen people find recovery from their failures. ...

"I found the courage to face my fears after reading a book that took me six months. I've seen people find God in the library."

She added, "The greatest gift my mother ever gave me was the unwavering freedom to read. No book ever hurt me. Plenty of people have, and the books laid a path for me to find my way back. Not every book for every reader, but every reader for its book."

Jessica House of Hays said she appreciates what the Hays Public Library provides the community. She said it is more than a building full of books.

"It's a place where people come to learn, connect and grow. I've learned a lot through the programs I've attended here," she said, "practical things to new perspectives that I might not have understood before. That's what a good library does. It opens minds and it brings people together.

Joe Giebler, a rural Ellis County resident, expressed concerns about youth having access to books that contained sexual material.

Giebler said he asked Brandon Hines, library director, if he would allow his own children to read some of the books in the banned book display, and he said no. Giebler called that a double standard.

"I'm not saying anyone should ban any book ever. You can't go to a rated R movie if you're under 18. There are reasons for restrictions, I believe this is one," he said.

David Koshiol, Hays resident, read from a book titled "Gender Queer" that is found in the young adult section.

It describes the use of dildoes, strapons and a blow job.

"There are so many books in publication worldwide that you could fill the library numerous times and still not have any of these books that are inappropriate for our children in Hays, Kansas," he said.

Bernie Hayward, Hays residents, said the library needs to take steps to correct the book issue.

"We've got enough bad things going on in this world. We need to start taking the right steps to correct all this. I don't know what it's going to take to get the people doing what is morally right. Right now, we're going down the wrong track," he said.

Anna Towns, a former interlibrary loan coordinator for the library, said she is proud of the library.

"I am proud of what we have built here as a community. I am proud of every book that's on the shelf," she said. 

"It might not be something that I agree with, and oftentimes in interlibrary loan, I was requesting books that were on topics that I did not agree with, or by authors that I did not think we should be promoting, but I am proud that we offer something for everyone."

She added, "It's OK to read something and disagree with it, but it's not OK to tell other people that they can't read about it, that they can't have those conversations in their family. 

"Just because it's not something that your kid is ready for doesn't mean that every kid can't have access to it."

Towns also noted that youth have to have their parents' permission to have their own library cards. Parents can also access a list of all the books their children have checked out.&nbsp;

Some of the speakers and social media posters had referenced the banned book display being in the children's section. However, all of the books were in the young adults section, which is geared toward youth ages 11 to 18, she said.

She said moving the books to the adult section of the library was not appropriate because they are not adult books; they are young adult books geared specifically to that age group.

"It's ironic to have this happen during Banned Books Week," she said. "And yes, what you're doing is trying to ban books."

Kelly Ancar, Hays resident, said she thought the library is robbing parents of the right to decide what books their children are exposed to.

"All we're asking is that the books be put somewhere, that an adult can have some supervision," she said. "There are other ways to address kids who are at risk, like Ms. Towns reflected, that there are some kids who reach out to books to learn about situations for themselves and find a way to reach out for some help."

Ancar said other programs exist to help children who are at risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760580445083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Public Library met on Wednesday to a standing-room-only crowd after criticism erupted on social media about a display of books in the young adult section of the library during Banned Book Week.The president of the library board read a statement concerning the book display, followed by 30 minutes of comments from community members in support and against the display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760580773730.jpeg" alt="Amy Feauto, library board president, makes a statement about a display of books in the young adult section during Banned Book Week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Amy Feauto, library board president, makes a statement about a display of books in the young adult section during Banned Book Week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Amy Feauto, board president, said the books displayed last week in the young adult section of the library addressed the practice of banning books and were part of an American Library Association awareness campaign that runs for one week every year."While we understand that a number of the comments circulating on social media these last few days focused on content within examples of books that have been targets of banning that were on display, the display was not about promoting any particular book," Feauto said."It was instead about the free and open exchange of ideas. The display included, in fact, arguments on both sides of the issue of book banning, including examples of arguments for and against banning certain books, in keeping with the idea that the foundation of a public library rests upon a free and open exchange of ideas," she said.Sophie Miller, a young Hays resident, said she had the unique perspective of being able to read most of the books that were part of the display.Miller described herself as an avid reader when she was 13, checking out as many as 10 books at a time."I am so grateful that was something that was available to me and that I was able to learn about it through a source of educational library books, and not through sketchier sources on the internet&nbsp;or through peers who are less knowledgeable on these subjects," Miller said.She said she thought all ages having access to information is important."I'll say that I have experienced no negative results from having read any of those books, and, in fact, it made me a more knowledgeable and more thoughtful person having been well read from a young age," Miller said, "So I would like to thank the board for allowing libraries to exist in this community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760581263090.jpeg" alt="John Pyle, Hays resident, compared some of the books in the young adult section to Hustler or Playboy. at a meeting of the library board on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>John Pyle, Hays resident, compared some of the books in the young adult section to Hustler or Playboy. at a meeting of the library board on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays resident John Pyle said he was not supporting banning the books in question, but he thought books on sex or LGBTQ issues should be moved to the adult section of the library.He compared the books to Playboy or Hustler magazines and called them porn."The LGBTQ movement takes a route to teach and normalize gender confusion and transgenderism, and the children will likely grow up to be at least accepting of the movement, or at worst, a part of it, as at the core of this is a sick perversion that seeks to display sexuality to children and, of course, sexualize them," Pyle said.Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, a former library employee, spoke in favor of access to diverse titles in the library and urged parental supervision of children's book choices.Although speaking only as a Hays resident Zampieri-Lillpopp, who is the director&nbsp; of client service at Options Domestic and Sexual Violence services, described how books can be outlets for survivors of vioelnce both young and old to deal with their trauma.&nbsp;"This curfuffle began over a week ago, and since then, no fewer than three women have told me or the public that bad things were happening in their home when they were young," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "They didn't know that these things were bad, because the person hurting them was supposed to love them. They had to seek outside help, and in some cases, not all of them, that outside&nbsp;help was books."She gave several examples of books that people have tried to ban, which feature characters dealing with traumatic experiences, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," "The Kite Runner" and "13 Reasons Why.""Brave authors, especially those who share their own life stories, give us the words and hope we need sometimes to keep going," Zampieri-Lillpopp said. "I've seen people find themselves in a book after years of feeling invisible. I've seen people find recovery from their failures. ..."I found the courage to face my fears after reading a book that took me six months. I've seen people find God in the library."She added, "The greatest gift my mother ever gave me was the unwavering freedom to read. No book ever hurt me. Plenty of people have, and the books laid a path for me to find my way back. Not every book for every reader, but every reader for its book."Jessica House of Hays said she appreciates what the Hays Public Library provides the community. She said it is more than a building full of books."It's a place where people come to learn, connect and grow. I've learned a lot through the programs I've attended here," she said, "practical things to new perspectives that I might not have understood before. That's what a good library does. It opens minds and it brings people together.Joe Giebler, a rural Ellis County resident, expressed concerns about youth having access to books that contained sexual material.Giebler said he asked Brandon Hines, library director, if he would allow his own children to read some of the books in the banned book display, and he said no. Giebler called that a double standard."I'm not saying anyone should ban any book ever. You can't go to a rated R movie if you're under 18. There are reasons for restrictions, I believe this is one," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760581346035.jpeg" alt="David Koshiol, Hays resident, read from a book titled "Gender Queer" during the Hays Public Library board meeting on Wednesday. He said he opposed that and other books being available in the young adult section of the library.Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>David Koshiol, Hays resident, read from a book titled "Gender Queer" during the Hays Public Library board meeting on Wednesday. He said he opposed that and other books being available in the young adult section of the library.Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>David Koshiol, Hays resident, read from a book titled "Gender Queer" that is found in the young adult section.It describes the use of dildoes, strapons and a blow job."There are so many books in publication worldwide that you could fill the library numerous times and still not have any of these books that are inappropriate for our children in Hays, Kansas," he said.Bernie Hayward, Hays residents, said the library needs to take steps to correct the book issue."We've got enough bad things going on in this world. We need to start taking the right steps to correct all this. I don't know what it's going to take to get the people doing what is morally right. Right now, we're going down the wrong track," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760581427321.jpeg" alt="Anna Towns, Hays resident, said she is proud of the library. She said its OK to disagree with books in the library, but she did not support restricting access to those books. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Anna Towns, Hays resident, said she is proud of the library. She said its OK to disagree with books in the library, but she did not support restricting access to those books. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Anna Towns, a former interlibrary loan coordinator for the library, said she is proud of the library."I am proud of what we have built here as a community. I am proud of every book that's on the shelf," she said. "It might not be something that I agree with, and oftentimes in interlibrary loan, I was requesting books that were on topics that I did not agree with, or by authors that I did not think we should be promoting, but I am proud that we offer something for everyone."She added, "It's OK to read something and disagree with it, but it's not OK to tell other people that they can't read about it, that they can't have those conversations in their family. "Just because it's not something that your kid is ready for doesn't mean that every kid can't have access to it."Towns also noted that youth have to have their parents' permission to have their own library cards. Parents can also access a list of all the books their children have checked out.&nbsp;Some of the speakers and social media posters had referenced the banned book display being in the children's section. However, all of the books were in the young adults section, which is geared toward youth ages 11 to 18, she said.She said moving the books to the adult section of the library was not appropriate because they are not adult books; they are young adult books geared specifically to that age group."It's ironic to have this happen during Banned Books Week," she said. "And yes, what you're doing is trying to ban books."Kelly Ancar, Hays resident, said she thought the library is robbing parents of the right to decide what books their children are exposed to."All we're asking is that the books be put somewhere, that an adult can have some supervision," she said. "There are other ways to address kids who are at risk, like Ms. Towns reflected, that there are some kids who reach out to books to learn about situations for themselves and find a way to reach out for some help."Ancar said other programs exist to help children who are at risk.

Hays residents support, denounce Banned Book Week display during library meeting

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Craig Pallister, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Age: 56 Occupation: A loss control safety specialist for Insurance Planning. I have been there for 18 years.

What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board? Well, I have a love for our community, and I have a love for kids. I decided four years ago, when I first ran, that I wanted to be a part of improving our community and making it better.&nbsp; And so, I looked at what was going on within our school district and looked at the community and felt like this is where I could serve.

As far as what qualifies me to do it, I have a good ability to listen to people and understand their point of view. I try to understand where people are coming from. At the same time I'm doing that, I'm looking at how we can make our community better and how we can make our school district better. I take the time to really study what they give us to vote on and what they require for us, and so I have the time, I have the patience and I have the love for this, for Hays.

Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past? Currently, I don't have any kids in the school district. All three of my daughters graduated from Hays High. The last one graduated in 2023, so right after I got on the board. All three of them grew up in the Hays School District, and it was a great district for them. I think pretty much everything they needed in life, they learned here, and they never had struggles. I think all three of my girls were fairly good about school and our teachers in this district were great at being there for them.

Why are you running for reelection? I'm running for reelection because I still have a great love for this community, and I want to continue.

In the last four years, we've seen the bond passed. We've successfully built a high school and opened it up. When I ran the first time, I had certain goals in mind. I didn't have an agenda so much, but I did want to get that bond passed.

I did want to lower the fees for kids enrolling in school. When my oldest was a senior, as a single dad, it cost me $1,000 to enroll all three kids. To me, it seems like a lot for public schools. And so it has been my goal to help lower those fees. Since I've been on the board, we've lowered the school fees, I think, every year, but this year. I want to continue to work toward that.

I want to continue to do positive things for our kids, our teachers and the&nbsp;district. Another goal I had in mind when I ran last time was one of the most inconvenient things: the early release days. As a single dad, boy, that was so inconvenient, and it was always my plan to try to figure out something there. The teachers were the ones who figured that out, and they brought it to us that first year after I got on the board. I think the Monday once a month has been a great deal for their teacher planning time.

Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?

I do support the five-year capital outlay plan. It's been a great tool for us to use when planning for the future. It's also been great to look at and say, 'Hey, this is how we need to budget.' They've been in need of a list more than anything else. And so I think the district has utilized that, and it's been a great tool.

Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7b175c88-0297-4573-a357-7f54d01571ee">I do support those, the remaining bond projects. The biggest major change has been at O'Loughlin [Elementary School]. We had to approve extra for the sewage line.</a> Outside of that, I think we're keeping on pace for every project, and I don't see anything that I would change. I think that what the city voted on has been well handled, and it looks good.

How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?

I would go with the first choice. I don't think that we need to micromanage our school district. I think the oversight with administrators and teachers handling the day-to-day operations. That's how our board is set up to be.

There's only one employee in the district who answers to the board, and that's our superintendent. I think that's how it should be. Our district is not a size where we can, as seven members, go in there and micromanage everything as a collective. There's not that much construction knowledge among most of the board members to be there every day on the bond. There aren't enough of us to be in there telling the principals and teachers, 'Here's how you need to do it every single day.' It's not our job. We're just there to approve what needs to be approved or what doesn't need to be approved, and let the administration handle the rest.

Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?

I would say yes, I do feel they manage their budget adequately. We have a vocal minority in Hays who have scoured through that budget, and they've gone through and they're looking for what they're doing wrong. And in my whole time as a board member, they haven't found that there has been. That's my opinion about this. 

There hasn't been anything where our school district has proven they're not responsible with their budget. We have people in our administration who are just so trustworthy. Chris Hipp, [assistant superintendent for business], Ron Wilson, [superintendent], all of the administration has proven time and time again that when it comes to our budget, they are trustworthy people. They're people we can depend on to give us answers as we need them, and they're people who are going to be doing what's best for our district.

Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?

I can't think of anything. I would continue to try to lower the fees for enrollment. 

We're having to look at what's happening nationally and statewide. That's uncertain right now, and so what we need are people on the board who have proven their leadership and are looking at all of that to try to make sure that we continue to be fiscally responsible and, at the same time, help Hays grow.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

There is this feeling that the schools should be funded by the states. The issue is [special education] has never been fully funded from the state and so that's always been a concern. It will always be a concern, but in our current political climate, it seems to be a growing concern, more so than it has been in the past. 

I don't have the solution, except for us to watch it. But it's going to impact us more next year, I think, than any year previous.

I can let you know what I'm really excited about: the high school. That first home game was incredible. I can't wait to see what happens from here. I was helping with mock interviews and talking to the students last week, and they seemed to be loving that high school, and I'm so excited for them.

As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759786520009.jpeg" alt="Ken Brooks" />
 <figcaption>Ken Brooks</figcaption>
 </figure>The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Craig Pallister, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.Age: 56 Occupation: A loss control safety specialist for Insurance Planning. I have been there for 18 years.What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board? Well, I have a love for our community, and I have a love for kids. I decided four years ago, when I first ran, that I wanted to be a part of improving our community and making it better.&nbsp; And so, I looked at what was going on within our school district and looked at the community and felt like this is where I could serve.As far as what qualifies me to do it, I have a good ability to listen to people and understand their point of view. I try to understand where people are coming from. At the same time I'm doing that, I'm looking at how we can make our community better and how we can make our school district better. I take the time to really study what they give us to vote on and what they require for us, and so I have the time, I have the patience and I have the love for this, for Hays.Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past? Currently, I don't have any kids in the school district. All three of my daughters graduated from Hays High. The last one graduated in 2023, so right after I got on the board. All three of them grew up in the Hays School District, and it was a great district for them. I think pretty much everything they needed in life, they learned here, and they never had struggles. I think all three of my girls were fairly good about school and our teachers in this district were great at being there for them.Why are you running for reelection? I'm running for reelection because I still have a great love for this community, and I want to continue. In the last four years, we've seen the bond passed. We've successfully built a high school and opened it up. When I ran the first time, I had certain goals in mind. I didn't have an agenda so much, but I did want to get that bond passed.I did want to lower the fees for kids enrolling in school. When my oldest was a senior, as a single dad, it cost me $1,000 to enroll all three kids. To me, it seems like a lot for public schools. And so it has been my goal to help lower those fees. Since I've been on the board, we've lowered the school fees, I think, every year, but this year. I want to continue to work toward that.I want to continue to do positive things for our kids, our teachers and the&nbsp;district. Another goal I had in mind when I ran last time was one of the most inconvenient things: the early release days. As a single dad, boy, that was so inconvenient, and it was always my plan to try to figure out something there. The teachers were the ones who figured that out, and they brought it to us that first year after I got on the board. I think the Monday once a month has been a great deal for their teacher planning time.Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?I do support the five-year capital outlay plan. It's been a great tool for us to use when planning for the future. It's also been great to look at and say, 'Hey, this is how we need to budget.' They've been in need of a list more than anything else. And so I think the district has utilized that, and it's been a great tool.Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects? <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7b175c88-0297-4573-a357-7f54d01571ee">I do support those, the remaining bond projects. The biggest major change has been at O'Loughlin [Elementary School]. We had to approve extra for the sewage line.</a> Outside of that, I think we're keeping on pace for every project, and I don't see anything that I would change. I think that what the city voted on has been well handled, and it looks good.How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?I would go with the first choice. I don't think that we need to micromanage our school district. I think the oversight with administrators and teachers handling the day-to-day operations. That's how our board is set up to be.There's only one employee in the district who answers to the board, and that's our superintendent. I think that's how it should be. Our district is not a size where we can, as seven members, go in there and micromanage everything as a collective. There's not that much construction knowledge among most of the board members to be there every day on the bond. There aren't enough of us to be in there telling the principals and teachers, 'Here's how you need to do it every single day.' It's not our job. We're just there to approve what needs to be approved or what doesn't need to be approved, and let the administration handle the rest.Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?I would say yes, I do feel they manage their budget adequately. We have a vocal minority in Hays who have scoured through that budget, and they've gone through and they're looking for what they're doing wrong. And in my whole time as a board member, they haven't found that there has been. That's my opinion about this. There hasn't been anything where our school district has proven they're not responsible with their budget. We have people in our administration who are just so trustworthy. Chris Hipp, [assistant superintendent for business], Ron Wilson, [superintendent], all of the administration has proven time and time again that when it comes to our budget, they are trustworthy people. They're people we can depend on to give us answers as we need them, and they're people who are going to be doing what's best for our district.Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?I can't think of anything. I would continue to try to lower the fees for enrollment. We're having to look at what's happening nationally and statewide. That's uncertain right now, and so what we need are people on the board who have proven their leadership and are looking at all of that to try to make sure that we continue to be fiscally responsible and, at the same time, help Hays grow.Is there anything else that you would like to add?There is this feeling that the schools should be funded by the states. The issue is [special education] has never been fully funded from the state and so that's always been a concern. It will always be a concern, but in our current political climate, it seems to be a growing concern, more so than it has been in the past. I don't have the solution, except for us to watch it. But it's going to impact us more next year, I think, than any year previous.I can let you know what I'm really excited about: the high school. That first home game was incredible. I can't wait to see what happens from here. I was helping with mock interviews and talking to the students last week, and they seemed to be loving that high school, and I'm so excited for them.As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

USD 489 candidate Q&A: Ken Brooks

GRAHAM COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Graham County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Silverado driven by Carter L. Underhill, 21, Hill City, was northbound on&nbsp;340th Road one and one half miles west of Bogue. The driver attempted to navigate a curve. The pickup traveled off the road, rolled and came to rest against a tree.

EMS transported Underhill to&nbsp;Graham County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GRAHAM COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Graham County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Silverado driven by Carter L. Underhill, 21, Hill City, was northbound on&nbsp;340th Road one and one half miles west of Bogue. The driver attempted to navigate a curve. The pickup traveled off the road, rolled and came to rest against a tree.EMS transported Underhill to&nbsp;Graham County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after pickup rollover accident

As we enter the time of year when respiratory viruses are more prevalent, we would like to share a few observations. We represent hundreds of years of clinical experience taking care of patients here in Hays and in the region.

We can remember when the seasonal flu shot was less available than it is today. Twenty-five years ago, there was an observable decrease in hospitalizations and the need for respiratory tests and treatments when free community flu shots became available.

We have built our careers in this community, raised our families here, and collectively cared for thousands of patients across generations. We care deeply for our community. We encourage anyone with questions about vaccinations for themselves or for their children to reach out to their trusted health care providers with those questions. Their training and experience is a valuable resource. Even more than that, though, they know you, they know your family, and they care about our community.

Bob Albers, MD&nbsp; Internal Medicine

Robert Cox, MD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pediatrics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeff Curtis, MD Cardiology

Ron Holweger, MD Ophthalmology&nbsp;

Kevin McDonald, MD Urology&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Tom McDonald, MD Ophthalmology Rick Rajewski, MD&nbsp; Family Medicine Dallas Richards, MD&nbsp; Internal Medicine

Steven Waring, MD Family Medicine

As we enter the time of year when respiratory viruses are more prevalent, we would like to share a few observations. We represent hundreds of years of clinical experience taking care of patients here in Hays and in the region.We can remember when the seasonal flu shot was less available than it is today. Twenty-five years ago, there was an observable decrease in hospitalizations and the need for respiratory tests and treatments when free community flu shots became available.We have built our careers in this community, raised our families here, and collectively cared for thousands of patients across generations. We care deeply for our community. We encourage anyone with questions about vaccinations for themselves or for their children to reach out to their trusted health care providers with those questions. Their training and experience is a valuable resource. Even more than that, though, they know you, they know your family, and they care about our community.Bob Albers, MD&nbsp; Internal MedicineRobert Cox, MD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pediatrics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeff Curtis, MD CardiologyRon Holweger, MD Ophthalmology&nbsp;Kevin McDonald, MD Urology&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Tom McDonald, MD Ophthalmology Rick Rajewski, MD&nbsp; Family Medicine Dallas Richards, MD&nbsp; Internal MedicineSteven Waring, MD Family Medicine

LETTER: Hays doctors encourage reaching out with questions about vaccinations

Cruising the Blue Highways of Kansas leads explorers to surprising finds.

 Recently, the hubs and I drove Highway 36 west in search of Junction 173, which led us to Herndon. We’d passed this exit but never turned to explore on numerous visits to a daughter who lives even closer to Colorado. During his game warden days, my spouse’d driven through, but I’d never popped a peeper on this northernmost realm of Kansas.

Like every pioneer town in this region, settlers from Europe founded Herndon in the late 1800s - 1879 - to be exact. Austro-Hungarian newcomers originally called it Pesth, after Pest, Hungary, which history/geography-minded folk know merged and became Budapest.

According to Kathy Alexander who writes Legends of Kansas, within years a new store owner with fewer ties to Hungary became the second postmaster and hoped to rename the town Lincoln to honor the assassinated U.S. president.

That name was taken, so he opted for the moniker Herndon after Abraham Lincoln’s law partner William Herndon. This choice creates excellent Kansas Trivia as in "Which Kansas town was named after Abe Lincoln’s law partner?"

Once the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad came through in 1887, earnest development began. Herndon evolved into a local trade center surrounded by successful agriculture in the Beaver Creek drainage.

 Many of those agriculturalists practiced Catholicism, a frontier faith in northwest Kansas, which led area priests to establish regional missions. Atwood’s Reverend J.B. Glynn oversaw those established in Rawlins and Cheyenne counties. 

The initial church in Herndon was built in the country, but eventually a thriving Catholic church and sisters school were constructed in town. According to Alexander, the congregation numbered approximately 500 members - three-quarters of whom were German and the rest English and Bohemian. From 1892 to 1902, the church supported a resident priest. 

As a point of interest, this was the only sisters school in far northwest Kansas.

In 1905, a fire devastated the town, destroying most businesses. Because it was a railroad trade center, the community rebuilt. 

After becoming a station on the Orleans and St. Francis Division of C, B, and Q Railroad, Herndon continued to thrive. Alexander documented that it had a bank; a money-order post office; newspaper, telephone, telegraph, and express offices; a hotel, flour mill, multiple general stores and implement businesses; Catholic and Protestant churches; and a population of 273, which peaked at 443 in 1940.

Visitors today note reduced population—around 119 according to a recent census.

 Travelers swiftly spy a charming community park and nearby ball field surrounded by a Depression era Works Progress Administration or Civilian Conservation Corps stone fence. Old buildings stand sentinel on Main Street to remind sightseers of this little burg’s glory days. Mostly tidy homes line streets, but the public and Catholic school deteriorate as does Immanuel Protestant Church. Local congregants maintain the Catholic Church in welcoming condition. An elevator at the end of Main Street punctuates agriculture’s continued importance.

I googled Herndon demographics and noted those looking to relocate can do so for well below the national average house price with a low to non-existent crime rate as added encouragement. When not playing in the safe streets of town, youngsters attend fine schools in Atwood. 

In a world connected by internet and Fed Ex trucks, new generations might want to seek adventure in far northwest Kansas.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760113136618.jpeg" alt="Main Street in Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Main Street in Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Cruising the Blue Highways of Kansas leads explorers to surprising finds. Recently, the hubs and I drove Highway 36 west in search of Junction 173, which led us to Herndon. We’d passed this exit but never turned to explore on numerous visits to a daughter who lives even closer to Colorado. During his game warden days, my spouse’d driven through, but I’d never popped a peeper on this northernmost realm of Kansas.Like every pioneer town in this region, settlers from Europe founded Herndon in the late 1800s - 1879 - to be exact. Austro-Hungarian newcomers originally called it Pesth, after Pest, Hungary, which history/geography-minded folk know merged and became Budapest.According to Kathy Alexander who writes Legends of Kansas, within years a new store owner with fewer ties to Hungary became the second postmaster and hoped to rename the town Lincoln to honor the assassinated U.S. president. That name was taken, so he opted for the moniker Herndon after Abraham Lincoln’s law partner William Herndon. This choice creates excellent Kansas Trivia as in "Which Kansas town was named after Abe Lincoln’s law partner?"Once the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad came through in 1887, earnest development began. Herndon evolved into a local trade center surrounded by successful agriculture in the Beaver Creek drainage. Many of those agriculturalists practiced Catholicism, a frontier faith in northwest Kansas, which led area priests to establish regional missions. Atwood’s Reverend J.B. Glynn oversaw those established in Rawlins and Cheyenne counties. The initial church in Herndon was built in the country, but eventually a thriving Catholic church and sisters school were constructed in town. According to Alexander, the congregation numbered approximately 500 members - three-quarters of whom were German and the rest English and Bohemian. From 1892 to 1902, the church supported a resident priest. As a point of interest, this was the only sisters school in far northwest Kansas.In 1905, a fire devastated the town, destroying most businesses. Because it was a railroad trade center, the community rebuilt. After becoming a station on the Orleans and St. Francis Division of C, B, and Q Railroad, Herndon continued to thrive. Alexander documented that it had a bank; a money-order post office; newspaper, telephone, telegraph, and express offices; a hotel, flour mill, multiple general stores and implement businesses; Catholic and Protestant churches; and a population of 273, which peaked at 443 in 1940.Visitors today note reduced population—around 119 according to a recent census.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760113710650.jpeg" alt="Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760113769194.jpeg" alt="Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Herndon, Kansas. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure> Travelers swiftly spy a charming community park and nearby ball field surrounded by a Depression era Works Progress Administration or Civilian Conservation Corps stone fence. Old buildings stand sentinel on Main Street to remind sightseers of this little burg’s glory days. Mostly tidy homes line streets, but the public and Catholic school deteriorate as does Immanuel Protestant Church. Local congregants maintain the Catholic Church in welcoming condition. An elevator at the end of Main Street punctuates agriculture’s continued importance.I googled Herndon demographics and noted those looking to relocate can do so for well below the national average house price with a low to non-existent crime rate as added encouragement. When not playing in the safe streets of town, youngsters attend fine schools in Atwood. In a world connected by internet and Fed Ex trucks, new generations might want to seek adventure in far northwest Kansas.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Possibility awaits

<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/2025/10/1760534900902.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 TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested Oct. 10 for allegedly entering and threatening to kill two people in their own home.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 46-year-old Robert Daniel Carriger in the 500 block of East Eighth Street after he allegedly entered a residence without permission.

Greenwood said a man and a woman were outside their home socializing when Carriger approached them and started a conversation that they "didn't appreciate." After the man and woman went inside, Carriger knocked on the door and was told to leave.

After the residents failed to lock the door, Carriger allegedly entered the home. Once inside, he allegedly pushed the male victim and threatened the female, demanding alcohol and saying he would kill them if she didn’t comply.

Carriger allegedly took alcohol from the residence before being arrested on alleged charges of aggravated burglary, criminal threat and simple battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760608755842.png" alt="Carriger photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Carriger photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested Oct. 10 for allegedly entering and threatening to kill two people in their own home.Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 46-year-old Robert Daniel Carriger in the 500 block of East Eighth Street after he allegedly entered a residence without permission.Greenwood said a man and a woman were outside their home socializing when Carriger approached them and started a conversation that they "didn't appreciate." After the man and woman went inside, Carriger knocked on the door and was told to leave.After the residents failed to lock the door, Carriger allegedly entered the home. Once inside, he allegedly pushed the male victim and threatened the female, demanding alcohol and saying he would kill them if she didn’t comply.Carriger allegedly took alcohol from the residence before being arrested on alleged charges of aggravated burglary, criminal threat and simple battery.

Hays man arrested for alleged battery after entering home

A Great Bend man was arrested Oct. 8 in Hays after an alleged string of thefts that trace back to central Kansas.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 37-year-old Mark Allen Ray after he allegedly stole $655.11 in merchandise from Walmart. Greenwood said Ray was later located on Interstate 70, where he was allegedly uncooperative with law enforcement.

Hays police, assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Ellis County Sheriff's Department, performed a high-risk stop, directing Ray to exit the vehicle from a safe distance.

Greenwood said once Ray was taken into custody, officers allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession. He added Ray had prior open cases for similar alleged thefts in Hutchinson and McPherson, which elevated this case to a felony theft involving a common scheme.

Ray faces charges of alleged felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760608775173.png" alt="Ray photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ray photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Great Bend man was arrested Oct. 8 in Hays after an alleged string of thefts that trace back to central Kansas.Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 37-year-old Mark Allen Ray after he allegedly stole $655.11 in merchandise from Walmart. Greenwood said Ray was later located on Interstate 70, where he was allegedly uncooperative with law enforcement.Hays police, assisted by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Ellis County Sheriff's Department, performed a high-risk stop, directing Ray to exit the vehicle from a safe distance.Greenwood said once Ray was taken into custody, officers allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in his possession. He added Ray had prior open cases for similar alleged thefts in Hutchinson and McPherson, which elevated this case to a felony theft involving a common scheme.Ray faces charges of alleged felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement.

Great Bend man arrested in Hays for alleged string of thefts 

Deputy Alex Baker was promoted to Undersheriff of the Trego County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/19tbiNygzF/">Facebook page</a> congratulated Baker, saying, "With proven leadership and an unwavering commitment to our community, we are proud to welcome him into this new role and look forward to his continued leadership."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760547912719.jpeg" alt="Alex Baker&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alex Baker&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Trego County Sheriff's OfficeDeputy Alex Baker was promoted to Undersheriff of the Trego County Sheriff's Office.The sheriff's office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/19tbiNygzF/">Facebook page</a> congratulated Baker, saying, "With proven leadership and an unwavering commitment to our community, we are proud to welcome him into this new role and look forward to his continued leadership."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760547953717.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Trego County deputy promoted to undersheriff 

Motorcyclists are invited to the “9th&nbsp;Annual Hays Kansas Area Toy Run” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bikers will line up at 2:30 p.m. at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St. At 4 p.m., they will parade down Vine Street to 13th&nbsp;and Main. The parade will end at Toby Jugs, 104 E. Seventh St.

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages infant to 18 years. The toys will go to Teaming Up for Tots, said Kent Gottschalk, one of the organizers.

No bicyclists are allowed to participate, he said.

The event is being sponsored by Free Tomorrow MC &amp; Good Times Motorcycle.

SubmittedMotorcyclists are invited to the “9th&nbsp;Annual Hays Kansas Area Toy Run” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bikers will line up at 2:30 p.m. at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St. At 4 p.m., they will parade down Vine Street to 13th&nbsp;and Main. The parade will end at Toby Jugs, 104 E. Seventh St.Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages infant to 18 years. The toys will go to Teaming Up for Tots, said Kent Gottschalk, one of the organizers.No bicyclists are allowed to participate, he said.The event is being sponsored by Free Tomorrow MC &amp; Good Times Motorcycle.<figure>
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Motorcyclists invited to annual ‘Toy Run’ in Hays

Congratulations to King and Queen, Tracyn Bollig and Sienna Schmidt, who were crowned at our football game on Friday, October 10, 2025.   Ellis High School had an amazing week celebrating homecoming! The overall spirit winners were the sophomores from the Class of 2028. The senior class won for the best float, which featured a Disney Cars theme. The faculty and staff came together as a strong team and easily defeated all the student classes in volleyball. It was a fantastic week to be a Railer!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760460984941.jpeg" alt="(Back row left to right): Candidate Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; King Tracyn Bollig, son of Preston and Annie Bollig; Candidate Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey.&nbsp;(Front row left to right): Candidate Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Crown Bearer Layton Bittel, son of Logan and Courtney Bittel; Queen Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Flower Girl Brynlee Honas, daughter of Cody and Megan Honas; Candidate Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez." />
 <figcaption>(Back row left to right): Candidate Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; King Tracyn Bollig, son of Preston and Annie Bollig; Candidate Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey.&nbsp;(Front row left to right): Candidate Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Crown Bearer Layton Bittel, son of Logan and Courtney Bittel; Queen Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Flower Girl Brynlee Honas, daughter of Cody and Megan Honas; Candidate Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCongratulations to King and Queen, Tracyn Bollig and Sienna Schmidt, who were crowned at our football game on Friday, October 10, 2025. Ellis High School had an amazing week celebrating homecoming! The overall spirit winners were the sophomores from the Class of 2028. The senior class won for the best float, which featured a Disney Cars theme. The faculty and staff came together as a strong team and easily defeated all the student classes in volleyball. It was a fantastic week to be a Railer!

2025 Ellis High School Homecoming Royalty Court

Philip Daniel, film/dance composer and touring artist from Lincoln, Nebraska will be the next WPAA artist in concert He will do school workshops for students in St. Francis at 10:00 am and Colby at 12:50 pm on Thursday, October 16th. The evening of the 16th, he will perform a concert in the Cultural Arts Center in Colby for the general public.

The workshops and the concert will be free to all those in attendance, thanks to the support from the Thomas County Community Foundation, the Cheyenne County Community, and the Dan Hansen Foundation. Everyone is invited to come join this free evening concert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390614020.png" alt="Philip Daniel. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Philip Daniel. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedPhilip Daniel, film/dance composer and touring artist from Lincoln, Nebraska will be the next WPAA artist in concert He will do school workshops for students in St. Francis at 10:00 am and Colby at 12:50 pm on Thursday, October 16th. The evening of the 16th, he will perform a concert in the Cultural Arts Center in Colby for the general public.The workshops and the concert will be free to all those in attendance, thanks to the support from the Thomas County Community Foundation, the Cheyenne County Community, and the Dan Hansen Foundation. Everyone is invited to come join this free evening concert.

Film, dance composer to perform free concert in Colby Oct. 16

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Volunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.

The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty.

"We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.

Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand.

"We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."

Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.

Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.

Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.

If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494511877.jpeg" alt="Volunteers counting and organizing food items at the Community Assistance Center in Hays for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers counting and organizing food items at the Community Assistance Center in Hays for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostVolunteers across Hays knocked on doors to collect something sweeter than candy, donations to help feed local families in need.The Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center, said shelves were beginning to fill after being nearly empty."We always want to go at least over 20,000 food items," she said.Hill said that higher food prices and an increase in the number of families moving into Ellis County have increased the pantry’s demand."We get about 5,000 people through here a year," Hill said. "They're large families and they can't afford this stuff like meat."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494584709.jpeg" alt="A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494595474.jpeg" alt="A volunteer with a bag of food for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer with a bag of food for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760494610622.jpeg" alt="A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer collecting food items for Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High DECA organized this year’s food drive. Shaina Prough said 27 groups and organizations participated by collecting donations door-to-door and helping to sort and count nonperishable items at the center.Hays High DECA hosted this year's food drive. Shaina Prough said a total of 27 groups or organizations were involved in going door to door to help count and organize nonperishable food items at the center.Hill said she expects a total count of food items on Friday.Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat stocks Hays food pantry

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.

Age: 72 Occupation: Retired teacher and principal

What do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?

Qualifications for the school board are wide-ranging, because I believe everybody in the school district could be on the school board, because everybody has an ownership in it.

But myself, I worked for the school district as a middle school principal for 21 years, an assistant principal for three years prior to that. My wife is a retired teacher from USD 489, so I get her views. I have just been involved with education all my life.

 I started years and years ago as a college student working for the school district as a bus driver, and so I've been a bus driver, a teacher, a principal and now a retired grandparent.

Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?

All of my children attended USD 489, and I have a grandchild who is an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School right now.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c83d9d32-2242-4092-8fa5-f0a1321bb826">Pallister has already served a term on the school board and narrowly missed reelection two years ago.</a>

I ran again because there have been so many good things in the four years that I was on the school board. This community worked so hard to pass the bond issue, and I've been observing the last two years off the board as that has progressed. We have Roosevelt and the Hays High projects done, but you have the new middle school, you have O' Loughlin, you have Wilson and you have the administration building. I want to be able to see all of these things come to a positive end.

The five-year capital plan is a changing document. Year one, year two, the closest ones are pretty much set, but year five can be changed as needs progress. Right now, I favor it.

 I've been following the school board actions for the last two years, and I think Mr. (Ron) Wilson, superintendent, and Mrs. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, and all the schools have done a good job of looking at what their needs will be, but nobody is sure where you're going to be in five years.

Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?

I think the plan is there, and I don't see any changes, but I know as they get into the different buildings, the different locations, there will need to be changes. That is something that day-to-day administrators will be able to bring back to the board.

Being on a board is a learning situation, and I learned a lot the four years I was on the board. I have been able to be on the other side as an administrator and as a teacher. The day by day, that is why the administrators and the teachers are hired for their positions. Board members are there to set policy and to bring the community in and be the community voice.

The budget is one of those things that starts at the board meeting right after you set the budget. At every meeting, you're working on the budget for the next year. Because if it's salaries, if it's teacher in-service projects, different things like that, it doesn't wait until the board meeting right before you set the new budget. The superintendent and all the schools, the administrators work on the budget all year.

I don't have a district policy that I'm running for or against. I believe over the years, the board, the superintendents, have done a good job of looking at policy.

 I know we work through the Kansas Association of School Boards policies every year to make sure they are legal and to make sure that all of our policies are up to date. And that they are where we want them as a community. 

So I don't have one, because the board, that's part of their responsibility, is to look at the policies every year and see if they need updating.

I am very proud to just be in Hays. I moved to this community over 40 years ago now, and the schools are what brought us to Hays.

The city of Hays was so important in our bond issue; the mayor, the city commission, and everyone who worked so hard to get the sales tax, which was probably key to helping our schools.

You have the university and the medical and HaysMed being so supportive of the school district. I am just proud.

Somebody accused me of being on a thank-you campaign. It really is. I want to thank the community for what they do for our school district, and the biggest thank you goes to our teachers, our staff, our paras. Teaching and education gets harder every year.

 I visit with teachers, retired teachers, and those who are working harder now than they did five years ago, simply because of the various pressures associated with our kids and the numerous new things in education. 

If I get the privilege of being on the board again, I want to be able to make decisions based on 'How does it affect kids?' Every decision, if I vote on something as a board member, I want to think, in my mind, 'Is it good for kids? Will it make them more successful?'

The five candidates for Hays USD 489 were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include: Kelly Ancar, Ken Brooks, Curt Vajnar and Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp.Three seats are available on the board. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759940721126.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Age: 72 Occupation: Retired teacher and principalWhat do you think qualifies you to run for the school board?Qualifications for the school board are wide-ranging, because I believe everybody in the school district could be on the school board, because everybody has an ownership in it.But myself, I worked for the school district as a middle school principal for 21 years, an assistant principal for three years prior to that. My wife is a retired teacher from USD 489, so I get her views. I have just been involved with education all my life. I started years and years ago as a college student working for the school district as a bus driver, and so I've been a bus driver, a teacher, a principal and now a retired grandparent.Do you have a child or grandchild currently attending Hays USD 489 schools or did any of your children attend in the past?All of my children attended USD 489, and I have a grandchild who is an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School right now.Why are you running for election?<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c83d9d32-2242-4092-8fa5-f0a1321bb826">Pallister has already served a term on the school board and narrowly missed reelection two years ago.</a>I ran again because there have been so many good things in the four years that I was on the school board. This community worked so hard to pass the bond issue, and I've been observing the last two years off the board as that has progressed. We have Roosevelt and the Hays High projects done, but you have the new middle school, you have O' Loughlin, you have Wilson and you have the administration building. I want to be able to see all of these things come to a positive end.Do you support the district's five-year capital improvement plan? And if not, is there anything that you would change about it?The five-year capital plan is a changing document. Year one, year two, the closest ones are pretty much set, but year five can be changed as needs progress. Right now, I favor it. I've been following the school board actions for the last two years, and I think Mr. (Ron) Wilson, superintendent, and Mrs. Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, and all the schools have done a good job of looking at what their needs will be, but nobody is sure where you're going to be in five years.Do you support the plans for the remaining bond projects? If not, is there anything that you would change about those projects?I think the plan is there, and I don't see any changes, but I know as they get into the different buildings, the different locations, there will need to be changes. That is something that day-to-day administrators will be able to bring back to the board.How would you view your role as a school board member, oversight with administrators and teachers handling day-to-day operations, or the board manages all aspects of operations?Being on a board is a learning situation, and I learned a lot the four years I was on the board. I have been able to be on the other side as an administrator and as a teacher. The day by day, that is why the administrators and the teachers are hired for their positions. Board members are there to set policy and to bring the community in and be the community voice.Do you think the district is adequately managing its budget? If not, what would you change or cut?The budget is one of those things that starts at the board meeting right after you set the budget. At every meeting, you're working on the budget for the next year. Because if it's salaries, if it's teacher in-service projects, different things like that, it doesn't wait until the board meeting right before you set the new budget. The superintendent and all the schools, the administrators work on the budget all year.Are there any policies that you think should be changed? How would you change those policies if you had the ability?I don't have a district policy that I'm running for or against. I believe over the years, the board, the superintendents, have done a good job of looking at policy. I know we work through the Kansas Association of School Boards policies every year to make sure they are legal and to make sure that all of our policies are up to date. And that they are where we want them as a community. So I don't have one, because the board, that's part of their responsibility, is to look at the policies every year and see if they need updating.Is there anything else that you would like to add?I am very proud to just be in Hays. I moved to this community over 40 years ago now, and the schools are what brought us to Hays.The city of Hays was so important in our bond issue; the mayor, the city commission, and everyone who worked so hard to get the sales tax, which was probably key to helping our schools.You have the university and the medical and HaysMed being so supportive of the school district. I am just proud.Somebody accused me of being on a thank-you campaign. It really is. I want to thank the community for what they do for our school district, and the biggest thank you goes to our teachers, our staff, our paras. Teaching and education gets harder every year. I visit with teachers, retired teachers, and those who are working harder now than they did five years ago, simply because of the various pressures associated with our kids and the numerous new things in education. If I get the privilege of being on the board again, I want to be able to make decisions based on 'How does it affect kids?' Every decision, if I vote on something as a board member, I want to think, in my mind, 'Is it good for kids? Will it make them more successful?'As told to Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Hays USD 489 candidate Q&A: Craig Pallister

The Hays Arts Council is excited to announce the launch of Block Party on the Bricks, a new community event set for Saturday, November 1, from 3–7 p.m. on 11th Street, just east of Main Street.

The event will showcase a wide range of artistic talent, including live music, interactive demonstrations, and a community mural. Confirmed performances include Cactus Collateral, Star Slinger, Flyover, the High Plains Barbershop Chorus, the FHSU Pep Band, and a featured duo from Reprise with Adrian Normandin and McKynlee Strecklein.

Art demonstrations will bring creativity to the streets with an aluminum pour by the FHSU Sculpture Club, screen printing, collaborative weaving, wheel throwing, oil painting, and watercolor. Many of these artists will also have work for sale. The newly formed FHSU Palette Society will lead a community mural project, inviting the public to leave their mark on the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760391103570.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Arts CouncilThe Hays Arts Council is excited to announce the launch of Block Party on the Bricks, a new community event set for Saturday, November 1, from 3–7 p.m. on 11th Street, just east of Main Street.The event will showcase a wide range of artistic talent, including live music, interactive demonstrations, and a community mural. Confirmed performances include Cactus Collateral, Star Slinger, Flyover, the High Plains Barbershop Chorus, the FHSU Pep Band, and a featured duo from Reprise with Adrian Normandin and McKynlee Strecklein.Art demonstrations will bring creativity to the streets with an aluminum pour by the FHSU Sculpture Club, screen printing, collaborative weaving, wheel throwing, oil painting, and watercolor. Many of these artists will also have work for sale. The newly formed FHSU Palette Society will lead a community mural project, inviting the public to leave their mark on the event.“This is such an exciting moment for the Hays Arts Council,” said Brittney Squire, Board President. “While our renovation campaign has rightly been a major focus, we also wanted to create a new signature event that celebrates the creativity of our community and builds momentum for all the opportunities we’ll have in our updated space. Block Party on the Bricks is a chance to come together, enjoy incredible local talent, and support the arts in a really engaging way.”<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council launches new event: Block Party on the Bricks" 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=ca7d2-1994f07-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" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and are available now at <a href="http://givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy">givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy</a>. Tickets include admission; street food and specialty adult drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of local partners Gella’s Diner &amp; Lb. Brewing, Mixto Cocktail Bar (coming soon), and The Paisley Pear Wine Bar &amp; Bistro. Attendees can also purchase original art and band merchandise during the event.As part of the celebration, the Hays Arts Council is also hosting “All in Good ART", an online art auction and exhibit featuring donated works from local artists. The exhibit will run October 20–November 14 at the Hays Arts Center, with online bidding available throughout.“I’m so grateful for the incredible team working behind the scenes on this event. Their dedication and hard work alongside the amazing artists, musicians, and community partners truly reflects the spirit of the Hays Arts Council,” said Chandler Reich, Executive Director for the Hays Arts Council. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to support and celebrate the arts in our community.”The planning committee includes Linda Ganstrom, Schamra Dethridge, Brittany Gorelick, Amiyah Gonzales-Brown, Jennifer McClure, Megan Pfannenstiel, Colin Schmitberger, Dean Stramel, Janet Stramel, Josh Tanguay, Diana Unrein, and Amy Warfield. The team is also joined by FHSU Leadership 310 students Hailee Bingham, Reese Frauendorfer, and Eli Koerperich. Special thanks go to Scott Gross for design support and to the Downtown Hays Development Corporation for their partnership.The Hays Arts Council is still seeking sponsors for the event. For details, contact the Event Marketing Team: Brittney Squire (brittneymsquire@gmail.com) or Megan Pfannenstiel (megepfan@gmail.com).For more information about the Hays Arts Council and its programs, visit <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">www.haysartscouncil.org</a>