<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701466978407.jpeg" alt="The 5 State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center on Saturday will anchor the Winter Art Walk. See the schedule below." />
 <figcaption>The 5 State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center on Saturday will anchor the Winter Art Walk. See the schedule below.</figcaption>
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Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk set for Saturday; see schedule

At 5:04 p.m. on Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1635 200th Ave.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were found coming from a single-family dwelling.

The house was inhabited, and the reporting party and her son were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped unharmed.

Fire crews made an exterior attack due to the amount of building that was involved by fire. Firefighters used two fire attack lines to extinguish the fire and keep the fire to the building of origin

 The building and other materials inside suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The fire was reported out at 6:37 p.m. and under control at 7:21 p.m. at which time fire crews were starting to be released from the scene.

Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 12:11 am to assist the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the fire investigation.

Thirty-five firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and Munjor) responded to assist.

The Hays Fire Department also responded with their air truck, staffed by one firefighter. The Ellis County Fire Department was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS and Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701389341145.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt 5:04 p.m. on Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1635 200th Ave.Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were found coming from a single-family dwelling.The house was inhabited, and the reporting party and her son were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped unharmed.Fire crews made an exterior attack due to the amount of building that was involved by fire. Firefighters used two fire attack lines to extinguish the fire and keep the fire to the building of origin The building and other materials inside suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The fire was reported out at 6:37 p.m. and under control at 7:21 p.m. at which time fire crews were starting to be released from the scene.Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 12:11 am to assist the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the fire investigation.Thirty-five firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and Munjor) responded to assist.The Hays Fire Department also responded with their air truck, staffed by one firefighter. The Ellis County Fire Department was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS and Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies.

UPDATE: Rural Ellis County home seriously damaged in Thursday night fire

Washburn Rural (1-0, 0-0 CL) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789417">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Washburn Rural Lady Blues in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.

The Indians are coming off a win over TMP-Marian in the opening round of the tournament while the Lady Blues beat Newton in the first round.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Washburn Rural (1-0, 0-0 CL) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789417">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Washburn Rural Lady Blues in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.The Indians are coming off a win over TMP-Marian in the opening round of the tournament while the Lady Blues beat Newton in the first round.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Lady Indians take on Washburn Rural in shootout semifinals

TMP-Marian (0-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Newton (0-1, 0-0 AVCTL-D1) Friday, Dec. 1 – 3:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789166">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams will look to bounce back from losses on Thursday on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.

Both teams square off against Newton after the Lady Railers lost to Washburn Rural in the first round on Thursday and the Railer boys lost to Life Prep.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 3:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Newton (0-1, 0-0 AVCTL-D1) Friday, Dec. 1 – 3:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789166">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams will look to bounce back from losses on Thursday on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.Both teams square off against Newton after the Lady Railers lost to Washburn Rural in the first round on Thursday and the Railer boys lost to Life Prep.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 3:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Monarchs take on Newton on day two of Hays City Shootout

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Colby Community College President Seth Carter.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WqLJeet2EW4?si=UQT_V-OBv2siUZSK" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Colby Community College President Seth Carter.

🎤 Forward Ever: Colby Community College President Seth Carter

Congrats to Trent Schneider of Hays for winning the third prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!

The prize this week was an Oral B Genius electric toothbrush, an Opalescence Go whitening pack, Extra fluoride-sensitive toothpaste, and lots of dental extras from The Dentist in Hays.

Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251607468.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to Trent Schneider of Hays for winning the third prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!The prize this week was an Oral B Genius electric toothbrush, an Opalescence Go whitening pack, Extra fluoride-sensitive toothpaste, and lots of dental extras from The Dentist in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701454969974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

Reindeer Radio week 3 winner announced

The Ellis County Historical Society announced the
near-completion of Phase 2 funding in the Brick-by-Brick capital campaign with
the receipt of a grant of $50,000 from the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Built in 1926 as a Presbyterian Church, the iconic red brick
building on south Main Street in Hays became home to the Ellis County
Historical Society in 1971. 

A half-century later, desperately-needed capital
improvements jeopardized the integrity of the building and led to calls for its
demolition. 

Responding to a huge outpouring of public support, the society voted to save the brick building and established a major capital improvement
campaign titled Brick-by-Brick.

Phase 1, completed in November 2022, included renovation of
the basement office space and was fully funded by private donors. 

The more ambitious Phase 2 renovations have been the focus
of 2023 and address the infrastructure of the building including exterior wall
repair and a state-of-the-art HVAC system necessary for the protection of
archives and artifacts. 

Additional Phase 2 renovations include an ADA entry and
parking, ADA bathroom, and renovations to the entryway, break room and curator
lab.

Phase 3 — the final phase — will address the main-floor
gallery space and second-floor storage. This phase is scheduled to commence in
January.

The society is fully committed to completing the Brick-by-Brick
campaign, saving the Brick Church, and re-opening its doors to the public. 

Our success is fueled by our many committed donors –
including the Dane G. Hansen Foundation – who so generously give of their time,
their talent and their treasure.

It is the vision and hope of the society that teaching the
narrative of our ancestors and earliest pioneers of Ellis County inspires and
connects families across generations and builds hope and strength for a better
tomorrow.

Ellis County Historical SocietyThe Ellis County Historical Society announced the
near-completion of Phase 2 funding in the Brick-by-Brick capital campaign with
the receipt of a grant of $50,000 from the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation.Built in 1926 as a Presbyterian Church, the iconic red brick
building on south Main Street in Hays became home to the Ellis County
Historical Society in 1971. A half-century later, desperately-needed capital
improvements jeopardized the integrity of the building and led to calls for its
demolition. Responding to a huge outpouring of public support, the society voted to save the brick building and established a major capital improvement
campaign titled Brick-by-Brick.Phase 1, completed in November 2022, included renovation of
the basement office space and was fully funded by private donors. The more ambitious Phase 2 renovations have been the focus
of 2023 and address the infrastructure of the building including exterior wall
repair and a state-of-the-art HVAC system necessary for the protection of
archives and artifacts. Additional Phase 2 renovations include an ADA entry and
parking, ADA bathroom, and renovations to the entryway, break room and curator
lab.Phase 3 — the final phase — will address the main-floor
gallery space and second-floor storage. This phase is scheduled to commence in
January.The society is fully committed to completing the Brick-by-Brick
campaign, saving the Brick Church, and re-opening its doors to the public. Our success is fueled by our many committed donors –
including the Dane G. Hansen Foundation – who so generously give of their time,
their talent and their treasure.It is the vision and hope of the society that teaching the
narrative of our ancestors and earliest pioneers of Ellis County inspires and
connects families across generations and builds hope and strength for a better
tomorrow.

Ellis County Historical Society awarded Dane G. Hansen grant

At about 1:05 p.m., the Ellis County Fire Deparment was paged to a grass fire in a ditch at Buckeye Road and&nbsp; Toulon Avenue.

 While en route, more calls were received at dispatch about multiple fires. Once fire crews arrived on scene, multiple fires were located, one at the dispatched address and a second about 1.5 miles west on Buckeye Road 

No obvious signs of an ignition source could be located.

Eight firefighters responded and extinguished both fires. Fire crews were supported by residents in the area with a water tank and buckets, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.

Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt about 1:05 p.m., the Ellis County Fire Deparment was paged to a grass fire in a ditch at Buckeye Road and&nbsp; Toulon Avenue. While en route, more calls were received at dispatch about multiple fires. Once fire crews arrived on scene, multiple fires were located, one at the dispatched address and a second about 1.5 miles west on Buckeye Road No obvious signs of an ignition source could be located.Eight firefighters responded and extinguished both fires. Fire crews were supported by residents in the area with a water tank and buckets, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.A total of about one acre was burned.

Ellis County firefighters fight grassfire Thursday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Although a new forensics nurse program opened this spring in northwest Kansas, access to these exams for rape and incest victims is still difficult to access in rural areas of the state.

Many victims have to drive for hours to find nurses who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, which can significantly delay treatment and evidence collection.

New legislation went into effect in July 2022 to increase access to SANE exams.

Although hospitals, as defined in state statute, must collect a sexual assault evidence kit if it is requested by the victim, only two hospitals in northwest Kansas — Goodland and Hays — have staff who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who are also known as SANEs.

Jessica Albers is a SANE from Hays who works as a statewide clinical consultant for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

"In terms of rape kits and SANE exams, I think there is a huge lack of access,” Albers said.&nbsp;

Victims travel across state to receive services

HaysMed's SANE program cared for 43 victims from Ellis County in 2022 and 35 in 2021. In 2022, the program cared for 106 victims from 23 Kansas counties from as far away as Barber County on the Oklahoma border and Sherman County on the Colorado border and Butler County in southeast Kansas.

“Three or four hours is a long way to drive for a sexual assault exam, especially after you have been sexually assaulted,” Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said. The advocacy and victims services organization is based in Hays but serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

Hays has been the most northwest program for 12 to 13 years until Goodland opened its program this spring and Great Bend opened a program in October. In southwest Kansas, there are SANE programs in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal. The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Medical Mobile Unit based out of Scott City does exams for children through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wkcac.com/medical-mobile-unit" target="_blank">Medical Mobile Unit</a>.

However, not all programs have 24-7 coverage.

As a SANE, Albers has worked with patients who traveled great distances to receive exams from a certified provider — some traveling hours one way to get an exam.

Albers said she is concerned that some health care facilities may not be aware that providing sexual assault exams is required by the law. Patients also don’t always know where to go. All sexual assault exams exams are free.

The new law has expanded where kits can be collected, including health clinics, health departments and child advocacy clinics.

“We are hopeful that language will open access among those facilities,” Albers said, “and they will be willing to provide the service to victims."

In some rural communities, health departments or clinics may be patients' only health care choice. According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 10 counties in Kansas including Bourbon, Chase, Doniphan, Elk, Gray, Linn, Osage, Wabaunsee, Wallace and Woodson have no hospital. HaysMed's SANE program cared for four victims from Wallace County in 2022.

Few hospitals in the state have SANE programs.

The advantage of a SANE performing the exam is the victim is receiving a more specialized exam, Albers said. They may take forensics photos if that is appropriate and approved by the victim. Alternative light sources can help detect fibers or dried secretions or enhance the visibility of bruises.

The SANE exam is one step in a multi-tier approach to caring for sexual crime victims and gathering evidence to hold perpetrators accountable.

“The police officer’s role is to hold the perpetrator accountable and to just get information. The nurse's job is to collect the evidence and to provide health care," Hecker said. "The advocate’s job is to be a voice for the survivor while they are going through this and to attend to their emotional safety and make sure they know what’s going to happen.

“There are already so many unknowns, and that is one of the most frightening pieces,” Hecker said. “We want to reduce those barriers about what is about to happen. We are trying to tie them back all the control that has been lost.”

SANEs are trained to work with trauma victims and try to help ease fears as they walk victims through the exam process.

“The fear of the unknown of the exam is probably stressful for the victim anyways," Albers said. "Then if you have the complication of not knowing where they can get an exam or having to travel to get to an exam or having to wait for an exam to happen it's an extra hurdle for them to get through."

Albers said if a victim has to wait for an exam she said she hoped at least that victim could be connected with an advocate. Those advocacy services are provided by organizations such as Options.

Hecker said although the law allows medical professionals who are not SANE trained to perform sexual assault exams, she was concerned providers who are not trained&nbsp;may retraumatize victims. Improperly collected evidence might not be able to be used in the prosecutions of perpetrators, she said.

“We as a community and a culture, tell survivors to go and get that exam, so their perpetrator can be held accountable,” Hecker said. “If we are telling people to do that, then we have a responsibility as a community to make sure the safety net is there so the survivors can do that.

“There is a gap between what we tell people what services are available or that they should be able to engage with and what is actually available in their communities. That is also very disheartening.”

“We are really not helping survivors in the best way possible,” she said.

Albers emphasized all parts of a SANE exam are voluntary. A victim can stop the exam at any time and refuse any portion of the exam.

“We work really hard to build a rapport with the patient and make sure we are offering them choices, supporting the choices and decisions they make and how they want to proceed through the exam," she said.

Hecker said victims don't have to go through the exam alone. They can have a family member, friend or advocate with them during the exam. They are allowed to have someone in the room with them holding their hand if they choose.

Advocates will meet with the victim as soon as possible. SANEs, advocates and law enforcement try to work together so the victim doesn't have to tell his or her story over and over.

Although clothing is often taken as evidence, an advocate or SANE will provide fresh clothing for the victim to wear home. Advocates follow up with the victim and can offer a variety of support services as well as meet with family members if the victim requests.

The SANEs are also well connected to the other resources in the communities, including law enforcement and advocacy organizations such as Options in northwest Kansas.

Consenting to a sexual assault exam does not automatically mean the case will be reported. The exam preserves the evidence. The adult victim can choose to make a report with law enforcement at a later date or never.  Unreported kits are sent to the KBI where they are stored for 20 years untested.

According to state law, all&nbsp;reported&nbsp;sexual assault exam kits have to be submitted for testing.

In 2015, a backlog of 2,200 untested kits was discovered in evidence property rooms in Kansas. All of the untested kits were processed, and the law was changed in an attempt to prevent a future backlog, Albers said.&nbsp;

Although physical evidence from a sexual assault exam is not a guarantee of a conviction, Hecker said it helps.

“Rape kits are so important because so many victims of sexual assault are simply not believed,” she said.

She added, “The community has to do better. We have to make sure that the system accepts the report and collects the evidence, and we do something with the evidence, and we take action afterward. Rape is not he said/she said, but we like to think they are.”

The victim can receive treatment to prevent infection or any other injuries at the time of a SANE exam.

Trisha Haskell, forensic program coordinator for HaysMed, said SANE exams are not just about collecting evidence. They allow for expert assessment of all areas of the body.

"Forensic exams help to ensure the health and safety of our patients," she said. "This exam is performed by a specially trained nurse who has expertise in providing patient-centered care that includes history taking, collection of evidence and documentation. This creates an unbiased, objective opportunity to preserve evidence from a patient’s body while facilitating the healing process."

Based on history, patients are offered medication to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV.&nbsp;

Working closely with a physician, the program offers testing, treatment and follow-up care, Haskell said.

Time is also important for the health of the victim, Haskel said.

"As with many medical conditions, timely treatment is always the preferred situation," she said. "Before HaysMed offered the SANE program, people in western Kansas had to travel to eastern Kansas to be treated. 

"Having the program here in Hays has improved access for many patients in the rural areas of the state.  Prompt response times are advantageous no matter what the situation is."

Although access is a barrier, so are myths, Albers said.

“There is the misconception that our exam is really invasive," Albers said, "'and we don’t want to put people through that.’ We work really hard to make sure to not make it traumatic. We don’t want to retraumatize the victim. That’s why it’s so important to build the rapport and comfort level with the patient before we start getting into the exam itself.”

Twenty-five of&nbsp; the victims cared for by HaysMed in 2022 were 17 years old or younger. Albers wanted to reassure parents that SANE exams are not invasive for children.

"They (mothers) think it’s like their pap smear. Before a girl reaches puberty, all we do is external examination. We don’t put anything in the vagina. We don’t pull put swabs from inside the vagina," she said.

SANEs are trained to work with victims of any gender. This includes gender nonconforming or transgender individuals.

Although the majority of SANE exams are performed on women and girls, five to 15 exams per year at HaysMed are performed on men or boys.

“We want everyone to know they are welcome to come for services regardless of their age, gender or identity,” Albers said. “We want to help. We want to help start them on that journey to healing and preserve that evidence so that if it can be used in the criminal justice system it can be preserved and the information is documented by us.”

The training to become SANE is long and costly. Training requires 160 to 180 hours.

You do not have to acquire your certification to practice as a SANE-trained nurse. However, a nurse must accrue 300 hours of SANE practice before he or she can test for SANE certification. As of April, Kansas had only 30 SANE-certified nurses in the state, according to Haskel.

<a href="https://www.pittstate.edu/nursing/sane-program.html">The Pittsburg State University, School of Nursing was awarded a SANE grant in 2018 and again in 2021 through the Health Resources and Services Administration. In July 2021, PSU received $1.5 million for a three-year extension, to recruit, train and retain RNs and APRNs in rural areas of Kansas for SANE training, resources and certification.</a>

"It is a really tough area to work in," Albers said. "You have to be the right kind of person, and it has to be something you want to do."

A hospital or clinic also must have the space and equipment to have a SANE program.&nbsp;

“Administration has to recognize that this is really a community benefit service that is being offered, but it isn’t a department that is going to make money for the facility,” she said.

Most programs require more than one or two SANE-trained staff members, Albers said. Most SANEs hold a full-time job in addition to being on-call for sexual assault exams.&nbsp;

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence&nbsp;provides one-day training for medical providers who are not SANE trained.&nbsp;

The agency has offered the class for three years, but it has been hard getting health care providers to sign up to take the class, Albers said.

“I think it is extremely important to have another access point for the northwest part of the state,” Albers said. “That will give one additional access point for care and hopefully [victims will ] not have to drive three hours to Hays, instead drive 30 minutes to Goodland.”

Albers and Haskel both said multiple barriers exist to expanding SANE programs in rural areas, and it's not just a problem in Kansas.

"With most of the United States being rural, it has been identified as a challenge nationwide," Haskel said. "Collaboration and education allow for all rural areas to expand their reach and knowledge to ensure all persons seeking care after experiencing violence receive adequate care.

"Kansas as a whole does a great job of ensuring equal access for sexual assault survivors regardless of their location. It is a state statute that all medical care facilities within the state offer a sexual assault evidence collection kit to any person requesting one."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701278764783.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAlthough a new forensics nurse program opened this spring in northwest Kansas, access to these exams for rape and incest victims is still difficult to access in rural areas of the state.Many victims have to drive for hours to find nurses who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, which can significantly delay treatment and evidence collection.New legislation went into effect in July 2022 to increase access to SANE exams.Although hospitals, as defined in state statute, must collect a sexual assault evidence kit if it is requested by the victim, only two hospitals in northwest Kansas — Goodland and Hays — have staff who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who are also known as SANEs.Jessica Albers is a SANE from Hays who works as a statewide clinical consultant for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence."In terms of rape kits and SANE exams, I think there is a huge lack of access,” Albers said.&nbsp;<h2>Victims travel across state to receive services</h2>HaysMed's SANE program cared for 43 victims from Ellis County in 2022 and 35 in 2021. In 2022, the program cared for 106 victims from 23 Kansas counties from as far away as Barber County on the Oklahoma border and Sherman County on the Colorado border and Butler County in southeast Kansas.“Three or four hours is a long way to drive for a sexual assault exam, especially after you have been sexually assaulted,” Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said. The advocacy and victims services organization is based in Hays but serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Hays has been the most northwest program for 12 to 13 years until Goodland opened its program this spring and Great Bend opened a program in October. In southwest Kansas, there are SANE programs in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal. The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Medical Mobile Unit based out of Scott City does exams for children through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wkcac.com/medical-mobile-unit" target="_blank">Medical Mobile Unit</a>.However, not all programs have 24-7 coverage.As a SANE, Albers has worked with patients who traveled great distances to receive exams from a certified provider — some traveling hours one way to get an exam.Albers said she is concerned that some health care facilities may not be aware that providing sexual assault exams is required by the law. Patients also don’t always know where to go. All sexual assault exams exams are free.The new law has expanded where kits can be collected, including health clinics, health departments and child advocacy clinics.“We are hopeful that language will open access among those facilities,” Albers said, “and they will be willing to provide the service to victims."In some rural communities, health departments or clinics may be patients' only health care choice. According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 10 counties in Kansas including Bourbon, Chase, Doniphan, Elk, Gray, Linn, Osage, Wabaunsee, Wallace and Woodson have no hospital. HaysMed's SANE program cared for four victims from Wallace County in 2022.<h2>Everyone has a job</h2>Few hospitals in the state have SANE programs.The advantage of a SANE performing the exam is the victim is receiving a more specialized exam, Albers said. They may take forensics photos if that is appropriate and approved by the victim. Alternative light sources can help detect fibers or dried secretions or enhance the visibility of bruises.The SANE exam is one step in a multi-tier approach to caring for sexual crime victims and gathering evidence to hold perpetrators accountable.“The police officer’s role is to hold the perpetrator accountable and to just get information. The nurse's job is to collect the evidence and to provide health care," Hecker said. "The advocate’s job is to be a voice for the survivor while they are going through this and to attend to their emotional safety and make sure they know what’s going to happen.“There are already so many unknowns, and that is one of the most frightening pieces,” Hecker said. “We want to reduce those barriers about what is about to happen. We are trying to tie them back all the control that has been lost.”SANEs are trained to work with trauma victims and try to help ease fears as they walk victims through the exam process.“The fear of the unknown of the exam is probably stressful for the victim anyways," Albers said. "Then if you have the complication of not knowing where they can get an exam or having to travel to get to an exam or having to wait for an exam to happen it's an extra hurdle for them to get through."Albers said if a victim has to wait for an exam she said she hoped at least that victim could be connected with an advocate. Those advocacy services are provided by organizations such as Options.Hecker said although the law allows medical professionals who are not SANE trained to perform sexual assault exams, she was concerned providers who are not trained&nbsp;may retraumatize victims. Improperly collected evidence might not be able to be used in the prosecutions of perpetrators, she said.“We as a community and a culture, tell survivors to go and get that exam, so their perpetrator can be held accountable,” Hecker said. “If we are telling people to do that, then we have a responsibility as a community to make sure the safety net is there so the survivors can do that.“There is a gap between what we tell people what services are available or that they should be able to engage with and what is actually available in their communities. That is also very disheartening.”“We are really not helping survivors in the best way possible,” she said.<h2>What happens during a SANE exam?</h2>Albers emphasized all parts of a SANE exam are voluntary. A victim can stop the exam at any time and refuse any portion of the exam.“We work really hard to build a rapport with the patient and make sure we are offering them choices, supporting the choices and decisions they make and how they want to proceed through the exam," she said.Hecker said victims don't have to go through the exam alone. They can have a family member, friend or advocate with them during the exam. They are allowed to have someone in the room with them holding their hand if they choose.Advocates will meet with the victim as soon as possible. SANEs, advocates and law enforcement try to work together so the victim doesn't have to tell his or her story over and over.Although clothing is often taken as evidence, an advocate or SANE will provide fresh clothing for the victim to wear home. Advocates follow up with the victim and can offer a variety of support services as well as meet with family members if the victim requests.The SANEs are also well connected to the other resources in the communities, including law enforcement and advocacy organizations such as Options in northwest Kansas.Consenting to a sexual assault exam does not automatically mean the case will be reported. The exam preserves the evidence. The adult victim can choose to make a report with law enforcement at a later date or never. Unreported kits are sent to the KBI where they are stored for 20 years untested.<h2>Testing evidence</h2>According to state law, all&nbsp;reported&nbsp;sexual assault exam kits have to be submitted for testing.In 2015, a backlog of 2,200 untested kits was discovered in evidence property rooms in Kansas. All of the untested kits were processed, and the law was changed in an attempt to prevent a future backlog, Albers said.&nbsp;Although physical evidence from a sexual assault exam is not a guarantee of a conviction, Hecker said it helps.“Rape kits are so important because so many victims of sexual assault are simply not believed,” she said.She added, “The community has to do better. We have to make sure that the system accepts the report and collects the evidence, and we do something with the evidence, and we take action afterward. Rape is not he said/she said, but we like to think they are.”<h2>Sexual assault exams are health care</h2>The victim can receive treatment to prevent infection or any other injuries at the time of a SANE exam.Trisha Haskell, forensic program coordinator for HaysMed, said SANE exams are not just about collecting evidence. They allow for expert assessment of all areas of the body."Forensic exams help to ensure the health and safety of our patients," she said. "This exam is performed by a specially trained nurse who has expertise in providing patient-centered care that includes history taking, collection of evidence and documentation. This creates an unbiased, objective opportunity to preserve evidence from a patient’s body while facilitating the healing process."Based on history, patients are offered medication to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV.&nbsp;Working closely with a physician, the program offers testing, treatment and follow-up care, Haskell said.Time is also important for the health of the victim, Haskel said."As with many medical conditions, timely treatment is always the preferred situation," she said. "Before HaysMed offered the SANE program, people in western Kansas had to travel to eastern Kansas to be treated. "Having the program here in Hays has improved access for many patients in the rural areas of the state. Prompt response times are advantageous no matter what the situation is."<h2>Overcoming misconceptions</h2>Although access is a barrier, so are myths, Albers said.“There is the misconception that our exam is really invasive," Albers said, "'and we don’t want to put people through that.’ We work really hard to make sure to not make it traumatic. We don’t want to retraumatize the victim. That’s why it’s so important to build the rapport and comfort level with the patient before we start getting into the exam itself.”Twenty-five of&nbsp; the victims cared for by HaysMed in 2022 were 17 years old or younger. Albers wanted to reassure parents that SANE exams are not invasive for children."They (mothers) think it’s like their pap smear. Before a girl reaches puberty, all we do is external examination. We don’t put anything in the vagina. We don’t pull put swabs from inside the vagina," she said.SANEs are trained to work with victims of any gender. This includes gender nonconforming or transgender individuals.Although the majority of SANE exams are performed on women and girls, five to 15 exams per year at HaysMed are performed on men or boys.“We want everyone to know they are welcome to come for services regardless of their age, gender or identity,” Albers said. “We want to help. We want to help start them on that journey to healing and preserve that evidence so that if it can be used in the criminal justice system it can be preserved and the information is documented by us.”<h2>Barriers to expanding services</h2>The training to become SANE is long and costly. Training requires 160 to 180 hours.You do not have to acquire your certification to practice as a SANE-trained nurse. However, a nurse must accrue 300 hours of SANE practice before he or she can test for SANE certification. As of April, Kansas had only 30 SANE-certified nurses in the state, according to Haskel.<a href="https://www.pittstate.edu/nursing/sane-program.html">The Pittsburg State University, School of Nursing was awarded a SANE grant in 2018 and again in 2021 through the Health Resources and Services Administration. In July 2021, PSU received $1.5 million for a three-year extension, to recruit, train and retain RNs and APRNs in rural areas of Kansas for SANE training, resources and certification.</a>"It is a really tough area to work in," Albers said. "You have to be the right kind of person, and it has to be something you want to do."A hospital or clinic also must have the space and equipment to have a SANE program.&nbsp;“Administration has to recognize that this is really a community benefit service that is being offered, but it isn’t a department that is going to make money for the facility,” she said.Most programs require more than one or two SANE-trained staff members, Albers said. Most SANEs hold a full-time job in addition to being on-call for sexual assault exams.&nbsp;Turnover is high in the field, she said.The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence&nbsp;provides one-day training for medical providers who are not SANE trained.&nbsp;The agency has offered the class for three years, but it has been hard getting health care providers to sign up to take the class, Albers said.“I think it is extremely important to have another access point for the northwest part of the state,” Albers said. “That will give one additional access point for care and hopefully [victims will ] not have to drive three hours to Hays, instead drive 30 minutes to Goodland.”<h2>Not just a Kansas problem</h2>Albers and Haskel both said multiple barriers exist to expanding SANE programs in rural areas, and it's not just a problem in Kansas."With most of the United States being rural, it has been identified as a challenge nationwide," Haskel said. "Collaboration and education allow for all rural areas to expand their reach and knowledge to ensure all persons seeking care after experiencing violence receive adequate care."Kansas as a whole does a great job of ensuring equal access for sexual assault survivors regardless of their location. It is a state statute that all medical care facilities within the state offer a sexual assault evidence collection kit to any person requesting one."

Access to sexual assault exams lacking in rural Kansas; HaysMed has 1 of few trained staffs in state

As the 2023 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.

The 34th-annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set for at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build more than 150 wooden riverboat toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.

Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding and applying oil finish to the production toys.

“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, assistant professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s riverboat toy is really cool, and I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”

Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and doughnuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary. Just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.

For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607955139705.jpeg" alt="In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil. File photo" />
 <figcaption>In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsAs the 2023 holiday season commences, Fort Hays State University’s annual toy-building event is approaching quickly.The 34th-annual Fred Ruda’s Teaming up for Tots event is set for at the Center for Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. This year, volunteers from the community will build more than 150 wooden riverboat toys that will be distributed to children in need in our community.Students in the Department of Applied Technology have designed the toy and all the processes, jigs, and fixtures needed to produce the toys on a mass scale. Community members are asked to volunteer to run a station. Jobs include but aren’t limited to running machinery, moving pieces from one part of the assembly line to another, gluing and assembling parts, sanding and applying oil finish to the production toys.“This is one of the best opportunities for our students to give back to the community,” said Zach Pixler, assistant professor of Applied Technology. “Not only do they learn more about the manufacturing process, they get to flex their creative muscles a bit and see the positive impact that their hard work has on those around them. This year’s riverboat toy is really cool, and I’m excited to see them all come together on our line!”Building will commence at 9 a.m. and will be completed by lunchtime. Join us for coffee and doughnuts before the event and pizza after the build. All ages are welcome. No sign-up is necessary. Just bring safety glasses and be ready to build.For answers to any questions, contact the Department of Applied Technology at 785-628-4211.

FHSU’s annual toy-building event set for Saturday

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Escape driven by Sheyla Adrienne&nbsp;Mallery, 18, Littleton, Colorado, was traveling on the U.S. 183 Bypass at 240th Avenue.&nbsp;

The driver&nbsp;failed to yield the right of way from a stop sign. An eastbound 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Summer Beth Harris, 42, Hays, struck Ford.

EMS transported&nbsp; Mallery to Hays Medical Center. Harris was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Escape driven by Sheyla Adrienne&nbsp;Mallery, 18, Littleton, Colorado, was traveling on the U.S. 183 Bypass at 240th Avenue.&nbsp;The driver&nbsp;failed to yield the right of way from a stop sign. An eastbound 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Summer Beth Harris, 42, Hays, struck Ford.EMS transported&nbsp; Mallery to Hays Medical Center. Harris was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after crash on 183 Bypass

Hays Middle School students will present a one-act play at the Hays Public Library during the Hays Art Walk on Saturday.

The performance, “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” is a series of four short comedies by Todd Wallinger that spoof driver’s education training. Two performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Trish Davies room on the second floor of the library. No admission will be charged for the performance, which should last around 30-40 minutes.

Bill Gasper, a retired journalism teacher at Hays High School and current director of the Hays High spring play, is directing the students in what might be the first time (or at least in recent history) that the middle school has presented a public performance.

“I enjoy working with students in theater and volunteered to see if we can get a program started at the middle school,” Gasper said. “My goal was to provide middle school students with an interest in theater the opportunity to perform in front of people. Initially, we had a number of students who expressed an interest, but for one reason or another decided to bow out. The 11 students who decided to stick with it have done a good job overall.”

Those students include eighth-graders Ella Fenwick and Caleb Nicholas, seventh-grader Sarah Niehaus, and sixth-graders Isabella Anderson, Braelyn Dumler, Annelise Buller, Adelyn Williams, Augusta Green, Kadence Farr, Lillian Kuhl and Ava Breit.

“I admit it has been a bit different working with middle schoolers,” Gasper said. “They bring a different level of energy to each rehearsal. It’s been a fun experience for me, and I’m hopeful the kids have enjoyed it as well.”

Although he was hoping for a little more student interest, Gasper said things actually worked out very well.

“A smaller group has been much more manageable in regard to rehearsals, rehearsal space, scheduling and so on,” he said. “Sometimes it’s best to start out small and see if interest grows in the future.”

In addition to Saturday’s performance, the group was also scheduled to perform in front Karen Nowak’s communications classes at the middle school.

“Mrs. Nowak has graciously allowed us to rehearse in her classroom after school, which as a former teacher, I know can be a bit inconvenient,” Gasper said. “I also want to thank Tom Albers and the office staff at the school for their support as well as the Hays Arts Council and Hays Public Library for giving us this opportunity. The USD 489 Foundation also deserve a round of applause for providing us the funds to pay for books and royalties.”

SubmittedHays Middle School students will present a one-act play at the Hays Public Library during the Hays Art Walk on Saturday.The performance, “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” is a series of four short comedies by Todd Wallinger that spoof driver’s education training. Two performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Trish Davies room on the second floor of the library. No admission will be charged for the performance, which should last around 30-40 minutes.Bill Gasper, a retired journalism teacher at Hays High School and current director of the Hays High spring play, is directing the students in what might be the first time (or at least in recent history) that the middle school has presented a public performance.“I enjoy working with students in theater and volunteered to see if we can get a program started at the middle school,” Gasper said. “My goal was to provide middle school students with an interest in theater the opportunity to perform in front of people. Initially, we had a number of students who expressed an interest, but for one reason or another decided to bow out. The 11 students who decided to stick with it have done a good job overall.”Those students include eighth-graders Ella Fenwick and Caleb Nicholas, seventh-grader Sarah Niehaus, and sixth-graders Isabella Anderson, Braelyn Dumler, Annelise Buller, Adelyn Williams, Augusta Green, Kadence Farr, Lillian Kuhl and Ava Breit.“I admit it has been a bit different working with middle schoolers,” Gasper said. “They bring a different level of energy to each rehearsal. It’s been a fun experience for me, and I’m hopeful the kids have enjoyed it as well.”Although he was hoping for a little more student interest, Gasper said things actually worked out very well.“A smaller group has been much more manageable in regard to rehearsals, rehearsal space, scheduling and so on,” he said. “Sometimes it’s best to start out small and see if interest grows in the future.”In addition to Saturday’s performance, the group was also scheduled to perform in front Karen Nowak’s communications classes at the middle school.“Mrs. Nowak has graciously allowed us to rehearse in her classroom after school, which as a former teacher, I know can be a bit inconvenient,” Gasper said. “I also want to thank Tom Albers and the office staff at the school for their support as well as the Hays Arts Council and Hays Public Library for giving us this opportunity. The USD 489 Foundation also deserve a round of applause for providing us the funds to pay for books and royalties.”

Hays Middle School to present comedy during Hays Art Walk

Dec.&nbsp;2 — Breakfast with Santa, Zion Lutheran Church, 1019 Blunt St., Downs, 8-10 a.m.

Dec.&nbsp;2 — Chocolate Festival/Christmas in Alton — 3-5 p.m. Chocolate Festival at the Front Porch Event Center; 4-5 p.m. Games and youth activities at the Alton Firehouse; 5-7 p.m. Soup, sandwiches and dessert at the Hardman Hall; 6 p.m. Christmas caroling downtown Alton followed by the Christmas lighting ceremony. Santa comes to town at the Alton Firehouse following the lighting ceremony.

Dec.&nbsp;2 — Grinch Breakfast at the Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne, 8-10 a.m.

Dec. 9-10 — A Mountain Christmas Memory Christmas Play, Grace Brethren Church, 108 E. Fifth St., Portis, 6:30 p.m.

Dec.&nbsp;9 — Holiday Paca Party at North 40 Alpacas, 460 S US-24, Osborne. Santa will be with the Alpacas 1 to 3 p.m.

Dec. 11 — Pizza night fundraiser for Lakeside PTCO, Beloit Pizza Hut, 3001 US-24, Beloit. 10 percent of all proceeds&nbsp;will benefit Lakeside PTCO.

Dec. 16 — Home for the Holidays at the Sims Event Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne. Usher in the season with friends and family as you enjoy supper, visiting with Santa, a hot cocoa bar, popcorn and a Christmas movie. Starts at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Cloverton in Concert, Osborne High School Auditorium, 219 N. 2nd St., Osborne, KS&nbsp; 7 PM - Free admission!

Dec. 23 — Candlelight Service at Bible Baptist Church, 119 S. Second St., Osborne, 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701189502983.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDec.&nbsp;2 — Breakfast with Santa, Zion Lutheran Church, 1019 Blunt St., Downs, 8-10 a.m.Dec.&nbsp;2 — Chocolate Festival/Christmas in Alton — 3-5 p.m. Chocolate Festival at the Front Porch Event Center; 4-5 p.m. Games and youth activities at the Alton Firehouse; 5-7 p.m. Soup, sandwiches and dessert at the Hardman Hall; 6 p.m. Christmas caroling downtown Alton followed by the Christmas lighting ceremony. Santa comes to town at the Alton Firehouse following the lighting ceremony.Dec.&nbsp;2 — Grinch Breakfast at the Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne, 8-10 a.m.Dec. 9-10 — A Mountain Christmas Memory Christmas Play, Grace Brethren Church, 108 E. Fifth St., Portis, 6:30 p.m.Dec.&nbsp;9 — Holiday Paca Party at North 40 Alpacas, 460 S US-24, Osborne. Santa will be with the Alpacas 1 to 3 p.m.Dec. 11 — Pizza night fundraiser for Lakeside PTCO, Beloit Pizza Hut, 3001 US-24, Beloit. 10 percent of all proceeds&nbsp;will benefit Lakeside PTCO.Dec. 16 — Home for the Holidays at the Sims Event Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne. Usher in the season with friends and family as you enjoy supper, visiting with Santa, a hot cocoa bar, popcorn and a Christmas movie. Starts at 4:30 p.m.Dec. 20 — Cloverton in Concert, Osborne High School Auditorium, 219 N. 2nd St., Osborne, KS&nbsp; 7 PM - Free admission!Dec. 23 — Candlelight Service at Bible Baptist Church, 119 S. Second St., Osborne, 6 p.m.

Osborne community events for December

<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/2023/11/1701368347309.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

TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) at Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) Thursday, Nov. 30 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School&nbsp;&nbsp;

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/788867">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs open the 2023-24 season at Hays High School in the first round of the 41st&nbsp;annual Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout.

The Monarchs will take on the host Hays High Indians.

The TMP girls are coming off a season where they finished 15-8 and have won four straight over Hays High. The Indians were 14-8 last season.

The TMP boys are coming off their second straight fourth place finish at the 2A state tournament and were 22-4 last season. Hays High finished 13-9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) at Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) Thursday, Nov. 30 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School&nbsp;&nbsp;Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/788867">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs open the 2023-24 season at Hays High School in the first round of the 41st&nbsp;annual Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout.The Monarchs will take on the host Hays High Indians.The TMP girls are coming off a season where they finished 15-8 and have won four straight over Hays High. The Indians were 14-8 last season.The TMP boys are coming off their second straight fourth place finish at the 2A state tournament and were 22-4 last season. Hays High finished 13-9.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Monarchs open season at Hays City Shootout

TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) at Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) Thursday, Nov. 30 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays
High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789402">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians open the 2023-24 season Thursday against the TMP-Marian Monarchs in the opening round of the 41st annual Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout.

The Indian girls finished 14-8 a season ago. TMP was 15-8. The Monarchs have won four straight against Hays High.

The Hays High boys finished 13-9 last season and take on a TMP team that was 22-4 last season.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School.&nbsp;Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-0, 0-0 MCL) at Hays High (0-0, 0-0 WAC) Thursday, Nov. 30 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays
High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789402">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians open the 2023-24 season Thursday against the TMP-Marian Monarchs in the opening round of the 41st annual Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout.The Indian girls finished 14-8 a season ago. TMP was 15-8. The Monarchs have won four straight against Hays High.The Hays High boys finished 13-9 last season and take on a TMP team that was 22-4 last season.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School.&nbsp;Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Indians host TMP-Marian to open Hays City Shootout

Hays areas community events for December

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;

KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.hctks.com/events" target="_blank">Hays Community Theatre's Keeping Christmas: A Traditional Christmas Tale</a> Director Amy Bergman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays Community Theatre to present Keeping Christmas: A Traditional Christmas Tale" 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=s9ya7-1512029-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;

KAYS 94.3/1400 Morning Blend host Jeff Leiker speaks with <a href="https://www.hctks.com/events" target="_blank">Hays Community Theatre's Keeping Christmas: A Traditional Christmas Tale</a> Director Amy Bergman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Community Theatre to present Keeping Christmas: A Traditional Christmas Tale

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Cheers to a new chapter in town as Club Liquor promises a refined collection of wines, spirits and the coldest beers in town.&nbsp;

Originally from India, Ritesh Patel relocated to Hays almost two decades ago. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in local businesses, such as Tiger Mart, Golden Ox Truck Stop and House of Vaporz.

Club Liquor, 717 Vine St., welcomed its first customers on Oct. 28,. Patel said it was a successful opening.

"It was great. We set records that we've never done at the other stores, and the response has been great too," he said.

Patel said he couldn't offer as many products as he desired in his small store. When the opportunity arose with the available building on Vine Street, he saw it as a chance to expand and bring something new to the south side of Hays.

"I wanted to purchase this to fix it up so people are proud to come to the south end of town and think it's a nice area," Patel said. "A lot of buildings are old, so people might not be comfortable with shopping. I wanted to make it attractive for people."

Additions to Patel's inventory now include scotch whiskeys and an array of high-value wines, offerings that were not available before.

Other liquors offered include tequilas, vodkas, gin, as well as rum.

Manager Juan Coca said there are a limited amount of certain beverages in circulation but emphasized that all their products will be available on their sales floor for customers.

"We're not going to hide it behind the counter. We're going to put everything out on the shelf and available for everyone," Coca said.

Club Liquor extended its selection to include non-alcoholic beverages and both non-alcoholic variants of popular domestic beers as well as non-alcoholic India Pale Ale.

"You still have to be 21 and older to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage, but the idea is for somebody that doesn't want to consume alcohol for the holidays when families visit or in general, we have options for them too," Coca said.

For several years, Patel, a parent, has been dedicated to steering underage individuals away from acquiring age-restricted items. The most common occurrences of fake IDs are at Tiger Mart and House of Vaporz.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701286518964.jpeg" alt="The outside of the new Club Liquor store. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The outside of the new Club Liquor store. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostCheers to a new chapter in town as Club Liquor promises a refined collection of wines, spirits and the coldest beers in town.&nbsp;Originally from India, Ritesh Patel relocated to Hays almost two decades ago. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in local businesses, such as Tiger Mart, Golden Ox Truck Stop and House of Vaporz.Club Liquor, 717 Vine St., welcomed its first customers on Oct. 28,. Patel said it was a successful opening."It was great. We set records that we've never done at the other stores, and the response has been great too," he said.Patel said he couldn't offer as many products as he desired in his small store. When the opportunity arose with the available building on Vine Street, he saw it as a chance to expand and bring something new to the south side of Hays."I wanted to purchase this to fix it up so people are proud to come to the south end of town and think it's a nice area," Patel said. "A lot of buildings are old, so people might not be comfortable with shopping. I wanted to make it attractive for people."Additions to Patel's inventory now include scotch whiskeys and an array of high-value wines, offerings that were not available before.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701296146179.jpeg" alt="A wine shelf in Club Liquor that includes Stella Rosa and The Hess Collection. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A wine shelf in Club Liquor that includes Stella Rosa and The Hess Collection. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.&nbsp;</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701296504596.jpeg" alt="A Whiskey shelf in Club liquor that includes Elijah Craig, Old Forester and Old Charter. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>A Whiskey shelf in Club liquor that includes Elijah Craig, Old Forester and Old Charter. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other liquors offered include tequilas, vodkas, gin, as well as rum.Manager Juan Coca said there are a limited amount of certain beverages in circulation but emphasized that all their products will be available on their sales floor for customers."We're not going to hide it behind the counter. We're going to put everything out on the shelf and available for everyone," Coca said.Club Liquor extended its selection to include non-alcoholic beverages and both non-alcoholic variants of popular domestic beers as well as non-alcoholic India Pale Ale.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701296649888.jpeg" alt="Beverages in coolers at Club Liquor include Truly, Twisted Tea and Cayman Jack. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Beverages in coolers at Club Liquor include Truly, Twisted Tea and Cayman Jack. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701296681921.jpeg" alt="Beverages in coolers at Club Liquor include Modelo, Corona and Dos Equis. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>Beverages in coolers at Club Liquor include Modelo, Corona and Dos Equis. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>"You still have to be 21 and older to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage, but the idea is for somebody that doesn't want to consume alcohol for the holidays when families visit or in general, we have options for them too," Coca said.For several years, Patel, a parent, has been dedicated to steering underage individuals away from acquiring age-restricted items. The most common occurrences of fake IDs are at Tiger Mart and House of Vaporz.&nbsp;"I've been running convenience stores for 15 years, and we sell tobacco so we have always IDed," he said. "They look real, but we're used to doing this for a long time, so it's kind of second nature to us."Patel has made donations to Hays High and Thomas More Prep-Marian.Patel credits Coca for being able to establish Club Liquor along with his other long-time employees."I have seven employees that I've had for four years, and I really have to give it to them because I just come up here for 20 to 30 minutes a day," he said.Coca takes pride in fostering inclusivity, aiming to create a welcoming environment for anyone who speaks Spanish at Club Liquor."We're surrounded by a wonderful community and businesses aiming to spruce up south Vine Street, and as bilingual Hispanic, I personally feel a sense of pride when I'm able to provide service to both English and Spanish-speaking customers," he said.Patel is dedicated to ensuring Club Liquor becomes a well-known establishment in Hays. He said he strives&nbsp;to deliver outstanding service and competitive prices to the community."We're local. We support a lot of local stuff, and we're going to be here for a long time," he said.The improvement of the customer experience at the store is an ongoing topic of discussion, with a curbside pickup soon to be introduced."Speaking of our customers, we'd really like to express our gratitude for their continued support as we strive to remain highly competitive in terms of pricing," Coca said.Club Liquor is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.You can follow Club Liquor on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/clubliquorhays">Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

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