TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she is simultaneously hosting food drives at the remaining seven stops on her statewide ‘The People’s Budget’ listening tour. In partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Governor Kelly is encouraging Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items to give back to local communities.

“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m urging the Kansans attending my statewide listening tour to donate food items and support food banks struggling to meet already high demands. Kansans have always lifted up their neighbors during challenging times, and food drives are a simple way to give back to our communities.”

Food banks currently have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other shelf stable items in need include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and more. Additional information about in-demand items can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2Fhow-to-help%2Fgive-food%2Fmost-needed-items/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/WzcjBz8Xgm9dg4KQOYYXaDWaW_IiBxi9PRudcq0Snx0=428">here</a>. Kansans participating in the food drives should refrain from donating perishable food or items in glass packaging.

“As the shutdown continues, more families are turning to food banks and our partner agencies for help,”&nbsp;said Valerie Nicholson‑Watson, Interim President and CEO, Harvesters – The Community Food Network.&nbsp;“This food drive with Governor Kelly is important because hunger doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Kansans have always stepped up for one another, and these food drives are more than just cans of food—they’re about hope, community, and taking care of one another when it matters most.”

Governor Kelly will host the second and third stops of ‘The People’s Budget’ tour on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. in Hays and 6:00 p.m. in Garden City. Kansans interested in attending the events should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2F%3Fsplash=https%253a%252f%252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252f%253furl%253dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%25252FCL0%25252Fhttps%25253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2525252FBudgetTourRSVP%25252F1%25252F01010199b9f9d395-93c03dd8-a249-45d4-983b-7b5bac4c393e-000000%25252F1PxdLARohVWY6-nVpsw2k2ZcURnvUURQDDEa2PIdAQw%25253D425%2526data%253d05%25257C02%25257CGrace.Hoge%252540ks.gov%25257C609584ed2e1f4c82b81c08de04e82deb%25257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%25257C0%25257C0%25257C638953592407599034%25257CUnknown%25257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%25253D%25253D%25257C0%25257C%25257C%25257C%2526sdata%253dHyziOpDpTXfrJ%25252FJonLkDDEZP%25252FGgcx4nvWOQv9LwV7d8%25253D%2526reserved%253d0%26____isexternal=true/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/Vp9TD9bTO-VhjxN3wPXfrb581VSiohhDFwBqTQgNtpw=428">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional information. Those who plan to donate food at the events will be able to drop off items at the venue.

“We’re grateful to Governor Kelly for highlighting the issue of hunger through this tour,”&nbsp;said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Kansas Food Bank.&nbsp;“These food drives will provide vital support to families facing uncertainty during the shutdown and help ensure that our neighbors across Kansas have access to the nutritious food they need.”

The remaining stops on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour will take place on the schedule below:

Space at each venue will be limited, and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis. The Governor’s Office would appreciate RSVPs to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time. Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761572821862.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she is simultaneously hosting food drives at the remaining seven stops on her statewide ‘The People’s Budget’ listening tour. In partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Governor Kelly is encouraging Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items to give back to local communities.“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m urging the Kansans attending my statewide listening tour to donate food items and support food banks struggling to meet already high demands. Kansans have always lifted up their neighbors during challenging times, and food drives are a simple way to give back to our communities.”Food banks currently have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other shelf stable items in need include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and more. Additional information about in-demand items can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2Fhow-to-help%2Fgive-food%2Fmost-needed-items/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/WzcjBz8Xgm9dg4KQOYYXaDWaW_IiBxi9PRudcq0Snx0=428">here</a>. Kansans participating in the food drives should refrain from donating perishable food or items in glass packaging.“As the shutdown continues, more families are turning to food banks and our partner agencies for help,”&nbsp;said Valerie Nicholson‑Watson, Interim President and CEO, Harvesters – The Community Food Network.&nbsp;“This food drive with Governor Kelly is important because hunger doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Kansans have always stepped up for one another, and these food drives are more than just cans of food—they’re about hope, community, and taking care of one another when it matters most.”Governor Kelly will host the second and third stops of ‘The People’s Budget’ tour on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. in Hays and 6:00 p.m. in Garden City. Kansans interested in attending the events should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2F%3Fsplash=https%253a%252f%252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252f%253furl%253dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%25252FCL0%25252Fhttps%25253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2525252FBudgetTourRSVP%25252F1%25252F01010199b9f9d395-93c03dd8-a249-45d4-983b-7b5bac4c393e-000000%25252F1PxdLARohVWY6-nVpsw2k2ZcURnvUURQDDEa2PIdAQw%25253D425%2526data%253d05%25257C02%25257CGrace.Hoge%252540ks.gov%25257C609584ed2e1f4c82b81c08de04e82deb%25257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%25257C0%25257C0%25257C638953592407599034%25257CUnknown%25257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%25253D%25253D%25257C0%25257C%25257C%25257C%2526sdata%253dHyziOpDpTXfrJ%25252FJonLkDDEZP%25252FGgcx4nvWOQv9LwV7d8%25253D%2526reserved%253d0%26____isexternal=true/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/Vp9TD9bTO-VhjxN3wPXfrb581VSiohhDFwBqTQgNtpw=428">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional information. Those who plan to donate food at the events will be able to drop off items at the venue.“We’re grateful to Governor Kelly for highlighting the issue of hunger through this tour,”&nbsp;said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Kansas Food Bank.&nbsp;“These food drives will provide vital support to families facing uncertainty during the shutdown and help ensure that our neighbors across Kansas have access to the nutritious food they need.”The remaining stops on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour will take place on the schedule below:<ul>
 <li>Wednesday, October 29: Hays</li><li>Wednesday, October 29: Garden City</li><li>Monday, November 3: Kansas City, Kansas</li><li>Wednesday, November 5: Leawood</li><li>Thursday, November 6: Emporia</li><li>Monday, November 10: Pittsburg</li><li>Wednesday, November 12: Wichita</li>
 </ul>Space at each venue will be limited, and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis. The Governor’s Office would appreciate RSVPs to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time. Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.

Gov. Kelly to host food drive at ‘The People’s Budget’ tour stop in Hays Wednesday

It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;

A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.

"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."

More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;

Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;

"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;

The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;

Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;

On Dec. 20, $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be given away.&nbsp;

A special Nov. 7 Chamber Chat with The Chamber in Hays will focus on the downtown holiday events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays" 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=4wtm5-1988648-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>It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151132550.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151365137.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761151398585.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761232931365.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;On Dec. 20, $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be given away.&nbsp;A special Nov. 7 Chamber Chat with The Chamber in Hays will focus on the downtown holiday events.

🎙 It's holiday time on The Bricks in downtown Hays

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.

The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;

EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after semi travels into ditch, rolls

<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/2025/10/1761576560722.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

Craig Pallister has announced his candidacy for the USD 489 Board of Education. With decades of experience in education and leadership, Pallister says he’s running to continue supporting and improving public education for Hays students, teachers, staff and the community.

Pallister has served on the USD 489 Board of Education as both vice president (two one-year terms) and president (one year term). Before retirement, he spent 21 years as principal at Hays Middle School and four years as assistant principal. He also previously worked as a teacher and assistant principal in USD 443.

Pallister said one of his priorities would be lowering the teacher-to-student ratio to strengthen learning outcomes and improve classroom relationships. He also supports expanding course options for college-bound students as well as those pursuing technical training or entering the workforce directly after graduation.

To better address academic, behavioral and career needs, Pallister advocates for additional counselors at all grade levels. “Each student should have at least one adult every year who knows them well—someone who can advise them both academically and emotionally,” he said.

Pallister believes the completion of new and updated facilities under the current bond project will create lasting benefits for future generations. “Once those are complete, the district’s next focus must be on hiring and retaining the best teachers and staff,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of competitive pay and benefits for all employees — from teachers and administrators to para-educators, secretaries, cooks, custodians, coaches and bus drivers. “They’re the backbone of our schools and key to student success,” he said.

When it comes to making decisions as a board member, Pallister said his guiding question will always be: “Is this good for students?”

He also stressed the need for continued advocacy at the state and federal levels, particularly in funding special education as originally promised. “If special education were fully funded, districts could free up additional resources for general education or local tax relief,” he added.

Craig Pallister is asking for your vote in the USD 489 Board of Education election on Tuesday, November 4.

For more information, you can contact him at craigpallister489@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760474185858.png" alt="Craig Pallister" />
 <figcaption>Craig Pallister</figcaption>
 </figure>Craig Pallister has announced his candidacy for the USD 489 Board of Education. With decades of experience in education and leadership, Pallister says he’s running to continue supporting and improving public education for Hays students, teachers, staff and the community.Pallister has served on the USD 489 Board of Education as both vice president (two one-year terms) and president (one year term). Before retirement, he spent 21 years as principal at Hays Middle School and four years as assistant principal. He also previously worked as a teacher and assistant principal in USD 443.Pallister said one of his priorities would be lowering the teacher-to-student ratio to strengthen learning outcomes and improve classroom relationships. He also supports expanding course options for college-bound students as well as those pursuing technical training or entering the workforce directly after graduation.To better address academic, behavioral and career needs, Pallister advocates for additional counselors at all grade levels. “Each student should have at least one adult every year who knows them well—someone who can advise them both academically and emotionally,” he said.Building for the FuturePallister believes the completion of new and updated facilities under the current bond project will create lasting benefits for future generations. “Once those are complete, the district’s next focus must be on hiring and retaining the best teachers and staff,” he said.He emphasized the importance of competitive pay and benefits for all employees — from teachers and administrators to para-educators, secretaries, cooks, custodians, coaches and bus drivers. “They’re the backbone of our schools and key to student success,” he said.When it comes to making decisions as a board member, Pallister said his guiding question will always be: “Is this good for students?”He also stressed the need for continued advocacy at the state and federal levels, particularly in funding special education as originally promised. “If special education were fully funded, districts could free up additional resources for general education or local tax relief,” he added.Election DayCraig Pallister is asking for your vote in the USD 489 Board of Education election on Tuesday, November 4.For more information, you can contact him at craigpallister489@gmail.com.

Bucklin City Council fined for violating open meetings law

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 tonight for a work session.

The work session will include the following items:

• Superintendent evaluation. Alma Henry from the Kansas Association of School Boards will be a guest. • Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, will give an update on the co-op. • The board will review the five-year capital outlay plan • The board will discuss the possible sale of property at Hays Middle School, north of the football field. • The board will hear an update on the naming of the district facilities committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608234493687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 tonight for a work session.The work session will include the following items:• Superintendent evaluation. Alma Henry from the Kansas Association of School Boards will be a guest. • Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, will give an update on the co-op. • The board will review the five-year capital outlay plan • The board will discuss the possible sale of property at Hays Middle School, north of the football field. • The board will hear an update on the naming of the district facilities committee.

Hays BOE to discuss capital outlay, naming rights

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.

NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.

Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.

The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.

Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.

The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.

The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.

Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.

Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.

Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.

The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaKansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

News from the Oil Patch: Ups and downs in the crude markets

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

By 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .04 inches of rain. Hays has received 1.74 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The Eagle Media Center received .42 inches of rain over the weekend.

Hays has received 24.28 moisture year-to-date.

On average, Hays receives 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of October.

The forecast for today includes fog and cloudy skies, with a high of 57 and a low of 41. A 60% chance of showers is expected for tonight.

A 10% chance of showers is also expected on Tuesday, with a high of 56 and a low of 35.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758565387898.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostBy 9 a.m. this morning, Hays received .04 inches of rain. Hays has received 1.74 inches in the month of October, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The Eagle Media Center received .42 inches of rain over the weekend.Hays has received 24.28 moisture year-to-date.On average, Hays receives 2.18 inches of rain in October and 22.50 inches of moisture year-to-date by the end of October.The forecast for today includes fog and cloudy skies, with a high of 57 and a low of 41. A 60% chance of showers is expected for tonight.A 10% chance of showers is also expected on Tuesday, with a high of 56 and a low of 35.

Hays receives rain; showers expected tonight

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Ellis County Jail bookings: Oct. 19-25, 2025

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Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Oct. 19-25, 2025

Due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 will both be picked up on Monday, November 10. 

There will be no changes to the Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, November 14 collection schedules.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734690570482.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysDue to the observance of the Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 will both be picked up on Monday, November 10. There will be no changes to the Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, November 14 collection schedules.It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse/recycling collection in Hays changed due to Veterans Day 

A grandmother spoke at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Oct. 13 and expressed concerns about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cedda027-aca8-4d80-bcba-bc6115762b77">After more than three decades of students with mental health and emotional issues in the Westside program, the district began changing its model for these students in 2024.</a>

In 2024, Westside had an enrollment of 24 students in grades K-12. Students were bused to their home schools, as the students were deemed able to participate in general education classes.

Students were moved to Hays High and Roosevelt Elementary two years ago to pilot the program. The rest of the elementary students and middle school students were moved this fall.

Kyle Carlin, director of the special education coop, said the move has been in the planning stages for three to four years, and teachers and staff underwent training this summer to prepare for the change.

Students with mental health or behavior issues have a dedicated classroom at each school, but are integrated into general classes as they are able. Teachers and staff have followed these students to the general education schools.

Hillary Logan, who has a granddaughter in a Hays USD 489 elementary school, expressed concern about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools.

"I'm hearing disturbing accounts of repeated violent acts, screaming and cussing at students," Logan said.

"Sometimes teachers have to quote 'clear the room' while a disruptive student goes on a rampage," Logan said, "including cussing, throwing things, and kicking over desks and chairs."

"These outbursts are endangering students and teachers. The constant disruptions make quality learning impossible," Logan said. "It is also not ideal for innocent little ones to see and hear what they do."

Carlin said he was unsure how often rooms have to be cleared for a student having an outburst, but students who are being served by special education and those who are in general education can both have issues.

He said he could not speak to any specific student or incident for privacy reasons. The school board also did not address Logan specifically at the school board meeting, as is its policy.

However, Carlin said teachers and staff are trained to address student disruptive behavior and to use de-escalation techniques.

"There is always a goal to prevent before we have to respond, but there are also plans to respond," he said.

Carlin said the number of students needing help to meet their social and emotional needs has been increasing in all buildings.

He said there are many causes of students struggling with behavioral issues, some of which can include developmental aspects, environment, trauma and biology.

However, he said he did not want those students to be discounted because of those difficulties.

"To label or categorize students in a way that doesn't acknowledge they still have potential ..." Carlin said. "When we use words that don't build on that potential, I think it's harmful to the student and the community as a whole because all of a sudden the hope and the sense of belonging that student has in their school and their community starts to erode."

He said when hope erodes for those students, they have lifelong problems.

"Being able to intervene at a young age and being able to support positive behaviors and the strengths those students have, and helping them see those, is critical to our work," he said. "It relies so much on having the staff around that feels that way too."

Having special education staff in schools has resulted in quicker responses to students in distress, he said.

However, Logan said Wilson has been turned upside down.

"There is disruption after disruption every day," she said. "It is difficult for staff to handle these out-of-control kids, and [they] should not have to handle strong, violent kids at all."

Carlin said, "This is less about a specific school or a specific student incident and more about the global needs in our community and how we meet those needs across the buildings.

"That has been done with training and additional staff."

"The biggest thing I want to make sure everyone understands is that the safety and learning of our students is the most important thing," Carlin said. "Every action that we do is meant to support that for every student in every building."

Logan&nbsp;said she thought all school districts must have an alternative school.

Logan said she thought Westside was closed because of a lack of funding. That was not the case, according to district staff.

At the time the transition was announced, Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education coop director and Westside principal, said students needed more&nbsp;pro-social experiences, and that Westside students were losing instructional time because they were being bused to other schools. 

The program also had to rely heavily on online programs, especially for the older students.

The Westside program also lacked many resources, including a school nurse and a library.&nbsp;

Carlin said in an interview this week that having the students back at their home schools has allowed teachers, paras, and other staff to focus on meeting students' educational and emotional needs, rather than providing functions such as food service and transportation.

"Being back in the buildings has been very positive overall," Carlin said. "The supports that are now in the buildings are able to respond to things that were already happening in the buildings. It's less about the students who transitioned and more about the students who were not getting support in the past and are able to get more support now."

Carlin said the district has worked to ensure that the schools have all the staff and resources needed for the transition. The coop has made adjustments during the transitions, including adjusting staff schedules and rearranging resource room class space.

He said each school has had different challenges.

"The biggest key is we found that when the teams are communicating well and things are well organized, we are getting really good results with kids," Carlins said.

Carlin also noted Hays schools were not the only ones making the transition. The coop also includes students from Ellis, Victoria, LaCrosse, Russell and the private schools in those districts.

Carlin will be sharing an update on special education for the first quarter during the school board work session tonight. He said he will be speaking to the board about the transition.&nbsp;

The board meets at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The building adjacent to the Rockwell Administration Center, which had housed the Westside program, is temporarily being used by the WeKan program for special education students ages 18-21. The upper floor is being used for gifted students until Felten Elementary School is completed.

The Rockwell property is scheduled to close upon completion of the bond projects. Administrative offices will move to the former Wilson Elementary School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760470393373.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA grandmother spoke at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Oct. 13 and expressed concerns about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cedda027-aca8-4d80-bcba-bc6115762b77">After more than three decades of students with mental health and emotional issues in the Westside program, the district began changing its model for these students in 2024.</a>In 2024, Westside had an enrollment of 24 students in grades K-12. Students were bused to their home schools, as the students were deemed able to participate in general education classes.Students were moved to Hays High and Roosevelt Elementary two years ago to pilot the program. The rest of the elementary students and middle school students were moved this fall.Kyle Carlin, director of the special education coop, said the move has been in the planning stages for three to four years, and teachers and staff underwent training this summer to prepare for the change.Students with mental health or behavior issues have a dedicated classroom at each school, but are integrated into general classes as they are able. Teachers and staff have followed these students to the general education schools.Hillary Logan, who has a granddaughter in a Hays USD 489 elementary school, expressed concern about integrating alternative school students into elementary schools."I'm hearing disturbing accounts of repeated violent acts, screaming and cussing at students," Logan said."Sometimes teachers have to quote 'clear the room' while a disruptive student goes on a rampage," Logan said, "including cussing, throwing things, and kicking over desks and chairs.""These outbursts are endangering students and teachers. The constant disruptions make quality learning impossible," Logan said. "It is also not ideal for innocent little ones to see and hear what they do."Carlin said he was unsure how often rooms have to be cleared for a student having an outburst, but students who are being served by special education and those who are in general education can both have issues.He said he could not speak to any specific student or incident for privacy reasons. The school board also did not address Logan specifically at the school board meeting, as is its policy.However, Carlin said teachers and staff are trained to address student disruptive behavior and to use de-escalation techniques."There is always a goal to prevent before we have to respond, but there are also plans to respond," he said.Carlin said the number of students needing help to meet their social and emotional needs has been increasing in all buildings.He said there are many causes of students struggling with behavioral issues, some of which can include developmental aspects, environment, trauma and biology.However, he said he did not want those students to be discounted because of those difficulties."To label or categorize students in a way that doesn't acknowledge they still have potential ..." Carlin said. "When we use words that don't build on that potential, I think it's harmful to the student and the community as a whole because all of a sudden the hope and the sense of belonging that student has in their school and their community starts to erode."He said when hope erodes for those students, they have lifelong problems."Being able to intervene at a young age and being able to support positive behaviors and the strengths those students have, and helping them see those, is critical to our work," he said. "It relies so much on having the staff around that feels that way too."Having special education staff in schools has resulted in quicker responses to students in distress, he said.However, Logan said Wilson has been turned upside down."There is disruption after disruption every day," she said. "It is difficult for staff to handle these out-of-control kids, and [they] should not have to handle strong, violent kids at all."Carlin said, "This is less about a specific school or a specific student incident and more about the global needs in our community and how we meet those needs across the buildings."That has been done with training and additional staff.""The biggest thing I want to make sure everyone understands is that the safety and learning of our students is the most important thing," Carlin said. "Every action that we do is meant to support that for every student in every building."Logan&nbsp;said she thought all school districts must have an alternative school.Logan said she thought Westside was closed because of a lack of funding. That was not the case, according to district staff.At the time the transition was announced, Lindy McDaniel, assistant special education coop director and Westside principal, said students needed more&nbsp;pro-social experiences, and that Westside students were losing instructional time because they were being bused to other schools. The program also had to rely heavily on online programs, especially for the older students.The Westside program also lacked many resources, including a school nurse and a library.&nbsp;Carlin said in an interview this week that having the students back at their home schools has allowed teachers, paras, and other staff to focus on meeting students' educational and emotional needs, rather than providing functions such as food service and transportation."Being back in the buildings has been very positive overall," Carlin said. "The supports that are now in the buildings are able to respond to things that were already happening in the buildings. It's less about the students who transitioned and more about the students who were not getting support in the past and are able to get more support now."Carlin said the district has worked to ensure that the schools have all the staff and resources needed for the transition. The coop has made adjustments during the transitions, including adjusting staff schedules and rearranging resource room class space.He said each school has had different challenges."The biggest key is we found that when the teams are communicating well and things are well organized, we are getting really good results with kids," Carlins said.Carlin also noted Hays schools were not the only ones making the transition. The coop also includes students from Ellis, Victoria, LaCrosse, Russell and the private schools in those districts.Carlin will be sharing an update on special education for the first quarter during the school board work session tonight. He said he will be speaking to the board about the transition.&nbsp;The board meets at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.The building adjacent to the Rockwell Administration Center, which had housed the Westside program, is temporarily being used by the WeKan program for special education students ages 18-21. The upper floor is being used for gifted students until Felten Elementary School is completed.The Rockwell property is scheduled to close upon completion of the bond projects. Administrative offices will move to the former Wilson Elementary School.

Grandparent expresses concerns about alternative school student integration

High costs and limited access in some parts of the country can keep people from getting needed health care.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/16/kansas-and-missouri-lag-national-average-for-medicare-recipient/">The Beacon</a>

Kansas and Missouri are below average when it comes to the cost and quality of Medicare coverage.

That’s according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/oct/state-scorecard-medicare-performance">new scorecard</a>&nbsp;from The Commonwealth Fund that looks at how seniors are faring under the government health insurance program that covers one in five Americans.

The report, released on the second day people could sign up for 2026 Medicare benefits, assessed 50 states and Washington, D.C. Researchers considered access to care; quality of care; cost and affordability; and population health.&nbsp;

Overall, Kansas ranked 27th and Missouri ranked 34th.&nbsp;

Medicare, which is marking its 60th anniversary, covers hospital stays and doctor visits for&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">69 million Americans</a>, including most people aged 65 and older and younger people with long-term disabilities. The program also covers prescription drugs for 56 million people.

Although Medicare is administered by the federal government and includes core benefits that are largely consistent across the country, some factors that vary by state influence how well it is working for beneficiaries.&nbsp;

These include the cost and availability of supplemental insurance plans and prescription coverage, how easy it is to find care close to home and the quality of that care.

“The report uncovers wide gaps in health care access, cost and quality,” Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, said during a conference call with reporters, “and clearly shows that Medicare, while a vital safety net for millions of Americans, is not working the same for everyone.”

Betancourt said he hopes policymakers use the report to identify gaps and adopt strategies to close them.

Missouri ranked 35th in cost and affordability, 32nd in access to care, 29th in quality of care and 28th in population health, according to The Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard. About 1.3 million Missourians — 21.5% of the state’s population — have Medicare.

Kansas ranked 50th on cost and affordability, 19th on both access to care and quality of care and 24th in population health, according to the scorecard. About 597,000 Kansans — 20% of the state’s population — have Medicare.

Only 13.7% of beneficiaries in Kansas receive a low-income subsidy, compared to 18% in Missouri and 20% nationwide. And 13.5% of older adults in Kansas have income at or near the federal poverty level, compared to 14.9% of older adults in Missouri and 18.9% nationwide.

The U.S. government launched Medicare in 1965, 20 years after the Truman administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/challenge-national-healthcare">tried and failed</a>&nbsp;to push through a national health insurance program that would have provided government-sponsored insurance to people of all ages.

Eventually, Medicare became a compromise to get basic coverage to older Americans. As health insurance was becoming more common, younger Americans were largely getting coverage through their employers, leaving retired people without insurance as they reached an age when they were more likely to need health care.

Medicare began as very basic coverage to pay the bill if someone ended up in the hospital. Later, coverage for outpatient care was added. Today, it has evolved even more.

Now when people turn 65, they can choose to enroll in a traditional Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more coverage. Under traditional plans, the government pays insurance claims. But with Medicare Advantage, coverage comes through private insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage, which generally costs patients less upfront, has steadily become more popular in recent years. In 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-policy-101-medicare/?entry=table-of-contents-what-is-medicare-advantage-and-how-is-it-different-from-traditional-medicare">only one quarter</a>&nbsp;of Medicare participants chose a Medicare Advantage plan, but by 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">private plans had 51%</a>&nbsp;of the national market. In Missouri, 54% of Medicare recipients are enrolled in private plans, compared to one-third of Kansans.

Medicare is divided into parts. Everyone gets Part A, which covers inpatient, hospital care. And most people get Part B, which covers outpatient care. Part D, which covers prescriptions, is optional and often paired with traditional Medicare coverage.

In addition to Part D, people who opt for traditional Medicare also usually pay for supplemental coverage, known as Medigap coverage, which fills in some of the services left out of Medicare coverage. Medicaid or an employer plan could also serve that purpose.

People who choose Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, get everything rolled up together, including traditional coverage, plus other coverage, such as prescription, dental, vision and hearing. Advantage plans also sometimes include add-on services like gym memberships and transportation. And people on the plans often have to pay no or only minimal premiums.

The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans are that they can only be used with hospitals and physicians in an insurance plan’s network, and they are limited to certain geographic regions. And Medicare Advantage frequently requires patients to have specialty services pre-approved, known as prior authorization.&nbsp;

Finally, once a patient opts out of traditional Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage, it may be difficult to switch back. That’s because in most states the insurance carriers that provide supplemental coverage aren’t required to accept patients once their initial Medicare enrollment is over.&nbsp;

“Insurance companies can look at your history and decide not to cover you,” said Louise Norris, health policy analyst with&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>.&nbsp;

While commercial insurance rates are&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/09/16/kansas-city-workers-can-bet-on-paying-more-for-health-insurance-next-year/">expected to jump</a>&nbsp;an average of 9% next year, and premiums for plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/">will shoot up</a>&nbsp;even more, the premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients are expected to stay relatively stable.&nbsp;

Part A doesn’t cost beneficiaries anything, but Part B comes with a premium. Next year, those premiums are expected to be $206 a month, up from $185 in 2025, Norris said.&nbsp;

Average premiums for standalone Part D plans are expected to fall slightly to an average of $34.50, compared to $38.31 this year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026">projections</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But the annual cap for out-of-pocket costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/newsroom/press-releases/what-to-know-about-medicare-changes-before-you-shop-for-a-2026-plan/">will increase</a>&nbsp;to $2,100 from $2,000. And Part D drug plans also come with a deductible that patients must cover, and those will also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/what-kind-of-medicare-benefit-changes-can-i-expect-this-year/#footnote_1_1035">go up slightly</a>.

Meanwhile, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with drug coverage, is expected to fall to $14 in 2026 from $16.40 this year. In Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf">average monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;will drop to $8.56 in 2026, from $10.66 this year. And Kansas’ will increase to $10.11 in 2026, from $9.54 this year.

But prices and plans available vary by region. People can look to&nbsp;<a href="http://medicare.gov/">Medicare.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare">Medicare Plan Finder</a>, both government websites, for help. And independent sites like&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>&nbsp;also provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/">guides</a>&nbsp;and information that can help.

For personal help or to ask questions, every state offers a federally funded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/">health insurance assistance program</a>, which provides free counselors who will help people sort through prescription needs and preferred providers to assess Medicare plans and choose the best option.

But even with help and advice, making a choice can be daunting, said Scott Miniea, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missouriship.org/">Missouri SHIP</a>, that state’s assistance program.

Missouri has so many choices for Medicare coverage, including 157 plans in 2026, people get “decision paralysis,” Miniea said. SHIP counselors can’t make the decision, but they can be sure people they work with know all the options and potential pitfalls.

Missouri’s SHIP program has the capacity to help about 50,000 people with Medicare choices each year. And the organization will provide most of that help during the seven-week open enrollment period running from Oct. 15 to Dec.7.

“It’s a crazy 36 days starting tomorrow,” Miniea said in an Oct. 14 phone call.

He doesn’t expect the federal government shutdown to have an immediate effect on people trying to enroll. But on Oct. 15, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers">said it would pause</a>&nbsp;Medicare payments to doctors due to the shutdown.

For the first time this year, people will need an email address in order to enroll in Medicare, which could create an obstacle for some people without a computer or internet access, Miniea said.&nbsp;

He knows his organization won’t be able to help every Missourian who needs it. But other nonprofits also offer navigation services. And insurance brokers can provide assistance, too. But Miniea cautioned people to be aware of any conflicts of interest when seeking advice. Some brokers, for example, get paid by insurance plans for enrolling patients.

Before making any decisions about a Medicare plan, people should look closely at all the details. Miniea advises people to go to an insurance company’s website or call the company directly to ask questions to be certain that the hospitals and doctors they will need fall within the plan’s coverage network. He also suggests documenting those conversations and capturing information found online in case an appeal is required later.

And, finally, he said, ask about discounts that may be available for people whose income is low enough, or about hidden perks and extra services that might make a plan more attractive.&nbsp;

The main thing, Miniea said, is to do your homework before settling.

“It’s a constantly changing landscape,” he said. “Get as educated as you can.”

Authors of The Commonwealth Fund scorecard said that the discrepancies in care across states are less pronounced for Medicare patients than for people getting health coverage in other ways.

“In many respects,” the authors wrote, “Medicare has succeeded in ensuring that the people it covers — no matter which state they live in — have similar experiences with health care.”

But there are still definite differences, they said. States that scored best offered Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans with better coverage, making accessing and affording care easier.&nbsp;

Top states, for example, had plans that are less likely to require prior authorization for preventative services and specialty care, which can be an obstacle.

In addition, top-ranked states had low Medicare program spending per person, which helped keep costs down for beneficiaries who often are charged a percentage of what Medicare pays. In Kansas, average out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions was $458, compared to the national average of $386. The average out-of-pocket cost in Missouri was $399.

And the best-ranked states also tended to have health care systems that performed well for people not covered by Medicare.&nbsp;

“This is a clear indication that a state’s policies, health care infrastructure and local clinical practice norms are having a positive impact on all residents,” the report said, “not just those in Medicare.”

High costs and limited access in some parts of the country can keep people from getting needed health care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227634176.jpeg" alt="Medicare covers health care for one in five Americans. Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Medicare covers health care for one in five Americans. Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/16/kansas-and-missouri-lag-national-average-for-medicare-recipient/">The Beacon</a>Kansas and Missouri are below average when it comes to the cost and quality of Medicare coverage.That’s according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/oct/state-scorecard-medicare-performance">new scorecard</a>&nbsp;from The Commonwealth Fund that looks at how seniors are faring under the government health insurance program that covers one in five Americans.The report, released on the second day people could sign up for 2026 Medicare benefits, assessed 50 states and Washington, D.C. Researchers considered access to care; quality of care; cost and affordability; and population health.&nbsp;Overall, Kansas ranked 27th and Missouri ranked 34th.&nbsp;Medicare, which is marking its 60th anniversary, covers hospital stays and doctor visits for&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">69 million Americans</a>, including most people aged 65 and older and younger people with long-term disabilities. The program also covers prescription drugs for 56 million people.Although Medicare is administered by the federal government and includes core benefits that are largely consistent across the country, some factors that vary by state influence how well it is working for beneficiaries.&nbsp;These include the cost and availability of supplemental insurance plans and prescription coverage, how easy it is to find care close to home and the quality of that care.“The report uncovers wide gaps in health care access, cost and quality,” Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, said during a conference call with reporters, “and clearly shows that Medicare, while a vital safety net for millions of Americans, is not working the same for everyone.”Betancourt said he hopes policymakers use the report to identify gaps and adopt strategies to close them.Missouri ranked 35th in cost and affordability, 32nd in access to care, 29th in quality of care and 28th in population health, according to The Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard. About 1.3 million Missourians — 21.5% of the state’s population — have Medicare.Kansas ranked 50th on cost and affordability, 19th on both access to care and quality of care and 24th in population health, according to the scorecard. About 597,000 Kansans — 20% of the state’s population — have Medicare.Only 13.7% of beneficiaries in Kansas receive a low-income subsidy, compared to 18% in Missouri and 20% nationwide. And 13.5% of older adults in Kansas have income at or near the federal poverty level, compared to 14.9% of older adults in Missouri and 18.9% nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227804418.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medicare comes with options</h2>The U.S. government launched Medicare in 1965, 20 years after the Truman administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/challenge-national-healthcare">tried and failed</a>&nbsp;to push through a national health insurance program that would have provided government-sponsored insurance to people of all ages.Eventually, Medicare became a compromise to get basic coverage to older Americans. As health insurance was becoming more common, younger Americans were largely getting coverage through their employers, leaving retired people without insurance as they reached an age when they were more likely to need health care.Medicare began as very basic coverage to pay the bill if someone ended up in the hospital. Later, coverage for outpatient care was added. Today, it has evolved even more.Now when people turn 65, they can choose to enroll in a traditional Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more coverage. Under traditional plans, the government pays insurance claims. But with Medicare Advantage, coverage comes through private insurance companies.Medicare Advantage, which generally costs patients less upfront, has steadily become more popular in recent years. In 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-policy-101-medicare/?entry=table-of-contents-what-is-medicare-advantage-and-how-is-it-different-from-traditional-medicare">only one quarter</a>&nbsp;of Medicare participants chose a Medicare Advantage plan, but by 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">private plans had 51%</a>&nbsp;of the national market. In Missouri, 54% of Medicare recipients are enrolled in private plans, compared to one-third of Kansans.Medicare is divided into parts. Everyone gets Part A, which covers inpatient, hospital care. And most people get Part B, which covers outpatient care. Part D, which covers prescriptions, is optional and often paired with traditional Medicare coverage.In addition to Part D, people who opt for traditional Medicare also usually pay for supplemental coverage, known as Medigap coverage, which fills in some of the services left out of Medicare coverage. Medicaid or an employer plan could also serve that purpose.People who choose Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, get everything rolled up together, including traditional coverage, plus other coverage, such as prescription, dental, vision and hearing. Advantage plans also sometimes include add-on services like gym memberships and transportation. And people on the plans often have to pay no or only minimal premiums.The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans are that they can only be used with hospitals and physicians in an insurance plan’s network, and they are limited to certain geographic regions. And Medicare Advantage frequently requires patients to have specialty services pre-approved, known as prior authorization.&nbsp;Finally, once a patient opts out of traditional Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage, it may be difficult to switch back. That’s because in most states the insurance carriers that provide supplemental coverage aren’t required to accept patients once their initial Medicare enrollment is over.&nbsp;“Insurance companies can look at your history and decide not to cover you,” said Louise Norris, health policy analyst with&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Medicare cost</h2>While commercial insurance rates are&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/09/16/kansas-city-workers-can-bet-on-paying-more-for-health-insurance-next-year/">expected to jump</a>&nbsp;an average of 9% next year, and premiums for plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/">will shoot up</a>&nbsp;even more, the premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients are expected to stay relatively stable.&nbsp;Part A doesn’t cost beneficiaries anything, but Part B comes with a premium. Next year, those premiums are expected to be $206 a month, up from $185 in 2025, Norris said.&nbsp;Average premiums for standalone Part D plans are expected to fall slightly to an average of $34.50, compared to $38.31 this year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026">projections</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But the annual cap for out-of-pocket costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/newsroom/press-releases/what-to-know-about-medicare-changes-before-you-shop-for-a-2026-plan/">will increase</a>&nbsp;to $2,100 from $2,000. And Part D drug plans also come with a deductible that patients must cover, and those will also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/what-kind-of-medicare-benefit-changes-can-i-expect-this-year/#footnote_1_1035">go up slightly</a>.Meanwhile, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with drug coverage, is expected to fall to $14 in 2026 from $16.40 this year. In Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf">average monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;will drop to $8.56 in 2026, from $10.66 this year. And Kansas’ will increase to $10.11 in 2026, from $9.54 this year.But prices and plans available vary by region. People can look to&nbsp;<a href="http://medicare.gov/">Medicare.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare">Medicare Plan Finder</a>, both government websites, for help. And independent sites like&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>&nbsp;also provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/">guides</a>&nbsp;and information that can help.For personal help or to ask questions, every state offers a federally funded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/">health insurance assistance program</a>, which provides free counselors who will help people sort through prescription needs and preferred providers to assess Medicare plans and choose the best option.But even with help and advice, making a choice can be daunting, said Scott Miniea, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missouriship.org/">Missouri SHIP</a>, that state’s assistance program.Missouri has so many choices for Medicare coverage, including 157 plans in 2026, people get “decision paralysis,” Miniea said. SHIP counselors can’t make the decision, but they can be sure people they work with know all the options and potential pitfalls.Missouri’s SHIP program has the capacity to help about 50,000 people with Medicare choices each year. And the organization will provide most of that help during the seven-week open enrollment period running from Oct. 15 to Dec.7.“It’s a crazy 36 days starting tomorrow,” Miniea said in an Oct. 14 phone call.He doesn’t expect the federal government shutdown to have an immediate effect on people trying to enroll. But on Oct. 15, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers">said it would pause</a>&nbsp;Medicare payments to doctors due to the shutdown.For the first time this year, people will need an email address in order to enroll in Medicare, which could create an obstacle for some people without a computer or internet access, Miniea said.&nbsp;He knows his organization won’t be able to help every Missourian who needs it. But other nonprofits also offer navigation services. And insurance brokers can provide assistance, too. But Miniea cautioned people to be aware of any conflicts of interest when seeking advice. Some brokers, for example, get paid by insurance plans for enrolling patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227923988.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Before making any decisions about a Medicare plan, people should look closely at all the details. Miniea advises people to go to an insurance company’s website or call the company directly to ask questions to be certain that the hospitals and doctors they will need fall within the plan’s coverage network. He also suggests documenting those conversations and capturing information found online in case an appeal is required later.And, finally, he said, ask about discounts that may be available for people whose income is low enough, or about hidden perks and extra services that might make a plan more attractive.&nbsp;The main thing, Miniea said, is to do your homework before settling.“It’s a constantly changing landscape,” he said. “Get as educated as you can.”<h2>States’ winning ways</h2>Authors of The Commonwealth Fund scorecard said that the discrepancies in care across states are less pronounced for Medicare patients than for people getting health coverage in other ways.“In many respects,” the authors wrote, “Medicare has succeeded in ensuring that the people it covers — no matter which state they live in — have similar experiences with health care.”But there are still definite differences, they said. States that scored best offered Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans with better coverage, making accessing and affording care easier.&nbsp;Top states, for example, had plans that are less likely to require prior authorization for preventative services and specialty care, which can be an obstacle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761231780689.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, top-ranked states had low Medicare program spending per person, which helped keep costs down for beneficiaries who often are charged a percentage of what Medicare pays. In Kansas, average out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions was $458, compared to the national average of $386. The average out-of-pocket cost in Missouri was $399.And the best-ranked states also tended to have health care systems that performed well for people not covered by Medicare.&nbsp;“This is a clear indication that a state’s policies, health care infrastructure and local clinical practice norms are having a positive impact on all residents,” the report said, “not just those in Medicare.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761231862800.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

As the Medicare enrollment window opens, a new study gives Missouri, Kansas below-average scores

Two Fort Hays State University academic advisors were recently recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to student success at the Kansas Academic Advising Network (KAAN) annual conference in September.

Nikki Brown, assistant director of career development, received the KAAN Service Award for her significant contributions to the university and the field of academic advising in Kansas.

Christina Mergen, professional academic advisor for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, received the KAAN Supportive Advisor Award, recognizing her exceptional ability to connect with and guide students.

Brown joined FHSU as coordinator of exploratory student advising and career exploration and became a member of KAAN that same year. In 2012, she was elected membership and communication coordinator and has continued to advance KAAN’s mission through her leadership and commitment. She just completed her term as the organization's past chair at the conference.

“Ms. Brown is an example of an outstanding KAAN member and leader whose professional performance advances academic advising across our state,” her nomination letter read. “She has worked to help KAAN in the attainment of their goals and mission for the membership. By example, she mentors the importance and value of interpersonal and human relations skills, promotes success, and professional development.”

Mergen’s nomination highlighted her caring and proactive approach to advising, as well as her dedication to student development.

“Christy’s ability to build meaningful relationships with students is exceptional,” her nomination stated. “She not only ensures they meet program and graduation requirements, but also takes time to understand their individual backgrounds, goals, and concerns – offering each student thoughtful, tailored support.”

In addition to her advising responsibilities, Mergen is known for her organization, collaboration, and leadership - qualities that enhance both student experiences and the broader advising community at FHSU.

To learn more about KAAN, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0QXfG9CYSpUCSRIUesrDLOpxzolmsDEjmdERi9vrynqrPBYI_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO-2BuQzc97I4GtZ7xWiNRX3dDiSQYU2defW1xFwzOdOVZft9ui96rNsHGguEVnOzaGNY5LBLkzFw-2FRqz7tZOoCvauvbPhx-2F8nHwEE25mxsBzX2U-2B-2BmRZ9kF-2F7kbPOnJEGc4-2BElGBXwKw0hJLjM3nz3rrgpzUeHrOfFHoMcuO02vjU-2FC4hh2e0uvUNiltrvR2sSmmHoN-2BW-2FExJBF7meqYVet170ioTO-2FR3FxsvMAT3nlCvQV50ZcvFdM9UQvZF5RAfYp">https://kansasadvising.org</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761053839027.png" alt="Nikki Brown and&nbsp;Christina Mergen, Fort Hays State University&nbsp;academic advisors. Photos courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Nikki Brown and&nbsp;Christina Mergen, Fort Hays State University&nbsp;academic advisors. Photos courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsTwo Fort Hays State University academic advisors were recently recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to student success at the Kansas Academic Advising Network (KAAN) annual conference in September.Nikki Brown, assistant director of career development, received the KAAN Service Award for her significant contributions to the university and the field of academic advising in Kansas.Christina Mergen, professional academic advisor for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, received the KAAN Supportive Advisor Award, recognizing her exceptional ability to connect with and guide students.Brown joined FHSU as coordinator of exploratory student advising and career exploration and became a member of KAAN that same year. In 2012, she was elected membership and communication coordinator and has continued to advance KAAN’s mission through her leadership and commitment. She just completed her term as the organization's past chair at the conference.“Ms. Brown is an example of an outstanding KAAN member and leader whose professional performance advances academic advising across our state,” her nomination letter read. “She has worked to help KAAN in the attainment of their goals and mission for the membership. By example, she mentors the importance and value of interpersonal and human relations skills, promotes success, and professional development.”Mergen’s nomination highlighted her caring and proactive approach to advising, as well as her dedication to student development.“Christy’s ability to build meaningful relationships with students is exceptional,” her nomination stated. “She not only ensures they meet program and graduation requirements, but also takes time to understand their individual backgrounds, goals, and concerns – offering each student thoughtful, tailored support.”In addition to her advising responsibilities, Mergen is known for her organization, collaboration, and leadership - qualities that enhance both student experiences and the broader advising community at FHSU.To learn more about KAAN, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0QXfG9CYSpUCSRIUesrDLOpxzolmsDEjmdERi9vrynqrPBYI_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO-2BuQzc97I4GtZ7xWiNRX3dDiSQYU2defW1xFwzOdOVZft9ui96rNsHGguEVnOzaGNY5LBLkzFw-2FRqz7tZOoCvauvbPhx-2F8nHwEE25mxsBzX2U-2B-2BmRZ9kF-2F7kbPOnJEGc4-2BElGBXwKw0hJLjM3nz3rrgpzUeHrOfFHoMcuO02vjU-2FC4hh2e0uvUNiltrvR2sSmmHoN-2BW-2FExJBF7meqYVet170ioTO-2FR3FxsvMAT3nlCvQV50ZcvFdM9UQvZF5RAfYp">https://kansasadvising.org</a>

FHSU advisors recognized with awards from Kansas Academic Advising Network

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed announced in Lindsborg nine new modernization and expansion highway projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761226162066.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly announces new modernization highway projects Oct. 22 in Lindsborg. Photo by State of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly announces new modernization highway projects Oct. 22 in Lindsborg. Photo by State of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed announced in Lindsborg nine new modernization and expansion highway projects. These projects, which represent a total investment of more than $442 million, are moving into the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) construction pipeline. This is the fourth round of projects moved to KDOT’s construction pipeline under the Kelly administration’s bipartisan 10-year IKE program.&nbsp;“The IKE program is a powerful engine for economic growth and a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, safer Kansas,” Kelly said. “Since the program's inception, we have worked diligently to advance important infrastructure modernization and expansion projects to the construction stage, ensuring a safe, prosperous future for Kansans in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the state.”&nbsp;In addition to revealing the new projects at the event, Secretary Reed highlighted the importance of partnerships and community involvement in the IKE program’s continued success.&nbsp;“Communities across the state recognize the benefits that a well-planned and funded transportation system, Reed said. “When we listen to and collaborate with Kansans directly, we can have confidence that these investments will deliver meaningful and long-lasting benefits for all.”&nbsp;The announcement event took place in Lindsborg, where the reconstruction of K-4 and Bethany Drive was announced as one of the selected projects. That project will create a more functional and welcoming entrance into the city from I-135. In addition, it will remove an aging bridge, eliminating the long-term need for maintenance at this location.&nbsp;Joining Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed were stakeholders representing several of the selected projects, including Lindsborg Mayor Clark Shultz, Osborne County Commissioner Craig Pottberg, and Wichita Public Works Director Gary Janzen.&nbsp;Governor Kelly highlighted that KDOT has met its mid-program targets for each of its six geographic regions, demonstrating the program’s success in advancing projects in every corner of the state.&nbsp;Included is the Northwest 3 District and a $17 million project to reconstruct U.S. 281 in Russell and Osborne counties. The estimated construction letting will be in 2028.&nbsp;For more information on the IKE program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2F/1/0101019a0d9dc20d-ccb35336-567a-4092-88cc-9e292bb7f345-000000/bPShL81AjsPnLr0R6IM2yx5BO5xq7KVpyBZKyjNd0hc=428">ksdot.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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