<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/2022/10/1666375323209.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

With the upcoming election just around the corner, I wanted to take the time to reach out with some brief responses to what I see are the most common questions and topics I am asked about. The goal of this correspondence is in no way to be definitive answers nor full explanations of these complex issues; however, I hope this can give clarity and add to the conversation around these topics.

Why is it taking so long to remove sales tax on food?

The legislature had sent the Governor two bills that would have eliminated the sales tax on food in her first three years in office. Both of these bills had the sales tax of food being removed over several cuts over several years, not all at once. Had the governor not vetoed the elimination of sales tax each time, by this January the sales tax on food would have been completely eliminated. Furthermore, if the bill was not vetoed by the governor, the sales tax cuts would have already been made up and paid for with offsets from internet sales tax at this point. 

Now that it is an election year, it is no surprise to me that the governor has finally signed legislation to eliminate sales tax on food. Starting in January 2023 sales tax collected will be adjusted by 2.5%; however it will take several years until it is fully removed since we are only starting now due to the governor’s actions.

When will we get mental health back in western Kansas for our youth?

Over three years ago the governor closed the facility and beds available for youth mental health treatment in Hays. The governor claimed at the time that the facility was in violation of CMS rules. These are the rules and regulations over such a facility, one of these regulations refers to the concept of comingled beds. At a high level it means that one section must be dedicated acute treatment and another for residential treatment and that there can be no acute treatment in residential treatment and visa versa.

This facility had comingled beds from the day the facility was opened and operated for all these years with comingled beds. When we asked for a copy of the order from CMS to close this facility it was never produced. The closing of this facility was a choice, not an order from CMS. The legislature moved quickly after the facility was closed to get a new facility opened. Money was put in the budget three years ago to reopen this facility. Currently, children in need of mental health treatment in western Kansas and their families must travel to Wichita or Kansas City, in what is often an unimaginable burden. 

Thankfully, the new youth mental health facility in Hays is scheduled to open in early 2023. What has occurred here over the past few years is clear; The current administration failed to move quickly or even react to the swift steps the legislature took to ensure and clarify that the facility should never have been closed and we even passed funding for this new facility years ago.

Is the legislature fully funding K-12 education?

The legislature and the governor are funding K-12 education according to the settlement of the K-12 lawsuit. However, special education funding has not and continues to not be funded at proper levels at both the state and federal levels. Even though there is a court-ordered formula that adds millions of additional dollars each year, the percentages of state funding for&nbsp;special education have continued to fall behind.

 Since Governor Kelly has taken office the special education funding percentage has continued to decline. Governor Kelly has had four years to add funding to her budget for special education and chose not to add any additional money above the formula. It has not been important to her. When COVID hit the governor closed our schools and test scores have fallen and in addition to that some of the students have not returned to school. As an example, due to lower enrollments over nineteen schools have had their funding reduced thus far.

How bad was the unemployment fraud in Kansas?

During the pandemic when unemployment skyrocketed the Kansas Department of Labor was a failure. Rather than take responsibility for this problem Governor Kelly blamed the fraud and fraudulent payments on the computer system the state uses to administer the program as well as the prior administration. However, the computer system Kansas has is also the same system as other states who did not have the same problems Kansas had.

Since the onset of the pandemic Kansas has lost money ranging from $450 million to $750 million because of unemployment fraud. The state was quick to pay fraudulent claims even after legislators reported about the fraud going on in their communities. It is ironic that the state paid all these fraudulent claims when it was unable to process legitimate claims from Kansas unemployed taxpayers. It was beyond sad to hear story after story of good people of Kansans becoming destitute. Some Kansans unable to get services were evicted from their homes, living in tents, cars, and sheds… others were unable to feed their families. 

Adding insult to injury, innocent Kansans who had fraudulent claims made by bad actors under their name and social security number are now being asked by the state of Kansas to pay income tax on the money which was sent to someone who stole their identity!

There are many more questions, which I will address in a later editorial.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the 40th District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear constituents and people of Kansas,With the upcoming election just around the corner, I wanted to take the time to reach out with some brief responses to what I see are the most common questions and topics I am asked about. The goal of this correspondence is in no way to be definitive answers nor full explanations of these complex issues; however, I hope this can give clarity and add to the conversation around these topics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Why is it taking so long to remove sales tax on food?The legislature had sent the Governor two bills that would have eliminated the sales tax on food in her first three years in office. Both of these bills had the sales tax of food being removed over several cuts over several years, not all at once. Had the governor not vetoed the elimination of sales tax each time, by this January the sales tax on food would have been completely eliminated. Furthermore, if the bill was not vetoed by the governor, the sales tax cuts would have already been made up and paid for with offsets from internet sales tax at this point. Now that it is an election year, it is no surprise to me that the governor has finally signed legislation to eliminate sales tax on food. Starting in January 2023 sales tax collected will be adjusted by 2.5%; however it will take several years until it is fully removed since we are only starting now due to the governor’s actions.When will we get mental health back in western Kansas for our youth?Over three years ago the governor closed the facility and beds available for youth mental health treatment in Hays. The governor claimed at the time that the facility was in violation of CMS rules. These are the rules and regulations over such a facility, one of these regulations refers to the concept of comingled beds. At a high level it means that one section must be dedicated acute treatment and another for residential treatment and that there can be no acute treatment in residential treatment and visa versa.This facility had comingled beds from the day the facility was opened and operated for all these years with comingled beds. When we asked for a copy of the order from CMS to close this facility it was never produced. The closing of this facility was a choice, not an order from CMS. The legislature moved quickly after the facility was closed to get a new facility opened. Money was put in the budget three years ago to reopen this facility. Currently, children in need of mental health treatment in western Kansas and their families must travel to Wichita or Kansas City, in what is often an unimaginable burden. Thankfully, the new youth mental health facility in Hays is scheduled to open in early 2023. What has occurred here over the past few years is clear; The current administration failed to move quickly or even react to the swift steps the legislature took to ensure and clarify that the facility should never have been closed and we even passed funding for this new facility years ago.Is the legislature fully funding K-12 education?The legislature and the governor are funding K-12 education according to the settlement of the K-12 lawsuit. However, special education funding has not and continues to not be funded at proper levels at both the state and federal levels. Even though there is a court-ordered formula that adds millions of additional dollars each year, the percentages of state funding for&nbsp;special education have continued to fall behind. Since Governor Kelly has taken office the special education funding percentage has continued to decline. Governor Kelly has had four years to add funding to her budget for special education and chose not to add any additional money above the formula. It has not been important to her. When COVID hit the governor closed our schools and test scores have fallen and in addition to that some of the students have not returned to school. As an example, due to lower enrollments over nineteen schools have had their funding reduced thus far.How bad was the unemployment fraud in Kansas?During the pandemic when unemployment skyrocketed the Kansas Department of Labor was a failure. Rather than take responsibility for this problem Governor Kelly blamed the fraud and fraudulent payments on the computer system the state uses to administer the program as well as the prior administration. However, the computer system Kansas has is also the same system as other states who did not have the same problems Kansas had.Since the onset of the pandemic Kansas has lost money ranging from $450 million to $750 million because of unemployment fraud. The state was quick to pay fraudulent claims even after legislators reported about the fraud going on in their communities. It is ironic that the state paid all these fraudulent claims when it was unable to process legitimate claims from Kansas unemployed taxpayers. It was beyond sad to hear story after story of good people of Kansans becoming destitute. Some Kansans unable to get services were evicted from their homes, living in tents, cars, and sheds… others were unable to feed their families. Adding insult to injury, innocent Kansans who had fraudulent claims made by bad actors under their name and social security number are now being asked by the state of Kansas to pay income tax on the money which was sent to someone who stole their identity!There are many more questions, which I will address in a later editorial.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the 40th District.

LETTER: Billinger critical of program delays, special ed cuts

The Hays High Indians go for their fifth straight win as they close out the regular season in Topeka against the Topeka High Trojans.

Click <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE </a>to listen live.

Due to streaming restrictions in Topeka,&nbsp;Hays Post is not allowed to stream video of the game live.

You can watch the broadcast following the game&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2ea5f2f-e790-4326-84d5-e58c96674004">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

The Hays High Indians go for their fifth straight win as they close out the regular season in Topeka against the Topeka High Trojans.Click <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">HERE </a>to listen live.Due to streaming restrictions in Topeka,&nbsp;Hays Post is not allowed to stream video of the game live.You can watch the broadcast following the game&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2ea5f2f-e790-4326-84d5-e58c96674004">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

🏈🎧 LISTEN LIVE: Hays High at Topeka

A Hays native has taken the reins of a Wyoming newspaper.

Brandy Robben started as the new editor at the <a href="https://uintacountyherald.com">Uinta County Herald</a> on Oct. 13 and is busy learning the ropes of the newspaper production world.

Robben was born in Hays, moving with her family to the Denver suburbs when she was 8. She recently moved from Colorado from Wyoming after educational and employment stints in Kansas, Colorado and Nevada.

She comes to the newspaper world with a master's degree in library science, and has served in a variety of roles in that profession.

“I am excited about the challenge and am looking forward to the change of direction in my career,” Robben said. “My first two jobs here were editing pages, and I found it fun and natural for me.  Also, I am going to love getting to know the team here at the Herald.”

The Uinta County Herald, based in Evanston, Wyo., contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666383891311.png" alt="Uinta County Managing Editor Brandy Robben. (HERALD PHOTO / Kayne Pyatt) " />
 <figcaption>Uinta County Managing Editor Brandy Robben. (HERALD PHOTO / Kayne Pyatt) </figcaption>
 </figure>A Hays native has taken the reins of a Wyoming newspaper.Brandy Robben started as the new editor at the <a href="https://uintacountyherald.com">Uinta County Herald</a> on Oct. 13 and is busy learning the ropes of the newspaper production world.Robben was born in Hays, moving with her family to the Denver suburbs when she was 8. She recently moved from Colorado from Wyoming after educational and employment stints in Kansas, Colorado and Nevada.She comes to the newspaper world with a master's degree in library science, and has served in a variety of roles in that profession.“I am excited about the challenge and am looking forward to the change of direction in my career,” Robben said. “My first two jobs here were editing pages, and I found it fun and natural for me. Also, I am going to love getting to know the team here at the Herald.”The Uinta County Herald, based in Evanston, Wyo., contributed to this report.

Hays native named managing editor at Wyo. newspaper

&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of La Crosse&nbsp;public water supply system located in Rush&nbsp;County. The advisory was issued&nbsp;because of a line break, which caused a loss of pressure in the system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing samples collected from La Crosse&nbsp;indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  &nbsp;&nbsp;

For consumer questions, contact the water system at 785-222-2511 or call KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjEuNjU0OTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi80NjgvQ29uc3VtZXItSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tUmVnYXJkaW5nLWEtRGlzcnVwdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.2WGbn-Fj-5HfGoO-uBzEJZjV9J3yeh9BmQ_srofCdp0/s/1305913623/br/146368935902-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDHE&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of La Crosse&nbsp;public water supply system located in Rush&nbsp;County. The advisory was issued&nbsp;because of a line break, which caused a loss of pressure in the system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. &nbsp;&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;Laboratory testing samples collected from La Crosse&nbsp;indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  &nbsp;&nbsp;For consumer questions, contact the water system at 785-222-2511 or call KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjEuNjU0OTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi80NjgvQ29uc3VtZXItSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tUmVnYXJkaW5nLWEtRGlzcnVwdD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.2WGbn-Fj-5HfGoO-uBzEJZjV9J3yeh9BmQ_srofCdp0/s/1305913623/br/146368935902-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boil order for La Crosse rescinded by KDHE

PHILLIPS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations after a toddler was exposed to drugs.

Just after midnight Friday morning, Phillips County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a home the 1200 block of Cable Road in rural Phillips County, according to a media release.

This warrant was the result of an earlier call to the Phillips County Hospital emergency room in which it was reported that a 20-month-old toddler had been exposed to a possible illicit drug at the location on Cable Road.

Deputies took 27-year-old Victoria M. Bowers of Phillipsburg into custody at the residence on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a prescription drug, and possession of methamphetamine. 

The child, who is not related to the suspect, was transferred to a higher level of hospital care. The sheriff's office did not have an update on the child's condition. It is not believed to be life-threatening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666376913053.png" alt="Bowers / photo Philips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Bowers / photo Philips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations after a toddler was exposed to drugs.Just after midnight Friday morning, Phillips County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a home the 1200 block of Cable Road in rural Phillips County, according to a media release.This warrant was the result of an earlier call to the Phillips County Hospital emergency room in which it was reported that a 20-month-old toddler had been exposed to a possible illicit drug at the location on Cable Road.Deputies took 27-year-old Victoria M. Bowers of Phillipsburg into custody at the residence on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a prescription drug, and possession of methamphetamine. The child, who is not related to the suspect, was transferred to a higher level of hospital care. The sheriff's office did not have an update on the child's condition. It is not believed to be life-threatening.

Sheriff: NW Kan. woman jailed after toddler exposed to drugs

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IeNjfIjMO0M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal

Grow Hays Inc. is accepting candidate applications for board of director positions that will open in 2023, beginning Jan. 1. There will be four open positions the board will be looking to fill. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Prospective candidates must be willing to serve a three-year term. The Grow Hays Board meets a minimum of once a month, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Board members are occasionally asked to serve on additional committees, which meet as required.

Grow Hays Inc. is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County. Long known for its efforts to promote a robust economy through business creation, retention, expansion, and recruitment, Grow Hays continues to develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal organizations in an effort to bring resources and support to businesses located in the community.

If you have any questions regarding the expectations if elected to the board, or the nature of the work required of Grow Hays Board members, call Grow Hays at 785-628-3102.

Candidate applications are available at <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">www.GrowHays.com</a> or at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th. Deadline to apply is noon, Nov. 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGrow Hays Inc. is accepting candidate applications for board of director positions that will open in 2023, beginning Jan. 1. There will be four open positions the board will be looking to fill. Self-nominations are encouraged.Prospective candidates must be willing to serve a three-year term. The Grow Hays Board meets a minimum of once a month, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Board members are occasionally asked to serve on additional committees, which meet as required.Grow Hays Inc. is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County. Long known for its efforts to promote a robust economy through business creation, retention, expansion, and recruitment, Grow Hays continues to develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal organizations in an effort to bring resources and support to businesses located in the community.If you have any questions regarding the expectations if elected to the board, or the nature of the work required of Grow Hays Board members, call Grow Hays at 785-628-3102.Candidate applications are available at <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">www.GrowHays.com</a> or at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th. Deadline to apply is noon, Nov. 10.

Applications sought for Grow Hays board of directors

ELLIS COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Sergio-  Torres-Ramirez, 60, Wichita, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Walker.

The pickup traveled off the roadway into the north ditch. The vehicle traveled back onto the roadway and struck a parked 2014 Nissan Rogue.

EMS transported&nbsp; Torres-Ramirez, 2 pedestrians near the Nissan identified as 37-year-old Cassendra M.&nbsp;Hatzenbuehler and 33-year-old Jamie&nbsp;Feger both of Great Bend and a 15-year-old Great Bend girl sitting in the back seat of the Nissan to Hays Medical Center.

Torres-Ramirez was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Thursday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Sergio- Torres-Ramirez, 60, Wichita, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Walker.The pickup traveled off the roadway into the north ditch. The vehicle traveled back onto the roadway and struck a parked 2014 Nissan Rogue.EMS transported&nbsp; Torres-Ramirez, 2 pedestrians near the Nissan identified as 37-year-old Cassendra M.&nbsp;Hatzenbuehler and 33-year-old Jamie&nbsp;Feger both of Great Bend and a 15-year-old Great Bend girl sitting in the back seat of the Nissan to Hays Medical Center.Torres-Ramirez was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

3 adults, 15-year-old hospitalized after I-70 crash

Doonan Truck is seeking an individual to fill the position of Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Technician.&nbsp;Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy-duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Benefits include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.

Apply in person at dealership, 1980 West 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664399164792.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Doonan Truck is seeking an individual to fill the position of Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Technician.&nbsp;Qualified candidate would be responsible for diagnosing, repairs and maintenance of heavy-duty Class 7 and 8 diesel powered trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits include: &nbsp;Competitive pay based on experience,&nbsp;Mon-Friday work week,&nbsp;Uniforms, paid vacation,&nbsp;Paid Holidays,&nbsp;Health/Dental Insurance,&nbsp;Retirement Plan,&nbsp;Overtime,&nbsp;EOE, air-conditioned shop and heated floors.Apply in person at dealership, 1980 West 55th, Hays,&nbsp;Kansas, or contact Bill Rowe at 620-793-0780 or 785-621-4045.

SPONSORED: Doonan seeks heavy-duty diesel truck technician

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightRanch">Midnight Ranch</a> is a new, spacious venue off Buckeye Road in northern Ellis County.

The venue is seven miles north of Hays at the corner of U.S. 183 and Buckeye Road and is owned by Leann Zimmerman and her husband.

The venue opened Sept. 23 and has already hosted a couple of weddings. A state convention has booked the venue for June.

Zimmerman said she chose the location because of the easy access via the highway with no need to use dirt roads. Zimmerman said she thinks the Midnight Ranch fills a niche other facilities in the area do not.

"There just wasn't anything big enough," she said, "and anything that was country. And [I] just felt it was a need."

The venue is a facility that almost wasn't.

Leann Zimmerman applied for a conditional-use permit to build a venue in the same site on which the Midnight Ranch now stands.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d0613e4-e3b2-4cf2-97d7-240b056b2007">That permit was recommended for approval by the Ellis County Joint Planning and Commission.</a>

However, neighbors and some people who did not live in the area expressed concerns about the venue. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09c03d31-628f-4e02-b1ba-62e60ca49151">Zimmerman was denied a conditional-use permit by the county commission after a heated hearing.</a>

Among the issues neighbors raised before the county commission were the possibility of increased impaired drivers and extra traffic in the area, the increased fire risk, the building’s lack of a fire suppression system and the effect it would have on the water supply. They also claimed there are already enough event centers in Ellis County. 

"The reason the [commission] was against it was because of all of the opposition from the people who lived in the vicinity," Butch Schlyer, Ellis County commissioner, said. ... "They didn't want disruption of their lifestyle in the country and that's why the [commission] was against that issue."

The Zimmermans applied for an agriculture tourism designation through the Kansas Department of Commerce and that was granted on July 19, 2021. 

Under the agritourism certification, the Zimmermans were not required to file for a conditional-use permit for their venue. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7815a4ca-e1f2-45a7-a99d-bc45aa69e178">The C2T Ranch, which is a campground in north Ellis County, also applied for a conditional-use permit closely following the Buckeye Barn's denial.</a>

The Ellis County Commission denied the C2T Ranch a conditional-use permit, as well. Leann Zimmerman spoke against the campground project at its conditional-use hearing.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3466c51e-dcd9-46a3-b13a-22a46a2efff6">Chad and Cynthia Tuttle, owners of C2T Ranch, also applied for and received an agritourism certificate, and their project was allowed to move forward.</a>

Zimmermans agritourism application said other activities planned for the site included a pumpkin patch, ATV trails and pond fishing. However, Leann Zimmerman said in her interview with Hays Post she had no other plans beyond the event center at this time.

"It's just a way around an elected official and do whatever they please," Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger said of the agritourism certification.

Younger said he still has concerns about traffic. He said he is concerned about congestion at Buckeye Road and U.S. 183 and the possibility of an accident as people enter the highway from Buckeye Road.

Schlyer said the neighbors are going to have to tolerate the situation.

"If it's state law, that's just the way it is," he said. "The local board of commissioners has little to say about it."

Schlyer said he had heard no feedback from the neighbors in Buckeye Township since the venue was built. Schlyer, who at the time of the Zimmerman's initial application with the commission called the project a nuisance, said he wished the Zimmermans well with their investment.

Zimmerman said she did not think the issues with the commission were resolved with her certification as an agritourism business. When the Zimmerman applied for the zoning certificate from the county, the application listed residential use.

Zimmerman said she has not had any complaints from neighbors from construction to this point.

Allen Schmidt, Buckeye township treasurer, spoke against the original Buckeye Barn proposal. He said neighbors are still upset about the project.

"I don't really have any issue with want they're doing as long as it is in the legal constraints of the county and the state," Schmidt said on Tuesday.

Schmidt and other Buckeye Township residents expressed frustration that the Zimmermans fenced off part of the former Buckeye School playground equipment. The barbed wire fence is so close to a second set of swings, it has rendered them unsafe for children to play on, Schmidt said.

The township maintains and rents the former school, which is just east of the Midnight Ranch, for small events such as 4-H programs and family gatherings.

Schmidt said township officials approached Zimmerman about purchasing that small piece of ground on which the playground equipment stands but has received no responses from the Zimmermans.

Zimmerman said the portion of the playground that was fenced is on her property and was fenced off because of potential liability.

The 12,000-square-foot venue will accommodate 520 people or more in its grand hall, which is an open metal building designed in a county-chic style. This includes space for a dance area or other activities if desired.

There are two sleeping quarters with multiple beds that were designed to serve as bride and groom quarters and dressing areas for weddings. The bridal suite has a walk-in closet, private bathroom with shower and makeup bar along one wall.

The venue has both indoor and outdoor sound systems. The outdoor sound system can be tuned to different music than the indoor system. The systems can be used for live entertainment or tuned to the radio if the event organizers don't want to provide a DJ or band.

The large kitchen, which is equipped with two stoves, two refrigerators and a commerical ice machine, allows for catering or onsite food prep. There is a lounge area with seating off of the kitchen, which Zimmerman said can be set up to accommodate a rehearsal dinner.

Alcohol is allowed at the venue but bar service is not provided by Zimmerman.

There's a covered concrete patio off of the grand room. A lawn to the east of that patio is being developed into an outdoor wedding space. Zimmerman said the landscaping has gone slower than expected this summer because of the drought, but outdoor weddings are planned next spring.

Zimmerman can provide tables and chairs, as well as linens for the events and weddings.

"It's so the bridge and groom can choose whatever they want. They can cater it here. They can cook it here. They can make it three weeks in advance and freeze it and bring it here and put it in their roaster. It is just made so it's a lot easier," she said.

Other wedding accessories are also available, including a punch bowl and card box.

"It's one-stop shopping," Zimmerman said. "They have so much on their mind, they cannot panic. ... It's all out here. You just need to do it how you need to do it."

If you are interested in booking an event, you can call 785-650-235.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108122307.jpeg" alt="The grand hall of Midnight Ranch will seat more than 500 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The grand hall of Midnight Ranch will seat more than 500 people. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightRanch">Midnight Ranch</a> is a new, spacious venue off Buckeye Road in northern Ellis County.The venue is seven miles north of Hays at the corner of U.S. 183 and Buckeye Road and is owned by Leann Zimmerman and her husband.The venue opened Sept. 23 and has already hosted a couple of weddings. A state convention has booked the venue for June. Zimmerman said she chose the location because of the easy access via the highway with no need to use dirt roads. Zimmerman said she thinks the Midnight Ranch fills a niche other facilities in the area do not. "There just wasn't anything big enough," she said, "and anything that was country. And [I] just felt it was a need."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108166632.jpeg" alt="The Midnight Ranch has two sleeping areas with multiple beds. These can be used as grooms and brides rooms for weddings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The Midnight Ranch has two sleeping areas with multiple beds. These can be used as grooms and brides rooms for weddings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The venue is a facility that almost wasn't.Leann Zimmerman applied for a conditional-use permit to build a venue in the same site on which the Midnight Ranch now stands.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d0613e4-e3b2-4cf2-97d7-240b056b2007">That permit was recommended for approval by the Ellis County Joint Planning and Commission.</a>However, neighbors and some people who did not live in the area expressed concerns about the venue. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/09c03d31-628f-4e02-b1ba-62e60ca49151">Zimmerman was denied a conditional-use permit by the county commission after a heated hearing.</a>Among the issues neighbors raised before the county commission were the possibility of increased impaired drivers and extra traffic in the area, the increased fire risk, the building’s lack of a fire suppression system and the effect it would have on the water supply. They also claimed there are already enough event centers in Ellis County. "The reason the [commission] was against it was because of all of the opposition from the people who lived in the vicinity," Butch Schlyer, Ellis County commissioner, said. ... "They didn't want disruption of their lifestyle in the country and that's why the [commission] was against that issue."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108203633.jpeg" alt="The Midnight Ranch's kitchen has two refrigerators, two stoves and a commercial ice machine. Food can be catered for events or made on site. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The Midnight Ranch's kitchen has two refrigerators, two stoves and a commercial ice machine. Food can be catered for events or made on site. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>The Zimmermans applied for an agriculture tourism designation through the Kansas Department of Commerce and that was granted on July 19, 2021. Under the agritourism certification, the Zimmermans were not required to file for a conditional-use permit for their venue. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7815a4ca-e1f2-45a7-a99d-bc45aa69e178">The C2T Ranch, which is a campground in north Ellis County, also applied for a conditional-use permit closely following the Buckeye Barn's denial.</a> The Ellis County Commission denied the C2T Ranch a conditional-use permit, as well. Leann Zimmerman spoke against the campground project at its conditional-use hearing. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3466c51e-dcd9-46a3-b13a-22a46a2efff6">Chad and Cynthia Tuttle, owners of C2T Ranch, also applied for and received an agritourism certificate, and their project was allowed to move forward.</a> Zimmermans agritourism application said other activities planned for the site included a pumpkin patch, ATV trails and pond fishing. However, Leann Zimmerman said in her interview with Hays Post she had no other plans beyond the event center at this time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108346252.jpeg" alt="A lounge area off the kitchen. Leann Zimmerman, Midnight Ranch owner, said the area can be used for rehearsal dinners and will seat up to 50. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>A lounge area off the kitchen. Leann Zimmerman, Midnight Ranch owner, said the area can be used for rehearsal dinners and will seat up to 50. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"It's just a way around an elected official and do whatever they please," Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger said of the agritourism certification. Younger said he still has concerns about traffic. He said he is concerned about congestion at Buckeye Road and U.S. 183 and the possibility of an accident as people enter the highway from Buckeye Road.Schlyer said the neighbors are going to have to tolerate the situation."If it's state law, that's just the way it is," he said. "The local board of commissioners has little to say about it."Schlyer said he had heard no feedback from the neighbors in Buckeye Township since the venue was built. Schlyer, who at the time of the Zimmerman's initial application with the commission called the project a nuisance, said he wished the Zimmermans well with their investment.Zimmerman said she did not think the issues with the commission were resolved with her certification as an agritourism business. When the Zimmerman applied for the zoning certificate from the county, the application listed residential use. "This is my home," Zimmerman said. Zimmerman said she has not had any complaints from neighbors from construction to this point.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666196568703.jpeg" alt="After the Zimmermans purchased the property for the Midnight Ranch, part of the playground of the former Buckeye School, which is owned by the Buckeye Township, was blocked by a barbed wire fence, said Allen Schmidt, Buckeye Township treasurer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>After the Zimmermans purchased the property for the Midnight Ranch, part of the playground of the former Buckeye School, which is owned by the Buckeye Township, was blocked by a barbed wire fence, said Allen Schmidt, Buckeye Township treasurer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666196652632.jpeg" alt="The new barbed wire fence around the former Buckeye school building makes it dangerous for children to use the playground equipment at the former school, which is used as a public meeting hall, said Allen Schmidt, Buckeye Township treasurer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The new barbed wire fence around the former Buckeye school building makes it dangerous for children to use the playground equipment at the former school, which is used as a public meeting hall, said Allen Schmidt, Buckeye Township treasurer. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>Allen Schmidt, Buckeye township treasurer, spoke against the original Buckeye Barn proposal. He said neighbors are still upset about the project. "I don't really have any issue with want they're doing as long as it is in the legal constraints of the county and the state," Schmidt said on Tuesday.Schmidt and other Buckeye Township residents expressed frustration that the Zimmermans fenced off part of the former Buckeye School playground equipment. The barbed wire fence is so close to a second set of swings, it has rendered them unsafe for children to play on, Schmidt said.The township maintains and rents the former school, which is just east of the Midnight Ranch, for small events such as 4-H programs and family gatherings. Schmidt said township officials approached Zimmerman about purchasing that small piece of ground on which the playground equipment stands but has received no responses from the Zimmermans.Zimmerman said the portion of the playground that was fenced is on her property and was fenced off because of potential liability. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108483998.jpeg" alt="The east patio of the venue has a separate outdoor sound system. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The east patio of the venue has a separate outdoor sound system. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Amenities </h2>The 12,000-square-foot venue will accommodate 520 people or more in its grand hall, which is an open metal building designed in a county-chic style. This includes space for a dance area or other activities if desired. There are two sleeping quarters with multiple beds that were designed to serve as bride and groom quarters and dressing areas for weddings. The bridal suite has a walk-in closet, private bathroom with shower and makeup bar along one wall. The venue has both indoor and outdoor sound systems. The outdoor sound system can be tuned to different music than the indoor system. The systems can be used for live entertainment or tuned to the radio if the event organizers don't want to provide a DJ or band.The large kitchen, which is equipped with two stoves, two refrigerators and a commerical ice machine, allows for catering or onsite food prep. There is a lounge area with seating off of the kitchen, which Zimmerman said can be set up to accommodate a rehearsal dinner. Alcohol is allowed at the venue but bar service is not provided by Zimmerman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666108647730.jpeg" alt="The venue's bridal suite has an on-suite bathroom and a makeup bar. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The venue's bridal suite has an on-suite bathroom and a makeup bar. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>There's a covered concrete patio off of the grand room. A lawn to the east of that patio is being developed into an outdoor wedding space. Zimmerman said the landscaping has gone slower than expected this summer because of the drought, but outdoor weddings are planned next spring. Zimmerman can provide tables and chairs, as well as linens for the events and weddings."It's so the bridge and groom can choose whatever they want. They can cater it here. They can cook it here. They can make it three weeks in advance and freeze it and bring it here and put it in their roaster. It is just made so it's a lot easier," she said.Other wedding accessories are also available, including a punch bowl and card box."It's one-stop shopping," Zimmerman said. "They have so much on their mind, they cannot panic. ... It's all out here. You just need to do it how you need to do it." If you are interested in booking an event, you can call 785-650-235.

Midnight Ranch venue opens north of Hays under agritourism certification

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of an elevated risk of wildfires as the mercury rises this weekend.&nbsp;

The high temperature Sunday is expected to be in the mid-80s, with sustained southwest winds between 30 and 35 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. The wind, which is expected to continue well into Sunday night, is expected to cause "widespread blowing dust," which could affect visibility.

Coupled with the ongoing drought, vegetation beginning to go dormant, and no precipitation in the forecast, the risk of wildfires will be "near critical," the NWS predicted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666293143552.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is warning of an elevated risk of wildfires as the mercury rises this weekend.&nbsp;The high temperature Sunday is expected to be in the mid-80s, with sustained southwest winds between 30 and 35 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. The wind, which is expected to continue well into Sunday night, is expected to cause "widespread blowing dust," which could affect visibility.Coupled with the ongoing drought, vegetation beginning to go dormant, and no precipitation in the forecast, the risk of wildfires will be "near critical," the NWS predicted.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A strong storm system will pass north of southwest Kansas Sunday, producing intense southwest winds Sunday afternoon, followed by strong northwest winds Sunday evening. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph will be common. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/pBGXcEfTuC">pic.twitter.com/pBGXcEfTuC</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1583062429281370112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Sunday winds will bring fire risk, blowing dust to NW Kan.

For the second time in two years, students in Fort Hays State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders brought home first-place honors from the Prairie Cup Knowledge Quest. The competition, offered as part of the annual Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference, was held this fall in Manhattan.

Second-year students Emma Harmon, Paeton Buchanan, Mindi Uhland, and Amanda Miller competed against teams from Kansas State University and Wichita State University to take home the trophy. Thirty-five students and nine faculty members attended the conference.&nbsp;

“I thought it was super cool to win it two years in a row,” Miller said. “It feels like FHSU is the underdog a lot of times because we're competing with much larger universities. It felt amazing to show everyone the quality of our education and the level of support we have from our staff and our peers.”&nbsp;

“The cohort we have here is truly unmatched, and it showed through in this competition."

One research group included Uhland, Haylee Sheffield, and Alysan Buehler, with Dr. Yan Ma as their research adviser. The other group included Harmon, Buchanan, Jessie Graves, and Sarah Simminger, with Dr. Karmen Porter as their research adviser. These students all won the Margaret Byrne Sarricks Student Scholarships for outstanding poster presentations. Students from KSU, KU, and WSU all had the opportunity to apply for this scholarship as well. In addition, Harmon won the Dixie Heinrich Servant Leadership Award and was recognized by her supervisors as “an exemplar of not only excellence, but also humility, commitment, and service to others and her future profession.”&nbsp;

The knowledge quest ran five rounds, each consisting of a series of questions related to communications science and disorders. The FHSU team won every round, thus achieving the highest number of points. Each team member won an Amazon gift card.

In November, CSD students will travel to New Orleans to attend and present their research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666214364430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFor the second time in two years, students in Fort Hays State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders brought home first-place honors from the Prairie Cup Knowledge Quest. The competition, offered as part of the annual Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference, was held this fall in Manhattan.Second-year students Emma Harmon, Paeton Buchanan, Mindi Uhland, and Amanda Miller competed against teams from Kansas State University and Wichita State University to take home the trophy. Thirty-five students and nine faculty members attended the conference.&nbsp;“I thought it was super cool to win it two years in a row,” Miller said. “It feels like FHSU is the underdog a lot of times because we're competing with much larger universities. It felt amazing to show everyone the quality of our education and the level of support we have from our staff and our peers.”&nbsp;“The cohort we have here is truly unmatched, and it showed through in this competition."One research group included Uhland, Haylee Sheffield, and Alysan Buehler, with Dr. Yan Ma as their research adviser. The other group included Harmon, Buchanan, Jessie Graves, and Sarah Simminger, with Dr. Karmen Porter as their research adviser. These students all won the Margaret Byrne Sarricks Student Scholarships for outstanding poster presentations. Students from KSU, KU, and WSU all had the opportunity to apply for this scholarship as well. In addition, Harmon won the Dixie Heinrich Servant Leadership Award and was recognized by her supervisors as “an exemplar of not only excellence, but also humility, commitment, and service to others and her future profession.”&nbsp;The knowledge quest ran five rounds, each consisting of a series of questions related to communications science and disorders. The FHSU team won every round, thus achieving the highest number of points. Each team member won an Amazon gift card.In November, CSD students will travel to New Orleans to attend and present their research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference.

FHSU CSD students take first at state competition

TOPEKA — Northwest Kansas Community Corrections was awarded a grant to improve drug testing and supervision of high-risk offenders, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Thursday in a news release.

The organization will receive $114,045 for substance abuse programs, methamphetamine abuse programs and increased drug testing and supervision.

“Combatting substance abuse remains a significant issue in our communities,” Schmidt said. “This grant will support Northwest Kansas Community Corrections in its efforts to provide these much-needed services.”

The grant is part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Schmidt serves as the chair of the council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666284644878.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Northwest Kansas Community Corrections was awarded a grant to improve drug testing and supervision of high-risk offenders, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Thursday in a news release.The organization will receive $114,045 for substance abuse programs, methamphetamine abuse programs and increased drug testing and supervision.“Combatting substance abuse remains a significant issue in our communities,” Schmidt said. “This grant will support Northwest Kansas Community Corrections in its efforts to provide these much-needed services.”The grant is part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Schmidt serves as the chair of the council.

NW Kansas Community Corrections receives grant to improve drug program 

This letter is in support of Dr. Edward H. Hammond for State Representative of the Kansas 111th&nbsp;House District.&nbsp; While I am not a resident of the 111th, I have direct knowledge of Dr. Hammond’s ability to lead as well as the relationships he forges to create organizational success.

From 2001 to 2005, I was a student at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; During my 4 years of college I was active in the Student Government Association.&nbsp; From 2003-2005 I served as Student Body President.&nbsp; In that role I worked with Dr. Hammond very closely.&nbsp; I was always amazed at how interested he was in the student’s perspective on a myriad of issues facing the University.&nbsp; He was open to ideas and suggestions generated by students.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Hammond is widely known as a great speaker.&nbsp; What he does not get sufficient credit for is being a great listener.&nbsp; Even as a student at FHSU, I always felt I had a voice with Dr. Hammond.&nbsp; That did not mean we would always agree.&nbsp; But he was always open to listening to ideas and ways to continually improve the university.&nbsp;

The Memorial Union renovation and Safe Ride are examples of student generated ideas that once presented to Dr. Hammond took shape.&nbsp; Often as students we were told by administrators and staff why our ideas would not work.&nbsp; It was Dr. Hammond learning about and promoting these initiatives that would result in positive changes happening.&nbsp; Dr. Hammond knew his primary constituency was the students at FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As President, Dr. Hammond championed the implementation of technology and had FHSU on the cutting edge.&nbsp; This was important for students going into the workforce.&nbsp; He pioneered international and online programs that not only expanded the reach of FHSU but created a level of financial security unmatched amongst the Kansas Regents Institutions.&nbsp; Part of the reason for these income generating programs was with an overall mission to keep higher education accessible and affordable to the citizens of Kansas.&nbsp; He coupled those efforts with low tuition and holding the line on student tuition and fee increases at levels regularly below any of our other Kansas Regents Institutions.&nbsp;

Through a focus on students – his constituents – Dr. Hammond found creative ways to collaborate with partners outside of FHSU to ensure growth and positive change.&nbsp; Partners were identified in the private sector, local and state governmental agencies and non-profit organizations to make FHSU, Hays and Kansas a better place.&nbsp; Many of Dr. Hammond’s ideas were non-traditional for an institution of higher education, but he never allowed himself to be constrained by the way things had always been done.&nbsp; He focused on the end goal, and he found a way to get it done.&nbsp; FHSU boasted of high demand from students and grew steadily while under Dr. Hammond’s leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As I reflect about my experiences working with Dr. Hammond, and his long list of accomplishments on behalf of the University, I cannot help but believe that same kind of vision, creativity and fiscal responsibility will help him shine as a state legislator.&nbsp; He has a tremendous talent of identifying issues, seeing opportunity, creating action, and implementing a solution.&nbsp; He has shown his ability to steer an organization toward positive growth and change, while demonstrating the ability to simultaneously improve fiscal strength.

While I could go on about the positive traits Dr. Hammond embodies, his ability to problem solve, collaborate, and listen are what will make him a top shelf state legislator.&nbsp; We have seen him lead a sizeable organization with this kind of approach while at the helm of FHSU. Is that not what we all beg for in our elected officials?&nbsp; I am certain he will work to shape policy for the State of Kansas the same way he managed FHSU!&nbsp; The entire state will be indebted to the voters of the 111th&nbsp;for bringing such top-notch leadership to Topeka.&nbsp; I hope you will!

Sincerely, Mitchell D. Hall, Harper

This letter is in support of Dr. Edward H. Hammond for State Representative of the Kansas 111th&nbsp;House District.&nbsp; While I am not a resident of the 111th, I have direct knowledge of Dr. Hammond’s ability to lead as well as the relationships he forges to create organizational success.From 2001 to 2005, I was a student at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; During my 4 years of college I was active in the Student Government Association.&nbsp; From 2003-2005 I served as Student Body President.&nbsp; In that role I worked with Dr. Hammond very closely.&nbsp; I was always amazed at how interested he was in the student’s perspective on a myriad of issues facing the University.&nbsp; He was open to ideas and suggestions generated by students.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Hammond is widely known as a great speaker.&nbsp; What he does not get sufficient credit for is being a great listener.&nbsp; Even as a student at FHSU, I always felt I had a voice with Dr. Hammond.&nbsp; That did not mean we would always agree.&nbsp; But he was always open to listening to ideas and ways to continually improve the university.&nbsp;The Memorial Union renovation and Safe Ride are examples of student generated ideas that once presented to Dr. Hammond took shape.&nbsp; Often as students we were told by administrators and staff why our ideas would not work.&nbsp; It was Dr. Hammond learning about and promoting these initiatives that would result in positive changes happening.&nbsp; Dr. Hammond knew his primary constituency was the students at FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;As President, Dr. Hammond championed the implementation of technology and had FHSU on the cutting edge.&nbsp; This was important for students going into the workforce.&nbsp; He pioneered international and online programs that not only expanded the reach of FHSU but created a level of financial security unmatched amongst the Kansas Regents Institutions.&nbsp; Part of the reason for these income generating programs was with an overall mission to keep higher education accessible and affordable to the citizens of Kansas.&nbsp; He coupled those efforts with low tuition and holding the line on student tuition and fee increases at levels regularly below any of our other Kansas Regents Institutions.&nbsp;Through a focus on students – his constituents – Dr. Hammond found creative ways to collaborate with partners outside of FHSU to ensure growth and positive change.&nbsp; Partners were identified in the private sector, local and state governmental agencies and non-profit organizations to make FHSU, Hays and Kansas a better place.&nbsp; Many of Dr. Hammond’s ideas were non-traditional for an institution of higher education, but he never allowed himself to be constrained by the way things had always been done.&nbsp; He focused on the end goal, and he found a way to get it done.&nbsp; FHSU boasted of high demand from students and grew steadily while under Dr. Hammond’s leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;As I reflect about my experiences working with Dr. Hammond, and his long list of accomplishments on behalf of the University, I cannot help but believe that same kind of vision, creativity and fiscal responsibility will help him shine as a state legislator.&nbsp; He has a tremendous talent of identifying issues, seeing opportunity, creating action, and implementing a solution.&nbsp; He has shown his ability to steer an organization toward positive growth and change, while demonstrating the ability to simultaneously improve fiscal strength.While I could go on about the positive traits Dr. Hammond embodies, his ability to problem solve, collaborate, and listen are what will make him a top shelf state legislator.&nbsp; We have seen him lead a sizeable organization with this kind of approach while at the helm of FHSU. Is that not what we all beg for in our elected officials?&nbsp; I am certain he will work to shape policy for the State of Kansas the same way he managed FHSU!&nbsp; The entire state will be indebted to the voters of the 111th&nbsp;for bringing such top-notch leadership to Topeka.&nbsp; I hope you will!Sincerely, Mitchell D. Hall, Harper

LETTER: Former FHSU student supporting Hammond for 111th

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666290617822.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>

RSVP now for Hays Kiwanis military appreciation lunch on Nov. 2

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Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley, discuss the proposed amendment to the Kansas Consitution on the ballot in November that would enshrine the office of the Sheriff within the constitution.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun and Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley, discuss the proposed amendment to the Kansas Consitution on the ballot in November that would enshrine the office of the Sheriff within the constitution.<div><iframe title="Area Sheriff’s discuss proposed Kansas constitutional amendment" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jdp7h-12f2b8a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e72721bf-17fe-43d1-a428-8eb7c32185ff">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Area Sheriff's discuss proposed Kansas constitutional amendment

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By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After pleading guilty to attempted murder and
aggravated burglary, a 24-year-old Stillwell, Kansas, man will serve more than eight
years in prison.

John Douglas Jones broke into the residence of a woman he
knew <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca3b87f8-1a95-4812-aee0-86fd46f33055">brandishing a knife</a> on Aug. 22, 2020, in Hays.

According to police, after breaking into the residence Jones
attacked two people inside. During the attack, both victims sustained non-life
threatening injuries. 

Jones also sustained injuries to his face and a large cut to
his lower leg.

In July, Jones pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder,
aggravated battery and aggravated burglary in Ellis County District Court. All three
are felonies.

According to Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson, Jones was
sentenced Oct. 11 to a total of 100 months in prison. 

Jones will also be subject to 36-months of post-release and
15-years of registration as a violent offender.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666280424249.png" alt="Jones is being held in the Eldorado Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Jones is being held in the Eldorado Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostAfter pleading guilty to attempted murder and
aggravated burglary, a 24-year-old Stillwell, Kansas, man will serve more than eight
years in prison.John Douglas Jones broke into the residence of a woman he
knew <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ca3b87f8-1a95-4812-aee0-86fd46f33055">brandishing a knife</a> on Aug. 22, 2020, in Hays.According to police, after breaking into the residence Jones
attacked two people inside. During the attack, both victims sustained non-life
threatening injuries. Jones also sustained injuries to his face and a large cut to
his lower leg.In July, Jones pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder,
aggravated battery and aggravated burglary in Ellis County District Court. All three
are felonies.According to Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson, Jones was
sentenced Oct. 11 to a total of 100 months in prison. Jones will also be subject to 36-months of post-release and
15-years of registration as a violent offender.

Kansas man sentenced in 2020 attack in Hays

For the fifth time, area residents will gather to support the Hays School District at 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 for the USD 489 Foundation’s dinner and auction, Project 489.

The annual event is the largest fundraiser for the year for the foundation and will feature live entertainment, a live auction, a silent auction, dinner and an open bar.

“We've got a meal provided by Smoking Co.,” said Foundation Board President Curtis Brown. “There is an open bar. There is Jason Schneider, and his crew does a live auction. We've got around 55 items on our live auction block. We've got about 100 items on our silent auction block to bid on. We've got a raffle, so if you don't like to bid on things, you can buy raffle tickets for $1,000 cash, $500 cash or $500 Chamber Check. So, lots of ways to win a great prize at the event.”

Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Funds raised will go to support USD 489.

Brown said when the fundraiser began, funds were used to provide facility resources, but now with the passing of a bond issue, those funds can be used for other purposes.

“With the bond passing, we can now focus back in with students and teachers,” Brown said. “And we're able to do that throughout the year.”

The foundation meets monthly, he said, to hear funding proposals from administrators and teachers.

“If we can fund them, we fund them,” Brown said. “And so that's kind of why we're refocusing back to the mission to provide educational excellence for our students and teachers.”

Funds from the last four auctions were used to help fund secure entrances across the district’s facilities.

“Over the last four years, we've raised over $200,000 to help install all the secured entrances,” Brown said. “So, they're all installed, and now the bond has passed, we have moved kind of a focus back into the classroom now from taking it from brick and mortar now back into the classroom. So, the proceeds are going to stay within our foundation. So then we can support students and teachers inside the classrooms.”

One of the other projects for which the foundation recently used funding was replenishing emergency classroom supplies.

“Whatever the need is,” he said. “We've done a lot of things like for this last year. Every school and every classroom has an emergency backpack, and we were able to provide those a couple of years ago. So, this year, we were able to – some of the items went out of date. So, we replenished some of those.”

The foundation has also provided flexible seating at Roosevelt Elementary, stop motion blocks and tripods at Hays Middle School, and weekend preschool supplies.

“We were able to purchase a book and [have their] authors coming to meet with every kindergarten through second-grade student in the district,” Brown said. 

“There's always a need,” he added. “From supplies to equipment to field trips to whatever ... that's what we're here for.”

Those donations, while provided by the foundation, are thanks to the support of area sponsors.

“We've got donations from the community. We've got sponsorships from the community,” Brown said. “A couple years ago with COVID, we were a little worried about just the amount of donations. Well, this community supports our schools, and it's just been a tremendous outpouring, especially from local businesses that just, they give everything. So, we really appreciate all the donations and sponsorships from the community.”

He said the event is an annual reminder of area residents' support of USD 489.

“You see this in this event, from the people that donate their time, to the people that donate the money, the items and the people who show up and spend their money, it makes you feel good to be in a community like this,” Brown said.

<a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/auction">For more information about the Project 489 auction or to purchase tickets visit the USD 489 website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666207668773.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostFor the fifth time, area residents will gather to support the Hays School District at 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 for the USD 489 Foundation’s dinner and auction, Project 489.The annual event is the largest fundraiser for the year for the foundation and will feature live entertainment, a live auction, a silent auction, dinner and an open bar.“We've got a meal provided by Smoking Co.,” said Foundation Board President Curtis Brown. “There is an open bar. There is Jason Schneider, and his crew does a live auction. We've got around 55 items on our live auction block. We've got about 100 items on our silent auction block to bid on. We've got a raffle, so if you don't like to bid on things, you can buy raffle tickets for $1,000 cash, $500 cash or $500 Chamber Check. So, lots of ways to win a great prize at the event.”Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Funds raised will go to support USD 489.<div><iframe title="Fifth annual Project 489 Dinner Show and Auction set for Oct. 29" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rek5f-12f14b9-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Brown said when the fundraiser began, funds were used to provide facility resources, but now with the passing of a bond issue, those funds can be used for other purposes.“With the bond passing, we can now focus back in with students and teachers,” Brown said. “And we're able to do that throughout the year.”The foundation meets monthly, he said, to hear funding proposals from administrators and teachers.“If we can fund them, we fund them,” Brown said. “And so that's kind of why we're refocusing back to the mission to provide educational excellence for our students and teachers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666205744676.png" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Funds from the last four auctions were used to help fund secure entrances across the district’s facilities.“Over the last four years, we've raised over $200,000 to help install all the secured entrances,” Brown said. “So, they're all installed, and now the bond has passed, we have moved kind of a focus back into the classroom now from taking it from brick and mortar now back into the classroom. So, the proceeds are going to stay within our foundation. So then we can support students and teachers inside the classrooms.”One of the other projects for which the foundation recently used funding was replenishing emergency classroom supplies.“Whatever the need is,” he said. “We've done a lot of things like for this last year. Every school and every classroom has an emergency backpack, and we were able to provide those a couple of years ago. So, this year, we were able to – some of the items went out of date. So, we replenished some of those.”The foundation has also provided flexible seating at Roosevelt Elementary, stop motion blocks and tripods at Hays Middle School, and weekend preschool supplies.“We were able to purchase a book and [have their] authors coming to meet with every kindergarten through second-grade student in the district,” Brown said. “There's always a need,” he added. “From supplies to equipment to field trips to whatever ... that's what we're here for.”Those donations, while provided by the foundation, are thanks to the support of area sponsors.“We've got donations from the community. We've got sponsorships from the community,” Brown said. “A couple years ago with COVID, we were a little worried about just the amount of donations. Well, this community supports our schools, and it's just been a tremendous outpouring, especially from local businesses that just, they give everything. So, we really appreciate all the donations and sponsorships from the community.”He said the event is an annual reminder of area residents' support of USD 489.“You see this in this event, from the people that donate their time, to the people that donate the money, the items and the people who show up and spend their money, it makes you feel good to be in a community like this,” Brown said.<a href="https://www.usd489.com/page/auction">For more information about the Project 489 auction or to purchase tickets visit the USD 489 website.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666205725969.png" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Fifth annual Project 489 Dinner Show and Auction set for Oct. 29

A 39-year-old Kansas man was sentenced this month to
more than 25 years in prison for raping a child in Ellis County.

According to court documents, Kenneth Geyer was arrested in January
and charged with five counts of rape for assaulting a child under the age of 14
between May 2018 and December of 2020.

In September, Geyer pleaded no contest to two counts of rape
and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy. 

As a result of the plea agreement, Geyer was sentenced this
month to 310-months in prison, according to Ellis County Attorney Robert
Anderson.

Geyer will be subject to lifetime post-release and lifetime
registration as a sex offender.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666212526339.png" alt="Geyer / Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>Geyer / Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 39-year-old Kansas man was sentenced this month to
more than 25 years in prison for raping a child in Ellis County.According to court documents, Kenneth Geyer was arrested in January
and charged with five counts of rape for assaulting a child under the age of 14
between May 2018 and December of 2020.In September, Geyer pleaded no contest to two counts of rape
and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy. As a result of the plea agreement, Geyer was sentenced this
month to 310-months in prison, according to Ellis County Attorney Robert
Anderson.Geyer will be subject to lifetime post-release and lifetime
registration as a sex offender.

Man sentenced to 25+ years by Ellis Co. court for child sex crimes

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29,&nbsp; the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit (El Co DEU) will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. 

This bi-annual event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. 

The event will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th.

In April, 7,196 pounds of medications were collected in the state of Kansas, and since the beginning of this event, a total of 233,374 pounds of medications have been collected across the state and disposed of. 

The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666194947637.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>El Co DEUFrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29,&nbsp; the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit (El Co DEU) will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This bi-annual event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. The event will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th.In April, 7,196 pounds of medications were collected in the state of Kansas, and since the beginning of this event, a total of 233,374 pounds of medications have been collected across the state and disposed of. The Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag.Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted.For more information, contact Det. Brian Shannon at&nbsp;785-621-1668 or&nbsp;bshannon@ellisco.net.

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