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🏈 YOU HAVE TO PLAY TO WIN! CERVs Football Matchup

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

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 </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

The Diocese of Salina, Salina, KS&nbsp;is seeking applicants for the leadership position of advancement director for&nbsp;Hays, KS&nbsp;Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;The director is responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School and Holy Family Elementary by maintaining a book of donors under management, ensuring the plan submitted is realistic and achievable. &nbsp;

Summary of key areas of skill needed include experience with donor cultivation and enhancing alumni connections.

The ability to develop and maintain positive parent relationships is vital for this leadership role.&nbsp;

The director will work&nbsp;in&nbsp;&nbsp;conjunction&nbsp;with the Superintendent of Schools for the diocese, Endowment Board leadership and HCS Principals as we develop, maintain and execute our Strategic Plans.

If you have thought about&nbsp;making&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;successful career change and moving toward a role of significance, we would love to hear from you.&nbsp;

Working daily at leveraging your experience,&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and talents for the mission of the church will exceed your expectations. See if the time is right for you to make a change.

Call Kim Hoelting, director of Human Resources for the diocese, for a confidential inquiry, to talk about this job or to request a full job description.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org">Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling at 785-342-0819.

This is a full-time exempt position, $55,000-68,000&nbsp;with a competitive benefits package.

Hays, Ks Advancement VacancyThe Diocese of Salina, Salina, KS&nbsp;is seeking applicants for the leadership position of advancement director for&nbsp;Hays, KS&nbsp;Catholic Schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;The director is responsible for leading the fundraising efforts of Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School and Holy Family Elementary by maintaining a book of donors under management, ensuring the plan submitted is realistic and achievable. &nbsp;Summary of key areas of skill needed include experience with donor cultivation and enhancing alumni connections.The ability to develop and maintain positive parent relationships is vital for this leadership role.&nbsp;The director will work&nbsp;in&nbsp;&nbsp;conjunction&nbsp;with the Superintendent of Schools for the diocese, Endowment Board leadership and HCS Principals as we develop, maintain and execute our Strategic Plans.If you have thought about&nbsp;making&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;successful career change and moving toward a role of significance, we would love to hear from you.&nbsp;Working daily at leveraging your experience,&nbsp;gifts&nbsp;and talents for the mission of the church will exceed your expectations. See if the time is right for you to make a change.Call Kim Hoelting, director of Human Resources for the diocese, for a confidential inquiry, to talk about this job or to request a full job description.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org">Kim.hoelting@salinadiocese.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling at 785-342-0819.This is a full-time exempt position, $55,000-68,000&nbsp;with a competitive benefits package.

Enter to win Eagle Radio's Cash Grab

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e580bac2-b8a4-4f0e-944e-cf06ea080a52">At 5:29 p.m. Wednesday, the Hays Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance at 332 W. Eighth in Hays.</a> The caller reported they were able to hear yelling and a physical disturbance in the basement apartment at that address. Officers from the Hays Police Department responded to the domestic disturbance.&nbsp;

Officers arrived and two females exited the apartment, one female was covered in blood and had suffered multiple injuries. The second female also had blood on her. A male then exited the basement apartment, and he was also covered in blood. Officers attempted to detain the male, but he ran back inside the apartment. The suspect shouted that he had a gun, and he threatened to shoot the officers. The victims were removed from the scene and a perimeter was established around the building. Several homes and businesses were evacuated as a result of this incident.&nbsp;

The Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team and the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team were called to the scene for the armed barricaded suspect. For over three hours, officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender with the suspect. These efforts were unsuccessful as the subject continued to break out windows, display knives, threaten to burn down the apartment complex, and threaten to shoot the officers.&nbsp;

At 9:24 p.m., a chemical irritant was inserted into the apartment. Six minutes later the suspect exited the apartment but continued to resist arrest. The suspect refused to comply with the commands of the officers, and he then reached toward his waistband. Using a 40mm less than lethal launcher, a Hays police officer shot the suspect one time with a foam-tipped impact round. The suspect then surrendered and was taken into custody. The suspect was treated at the scene by EMS and transported to the hospital for minor injuries.&nbsp;

The suspect has been identified as Brenon L. Johnson, 33, of Hays. Johnson has been arrested for aggravated battery, aggravated assault, domestic battery, criminal threat, and interference with a law enforcement official. He is currently being held in the Ellis County jail.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for criminal threat and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The Hays Police Department would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Hays State University Police Department, the Hays Fire Department, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services for their assistance in helping to bring this incident to a safe resolution. We would also like to thank the neighbors and local business owners for their patience and cooperation during this law enforcement operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631439143.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Police Department<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e580bac2-b8a4-4f0e-944e-cf06ea080a52">At 5:29 p.m. Wednesday, the Hays Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance at 332 W. Eighth in Hays.</a> The caller reported they were able to hear yelling and a physical disturbance in the basement apartment at that address. Officers from the Hays Police Department responded to the domestic disturbance.&nbsp;Officers arrived and two females exited the apartment, one female was covered in blood and had suffered multiple injuries. The second female also had blood on her. A male then exited the basement apartment, and he was also covered in blood. Officers attempted to detain the male, but he ran back inside the apartment. The suspect shouted that he had a gun, and he threatened to shoot the officers. The victims were removed from the scene and a perimeter was established around the building. Several homes and businesses were evacuated as a result of this incident.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665686417424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team and the Kansas Highway Patrol Special Response Team were called to the scene for the armed barricaded suspect. For over three hours, officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender with the suspect. These efforts were unsuccessful as the subject continued to break out windows, display knives, threaten to burn down the apartment complex, and threaten to shoot the officers.&nbsp;At 9:24 p.m., a chemical irritant was inserted into the apartment. Six minutes later the suspect exited the apartment but continued to resist arrest. The suspect refused to comply with the commands of the officers, and he then reached toward his waistband. Using a 40mm less than lethal launcher, a Hays police officer shot the suspect one time with a foam-tipped impact round. The suspect then surrendered and was taken into custody. The suspect was treated at the scene by EMS and transported to the hospital for minor injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665687805725.png" alt="Johnson has previous convictions for criminal threat and drugs- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Johnson has previous convictions for criminal threat and drugs- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect has been identified as Brenon L. Johnson, 33, of Hays. Johnson has been arrested for aggravated battery, aggravated assault, domestic battery, criminal threat, and interference with a law enforcement official. He is currently being held in the Ellis County jail.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for criminal threat and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.The Hays Police Department would like to thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Hays State University Police Department, the Hays Fire Department, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services for their assistance in helping to bring this incident to a safe resolution. We would also like to thank the neighbors and local business owners for their patience and cooperation during this law enforcement operation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631457559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays PD releases additional details of Wednesday standoff

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent, Monique Koerner shares information about the Keys to Aging program.

<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 Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent, Monique Koerner shares information about the Keys to Aging program.<div><iframe title="Cottonwood extension district offers tips for healthy aging" allowtransparency="true" height="450" 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=e57j2-12e9112-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=450" 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: Cottonwood extension district offers tips for healthy aging

Simply put, I created this column so that I could write stories about remarkable people like the reigning Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley. Life for Ayanna was a&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;from the start. She grew up in Dodge City, the child of two parents whose substance abuse issues led to related criminal activity.&nbsp;She never knew what would happen when she got up each day or what awaited her after the school day.&nbsp;

“My parents were young, and truthfully neither one of them&nbsp;was&nbsp;anticipating a child. I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Although there have been highs and lows in my relationships with my parents, I am grateful they sacrificed what they could in order to help support me in my endeavors today,” said Ayanna.

While other children her age enjoyed birthday parties, sleepovers,&nbsp;and family dinners, she was subject to abuse, neglect, and poverty. Trauma was something the young Ayanna simply had to learn to live with&nbsp;to&nbsp;survive. That was until she entered the second grade. Then, Ayanna encountered one of the first adults who recognized her as a traumatized child and did something to help.&nbsp;

Her teacher, Karen Bartholomay, noticed that Ayanna often fell asleep in class, tended to wear the same clothes every day, and couldn’t handle even the slightest disruption or conflict. Karen created a “book club” for her and select classmates. This fed her natural love of reading and helped her develop social skills and relationships with classmates. She also&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;Ayanna to nap when she needed it&nbsp;and provided her&nbsp;with a snack drawer&nbsp;in the classroom she&nbsp;could go to on the days when she had nothing at home to eat. She didn’t know it at the time, but the kindness of Karen Bartholomy instilled in&nbsp;a&nbsp;very young Ayanna a glimmer of hope that life for her didn’t&nbsp;always&nbsp;have to be&nbsp;a struggle.&nbsp;

Still, it wasn’t until middle school that Ayanna realized that the dynamics&nbsp;of&nbsp;her life differed from other students. Fortunately for Ayanna, the transition from middle to high school would also serve as a transformative experience for Ayanna. Cross country would be the catalyst for her transformation. She found a “tribe” in athletic competition that welcomed, respected, and supported her. She won her share of races but also learned to become a good teammate and leader. Competitive team sports also created structure and stability she had never known.&nbsp;

“Sports instilled consistency and accountability when I needed it most. I found an escape in activities that pushed me to be a better athlete and overall leader,” said Ayanna.

As a high school senior, Ayanna earned a prestigious Rudd Scholarship. The Rudd Scholarship is a Kansas program for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant and have the grit and determination to achieve their long-term goals. She arrived on&nbsp;the FHSU&nbsp;campus in the fall of 2019 with the intention of&nbsp;pursuing her&nbsp;love of dance&nbsp;as a member of&nbsp;the Tiger Debs Dance Team.&nbsp;

Entering FHSU, she also decided to make the most of the opportunity.&nbsp;During her freshman year of college, she decided to compete for the title of Miss Kansas.&nbsp;

“I finally had&nbsp;the&nbsp;money&nbsp;I needed&nbsp;to pursue the things I wanted to do, so I made a promise to myself to try new things. One of my high school friends had competed, and I saw her confidence grow through her involvement, so I figured,&nbsp;why not?” said Ayanna.

She took a bold leap and entered the world of competitive scholarship pageants, winning the Dodge City/Cowboy Capital/Boot Hill Scholarship Competition in her hometown of Dodge City. She parleyed that success into the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Kansas. She finished second in the 2021 competition.&nbsp;

She re-entered the Miss Kansas competition in 2022, winning the title of Miss Kiowa County and again qualifying for the statewide competition. She won that competition in June of this year, and you might think that might be the culmination of a dream, but it was just the start for Ayanna.&nbsp;

Ayanna’s decision to compete for the Miss Kansas title was not a pursuit of personal fame and glory; it was always going to be about using the platform to make a difference in the lives of children who, like her, are stuck in a cycle of abuse, neglect, and poverty. Each Miss Kansas is required to create a social impact initiative. ACE’s Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is the title of Ayanna’s initiative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes “ACEs” as adverse childhood experiences that can tremendously impact future violence victimization, perpetration, lifelong health, and opportunity. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, such as parental substance use, incarceration, and domestic violence.

As the newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna immediately dove into the vital work of advancing her ACE’s&nbsp;low initiative, crisscrossing the state and taking advantage of every opportunity to share the story of her experiences and how her faith has changed her life. She credits her faith with bringing people into her life who helped her reach her potential. She further credits her faith with providing her with a sense of consistency in new and often foreign environments, like scholarship pageants and public speaking tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now four months into her service as Miss Kansas, Ayanna has made frequent appearances in Hays and&nbsp;on the FHSU&nbsp;campus. She was in Hays on September 15 to participate in the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute’s family literacy night at the Hays Masonic Lodge 195. The following day, she was on campus to promote a new FHSU scholarship program for Miss Kansas scholarship competition participants. She returned to campus on September 20 to join K12 education, mental health, and social work professionals for a live-streamed panel discussion on students and trauma.&nbsp;

I had the opportunity to meet Ayanna a few weeks ago, and I was struck by her seemingly boundless energy and her clear-eyed and complete dedication to using her opportunity as Miss&nbsp;Kansas 2022 to do good work and make a difference. That work includes childhood literacy and mentorship through a partnership with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters network in Kansas. But her principal focus will be on bringing awareness to the issue of childhood trauma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This amazing young woman endured and ultimately overcame years of childhood trauma that could have led to despair and getting sucked into the cycle of addiction, abuse, and neglect that had taken so much from her family. Ayanna Hensley personifies the characteristics of the wonderful people I speak about all the time in this column. She is persistent when the going gets tough and finds innovative ways to turn her Miss Kansas opportunity into a catalyst to make impactful change in our communities. And Ayanna does it all with an ethic of care in service to others, demonstrating&nbsp;what it means to approach life with the “heart of a tiger.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Simply put, I created this column so that I could write stories about remarkable people like the reigning Miss Kansas, Ayanna Hensley. Life for Ayanna was a&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;from the start. She grew up in Dodge City, the child of two parents whose substance abuse issues led to related criminal activity.&nbsp;She never knew what would happen when she got up each day or what awaited her after the school day.&nbsp;“My parents were young, and truthfully neither one of them&nbsp;was&nbsp;anticipating a child. I was the result of a teen pregnancy. Although there have been highs and lows in my relationships with my parents, I am grateful they sacrificed what they could in order to help support me in my endeavors today,” said Ayanna.While other children her age enjoyed birthday parties, sleepovers,&nbsp;and family dinners, she was subject to abuse, neglect, and poverty. Trauma was something the young Ayanna simply had to learn to live with&nbsp;to&nbsp;survive. That was until she entered the second grade. Then, Ayanna encountered one of the first adults who recognized her as a traumatized child and did something to help.&nbsp;Her teacher, Karen Bartholomay, noticed that Ayanna often fell asleep in class, tended to wear the same clothes every day, and couldn’t handle even the slightest disruption or conflict. Karen created a “book club” for her and select classmates. This fed her natural love of reading and helped her develop social skills and relationships with classmates. She also&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;Ayanna to nap when she needed it&nbsp;and provided her&nbsp;with a snack drawer&nbsp;in the classroom she&nbsp;could go to on the days when she had nothing at home to eat. She didn’t know it at the time, but the kindness of Karen Bartholomy instilled in&nbsp;a&nbsp;very young Ayanna a glimmer of hope that life for her didn’t&nbsp;always&nbsp;have to be&nbsp;a struggle.&nbsp;Still, it wasn’t until middle school that Ayanna realized that the dynamics&nbsp;of&nbsp;her life differed from other students. Fortunately for Ayanna, the transition from middle to high school would also serve as a transformative experience for Ayanna. Cross country would be the catalyst for her transformation. She found a “tribe” in athletic competition that welcomed, respected, and supported her. She won her share of races but also learned to become a good teammate and leader. Competitive team sports also created structure and stability she had never known.&nbsp;“Sports instilled consistency and accountability when I needed it most. I found an escape in activities that pushed me to be a better athlete and overall leader,” said Ayanna.As a high school senior, Ayanna earned a prestigious Rudd Scholarship. The Rudd Scholarship is a Kansas program for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant and have the grit and determination to achieve their long-term goals. She arrived on&nbsp;the FHSU&nbsp;campus in the fall of 2019 with the intention of&nbsp;pursuing her&nbsp;love of dance&nbsp;as a member of&nbsp;the Tiger Debs Dance Team.&nbsp;Entering FHSU, she also decided to make the most of the opportunity.&nbsp;During her freshman year of college, she decided to compete for the title of Miss Kansas.&nbsp;“I finally had&nbsp;the&nbsp;money&nbsp;I needed&nbsp;to pursue the things I wanted to do, so I made a promise to myself to try new things. One of my high school friends had competed, and I saw her confidence grow through her involvement, so I figured,&nbsp;why not?” said Ayanna.She took a bold leap and entered the world of competitive scholarship pageants, winning the Dodge City/Cowboy Capital/Boot Hill Scholarship Competition in her hometown of Dodge City. She parleyed that success into the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Kansas. She finished second in the 2021 competition.&nbsp;She re-entered the Miss Kansas competition in 2022, winning the title of Miss Kiowa County and again qualifying for the statewide competition. She won that competition in June of this year, and you might think that might be the culmination of a dream, but it was just the start for Ayanna.&nbsp;Ayanna’s decision to compete for the Miss Kansas title was not a pursuit of personal fame and glory; it was always going to be about using the platform to make a difference in the lives of children who, like her, are stuck in a cycle of abuse, neglect, and poverty. Each Miss Kansas is required to create a social impact initiative. ACE’s Low: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences is the title of Ayanna’s initiative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes “ACEs” as adverse childhood experiences that can tremendously impact future violence victimization, perpetration, lifelong health, and opportunity. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, such as parental substance use, incarceration, and domestic violence.As the newly crowned Miss Kansas, Ayanna immediately dove into the vital work of advancing her ACE’s&nbsp;low initiative, crisscrossing the state and taking advantage of every opportunity to share the story of her experiences and how her faith has changed her life. She credits her faith with bringing people into her life who helped her reach her potential. She further credits her faith with providing her with a sense of consistency in new and often foreign environments, like scholarship pageants and public speaking tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now four months into her service as Miss Kansas, Ayanna has made frequent appearances in Hays and&nbsp;on the FHSU&nbsp;campus. She was in Hays on September 15 to participate in the FHSU Language and Literacy Institute’s family literacy night at the Hays Masonic Lodge 195. The following day, she was on campus to promote a new FHSU scholarship program for Miss Kansas scholarship competition participants. She returned to campus on September 20 to join K12 education, mental health, and social work professionals for a live-streamed panel discussion on students and trauma.&nbsp;I had the opportunity to meet Ayanna a few weeks ago, and I was struck by her seemingly boundless energy and her clear-eyed and complete dedication to using her opportunity as Miss&nbsp;Kansas 2022 to do good work and make a difference. That work includes childhood literacy and mentorship through a partnership with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters network in Kansas. But her principal focus will be on bringing awareness to the issue of childhood trauma.&nbsp;&nbsp;This amazing young woman endured and ultimately overcame years of childhood trauma that could have led to despair and getting sucked into the cycle of addiction, abuse, and neglect that had taken so much from her family. Ayanna Hensley personifies the characteristics of the wonderful people I speak about all the time in this column. She is persistent when the going gets tough and finds innovative ways to turn her Miss Kansas opportunity into a catalyst to make impactful change in our communities. And Ayanna does it all with an ethic of care in service to others, demonstrating&nbsp;what it means to approach life with the “heart of a tiger.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: Meet Ayanna Hensley

It's that time of year again. Time for the 52nd annual Drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

From Oct. 14 to 16, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out tootsie rolls in front of many businesses in Hays. Donations received from the Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled.

Eighty percent of the money collected stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes in our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund. This fund helps finance projects like the Special Olympics. Last year, the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount around $23,000.

The 2023 tournament will be March 18 in Hays.

Knights of ColumbusIt's that time of year again. Time for the 52nd annual Drive for helping people with intellectual disabilities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.From Oct. 14 to 16, local Knights of Columbus members will hand out tootsie rolls in front of many businesses in Hays. Donations received from the Tootsie Roll weekend will benefit the intellectually disabled.Eighty percent of the money collected stays in Hays and is given to local organizations that work with these special citizens. The balance of the money goes in our state "Commitment to Humanity" fund. This fund helps finance projects like the Special Olympics. Last year, the Knights of Columbus underwrote the Kansas Knights of Columbus Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays with an amount around $23,000.The 2023 tournament will be March 18 in Hays.Cover image courtesy Pixabay.

KoC weekend Tootsie Roll program to raise money for Special Olympics

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.

The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies.

"Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery.

"The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809523581.png" alt="Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive." />
 <figcaption>Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">
<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664837188306.png"/>
</a></div>To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies."Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery."The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809714527.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation gift will aid Ian recovery efforts

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By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University sent a reorganization plan for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to the Kansas Board of Regents on Monday.

The plan consolidates the college's departments from 11 to five in response to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">declines in enrollment</a> and as a preemptive measure to likely consolidation and program cuts that will be recommended to the regents by a consulting company at the end of the year.

The recommendation would create the following departments and schools: • Department of English and Modern Languages • Department of History and Philosophy • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology • School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art and design, music and theater)

The university chose to identify schools as those consolidated programs with 150 majors or more.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">The consolidation process was announced in the spring with students and faculty packing at least two meetings expressing concerns about the proposal.</a>

At that time, administrators said they planned to slow the process. Although some changes have been made to the original recommendations made in the spring, the main tenets of the restructuring remain the same.

Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented a more sparsely attended audience the final plan to faculty Monday.

Arensdorf said the university had no plans to fire any staff or faculty — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">a concern after Emporia State University in September suspended tenure and laid off 33 professors</a>.

Although some faculty had expressed excitement about the possibility for collaboration under the restructuring, Arensdorf said some faculty said nothing about the reorganization excited them.

Some of the concerns expressed in weeks leading up to the announcement of the final proposal Monday were proposed name changes for the departments and schools, marketing concerns, timing and speed of the change, loss of department identity, loss of resources and positions, and potential conflicts within departments, according to official feedback to the administration.

Arensdorf said the university is evaluating budgets, leadership and the number of support staff that will be needed under the consolidation, which the is scheduled to be implemented by June 2023.

The plan will not cut cost immediately but could do so over time, Arensdorf said.

"While this is a concern from some of you, there have been no actions to cut positions or to cut resources based on this reorganization," Arensdorf said.

The university has already left two administrative assistant positions in the college vacant as a result of resignations. The university could also reap salary savings over time with the changes in leadership, Arensdorf said.

"What is not clear yet is how many administrative assistants are going to be needed for each of these units," Arensdorf said. "That is an example of another thing that we will be working through over the next few months —&nbsp; to think through what kind of [full-time equivalent] support that we need in these new units as well as how do we staff the programs appropriately.

"Just like we do when faculty resign, right now we are vetting those positions very clearly and making sure we are making good fiscal decisions as well as human decisions for the institution."

Arensdorf presented recommended leadership and administrative assistant staff levels in her presentation Monday — a point of concern for many student and faculty early in the planning process.

The university has recommended: • Department of English and Modern Languages have a chair and program coordinator with one administrative assistant. • Department of History and Philosophy have a chair and program coordinator with one or two administrative assistants. • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science have a chair and program coordinator with one to 1.5 administrative assistants. • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology be co-chaired with two to three administrative assistants • School of Visual and Performing Arts be co-chaired with two administrative assistants.

Only department structures and names will be presented to the regents. Staffing and leadership decisions are left to the discretion of the university.

Arensdorf said FHSU is not following the lead of Emporia State University.

"This plan does not have anyone being fired," she said. "This plan might have people's roles and responsibilities changing, but it doesn't have anyone being fired."

The university's reorganization plan will go through two other regents subgroups before being considered by the regents likely in December. This is same meeting that consultant rpk is scheduled to present its findings to the regents.

Arensdorf said university administrators decided to propose the program changes before the rpk report is unveiled, because it looks proactive and is less risky than waiting to make changes after the report.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostFort Hays State University sent a reorganization plan for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to the Kansas Board of Regents on Monday.The plan consolidates the college's departments from 11 to five in response to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">declines in enrollment</a> and as a preemptive measure to likely consolidation and program cuts that will be recommended to the regents by a consulting company at the end of the year.The recommendation would create the following departments and schools: • Department of English and Modern Languages • Department of History and Philosophy • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology • School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art and design, music and theater)The university chose to identify schools as those consolidated programs with 150 majors or more. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">The consolidation process was announced in the spring with students and faculty packing at least two meetings expressing concerns about the proposal.</a>At that time, administrators said they planned to slow the process. Although some changes have been made to the original recommendations made in the spring, the main tenets of the restructuring remain the same.Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented a more sparsely attended audience the final plan to faculty Monday.Arensdorf said the university had no plans to fire any staff or faculty — <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2d790f37-173d-4569-8fe5-48137bb35063">a concern after Emporia State University in September suspended tenure and laid off 33 professors</a>.Although some faculty had expressed excitement about the possibility for collaboration under the restructuring, Arensdorf said some faculty said nothing about the reorganization excited them.Some of the concerns expressed in weeks leading up to the announcement of the final proposal Monday were proposed name changes for the departments and schools, marketing concerns, timing and speed of the change, loss of department identity, loss of resources and positions, and potential conflicts within departments, according to official feedback to the administration. Arensdorf said the university is evaluating budgets, leadership and the number of support staff that will be needed under the consolidation, which the is scheduled to be implemented by June 2023.The plan will not cut cost immediately but could do so over time, Arensdorf said. "While this is a concern from some of you, there have been no actions to cut positions or to cut resources based on this reorganization," Arensdorf said. The university has already left two administrative assistant positions in the college vacant as a result of resignations. The university could also reap salary savings over time with the changes in leadership, Arensdorf said. "What is not clear yet is how many administrative assistants are going to be needed for each of these units," Arensdorf said. "That is an example of another thing that we will be working through over the next few months —&nbsp; to think through what kind of [full-time equivalent] support that we need in these new units as well as how do we staff the programs appropriately."Just like we do when faculty resign, right now we are vetting those positions very clearly and making sure we are making good fiscal decisions as well as human decisions for the institution." Arensdorf presented recommended leadership and administrative assistant staff levels in her presentation Monday — a point of concern for many student and faculty early in the planning process. The university has recommended: • Department of English and Modern Languages have a chair and program coordinator with one administrative assistant. • Department of History and Philosophy have a chair and program coordinator with one or two administrative assistants. • Department of Communication Studies, Law and Political Science have a chair and program coordinator with one to 1.5 administrative assistants. • School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology be co-chaired with two to three administrative assistants • School of Visual and Performing Arts be co-chaired with two administrative assistants.Only department structures and names will be presented to the regents. Staffing and leadership decisions are left to the discretion of the university.Arensdorf said FHSU is not following the lead of Emporia State University."This plan does not have anyone being fired," she said. "This plan might have people's roles and responsibilities changing, but it doesn't have anyone being fired."The university's reorganization plan will go through two other regents subgroups before being considered by the regents likely in December. This is same meeting that consultant rpk is scheduled to present its findings to the regents.Arensdorf said university administrators decided to propose the program changes before the rpk report is unveiled, because it looks proactive and is less risky than waiting to make changes after the report.

FHSU provost: No faculty cuts planned in light of college reorganization

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation to benefit three of their group living locations. &nbsp;

With the grant funds, DSNWK will upgrade two group living locations in Hill City. &nbsp;These projects will create greater accessibility for the people who reside there and improve the ability of support staff to better monitor daily activities, providing greater safety. &nbsp;New exterior siding will yield lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency&nbsp;for these two locations. &nbsp;The grant will also support new flooring at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Russell. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Providing greater functionality and accessibility for the people we serve is always a top priority,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for supporting our efforts to make these essential upgrades, which provides the individuals, who reside in these locations, the healthiest and safest living arrangements possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas has announced a grant of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation to benefit three of their group living locations. &nbsp;With the grant funds, DSNWK will upgrade two group living locations in Hill City. &nbsp;These projects will create greater accessibility for the people who reside there and improve the ability of support staff to better monitor daily activities, providing greater safety. &nbsp;New exterior siding will yield lower maintenance costs and improved energy efficiency&nbsp;for these two locations. &nbsp;The grant will also support new flooring at one of DSNWK’s group homes in Russell. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Providing greater functionality and accessibility for the people we serve is always a top priority,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for supporting our efforts to make these essential upgrades, which provides the individuals, who reside in these locations, the healthiest and safest living arrangements possible.”

DSNWK receives $100K Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d9de4e8-2791-4788-bd53-b14686b086cf">UPDATE Thursday: Hays PD releases additional details about standoff</a>

An hours-long standoff in Hays Wednesday ended with a subject transported from the scene via ambulance.

Police first responded to the scene at around 5:30 p.m. on the report of an altercation at an apartment in the 300 block of West Eighth.

Upon the officers' arrival, the suspect entered the residence and refused to leave.

Area law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police and Hays Police Department secured several blocks around the building and negotiated with the subject for over three hours before he exited the home around 9:30 p.m.

Ellis County Emergency Medical Services and the Hays Fire Department were also on scene to assist.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631457559.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d9de4e8-2791-4788-bd53-b14686b086cf">UPDATE Thursday: Hays PD releases additional details about standoff</a>Hays PostAn hours-long standoff in Hays Wednesday ended with a subject transported from the scene via ambulance.Police first responded to the scene at around 5:30 p.m. on the report of an altercation at an apartment in the 300 block of West Eighth.Upon the officers' arrival, the suspect entered the residence and refused to leave.Area law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police and Hays Police Department secured several blocks around the building and negotiated with the subject for over three hours before he exited the home around 9:30 p.m.Ellis County Emergency Medical Services and the Hays Fire Department were also on scene to assist.This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.<figure>
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Suspect taken into custody after hours-long standoff in Hays

Free cancer screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh. 

The free cancer screenings are open to the public and hosted by Hays Masonic Lodge No. 195, Masonic Cancer Alliance and The University of Kansas Cancer Center. No appointments are necessary. Lodge members and staff from MCA are teaming up with health professionals from the University of Kansas Medical Center to provide health services that include: • Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings • Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits • Tobacco Cessation Information • And More Area Masons work with staff from the MCA, the outreach network of KU Cancer Center, and the Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate many of the free screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages.

According to Brooke Groneman, MCA outreach director, over 20,000 Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day, and nearly 250 of those are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in Kansas, and the region has higher than average rates of skin cancer compared to other parts of the country. When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified with a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is advised by the screening team to follow up with his/her local physician. For more information, call Chris Neeley at 785-259-2067.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665495398882.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseFree cancer screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh. The free cancer screenings are open to the public and hosted by Hays Masonic Lodge No. 195, Masonic Cancer Alliance and The University of Kansas Cancer Center. No appointments are necessary. Lodge members and staff from MCA are teaming up with health professionals from the University of Kansas Medical Center to provide health services that include: • Skin and Prostate Cancer Screenings • Colon Cancer Take-Home Screening Kits • Tobacco Cessation Information • And More Area Masons work with staff from the MCA, the outreach network of KU Cancer Center, and the Kansas Masonic Foundation to coordinate many of the free screening events that often draw several hundred attendees of all ages. According to Brooke Groneman, MCA outreach director, over 20,000 Kansas residents have attended the screenings since 2003. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day, and nearly 250 of those are diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. The Centers for Disease Control reports that cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in Kansas, and the region has higher than average rates of skin cancer compared to other parts of the country. When it comes to the possibility of cancer, it is always better to catch a potential problem in the earliest stage possible. Anyone identified with a possible health concern at one of the free cancer screenings is advised by the screening team to follow up with his/her local physician. For more information, call Chris Neeley at 785-259-2067.

Masons will offer free cancer screening next month in Hays

GOODLAND — Northwest Tech Engineering Students once again are preparing for the annual haunted house.&nbsp; The students plan, build props, and set up a haunted house for the Goodland community to enjoy. This event is also a fundraiser for Genesis of Sherman County. &nbsp;

“Each year this event allows for students to work together in teams to plan, design, and implement a large project.&nbsp; Not only are students learning skills of project management, communication, and designing, but students are also being involved in a community based event that helps local families in need.” said Engineering Instructor Mike Zimmerman.

Everyone is invited to come out and experience the haunted house. It will be hosted in the animal barn at the Sherman County Fairgrounds on Oct.r 28 and 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to go through the haunted house with the lights on and no jump-scares both nights from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or three cans of food per person. All canned food and money collected will be donated to benefit Genesis of Sherman County.&nbsp;

“Our students are very excited to work on this project this year,” Zimmerman said. “We hope to see everyone there and having a fun time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665013237098.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseGOODLAND — Northwest Tech Engineering Students once again are preparing for the annual haunted house.&nbsp; The students plan, build props, and set up a haunted house for the Goodland community to enjoy. This event is also a fundraiser for Genesis of Sherman County. &nbsp;“Each year this event allows for students to work together in teams to plan, design, and implement a large project.&nbsp; Not only are students learning skills of project management, communication, and designing, but students are also being involved in a community based event that helps local families in need.” said Engineering Instructor Mike Zimmerman.Everyone is invited to come out and experience the haunted house. It will be hosted in the animal barn at the Sherman County Fairgrounds on Oct.r 28 and 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to go through the haunted house with the lights on and no jump-scares both nights from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 per person or three cans of food per person. All canned food and money collected will be donated to benefit Genesis of Sherman County.&nbsp;“Our students are very excited to work on this project this year,” Zimmerman said. “We hope to see everyone there and having a fun time.”

Northwest Tech set to host annual haunted house

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

Chamber workshop will focus on workplace recruitment

The Hays school board discussed a proposal Monday night to stock Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opiod overdose, at all USD 489 schools.

School nurses and other district medical staff will be trained to administer the drug, which is a nasal spray. All schools are staffed with some type of medical staff daily.

"It can be life-saving," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We can reverse those affects almost immediately if we have that in all our buildings."

Narcan does not have side effects if a person is not suffering an overdose.

The cost of the drug is $50 per dose and has a shelf life of two years.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said having the Narcan at the schools is similar to having AED at schools.

Some districts have only stocked the medication in middle and high schools. 

Board member Lori Hertel noted some opioids are being manufactured in rainbow colors and resemble candy.

Wilson said he wanted to make sure the Narcan was available in instances of even unintentional overdoses.

The board had first reading of the proposal at its meeting Monday night and is set to vote on final approval at its next meeting on Oct 24.

The board approved $2.4 million for HVAC improvements at Wilson Elementary School.

The district had intended on doing a second phase of HVAC improvements to the current high school. However, a bond passed that will convert the current high school into a middle school. A new high school also will be built as part of the bond.

District officials urged the board to delay the work at the current high school building as walls will likely be moved when that building is renovated into a middle school.

Wilson is set to be closed as an elementary school once the bond projects are complete. However, the district plans to move its administrative office into the Wilson once it is closed as a school.

Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said the Wilson HVAC system was in the most need of replacement.

The work on the HVAC system will be done this summer and give the students who attend the school during the next two years better heating and cooling.

Wilson is not set to be renovated under the bond. Administrative offices will require a lesser HVAC load than classrooms, so the district is working with the engineers to design the new system for the building's future use.

Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board discussed a proposal Monday night to stock Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opiod overdose, at all USD 489 schools.School nurses and other district medical staff will be trained to administer the drug, which is a nasal spray. All schools are staffed with some type of medical staff daily. "It can be life-saving," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "We can reverse those affects almost immediately if we have that in all our buildings."Narcan does not have side effects if a person is not suffering an overdose.The cost of the drug is $50 per dose and has a shelf life of two years. Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said having the Narcan at the schools is similar to having AED at schools.Some districts have only stocked the medication in middle and high schools. Board member Lori Hertel noted some opioids are being manufactured in rainbow colors and resemble candy.Wilson said he wanted to make sure the Narcan was available in instances of even unintentional overdoses. The board had first reading of the proposal at its meeting Monday night and is set to vote on final approval at its next meeting on Oct 24. <h2>Wilson HVAC</h2>The board approved $2.4 million for HVAC improvements at Wilson Elementary School.The district had intended on doing a second phase of HVAC improvements to the current high school. However, a bond passed that will convert the current high school into a middle school. A new high school also will be built as part of the bond.District officials urged the board to delay the work at the current high school building as walls will likely be moved when that building is renovated into a middle school.Wilson is set to be closed as an elementary school once the bond projects are complete. However, the district plans to move its administrative office into the Wilson once it is closed as a school.Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, said the Wilson HVAC system was in the most need of replacement.The work on the HVAC system will be done this summer and give the students who attend the school during the next two years better heating and cooling.Wilson is not set to be renovated under the bond. Administrative offices will require a lesser HVAC load than classrooms, so the district is working with the engineers to design the new system for the building's future use.Cover photo provided by Pixabay.

Hays USD 489 considers stocking Narcan at schools

Forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a>

Forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1510a55d-7e11-4d07-9cf7-1e9062fdd7cb">RELATED: Hays Post / Smoky Hills TV forum from Oct. 5</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7fyXoJppI4"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Video courtesy Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 WATCH: 111th Kansas House candidate forum in Hays

<div>  <script src="https://embed-1007173.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="d8b53748-1259-4103-bf0b-6595ccd4ac8e" data-routing="hash">/**/</script></div>

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 1 to 7. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,874 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665593057233.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Oct. 1 to 7. KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County dropped to the moderate-incidence category, KDHE reported. (See map below).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 7,874 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665593084334.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: New COVID-19 cases in Ellis Co. continue to decline

Chicken restaurant also planned for former Mokas building

A new pizza restaurant will be opening in the little Dillons strip mall, 515 W. 27th, within the next two weeks.

Jacob Proffitt will be opening Little Dinero Pizzeria, which he said is meant to be an affordable pizza option.

The menu will include pizza-by-the-slice, as well as grab-and-go hot pizzas during the dinner hour.

Little Dinero's menu will also include specialty pizzas, including a crab rangoon and cheeseburger pizza, which will be a little more expensive than some of the more basic options, Proffitt said.

Proffitt said he doesn't want to compete with existing pizza places in Hays. He said Little Dinero will have its own niche.

All of the ingredients will be made in-house, including the sauce and dough. Little Dinero's crust will be somewhere between a thin crust and a hand-tossed.

"We try to hit all palettes," Proffitt said. "It is more like what a homemade pizza would be."

Proffitt said he wants to focus on affordability for families.

"The cost of pizza has really skyrocketed in this area," he said. "With the economy and interest rates going up, it's going to be a little tighter for families."

The name "Little Dinero" is supposed to mean "little money," Proffitt said.

Proffitt said he is planning a meal deal with two large pizzas, dessert sticks and a bottle of pop for about $20. A pizza slice and soda will run about $5.

"I wanted to do a good price-point pizza not only for the college students but for the community," Proffitt said.

There are also no other restaurants in the area of town where Little Dinero is opening, Proffitt said.

Little Dinero won't open with delivery, but Proffitt said he plans to add that service once the business gets up and running.

Proffitt remodeled two storefronts, knocking down a wall to create one open space. His company did major renovations to the storefronts, including new plumping and accessible bathrooms. Proffitt has signed a long-term lease on the storefronts, which have remained vacant most of the life of the complex.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/littledinero">You can follow Little Dinero on Facebook. </a>

Proffitt purchased and is remodeling the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th in Hays, into a chicken restaurant.

The restaurant has yet to be named. Proffitt said he hopes to have the eatery open after the first of the year.

He hopes to feature boneless chicken wings and chicken strips with traditional sides and fresh-baked pies.

Both hand-dipped buttermilk breaded strips and grilled chicken options will be available.

"Everything will be homemade, super-great quality," he said.

Proffitt said he did not want the new chicken restaurant to compete with JD's Chicken or&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9e61853-56ad-44ae-896c-b88483aa5269">Popeye's, which is coming soon to the strip mall in front of the Hilton Garden Inn</a>.

"The worst thing we could do is hurt another business," he said. "That's the worst thing we could do."

Proffitt said he is always trying to grow the community.

"If I can break even, I'm in," he said. ... "Money has never been our motivator. It's more of growing the community."

Proffitt also owns Auman Company, Taco Grande, Tiger Burger, Bricks Rockin' BBQ, Gari's Donuts and Munsch Fitness in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665431883801.jpeg" alt="Little Dinero's Pizzeria is set to open in the next two weeks at 515 W. 27th behind the Little Dillons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Little Dinero's Pizzeria is set to open in the next two weeks at 515 W. 27th behind the Little Dillons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chicken restaurant also planned for former Mokas building</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new pizza restaurant will be opening in the little Dillons strip mall, 515 W. 27th, within the next two weeks.Jacob Proffitt will be opening Little Dinero Pizzeria, which he said is meant to be an affordable pizza option.The menu will include pizza-by-the-slice, as well as grab-and-go hot pizzas during the dinner hour.Little Dinero's menu will also include specialty pizzas, including a crab rangoon and cheeseburger pizza, which will be a little more expensive than some of the more basic options, Proffitt said.Proffitt said he doesn't want to compete with existing pizza places in Hays. He said Little Dinero will have its own niche.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665432012423.jpeg" alt="Little Dinero's new kitchen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Little Dinero's new kitchen. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All of the ingredients will be made in-house, including the sauce and dough. Little Dinero's crust will be somewhere between a thin crust and a hand-tossed."We try to hit all palettes," Proffitt said. "It is more like what a homemade pizza would be." Proffitt said he wants to focus on affordability for families."The cost of pizza has really skyrocketed in this area," he said. "With the economy and interest rates going up, it's going to be a little tighter for families."The name "Little Dinero" is supposed to mean "little money," Proffitt said. Proffitt said he is planning a meal deal with two large pizzas, dessert sticks and a bottle of pop for about $20. A pizza slice and soda will run about $5. "I wanted to do a good price-point pizza not only for the college students but for the community," Proffitt said.There are also no other restaurants in the area of town where Little Dinero is opening, Proffitt said.Little Dinero won't open with delivery, but Proffitt said he plans to add that service once the business gets up and running.Proffitt remodeled two storefronts, knocking down a wall to create one open space. His company did major renovations to the storefronts, including new plumping and accessible bathrooms. Proffitt has signed a long-term lease on the storefronts, which have remained vacant most of the life of the complex.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/littledinero">You can follow Little Dinero on Facebook. </a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665432052709.jpeg" alt="The newly remodeled dining area of the former Mokas building. It is set to open as a chicken restaurant after the first of the year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The newly remodeled dining area of the former Mokas building. It is set to open as a chicken restaurant after the first of the year. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chicken restaurant</h2>Proffitt purchased and is remodeling the former Mokas building, 1230 E. 27th in Hays, into a chicken restaurant.The restaurant has yet to be named. Proffitt said he hopes to have the eatery open after the first of the year.He hopes to feature boneless chicken wings and chicken strips with traditional sides and fresh-baked pies. Both hand-dipped buttermilk breaded strips and grilled chicken options will be available."Everything will be homemade, super-great quality," he said.Proffitt said he did not want the new chicken restaurant to compete with JD's Chicken or&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b9e61853-56ad-44ae-896c-b88483aa5269">Popeye's, which is coming soon to the strip mall in front of the Hilton Garden Inn</a>."The worst thing we could do is hurt another business," he said. "That's the worst thing we could do."Proffitt said he is always trying to grow the community."If I can break even, I'm in," he said. ... "Money has never been our motivator. It's more of growing the community." Proffitt also owns Auman Company, Taco Grande, Tiger Burger, Bricks Rockin' BBQ, Gari's Donuts and Munsch Fitness in Hays.

Little Dinero Pizzeria to offer affordable grab-and-go options in west Hays

RUSSELL COUNTY — A man died in a construction site accident just after 2 p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Caterpillar 940B driven by Tyler Darren Jennings, 28, Valley Falls, Kansas, was traveling north up a hill at a construction site&nbsp;east of U.S. Highway 281 north of the river.

For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost power, rolled down a hill to the south and struck another Caterpillar 940 driven by 57-year-old Jose N. Ramirez Navarrete.

A man identified as a passenger of the second Caterpillar 53-year-old Hector Cesar Fraire Montelongo of Mesquite, New Mexico, was injured and airlifted to Russell Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The KHP reported it was unknown if&nbsp; Fraire Montelongo was on the Caterpillar's platform or on the ground next to the vehicle&nbsp; at time of collision.

RUSSELL COUNTY — A man died in a construction site accident just after 2 p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Caterpillar 940B driven by Tyler Darren Jennings, 28, Valley Falls, Kansas, was traveling north up a hill at a construction site&nbsp;east of U.S. Highway 281 north of the river.For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost power, rolled down a hill to the south and struck another Caterpillar 940 driven by 57-year-old Jose N. Ramirez Navarrete.A man identified as a passenger of the second Caterpillar 53-year-old Hector Cesar Fraire Montelongo of Mesquite, New Mexico, was injured and airlifted to Russell Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.The KHP reported it was unknown if&nbsp; Fraire Montelongo was on the Caterpillar's platform or on the ground next to the vehicle&nbsp; at time of collision.Jennings and Navarrete were not injured.

Man dead after accident at Russell Co. construction site 

The Hays USD 489 school district reported a 16 percent increase in the number of students qualifying for free meals compared to the 2018-19 — the last full school year before the pandemic.

The number of students receiving free lunches jumped from 926 in 2018-19 to 1,078 as of Sept. 20.

The USDA has provided free meals for all students for at least a portion of the last three years. This is the first year since the pandemic families will be required to pay full prices for meals.

Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said she thought the increase was due to a change in how the state qualifies children for free meals as well as an increase in food need in the community.

"Inflation has hit us all pretty hard," Younker said. "Going from free meals to paid can mean about $400 or $500 a year depending on if the kid eats breakfast or lunch."

The state automatically qualifies students who are from families receiving food assistance and are in foster care for free schools meals. This year, the state added any students who also receive Medicaid to that list of automatic qualifiers.

Younker said that increased the number of students receiving free meals to some degree.

The income guidelines have also been adjusted during the last few years, which also might have qualified more students for free meals.

Younker said she thought the increase in free meal applications is a result of more food need in the community. S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">he said this has been reflected in increased demand at local food pantries.</a>

"The need for food in our community has definitely gone up with the cost of groceries going up. It's harder to put food on the table for a lot of families," she said. "I think this reflects that."

Some district schools participate in Food for Kids, which is a program through the Kansas Food Bank. Backpacks full of food are sent home with qualifying children each weekend. Hays High and Middle schools also have their own on-site food closets to help families in need.

These programs are organized on a school-by-school basis, Younker said.

Reduced-price meals have stayed comparably steady, Younker said. 

Lincoln Elementary School has the highest concentration of students qualifying for free and reduced-cost meals — 62 percent of students qualify for free meals and another 11 percent qualify for reduced-price meals.

The rest of the schools in the district have in the 30 percent range of students qualifying for free meals. Eight to 10 percent of the other schools' students qualify for reduced-cost meals.

Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, also reported on Sept. 20 enrollment numbers to the school board Monday, saying the district enrollment remains steady.

Hays High School saw the largest increase in students with a large freshmen class of 266 students.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district reported a 16 percent increase in the number of students qualifying for free meals compared to the 2018-19 — the last full school year before the pandemic.The number of students receiving free lunches jumped from 926 in 2018-19 to 1,078 as of Sept. 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665516831359.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>The USDA has provided free meals for all students for at least a portion of the last three years. This is the first year since the pandemic families will be required to pay full prices for meals.Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said she thought the increase was due to a change in how the state qualifies children for free meals as well as an increase in food need in the community."Inflation has hit us all pretty hard," Younker said. "Going from free meals to paid can mean about $400 or $500 a year depending on if the kid eats breakfast or lunch."The state automatically qualifies students who are from families receiving food assistance and are in foster care for free schools meals. This year, the state added any students who also receive Medicaid to that list of automatic qualifiers.Younker said that increased the number of students receiving free meals to some degree.The income guidelines have also been adjusted during the last few years, which also might have qualified more students for free meals.Younker said she thought the increase in free meal applications is a result of more food need in the community. S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f1fb8f53-1309-47cb-8b64-a714b9e7518b">he said this has been reflected in increased demand at local food pantries.</a>"The need for food in our community has definitely gone up with the cost of groceries going up. It's harder to put food on the table for a lot of families," she said. "I think this reflects that."Some district schools participate in Food for Kids, which is a program through the Kansas Food Bank. Backpacks full of food are sent home with qualifying children each weekend. Hays High and Middle schools also have their own on-site food closets to help families in need.These programs are organized on a school-by-school basis, Younker said. Reduced-price meals have stayed comparably steady, Younker said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665518836798.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 " />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489 </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln Elementary School has the highest concentration of students qualifying for free and reduced-cost meals — 62 percent of students qualify for free meals and another 11 percent qualify for reduced-price meals.The rest of the schools in the district have in the 30 percent range of students qualifying for free meals. Eight to 10 percent of the other schools' students qualify for reduced-cost meals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665519098614.png" alt="Image courtesy of Hays USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Hays USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>Ron Wilson, USD 489 superintendent, also reported on Sept. 20 enrollment numbers to the school board Monday, saying the district enrollment remains steady.Hays High School saw the largest increase in students with a large freshmen class of 266 students.Families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals at any point in the school year. An online application is available at <a href="http://www.ezmealapp.com">www.ezmealapp.com</a>. Feature photo courtesy of Pixabay

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