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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756399746365.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

The Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway will be at Nate's Liquor, located just off 13th and Vine, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by to register to become a finalist for a CF Moto U Force 4 seat UTV from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports.&nbsp;

Friday-only specials at Nate's include Miller Lite 18-pack cans or bottles for just $18.49. 30-packs are $25.99. 24-pack 16-ounce cans are $27.99.

Check out the many more storewide specials!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753111227517.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750185433864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4GiQ8bT1mls?si=x0Sy46fK9L1wTVy1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway will be at Nate's Liquor, located just off 13th and Vine, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Stop by to register to become a finalist for a CF Moto U Force 4 seat UTV from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports.&nbsp;Friday-only specials at Nate's include Miller Lite 18-pack cans or bottles for just $18.49. 30-packs are $25.99. 24-pack 16-ounce cans are $27.99.Check out the many more storewide specials!

Become a Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist today at Nate's Liquor

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a high of 71 Wednesday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays received .3 inches of rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 2.90 inches in the month of August. The low for Wednesday was 60.

On average, Hays receives 3.01 inches of rain in August and 17.70 inches of moisture by the end of August. Hays has received&nbsp;16.41 inches of precipitation year to date.

The forecast for today is a slight chance of showers with patchy fog, with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Winds are expected to be around 8 mph.

More patchy fog is expected Friday, with a high of 77, and a chance of storms and showers going into the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719872287576.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays hit a high of 71 Wednesday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.Hays received .3 inches of rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 2.90 inches in the month of August. The low for Wednesday was 60.On average, Hays receives 3.01 inches of rain in August and 17.70 inches of moisture by the end of August. Hays has received&nbsp;16.41 inches of precipitation year to date.The forecast for today is a slight chance of showers with patchy fog, with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Winds are expected to be around 8 mph.More patchy fog is expected Friday, with a high of 77, and a chance of storms and showers going into the weekend.

Hays receives more rain; fog expected Friday 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755180860320.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756389570263.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756389580218.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU crime log: Aug. 22-28, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Representatives of judicial districts from across the state gathered in Hays on Tuesday and Wednesday for a mental health summit.

Seventy percent of people who are incarcerated in the United States have a mental illness or substance abuse problem or both.

The Hon. Steven Leifman from Florida told the group, "We should create specialty courts for the 30% of people who don't have mental illness or substance abuse."

There are 19 times more people who have mental illnesses in jails and prisons than in civil treatment programs.

He said the people who do have mental illness and substance abuse issues should be placed in therapeutic situations.

Leifman said the United States is failing at dealing with people who have mental illness, and it is costing taxpayers millions of dollars to run a broken system.

The United States has 4% of the world's population and 25% of the incarcerated people, resulting in $1 trillion in direct and indirect costs per year.&nbsp;

Leifman had the opportunity to visit&nbsp;Trieste, Italy, where he said the community is doing it right.

They virtually have no homelessness. They have few, if any, people with serious mental illness in jails. They have few, if any, people with serious mental illness in their forensic hospitals, and they have very few people in their civil hospitals," he said.

Last year, out of 40,000 patients, they only filed 100 cases for civil commitment.

"We do that every day in Miami," he said.

"First, they don't define people by their mental illnesses," he said. "You're not the crazy guy that lives down the street. You are John Smith, who just happens to have a mental illness. Just like you might be John Smith, who just happens to have heart disease or cancer."

When someone has a mental health episode, a doctor immediately goes to that person's home and begins treatment immediately. If the person can't stay at home, they find them housing and assign them three case managers, so they are covered 24 hours until they are stable. They are placed on medication and monitored, but not hospitalized.

As soon as the person begins to recover, they start to try to give them their lives back.

Instead of a state hospital, they have a supportive employment program that includes a radio station, a restaurant and a chic clothing manufacturing operation.

"You walk around the campus, and you don't know the difference between the staff and the patients," he said.

"They have a reason to get up every single day and participate,"&nbsp;Leifman said.

"It is a truly remarkable system of care that actually promotes recovery, and there's absolutely no reason why we can't scale that type of system here in the United States. Today, in the United States, we basically do the opposite," he said.

People remain on the streets, sometimes psychotic, for decades.

"We have been so bad about it that the courts have ruled that the way we do it is basically unconstitutional, enormously unsuccessful and enormously expensive without any positive measurable outcomes," he said.

He said the earlier we treat mental illness, the better the outcomes will be.

He called the treatment of people with serious mental illnesses within the judicial system the greatest public policy failure.

"The fact that we have applied the criminal justice model to a disease as opposed to a population health model explains why we have failed so miserably,"&nbsp;Leifman said.

Leifman's first experience with the mental health system was when he was 17 and working as an intern for a state senator's office.

He was sent to the state mental hospital to investigate claims that a young man was being mistreated.

He found the man tied in four-point restraints, screaming and moaning and about 100 pounds overweight from being injected with Thorazine.

In reading his file and talking to staff, he learned the young man was not psychotic, but autistic. In the basement, he also saw naked men covered in their own feces being hosed down like they were animals in a zoo.

The state senator's office was able to get the young man with autism placed in a group home. However, thewhat&nbsp;

Eventually, Leifman became a judge in Miami.

The city went from having one wing on one floor of the jail dedicated to people who had mental illness to&nbsp;having three dedicated floors to house people who had mental illness.

"When I became a judge, I had no idea that I was becoming the gatekeeper to the largest psychiatric facility in the state of Florida, the Dade County Jail," he said.

Seventy to 80% of the inmates have a mental health diagnosis and are in immediate need of treatment, he said.

Leifman was eventually given a special assignment to work on mental health issues within the Florida court system. He found the state was spending a third of its mental health budget, $250 million, to restore competency to 2,500 to 3,000 people, when about 160,000 people at the time of their arrest needed acute mental health care and weren't getting it.

After spending so many resources on this small population, either the charges were dropped, they were given credit for time served and were released, or they received probation.

They ended up back on the streets, often psychotic, with no access to treatment, and were sometimes rearrested before they made it out of the parking lot.

Leifman shared the story of Tristan Murphy, who suffered from schizophrenia. He wasn't violent, but had good and bad days, depending on whether he took his medication.

One day, he drove his truck into a pond near the sheriff's office. He was arrested and convicted of felony littering.

He was placed on a work detail while incarcerated. His bunkmates noted he was deteriorating mentally. However, corrections officers continued to give him access to tools, including a chainsaw for his work detail. One day, he took a chainsaw to his neck, ending his life.

Leifman said he was no threat to anyone other than himself. He should never have been arrested. He should have been diverted into treatment, Leifman said.

The governor of Florida, a few weeks ago, signed the Tristin Murphy Act, which expands the Miami mental health diversion program statewide.

"We shouldn't need that kind of horror to get the attention of policymakers," he said, "because we all know that the way we handle individuals with these illnesses is wrong and doesn't really work."

He said people who have mental illnesses are less dangerous than the general population and a lot less dangerous than the general population when they are on medication. They are more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the perpetrators.

"We also know that recovery rates for people with mental illness, in many cases, are much better than heart disease and diabetes,"&nbsp;Leifman said. "These are not terminal illnesses. They are treatable illnesses."

People with schizophrenia have higher rates of heart disease and cancer because untreated schizophrenia results in a depletion of the brain chemical dopamine.&nbsp;

They feel awful,&nbsp;Leifman said, so they often chain smoke because the nicotine helps cognition and helps them feel better.

When these people end up in jail, not only do taxpayers have to pay for treatment of the mental illness, but also severe physical health concerns as a result of the mental illness going untreated, Leifman said.

"The good news is that this is a very fixable system," he said.

The judicial system and mental health systems were developed when the most acutely ill were still in state hospitals. The community mental health systems were designed to handle people who have moderate mental illness,&nbsp;Leifman said.

The hospitals were shut down. The U.S. adopted the war on crime and sentencing guidelines and drastically cut funds for low-income housing, and the population of the acute mentally ill was thrown into communities that were not prepared for them, he said.

"Instead of blaming themselves for not developing an appropriate system of care, we end up blaming this population, and we use the justice system to punish them, and that has not worked out too well," Leifman said.

He said our society would never allow people to be treated in primary care as we treat people with mental illnesses.&nbsp;

"If you threw people who had primary care illnesses out of hospitals in the middle of the night like we do people with mental illnesses, you'd get arrested," he said.

&nbsp;Leifman said this is a national issue that needs national money, but the solutions can start at the local level.

"Each community needs to take a good, hard look at how they are doing things, and develop collaborative agreements to alter and restructure how we approach this population," he said.

Miami put to gether a two-part approach, pre-arrest and post-arrest.

This included Crisis Intervention Teams, which include specially trained law enforcement officers to respond when someone is having a mental health episode. This often has resulted in people being diverted into treatment instead of arrest&nbsp;

In 10 years, two Crisis Intervention Teams responded to more than 105,000 calls and made fewer than 200 arrests.

Overall arrests plummeted. Dade County closed one of its jails, saving $168 million. Police shootings almost stopped.

The post-arrest program eliminated many of the time-consuming competency evaluations in favor of bringing these individuals into treatment as soon as possible.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs were created, also known as AOT. Hays has had an AOT program since 2022.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8abbbbb5-b093-4c36-bc34-50be0815125d">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County mental health court pilot sees success in first year.</a>

And peers were enlisted to help people navigate the system and encourage work toward recovery.

Recidivism rates for misdemeanor cases decreased from 75% to 20% for individuals participating in these programs. The treatment model proved so effective that it was expanded to include nonviolent felony cases. Recidivism rates decreased from 75% to 6%.

Continuing care was still needed for individuals with the most acute illnesses, so Dade County recently passed a bond issue to build a facility for these individuals based on the Trieste model.

It offers wrap-around services, including crisis stabilization, primary care, a dental clinic, a podiatry clinic, an eye clinic, short-term residential care, tattoo removal, a day program, a supportive employment program, a computer lab, a GED program, and a courtroom that can handle both civil and criminal cases onsite.

"Not one person, not one party, not one institution created this mess. Not one person, party or institution will fix it. It takes all of us in this room to start looking at our systems and determine how there is a better way to run this system," Leifman said.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRepresentatives of judicial districts from across the state gathered in Hays on Tuesday and Wednesday for a mental health summit.Seventy percent of people who are incarcerated in the United States have a mental illness or substance abuse problem or both.The Hon. Steven Leifman from Florida told the group, "We should create specialty courts for the 30% of people who don't have mental illness or substance abuse."There are 19 times more people who have mental illnesses in jails and prisons than in civil treatment programs.He said the people who do have mental illness and substance abuse issues should be placed in therapeutic situations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756322262554.jpeg" alt="The Hon. Steven Leifman from Florida discusses his experiences in the judicial system in Florida and Dade County at the 2025 Kansas Mental Health Summit on Tuesday at Fort Hays State University. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hon. Steven Leifman from Florida discusses his experiences in the judicial system in Florida and Dade County at the 2025 Kansas Mental Health Summit on Tuesday at Fort Hays State University. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Leifman said the United States is failing at dealing with people who have mental illness, and it is costing taxpayers millions of dollars to run a broken system.The United States has 4% of the world's population and 25% of the incarcerated people, resulting in $1 trillion in direct and indirect costs per year.&nbsp;Leifman had the opportunity to visit&nbsp;Trieste, Italy, where he said the community is doing it right.They virtually have no homelessness. They have few, if any, people with serious mental illness in jails. They have few, if any, people with serious mental illness in their forensic hospitals, and they have very few people in their civil hospitals," he said.Last year, out of 40,000 patients, they only filed 100 cases for civil commitment."We do that every day in Miami," he said."First, they don't define people by their mental illnesses," he said. "You're not the crazy guy that lives down the street. You are John Smith, who just happens to have a mental illness. Just like you might be John Smith, who just happens to have heart disease or cancer."When someone has a mental health episode, a doctor immediately goes to that person's home and begins treatment immediately. If the person can't stay at home, they find them housing and assign them three case managers, so they are covered 24 hours until they are stable. They are placed on medication and monitored, but not hospitalized.As soon as the person begins to recover, they start to try to give them their lives back.Instead of a state hospital, they have a supportive employment program that includes a radio station, a restaurant and a chic clothing manufacturing operation."You walk around the campus, and you don't know the difference between the staff and the patients," he said."They have a reason to get up every single day and participate,"&nbsp;Leifman said."It is a truly remarkable system of care that actually promotes recovery, and there's absolutely no reason why we can't scale that type of system here in the United States. Today, in the United States, we basically do the opposite," he said.People remain on the streets, sometimes psychotic, for decades."We have been so bad about it that the courts have ruled that the way we do it is basically unconstitutional, enormously unsuccessful and enormously expensive without any positive measurable outcomes," he said.He said the earlier we treat mental illness, the better the outcomes will be.He called the treatment of people with serious mental illnesses within the judicial system the greatest public policy failure."The fact that we have applied the criminal justice model to a disease as opposed to a population health model explains why we have failed so miserably,"&nbsp;Leifman said.Leifman's first experience with the mental health system was when he was 17 and working as an intern for a state senator's office.He was sent to the state mental hospital to investigate claims that a young man was being mistreated.He found the man tied in four-point restraints, screaming and moaning and about 100 pounds overweight from being injected with Thorazine.In reading his file and talking to staff, he learned the young man was not psychotic, but autistic. In the basement, he also saw naked men covered in their own feces being hosed down like they were animals in a zoo.The state senator's office was able to get the young man with autism placed in a group home. However, thewhat&nbsp;Eventually, Leifman became a judge in Miami.The city went from having one wing on one floor of the jail dedicated to people who had mental illness to&nbsp;having three dedicated floors to house people who had mental illness."When I became a judge, I had no idea that I was becoming the gatekeeper to the largest psychiatric facility in the state of Florida, the Dade County Jail," he said.Seventy to 80% of the inmates have a mental health diagnosis and are in immediate need of treatment, he said.Leifman was eventually given a special assignment to work on mental health issues within the Florida court system. He found the state was spending a third of its mental health budget, $250 million, to restore competency to 2,500 to 3,000 people, when about 160,000 people at the time of their arrest needed acute mental health care and weren't getting it.After spending so many resources on this small population, either the charges were dropped, they were given credit for time served and were released, or they received probation.They ended up back on the streets, often psychotic, with no access to treatment, and were sometimes rearrested before they made it out of the parking lot.Leifman shared the story of Tristan Murphy, who suffered from schizophrenia. He wasn't violent, but had good and bad days, depending on whether he took his medication.One day, he drove his truck into a pond near the sheriff's office. He was arrested and convicted of felony littering.He was placed on a work detail while incarcerated. His bunkmates noted he was deteriorating mentally. However, corrections officers continued to give him access to tools, including a chainsaw for his work detail. One day, he took a chainsaw to his neck, ending his life.Leifman said he was no threat to anyone other than himself. He should never have been arrested. He should have been diverted into treatment, Leifman said.The governor of Florida, a few weeks ago, signed the Tristin Murphy Act, which expands the Miami mental health diversion program statewide."We shouldn't need that kind of horror to get the attention of policymakers," he said, "because we all know that the way we handle individuals with these illnesses is wrong and doesn't really work."He said people who have mental illnesses are less dangerous than the general population and a lot less dangerous than the general population when they are on medication. They are more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the perpetrators."We also know that recovery rates for people with mental illness, in many cases, are much better than heart disease and diabetes,"&nbsp;Leifman said. "These are not terminal illnesses. They are treatable illnesses."People with schizophrenia have higher rates of heart disease and cancer because untreated schizophrenia results in a depletion of the brain chemical dopamine.&nbsp;They feel awful,&nbsp;Leifman said, so they often chain smoke because the nicotine helps cognition and helps them feel better.When these people end up in jail, not only do taxpayers have to pay for treatment of the mental illness, but also severe physical health concerns as a result of the mental illness going untreated, Leifman said."The good news is that this is a very fixable system," he said.The judicial system and mental health systems were developed when the most acutely ill were still in state hospitals. The community mental health systems were designed to handle people who have moderate mental illness,&nbsp;Leifman said.The hospitals were shut down. The U.S. adopted the war on crime and sentencing guidelines and drastically cut funds for low-income housing, and the population of the acute mentally ill was thrown into communities that were not prepared for them, he said."Instead of blaming themselves for not developing an appropriate system of care, we end up blaming this population, and we use the justice system to punish them, and that has not worked out too well," Leifman said.He said our society would never allow people to be treated in primary care as we treat people with mental illnesses.&nbsp;"If you threw people who had primary care illnesses out of hospitals in the middle of the night like we do people with mental illnesses, you'd get arrested," he said.&nbsp;Leifman said this is a national issue that needs national money, but the solutions can start at the local level."Each community needs to take a good, hard look at how they are doing things, and develop collaborative agreements to alter and restructure how we approach this population," he said.Miami put to gether a two-part approach, pre-arrest and post-arrest.This included Crisis Intervention Teams, which include specially trained law enforcement officers to respond when someone is having a mental health episode. This often has resulted in people being diverted into treatment instead of arrest&nbsp;In 10 years, two Crisis Intervention Teams responded to more than 105,000 calls and made fewer than 200 arrests.Overall arrests plummeted. Dade County closed one of its jails, saving $168 million. Police shootings almost stopped.The post-arrest program eliminated many of the time-consuming competency evaluations in favor of bringing these individuals into treatment as soon as possible.Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs were created, also known as AOT. Hays has had an AOT program since 2022.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8abbbbb5-b093-4c36-bc34-50be0815125d">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County mental health court pilot sees success in first year.</a>And peers were enlisted to help people navigate the system and encourage work toward recovery.Recidivism rates for misdemeanor cases decreased from 75% to 20% for individuals participating in these programs. The treatment model proved so effective that it was expanded to include nonviolent felony cases. Recidivism rates decreased from 75% to 6%.Continuing care was still needed for individuals with the most acute illnesses, so Dade County recently passed a bond issue to build a facility for these individuals based on the Trieste model.It offers wrap-around services, including crisis stabilization, primary care, a dental clinic, a podiatry clinic, an eye clinic, short-term residential care, tattoo removal, a day program, a supportive employment program, a computer lab, a GED program, and a courtroom that can handle both civil and criminal cases onsite."Not one person, not one party, not one institution created this mess. Not one person, party or institution will fix it. It takes all of us in this room to start looking at our systems and determine how there is a better way to run this system," Leifman said.

Kansas judicial summit in Hays focuses on treatment over incarceration

NICODEMUS — The Nicodemus Historical Society is proud to announce recent leadership and staffing updates as part of its continued efforts to preserve and uplift the legacy of one of the nation’s most historically significant Black town established during the Reconstruction era.

Dr. Ashley C. Adams now serves as president of the Nicodemus Historical Society Board. 

A Nicodemus descendant and nationally respected public policy scholar, Adams brings over a decade of research and leadership experience in African American genealogy, descendant engagement, and reparative preservation planning. She previously served as board secretary beginning in 2016. 

Her long-standing research on Nicodemus has produced several scholarly publications, and her forthcoming manuscript, Advancing Descendant Engagement in Nicodemus, Kansas: A Reparative Approach to Preservation and Stewardship, builds on her commitment to community-led preservation, healing, and education.

As part of its recent organizational restructuring, the Society also announces that Donna Rae Pearson is no longer serving in the role of Executive Director. The board thanks Ms. Pearson for her time with the organization and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

To support daily operations and long-term development, the Society has also welcomed two new team members:

Marilyn Gray, a Nicodemus descendant and retired administrator, has joined as the office manager. With years of experience supporting the Society’s work, Gray brings valuable organizational knowledge and deep community roots to her role. 

She currently provides part-time support in the Nicodemus Historical Society Museum and assists with hospitality at the Nicodemus National Historic Site visitor center. Her presence provides additional interpretive support for visitors and strengthens the organization’s commitment to descendant-led engagement.

Jessica Wright also joins as the Society’s new fundraising associate. A nationally recognized grant strategist, philanthropy consultant, and program analyst, Wright brings over 24 years of experience in nonprofit development, government contracting, and strategic planning. 

She has helped secure over $7.5 million in funding for grassroots and national initiatives focused on education, housing, and social justice. Her role at the Historical Society includes advancing fundraising, building partnerships, and supporting sustainable preservation efforts.

These new appointments reflect the Society’s renewed commitment to descendant leadership, strategic growth, and cultural preservation. 

Together with the Society’s Board of Directors, this team will continue the important work of safeguarding the historical legacy of Nicodemus and promoting a sustainable future for the community and its preservation efforts.

Nicodemus Historical SocietyNICODEMUS — The Nicodemus Historical Society is proud to announce recent leadership and staffing updates as part of its continued efforts to preserve and uplift the legacy of one of the nation’s most historically significant Black town established during the Reconstruction era.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756303686186.jpeg" alt="Ashley Adams. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Adams. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Ashley C. Adams now serves as president of the Nicodemus Historical Society Board. A Nicodemus descendant and nationally respected public policy scholar, Adams brings over a decade of research and leadership experience in African American genealogy, descendant engagement, and reparative preservation planning. She previously served as board secretary beginning in 2016. Her long-standing research on Nicodemus has produced several scholarly publications, and her forthcoming manuscript, Advancing Descendant Engagement in Nicodemus, Kansas: A Reparative Approach to Preservation and Stewardship, builds on her commitment to community-led preservation, healing, and education.As part of its recent organizational restructuring, the Society also announces that Donna Rae Pearson is no longer serving in the role of Executive Director. The board thanks Ms. Pearson for her time with the organization and wishes her well in her future endeavors.To support daily operations and long-term development, the Society has also welcomed two new team members:Marilyn Gray, a Nicodemus descendant and retired administrator, has joined as the office manager. With years of experience supporting the Society’s work, Gray brings valuable organizational knowledge and deep community roots to her role. She currently provides part-time support in the Nicodemus Historical Society Museum and assists with hospitality at the Nicodemus National Historic Site visitor center. Her presence provides additional interpretive support for visitors and strengthens the organization’s commitment to descendant-led engagement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756303606039.jpeg" alt="Jessica Wright. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Wright. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jessica Wright also joins as the Society’s new fundraising associate. A nationally recognized grant strategist, philanthropy consultant, and program analyst, Wright brings over 24 years of experience in nonprofit development, government contracting, and strategic planning. She has helped secure over $7.5 million in funding for grassroots and national initiatives focused on education, housing, and social justice. Her role at the Historical Society includes advancing fundraising, building partnerships, and supporting sustainable preservation efforts.These new appointments reflect the Society’s renewed commitment to descendant leadership, strategic growth, and cultural preservation. Together with the Society’s Board of Directors, this team will continue the important work of safeguarding the historical legacy of Nicodemus and promoting a sustainable future for the community and its preservation efforts.

Nicodemus Historical Society welcomes new leadership, staff

Hays High School<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756222443380.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Check out the new Hays High School during Friday's tours, ribbon cutting

Each spring when I tuck tiny green tomato plants into freshly tilled soil, I imagine the delicious bacon/tomato sandwiches we’ll devour in a few months. Most summers that means we start feasting in late July. I don’t know about folks in other towns, but here it is August, and many in WaKeeney have yet to pluck a blast of flavor from our own vines.

Of the four decades we’ve gardened, this is absolutely the worst harvest we’ve ever experienced.

 Our corn, melons, cukes, zukes, and okra are no goes. The corn put on microscopic ears that didn’t fill. We had successful asparagus, rhubarb, cabbage, and hot peppers, but so far we’ve harvested eight cherry tomatoes half the size of a small marble. They wouldn’t make a good size pearl, for Pete’s sake. We don’t have an explanation because we had lovely rains in ample quantities to grow outstanding weeds and flowers.

I grew a patio tomato I counted on to produce at least one bacon tomato sammy, but its fruits remain green as Shrek. 

I finally gave up and visited the local farmers market in early August. I arrived late but lucked out and bought the last three tomatoes, Romas, by the way, for sale. Each stall owner repeated the same refrain. It’s not a good year for tomatoes. The Romas made a bacon tomato sandwich, but it wasn’t what we’d salivated over.

Last week, I arrived soon after the market opened to improve my tomato picks. If customer numbers were any indication, tomato bins would empty before 10 a.m. This time, I selected three bright red-orange baseball-sized tomatoes to slice and layer with freshly fried bacon for our favorite summer treat. I also treated myself to a pint of savory cherry tomatoes good for a juicy explosion in my mouth every time I walk through the kitchen.

Home by 10 a.m., I put bacon slices in the frying pan and turned on the gas. I washed and dried one tomato before slicing it not too thin and not too thick with my favorite serrated knife. Since I’d planned to eat around noon, I had yet to set out the Duke’s and Miracle Whip or the bread. Apparently, scents wafting from the kitchen were too much for my spouse, and he wandered in about 10:25-ish, asking to make a sandwich right then.

I don’t guess there are rules for when a person who’s waited all summer for a baseball-size ripe red tomato dripping juice from his favorite sandwich can make and eat one. Fortunately, I prepared two packages of bacon which permits repeats of this quick brunch/lunch for at least a couple of days.

If you see us wandering around with tomato pulp and bacon grease dripping from our chins, know dreams come true. We’re relishing every bite as long as we can get our hands on homegrown, ripe tomatoes.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755881294478.jpeg" alt="Late summer garden tomato. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Late summer garden tomato. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINEach spring when I tuck tiny green tomato plants into freshly tilled soil, I imagine the delicious bacon/tomato sandwiches we’ll devour in a few months. Most summers that means we start feasting in late July. I don’t know about folks in other towns, but here it is August, and many in WaKeeney have yet to pluck a blast of flavor from our own vines.Of the four decades we’ve gardened, this is absolutely the worst harvest we’ve ever experienced. Our corn, melons, cukes, zukes, and okra are no goes. The corn put on microscopic ears that didn’t fill. We had successful asparagus, rhubarb, cabbage, and hot peppers, but so far we’ve harvested eight cherry tomatoes half the size of a small marble. They wouldn’t make a good size pearl, for Pete’s sake. We don’t have an explanation because we had lovely rains in ample quantities to grow outstanding weeds and flowers.I grew a patio tomato I counted on to produce at least one bacon tomato sammy, but its fruits remain green as Shrek. I finally gave up and visited the local farmers market in early August. I arrived late but lucked out and bought the last three tomatoes, Romas, by the way, for sale. Each stall owner repeated the same refrain. It’s not a good year for tomatoes. The Romas made a bacon tomato sandwich, but it wasn’t what we’d salivated over.Last week, I arrived soon after the market opened to improve my tomato picks. If customer numbers were any indication, tomato bins would empty before 10 a.m. This time, I selected three bright red-orange baseball-sized tomatoes to slice and layer with freshly fried bacon for our favorite summer treat. I also treated myself to a pint of savory cherry tomatoes good for a juicy explosion in my mouth every time I walk through the kitchen.Home by 10 a.m., I put bacon slices in the frying pan and turned on the gas. I washed and dried one tomato before slicing it not too thin and not too thick with my favorite serrated knife. Since I’d planned to eat around noon, I had yet to set out the Duke’s and Miracle Whip or the bread. Apparently, scents wafting from the kitchen were too much for my spouse, and he wandered in about 10:25-ish, asking to make a sandwich right then.Heck, why not. I don’t guess there are rules for when a person who’s waited all summer for a baseball-size ripe red tomato dripping juice from his favorite sandwich can make and eat one. Fortunately, I prepared two packages of bacon which permits repeats of this quick brunch/lunch for at least a couple of days.If you see us wandering around with tomato pulp and bacon grease dripping from our chins, know dreams come true. We’re relishing every bite as long as we can get our hands on homegrown, ripe tomatoes.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Late summer dream come true

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756302057997.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>

Stop by Doghouse Liquor in Hays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and sign up to be a finalist for the Yuengling Flight golf cart from A&amp;A Coors Yuengling.

Doghouse is getting you ready for Fort Hays State University football Thursday night.

•Yuengling Flight 24 Packs are just $24.99 all day. •Fort Hays State students can save money with student ID discounts.

Doghouse Liquor, on Vine Street, just south of 27th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614026735.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Stop by Doghouse Liquor in Hays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and sign up to be a finalist for the Yuengling Flight golf cart from A&amp;A Coors Yuengling.Doghouse is getting you ready for Fort Hays State University football Thursday night.•Yuengling Flight 24 Packs are just $24.99 all day. •Fort Hays State students can save money with student ID discounts.Doghouse Liquor, on Vine Street, just south of 27th.&nbsp; &nbsp;

German Feast fundraiser for St. Anthony Park, playground in Schoenchen

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will vote on financing for several new development projects during its meeting on Thursday. 

Kim Rupp, finance director, will present ordinances and resolutions in the process of issuing general obligation bonds and temporary notes for the projects, including:&nbsp;

• Automated water meter infrastructure — $3.6 million • Police department and municipal court facility — $6.85 million • The Grove Reinvestment Housing Incentive District — $3.675 million • The Grove economic development grant — $825,000 • Construction of infrastructure at Interstate 70, Exit 161 — $4 million

"This authorizes the bonds to be issued to pay costs of improvements and allows the city to levy for debt service, if necessary," Rupp said.

In a separate discussion, Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, will update the commission on construction at The Grove, which is south of HaysMed on Canterbury Drive, and the associated&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present a rezoning request for the proposed Lincoln School apartment complex, 1906 Ash, from a public and institutional district to a residential multi-family district.

The owner of the property, Hays developer Michael Graham, is proposing remodeling the former elementary school into apartments and also constructing a residential multi-family housing development on the surrounding property.

A low bid award will be recommended for the Hays Regional Airport terminal passenger parking lot expansion. The airport has been seeing record enplanements, and the parking lot needs to be enlarged for a second time since 2018.

Estimates are for another record high of 17,000 passenger boardings in 2025.

Morgan Brothers Construction of La Crosse was the low bidder at $248,019.&nbsp;

The complete Aug. 28 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08282025-1566">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will vote on financing for several new development projects during its meeting on Thursday. Kim Rupp, finance director, will present ordinances and resolutions in the process of issuing general obligation bonds and temporary notes for the projects, including:&nbsp;• Automated water meter infrastructure — $3.6 million • Police department and municipal court facility — $6.85 million • The Grove Reinvestment Housing Incentive District — $3.675 million • The Grove economic development grant — $825,000 • Construction of infrastructure at Interstate 70, Exit 161 — $4 million"This authorizes the bonds to be issued to pay costs of improvements and allows the city to levy for debt service, if necessary," Rupp said.In a separate discussion, Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director, will update the commission on construction at The Grove, which is south of HaysMed on Canterbury Drive, and the associated&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756308357868.png" alt="Former Lincoln School property, 1906 Ash. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Former Lincoln School property, 1906 Ash. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present a rezoning request for the proposed Lincoln School apartment complex, 1906 Ash, from a public and institutional district to a residential multi-family district.The owner of the property, Hays developer Michael Graham, is proposing remodeling the former elementary school into apartments and also constructing a residential multi-family housing development on the surrounding property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756308042200.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>A low bid award will be recommended for the Hays Regional Airport terminal passenger parking lot expansion. The airport has been seeing record enplanements, and the parking lot needs to be enlarged for a second time since 2018.Estimates are for another record high of 17,000 passenger boardings in 2025.Parking at the airport is free.Morgan Brothers Construction of La Crosse was the low bidder at $248,019.&nbsp;The complete Aug. 28 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08282025-1566">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission to vote on financing plans for new projects

For 53 years, Lucy Boucher has opened her home to children in Hays, preparing them for the world while forming lasting ties with families.

"They're just so charming. Look at this little guy here. He doesn't want to leave my side. I've had him ever since he was an infant," Boucher said regarding one of her day care children who was present for the interview.

Boucher started her day care while raising her own children before gradually expanding to care for more, typically from infancy through school age.

"I started out with two and then from there I went up to 10 kids, counting my own kids," she said.

Over the years, she has cared for hundreds of children and built lasting relationships that led to invitations to graduations and weddings. Her own children grew up helping with the day care after school.

Boucher said she remains motivated because she enjoys making children smile and getting them ready for school, with no plans to step away from this role.

"I just take it one day at a time," she said.

Boucher said since she began, children’s behavior and parents’ involvement have changed, with parents becoming less engaged over time, likely because they are in a hurry, she said.

Boucher said children do not listen as well as they once did, but she still has fun with them, often caring for more of them during the summer.

"We play music all the time, I take them outside, and I teach them their letters, numbers and colors. All the stuff they need to know before they go to school," she said.

Boucher voiced concern that large day care centers are pushing out independent providers in the area. She advised those considering the line of work to stay committed, saying many quit too quickly due to the workload.

"They can't handle it. It's a lot because you have to prepare meals and other things every day. Some people don't like to do that," she said.

Boucher was nominated as the August Child Care Champion by Dana Stanton, child care program specialist with the Northwest Kansas Economic Incentive Center.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756236457624.jpeg" alt="Lucy Boucher, August's Child Care Champion, of Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lucy Boucher, August's Child Care Champion, of Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFor 53 years, Lucy Boucher has opened her home to children in Hays, preparing them for the world while forming lasting ties with families."They're just so charming. Look at this little guy here. He doesn't want to leave my side. I've had him ever since he was an infant," Boucher said regarding one of her day care children who was present for the interview.Boucher started her day care while raising her own children before gradually expanding to care for more, typically from infancy through school age."I started out with two and then from there I went up to 10 kids, counting my own kids," she said.Over the years, she has cared for hundreds of children and built lasting relationships that led to invitations to graduations and weddings. Her own children grew up helping with the day care after school.Boucher said she remains motivated because she enjoys making children smile and getting them ready for school, with no plans to step away from this role."I just take it one day at a time," she said.Boucher said since she began, children’s behavior and parents’ involvement have changed, with parents becoming less engaged over time, likely because they are in a hurry, she said.Boucher said children do not listen as well as they once did, but she still has fun with them, often caring for more of them during the summer."We play music all the time, I take them outside, and I teach them their letters, numbers and colors. All the stuff they need to know before they go to school," she said.Boucher voiced concern that large day care centers are pushing out independent providers in the area. She advised those considering the line of work to stay committed, saying many quit too quickly due to the workload."They can't handle it. It's a lot because you have to prepare meals and other things every day. Some people don't like to do that," she said.Boucher was nominated as the August Child Care Champion by Dana Stanton, child care program specialist with the Northwest Kansas Economic Incentive Center.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

Child Care Champion shapes children's lives for more than 50 years

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, the tenth leading cause of death in Kansas, and the second leading cause of death of Kansans ages 10-44, yet suicide can be prevented. 

Volunteers from Hays and the surrounding area are joining the thousands of people who are gathering this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention and change the conversation around mental health. 

The annual Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at North Frontier Park in Hays.

This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leader in the fight against suicide — we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

“Suicide touches one in five families in the United States on average, and the data shows that suicide rates are higher in rural areas," said Leigha Dobson, Hays walk chairwoman and AFSP Greater Kansas board member.

 "We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Together, we can encourage those who struggle to seek help and remember they’re not alone.

“We had more than 70 people walk with us last year, and this year, we’re hoping twice that will walk with us towards a future without suicide," Dobson also said.

The Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk is just one of the hundreds of events being held nationwide this year. To join this event or make a donation, visit <a href="https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Hays">afsp.org/hays</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755079128372.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSuicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, the tenth leading cause of death in Kansas, and the second leading cause of death of Kansans ages 10-44, yet suicide can be prevented. Volunteers from Hays and the surrounding area are joining the thousands of people who are gathering this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention and change the conversation around mental health. The annual Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at North Frontier Park in Hays.This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leader in the fight against suicide — we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.“Suicide touches one in five families in the United States on average, and the data shows that suicide rates are higher in rural areas," said Leigha Dobson, Hays walk chairwoman and AFSP Greater Kansas board member. "We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Together, we can encourage those who struggle to seek help and remember they’re not alone.“We had more than 70 people walk with us last year, and this year, we’re hoping twice that will walk with us towards a future without suicide," Dobson also said.The Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk is just one of the hundreds of events being held nationwide this year. To join this event or make a donation, visit <a href="https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Hays">afsp.org/hays</a>.

Volunteers in Hays to walk to fight suicide during National Suicide Prevention Month 

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;Jesse Jacoby Coon, 21, Oakley, was eastbound on U.S. 24. approximately two miles East of Kansas 25 Highway. The pickup traveled off the road, entered the north ditch, continued northeast through the ditch and into a pasture where it came to rest against a fence.

EMS transported Coon and a passenger, 10-month-old Lucas Leo Craig Coon to&nbsp;Citizens Medical Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 GMC Sierra driven by&nbsp;Jesse Jacoby Coon, 21, Oakley, was eastbound on U.S. 24. approximately two miles East of Kansas 25 Highway. The pickup traveled off the road, entered the north ditch, continued northeast through the ditch and into a pasture where it came to rest against a fence.EMS transported Coon and a passenger, 10-month-old Lucas Leo Craig Coon to&nbsp;Citizens Medical Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man, baby hospitalized after pickup crash

The Heartland Community Foundation granted a record $691,954.80 to local nonprofits and community organizations during its fiscal year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This is the largest annual distribution in the foundation’s history — nearly $265,000 more than last year’s $426,339.10.&nbsp;

In total, the Heartland Community Foundation awarded 207 grants to 115 organizations, with dollars reaching communities across Ellis County ($320,872.43), Rooks County ($230,204.04), Trego County ($102,752.69), and other counties ($38,125.61). Since 2014, HCF has granted nearly $5.3 million throughout the area.

At the core of Heartland’s mission is the belief that strong nonprofits create strong communities. The community foundation serves as a bridge — connecting local generosity with local needs — and ensures charitable dollars raised are granted back into the region to strengthen nonprofit organizations and build long-term capacity. 

“Seeing nearly $700,000 granted back into our communities this year fills me with both pride and gratitude,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of Heartland Community Foundation. “These dollars aren’t just numbers on a page — they represent stronger nonprofits, expanded services, and the caring spirit of our donors.”

Grants from Heartland come in many forms: competitive grant cycles, special initiatives like the community giving day — Give Fest, or distributions made directly by organizations from their endowed funds. In every case, the outcome is the same — stronger nonprofits and greater community impact. Granting is also part of Heartland’s larger role as the local expert on charitable giving. By pooling resources and investing gifts for long-term growth, the community foundation amplifies individual&nbsp;giving through the power of collective generosity. 

Donors who give through Heartland gain more than a tax deduction — they receive personal service, confidence that their gifts are stewarded wisely, and assurance that their dollars will have the greatest impact possible. This model means that a single gift becomes part of a larger, permanent endowment that continues giving year after year. As those funds grow, so does the foundation’s ability to support local nonprofits — creating a cycle of generosity that benefits the entire region. 

Recent grants have supported efforts such as expanding food pantries, enhancing library spaces, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening community resources including the senior center, mental health services, economic development initiatives, school needs, playground improvements, and more. These investments not only meet today’s needs but also help build capacity for the future. &nbsp;

Much of this year’s record growth is attributed to Give Fest 2024, a community-wide giving event that mobilized donors across the region.&nbsp;HCF granted more than $160,000 in match dollars during that initiative to local agencies.

&nbsp;Heartland is already preparing for Give Fest 2025, which will be held all day on October 10, with in-person giving events in Hays, Stockton, and WaKeeney. Local nonprofits and community organizations are invited to participate in Give Fest 2025 and showcase their programs to donors across the region and earn some match dollars. Organizations must have a fund at Heartland in order to participate; the deadline to register is September 6, 2025. 

“This milestone shows what’s possible when generosity is pooled and focused on the common good,” Meitner added. “Our goal is not just to meet immediate needs, but to create a foundation of support that will serve these communities for generations.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756218864066.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation granted a record $691,954.80 to local nonprofits and community organizations during its fiscal year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This is the largest annual distribution in the foundation’s history — nearly $265,000 more than last year’s $426,339.10.&nbsp;In total, the Heartland Community Foundation awarded 207 grants to 115 organizations, with dollars reaching communities across Ellis County ($320,872.43), Rooks County ($230,204.04), Trego County ($102,752.69), and other counties ($38,125.61). Since 2014, HCF has granted nearly $5.3 million throughout the area.At the core of Heartland’s mission is the belief that strong nonprofits create strong communities. The community foundation serves as a bridge — connecting local generosity with local needs — and ensures charitable dollars raised are granted back into the region to strengthen nonprofit organizations and build long-term capacity. “Seeing nearly $700,000 granted back into our communities this year fills me with both pride and gratitude,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of Heartland Community Foundation. “These dollars aren’t just numbers on a page — they represent stronger nonprofits, expanded services, and the caring spirit of our donors.”Grants from Heartland come in many forms: competitive grant cycles, special initiatives like the community giving day — Give Fest, or distributions made directly by organizations from their endowed funds. In every case, the outcome is the same — stronger nonprofits and greater community impact. Granting is also part of Heartland’s larger role as the local expert on charitable giving. By pooling resources and investing gifts for long-term growth, the community foundation amplifies individual&nbsp;giving through the power of collective generosity. Donors who give through Heartland gain more than a tax deduction — they receive personal service, confidence that their gifts are stewarded wisely, and assurance that their dollars will have the greatest impact possible. This model means that a single gift becomes part of a larger, permanent endowment that continues giving year after year. As those funds grow, so does the foundation’s ability to support local nonprofits — creating a cycle of generosity that benefits the entire region. Recent grants have supported efforts such as expanding food pantries, enhancing library spaces, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening community resources including the senior center, mental health services, economic development initiatives, school needs, playground improvements, and more. These investments not only meet today’s needs but also help build capacity for the future. &nbsp;Much of this year’s record growth is attributed to Give Fest 2024, a community-wide giving event that mobilized donors across the region.&nbsp;HCF granted more than $160,000 in match dollars during that initiative to local agencies.&nbsp;Heartland is already preparing for Give Fest 2025, which will be held all day on October 10, with in-person giving events in Hays, Stockton, and WaKeeney. Local nonprofits and community organizations are invited to participate in Give Fest 2025 and showcase their programs to donors across the region and earn some match dollars. Organizations must have a fund at Heartland in order to participate; the deadline to register is September 6, 2025. “This milestone shows what’s possible when generosity is pooled and focused on the common good,” Meitner added. “Our goal is not just to meet immediate needs, but to create a foundation of support that will serve these communities for generations.”

Heartland Community Foundation grants $692K to communities; record-setting year

PLAINVILLE — Iron Insurance Partners, an independent insurance brokerage with offices across Central and Western Kansas, is proud to announce its merger with Plainville Insurance Agency.

This partnership strengthens the agency’s commitment to providing clients with trusted local service and expanded access to coverage options.

Plainville Insurance Agency, founded in 1993 by Paul Gross, has a long history of serving the Plainville community with care and reliability. By joining Iron Insurance Partners, their clients will continue working with the same local team while also benefiting from broader carrier access, advanced risk management services, and specialized expertise across industries including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, municipalities, and agriculture.

“This merger allows us to preserve the relationships and community trust built over decades at Plainville Insurance Agency, while enhancing the resource and coverage options available to clients” said Shawn Myers, CEO, Iron Insurance Partners.

Together, the agencies will offer a full range of personal, commercial, farm, crop, and risk management solutions tailored to the needs of families, businesses, and communities across Kansas.

For more information about Iron Insurance Partners and its services, please visit <a href="https://ironrisk.com/">www.ironrisk.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756217877540.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Iron Insurance PartnersPLAINVILLE — Iron Insurance Partners, an independent insurance brokerage with offices across Central and Western Kansas, is proud to announce its merger with Plainville Insurance Agency.This partnership strengthens the agency’s commitment to providing clients with trusted local service and expanded access to coverage options.Plainville Insurance Agency, founded in 1993 by Paul Gross, has a long history of serving the Plainville community with care and reliability. By joining Iron Insurance Partners, their clients will continue working with the same local team while also benefiting from broader carrier access, advanced risk management services, and specialized expertise across industries including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, municipalities, and agriculture.“This merger allows us to preserve the relationships and community trust built over decades at Plainville Insurance Agency, while enhancing the resource and coverage options available to clients” said Shawn Myers, CEO, Iron Insurance Partners.Together, the agencies will offer a full range of personal, commercial, farm, crop, and risk management solutions tailored to the needs of families, businesses, and communities across Kansas.For more information about Iron Insurance Partners and its services, please visit <a href="https://ironrisk.com/">www.ironrisk.com</a>.

 Iron Insurance Partners announces merger with Plainville Insurance Agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756217512643.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>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702995961939.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756221088694.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756221099049.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756221109325.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756221119176.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Police Department arrest log: Aug. 17-23, 2025

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692189791424.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756239362040.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756239373426.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756239386620.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756239429553.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>