By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Friday's annual fall art walk is the 41st for the Hays Arts Council and will feature&nbsp;"To the Stars," a national exhibition of the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, which can be seen in the arts center.

Among the art walks, the fall event traditionally draws the largest number of participants, with college students back in town, school starting and vacation season ending.

The layerists society's members include local and regional artists, including Kathleen Kuchar, Hays, who helped Meder organize the national exhibition with 82 pieces.

"It's a mixed bag. This group has a very holistic (approach) and the concept of layering ideas. A lot of the work is not objective. It's color, and it's form. It's richly textured. There are some more representational things," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, said, "but it's just an explosion of color. A lot of good moments and messages run through their work."

Hays will be host to a conference of the layerists society next month.

For the first time, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1805 Vine, will join in the art walk as it shares its recently painted interior of traditional Romanesque art and design within modern structural architecture.

"It's really exciting to see how this all comes together," Meder said.&nbsp;

The church will be open to the public from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Other exhibitions include live music, wood carvings, paintings and drawings, quilt and fiber art, prints, photography, stained glass, ceramics,&nbsp; original hat designs and book signings by the authors.

The Hays Symphony will kick off its season with a concert in the downtown pavilion at 7:30 p.m. featuring "Summer Pops: A Night at the Movies."

Most of the exhibitions are in downtown Hays businesses and at Fort Hays State University and are available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners will welcome visitors to open houses at their perennial/pollinator and vegetable trial gardens at the Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"A really broad, fabulous array of what the arts are in our community. There are the visual arts, there are the performing arts and there are the literary arts," Meder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's annual fall art walk is the 35th for Meder. It will also be her last art walk as she eases into retirement.

A public retirement reception, hosted by the board of directors, will be in the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, where the walk's anchor attraction will also be featured.

"It'll be fun," Meder said, "but if people come just to see me, then I haven't done my job."

A complete list of all the stops, some of which will also be open Saturday, is available on the Hays Arts Council's <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/916bb38b-09bf-4c28-bf9f-4da5a0b67707/downloads/b7015556-b3d3-4f94-9fcf-09c48f41d231/Fall%20Walk%20online%20copy.pdf?ver=1755449801447">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755721216572.jpeg" alt="Artwork in the&nbsp;"To the Stars" art exhibit that will be featured at the Hays Arts Center during the fall art walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Artwork in the&nbsp;"To the Stars" art exhibit that will be featured at the Hays Arts Center during the fall art walk. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFriday's annual fall art walk is the 41st for the Hays Arts Council and will feature&nbsp;"To the Stars," a national exhibition of the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, which can be seen in the arts center.Among the art walks, the fall event traditionally draws the largest number of participants, with college students back in town, school starting and vacation season ending.The layerists society's members include local and regional artists, including Kathleen Kuchar, Hays, who helped Meder organize the national exhibition with 82 pieces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755721256624.jpeg" alt=""God's Path" by Barbara Jo Converse Stevens of Downs, a mixed-media piece of artwork in the "To the Stars" art exhibit that will anchor the fall art walk in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"God's Path" by Barbara Jo Converse Stevens of Downs, a mixed-media piece of artwork in the "To the Stars" art exhibit that will anchor the fall art walk in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's a mixed bag. This group has a very holistic (approach) and the concept of layering ideas. A lot of the work is not objective. It's color, and it's form. It's richly textured. There are some more representational things," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council executive director, said, "but it's just an explosion of color. A lot of good moments and messages run through their work."Hays will be host to a conference of the layerists society next month.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Fall Art Walk" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=7ptwu-193ca83-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>For the first time, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1805 Vine, will join in the art walk as it shares its recently painted interior of traditional Romanesque art and design within modern structural architecture."It's really exciting to see how this all comes together," Meder said.&nbsp;The church will be open to the public from 5:30 to 8 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755721425284.jpeg" alt=""Kansas — rooted in History" by Dottie Staab of Hays is part of the&nbsp;To the Stars" art exhibit that kicks off Friday during the fall art walk.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Kansas — rooted in History" by Dottie Staab of Hays is part of the&nbsp;To the Stars" art exhibit that kicks off Friday during the fall art walk.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Other exhibitions include live music, wood carvings, paintings and drawings, quilt and fiber art, prints, photography, stained glass, ceramics,&nbsp; original hat designs and book signings by the authors.The Hays Symphony will kick off its season with a concert in the downtown pavilion at 7:30 p.m. featuring "Summer Pops: A Night at the Movies."Most of the exhibitions are in downtown Hays businesses and at Fort Hays State University and are available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.The K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners will welcome visitors to open houses at their perennial/pollinator and vegetable trial gardens at the Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m."A really broad, fabulous array of what the arts are in our community. There are the visual arts, there are the performing arts and there are the literary arts," Meder said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday's annual fall art walk is the 35th for Meder. It will also be her last art walk as she eases into retirement.A public retirement reception, hosted by the board of directors, will be in the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, where the walk's anchor attraction will also be featured."It'll be fun," Meder said, "but if people come just to see me, then I haven't done my job."A complete list of all the stops, some of which will also be open Saturday, is available on the Hays Arts Council's <a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/916bb38b-09bf-4c28-bf9f-4da5a0b67707/downloads/b7015556-b3d3-4f94-9fcf-09c48f41d231/Fall%20Walk%20online%20copy.pdf?ver=1755449801447">website</a>.<figure>
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🎙 Hays Arts Council's Fall Art Walk to feature mixed media artists

Free Community Shred Day offered by Bank of Hays

Great Plains/Land Pride BSB City of Lucas Maupin BBQ Bluestem Quarry &amp; Stoneworks Lynn's Glass Works Kansas Power Pool Leach &amp; Naegeie Rentschler Family Mortuaries Ellsworth County Medical Center Home Oil Service Russell Regional Hospital Brant's Market Garden of Eden Insurance Smart Lucas/Sylvan News Lucas Area Community Theater Wilson Communications Russell County CVB/ED United Ag Service Lucas Liquor Standing Dog Studio Down Home Web Solutions

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 </figure>Thank you to the following sponsors!Great Plains/Land Pride BSB City of Lucas Maupin BBQ Bluestem Quarry &amp; Stoneworks Lynn's Glass Works Kansas Power Pool Leach &amp; Naegeie Rentschler Family Mortuaries Ellsworth County Medical Center Home Oil Service Russell Regional Hospital Brant's Market Garden of Eden Insurance Smart Lucas/Sylvan News Lucas Area Community Theater Wilson Communications Russell County CVB/ED United Ag Service Lucas Liquor Standing Dog Studio Down Home Web Solutions

3 Kansas juveniles injured after pickup, semi crash

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hugoton man allegedly battered a woman while on the dance floor at Chuck's, 507 W. Seventh St.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 24-year-old David Cruz-Soto was arrested on alleged charges of aggravated sexual battery and interference with law enforcement after he resisted arrest.

Scheibler said officers were dispatched to the bar at about 12:51 a.m. on Aug. 16 after a woman reported being battered. The woman said a Hispanic man allegedly came up behind her, touched her inappropriately and then put his arm around her neck, choking her.

Scheibler said the woman was able to get away and officers found the suspect inside the establishment. He said the victim did not suffer injuries requiring hospital treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755743861745.png" alt="Cruz-Soto photo Ellis Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Cruz-Soto photo Ellis Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hugoton man allegedly battered a woman while on the dance floor at Chuck's, 507 W. Seventh St.Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said 24-year-old David Cruz-Soto was arrested on alleged charges of aggravated sexual battery and interference with law enforcement after he resisted arrest.Scheibler said officers were dispatched to the bar at about 12:51 a.m. on Aug. 16 after a woman reported being battered. The woman said a Hispanic man allegedly came up behind her, touched her inappropriately and then put his arm around her neck, choking her.Scheibler said the woman was able to get away and officers found the suspect inside the establishment. He said the victim did not suffer injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Hugoton man allegedly batters woman in Hays bar

By BECKY KISER Hays&nbsp; Post

Financing for several new projects in Hays will be reviewed during Thursday's city commission work session.

Commissioners will hear from Kim Rupp, finance director, about ordinances and resolutions to issue general obligation bonds and temporary notes for the automated water meter infrastructure, the police department and municipal court facility, The Grove housing development and an economic development grant and construction of infrastructure at Interstate 70, Exit 161. &nbsp;

A recommended bid award will be presented 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.&nbsp;Morgan Brothers Construction of&nbsp;La Crosse was the low bidder at&nbsp;$248,019.

A rezoning request will be presented 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&nbsp;proposing remodeling the former school into apartments and constructing a&nbsp;residential multi-family housing development on the surrounding property.

&nbsp;Jana's Campaign and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services will also present about the SafeBar Alliance Training and Bystander Intervention Training.

The complete Aug. 21 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212025-1565">here</a>.

The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays&nbsp; PostFinancing for several new projects in Hays will be reviewed during Thursday's city commission work session.Commissioners will hear from Kim Rupp, finance director, about ordinances and resolutions to issue general obligation bonds and temporary notes for the automated water meter infrastructure, the police department and municipal court facility, The Grove housing development and an economic development grant and construction of infrastructure at Interstate 70, Exit 161. &nbsp;A recommended bid award will be presented 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.&nbsp;Morgan Brothers Construction of&nbsp;La Crosse was the low bidder at&nbsp;$248,019.A rezoning request will be presented 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&nbsp;proposing remodeling the former school into apartments and constructing a&nbsp;residential multi-family housing development on the surrounding property.&nbsp;Jana's Campaign and Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services will also present about the SafeBar Alliance Training and Bystander Intervention Training.The complete Aug. 21 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212025-1565">here</a>.The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission to hear financing details of new developments

National Radio Day just got a whole lot tastier thanks to our friends at Bigg E Meats! Join us for a special Meat &amp; Greet today at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall Street in Hays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come hungry and sample an incredible spread courtesy of Bigg E Meats, featuring smoked pork loin, prime brisket, jalapeño summer sausage, buffalo and pepper jack cheese curds, beef sticks, Bloody Mary sticks, honey BBQ beef sticks and so much more!

While you’re here, you’ll also have the chance to MEAT your favorite Eagle Radio on-air personalities and get registered as a finalist in our UTV and Yuengling Golf Cart Giveaway!

Bigg E Meats is a local favorite, right here in Hays, offering a full lineup of fresh and frozen meats, seafood, cheese, homemade noodles, pies and even Kansas-made ice cream. From tenderloin, ribeye, T-bone, KC strips and brisket to skinless chicken thighs, smoked chickens and holiday turkeys, Bigg E Meats has something for everyone’s table.

Stop by today to celebrate National Radio Day in a BIG way with Bigg E Meats – because they’re a BIG deal!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755705042974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Radio Day just got a whole lot tastier thanks to our friends at Bigg E Meats! Join us for a special Meat &amp; Greet today at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall Street in Hays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Come hungry and sample an incredible spread courtesy of Bigg E Meats, featuring smoked pork loin, prime brisket, jalapeño summer sausage, buffalo and pepper jack cheese curds, beef sticks, Bloody Mary sticks, honey BBQ beef sticks and so much more!While you’re here, you’ll also have the chance to MEAT your favorite Eagle Radio on-air personalities and get registered as a finalist in our UTV and Yuengling Golf Cart Giveaway!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755705082054.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755705108338.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bigg E Meats is a local favorite, right here in Hays, offering a full lineup of fresh and frozen meats, seafood, cheese, homemade noodles, pies and even Kansas-made ice cream. From tenderloin, ribeye, T-bone, KC strips and brisket to skinless chicken thighs, smoked chickens and holiday turkeys, Bigg E Meats has something for everyone’s table.Stop by today to celebrate National Radio Day in a BIG way with Bigg E Meats – because they’re a BIG deal!<figure>
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Celebrate National Radio Day with Bigg E Meats at the Eagle Media Center!

Congratulations to Garrett Dreiling from Hays and Ruthy Muir from Stockton on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at &nbsp;Lewis Automotive this past Saturday.&nbsp; The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614026735.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Garrett Dreiling from Hays and Ruthy Muir from Stockton on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at &nbsp;Lewis Automotive this past Saturday.&nbsp; The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp; Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!FINALISTS:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025

Lewis Automotive finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Countryside Estates MHP, Hays KS public water supply system located in Ellis County.

This advisory does not affect customers who receive water from the City of Hays or the Ellis County Rural Water public water supplies.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 20, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to water main breaks. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 308-629-7874, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7cf103e-b5dd857c-0c66-491f-97af-6acfb416de7f-000000/K-ttGxp_qLoiwLVNNGSosH35J2YOwLctNbOZJYIYxBE=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753780591198.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Countryside Estates MHP, Hays KS public water supply system located in Ellis County.This advisory does not affect customers who receive water from the City of Hays or the Ellis County Rural Water public water supplies.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on August 20, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to water main breaks. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 308-629-7874, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7cf103e-b5dd857c-0c66-491f-97af-6acfb416de7f-000000/K-ttGxp_qLoiwLVNNGSosH35J2YOwLctNbOZJYIYxBE=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Countryside Mobile Home Estates in Hays

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in the remote southwest corner of the state as President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-kristi-noem-alligator-alcatraz-02daf485e8a499022491c35f7c656fe8">races to expand</a>&nbsp;the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.

The facility will be dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” a play on Nebraska’s nickname of the Cornhusker State and an old slang term for jail. The alliterative name follows in the vein of the previously announced “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” detention centers in Florida and the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana.

Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook — a remote city of about 7,000 people in the middle of the wide-open prairies between Denver and Omaha — to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. It’s expected to be a Midwest hub for detainees from several states.

“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” Pillen said in a statement.

The facility can accommodate 200 people with plans to expand to 300. McCook is about 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Lincoln, the state capital.

“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App,” Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/19/cornhusker-clink-new-partnership-dhs-and-state-nebraska-expand-detention-space" target="_blank">said in a separate statement.</a>

Noem’s agency&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dhsgov/status/1957931320044138759?s=46" target="_blank">posted a picture</a>&nbsp;on social media showing ears of corn wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats, standing in front of a prison fence.

The governor said later at a news conference in McCook that the center will have the advantage of being located at an existing facility and near a regional airport. He told reporters he didn’t know if the center would house women as well as men or if children could be held there. He said he first learned the federal government was interested in the facility on Friday.

Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 soldiers will be involved. And he said the Nebraska State Patrol would allow six troopers to help federal immigration agents make arrests.

Adding detention facilities to hold growing number of immigrants arrested

The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">arrested and accused</a>&nbsp;of being in the country illegally. ICE centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019.

The new and planned facilities include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-ice-trump-alligator-alcatraz-2edf0cd03409b3526f34d4d7b33074be">remote detention center in the Florida Everglades</a>&nbsp;known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detainees-florida-cc2fb9e34e760a50e97f13fe59cbf075">“Alligator Alcatraz,”</a>&nbsp;which opened last month. It’s designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. When Trump toured it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-everglades-immigrant-detention-facility-visit-5dc5568ec15534947c29c9149b773d1d">he suggested it could be a model</a>&nbsp;for future lockups nationwide.

The Florida facility also been the subject of legal challenges by attorneys who allege violations of due process there, including the rights of detainees to meet with their attorneys, limited access to immigration courts and poor living conditions. Critics have been trying to stop further construction and operations until it comes into compliance with federal environmental laws.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-detention-center-desantis-dce8b6b8f634152a604eb06bfc2fb461">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that his administration is preparing to open a second facility, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” at a state prison in north Florida. It’s expected to have 1,300 immigration beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.

Also last week, officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-immigration-detention-facility-a4cbf17febb9c345282d2fc33087fc2b">rural Tennessee town of Mason</a>&nbsp;voted to approve agreements to turn a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by a private company, despite loud objections from residents and activists during a contentious public meeting.

And the Trump administration announced plans earlier this month for a 1,000-bed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-indiana-prison-immigrants-f4af2d5ad5ece8481b0750dad53fb743">detention center in Indiana</a>&nbsp;that would be dubbed “Speedway Slammer,” prompting a backlash in the Midwestern state that hosts the Indianapolis 500 auto race.

Corrections director Rob Jeffreys said the 186 inmates currently at the McCook work camp will be transferred to other state facilities over the next 45 to 60 days. The repurposed facility will be run by the state but will be paid for by the federal government. He said it’s already set up and accredited to hold prisoners, so detainees won’t be housed in tents or other temporary quarters.

The Nebraska plan has already raised concerns

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/758115393643071" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted to social media, state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent, blasted a lack of transparency about plans for a detention center, citing her unfulfilled request to the governor and executive branch for emails and other records.

She urged people to support local immigrant rights groups.

“The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbors, protect the people in our communities who are being targeted by these horrible people, these horrible organizations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbors and families and friends,” Hunt said.

Around a half-dozen protesters sat in the hallway outside the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon making signs that said, “No Nazi Nebraska” and “ICE = Gestapo.”

Maghie Miller-Jenkins of Lincoln said she doesn’t think an ICE detention center is a good idea, adding the state should tackle problems like child hunger and homelessness. “This state has numerous things they could focus on that would benefit the constituents,” she said.

Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jack Dura in Fargo, North Dakota, and Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755655048611.png" alt=" The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)" />
 <figcaption> The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in the remote southwest corner of the state as President Donald Trump’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-kristi-noem-alligator-alcatraz-02daf485e8a499022491c35f7c656fe8">races to expand</a>&nbsp;the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755656991928.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COMING SOON: THE CORNHUSKER CLINK 🌽 <a href="https://t.co/jGrZS8opsW">https://t.co/jGrZS8opsW</a> <a href="https://t.co/W75pCHipHm">pic.twitter.com/W75pCHipHm</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1957931320044138759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The facility will be dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” a play on Nebraska’s nickname of the Cornhusker State and an old slang term for jail. The alliterative name follows in the vein of the previously announced “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” detention centers in Florida and the “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755655006412.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook — a remote city of about 7,000 people in the middle of the wide-open prairies between Denver and Omaha — to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. It’s expected to be a Midwest hub for detainees from several states.“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” Pillen said in a statement.The facility can accommodate 200 people with plans to expand to 300. McCook is about 210 miles (338 kilometers) west of Lincoln, the state capital.“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App,” Noem&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/19/cornhusker-clink-new-partnership-dhs-and-state-nebraska-expand-detention-space" target="_blank">said in a separate statement.</a>Noem’s agency&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/dhsgov/status/1957931320044138759?s=46" target="_blank">posted a picture</a>&nbsp;on social media showing ears of corn wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats, standing in front of a prison fence.The governor said later at a news conference in McCook that the center will have the advantage of being located at an existing facility and near a regional airport. He told reporters he didn’t know if the center would house women as well as men or if children could be held there. He said he first learned the federal government was interested in the facility on Friday.Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 soldiers will be involved. And he said the Nebraska State Patrol would allow six troopers to help federal immigration agents make arrests.<h2>Adding detention facilities to hold growing number of immigrants arrested</h2>The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">arrested and accused</a>&nbsp;of being in the country illegally. ICE centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019.The new and planned facilities include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-ice-trump-alligator-alcatraz-2edf0cd03409b3526f34d4d7b33074be">remote detention center in the Florida Everglades</a>&nbsp;known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detainees-florida-cc2fb9e34e760a50e97f13fe59cbf075">“Alligator Alcatraz,”</a>&nbsp;which opened last month. It’s designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. When Trump toured it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-everglades-immigrant-detention-facility-visit-5dc5568ec15534947c29c9149b773d1d">he suggested it could be a model</a>&nbsp;for future lockups nationwide.The Florida facility also been the subject of legal challenges by attorneys who allege violations of due process there, including the rights of detainees to meet with their attorneys, limited access to immigration courts and poor living conditions. Critics have been trying to stop further construction and operations until it comes into compliance with federal environmental laws.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-immigration-detention-center-desantis-dce8b6b8f634152a604eb06bfc2fb461">announced last week</a>&nbsp;that his administration is preparing to open a second facility, dubbed “Deportation Depot,” at a state prison in north Florida. It’s expected to have 1,300 immigration beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said.Also last week, officials in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-immigration-detention-facility-a4cbf17febb9c345282d2fc33087fc2b">rural Tennessee town of Mason</a>&nbsp;voted to approve agreements to turn a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by a private company, despite loud objections from residents and activists during a contentious public meeting.And the Trump administration announced plans earlier this month for a 1,000-bed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-detention-indiana-prison-immigrants-f4af2d5ad5ece8481b0750dad53fb743">detention center in Indiana</a>&nbsp;that would be dubbed “Speedway Slammer,” prompting a backlash in the Midwestern state that hosts the Indianapolis 500 auto race.Corrections director Rob Jeffreys said the 186 inmates currently at the McCook work camp will be transferred to other state facilities over the next 45 to 60 days. The repurposed facility will be run by the state but will be paid for by the federal government. He said it’s already set up and accredited to hold prisoners, so detainees won’t be housed in tents or other temporary quarters.<h2>The Nebraska plan has already raised concerns</h2>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/758115393643071" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted to social media, state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent, blasted a lack of transparency about plans for a detention center, citing her unfulfilled request to the governor and executive branch for emails and other records.She urged people to support local immigrant rights groups.“The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbors, protect the people in our communities who are being targeted by these horrible people, these horrible organizations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbors and families and friends,” Hunt said.Around a half-dozen protesters sat in the hallway outside the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon making signs that said, “No Nazi Nebraska” and “ICE = Gestapo.”Maghie Miller-Jenkins of Lincoln said she doesn’t think an ICE detention center is a good idea, adding the state should tackle problems like child hunger and homelessness. “This state has numerous things they could focus on that would benefit the constituents,” she said.___Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jack Dura in Fargo, North Dakota, and Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.

‘Cornhusker Clink’ immigration detention center to open near NW Kansas

Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County. 

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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

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

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-282-3812 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7d5cfe1-90876970-fc05-4764-9a29-d719ffec7777-000000/4h5BJoIFe_zZg571dAAEBXrYQlO7Ky8M127R5fpYU-0=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706371129693.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Health and Environment" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health and Environment</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Smith Center public water supply system located in Smith County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Smith Center indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-282-3812 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198c7d5cfe1-90876970-fc05-4764-9a29-d719ffec7777-000000/4h5BJoIFe_zZg571dAAEBXrYQlO7Ky8M127R5fpYU-0=419">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory for Smith Center rescinded

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The halls of Hays High School were bustling with curious students the last two days as students were allowed a sneak peek of their new school.

Today is the first day of school for all Hays USD 489 students, and the first full day of classes for the new $100 million high school.

Mario Hernandez, a junior, was there with other members of the student council serving as ambassadors for the new school.

Hernandez, a football player, said he is excited for the new athletic facilities.

Hays High has never played a home football game at its own facility. For years, the district has leased Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field. The Indians will play their first home game on Friday, Sept. 5.

"We have a beautiful new field, a new weight room. It's great," he said.

Kamden McBride, junior, said he is excited about the new performing arts center on campus. He said driving to another location was cumbersome. He's looking forward to the first performances of the chorus, band and orchestra in the new building.

"The whole school is amazing. I'm not into football, but having the view of the football field is beautiful."

The former Hays High School did not have an auditorium. Students either had to use the 12th Street auditorium, which was built more than 70 years ago and is in disrepair, or lease space at FHSU.

The new performing arts center seats 800 people, has an attached dressing room, costume shop and set workshop.

Alex Underwood, chorus teacher, noted the auditorium was designed with special attention to acoustics and rigging for scenery.

McBride said he wasn't too concerned about navigating the new school. He said finding classes was easy once you oriented yourself with the commons. He said he thought it was easier to navigate than the former Hays High.&nbsp;

The building is color-coded. Math and science are green, ground floor west. Music, performing arts and social studies are beige, ground floor east. Math, science, ag, business and the media center are light blue, second floor west. Art, English and world language are dark blue, second floor east.

The athletics wing is in the southwest portion of the building and painted with Hays High Indians logos in maroon and gold.

Avery Arias, junior, said, "The classrooms are bigger, and it allows for more space. There is new equipment and arts supplies and new culinary stuff. It opens up a lot of new opportunities for students in all areas, sports, art, business, everything."

&nbsp;Teachers are looking forward to their new spaces as well.

Maleigha&nbsp;Albers,&nbsp;English teacher, said&nbsp;the new extra space will help with her interactions with students.

"I love it. I love the room. Last year, I couldn't walk to the back of my room because it was so congested. I can move. I can help my kids better. I can maneuver the classroom a little bit better," she said.

Kathy Wagoner, English teacher, said, "It's an exciting time. I'm just thankful that the community has given us this opportunity to help kids grow. I love the extra space. It's an incredible building."

Wagoner said she taught for 34 years in a classroom with no windows. The new classrooms have many windows, which allow in natural light.

Many of the classrooms have class sliding doors that open into halls with flexible seating so students can work in small groups.

Wagoner said the design will allow for better supervision. In the old classrooms with the wooden doors, it was challenging to monitor both students working in the hall and the classroom.&nbsp;

"You were stuck in the doorway, and you had to look back and forth," she said.

Kayla Brown, chemistry teacher, said of her new classroom, "It's fabulous. More room to move around. Being able to use the desk as a class desk and dual lab benches is great. They are on casters, so it's easy to move them around."&nbsp;

She said the room has additional storage and it's more accessible.&nbsp;

A public ribbon cutting for the new high school will be at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, followed by the Maroon and Gold scrimmage. The public will be allowed to tour the building at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755634947316.jpeg" alt="Juniors and seniors gathered for a sneak peek of the new Hays High School in the commons on Monday. Today is the first day of classes in the $100 million building that was paid for through a bond passed in 2022. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Juniors and seniors gathered for a sneak peek of the new Hays High School in the commons on Monday. Today is the first day of classes in the $100 million building that was paid for through a bond passed in 2022. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Ron Wilson" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=5tjvy-193b79e-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe halls of Hays High School were bustling with curious students the last two days as students were allowed a sneak peek of their new school.Today is the first day of school for all Hays USD 489 students, and the first full day of classes for the new $100 million high school.Mario Hernandez, a junior, was there with other members of the student council serving as ambassadors for the new school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755570751577.jpeg" alt="View of the new Hays High football field from the lower floor commons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>View of the new Hays High football field from the lower floor commons. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755635542345.jpeg" alt="Learning stairs in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here during lunch or in groups for class or club meetings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Learning stairs in the new Hays High commons. Students can gather here during lunch or in groups for class or club meetings. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Hernandez, a football player, said he is excited for the new athletic facilities.Hays High has never played a home football game at its own facility. For years, the district has leased Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field. The Indians will play their first home game on Friday, Sept. 5."We have a beautiful new field, a new weight room. It's great," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755635671383.jpeg" alt="The new Hays High performing arts center will accommodate 800 people. The former high school did not have an auditorium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new Hays High performing arts center will accommodate 800 people. The former high school did not have an auditorium. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755635764668.jpeg" alt="The performing arts center, looking from the audience, has an orchestra pit and riggings for scenery and lighting.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The performing arts center, looking from the audience, has an orchestra pit and riggings for scenery and lighting.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636343137.jpeg" alt="The band room has a door that leads to the football field for use by the marching band.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The band room has a door that leads to the football field for use by the marching band.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636680078.jpeg" alt="Choir director Alex Underwood with students in the new chorus room.&nbsp;The new band and chorus rooms are adjacent to practice rooms. A private donor has given music stands, keyboards and audio equipment to outfit those rooms. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Choir director Alex Underwood with students in the new chorus room.&nbsp;The new band and chorus rooms are adjacent to practice rooms. A private donor has given music stands, keyboards and audio equipment to outfit those rooms. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755637502204.jpeg" alt="The dressing room adjacent to the performing arts center in the new Hays High School.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The dressing room adjacent to the performing arts center in the new Hays High School.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kamden McBride, junior, said he is excited about the new performing arts center on campus. He said driving to another location was cumbersome. He's looking forward to the first performances of the chorus, band and orchestra in the new building."The whole school is amazing. I'm not into football, but having the view of the football field is beautiful."The former Hays High School did not have an auditorium. Students either had to use the 12th Street auditorium, which was built more than 70 years ago and is in disrepair, or lease space at FHSU.The new performing arts center seats 800 people, has an attached dressing room, costume shop and set workshop.Alex Underwood, chorus teacher, noted the auditorium was designed with special attention to acoustics and rigging for scenery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636009809.jpeg" alt="An art room in the new Hays High. The school has built-in display cases for art in this wing of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An art room in the new Hays High. The school has built-in display cases for art in this wing of the building.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636213396.jpeg" alt="Students and teachers gather in the hall of the English wing of the new Hays High. The halls have flexible seating so students can work in small groups. Glass doors allow light in and teachers to monitor students working in the hallways. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students and teachers gather in the hall of the English wing of the new Hays High. The halls have flexible seating so students can work in small groups. Glass doors allow light in and teachers to monitor students working in the hallways. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755637673090.jpeg" alt="Additional collaboration workspace for students.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Additional collaboration workspace for students.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>McBride said he wasn't too concerned about navigating the new school. He said finding classes was easy once you oriented yourself with the commons. He said he thought it was easier to navigate than the former Hays High.&nbsp;The building is color-coded. Math and science are green, ground floor west. Music, performing arts and social studies are beige, ground floor east. Math, science, ag, business and the media center are light blue, second floor west. Art, English and world language are dark blue, second floor east.The athletics wing is in the southwest portion of the building and painted with Hays High Indians logos in maroon and gold.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636781146.jpeg" alt="A new culinary arts kitchen that will be used for student instruction. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A new culinary arts kitchen that will be used for student instruction. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636918264.jpeg" alt="New Hays High media center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New Hays High media center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755636984582.jpeg" alt="The new student broadcast studio at Hays High. Adjacent to this room are video editing bays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new student broadcast studio at Hays High. Adjacent to this room are video editing bays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Avery Arias, junior, said, "The classrooms are bigger, and it allows for more space. There is new equipment and arts supplies and new culinary stuff. It opens up a lot of new opportunities for students in all areas, sports, art, business, everything."&nbsp;Teachers are looking forward to their new spaces as well.Maleigha&nbsp;Albers,&nbsp;English teacher, said&nbsp;the new extra space will help with her interactions with students."I love it. I love the room. Last year, I couldn't walk to the back of my room because it was so congested. I can move. I can help my kids better. I can maneuver the classroom a little bit better," she said.Kathy Wagoner, English teacher, said, "It's an exciting time. I'm just thankful that the community has given us this opportunity to help kids grow. I love the extra space. It's an incredible building."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755637113384.jpeg" alt="New chemistry lab with lab desks that are on casters for more flexibility. The labs also have more in-room storage. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New chemistry lab with lab desks that are on casters for more flexibility. The labs also have more in-room storage. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755637236885.jpeg" alt="Teacher work space. Because teachers have this workspace, classrooms can be used all hours of the day if needed, and teachers can work in one of these workrooms during their planning periods. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Teacher work space. Because teachers have this workspace, classrooms can be used all hours of the day if needed, and teachers can work in one of these workrooms during their planning periods. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755637934225.jpeg" alt="A social studies classroom.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A social studies classroom.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Wagoner said she taught for 34 years in a classroom with no windows. The new classrooms have many windows, which allow in natural light.Many of the classrooms have class sliding doors that open into halls with flexible seating so students can work in small groups.Wagoner said the design will allow for better supervision. In the old classrooms with the wooden doors, it was challenging to monitor both students working in the hall and the classroom.&nbsp;"You were stuck in the doorway, and you had to look back and forth," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638032843.jpeg" alt="Auxiliary gym.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Auxiliary gym.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638046450.jpeg" alt="Main competition gym.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Main competition gym.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638057619.jpeg" alt="First floor of the two-floor weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>First floor of the two-floor weight room.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638071736.jpeg" alt="New Hays High football field and scoreboard looking southeast from the home stands.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>New Hays High football field and scoreboard looking southeast from the home stands.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638084905.jpeg" alt="Press box and home stands.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Press box and home stands.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kayla Brown, chemistry teacher, said of her new classroom, "It's fabulous. More room to move around. Being able to use the desk as a class desk and dual lab benches is great. They are on casters, so it's easy to move them around."&nbsp;She said the room has additional storage and it's more accessible.&nbsp;A public ribbon cutting for the new high school will be at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, followed by the Maroon and Gold scrimmage. The public will be allowed to tour the building at that time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638288507.jpeg" alt="The Hays High Indian logo in the stairwell of the athletics wing.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High Indian logo in the stairwell of the athletics wing.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638535942.jpeg" alt="Some of the new private bathrooms at Hays High School. The stalls are installed with smoke detectors and cameras outside in the common areas. The stalls are labled male and female.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Some of the new private bathrooms at Hays High School. The stalls are installed with smoke detectors and cameras outside in the common areas. The stalls are labled male and female.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755638494809.jpeg" alt="The private bathrooms have common sink areas. The entrances to the sinks are open to the halls. School administrators say this style of bathroom will provide more privacy for students and be easier for teachers and staff to monitor. However, a small group of residents has opposed this design throughout the project.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>The private bathrooms have common sink areas. The entrances to the sinks are open to the halls. School administrators say this style of bathroom will provide more privacy for students and be easier for teachers and staff to monitor. However, a small group of residents has opposed this design throughout the project.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 New Hays High opens today for first day of classes

Highlighting Fort Hays State University’s fall convocation on Wednesday was the presentation of faculty awards. Awards included the Faculty Member of the Year, John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award.

The Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Terry Crull, Professor of Music and Theatre. Commerce Bank provided a $1,000 stipend for Crull in recognition of this honor.

“Terry’s unwavering commitment to student success is evident in his dynamic, high-impact teaching across choral ensembles, conducting and methods courses, and general education,” said FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf. “His leadership in regional and international performance opportunities – most recently the 2024 Jubilate, Mozart! Festival in Austria – provides students with immersive, transformative experiences that cultivate professional excellence and global citizenship.”

The faculty member of the year is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.

The 2024-25 award for scholarly activity went to Dr. Ran An, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Dr. Matthew Smalley, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages. Outstanding service awards went to Will Stutterheim, Instructor of Psychology, and Dr. Jennifer Bechard, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance. Dr. Terry Crull, Professor of Music and Theatre, and Dr. Kenton Olliff, Associate Professor of Advanced Education Programs, were recognized for outstanding teaching.

John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor

Dr. Anas Hourani, Associate Professor in Computer Science, was named the&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.

This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The awardee’s home department is provided with $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient.

Hourani’s leadership in guiding student projects demonstrates his expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI applications. One of his students commented, “Without his help, I wouldn’t have imagined myself writing a research paper or even going on the path of artificial intelligence. In my honest opinion, nobody deserves this award more than Dr. Hourani.”

President’s Distinguished Scholar Award

Dr. Rose Helens-Hart, Associate Professor of Applied Business Studies, was announced as the 2025 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Helens-Hart exemplifies the spirit of this award through her sustained, innovative contributions to scholarship, teaching, and professional service. She has published 17 peer-reviewed articles, 12 as first author in respected journals, such as Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, advancing knowledge in business communication and talent development.

Helens-Hart will receive a $1,500 check at the President’s Distinguished Scholar program later in the academic year.

The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. The evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in research and creative activities, service, and instruction categories. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755627898641.png" alt="Dr. Terry Crull, Dr. Anas Hourani, Dr. Rose Helens-Hart. Photos by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Terry Crull, Dr. Anas Hourani, Dr. Rose Helens-Hart. Photos by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsHighlighting Fort Hays State University’s fall convocation on Wednesday was the presentation of faculty awards. Awards included the Faculty Member of the Year, John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award. Faculty Member of the YearThe Faculty Member of the Year award was presented to Dr. Terry Crull, Professor of Music and Theatre. Commerce Bank provided a $1,000 stipend for Crull in recognition of this honor.“Terry’s unwavering commitment to student success is evident in his dynamic, high-impact teaching across choral ensembles, conducting and methods courses, and general education,” said FHSU Provost Jill Arensdorf. “His leadership in regional and international performance opportunities – most recently the 2024 Jubilate, Mozart! Festival in Austria – provides students with immersive, transformative experiences that cultivate professional excellence and global citizenship.”The faculty member of the year is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research and scholarly activity, and service.The 2024-25 award for scholarly activity went to Dr. Ran An, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Dr. Matthew Smalley, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages. Outstanding service awards went to Will Stutterheim, Instructor of Psychology, and Dr. Jennifer Bechard, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance. Dr. Terry Crull, Professor of Music and Theatre, and Dr. Kenton Olliff, Associate Professor of Advanced Education Programs, were recognized for outstanding teaching.John Heinrichs Outstanding Research MentorDr. Anas Hourani, Associate Professor in Computer Science, was named the&nbsp;John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor. The award is named after our esteemed former colleague, Dr. John Heinrichs, who was active in all research areas.This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment, time, and energy in promoting undergraduate research. All current faculty and unclassified staff members at levels comparable to academic faculty are eligible. The awardee’s home department is provided with $500 of budget funding to benefit the recipient.Hourani’s leadership in guiding student projects demonstrates his expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI applications. One of his students commented, “Without his help, I wouldn’t have imagined myself writing a research paper or even going on the path of artificial intelligence. In my honest opinion, nobody deserves this award more than Dr. Hourani.”President’s Distinguished Scholar AwardDr. Rose Helens-Hart, Associate Professor of Applied Business Studies, was announced as the 2025 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Helens-Hart exemplifies the spirit of this award through her sustained, innovative contributions to scholarship, teaching, and professional service. She has published 17 peer-reviewed articles, 12 as first author in respected journals, such as Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, advancing knowledge in business communication and talent development.Helens-Hart will receive a $1,500 check at the President’s Distinguished Scholar program later in the academic year.The President’s Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. The evaluation of each candidate for this honor is based on an analysis of their performance in research and creative activities, service, and instruction categories. Acceptable levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award on research and creative activities.

Faculty awards highlight FHSU's fall convocation

LOGAN — The 47th annual Logan Labor Day Celebration will take place Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Logan Golf Course, located 1.25 miles east of Logan on Highway 9. 

Sponsored by the Hansen Museum with funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, this family-friendly tradition is free and open to all.

Festivities kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the Dane G. Bales Jr. Memorial Car Show, a community favorite since 1998. This year’s featured vehicle is Michael Ghumm’s stunning 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. Arrive before 4:00 p.m. to admire everything from sleek classic coupes and muscle cars to antique pickups and eye-catching hot rods.

Sand Volleyball Tournament – Gather your friends for some friendly competition! Teams must include three men and three women, all 16 years or older. First-place winners receive 50% of the purse plus t-shirts; second place earns meal tickets and t-shirts; third place takes home t-shirts. Register online at hansenmuseum.org/labor-day-celebration or on-site by 10:30 a.m. the day of the event. The tournament begins at 11:00 a.m.

Family Fun All Day – From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., kids can bounce, climb, and race on the inflatable obstacle course, take a turn on the 9-hole mini golf course, or enjoy the bouncy house. At 2:00 p.m., the Siruta Pedal Pullers State-Sanctioned Kid’s Tractor Pull begins—winners advance to compete at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

Food &amp; Refreshments – Satisfy your appetite with tasty offerings from the Logan Junior Class Food Booth, The Corn Kettle, and Buck’s Snow Shack—serving lunch, supper, and snacks in between.

Museum Exhibit: ASTRONAUT – The Hansen Museum will be open from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., offering the perfect afternoon break from the Labor Day Celebration. Festivities at the golf course slow down between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m., making it a great time to stop by and experience ASTRONAUT—an interactive, hands-on exhibit where you can train for space travel, “launch” into orbit, and explore life aboard the International Space Station. Free and fully accessible, this exhibition is a must-see for all ages.

Evening Entertainment &amp; Fireworks – At 5:30 p.m., the stage comes alive with the high-energy sounds of The Innocence from Kearney, Nebraska. Their diverse playlist ranges from Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, offering something for every musical taste and keeping the crowd entertained right up until sunset. The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display by Rainbow Fireworks of Inman, Kansas—lighting up the night sky for miles.

Join us for a day full of cars, competition, family fun, great food, live music, and fireworks at the 47th Annual Logan Labor Day Celebration. 

For more information, call the Hansen Museum at 785-689-4846 or visit www.hansenmuseum.org. 

Admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755254857380.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN — The 47th annual Logan Labor Day Celebration will take place Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Logan Golf Course, located 1.25 miles east of Logan on Highway 9. Sponsored by the Hansen Museum with funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, this family-friendly tradition is free and open to all.Festivities kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the Dane G. Bales Jr. Memorial Car Show, a community favorite since 1998. This year’s featured vehicle is Michael Ghumm’s stunning 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. Arrive before 4:00 p.m. to admire everything from sleek classic coupes and muscle cars to antique pickups and eye-catching hot rods.Sand Volleyball Tournament – Gather your friends for some friendly competition! Teams must include three men and three women, all 16 years or older. First-place winners receive 50% of the purse plus t-shirts; second place earns meal tickets and t-shirts; third place takes home t-shirts. Register online at hansenmuseum.org/labor-day-celebration or on-site by 10:30 a.m. the day of the event. The tournament begins at 11:00 a.m.Family Fun All Day – From 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., kids can bounce, climb, and race on the inflatable obstacle course, take a turn on the 9-hole mini golf course, or enjoy the bouncy house. At 2:00 p.m., the Siruta Pedal Pullers State-Sanctioned Kid’s Tractor Pull begins—winners advance to compete at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.Food &amp; Refreshments – Satisfy your appetite with tasty offerings from the Logan Junior Class Food Booth, The Corn Kettle, and Buck’s Snow Shack—serving lunch, supper, and snacks in between.Museum Exhibit: ASTRONAUT – The Hansen Museum will be open from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., offering the perfect afternoon break from the Labor Day Celebration. Festivities at the golf course slow down between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m., making it a great time to stop by and experience ASTRONAUT—an interactive, hands-on exhibit where you can train for space travel, “launch” into orbit, and explore life aboard the International Space Station. Free and fully accessible, this exhibition is a must-see for all ages.Evening Entertainment &amp; Fireworks – At 5:30 p.m., the stage comes alive with the high-energy sounds of The Innocence from Kearney, Nebraska. Their diverse playlist ranges from Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, offering something for every musical taste and keeping the crowd entertained right up until sunset. The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display by Rainbow Fireworks of Inman, Kansas—lighting up the night sky for miles.Join us for a day full of cars, competition, family fun, great food, live music, and fireworks at the 47th Annual Logan Labor Day Celebration. For more information, call the Hansen Museum at 785-689-4846 or visit www.hansenmuseum.org. Admission is always free thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Logan hosts 47th-annual Labor Day celebration August 31

<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/hays-cpa-firm/">Adams Brown</a>, with offices in Hays, has earned a spot among the top CPA firms in the country, ranking No. 106 in the 2025 INSIDE Public&nbsp;Accounting Top 200 list.

The recognition comes as the firm prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary on Nov. 1, a milestone that&nbsp;reflects not just longevity but consistent, client-driven growth.

“For most of our clients, success isn’t just about profit—it’s about clarity,” said Ben Wilson, managing&nbsp;principal and CEO of Adams Brown. “Our job is to help them see around corners, make smart moves and&nbsp;keep the numbers working in their favor. This ranking is really a reflection of the trust they place in us.”

Adams Brown has steadily expanded its services and reach, with net revenue increasing from $44.3&nbsp;million in 2022 to $48.5 million in 2023, and reaching $54.1 million in 2024.

Adams Brown works with closely held businesses across a range of industries including construction,&nbsp;manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, dental and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755097675576.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/hays-cpa-firm/">Adams Brown</a>, with offices in Hays, has earned a spot among the top CPA firms in the country, ranking No. 106 in the 2025 INSIDE Public&nbsp;Accounting Top 200 list.The recognition comes as the firm prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary on Nov. 1, a milestone that&nbsp;reflects not just longevity but consistent, client-driven growth.“For most of our clients, success isn’t just about profit—it’s about clarity,” said Ben Wilson, managing&nbsp;principal and CEO of Adams Brown. “Our job is to help them see around corners, make smart moves and&nbsp;keep the numbers working in their favor. This ranking is really a reflection of the trust they place in us.”Adams Brown has steadily expanded its services and reach, with net revenue increasing from $44.3&nbsp;million in 2022 to $48.5 million in 2023, and reaching $54.1 million in 2024.Adams Brown works with closely held businesses across a range of industries including construction,&nbsp;manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, dental and more.

80 years strong: Adams Brown ranks No. 106 nationally

Rats. Mid-August and I’ve only seen one hummer in the yard! 

Once again, the earth has tilted on its axis, turning days golden and foretelling southward hummingbird migrations. Where are these late summer travelers?

I remind myself, I don’t hang out in the yard all day every day, so, in theory, dozens could visit our bright blooms, and I haven’t a clue. But . . . I don’t think so. 

I’m outside several extended stretches throughout the day, and I regularly gander out the windows. So far I spied one iridescent traveler sipping nectar from an overloaded flower pot. Nearby neighbors report a few additional sightings, but not in numbers I expect this time of year.

Once days take on the golden shade that suggests autumn’s approach, those transcontinental travelers need to get their affairs in order. This homo sapien traveler suggests planned stops during their long journeys so they can rest and refuel. Throwing in a personal advertisement, I offer my yard, since I plant flowers to encourage those stopovers.

Based on birding posts, some folks do see frequent visitors at their feeders. That suggests an issue because we opted to forego artificial feeders filled with 4 to 1 water/sugar mixture in favor of more bright blooms throughout the yard. 

I did it because it’s difficult to keep glass and plastic that hangs outside well-sanitized this scorching time of year. I hoped to prevent my whirring-winged guests from getting more than a sugar buzz.

In the past, when temps exceeded 85 degrees, I dumped leftover syrup, washed feeders in hot soapy water, and followed with multiple rinses before refilling with fresh solution. That complicates matters for families who want to leave town for a few hours or days. Who wants to leave hungry hummers wondering where their feeder went?

Since we saw hummingbirds choose blooms over Gramma’s syrup every summer, we decided to experiment and offer additional flower selections. 

Though heat takes a toll, roses, salvia, helianthus, holly hocks, trumpet vine, Indian blanket, larkspur, black-eyed Susans, coneflower, petunias, geraniums, schwarzenberry, nasturtiums, moss rose, cosmos, sunflower, marigold, tomato, squash, and pepper keep blooming to attract famished hummers. During refueling stops, they can rest on shady branches and sip water from multiple bird baths. We’re all about accommodating these exotic guests.

Those who follow this column know I suffer this angst annually. Obviously, ditching the feeder and sugar water solution complicates matters. However, I’m convinced hummers used to sipping nectar in northern fields of flowers will thrill to find flavorful prairie and garden blossoms replacing those they left behind.

Hopefully, you’ll soon read that hordes of hummers like you’d see outside mountain condos are flying donuts choosing which flowers to sample. I’d love to exhaust my clicker finger taking photos to share. 

For those feeling sorry for travelers who have to work for natural food, hang a feeder or two of your own. Just follow the 4 to 1 water/sugar formula and sanitize it daily in hot weather.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755250956818.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINRats. Mid-August and I’ve only seen one hummer in the yard! Once again, the earth has tilted on its axis, turning days golden and foretelling southward hummingbird migrations. Where are these late summer travelers?I remind myself, I don’t hang out in the yard all day every day, so, in theory, dozens could visit our bright blooms, and I haven’t a clue. But . . . I don’t think so. I’m outside several extended stretches throughout the day, and I regularly gander out the windows. So far I spied one iridescent traveler sipping nectar from an overloaded flower pot. Nearby neighbors report a few additional sightings, but not in numbers I expect this time of year.Once days take on the golden shade that suggests autumn’s approach, those transcontinental travelers need to get their affairs in order. This homo sapien traveler suggests planned stops during their long journeys so they can rest and refuel. Throwing in a personal advertisement, I offer my yard, since I plant flowers to encourage those stopovers.Based on birding posts, some folks do see frequent visitors at their feeders. That suggests an issue because we opted to forego artificial feeders filled with 4 to 1 water/sugar mixture in favor of more bright blooms throughout the yard. Some ask why. I did it because it’s difficult to keep glass and plastic that hangs outside well-sanitized this scorching time of year. I hoped to prevent my whirring-winged guests from getting more than a sugar buzz.In the past, when temps exceeded 85 degrees, I dumped leftover syrup, washed feeders in hot soapy water, and followed with multiple rinses before refilling with fresh solution. That complicates matters for families who want to leave town for a few hours or days. Who wants to leave hungry hummers wondering where their feeder went?Since we saw hummingbirds choose blooms over Gramma’s syrup every summer, we decided to experiment and offer additional flower selections. Though heat takes a toll, roses, salvia, helianthus, holly hocks, trumpet vine, Indian blanket, larkspur, black-eyed Susans, coneflower, petunias, geraniums, schwarzenberry, nasturtiums, moss rose, cosmos, sunflower, marigold, tomato, squash, and pepper keep blooming to attract famished hummers. During refueling stops, they can rest on shady branches and sip water from multiple bird baths. We’re all about accommodating these exotic guests.Those who follow this column know I suffer this angst annually. Obviously, ditching the feeder and sugar water solution complicates matters. However, I’m convinced hummers used to sipping nectar in northern fields of flowers will thrill to find flavorful prairie and garden blossoms replacing those they left behind.Hopefully, you’ll soon read that hordes of hummers like you’d see outside mountain condos are flying donuts choosing which flowers to sample. I’d love to exhaust my clicker finger taking photos to share. For those feeling sorry for travelers who have to work for natural food, hang a feeder or two of your own. Just follow the 4 to 1 water/sugar formula and sanitize it daily in hot weather.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Yellow days again

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

A new interdenominational organization for moms will hold its first meeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

“The MomCo. is a faith-based community of moms with children of any age who meet together to be an encouragement and support to one another in our walk through motherhood and our relationship with Jesus,” said Alicia Kumer, one of the group’s leaders.

She said the organization was once known as MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and was geared to moms of younger children. But the new organization invites moms of all ages, Kumer said. Moms with grown children and grandmothers are welcome to attend and sometimes even become “mentor moms” to some of the younger members, she said.

Free childcare will be provided. Kumer said it will be helpful if moms could call the church at 785-628-8887 to let organizers know how many children will be accompanying them.

She said the group will meet the second Saturday of the month from September through May. More information is available by calling the above number.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754921616280.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays PostA new interdenominational organization for moms will hold its first meeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.“The MomCo. is a faith-based community of moms with children of any age who meet together to be an encouragement and support to one another in our walk through motherhood and our relationship with Jesus,” said Alicia Kumer, one of the group’s leaders.She said the organization was once known as MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and was geared to moms of younger children. But the new organization invites moms of all ages, Kumer said. Moms with grown children and grandmothers are welcome to attend and sometimes even become “mentor moms” to some of the younger members, she said.Free childcare will be provided. Kumer said it will be helpful if moms could call the church at 785-628-8887 to let organizers know how many children will be accompanying them.She said the group will meet the second Saturday of the month from September through May. More information is available by calling the above number.

New faith organization for moms to hold first meeting

<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/2025/8/1755616362683.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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755696903714.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>

In honor of National Radio Day today, we're giving you an opportunity to register to become a finalist in the Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway&nbsp;AND&nbsp;the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at our studios at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, Hays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.!

Both of these beautiful units will be on display.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614126836.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755614026735.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle MediaIn honor of National Radio Day today, we're giving you an opportunity to register to become a finalist in the Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway&nbsp;AND&nbsp;the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at our studios at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, Hays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Both of these beautiful units will be on display.&nbsp; While you’re here getting registered, enjoy some delicious snacks (meat, cheese and brats) courtesy of Big E Meats in Hays and&nbsp;MEAT&nbsp;your favorite Eagle on-air personalities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp; Special thanks to sponsors A &amp; A Coors – Miller – Yuengling, Briney Motorsports, Advantage Glass Plus, and Commercial Sign Company in Hays!&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

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