By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

It might seem odd how I choose to take some vacation time after the heat, humidity, long hours and stress of the fair. I love to help 4-H members learn no matter their county! I will spend several days in July judging a variety of events at other county fairs.

This opportunity to give back to 4-H members and help other agents is fun and worthwhile. Now, you’ll never find me sorting a livestock show or judging woodworking but I love to work with youth on Sewing &amp; Textiles, Fiber Arts, Photography, and a handful of other areas. Being able to share my experience both as a 4-H member in these project areas and as an adult is very gratifying!

I’ve had the opportunity to encourage a youth to consider how their love of photography and distinct perspective can become a career in journalism, advertising, graphic design, and other areas. 

I’ve also been able to encourage a youth in care and styling of their attire for the life skill of understanding a professional wardrobe and the necessary small details of shined shoes, appropriate accessories, and ironing skills. Last summer, I asked a young man about who starched his jeans. He was a bit affronted and proudly stated that he did! We had a great conversation about life skills and how impressed I was that he was willing to learn and practice this skill.

If you have a talent for woodworking, for arts &amp; crafts, for welding, for baking, or for photography and you are interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise, please let me know as we are always on the lookout for project leaders who are registered 4-H volunteers. 

Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to serve as a judge for 4-H or Open Class exhibits in other counties. If you are interested, check out the Kansas 4-H page under County Fairs/Kansas 4-H Judges Database (<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/fair-resources/county-fairs/judgesregistration.html">https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/fair-resources/county-fairs/judgesregistration.html</a>).

Some judging areas will need training such as Foods, Food Preservation, and Dogs. For the most part, a willingness to understand 4-H Project Learning principles and give candid but kind feedback is the most important.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179500533.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt might seem odd how I choose to take some vacation time after the heat, humidity, long hours and stress of the fair. I love to help 4-H members learn no matter their county! I will spend several days in July judging a variety of events at other county fairs.This opportunity to give back to 4-H members and help other agents is fun and worthwhile. Now, you’ll never find me sorting a livestock show or judging woodworking but I love to work with youth on Sewing &amp; Textiles, Fiber Arts, Photography, and a handful of other areas. Being able to share my experience both as a 4-H member in these project areas and as an adult is very gratifying!I’ve had the opportunity to encourage a youth to consider how their love of photography and distinct perspective can become a career in journalism, advertising, graphic design, and other areas. I’ve also been able to encourage a youth in care and styling of their attire for the life skill of understanding a professional wardrobe and the necessary small details of shined shoes, appropriate accessories, and ironing skills. Last summer, I asked a young man about who starched his jeans. He was a bit affronted and proudly stated that he did! We had a great conversation about life skills and how impressed I was that he was willing to learn and practice this skill.If you have a talent for woodworking, for arts &amp; crafts, for welding, for baking, or for photography and you are interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise, please let me know as we are always on the lookout for project leaders who are registered 4-H volunteers. Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to serve as a judge for 4-H or Open Class exhibits in other counties. If you are interested, check out the Kansas 4-H page under County Fairs/Kansas 4-H Judges Database (<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/fair-resources/county-fairs/judgesregistration.html">https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/fair-resources/county-fairs/judgesregistration.html</a>). Some judging areas will need training such as Foods, Food Preservation, and Dogs. For the most part, a willingness to understand 4-H Project Learning principles and give candid but kind feedback is the most important.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: On the lookout for 4-H project leaders, judges 

<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/2025/7/1753364162378.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

WICHITA -&nbsp;The National Baseball Congress defending champion Hays Larks
open play at the World Series Thursday afternoon in Wichita against the Seattle
Blackfins and Eck Stadium.

The game was initially scheduled for a 6 p.m. start, but due
to the chance for severe weather later in the day in Wichita, the game time has
been moved to 2 p.m.

You can watch every Larks game from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws">NBC World Series</a> on
Hays Post thanks to our sponsors and the NBC.

Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753331542160.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA -&nbsp;The National Baseball Congress defending champion Hays Larks
open play at the World Series Thursday afternoon in Wichita against the Seattle
Blackfins and Eck Stadium.The game was initially scheduled for a 6 p.m. start, but due
to the chance for severe weather later in the day in Wichita, the game time has
been moved to 2 p.m.You can watch every Larks game from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws">NBC World Series</a> on
Hays Post thanks to our sponsors and the NBC.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7hnIe-JXPNk?si=oA-aCQRxA7EjxSiO" 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>Hays Larks baseball on Hays Post is brought to you by: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

⚾🎥 LIVE: Hays Larks take on Seattle Blackfins at NBC Word Series

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The fate of an appeal of a sexual assault case against a former
Fort Hays State University student and a Congolese native rests in the hands of
an Ellis County District Court judge.

Last week, 37-year-old Reagan Booto was back in an Ellis County
courtroom for a second time, appealing his 2018 conviction on two counts of aggravated sexual
battery.

Booto, who was a Fort Hays State student and a soccer player, was accused of sex crimes against three women in late 2017 and
early 2018.

In all the incidents, he was accused of groping the victim. He
was convicted by a jury in January 2020 on two counts of aggravated sexual
battery and sentenced to 84 months in prison.

Booto appealed the ruling, citing issues with the judge's decision
to move forward with the first day of the trial while Booto was stuck in a snowstorm
and not able to attend. The appeals court ruled against Booto, finding that the
judge's errors were insufficient to overturn the verdict.

The Kansas Supreme Court refused to take up the case, ending
his state-level options for appeal.

Booto, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in
Central Africa, is in the United States on a green card. He is scheduled to be
released from prison in September, and if the convictions stand, he is expected
to be deported back to the Congo, according to Booto and his attorney Craig Uhrich.

Booto filed a civil 60-1057 suit against Ellis County
Attorney Aaron Cunningham in May 2023. 

Booto alleged that his criminal defense attorney, Alex
Herman, was ineffective, which resulted in a violation of his constitutional rights.


Following several delays and a change in counsel, Booto was
back in Ellis County in front of 23rd District Judge Curtis Brown on
July 15.

During the day-long hearing, Booto’s attorney called four
witnesses, including Herman and Booto.

Booto’s argument for ineffective counsel centered around the
claim that Herman told him that he was not allowed to testify.

During his time on the stand, Herman denied that claim. 

He testified that he told Booto that he had the right to
testify, but that he did not believe it was in Booto’s best interest.

While he was on the stand, being cross-examined by
Cunningham, Booto admitted Herman told him he could testify, but Herman did not believe it was in Booto’s best interest. 

According to Herman, he told Booto he might look
arrogant or entitled in front of a jury.

Cunningham then presented the transcript from the criminal trial,
in which Judge Glenn Braun reviewed the jury instructions with Booto and
informed him he had the right to testify. He went on to tell him that if Booto
elected not to testify, the judge would then inform the jury that they could
not draw any inferences from his decision. 

Booto then conceded during questioning that he had given up
his right to testify in the criminal trial.

Following Booto’s testimony, his attorney provided Judge
Braun with more than two dozen citations from the criminal case in support of
their most recent arguments.

Brown said because he had not thoroughly reviewed the criminal
trial documents, he would take the case under advisement, review the trial
documents, and issue a written opinion at a later date.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe fate of an appeal of a sexual assault case against a former
Fort Hays State University student and a Congolese native rests in the hands of
an Ellis County District Court judge.Last week, 37-year-old Reagan Booto was back in an Ellis County
courtroom for a second time, appealing his 2018 conviction on two counts of aggravated sexual
battery.Booto, who was a Fort Hays State student and a soccer player, was accused of sex crimes against three women in late 2017 and
early 2018.In all the incidents, he was accused of groping the victim. He
was convicted by a jury in January 2020 on two counts of aggravated sexual
battery and sentenced to 84 months in prison.Booto appealed the ruling, citing issues with the judge's decision
to move forward with the first day of the trial while Booto was stuck in a snowstorm
and not able to attend. The appeals court ruled against Booto, finding that the
judge's errors were insufficient to overturn the verdict.The Kansas Supreme Court refused to take up the case, ending
his state-level options for appeal.Booto, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in
Central Africa, is in the United States on a green card. He is scheduled to be
released from prison in September, and if the convictions stand, he is expected
to be deported back to the Congo, according to Booto and his attorney Craig Uhrich.Booto filed a civil 60-1057 suit against Ellis County
Attorney Aaron Cunningham in May 2023. Booto alleged that his criminal defense attorney, Alex
Herman, was ineffective, which resulted in a violation of his constitutional rights.
Following several delays and a change in counsel, Booto was
back in Ellis County in front of 23rd District Judge Curtis Brown on
July 15.During the day-long hearing, Booto’s attorney called four
witnesses, including Herman and Booto.Booto’s argument for ineffective counsel centered around the
claim that Herman told him that he was not allowed to testify.During his time on the stand, Herman denied that claim. He testified that he told Booto that he had the right to
testify, but that he did not believe it was in Booto’s best interest.While he was on the stand, being cross-examined by
Cunningham, Booto admitted Herman told him he could testify, but Herman did not believe it was in Booto’s best interest. According to Herman, he told Booto he might look
arrogant or entitled in front of a jury.Cunningham then presented the transcript from the criminal trial,
in which Judge Glenn Braun reviewed the jury instructions with Booto and
informed him he had the right to testify. He went on to tell him that if Booto
elected not to testify, the judge would then inform the jury that they could
not draw any inferences from his decision. Booto then conceded during questioning that he had given up
his right to testify in the criminal trial.Following Booto’s testimony, his attorney provided Judge
Braun with more than two dozen citations from the criminal case in support of
their most recent arguments.Brown said because he had not thoroughly reviewed the criminal
trial documents, he would take the case under advisement, review the trial
documents, and issue a written opinion at a later date.

Hays judge reconsiders sentence of convicted sex offender

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A little more rain fell in Hays overnight Wednesday as thunderstorms and lightning moved through the area from northwestern Kansas.

The official measurement at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 0.27 inches. The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, also received just over a quarter-inch, at 0.26 inches.

Hays is closing in on the cumulative average of 3.33 inches of rainfall for July. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, Hays has received 2.66 inches of rain in July.

Hays remains about an inch behind normal for the year-to-date with 13.70 inches of moisture recorded. The 158-year cumulative average is 14.67 inches by the end of July.

Drought conditions in Ellis County have improved slightly, according to the U.S./Kansas Drought Monitor.

As of Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., the entire county was rated as abnormally dry.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/338a43f4-51a3-4ee7-a351-e11c04aee773">three-day weather forecast</a> is calling for chances of rain Thursday and Friday with cooler temperatures, then a return to 100 degrees on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715004827241.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA little more rain fell in Hays overnight Wednesday as thunderstorms and lightning moved through the area from northwestern Kansas.The official measurement at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 0.27 inches. The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, also received just over a quarter-inch, at 0.26 inches.Hays is closing in on the cumulative average of 3.33 inches of rainfall for July. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, Hays has received 2.66 inches of rain in July.Hays remains about an inch behind normal for the year-to-date with 13.70 inches of moisture recorded. The 158-year cumulative average is 14.67 inches by the end of July.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753369681612.png" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>Drought conditions in Ellis County have improved slightly, according to the U.S./Kansas Drought Monitor.As of Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., the entire county was rated as abnormally dry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/338a43f4-51a3-4ee7-a351-e11c04aee773">three-day weather forecast</a> is calling for chances of rain Thursday and Friday with cooler temperatures, then a return to 100 degrees on Saturday.

More rain falls in Hays overnight Wednesday; drought condition improves slightly for Ellis County 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system located in Ellis County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 24, 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 due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs. These repairs may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

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:&nbsp;&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/1/010001983ce242c0-e20f3641-44fd-4324-a1c1-4bc70bbfe346-000000/D6sBcH2YpAhNrT3vulErSOuzLdz48TwJ6ZtU1FVAX3U=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578431960692.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system located in Ellis County.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 July 24, 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 due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs. These repairs may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;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:&nbsp;&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/1/010001983ce242c0-e20f3641-44fd-4324-a1c1-4bc70bbfe346-000000/D6sBcH2YpAhNrT3vulErSOuzLdz48TwJ6ZtU1FVAX3U=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Boil water advisory issued for Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park in Hays 

WICHITA – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.

Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.

On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.

On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.

Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game." These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.

A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.

During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753309370799.png" alt="Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show" />
 <figcaption>Matt Jennings as seen in a video from his online show</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – A Georgia man was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered forever banned from hunting and fishing in Kansas after illegally hunting game, according to the United State's Attorney.Matt Jennings, 35, of Bowdon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal taking of a white tail deer in interstate commerce, according to court documents.On November 11, 2022, Jennings killed an antlered deer near Florence, Kansas. His antlered deer tag did not allow him to take a deer in this part of the state. The next day the Jennings drove to Oklahoma where he fraudulently registered the kill in Oklahoma using an Oklahoma electronic tag.On November 19, 2022, the Jennings killed another antlered deer near Wakeeney. Although he had a valid tag for that area of Kansas, killing of a second antlered deer in the same year is a violation of state law. He illegally exceeded the bag limit of one antlered deer per season.Jennings hosts a hunting show titled “The Game." These two illegal hunts were featured as part of his show.A federal judge ordered Jennings to pay $15,000 in restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, pay a $10,000 fine, and forfeit the antlers from the white tail deer he illegally hunted.During his five-year probation, Jennings is prohibited from guiding, hunting, trapping, fishing, or being with anyone engaged in those activities in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigated the case with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Hunting show host receives lifetime hunting ban in Kansas 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739547288681.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753363417561.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU crime log: July 18-24, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Several Hays USD 489 school board members expressed frustration at a special meeting on Monday after being presented with an almost $1 million change order for O'Loughlin Elementary School.

The $987,650 change order includes the replacement of sewer lines throughout the building.

The funds for the repairs would come from bond funds. It would increase the overall cost of the O'Loughlin renovation project to $16.8 million. The overall bond initiative remains within budget, but unallocated bond funds would be reduced to about $1 million, Wilson said.

The largest project in the bond initiative, Hays High School, is nearing completion and is set to open in August. The second-largest project is the Roosevelt Elementary School renovation and addition, which is complete.

Work has yet to be completed at the existing high school and middle schools, but those projects have much smaller scopes than Roosevelt, Hays High and O'Loughlin, with a total budget for both schools of about $10 million.

Dylan Weddle, Nabholz Construction project manager, said a camera survey of the pipes found sewage leaking underneath O'Loughlin Elementary School.

Weddle said during the camera scopes, in several places, workers observed that there were no longer bottoms to the pipes. In other locations, the existing cast iron pipes showed signs of erosion.

O'Loughlin Elementary School was built in the 1960s by the Catholic Diocese and used initially as a girls' high school. It was purchased by Hays USD 489 and converted into an elementary school in 1989.

Renovations to the school have been ongoing this summer, and some floors will have to be dug up to install the new sewage pipes next summer.

Weddle said the sewer issue was discovered in April, and Nabholz has been working with DLR, the district's architect, and Glassman, a local contractor, to develop a plan and estimate the cost of fixing the issue.

Board President Curt Vajnar asked why, if Nabholz had been aware of the sewer issue in April, it had not been brought to the board's attention until now.

"Surely we could have had a heads-up," he said.

He also cited a 2021 building report card, which was released before the bond issue was passed, showing that O'Loughlin had sewer issues.

Vajnar said someone had alerted him to the sewer issue in April. However, he said he had promised that person he would not release his or her name and would not disclose the information publicly or to the other board members.

Weddle said Nabholz had not attempted to hide the problem. The firm was asked to look into the potential issue and provide a price for resolving it.

Vajnar expressed concern that work to renovate rooms in O'Loughlin has been completed this summer, and the floors will have to be dug up next summer to repair the sewer lines.

Weddle said that will have to happen. He said he did not know the exact number of affected rooms. He said the district could explore temporary flooring in the affected rooms, as the floors in the renovated areas have not been finished yet this summer.

The project called for paint and new floor coverings to be added to half of the existing rooms this summer. The work on the rest of the school was set to be completed next summer.

Board member Allen Park called the change order a "large mistake."

"I wouldn't call it a mistake," Weddle said. "It wasn't part of the scope. The cost isn't any more than it would be if it had been added to the project before. I can only go from when we were asked to look at it, and we were asked to look at it in the spring."

Weddle said it would not be standard procedure for an architectural firm such as DLR to scope existing sanitary sewer piping as part of their design.

Board member Ruth Ruder asked Weddle if the school district would be in violation of any health regulations if it did not fix the sewer.

Weddle said he was not aware of the pipes backing up at this point, but the district maintenance department has been cleaning out pipes multiple times per year.

Board member Derek Yarmer also asked why the board was not informed sooner about the need for the sewer repairs.

Yarmer also wanted to know why the project was not bid.

Weddle said, "In a case like this, it is more efficient and extremely helpful to have a contractor on board who can work with you and the engineer rather than having all of those discussions in a vacuum without a contracot's help, especially when the contractor does all of the plumping and mechanical work in that building and has an intimate knowledge of all of the plumbing and fixtures in there."

"I think that got us there quicker, more efficiently and probably at a lower cost design-wise because they helped figure out what that design needed to be," he said.

A Glassman representative said they were able to utilize bulk pricing to order the fixtures for the sewer project because they had already ordered other fixtures in bulk for the project.

Yarmer said, "[The sewer project] should not be a shock to anyone. The fact that it is a shock to you is concerning."

He asked what would be done to prevent a significant change order from being brought to the board again as the district proceeds with renovations of the former high school and middle school.

"It is a mistake," Yarmer said, "and I think Allen [Park] was completely correct that you screwed up on this. You, being the whole group, you Nabholz, DLR, or whoever. This should have been known before passing bond money for it."

He added, "I don't think the discussion is that we're not going to do this because it has to be done. The question is why was it not found earlier, because it should have been found earlier. Two, we should have put more stock into the important things in the school and not the paint and carpet."

Weddle said Nabholz is not under contract for any plumbing work on the former high school. He said the current middle school plumbing could be scoped now, and DLR could include any necessary repairs in the design work.

Board vice president Ken Brooks said, "There was a problem somewhere along the way, obviously. I won't disagree with that. But it's got to be taken care of."

The school board also approved change orders for Hays High School for $163,126.

The change orders included several safety items, including equipment for the elevators, blinds and shades, and a radio frequency booster. DLR had also only included two basketball goals for the auxiliary gym. Four additional goals accounted for $52,799 of the total.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753306060770.jpeg" alt="Work is progressing on an addition and renovation for O'Loughlin Elementary School. The Hays USD 489 school board approved an almost $1 million change order to the project on Monday to replace all the sewer pipes for the building. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Work is progressing on an addition and renovation for O'Loughlin Elementary School. The Hays USD 489 school board approved an almost $1 million change order to the project on Monday to replace all the sewer pipes for the building. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSeveral Hays USD 489 school board members expressed frustration at a special meeting on Monday after being presented with an almost $1 million change order for O'Loughlin Elementary School.The $987,650 change order includes the replacement of sewer lines throughout the building.The funds for the repairs would come from bond funds. It would increase the overall cost of the O'Loughlin renovation project to $16.8 million. The overall bond initiative remains within budget, but unallocated bond funds would be reduced to about $1 million, Wilson said.The largest project in the bond initiative, Hays High School, is nearing completion and is set to open in August. The second-largest project is the Roosevelt Elementary School renovation and addition, which is complete.Work has yet to be completed at the existing high school and middle schools, but those projects have much smaller scopes than Roosevelt, Hays High and O'Loughlin, with a total budget for both schools of about $10 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753290326473.png" alt="Bond project budget including latest change orders" />
 <figcaption>Bond project budget including latest change orders</figcaption>
 </figure>Dylan Weddle, Nabholz Construction project manager, said a camera survey of the pipes found sewage leaking underneath O'Loughlin Elementary School.Weddle said during the camera scopes, in several places, workers observed that there were no longer bottoms to the pipes. In other locations, the existing cast iron pipes showed signs of erosion.O'Loughlin Elementary School was built in the 1960s by the Catholic Diocese and used initially as a girls' high school. It was purchased by Hays USD 489 and converted into an elementary school in 1989.Renovations to the school have been ongoing this summer, and some floors will have to be dug up to install the new sewage pipes next summer.Weddle said the sewer issue was discovered in April, and Nabholz has been working with DLR, the district's architect, and Glassman, a local contractor, to develop a plan and estimate the cost of fixing the issue.Board President Curt Vajnar asked why, if Nabholz had been aware of the sewer issue in April, it had not been brought to the board's attention until now."Surely we could have had a heads-up," he said.He also cited a 2021 building report card, which was released before the bond issue was passed, showing that O'Loughlin had sewer issues.Vajnar said someone had alerted him to the sewer issue in April. However, he said he had promised that person he would not release his or her name and would not disclose the information publicly or to the other board members.Weddle said Nabholz had not attempted to hide the problem. The firm was asked to look into the potential issue and provide a price for resolving it.Vajnar expressed concern that work to renovate rooms in O'Loughlin has been completed this summer, and the floors will have to be dug up next summer to repair the sewer lines.Weddle said that will have to happen. He said he did not know the exact number of affected rooms. He said the district could explore temporary flooring in the affected rooms, as the floors in the renovated areas have not been finished yet this summer.The project called for paint and new floor coverings to be added to half of the existing rooms this summer. The work on the rest of the school was set to be completed next summer.Board member Allen Park called the change order a "large mistake.""I wouldn't call it a mistake," Weddle said. "It wasn't part of the scope. The cost isn't any more than it would be if it had been added to the project before. I can only go from when we were asked to look at it, and we were asked to look at it in the spring."Weddle said it would not be standard procedure for an architectural firm such as DLR to scope existing sanitary sewer piping as part of their design.Board member Ruth Ruder asked Weddle if the school district would be in violation of any health regulations if it did not fix the sewer.Weddle said he was not aware of the pipes backing up at this point, but the district maintenance department has been cleaning out pipes multiple times per year.Board member Derek Yarmer also asked why the board was not informed sooner about the need for the sewer repairs.Yarmer also wanted to know why the project was not bid.Weddle said, "In a case like this, it is more efficient and extremely helpful to have a contractor on board who can work with you and the engineer rather than having all of those discussions in a vacuum without a contracot's help, especially when the contractor does all of the plumping and mechanical work in that building and has an intimate knowledge of all of the plumbing and fixtures in there.""I think that got us there quicker, more efficiently and probably at a lower cost design-wise because they helped figure out what that design needed to be," he said.A Glassman representative said they were able to utilize bulk pricing to order the fixtures for the sewer project because they had already ordered other fixtures in bulk for the project.Yarmer said, "[The sewer project] should not be a shock to anyone. The fact that it is a shock to you is concerning."He asked what would be done to prevent a significant change order from being brought to the board again as the district proceeds with renovations of the former high school and middle school."It is a mistake," Yarmer said, "and I think Allen [Park] was completely correct that you screwed up on this. You, being the whole group, you Nabholz, DLR, or whoever. This should have been known before passing bond money for it."He added, "I don't think the discussion is that we're not going to do this because it has to be done. The question is why was it not found earlier, because it should have been found earlier. Two, we should have put more stock into the important things in the school and not the paint and carpet."Weddle said Nabholz is not under contract for any plumbing work on the former high school. He said the current middle school plumbing could be scoped now, and DLR could include any necessary repairs in the design work.Board vice president Ken Brooks said, "There was a problem somewhere along the way, obviously. I won't disagree with that. But it's got to be taken care of."The school board also approved change orders for Hays High School for $163,126. The change orders included several safety items, including equipment for the elevators, blinds and shades, and a radio frequency booster. DLR had also only included two basketball goals for the auxiliary gym. Four additional goals accounted for $52,799 of the total.

Replacement of O'Loughlin Elementary sewer to add $1M to project

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,413&nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp;Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp;Household of six $7,501&nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight

*Add&nbsp; $848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be  kidney beans, dehydrated potatoes, instant milk, chicken breast, apple juice, crackers, chicken leg quarters, peanut butter, and cut beans.&nbsp;

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

****Future Anticipated Commodities Dates for 2025****

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,413&nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp;Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp;Household of six $7,501&nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight*Add&nbsp; $848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be kidney beans, dehydrated potatoes, instant milk, chicken breast, apple juice, crackers, chicken leg quarters, peanut butter, and cut beans.&nbsp;Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;****Future Anticipated Commodities Dates for 2025****September 23November 25Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Government surplus commodities to be distributed Tuesday in Hays

THOMAS COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Dodge Durango driven by Quinton M.&nbsp;Reeh, 17, Oakley, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70. The driver&nbsp; attempted to exit the interstate at the U.S. 83 exit.&nbsp; The SUV hydroplaned struck a sign and then struck a tree just south of the exit ramp.

EMS transported the driver and passengers identified as 34-year-old Michael&nbsp;Kreuzer, 19-year-old Emery S. Wright both of Oakley and 41-year-old Heather D.&nbsp;Reeh of Colby to the Logan County Hospital. All four were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Dodge Durango driven by Quinton M.&nbsp;Reeh, 17, Oakley, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70. The driver&nbsp; attempted to exit the interstate at the U.S. 83 exit.&nbsp; The SUV hydroplaned struck a sign and then struck a tree just south of the exit ramp.EMS transported the driver and passengers identified as 34-year-old Michael&nbsp;Kreuzer, 19-year-old Emery S. Wright both of Oakley and 41-year-old Heather D.&nbsp;Reeh of Colby to the Logan County Hospital. All four were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

4 hospitalized in NW Kan. after SUV hydroplanes

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education announces the participation of all Kansas school districts and many private schools in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program.

For Hays USD 489, find the free and reduced price lunch <a href="https://usd489nutritionservices.com/">application here</a>.

Local school officials have adopted the following household income guidelines for determining eligibility for Child Nutrition Program benefits:

Application forms and an informational letter to households are available from the school district or private school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s business office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. An application for reduced price or free Child Nutrition Program benefits can’t be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.

Households receiving food assistance or Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) will be notified that their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving assistance under these programs should submit an application only if they aren’t notified of their eligibility by a specified date determined by the schools. If a household receiving food assistance, TAF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) completes an application, the children’s names, the food assistance, TAF or FDPIR case number, as well as the signature of an adult household member, must be provided.

Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or receiving certain Medicaid benefits may be eligible for reduced price or free benefits. Households with WIC participants should complete an application as described above.&nbsp; Households approved for program benefits based on Medicaid will be notified.

Households with children who are enrolled in the Head Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a state child welfare agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of income. The state must retain legal custody of a child. Households will be notified that the foster child(ren) will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits.

 Free eligibility is NOT extended to other students in households with foster children, but households with a foster child(ren) can submit an application and list all household members including the foster child(ren). A foster family application could result in different eligibility for family members, such as the foster child(ren) free and the other students could be reduced or free or not eligible for benefits.

Households not receiving Food Assistance, TAF or FDPIR apply for benefits by completing one application for all children in the household. The application must list names of everyone in the household; the amount of income each household member now receives; source of income; the last four digits of the Social Security number of the household member who signs the application or a statement that the household member does not possess one; and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. The information is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. The eligibility status may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.

Under provisions of the reduced price and free benefit policy, the determining official will review applications and determine eligibility.&nbsp; Parents or guardians who are dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing on the decision.&nbsp; Contact the school district or private school for the name, address and phone number of the hearing official and information about the hearing procedures.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the child(ren) in the household eligible for reduced price or free benefits if the household income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Each school’s office and/or the district's/organization’s main office has a copy of the policy for reduced price and free benefits, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753202621171.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education announces the participation of all Kansas school districts and many private schools in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program.For Hays USD 489, find the free and reduced price lunch <a href="https://usd489nutritionservices.com/">application here</a>.Local school officials have adopted the following household income guidelines for determining eligibility for Child Nutrition Program benefits:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753201666286.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Application forms and an informational letter to households are available from the school district or private school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s business office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. An application for reduced price or free Child Nutrition Program benefits can’t be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.Households receiving food assistance or Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) will be notified that their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving assistance under these programs should submit an application only if they aren’t notified of their eligibility by a specified date determined by the schools. If a household receiving food assistance, TAF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) completes an application, the children’s names, the food assistance, TAF or FDPIR case number, as well as the signature of an adult household member, must be provided.Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or receiving certain Medicaid benefits may be eligible for reduced price or free benefits. Households with WIC participants should complete an application as described above.&nbsp; Households approved for program benefits based on Medicaid will be notified.Households with children who are enrolled in the Head Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a state child welfare agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of income. The state must retain legal custody of a child. Households will be notified that the foster child(ren) will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Free eligibility is NOT extended to other students in households with foster children, but households with a foster child(ren) can submit an application and list all household members including the foster child(ren). A foster family application could result in different eligibility for family members, such as the foster child(ren) free and the other students could be reduced or free or not eligible for benefits.Households not receiving Food Assistance, TAF or FDPIR apply for benefits by completing one application for all children in the household. The application must list names of everyone in the household; the amount of income each household member now receives; source of income; the last four digits of the Social Security number of the household member who signs the application or a statement that the household member does not possess one; and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. The information is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. The eligibility status may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.Under provisions of the reduced price and free benefit policy, the determining official will review applications and determine eligibility.&nbsp; Parents or guardians who are dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing on the decision.&nbsp; Contact the school district or private school for the name, address and phone number of the hearing official and information about the hearing procedures.If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the child(ren) in the household eligible for reduced price or free benefits if the household income falls at or below the levels shown above.Each school’s office and/or the district's/organization’s main office has a copy of the policy for reduced price and free benefits, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Reduced price, free school meals available for Kansas students

Decades ago when we replaced windows in our country home. I expected dust, noise, flies, and suffering through hundred+ July days, but I didn’t expect an Oscar quality actor to appear. However, when you live rural, expect the unexpected. Because of that remodel, I faced woman’s dreaded fear—a snake in the kitchen.

Reading in the living room, surrounded by snoozing dogs, I had enjoyed a quiet morning. Unexpectedly, I heard a loud thump that sent 3 dogs barking frenziedly toward the south side of our kitchen where basement stairs emerged.

After dragging a howling mob out of the house, I returned to find a monster-sized snake coiled and rattling in a shadowy kitchen corner. Poor lighting forced me to rely on sound and silhouette to identify the agitated creature striking toward me.

Wrapped in tightening circles and rattling like an overcharged bingo machine, the invader thrust its head repeatedly my direction. Unfortunately, the snake’s location between garage entry and porch door limited options for dealing with it. Though I didn’t know much except my heart pounded out of my chest, I knew I didn’t want that serpent slithering to a closet, cupboard, or drawer to surprise me later.

During long minutes of frantic problem solving, I repeatedly dialed the resident game warden, seeking professional assistance. Unfortunately, Hunter Safety Class occupied his attention so he’d silenced his phone. Next, I called my visiting daughter then shopping at Home Depot. No answer. At that point, I had to yank up my big girl panties and take charge or panic every time I opened a door or heard a weird sound. If I intended to sleep in peace, I had to remove this uninvited visitor.

My first thought was my shotgun would do the job. Then I remembered that would ruin the floor we’d just replaced. Destroying perfectly good linoleum seemed an overly-dramatic option. That brought to mind the hoe on the other side of the door to our garage, feet from that agitated reptile. Unfortunately, this forced a detour out the front door and around the house to retrieve my chosen weapon. I brainstormed how to keep the snake in place.

I wanted this reptile in one spot, unable to crawl away, so I ticked Mr. Hiss Pot into rising to a vibrating spiral while I dashed for a pair of shoes. Once I had them on the right feet—try to put your tennies on when you’re panicking--I feinted toward it, triggering a tail-stand offering me time to race for the hoe.

As I grabbed the garden tool, my daughter called. Hearing a shrill “Snake in the kitchen” caused her to pass the phone to a logical friend who directed me to throw a basket over it. Duh!

Once again, I tormented ol’ Hisspot into upright mode while I sought the laundry basket. With hamper and hoe in hand, I returned to face every woman’s mortal enemy since the time of Eve.

Still thinking rattlesnake, I maintained my distance. Thankfully, my first toss corralled the creature. I delivered the coup de grace when it poked its head out. Lizzie Borden and her 40 whacks had nothing on me.

After my heart slowed enough I heard nothing but the refrigerator running, I saw the intruder had exhaled its final breath. Lifting the basket off the headless carcass, I realized I’d witnessed nature’s greatest dramatic presentation. That foolish reptile shouldn’t have mimicked an Oscar worthy rattlesnake performance. I’d have lugged a bull snake outside on the end of my hoe.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Decades ago when we replaced windows in our country home. I expected dust, noise, flies, and suffering through hundred+ July days, but I didn’t expect an Oscar quality actor to appear. However, when you live rural, expect the unexpected. Because of that remodel, I faced woman’s dreaded fear—a snake in the kitchen.Reading in the living room, surrounded by snoozing dogs, I had enjoyed a quiet morning. Unexpectedly, I heard a loud thump that sent 3 dogs barking frenziedly toward the south side of our kitchen where basement stairs emerged.After dragging a howling mob out of the house, I returned to find a monster-sized snake coiled and rattling in a shadowy kitchen corner. Poor lighting forced me to rely on sound and silhouette to identify the agitated creature striking toward me.Wrapped in tightening circles and rattling like an overcharged bingo machine, the invader thrust its head repeatedly my direction. Unfortunately, the snake’s location between garage entry and porch door limited options for dealing with it. Though I didn’t know much except my heart pounded out of my chest, I knew I didn’t want that serpent slithering to a closet, cupboard, or drawer to surprise me later.During long minutes of frantic problem solving, I repeatedly dialed the resident game warden, seeking professional assistance. Unfortunately, Hunter Safety Class occupied his attention so he’d silenced his phone. Next, I called my visiting daughter then shopping at Home Depot. No answer. At that point, I had to yank up my big girl panties and take charge or panic every time I opened a door or heard a weird sound. If I intended to sleep in peace, I had to remove this uninvited visitor.My first thought was my shotgun would do the job. Then I remembered that would ruin the floor we’d just replaced. Destroying perfectly good linoleum seemed an overly-dramatic option. That brought to mind the hoe on the other side of the door to our garage, feet from that agitated reptile. Unfortunately, this forced a detour out the front door and around the house to retrieve my chosen weapon. I brainstormed how to keep the snake in place.I wanted this reptile in one spot, unable to crawl away, so I ticked Mr. Hiss Pot into rising to a vibrating spiral while I dashed for a pair of shoes. Once I had them on the right feet—try to put your tennies on when you’re panicking--I feinted toward it, triggering a tail-stand offering me time to race for the hoe.As I grabbed the garden tool, my daughter called. Hearing a shrill “Snake in the kitchen” caused her to pass the phone to a logical friend who directed me to throw a basket over it. Duh!Once again, I tormented ol’ Hisspot into upright mode while I sought the laundry basket. With hamper and hoe in hand, I returned to face every woman’s mortal enemy since the time of Eve.Still thinking rattlesnake, I maintained my distance. Thankfully, my first toss corralled the creature. I delivered the coup de grace when it poked its head out. Lizzie Borden and her 40 whacks had nothing on me.After my heart slowed enough I heard nothing but the refrigerator running, I saw the intruder had exhaled its final breath. Lifting the basket off the headless carcass, I realized I’d witnessed nature’s greatest dramatic presentation. That foolish reptile shouldn’t have mimicked an Oscar worthy rattlesnake performance. I’d have lugged a bull snake outside on the end of my hoe.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: An unfortunate Oscar goes to the bull snake

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753277769588.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>

WICHITA - Due to the threat of severe weather in the Wichita area tomorrow evening, the Hays Larks game time against the Seattle Blackfins, in the first game of the day from the NBC World Series, has been moved to 2 p.m.

The live video broadcast will still be available to watch through Hays Post.

WICHITA – The defending champions, Hays Larks, begin play at
the National Baseball Congress World Series on Thursday at Eck Stadium in
Wichita.

The Larks, who claimed their first ever NBC World Series
title last season, will take on the Seattle Blackfins Thursday night, July 24th,
in the first game of the tournament.

Hays is in pool A, alongside the Blackfins, the Oklahoma MVP
and the Lonestar Kraken.

The Larks earned the automatic bid back to the World Series
as the defending champions and clinched their fifth Rocky Mountain Baseball
League title.

Hays will take on Oklahoma MVP at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July
26th and the Lonestar Kraken at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28th.


You can watch every Hays Larks game from the World Series
through the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws/streams">NBC World Series YouTube channel</a> thanks to our sponsors:

Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753052980645.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsWICHITA - Due to the threat of severe weather in the Wichita area tomorrow evening, the Hays Larks game time against the Seattle Blackfins, in the first game of the day from the NBC World Series, has been moved to 2 p.m.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHaysLarksBaseball%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02zvgh2NC8V7JkwQaQEKzwTe8bRaFryzekW9pMPaCrtDXiMCrpyxnBAmYfDhqyZnPal&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="168" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The live video broadcast will still be available to watch through Hays Post.-----WICHITA – The defending champions, Hays Larks, begin play at
the National Baseball Congress World Series on Thursday at Eck Stadium in
Wichita.The Larks, who claimed their first ever NBC World Series
title last season, will take on the Seattle Blackfins Thursday night, July 24th,
in the first game of the tournament.Hays is in pool A, alongside the Blackfins, the Oklahoma MVP
and the Lonestar Kraken.The Larks earned the automatic bid back to the World Series
as the defending champions and clinched their fifth Rocky Mountain Baseball
League title.Hays will take on Oklahoma MVP at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July
26th and the Lonestar Kraken at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28th.
You can watch every Hays Larks game from the World Series
through the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcws/streams">NBC World Series YouTube channel</a> thanks to our sponsors: Brungardt Hower First Care Clinic Gib’s Auto Supply Glassman Corporation Herrman Physical Therapy Midwest Energy Nex Tech Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hann and Mitch Keeley Shelter Insurance Agents Dustin Schumacher and Todd Keller The ARC of Central Plains Thrift Store M &amp; D Excavating Incorporated Phaze 2

⚾ UPDATE:Larks open play at NBC World Series on Thursday

A local chain of Mexican restaurants will be reopening after they have paid their tax debt with the state of Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f7e08d64-7191-4ee1-a47f-8bfb7c6f61b6">On July 8, the Kansas Department of Revenue seized assets from San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc. with locations in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee counties.</a>

The taxes owed included $238,449.93 in sales tax, $16,490.74 in liquor drink tax and $46,090.62 in income tax.

A department of revenue spokesman said Wednesday, the restaurant chain had paid its tax obligations and would be allowed to reopen.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElAdeOrosPlainvilleKS?__cft__[0]=AZWbhaP5N3bwr3ABYbxX8IaDwPteXy9s35d0RgjimpFsXbBLihYBBIsfcifVfgGYL3Im4NVWR0eDSKlyP0JjUAdIm9789bT8097t83LCdQYf0qZasQVjZpyy4EycrsIhkUBy_4GqiaxwbDCcjuYBXjhBkX1nahkj1eHhZ2VF1Lr83y1WCIqSGCYQmUITiYzxp8A&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R">El As De Oros</a>&nbsp;in Plainville said it would reopen on Friday, according to a Facebook Post by the business.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752591280762.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA local chain of Mexican restaurants will be reopening after they have paid their tax debt with the state of Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f7e08d64-7191-4ee1-a47f-8bfb7c6f61b6">On July 8, the Kansas Department of Revenue seized assets from San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc. with locations in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee counties.</a>The taxes owed included $238,449.93 in sales tax, $16,490.74 in liquor drink tax and $46,090.62 in income tax.A department of revenue spokesman said Wednesday, the restaurant chain had paid its tax obligations and would be allowed to reopen.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElAdeOrosPlainvilleKS?__cft__[0]=AZWbhaP5N3bwr3ABYbxX8IaDwPteXy9s35d0RgjimpFsXbBLihYBBIsfcifVfgGYL3Im4NVWR0eDSKlyP0JjUAdIm9789bT8097t83LCdQYf0qZasQVjZpyy4EycrsIhkUBy_4GqiaxwbDCcjuYBXjhBkX1nahkj1eHhZ2VF1Lr83y1WCIqSGCYQmUITiYzxp8A&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R">El As De Oros</a>&nbsp;in Plainville said it would reopen on Friday, according to a Facebook Post by the business.

Local chain of Mexican restaurants to reopen after paying tax debt

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested on multiple charges alleging his involvement in the rape of a teen victim younger than 18.

According to court records, 25-year-old Adam Joel Klausmeyer engaged in alleged sexual activity on or about July 13 with a girl who is younger than 18. 

Court records indicate the victim was intoxicated and vomiting. The court records also allege Klausmeyer intended to distribute the act online.

According to district court records, Klausmeyer was arrested on July 13 on charges of alleged rape, sexual exploitation of a child, aggravated human trafficking, aggravated intent to trade in child pornography and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Klausmeyers is in the Ellis County Jail with a bond set at $500,000. His bond hearing is set for Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753287492387.png" alt="Klausmeyer photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Klausmeyer photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA Hays man was arrested on multiple charges alleging his involvement in the rape of a teen victim younger than 18.According to court records, 25-year-old Adam Joel Klausmeyer engaged in alleged sexual activity on or about July 13 with a girl who is younger than 18. Court records indicate the victim was intoxicated and vomiting. The court records also allege Klausmeyer intended to distribute the act online.According to district court records, Klausmeyer was arrested on July 13 on charges of alleged rape, sexual exploitation of a child, aggravated human trafficking, aggravated intent to trade in child pornography and furnishing alcohol to a minor.Klausmeyers is in the Ellis County Jail with a bond set at $500,000. His bond hearing is set for Thursday.

Hays man arrested for alleged child rape

Hays continues to experience a housing shortage across various price ranges, according to the latest housing study update conducted by RDG Planning and Design in Omaha.

While construction activity has declined during the past several years, much of the new rental construction has been in&nbsp;locations or layouts appealing to students rather than the city’s young workforce or retirees.

The housing analysis will be presented during Thursday's city commission meeting.

A housing study is required by state statute before the economic incentive tool,&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District,&nbsp;can be used. 

Also on the agenda is a public hearing for the $300,000 state Community Development Block Grant request by Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments, LLC. Speno plans to rehabilitate the second floor of the 100-year-old building at 1012 Main St. into Airbnb rental units.

There is no financial obligation to the city.

The complete July 24 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07242025-1561">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753283037685.png" alt="Housing construction in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Housing construction in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays continues to experience a housing shortage across various price ranges, according to the latest housing study update conducted by RDG Planning and Design in Omaha.While construction activity has declined during the past several years, much of the new rental construction has been in&nbsp;locations or layouts appealing to students rather than the city’s young workforce or retirees.The housing analysis will be presented during Thursday's city commission meeting.A housing study is required by state statute before the economic incentive tool,&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District,&nbsp;can be used. Also on the agenda is a public hearing for the $300,000 state Community Development Block Grant request by Hays developer Tim Speno, One Twenty Seven Investments, LLC. Speno plans to rehabilitate the second floor of the 100-year-old building at 1012 Main St. into Airbnb rental units.There is no financial obligation to the city.The complete July 24 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07242025-1561">here</a>. The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

Study reveals Hays needs more housing at all prices; city commission to review analysis 

KAYS Morning Blend Host Jeff Leiker chats with Jack Hues, lead singer for Wang Chung. The band will be performing in Dodge City on Friday.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Wang Chung takes the stage with Rick Springfield's &quot;I Want My 80's Tour&quot; in Dodge City, Friday" 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=dwsmn-190f42a-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>KAYS Morning Blend Host Jeff Leiker chats with Jack Hues, lead singer for Wang Chung. The band will be performing in Dodge City on Friday.

🎙 Post Podcast: Wang Chung

Hays Community Theatre will stage the ABBA hit musical "Mamma Mia!" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University Campus.

"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox sensation based on a book by Catherine Johnson and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the band ABBA, said Director Pamela Grizzell.

"If you were a kid in the '70s, the place to go was Stardust Skate Center, and the tunes playing through the air were ABBA. It really touches a generation. They have taken all of the ABBA songs and created a sensational playlist that makes you want to sing along, dance along," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216488723.jpeg" alt="Cast members dance and sing to a reprise of Mamma Mia! at the conclusion of the Hays Community Theatre's performance of the musical "Mamma Mia!" Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Cast members dance and sing to a reprise of Mamma Mia! at the conclusion of the Hays Community Theatre's performance of the musical "Mamma Mia!" Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Community Theatre Presents Mamma Mia" 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=5cb5j-1911222-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 PostHays Community Theatre will stage the ABBA hit musical "Mamma Mia!" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University Campus."Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox sensation based on a book by Catherine Johnson and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the band ABBA, said Director Pamela Grizzell."If you were a kid in the '70s, the place to go was Stardust Skate Center, and the tunes playing through the air were ABBA. It really touches a generation. They have taken all of the ABBA songs and created a sensational playlist that makes you want to sing along, dance along," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216525539.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Lisa (Allie Straub) and Ali (McKynlee Stecklein) listen as Sophie (Rebecca Cole) reads from her mom’s diary in Act 1 of Mamma Mia!, which will be presented Thursday-Saturday by Hays Community Theatre at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Lisa (Allie Straub) and Ali (McKynlee Stecklein) listen as Sophie (Rebecca Cole) reads from her mom’s diary in Act 1 of Mamma Mia!, which will be presented Thursday-Saturday by Hays Community Theatre at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216437758.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Taking a trip down memory lane, Donna and the Dynamos sing “Dancing Queen.” The trio is comprised of Tanya (Wendy Richmeier), Donna (Anita Walters), and Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton).&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Taking a trip down memory lane, Donna and the Dynamos sing “Dancing Queen.” The trio is comprised of Tanya (Wendy Richmeier), Donna (Anita Walters), and Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton).&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The musical premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in 1999.The film adaptation was released in summer 2008 and starred Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan.The story opens as friends and family are gathering for the wedding of young Sophie Sheridan. Sophie has never met her father and invites several men who had relationships with her mother, Donna, in an attempt to determine which one is her dad.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216476722.jpeg" alt="Expressing her emotions related to the love she once had, Donna (Anita Walters) sings “The Winner Takes It All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Expressing her emotions related to the love she once had, Donna (Anita Walters) sings “The Winner Takes It All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216209544.jpeg" alt="Tanya (Wendy Richmeier) brushes off the advances of young suitor Pepper (Arron Hardin) during the song “Does Your Mother Know.”&nbsp; Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Tanya (Wendy Richmeier) brushes off the advances of young suitor Pepper (Arron Hardin) during the song “Does Your Mother Know.”&nbsp; Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Her mother doesn't know of Sophie's plan, and it has been a long time since she has seen any of the men from her past.Bill Gasper, assistant director, said the musical offers a little romance and surprise, and in the end, Donna reunites with her love."It's the theme of family, freindship and coming of age and discovering who you really are," Grizzell said.The cast comprises 33 actors, with Rebecca Cole playing Sophie, the daughter, and Anita Walters playing Donna, the mother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216510988.jpeg" alt="Harry (Andy Stanton) and Donna (Anita Walters) reminisce their past time together in the song “Our Last Summer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Harry (Andy Stanton) and Donna (Anita Walters) reminisce their past time together in the song “Our Last Summer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We have a lot of senior actors in Hays who don't always have those opportunities to shine," Grizzell said, "and this is like the golden ticket for them. It provides a venue, an outlet for them to show off their craft."Grizzell said the cast includes actors of all ages, and that is the meaning of community theater."I have to give it to the board, who chose this show," she said. "Not only is it something that the audience is going to love, but it also really reflects all the actors' abilities in our community, and it lets everybody get involved."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216549303.jpeg" alt="Returning from a fishing trip, Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton) and Bill (Monte Smith) are not shy about revealing their feelings for each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Returning from a fishing trip, Rosie (Dana Jo Stanton) and Bill (Monte Smith) are not shy about revealing their feelings for each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216565405.jpeg" alt="Sophie and Sky are interrupted by a group of party-goers, who arrive on the scene to take Sky away to his bachelor’s party.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Sophie and Sky are interrupted by a group of party-goers, who arrive on the scene to take Sky away to his bachelor’s party.&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Gasper said he wanted to echo the praise of the cast."This show has a lot of choreography, more than most shows do. ... They have really held together and done a great job on that. Our principal actors are excellent," he said. "They sing well. Our ensemble, I think, sounds phenomenal when they are singing together.&nbsp;"It is overall a very, very good dynamic show. I have been involved in a lot of productions, and this is really top-notch."Grizzell said the actors in this production have a lot of insight.&nbsp;"Because some of them are a little older, they bring life experiences with them," she said. "Monte Smith is the one who comes to mind. He has been with the community theater for a long time and even directed at the high school for a few years. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and instinct on where he needs to be and what he needs to do and how he can draw that extra emotion out."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216588521.jpeg" alt="On the eve of their wedding, Sophie (Rebecca Cole) and Sky (Nathan Stecklein) sing “Lay All Your Love On Me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>On the eve of their wedding, Sophie (Rebecca Cole) and Sky (Nathan Stecklein) sing “Lay All Your Love On Me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753216454756.jpeg" alt="Donna (Anita Walters) considers a proposal from her lost love, Sam, (Travis Grizzell) as he sings “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post" />
 <figcaption>Donna (Anita Walters) considers a proposal from her lost love, Sam, (Travis Grizzell) as he sings “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Photo by Bill Gasper/Special to Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She said several actors in the show have the ability to bring the show to life.Gasper taught at Hays High School and still directs shows there, but he said he has been a bit overwhelmed by the move from the community theatre venue downtown to the performing arts center.&nbsp;The crew began teardown on Sunday and has less than a week to fine-tune the sets, audio and lights.Tickets must be purchased through <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">HCTKS.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door and are $15 each.&nbsp;The show's music director is Amy Staab, and the director of choreography is Nathan LeikerCast list Sophie Sheridan—Rebecca Cole&nbsp; Ali—McKynlee Stecklein&nbsp; Lisa—Allie Straub Donna Sheridan—Anita Walters Tanya Chesham-Leigh—Wendy Richmeier Rosie Mulligan—Dana Jo Stanton&nbsp; Sam Carmichael—Travis Grizzell Harry Bright—Andy Stanton Bill Austin—Monte Smith Sky—Nathan Stecklein Pepper—Arron Hardin Eddie—Nathan Leiker Father—Alexandrios	Everett Robert Young Sophie—Victoria Heimann Ensemble (Local residents)—Mia Baltodano, Sadie Campbell, EJ Fenwick, Lydia Funk, Allison Goertzen, Morgan Greenwood (waitress), Zachary Leiker, Rowan Neeley, Bryler Russell, Madicyn Urban, Olivia Werth&nbsp; Ensemble (Tourists)	Adam Conkey, Nicole Feyerherm,&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeanne Geist, Lilly Kimberlein, Adrian Normandin,&nbsp; Everett Robert, Holly Trullinger, Katie Vaughn&nbsp;