By CRISTINA JANNEY&nbsp; Hays Post

Ellis County was listed in moderate drought based on the Kansas Drought Monitor released on Thursday.

Hays has received no measurable precipitation for the month.

Hays's average rainfall for October is 1.45 inches.

Year-to-date, Hays has received 19.93 inches of precipitation, with the average by the end of October 21.38 inches.

The forecast for today is a high of 75 and windy with gusts up to 38 mph.

There's a 20 percent chance for rain before noon Saturday with a high forecast of 72.

Sunday night after 10 p.m. and Monday, a 50% chance of rain returns.&nbsp;

Sunny skies are set to return Tuesday with a high of 8o and dipping into the 70s Wednesday and Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729264546590.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY&nbsp; Hays PostEllis County was listed in moderate drought based on the Kansas Drought Monitor released on Thursday.Hays has received no measurable precipitation for the month.Hays's average rainfall for October is 1.45 inches.Year-to-date, Hays has received 19.93 inches of precipitation, with the average by the end of October 21.38 inches.The forecast for today is a high of 75 and windy with gusts up to 38 mph.There's a 20 percent chance for rain before noon Saturday with a high forecast of 72.Sunday night after 10 p.m. and Monday, a 50% chance of rain returns.&nbsp;Sunny skies are set to return Tuesday with a high of 8o and dipping into the 70s Wednesday and Thursday.

Drought persists across NW Kansas, but rain in the forecast

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Republican Bobbi Dreiling is running for her second term as Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;

Dreiling worked eight years for Donna Maskus, the previous county clerk, serving as deputy clerk.

"From day one, I was learning everything that she knew, and in the last two or three years of her last term, I was doing a lot of the duties, which would have been doing the July and November abstract, which is setting values and doing the mill levy and the revenue neutral rate. I did those all by myself," Dreiling said.

Dreiling, 61, is from Hays. She has an associate's degree from Hutchinson Community College.

"I came in with a lot of people skills because each of my jobs required me to work with a lot of people," she said.

She said she is running for county clerk to serve every constituent in Ellis County.

"I felt that at that time, I ran the first time, I could help every constituent and do a good job for them," she said.

"I'm running again because in the little less than four years since I took office, I have run a very good office. I have great office staff. I have run eight elections with perfect counts, audits and recounts."

"I knew I was ready to put in another four years and work for the people," she said.

Dreiling also shared other accomplishments as county clerk.

She helped the county consolidate its nine townships to four.&nbsp;

"It's a cost saving to the taxpayers in ballot preparations and just running a better township," she said.

She said she's tried to as much as possible maintain a neutral budget.

The clerk's office started using smaller envelopes for mail-in ballots, saving money on office supplies and postage. She also decreased the election budget by using a lease program for election poll pads.

Dreiling was the first clerk in Ellis County to prepare revenue-neutral rate mailings. She also handled the redistricting.

She implemented Saturday early voting and text/email notifications on election information.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University polling location

Her opponent and the ACLU have criticized Dreiling for not opening a voting location on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Dreiling closed the voting location closest to FHSU, 601 Main, because of low voter turnout.

She combined that ward and precinct with another that had to be closed because of issues with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

The new location for both wards and precincts is Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main.

"As to why I chose not to put one exactly on campus, the numbers don't show for me to allow to spend taxpayer dollars," she said.

She said about 1,650 students were living on the FHSU campus, according to FHSU. Based on the voter registration roles, 69 voters registered in Ellis County live on campus.

She said there are 268 eligible voters between 18 and 24 in Ward One, Precinct One, which includes the 69 students living on campus. An additional 171 eligible 18- to 24-year-old voters live in Ward One Precinct Two.

Both precincts that are combined at Messiah Lutheran have 1,420 eligible voters.&nbsp;

"I have 981 voters who are going to have to figure out where to go on campus, how to park on campus and finding the polling location," Dreiling said.

"I have two places centrally located, Messiah Lutheran Church and centrally located right down the street from the campus, 718 Main St.," she said.

"When I look at the numbers at the polls," she said, "I will always relook at things."

Dreiling sent an email to students who are part of the American Democracy Project that included information about voter registration deadlines, advance voting and mail ballots so that information could be shared with students. She also has added Saturday voting hours.

"I will always work with the students to let them know how easy it is to vote in Ellis County," she said.

Dreiling said she would like to send postcards to all new county residents about registering to vote, but she does not have the budget to do that.

Dreiling said she does not think there is anything she can do to increase voter turnout.

During the Hays USD 489 school bond election, two voters received incorrect ballots due to human error in the Ellis County Clerk's office.

Dreiling said two voters who were not eligible to vote on the city sales tax received ballots with that question on them. Two staff members handed those voters the wrong ballots during advance voting.

Since then, Dreiling has trained poll workers to ask voters to confirm their ballot tickets and ballots match.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">Dreiling was also criticized by her opponent in a Hays Post letter to the editor for removing ballot drop boxes from Victoria and Ellis.</a> A drop box remains for mail-in ballots at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main.

The Kansas Secretary of State urged all local election officials to increase ballot box security after the 2020 election. This included not allowing ballots to remain in ballot boxes overnight, Dreiling said.

She said this would have required the county to pay a Republican and Democrat to retrieve keys from the Ellis County Clerk's office, unlock the boxes in the morning every day, lock the boxes in the evening and return ballots in the boxes to the Ellis County Clerk's office at night.

These procedures must be maintained for two and a half weeks before Election Day, Dreiling said.

She tested the procedures in the November 2023 election. No ballots were dropped into the Ellis or Victoria ballot boxes.

"From a budget standpoint, I found it wasn't in my budget to keep that kind of practice having those two open when they weren't utilized," Dreiling said.

Voters can still take their mail-in ballots to any polling location in the county on Election Day.

Dreiling obtained an election security grant of $6,000 to install a camera at the ballot drop box at the county administration center. The camera allows her to view the car's license plate, the driver and the ballots being dropped into the box. It has also allowed her to leave the drop box open 24/7, Dreiling said.

Part of the election security grant also went toward cameras in the ballot counting room and the room in which the election equipment is stored, Dreiling said.&nbsp;

Dreiling has an election and security processes manual that covers the steps and checks and balances during the election from the time the ballots enter the clerk's office through audits.

Dreiling also focuses on training poll workers and ensuring the accuracy of election equipment pre-and post-tests. Election officials must also perform post-election audits of a percentage of the results.

She said ballots are counted before they leave the clerk's office, and the number of ballots coming back must match.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">Allen also criticized Dreiling in a letter to the Hays Post for posting misinformation on her Facebook account about felons' rights to vote.</a>

After felons have completed all their obligations under their sentences, including completing parole and paying any financial commitments, they can reregister to vote.

Dreiling said clerks are required to check a statewide database to ensure people have met their obligations. She said the system is often not up to date, which is a systemwide issue.

She urged residents facing this issue to bring in their release letters from the Department of Corrections to the clerk's office when registering to vote.

Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, through noon Monday, Nov. 4.&nbsp; Saturday early voting will be from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. 

Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Vote at your regular polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Watch the Hays Post for complete election results on Election night.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90ec3907-2122-4b32-9bc1-b4199532ec34">Read a profile of Dreiling's opponent, Laura Allen, HERE.</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRepublican Bobbi Dreiling is running for her second term as Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;Dreiling worked eight years for Donna Maskus, the previous county clerk, serving as deputy clerk."From day one, I was learning everything that she knew, and in the last two or three years of her last term, I was doing a lot of the duties, which would have been doing the July and November abstract, which is setting values and doing the mill levy and the revenue neutral rate. I did those all by myself," Dreiling said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729023458777.jpeg" alt="Bobbi Dreiling&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bobbi Dreiling&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Dreiling, 61, is from Hays. She has an associate's degree from Hutchinson Community College."I came in with a lot of people skills because each of my jobs required me to work with a lot of people," she said.She said she is running for county clerk to serve every constituent in Ellis County."I felt that at that time, I ran the first time, I could help every constituent and do a good job for them," she said."I'm running again because in the little less than four years since I took office, I have run a very good office. I have great office staff. I have run eight elections with perfect counts, audits and recounts.""I knew I was ready to put in another four years and work for the people," she said.<h2>Accomplishments as county clerk</h2>Dreiling also shared other accomplishments as county clerk.She helped the county consolidate its nine townships to four.&nbsp;"It's a cost saving to the taxpayers in ballot preparations and just running a better township," she said.She said she's tried to as much as possible maintain a neutral budget.The clerk's office started using smaller envelopes for mail-in ballots, saving money on office supplies and postage. She also decreased the election budget by using a lease program for election poll pads.Dreiling was the first clerk in Ellis County to prepare revenue-neutral rate mailings. She also handled the redistricting.She implemented Saturday early voting and text/email notifications on election information.&nbsp;<h2>Fort Hays State University polling location</h2>Her opponent and the ACLU have criticized Dreiling for not opening a voting location on the Fort Hays State University campus.Dreiling closed the voting location closest to FHSU, 601 Main, because of low voter turnout.She combined that ward and precinct with another that had to be closed because of issues with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.The new location for both wards and precincts is Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main."As to why I chose not to put one exactly on campus, the numbers don't show for me to allow to spend taxpayer dollars," she said.She said about 1,650 students were living on the FHSU campus, according to FHSU. Based on the voter registration roles, 69 voters registered in Ellis County live on campus.She said there are 268 eligible voters between 18 and 24 in Ward One, Precinct One, which includes the 69 students living on campus. An additional 171 eligible 18- to 24-year-old voters live in Ward One Precinct Two.Both precincts that are combined at Messiah Lutheran have 1,420 eligible voters.&nbsp;"I have 981 voters who are going to have to figure out where to go on campus, how to park on campus and finding the polling location," Dreiling said."I have two places centrally located, Messiah Lutheran Church and centrally located right down the street from the campus, 718 Main St.," she said."When I look at the numbers at the polls," she said, "I will always relook at things."Dreiling sent an email to students who are part of the American Democracy Project that included information about voter registration deadlines, advance voting and mail ballots so that information could be shared with students. She also has added Saturday voting hours."I will always work with the students to let them know how easy it is to vote in Ellis County," she said.Dreiling said she would like to send postcards to all new county residents about registering to vote, but she does not have the budget to do that.Dreiling said she does not think there is anything she can do to increase voter turnout.<h2>Incorrect ballots</h2>During the Hays USD 489 school bond election, two voters received incorrect ballots due to human error in the Ellis County Clerk's office.Dreiling said two voters who were not eligible to vote on the city sales tax received ballots with that question on them. Two staff members handed those voters the wrong ballots during advance voting.That question passed by a wide margin.Since then, Dreiling has trained poll workers to ask voters to confirm their ballot tickets and ballots match.<h2>Ballot drop boxes</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">Dreiling was also criticized by her opponent in a Hays Post letter to the editor for removing ballot drop boxes from Victoria and Ellis.</a> A drop box remains for mail-in ballots at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main.The Kansas Secretary of State urged all local election officials to increase ballot box security after the 2020 election. This included not allowing ballots to remain in ballot boxes overnight, Dreiling said.She said this would have required the county to pay a Republican and Democrat to retrieve keys from the Ellis County Clerk's office, unlock the boxes in the morning every day, lock the boxes in the evening and return ballots in the boxes to the Ellis County Clerk's office at night.These procedures must be maintained for two and a half weeks before Election Day, Dreiling said.She tested the procedures in the November 2023 election. No ballots were dropped into the Ellis or Victoria ballot boxes."From a budget standpoint, I found it wasn't in my budget to keep that kind of practice having those two open when they weren't utilized," Dreiling said.Voters can still take their mail-in ballots to any polling location in the county on Election Day.Dreiling obtained an election security grant of $6,000 to install a camera at the ballot drop box at the county administration center. The camera allows her to view the car's license plate, the driver and the ballots being dropped into the box. It has also allowed her to leave the drop box open 24/7, Dreiling said.<h2>Election security, accuracy</h2>Part of the election security grant also went toward cameras in the ballot counting room and the room in which the election equipment is stored, Dreiling said.&nbsp;Dreiling has an election and security processes manual that covers the steps and checks and balances during the election from the time the ballots enter the clerk's office through audits.Dreiling also focuses on training poll workers and ensuring the accuracy of election equipment pre-and post-tests. Election officials must also perform post-election audits of a percentage of the results.She said ballots are counted before they leave the clerk's office, and the number of ballots coming back must match.<h2>Voting eligibility?</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">Allen also criticized Dreiling in a letter to the Hays Post for posting misinformation on her Facebook account about felons' rights to vote.</a>After felons have completed all their obligations under their sentences, including completing parole and paying any financial commitments, they can reregister to vote.The restoration is not automatic.Dreiling said clerks are required to check a statewide database to ensure people have met their obligations. She said the system is often not up to date, which is a systemwide issue.She urged residents facing this issue to bring in their release letters from the Department of Corrections to the clerk's office when registering to vote. <h2>When and where to vote</h2>Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, through noon Monday, Nov. 4.&nbsp; Saturday early voting will be from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Vote at your regular polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Watch the Hays Post for complete election results on Election night.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90ec3907-2122-4b32-9bc1-b4199532ec34">Read a profile of Dreiling's opponent, Laura Allen, HERE.</a>

Republican Dreiling touts election security in run for Ellis County Clerk reelection

Democrat Laura Allen is running against Republican incumbent Bobbi Dreiling for the position of Ellis County Clerk.

Allen, 52, of Hays, ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for clerk in 2020.

Allen most recently served as the director of the Center for Life Experience. She has also worked for the nonprofit First Call for Help of Hays.

She has a degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University.

"I have a desire to ensure there is open communication and a desire to work for and with the residents of Ellis County to make sure that their voices are heard," Allen said.

She added, "When I ran the last time, I felt the election portion of the county clerk duties — I don't feel like we see enough of."

She said this time, with the conversations around voting at Fort Hays State University and the closures of two polling locations, the communication has worsened.

The student group American Democracy Project has sought to open a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3a3f06a1-6b07-45c6-bf3c-8b76f4d564d7">Those efforts were backed recently by the ACLU.</a>

Dreiling said she did not think the number of Ellis County registered voters living on campus warranted a polling location on campus.

She cited data from the most recent voting rolls showing that only 69 people registered to vote in Ellis County lived on campus.

The new location for both wards and precincts is Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main. Dreiling said the new location is centrally located and accessible for all voters in those two precincts.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/64efa3e4-3296-4e5c-897f-8417a78e7fc3">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Republican Dreiling touts election security in run for Ellis County Clerk reelection</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ff3108c-562d-421d-9200-395f040c2103">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Clerk candidates disagree on campus polling location</a>

"I don't know if it is an absolute possibility to open a polling location on campus," Allen said. "I am sure there are a lot of things that go into that. 

"What I am sure about is that the open communication for people trying to better a process or make themselves more available to participate in the election process is something that should be encouraged."

"From what I can see, those concerns have not been heard or taken seriously," she said. "If they have, the people who have expressed those concerns have not felt like they have been heard."

Allen said she thought the groups trying to open a polling location on campus addressed all of the concerns raised about it.

She said she thought a polling location could be opened on campus through collaboration with campus groups.

Allen said the polling location in Ward One is not just about students. She lives in that ward and would prefer to vote on campus rather than at the church.

"That is not something that we were asked as people who vote in that area either," she said.

"My bigger issue is closing two polling locations and opening one," Allen said. "Regardless, I think it's a bigger issue than just the number of students who can vote on campus because most of us who live on that side of town are not against voting at Fort Hays."

Allen said she thinks the county clerk's office can do more to boost voter registration and turnout.

She said the clerk's office was not involved in a voter registration drive on the FHSU campus.

"I'm not sure why the clerk's office does not hold other registration drives," she said.&nbsp;

She added, "I think those are things that the clerk should be actively involved in."

She said the clerk should be talking to young people about the importance of registering to vote and voting.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">In a previous letter to the editor to the Hays Post, Allen criticized Dreiling for removing ballot drop boxes from Victoria and Ellis. </a>Dreiling cited the cost of maintaining security at those drop boxes and their lack of use as reasons for removing them.&nbsp;

Allen said she thinks the clerk's office could find both a Democrat and Republican to check the boxes daily as would be required.

Allen said she favored reinstalling the ballot drop boxes in Ellis and Victoria.

She questions if the current clerk had done enough to inform local voters about the drop boxes as an option when they were available in those two locations.

"I think it's important, and people are told, and they know each and every way they are able to vote," Allen said.

She said the clerk needs to pay attention to what the voters want in those areas.

To ensure the accuracy of ballots, Allen said she would make sure information is double-checked.

Allen said she did not think anything needed to be done to increase the security of elections.&nbsp;

"I think elections are run well," she said. "I don't think most people in Ellis County have a concern about someone tainting ballots or adding ballots or anything like that," Allen said.

She said the public could be better educated about the county clerk's duties.

"As far as the election process goes, they should be the go-to, and if anybody ever has a question about the election process or voting, they should automatically know they should go to the county clerk because that is our election official," Allen said.

Allen said voter registration and turnout could be increased in Ellis County by talking to young people about the process and encouraging them to participate in elections.

"I've raised my kids to really pay attention to elections and to vote," she said.&nbsp;

"It's one thing to go and talk to a government or civics class and explain this process and have kids ask questions as young adults who may very well may want to engage in that process and just don't know where to start," she said. ...

"I think putting it in our young people's minds before they're ready to vote and letting them know this is an important thing that we need to do, I think all of that comes back to engaging and making sure people are comfortable with the process and are able to ask questions," Allen said.

Allen said she had no issues with the clerk's office's other processes, including calculating mill levies.

"I don't think we go in and change things just to change it," Allen said.

Allen said that compared to the incumbent, she has a strong desire to maintain open communication with Ellis County residents.

"I just think my desire to make sure there's open communication and an open door and wanting people to be more involved in what's happening in Ellis County in general, I think makes a difference," Allen said.

Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays starting Monday, Oct. 21, and running through noon Monday, Nov. 4. Saturday early voting will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 2.

Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Vote at your regular polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDemocrat Laura Allen is running against Republican incumbent Bobbi Dreiling for the position of Ellis County Clerk.Allen, 52, of Hays, ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for clerk in 2020.Allen most recently served as the director of the Center for Life Experience. She has also worked for the nonprofit First Call for Help of Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688753467308.jpeg" alt="Laura Allen" />
 <figcaption>Laura Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>She has a degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University."I have a desire to ensure there is open communication and a desire to work for and with the residents of Ellis County to make sure that their voices are heard," Allen said.She added, "When I ran the last time, I felt the election portion of the county clerk duties — I don't feel like we see enough of."She said this time, with the conversations around voting at Fort Hays State University and the closures of two polling locations, the communication has worsened.The student group American Democracy Project has sought to open a polling location on the Fort Hays State University campus.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3a3f06a1-6b07-45c6-bf3c-8b76f4d564d7">Those efforts were backed recently by the ACLU.</a>Dreiling said she did not think the number of Ellis County registered voters living on campus warranted a polling location on campus.She cited data from the most recent voting rolls showing that only 69 people registered to vote in Ellis County lived on campus.Dreiling closed the voting location closest to FHSU, 601 Main, because of low voter turnout.She combined that ward and precinct with another that had to be closed because of issues with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.The new location for both wards and precincts is Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main. Dreiling said the new location is centrally located and accessible for all voters in those two precincts.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/64efa3e4-3296-4e5c-897f-8417a78e7fc3">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Republican Dreiling touts election security in run for Ellis County Clerk reelection</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ff3108c-562d-421d-9200-395f040c2103">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Clerk candidates disagree on campus polling location</a>"I don't know if it is an absolute possibility to open a polling location on campus," Allen said. "I am sure there are a lot of things that go into that. "What I am sure about is that the open communication for people trying to better a process or make themselves more available to participate in the election process is something that should be encouraged.""From what I can see, those concerns have not been heard or taken seriously," she said. "If they have, the people who have expressed those concerns have not felt like they have been heard."Allen said she thought the groups trying to open a polling location on campus addressed all of the concerns raised about it.She said she thought a polling location could be opened on campus through collaboration with campus groups.Allen said the polling location in Ward One is not just about students. She lives in that ward and would prefer to vote on campus rather than at the church."That is not something that we were asked as people who vote in that area either," she said."My bigger issue is closing two polling locations and opening one," Allen said. "Regardless, I think it's a bigger issue than just the number of students who can vote on campus because most of us who live on that side of town are not against voting at Fort Hays."Allen said she thinks the county clerk's office can do more to boost voter registration and turnout.She said the clerk's office was not involved in a voter registration drive on the FHSU campus."I'm not sure why the clerk's office does not hold other registration drives," she said.&nbsp;She added, "I think those are things that the clerk should be actively involved in."She said the clerk should be talking to young people about the importance of registering to vote and voting.<h2>Ballot drop boxes</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7c1c8817-1e3a-4c50-951e-895526935cf1">In a previous letter to the editor to the Hays Post, Allen criticized Dreiling for removing ballot drop boxes from Victoria and Ellis. </a>Dreiling cited the cost of maintaining security at those drop boxes and their lack of use as reasons for removing them.&nbsp;Allen said she thinks the clerk's office could find both a Democrat and Republican to check the boxes daily as would be required.Allen said she favored reinstalling the ballot drop boxes in Ellis and Victoria.She questions if the current clerk had done enough to inform local voters about the drop boxes as an option when they were available in those two locations."I think it's important, and people are told, and they know each and every way they are able to vote," Allen said.She said the clerk needs to pay attention to what the voters want in those areas.<h2>Election security, accuracy</h2>To ensure the accuracy of ballots, Allen said she would make sure information is double-checked.Allen said she did not think anything needed to be done to increase the security of elections.&nbsp;"I think elections are run well," she said. "I don't think most people in Ellis County have a concern about someone tainting ballots or adding ballots or anything like that," Allen said.She said the public could be better educated about the county clerk's duties."As far as the election process goes, they should be the go-to, and if anybody ever has a question about the election process or voting, they should automatically know they should go to the county clerk because that is our election official," Allen said.<h2>Voter turnout, registration</h2>Allen said voter registration and turnout could be increased in Ellis County by talking to young people about the process and encouraging them to participate in elections."I've raised my kids to really pay attention to elections and to vote," she said.&nbsp;"It's one thing to go and talk to a government or civics class and explain this process and have kids ask questions as young adults who may very well may want to engage in that process and just don't know where to start," she said. ..."I think putting it in our young people's minds before they're ready to vote and letting them know this is an important thing that we need to do, I think all of that comes back to engaging and making sure people are comfortable with the process and are able to ask questions," Allen said.Allen said she had no issues with the clerk's office's other processes, including calculating mill levies."I don't think we go in and change things just to change it," Allen said.Allen said that compared to the incumbent, she has a strong desire to maintain open communication with Ellis County residents."I just think my desire to make sure there's open communication and an open door and wanting people to be more involved in what's happening in Ellis County in general, I think makes a difference," Allen said.<h2>When and where to vote</h2>Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays starting Monday, Oct. 21, and running through noon Monday, Nov. 4. Saturday early voting will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 2.Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Vote at your regular polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Watch the Hays Post for complete election results on Election night.

Democrat Allen focuses on voting accessibility in race for Ellis County Clerk

GARDEN
CITY – The Hays High boys soccer team defeated Garden City 3-2 Thursday at
Garden City High School. 

The Indians had goals from Mason Schleicher and Henry
Speno to build a 2-0 halftime lead. Speno scored the Indians lone goal in the second
half to push the lead to 3-1.

The
Indians have now won two road contests and have won two of their last three matches
overall and are now 7-8 on the season and finish Western Athletic Conference play
3-5. 

HHS
closes out the regular season Tuesday in Hesston.

Hays PostGARDEN
CITY – The Hays High boys soccer team defeated Garden City 3-2 Thursday at
Garden City High School. The Indians had goals from Mason Schleicher and Henry
Speno to build a 2-0 halftime lead. Speno scored the Indians lone goal in the second
half to push the lead to 3-1.The
Indians have now won two road contests and have won two of their last three matches
overall and are now 7-8 on the season and finish Western Athletic Conference play
3-5. UP
NEXTHHS
closes out the regular season Tuesday in Hesston.

⚽ HHS boys defeat Buffs on the road

JUNCTION CITY - The Hays High volleyball&nbsp; team extended their winning-streak to 12 matches Thursday with a pair of wins over Junction City and Topeka High.

Hays def. Junction City 25-15, 25-13 Hays def. Topeka 25-23, 25-9

In the match, senior Annie Humphrey collected her 1,000th career dig.

Hays improves to 25-6. They play at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Saturday in Garden City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689954940605.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostJUNCTION CITY - The Hays High volleyball&nbsp; team extended their winning-streak to 12 matches Thursday with a pair of wins over Junction City and Topeka High.Hays def. Junction City 25-15, 25-13 Hays def. Topeka 25-23, 25-9In the match, senior Annie Humphrey collected her 1,000th career dig.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to Annie Humphrey for getting 1,000 career digs tonight! <a href="https://t.co/AQSp9lo1L6">pic.twitter.com/AQSp9lo1L6</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics and Activities (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1847056693026316486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hays improves to 25-6. They play at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Saturday in Garden City.

🏐 HHS wins twice in Junction City to extend win streak

HAYS
– The Hays High cross country team hosted the Western Athletic Conference meet
on a windy Thursday afternoon at the Rolling Ridge Cross Country Course. The boys finished fourth and the girls fifth.

Click <a href="https://www.heartlandtiming.com/results/2024/2024%20WAC%20XC%20Results.pdf">here</a> for complete results.

Taevian
Maupin led the boys with a ninth-place finish. Evelyn Schmidt paced the girls
coming in 19th.

Garden
City had the top three finishers and seven in the top 10 and easily won the
boys title with 18 points. Great Bend finished second with 64.

Garden City junior Uriel Gurrola won the boys title with a time of 18:00.0.

The
Panther girls placed six in the top 10 and won the girls’ race with 22 points.
Dodge City finished second with 57 points.

Dodge City junior Karime Rueda Cienfuegos won the girls' race with a time of 18:21.2.

Hays PostHAYS
– The Hays High cross country team hosted the Western Athletic Conference meet
on a windy Thursday afternoon at the Rolling Ridge Cross Country Course. The boys finished fourth and the girls fifth.Click <a href="https://www.heartlandtiming.com/results/2024/2024%20WAC%20XC%20Results.pdf">here</a> for complete results.Taevian
Maupin led the boys with a ninth-place finish. Evelyn Schmidt paced the girls
coming in 19th.Garden
City had the top three finishers and seven in the top 10 and easily won the
boys title with 18 points. Great Bend finished second with 64.Garden City junior Uriel Gurrola won the boys title with a time of 18:00.0.The
Panther girls placed six in the top 10 and won the girls’ race with 22 points.
Dodge City finished second with 57 points.Dodge City junior Karime Rueda Cienfuegos won the girls' race with a time of 18:21.2.

🏃‍♂️ HHS hosts Western Athletic Conference meet

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.

Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”

Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”

Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.

In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”

“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.

Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.

“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”

Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.

The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.

“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193641491.png" alt="Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193490172.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193550023.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

Kansas Republicans condemn Democrat’s use of racial slur in 2020 social media post, omit context

The Hays High Indians and TMP Monarchs both qualified their girls golf programs for their respective state tournaments earlier this week. Both teams won their regional.

The Indians have qualified for the state tournament for a 19th straight year after winning the Hutchinson 5A regional at the Carey Park Golf Course.

The 5A state tournament will be held at the Salina Municipal Golf Course on Monday, October 21st and Tuesday, October 22nd.

Team members and tee times: Lily Butler - 10:00 Ava Erbert - 10:10 Liz Cunningham - 10:20 Kinley Pfannenstiel - 10:30 Liz Dreiling - 10:40 Jaycee Oakley - 10:50

The Monarchs qualified one day later&nbsp;after they claimed the team title at the 3-1A Cheney regional at Cherry Oaks Golf Course.&nbsp;It marks the third time in the last four years the Monarchs have qualified as a team for the state tournament.&nbsp;

The 3-1A state tournament is held in Emporia also on Tuesday, October 22nd.

Team members and tee times: Emma Wasinger - 10:00 Ava Schumacher - 10:10 Jenna Brull - 10:20 Brynn Schoepf - 10:30

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729204012421.jpeg" alt="TMP and Hays High State Teams" />
 <figcaption>TMP and Hays High State Teams</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High Indians and TMP Monarchs both qualified their girls golf programs for their respective state tournaments earlier this week. Both teams won their regional.The Indians have qualified for the state tournament for a 19th straight year after winning the Hutchinson 5A regional at the Carey Park Golf Course.The 5A state tournament will be held at the Salina Municipal Golf Course on Monday, October 21st and Tuesday, October 22nd.Team members and tee times: Lily Butler - 10:00 Ava Erbert - 10:10 Liz Cunningham - 10:20 Kinley Pfannenstiel - 10:30 Liz Dreiling - 10:40 Jaycee Oakley - 10:50The Monarchs qualified one day later&nbsp;after they claimed the team title at the 3-1A Cheney regional at Cherry Oaks Golf Course.&nbsp;It marks the third time in the last four years the Monarchs have qualified as a team for the state tournament.&nbsp;The 3-1A state tournament is held in Emporia also on Tuesday, October 22nd.Team members and tee times: Emma Wasinger - 10:00 Ava Schumacher - 10:10 Jenna Brull - 10:20 Brynn Schoepf - 10:30

⛳ Hays sending two teams to state golf

MCPHERSON— Tucky Allen with KansasWorkforceONE confirmed to Hutch Post Thursday morning that there have been layoffs at Pfizer in McPherson and that it was a reduction of 80 workers between Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;

Allen said he would be meeting with those who were laid off&nbsp; and provided dislocated worker services and will be hosting a Q &amp; A next week for the affected employees.

This action does not affect production. These were professional/salaried positions.&nbsp;The McPherson, Kansas site specializes in manufacturing sterile injectable medicines used daily in hospitals around the world, according to the company web site.

This job action follows layoffs for the drugmaker in Ireland this fall, amid larger cost cutting measures.

MCPHERSON— Tucky Allen with KansasWorkforceONE confirmed to Hutch Post Thursday morning that there have been layoffs at Pfizer in McPherson and that it was a reduction of 80 workers between Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;Allen said he would be meeting with those who were laid off&nbsp; and provided dislocated worker services and will be hosting a Q &amp; A next week for the affected employees.This action does not affect production. These were professional/salaried positions.&nbsp;The McPherson, Kansas site specializes in manufacturing sterile injectable medicines used daily in hospitals around the world, according to the company web site.This job action follows layoffs for the drugmaker in Ireland this fall, amid larger cost cutting measures.

Layoffs at manufacturing plant in McPherson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs said Wednesday that he has no issue with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-harrison-butker-e00f6ee45955c99ef1e809ec447239e0">kicker Harrison Butker</a>&nbsp;forming a political action committee designed to encourage Christians to vote for what the PAC describes as “traditional values.”

Butker announced his UPRIGHT PAC last weekend, during the Chiefs' bye, in a series of postings on social media.

“One of the things I talk to the players every year about at training camp is using their platform to make a difference,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. “We have players on both sides of the political spectrum, both sides of whatever controversial issue you want to bring up. I’m not at all concerned when our players use their platform to make a difference."

Butker is front-and-center on the website of the UPRIGHT PAC along with Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, who earned the kicker's endorsement ahead of the general election against Democrat Lucas Kunce.

"We’re seeing our values under attack every day. In our schools, in the media, and even from our own government. But we have a chance to fight back and reclaim the traditional values that have made this country great," the PAC says on its website. "We are working to mobilize Christians across this country to make sure we protect these values at the ballot box.

Butker first made what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-college-conservative-commencement-harrison-butker-a40b881fe41ac489853fb67e58ed20d1">a “very intentional" foray</a>&nbsp;into politics in May, when he delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-chiefs-homemaker-nfl-5466d7b3560f640c825107df9694b07b">a polarizing commencement address</a>&nbsp;at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. The three-time Super Bowl champion said, among other things, that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America.”

Butker also assailed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-parade-protest-lgbtq-nyc-6afa739efa2f66d750175b3db77516fc">Pride month</a>, an important time for the LGBTQ+ community, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.

The NFL distanced itself from Butker's comments, issuing a statement afterward that said: "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

“I’ve just decided, ‘You know what? There’s things that I believe wholeheartedly that I think will make this world a better place,’ and I’m going to preach that,” Butker said, when asked about the address during training camp. "If people don’t agree, they don’t agree, but I’m going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way.”

The Hunt family has supported a group urging Missouri voters to reject a ballot measure that would overturn a near-total ban on abortion in the state through Unity Hunt, the company that oversees the assets of the Lamar Hunt family. The Chiefs have declined to comment on the $300,000 donation other than confirming to The Kansas City Star that the money was wired by Clark Hunt's half-brother, Lamar Hunt Jr., through his account with Unity Hunt.

Meanwhile, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-wife-donald-trump-chiefs-nfl-b2ba221de1c83138c2fac126223e46bb">he would not endorse Donald Trump or Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;in the November election, even as the former president repeatedly referred to his wife, Brittany, as a supporter of his campaign.

“I don’t want my place and my platform to be used to endorse a candidate,” Mahomes said. “My place is to inform people to get registered to vote. It’s to inform people to do their own research and then make the best decision for them and their family.”

Those comments came less than a day after Taylor Swift,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-taylor-swift-nfl-9f78a6dad40ff62993c2462e9c653964">who is dating the Chiefs' Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and has become friends with the Mahomes family, endorsed Harris for the presidency. That led Trump to tell Fox News: “I actually like Mrs. Mahomes much better, if you want to know the truth. She’s a big Trump fan. I like Brittany. I think Brittany is great.”

Patrick Mahomes was asked Wednesday about Trump’s references to his wife and said “at the end of the day, it’s about me and my family and how we treat other people.”

“I think you see Brittany does a lot in the community. I do a lot in the community to help bring people up, and give people an opportunity to use their voice,” he said. “In political times, people are going to use stuff here and there, but I can’t let that affect how I go about my business every single day of my life, and trying to live it to the best of my ability.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722892306920.jpeg" alt="File photo Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to the fans as he walks to the field during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to the fans as he walks to the field during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs said Wednesday that he has no issue with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-harrison-butker-e00f6ee45955c99ef1e809ec447239e0">kicker Harrison Butker</a>&nbsp;forming a political action committee designed to encourage Christians to vote for what the PAC describes as “traditional values.”Butker announced his UPRIGHT PAC last weekend, during the Chiefs' bye, in a series of postings on social media.“One of the things I talk to the players every year about at training camp is using their platform to make a difference,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said. “We have players on both sides of the political spectrum, both sides of whatever controversial issue you want to bring up. I’m not at all concerned when our players use their platform to make a difference."Butker is front-and-center on the website of the UPRIGHT PAC along with Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, who earned the kicker's endorsement ahead of the general election against Democrat Lucas Kunce."We’re seeing our values under attack every day. In our schools, in the media, and even from our own government. But we have a chance to fight back and reclaim the traditional values that have made this country great," the PAC says on its website. "We are working to mobilize Christians across this country to make sure we protect these values at the ballot box.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JS7RIKSaCc?si=n5vTS7FShykUyMek&amp;start=10" 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>Butker first made what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catholic-college-conservative-commencement-harrison-butker-a40b881fe41ac489853fb67e58ed20d1">a “very intentional" foray</a>&nbsp;into politics in May, when he delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harrison-butker-chiefs-homemaker-nfl-5466d7b3560f640c825107df9694b07b">a polarizing commencement address</a>&nbsp;at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas. The three-time Super Bowl champion said, among other things, that most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children, and that some Catholic leaders were “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America.”Butker also assailed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-parade-protest-lgbtq-nyc-6afa739efa2f66d750175b3db77516fc">Pride month</a>, an important time for the LGBTQ+ community, and President Joe Biden’s stance on abortion.The NFL distanced itself from Butker's comments, issuing a statement afterward that said: "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”“I’ve just decided, ‘You know what? There’s things that I believe wholeheartedly that I think will make this world a better place,’ and I’m going to preach that,” Butker said, when asked about the address during training camp. "If people don’t agree, they don’t agree, but I’m going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way.”The Hunt family has supported a group urging Missouri voters to reject a ballot measure that would overturn a near-total ban on abortion in the state through Unity Hunt, the company that oversees the assets of the Lamar Hunt family. The Chiefs have declined to comment on the $300,000 donation other than confirming to The Kansas City Star that the money was wired by Clark Hunt's half-brother, Lamar Hunt Jr., through his account with Unity Hunt.Meanwhile, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-mahomes-wife-donald-trump-chiefs-nfl-b2ba221de1c83138c2fac126223e46bb">he would not endorse Donald Trump or Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;in the November election, even as the former president repeatedly referred to his wife, Brittany, as a supporter of his campaign.“I don’t want my place and my platform to be used to endorse a candidate,” Mahomes said. “My place is to inform people to get registered to vote. It’s to inform people to do their own research and then make the best decision for them and their family.”Those comments came less than a day after Taylor Swift,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ravens-chiefs-taylor-swift-nfl-9f78a6dad40ff62993c2462e9c653964">who is dating the Chiefs' Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and has become friends with the Mahomes family, endorsed Harris for the presidency. That led Trump to tell Fox News: “I actually like Mrs. Mahomes much better, if you want to know the truth. She’s a big Trump fan. I like Brittany. I think Brittany is great.”Patrick Mahomes was asked Wednesday about Trump’s references to his wife and said “at the end of the day, it’s about me and my family and how we treat other people.”“I think you see Brittany does a lot in the community. I do a lot in the community to help bring people up, and give people an opportunity to use their voice,” he said. “In political times, people are going to use stuff here and there, but I can’t let that affect how I go about my business every single day of my life, and trying to live it to the best of my ability.”___

Chiefs owner backs kicker Harrison Butker forming PAC supporting ‘traditional values’

Richard
Polcyn, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St Francis
Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.


Richard was born on November 14, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Florian
“Mike” Joseph and Clemence “Clem” Katherine (Mudd) Polcyn. He grew up on the
family farm south of Gorham, Kansas and then the family moved to Russell, in
1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and continued his education
at Pittsburg State University graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in
Industrial Technology.&nbsp; Richard was a
member of the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corp,
receiving a comission as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. &nbsp;After
leaving the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Arizona and went to work for Ford
Motor Company before moving back to the family farm in 1975.&nbsp; Richard was married to Carol Moyer and
Rebecca McKim.

While
farming was something he was good at, his passion was always flying so in 1980,
Richard started Rich’s Air Service, a charter company that eventually grew to
include fuel sales, and flight instruction in Russell and then later in Hays,
Ks.

He was
a lifelong member of St.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of
Columbus, Russell Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #99. Richard served on
several boards including the Farm Bureau and looked forward to meeting with
local and state government officials to talk about policy and government
programs that could help Kansas farmers.&nbsp;



Surviving family include his daughters, Vickie Polcyn-Scott (Glen) of Wichita,
Kansas and Jennifer Rogers (Robin) of St. George, Kansas. Four grandchildren,
Alex Cunningham (Dylan), Andrew Rogers, Kinsley Scott, and Kallen Scott. One
great-grandson, Dutton Cunningham and his sister &nbsp;Jean Crawford of Natoma. He was preceded in
death by his parents and son Alan Polcyn.

A
celebration of the funeral mass for Richard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M.
on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in
Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the
Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.&nbsp; Viewing and
family greeting will be from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at
the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; The vigil and rosary will be held at 5 P.M. Sunday
evening at the church, immediately following the visitation.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729173383184.jpeg" alt="Richard Polcyn" />
 <figcaption>Richard Polcyn</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard
Polcyn, 77, of Russell, Kansas died on Monday, October 14, 2024, at St Francis
Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
Richard was born on November 14, 1946, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Florian
“Mike” Joseph and Clemence “Clem” Katherine (Mudd) Polcyn. He grew up on the
family farm south of Gorham, Kansas and then the family moved to Russell, in
1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1965 and continued his education
at Pittsburg State University graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in
Industrial Technology.&nbsp; Richard was a
member of the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corp,
receiving a comission as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. &nbsp;After
leaving the Army, Richard moved to Phoenix, Arizona and went to work for Ford
Motor Company before moving back to the family farm in 1975.&nbsp; Richard was married to Carol Moyer and
Rebecca McKim.While
farming was something he was good at, his passion was always flying so in 1980,
Richard started Rich’s Air Service, a charter company that eventually grew to
include fuel sales, and flight instruction in Russell and then later in Hays,
Ks.He was
a lifelong member of St.Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Knights of
Columbus, Russell Elks Lodge and American Legion Post #99. Richard served on
several boards including the Farm Bureau and looked forward to meeting with
local and state government officials to talk about policy and government
programs that could help Kansas farmers.&nbsp;

Surviving family include his daughters, Vickie Polcyn-Scott (Glen) of Wichita,
Kansas and Jennifer Rogers (Robin) of St. George, Kansas. Four grandchildren,
Alex Cunningham (Dylan), Andrew Rogers, Kinsley Scott, and Kallen Scott. One
great-grandson, Dutton Cunningham and his sister &nbsp;Jean Crawford of Natoma. He was preceded in
death by his parents and son Alan Polcyn.A
celebration of the funeral mass for Richard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M.
on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in
Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at
the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.&nbsp; Military honors will be performed by the
Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.&nbsp; Viewing and
family greeting will be from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at
the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.&nbsp; The vigil and rosary will be held at 5 P.M. Sunday
evening at the church, immediately following the visitation.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to St. Mary Queen of
Angels Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Richard Polcyn

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.

The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.

Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.

The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.--------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.