Robert Duane Bell, 77,
of Hill City, began his life May 10, 1947 in Hays, Kansas. He was the oldest of
seven children born to Duane and Berneta (Kerbaugh) Bell. Bob departed this
life on Earth to begin his next journey September 30, 2024 with his family at
his side.

Bob was united in
marriage to Kathy Brown and to this union three children were born: Jeremy,
Nicole and Casey. In 1990 Bob met Adrenne Brault, better known as Andie, at an
AA meeting. They began dating, attending singles dances, fishing and doing many
outdoor activities. Bob and Andie were united in marriage June 14, 1991. With
this union, Bob gained three sons: Jon, Mike and Ron Brault, and three
grandsons: Brandon, Caden and Weston.

Bob’s passions in life
included driving fast cars and loud motorcycles, fishing, hunting, camping and
generally anything outdoors. And Bob was also
passionate about his dogs, especially his bird dogs. Bob and Andie spent hours
and hours in their yard. Their gardens were a wealth of fresh vegetables and a
bounty of fruit from&nbsp; the various
trees.&nbsp; 

Bob served his country
during the Vietnam War Era. In addition to his time in Germany, he spent time
in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, “The Screaming Eagles”.
Bob was an active member in AA and served as a sponsor. He was proud of his 48
years of sobriety.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was also a member
of the Hill City American Legion and the Honor Guard, marching in the Graham
County Fair Parades and Memorial Day Services at the cemetery. Following his
military service he worked in various jobs. Later returning to Hill City, Bob
began his employment with the City of Hill City, working in all departments. A
portion of his employment with the city was as Superintendent. Following his
retirement, Bob continued serving as cemetery caretaker.

Bob
was preceded in death by his parents: Duane and Berneta, his sister Nelda,
daughter Nicole, stepson Jon Brault, and sister-in-law Marcella Brin. 

He is survived and
will be deeply missed by his wife Andie; children Jeremy and wife Nikki of
Victoria, Casey of Hill City; stepsons: Mike and wife Stacie Brault of Magalia,
California and Ron Brault of Oroville, California; nine grandchildren: Kelsi
and husband Donny Hildebrand, Kinzie, Lux, Taylor Stramel and wife Hollie,
Lucas, Cydnee, Brandon Brault, Caden, Weston; four great grandchildren;
brothers: Ronald and wife Brenda of Lawrence, Richard&nbsp; and wife Leslie of Hill City, Gaylen and wife
Susie of Bogue, and Craig Ayers of Canyon Lake, Texas; sisters: Juanita Richey
of Hill City and Becky and husband Charles Hoss of Lenexa; brothers and
sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Visitation:&nbsp; Sunday, October 6, 2024, 3 to 7 p.m. at
Stinemetz Funeral Home – Funeral Service:&nbsp;
Monday, October 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Hill City Christian Church.
Memorials suggested to the family may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N.
Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642. Condolences for the family may be posted on
www.stinemetzfh.com&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728065905414.jpeg" alt="Robert “Bob” Bell" />
 <figcaption>Robert “Bob” Bell</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Duane Bell, 77,
of Hill City, began his life May 10, 1947 in Hays, Kansas. He was the oldest of
seven children born to Duane and Berneta (Kerbaugh) Bell. Bob departed this
life on Earth to begin his next journey September 30, 2024 with his family at
his side.Bob was united in
marriage to Kathy Brown and to this union three children were born: Jeremy,
Nicole and Casey. In 1990 Bob met Adrenne Brault, better known as Andie, at an
AA meeting. They began dating, attending singles dances, fishing and doing many
outdoor activities. Bob and Andie were united in marriage June 14, 1991. With
this union, Bob gained three sons: Jon, Mike and Ron Brault, and three
grandsons: Brandon, Caden and Weston.Bob’s passions in life
included driving fast cars and loud motorcycles, fishing, hunting, camping and
generally anything outdoors. And Bob was also
passionate about his dogs, especially his bird dogs. Bob and Andie spent hours
and hours in their yard. Their gardens were a wealth of fresh vegetables and a
bounty of fruit from&nbsp; the various
trees.&nbsp; Bob served his country
during the Vietnam War Era. In addition to his time in Germany, he spent time
in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, “The Screaming Eagles”.
Bob was an active member in AA and served as a sponsor. He was proud of his 48
years of sobriety.&nbsp;&nbsp; He was also a member
of the Hill City American Legion and the Honor Guard, marching in the Graham
County Fair Parades and Memorial Day Services at the cemetery. Following his
military service he worked in various jobs. Later returning to Hill City, Bob
began his employment with the City of Hill City, working in all departments. A
portion of his employment with the city was as Superintendent. Following his
retirement, Bob continued serving as cemetery caretaker.Bob
was preceded in death by his parents: Duane and Berneta, his sister Nelda,
daughter Nicole, stepson Jon Brault, and sister-in-law Marcella Brin. He is survived and
will be deeply missed by his wife Andie; children Jeremy and wife Nikki of
Victoria, Casey of Hill City; stepsons: Mike and wife Stacie Brault of Magalia,
California and Ron Brault of Oroville, California; nine grandchildren: Kelsi
and husband Donny Hildebrand, Kinzie, Lux, Taylor Stramel and wife Hollie,
Lucas, Cydnee, Brandon Brault, Caden, Weston; four great grandchildren;
brothers: Ronald and wife Brenda of Lawrence, Richard&nbsp; and wife Leslie of Hill City, Gaylen and wife
Susie of Bogue, and Craig Ayers of Canyon Lake, Texas; sisters: Juanita Richey
of Hill City and Becky and husband Charles Hoss of Lenexa; brothers and
sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation:&nbsp; Sunday, October 6, 2024, 3 to 7 p.m. at
Stinemetz Funeral Home – Funeral Service:&nbsp;
Monday, October 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Hill City Christian Church.
Memorials suggested to the family may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N.
Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642. Condolences for the family may be posted on
www.stinemetzfh.com&nbsp;

Robert “Bob” Bell

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

There may be no standard definition of a sports "superfan," but everyone knows one when they see one. Cleveland's John Adams comes to mind. The Guardians fan attended every home baseball game from 1973 until his death, at the age of 71, in 2023. He literally beat the drum from the stands for 48 seasons, or more than 3,500 games.

Kansas City has its own Superfan. Chris Coats, a United States Postal Service employee from Raytown, Mo., has been attending Royals games for most of his life, including 31 of the team's 33 playoff games since 2014. Coats attended the two American League Wild Card games in Baltimore earlier this week and is sticking around on the east coast for the Divisional Series that begins Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The goal is to make it back to Kauffman Stadium for Wednesday's game three in the series.

"It's going to be about 18 hours after Monday night to try to get back by Wednesday," Coats said in a Friday appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" show. "I think we can manage. We did 16 to Baltimore and we did okay. I've got a home-game streak going of over 1,600 games. I've got to make it."

With 81 home games a season, Coats' streak dates back more than 20 seasons. Things picked up around 2009 when Coats began following the Royals to other stadiums. Wearing a promotional Royals flag as a cape, he made the Fox Sports Kansas City broadcast at a game in Houston. The nickname "Superfan Chris" was christened.

"I was walking back and I found Ryan Lefebvre," Coats said. "We just got to talking. I had driven to Houston and I told him I was driving to Pittsburgh. He said, 'Oh wow, we'll have to get you on TV there, too. That's a heck of a drive.'"

Coats became a regular on Royals broadcasts as the team continued to struggle with losing seasons from 2004 to 2012. The Royals finished the 2013 season at 86-76, then made it to Game Seven of the 2014 World Series. Coats was one of several fans that postseason featured on the side of buses in downtown Kansas City.

Coats has now been to all 30 Major League Baseball cities but has yet to visit the new Truist Park in Atlanta or LoanDepot Park in Miami. Also a Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers fan, he frequently attends football games in the fall.

"I get five weeks off every year but I've been saving a lot of that every year for something like this," Coats said of the MLB playoffs. "I asked for the whole month of October off and they gave it to me. I told them I'd come back as long as the Royals aren't playing. I don't expect to use all the time, but I guess I will if they make it to the World Series."

During his streak, Coats has married and had two boys. The youngest son, at just five years old, has attended between 50 and 60 Royals games this year and made the 16-hour trip to Baltimore with his father.

"I wanted to include him on the ride," Coats said. "I worked Monday, then I packed up the car and we drove. We had about 24 hours to get there. We made it work and what an incredible series to watch."

Coats has watched games from the old Yankee Stadium and the new park that is already 15 years old. As discussion in Kansas City turns to a new downtown stadium, Coats said there are plenty of good examples to choose from.

"A lot of the National League ballparks are pretty good," he said. "Pittsburgh and San Diego, there's just something about the background. Even St. Louis, with the Arch in the background, the downtown atmosphere is pretty cool. I know the Royals are pushing for it and the fans don't like it but it's something else."

Kansas City will play games one and two of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and Monday evenings. Game three moves to Kansas City with a time to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728052435978.jpeg" alt="Royals "Superfan" Chris Coats (left) has attended more than 1,600 consecutive Royals games at Kauffman Stadium, and has attended 31 of the team's last 33 playoff games dating back to 2014." />
 <figcaption>Royals "Superfan" Chris Coats (left) has attended more than 1,600 consecutive Royals games at Kauffman Stadium, and has attended 31 of the team's last 33 playoff games dating back to 2014.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere may be no standard definition of a sports "superfan," but everyone knows one when they see one. Cleveland's John Adams comes to mind. The Guardians fan attended every home baseball game from 1973 until his death, at the age of 71, in 2023. He literally beat the drum from the stands for 48 seasons, or more than 3,500 games.Kansas City has its own Superfan. Chris Coats, a United States Postal Service employee from Raytown, Mo., has been attending Royals games for most of his life, including 31 of the team's 33 playoff games since 2014. Coats attended the two American League Wild Card games in Baltimore earlier this week and is sticking around on the east coast for the Divisional Series that begins Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The goal is to make it back to Kauffman Stadium for Wednesday's game three in the series."It's going to be about 18 hours after Monday night to try to get back by Wednesday," Coats said in a Friday appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" show. "I think we can manage. We did 16 to Baltimore and we did okay. I've got a home-game streak going of over 1,600 games. I've got to make it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728051719002.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With 81 home games a season, Coats' streak dates back more than 20 seasons. Things picked up around 2009 when Coats began following the Royals to other stadiums. Wearing a promotional Royals flag as a cape, he made the Fox Sports Kansas City broadcast at a game in Houston. The nickname "Superfan Chris" was christened."I was walking back and I found Ryan Lefebvre," Coats said. "We just got to talking. I had driven to Houston and I told him I was driving to Pittsburgh. He said, 'Oh wow, we'll have to get you on TV there, too. That's a heck of a drive.'"Coats became a regular on Royals broadcasts as the team continued to struggle with losing seasons from 2004 to 2012. The Royals finished the 2013 season at 86-76, then made it to Game Seven of the 2014 World Series. Coats was one of several fans that postseason featured on the side of buses in downtown Kansas City.Coats has now been to all 30 Major League Baseball cities but has yet to visit the new Truist Park in Atlanta or LoanDepot Park in Miami. Also a Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers fan, he frequently attends football games in the fall."I get five weeks off every year but I've been saving a lot of that every year for something like this," Coats said of the MLB playoffs. "I asked for the whole month of October off and they gave it to me. I told them I'd come back as long as the Royals aren't playing. I don't expect to use all the time, but I guess I will if they make it to the World Series."During his streak, Coats has married and had two boys. The youngest son, at just five years old, has attended between 50 and 60 Royals games this year and made the 16-hour trip to Baltimore with his father."I wanted to include him on the ride," Coats said. "I worked Monday, then I packed up the car and we drove. We had about 24 hours to get there. We made it work and what an incredible series to watch."Coats has watched games from the old Yankee Stadium and the new park that is already 15 years old. As discussion in Kansas City turns to a new downtown stadium, Coats said there are plenty of good examples to choose from."A lot of the National League ballparks are pretty good," he said. "Pittsburgh and San Diego, there's just something about the background. Even St. Louis, with the Arch in the background, the downtown atmosphere is pretty cool. I know the Royals are pushing for it and the fans don't like it but it's something else."Kansas City will play games one and two of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and Monday evenings. Game three moves to Kansas City with a time to be determined.

Kansas City 'Superfan' looking to keep attendance streak alive during playoffs

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays City Commission discussed plans for a new police station and the redevelopment of a Cerv's location in Hays on Thursday.

The city recognized the need to design a new police station and municipal court facility, which is estimated to cost $8.9 million.

The city plans to issue $1.39 million in bonds and temporary notes for the project. This follows an agreement with Astra Bank to construct a new facility at 27th and Main.

The city will renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort St., in downtown Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">SEE RELATED STORY: City to locate new police station municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">SEE RELATED STORY: Astra Bank breaks ground on new building at 27th, Main in Hays</a>

Cervs and the Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, as the developer, applied for a Community Improvement District (CID) to help fund a $4.7 million project to replace the Vine Street Phillip's 66 store and gas station, 3701 W. 41st St., Hays, with a new facility.

The developer requests a 1.5% CID sales tax that will be applied only within the district, not citywide.

In the proposed redevelopment, a new building will built on the north side of the lot, with its entrance facing south as it currently faces east. The gas pumps will be relocated to the south side of the lot.

The project aims to enhance the gas station's layout, especially for travelers and truck drivers accessing the site from Interstate 70.

The developer estimates the CID sales tax will generate $895,000 during the district's maximum term of 22 years.

The new store will provide increased amenities. Construction will begin in December, contingent on city approval.

The city commission approved a $2,565,000 economic development grant to Heart of America Development Corporation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc26d31c-170f-4982-8534-088157e96e50">Tallgrass 2nd Addition</a>&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project.&nbsp;The city will issue general obligation bonds to fund this grant.

Bids for these bonds will be received on Oct. 10, after which the winning bid and related resolutions authorizing the bond issuance will be approved.

The city also has approved a project to install advanced metering infrastructure for the public water system. The project will be funded by issuing general obligation temporary notes, with bids to be received on Oct. 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays City Commission discussed plans for a new police station and the redevelopment of a Cerv's location in Hays on Thursday.<h2>Police station</h2>The city recognized the need to design a new police station and municipal court facility, which is estimated to cost $8.9 million.The city plans to issue $1.39 million in bonds and temporary notes for the project. This follows an agreement with Astra Bank to construct a new facility at 27th and Main.The city will renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort St., in downtown Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc0fb523-b96d-42bb-b65a-55221db96969">SEE RELATED STORY: City to locate new police station municipal court in downtown Hays</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">SEE RELATED STORY: Astra Bank breaks ground on new building at 27th, Main in Hays</a><h2>Cervs</h2>Cervs and the Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, as the developer, applied for a Community Improvement District (CID) to help fund a $4.7 million project to replace the Vine Street Phillip's 66 store and gas station, 3701 W. 41st St., Hays, with a new facility.The developer requests a 1.5% CID sales tax that will be applied only within the district, not citywide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728059197398.png" alt="Cervs convenience store facility site plan. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Cervs convenience store facility site plan. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>In the proposed redevelopment, a new building will built on the north side of the lot, with its entrance facing south as it currently faces east. The gas pumps will be relocated to the south side of the lot.The project aims to enhance the gas station's layout, especially for travelers and truck drivers accessing the site from Interstate 70.The developer estimates the CID sales tax will generate $895,000 during the district's maximum term of 22 years.The new store will provide increased amenities. Construction will begin in December, contingent on city approval.<h2>Tallgrass housing addition</h2>The city commission approved a $2,565,000 economic development grant to Heart of America Development Corporation for the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc26d31c-170f-4982-8534-088157e96e50">Tallgrass 2nd Addition</a>&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project.&nbsp;The city will issue general obligation bonds to fund this grant.Bids for these bonds will be received on Oct. 10, after which the winning bid and related resolutions authorizing the bond issuance will be approved.The city also has approved a project to install advanced metering infrastructure for the public water system. The project will be funded by issuing general obligation temporary notes, with bids to be received on Oct. 10.

Hays City Commission reviews Cervs project, funding for police station

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment together advise Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals, following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks. The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans.

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite or scratch from a rabid animal. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats.

“Rabies is not unusual in the wildlife population, and unfortunately this often means domestic animals that roam freely can be exposed to the virus,” said Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith. “It is vital to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies, especially animals that interact with humans, because humans can be infected. Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protects both animal health and human health.”

Even if an animal is kept indoors, ensuring their vaccination against the virus is up-to-date serves as an important barrier if they are ever exposed to a wild or stray animal that could be carrying the disease. Those who have barn cats should have them vaccinated against rabies.

Many Kansas cities and counties have vaccination requirements; know what is required in your community and contact your veterinarian for more information about rabies vaccination.

Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord and can take several weeks to months for symptoms to appear, but early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies in both humans and pets that are up to date on vaccinations. The vaccination is highly effective.

If you notice unusual behavior in your animal, or you think your animal may have had contact with rabid wildlife, it is important to immediately contact your veterinarian to determine the next steps to take.

If you are a veterinarian, remember to always consider rabies as a potential diagnosis for neurologic animals.&nbsp;In Kansas, rabies is&nbsp;a reportable disease which requires a veterinarian to report a positive rabies test&nbsp;to the KDA Division of Animal Health.

In order to prevent the spread of rabies, people should teach children to be cautious around outdoor animals, wild or domestic, even if they look to be friendly; wash a wound from an animal encounter thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately; keep pet vaccinations current; and monitor pets when outside.

If you have concerns about rabies, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1497%2FRabies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001924daf775a-741f6dd5-e9ad-49c7-a5fa-5058c438cf88-000000/sIj51rqksmyBPXDO5IF3zv2QGmQmMEDzvrKqQWXg3Jo=373">www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713303526303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHEThe Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment together advise Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals, following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks. The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans.Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite or scratch from a rabid animal. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats.“Rabies is not unusual in the wildlife population, and unfortunately this often means domestic animals that roam freely can be exposed to the virus,” said Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith. “It is vital to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies, especially animals that interact with humans, because humans can be infected. Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protects both animal health and human health.”Even if an animal is kept indoors, ensuring their vaccination against the virus is up-to-date serves as an important barrier if they are ever exposed to a wild or stray animal that could be carrying the disease. Those who have barn cats should have them vaccinated against rabies.Many Kansas cities and counties have vaccination requirements; know what is required in your community and contact your veterinarian for more information about rabies vaccination.Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord and can take several weeks to months for symptoms to appear, but early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies in both humans and pets that are up to date on vaccinations. The vaccination is highly effective.If you notice unusual behavior in your animal, or you think your animal may have had contact with rabid wildlife, it is important to immediately contact your veterinarian to determine the next steps to take.If you are a veterinarian, remember to always consider rabies as a potential diagnosis for neurologic animals.&nbsp;In Kansas, rabies is&nbsp;a reportable disease which requires a veterinarian to report a positive rabies test&nbsp;to the KDA Division of Animal Health.In order to prevent the spread of rabies, people should teach children to be cautious around outdoor animals, wild or domestic, even if they look to be friendly; wash a wound from an animal encounter thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately; keep pet vaccinations current; and monitor pets when outside.If you have concerns about rabies, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1497%2FRabies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001924daf775a-741f6dd5-e9ad-49c7-a5fa-5058c438cf88-000000/sIj51rqksmyBPXDO5IF3zv2QGmQmMEDzvrKqQWXg3Jo=373">www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

KDA and KDHE remind Kansans to vaccinate animals against rabies

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs (3-2, 2-2 MCL) could not overcome
four second-half turnovers as they suffered their first district loss of the
season Friday night 20-14 in overtime at Lewis Field in Hays.

The Monarchs took the opening kickoff and wasted no time
driving down the field in less than three minutes and scoring on a touchdown pass
from Carson Liles to Grant Nehls from 14 yards out for a 6-0 lead.

Smith Center (1-4, 1-3 MCL) answered right back, stacking
together a 14-play drive that covered 80 yards in more than seven minutes as
they took an 8-6 lead after the two-point conversion.

The Monarchs' quick strike offense was able to retake the
lead on a 52-yard touchdown run from Jackson Gillespie putting TMP back on top
14-8 with the two-point conversion. 

Despite both teams threatening to score in the second
quarter the game remained a 14-8 margin in favor of TMP.

After a scoreless third quarter, Smith Center scored on a
fourth down run with just over two and a half minutes to play tying the game at
14.

The second half proved to be the undoing for the Monarchs though
as they would turn the ball over on four straight possessions. They had a pair
of fumbles and quarterback Carson Liles through two interceptions, the final one
at the Smith Center five-yard line with under one minute to play.

In the overtime, Smith Center scored on a two-yard run, held
TMP on downs, and secured the 20-14 victory, their ninth straight over the Monarchs.

Carson Liles finished 10-of-16 passing for 116 yards with
one touchdown and two interceptions. 

Smith Center had two running backs go over 100 yards on the
ground.

The Monarchs will travel to Oakley next week. The Plainsmen
defeated Plainville Friday night 14-13 and currently sit atop the district.
TMP, Smith Center, Plainville and Stanton County are all 1-1.

Hays PostHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs (3-2, 2-2 MCL) could not overcome
four second-half turnovers as they suffered their first district loss of the
season Friday night 20-14 in overtime at Lewis Field in Hays.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1929189860&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-coach-postgame-interview-vs-smith-center-oct-4th-24" title="TMP FB Coach Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Coach Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24</a></div></div>The Monarchs took the opening kickoff and wasted no time
driving down the field in less than three minutes and scoring on a touchdown pass
from Carson Liles to Grant Nehls from 14 yards out for a 6-0 lead.Smith Center (1-4, 1-3 MCL) answered right back, stacking
together a 14-play drive that covered 80 yards in more than seven minutes as
they took an 8-6 lead after the two-point conversion.The Monarchs' quick strike offense was able to retake the
lead on a 52-yard touchdown run from Jackson Gillespie putting TMP back on top
14-8 with the two-point conversion. Despite both teams threatening to score in the second
quarter the game remained a 14-8 margin in favor of TMP.After a scoreless third quarter, Smith Center scored on a
fourth down run with just over two and a half minutes to play tying the game at
14.The second half proved to be the undoing for the Monarchs though
as they would turn the ball over on four straight possessions. They had a pair
of fumbles and quarterback Carson Liles through two interceptions, the final one
at the Smith Center five-yard line with under one minute to play.In the overtime, Smith Center scored on a two-yard run, held
TMP on downs, and secured the 20-14 victory, their ninth straight over the Monarchs.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1929188114&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-fb-highlights-vs-smith-center-10-04-24-mixdown" title="TMP FB Highlights Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP FB Highlights Vs Smith Center Oct 4th 24</a></div></div>Carson Liles finished 10-of-16 passing for 116 yards with
one touchdown and two interceptions. Smith Center had two running backs go over 100 yards on the
ground.The Monarchs will travel to Oakley next week. The Plainsmen
defeated Plainville Friday night 14-13 and currently sit atop the district.
TMP, Smith Center, Plainville and Stanton County are all 1-1.

🏈Turnovers prove costly in Monarchs loss to Smith Center

Hays High overcame a slow start on offense for a 27-17 win
over Junction City Friday night to move to 3-2 on the season. 

The Blue Jays struck first on a 67 yard pass play to take a
7-0 lead in the first quarter. Hays took over on a short field when the
Junction City punter’s knee hit the ground on a low snap. Two plays later Holden
Lind scored the Indians’ first touchdown.

Neither team found much in the way of offense for the
remainder of the first half. Hays went 0/8 on third down conversions in the first
which led to stalled drives. Junction City drove for a field goal with less
than a minute left in the first half for a 10-7 locker room lead.

The Indians got the offense rolling in the third quarter on
the heels of the defense keeping Junction City off the scoreboard. Hays used a
11 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Lind 15 yard scoring rush on third
down and a 14-10 lead. The defense again forced a punt and the offense took
advantage. Lind ripped off a 41 yard run to the four yard line. Carter Graham
hit Parker McGuire for his first career touchdown reception and 21-10 lead.

Hays had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter
but punted and turned the ball over on the Blue Jays side of the field. Junction
City drove for a 26 yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining
and closed the gap down to 21-17.

Lind once again shook free on a third down run. This time he
raced for 61 yards to set up Hays at the four. Two plays later Ian McGuire plunged
into the end zone for the final of 27-17.

Unofficially Lind rushed for 247 yards on 28 carries. Hays
had 310 yards rushing on the night. Jace Myers had a interception, forced
fumble and fumble recovery. Jarek Purdy intercepted a pass.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers forced
a fumble and it was recovered by Tanner Geist. 

Hays improves to 3-2 and will host Dodge City for Homecoming
next Friday. Junction City falls to 1-4. Hays has beat the Blue Jays three
straight years.

Hays High overcame a slow start on offense for a 27-17 win
over Junction City Friday night to move to 3-2 on the season. The Blue Jays struck first on a 67 yard pass play to take a
7-0 lead in the first quarter. Hays took over on a short field when the
Junction City punter’s knee hit the ground on a low snap. Two plays later Holden
Lind scored the Indians’ first touchdown.Neither team found much in the way of offense for the
remainder of the first half. Hays went 0/8 on third down conversions in the first
which led to stalled drives. Junction City drove for a field goal with less
than a minute left in the first half for a 10-7 locker room lead.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1929200336&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-fb-highlights-v" title="Hays High FB Highlights v Junction City Oct 4 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Highlights v Junction City Oct 4 2024</a></div></div>The Indians got the offense rolling in the third quarter on
the heels of the defense keeping Junction City off the scoreboard. Hays used a
11 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Lind 15 yard scoring rush on third
down and a 14-10 lead. The defense again forced a punt and the offense took
advantage. Lind ripped off a 41 yard run to the four yard line. Carter Graham
hit Parker McGuire for his first career touchdown reception and 21-10 lead.Hays had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter
but punted and turned the ball over on the Blue Jays side of the field. Junction
City drove for a 26 yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining
and closed the gap down to 21-17.Lind once again shook free on a third down run. This time he
raced for 61 yards to set up Hays at the four. Two plays later Ian McGuire plunged
into the end zone for the final of 27-17.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1929200435&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-fb-post-v-junction" title="Hays High FB Post v Junction City Oct 04 2024" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High FB Post v Junction City Oct 04 2024</a></div></div>Unofficially Lind rushed for 247 yards on 28 carries. Hays
had 310 yards rushing on the night. Jace Myers had a interception, forced
fumble and fumble recovery. Jarek Purdy intercepted a pass.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers forced
a fumble and it was recovered by Tanner Geist. Hays improves to 3-2 and will host Dodge City for Homecoming
next Friday. Junction City falls to 1-4. Hays has beat the Blue Jays three
straight years.

🏈 Hays wins final non-conference game at Junction City

The winner of the&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway was drawn at Oktoberfest on Friday afternoon.

Jane Younger of Hays was selected from 22 finalists.&nbsp;

Thank you to our sponsors&nbsp;A &amp; A Coors-Yuengling. Also special thanks to Copper’s Carts &amp; Commercial Sign Company in Hays for their sponsorship.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728075568515.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The winner of the&nbsp;Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway was drawn at Oktoberfest on Friday afternoon.Jane Younger of Hays was selected from 22 finalists.&nbsp;Thank you to our sponsors&nbsp;A &amp; A Coors-Yuengling. Also special thanks to Copper’s Carts &amp; Commercial Sign Company in Hays for their sponsorship.

Yuengling Flight Golf Cart winner drawn at Oktoberfest

Brian Joseph Windholz, 80, the son of Isidore and Pauline
(Erbert) Windholz, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in
Valley, Nebraska after several years of bravely facing progressive supranuclear
palsy (PSP), a late-onset neurodegenerative disease.

He was born on January 2, 1944 in Hays, Kansas and married
Shirley Schmidt on November 27, 1969. &nbsp;He
graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1962 and earned a bachelor’s
degree from Fort Hays State College where he was the editor of the State
College Leader newspaper. &nbsp;An Army
Reserve veteran, Brian served in the 388th Medical Depot, Hays, from 1965 to
1971. &nbsp;He played saxophone and clarinet
in the Ted Smith Orchestra and the Eddie Frank Band, and enjoyed golf, travel,
playing cards, visiting casinos, cheering for the Boston Red Sox and Green Bay
Packers, and deploying his dry and mildly subversive sense of humor when you
least expected it.

Brian was Associate Administrator and Accountant at St.
Thomas Hospital in Colby, Kansas, and was Administrator of Thomas County
Hospital, assisting in the move to Citizens Medical Center until 1985. &nbsp;He also worked at Russell Regional Hospital,
Clara Barton Hospital, and as Treasurer for the City of Russell, Kansas before
happily retiring in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Elkhorn, Nebraska,
children, Jennifer (Barry) Weiner of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Chad (Teri Madsen)
Windholz of Papillion, Nebraska, and Kim (Jared) Spletstoser of Collegeville,
Pennsylvania, brothers, Oren M. (Patricia) Windholz and Guy (Kathy) Windholz,
sisters-in-law, Betty Augustine and Gerri (Don) Johnson, adored grandchildren,
David, Cameron, Justin and Alex Weiner; Rian Boub, Gavyn and Tyler Windholz;
Ben and Kate Spletstoser, and many nieces and nephews, including godson, Jason
Windholz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glen J.
Windholz, mother-in-law, Katherine Schmidt, brother-in-law, Lavern Augustine,
and the cherished dogs he never wanted, Candy, Scout, and KoKo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday,
October 12, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment with military
honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph
Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00
pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral Home.&nbsp; Brian was always impeccably dressed and loved
a colorful necktie. &nbsp;If you are attending
either service, feel free to wear a pop of color in his honor!&nbsp; Brian’s family would be grateful for
memorials to Cure PSP <a href="http://www.psp.org">www.psp.org</a> or to Arbor
Care Center in appreciation for their wonderful staff.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Brian may be
shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728064462919.jpeg" alt="Brian Joseph Windholz" />
 <figcaption>Brian Joseph Windholz</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Joseph Windholz, 80, the son of Isidore and Pauline
(Erbert) Windholz, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in
Valley, Nebraska after several years of bravely facing progressive supranuclear
palsy (PSP), a late-onset neurodegenerative disease.He was born on January 2, 1944 in Hays, Kansas and married
Shirley Schmidt on November 27, 1969. &nbsp;He
graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1962 and earned a bachelor’s
degree from Fort Hays State College where he was the editor of the State
College Leader newspaper. &nbsp;An Army
Reserve veteran, Brian served in the 388th Medical Depot, Hays, from 1965 to
1971. &nbsp;He played saxophone and clarinet
in the Ted Smith Orchestra and the Eddie Frank Band, and enjoyed golf, travel,
playing cards, visiting casinos, cheering for the Boston Red Sox and Green Bay
Packers, and deploying his dry and mildly subversive sense of humor when you
least expected it.Brian was Associate Administrator and Accountant at St.
Thomas Hospital in Colby, Kansas, and was Administrator of Thomas County
Hospital, assisting in the move to Citizens Medical Center until 1985. &nbsp;He also worked at Russell Regional Hospital,
Clara Barton Hospital, and as Treasurer for the City of Russell, Kansas before
happily retiring in 2003.He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Elkhorn, Nebraska,
children, Jennifer (Barry) Weiner of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Chad (Teri Madsen)
Windholz of Papillion, Nebraska, and Kim (Jared) Spletstoser of Collegeville,
Pennsylvania, brothers, Oren M. (Patricia) Windholz and Guy (Kathy) Windholz,
sisters-in-law, Betty Augustine and Gerri (Don) Johnson, adored grandchildren,
David, Cameron, Justin and Alex Weiner; Rian Boub, Gavyn and Tyler Windholz;
Ben and Kate Spletstoser, and many nieces and nephews, including godson, Jason
Windholz.He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glen J.
Windholz, mother-in-law, Katherine Schmidt, brother-in-law, Lavern Augustine,
and the cherished dogs he never wanted, Candy, Scout, and KoKo.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday,
October 12, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment with military
honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph
Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00
pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral Home.&nbsp; Brian was always impeccably dressed and loved
a colorful necktie. &nbsp;If you are attending
either service, feel free to wear a pop of color in his honor!&nbsp; Brian’s family would be grateful for
memorials to Cure PSP <a href="http://www.psp.org">www.psp.org</a> or to Arbor
Care Center in appreciation for their wonderful staff.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Brian may be
shared with his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>&nbsp;

Brian Joseph Windholz

Congratulations to Angie Tetlow, who won $500 in the first Cash Grab giveaway.

Listen at 9, 11, 1, and 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and enter the keyword on <a href="http://hayspost.com">hayspost.com</a>&nbsp;for a chance to win $500 on each Friday in October.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728054212514.jpeg" alt="Angie Tetlow, right, is the winner of the first $500 Cash Grab prize. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Angie Tetlow, right, is the winner of the first $500 Cash Grab prize. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Angie Tetlow, who won $500 in the first Cash Grab giveaway.Listen at 9, 11, 1, and 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and enter the keyword on <a href="http://hayspost.com">hayspost.com</a>&nbsp;for a chance to win $500 on each Friday in October.&nbsp;

First Cash Grab winner selected

CHICAGO (AP) — Melania Trump revealed her support for abortion rights Thursday ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, exposing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-issue-positions-worlds-apart-3f80a342c790da64e3de92a4f5760991">stark contrast with her husband</a>, Republican presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, on the crucial election issue.

<a href="https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1841806743216537870">In a video</a>&nbsp;posted to her X account Thursday morning, the former first lady defended women's “individual freedoms” to do what they want with their bodies — a position at odds with much of the Republican Party and her own husband, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">struggled to find a consistent message</a>&nbsp;on abortion while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">wedged between</a>&nbsp;anti-abortion supporters within his base and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights.

“Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard,” Melania Trump said in the video. “Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth: individual freedom. What does ‘my body, my choice’ really mean?”

The video appears to confirm excerpts of her self-titled memoir&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/02/melania-trump-memoir-defends-abortion-rights">reported</a>&nbsp;by The Guardian on Wednesday.

Melania Trump has rarely publicly expressed her personal political views and has been largely absent from the campaign trail. But in her memoir, set to be released publicly next Tuesday, she argues that the decision to end a pregnancy should be left to a woman and her doctor, “free from any intervention of pressure from the government,” according to the published excerpts.

“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?” she wrote, according to The Guardian. “A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.”

Melania Trump writes that she has “carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”

These views contrast sharply with the GOP's anti-abortion platform and with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken credit for appointing the three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade and boasted about returning the abortion question to the states. Democrats have blamed the former president for the severe deterioration of reproductive rights as abortion bans were implemented in large swaths of the country following the overturning of the landmark case, which had granted a constitutional right to abortion.

Donald Trump said Thursday that he had talked to his wife about the book and told her to “go with your heart.”

“We spoke about it. And I said, you have to write what you believe. I’m not going to tell you what to do. You have to write what you believe,” he told Fox News, adding, “There are some people that are very, very far right on the issue, meaning without exceptions, and then there are other people that view it a little bit differently than that.”

Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;' campaign noted Trump's role in ending Roe v. Wade in a statement reacting to Melania Trump's defense of abortion rights.

“Sadly for the women across America, Mrs. Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her and is the reason that more than one in three American women live under a Trump Abortion Ban that threatens their health, their freedom, and their lives,” Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement. “Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear: If he wins in November, he will ban abortion nationwide, punish women, and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care."

Donald Trump on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">said he would veto</a>&nbsp;a federal abortion ban, the first time he has explicitly said so after previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">refusing to answer questions</a>&nbsp;on the subject. Abortion rights advocates are skeptical, however, saying Trump cannot be trusted not to restrict reproductive rights.

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said the memoir is another example of “the Trumps playing voters like a fiddle.”

“As president, (Trump) made it his mission to get Roe v. Wade overturned,” she said in a statement. “Melania stood by him, never once publicly disavowing his actions until weeks before an election where our bodies are again on the ballot and they are losing voters to this issue. Read between the lines.”

Democratic strategist Brittany Crampsie called the memoir's release a “clear attempt to appeal to more moderate voters and to moderate JD Vance’s very clearly extreme views on the issue." But she was skeptical that the move would work in favor of Trump, saying his shifting views “have already confused voters and sowed distrust.”

Melania Trump also defends abortions later in pregnancy, asserting that “most abortions conducted during the later stages of pregnancy were the result of severe fetal abnormalities that probably would have led to the death or stillbirth of the child. Perhaps even the death of the mother."

“These cases were extremely rare and typically occurred after several consultations between the woman and her doctor,” she writes.

These views appear diametrically opposed to her husband, who has often parroted misinformation about abortions later in pregnancy, falsely claiming that Democrats support abortion “after birth,” though infanticide is outlawed in every state.

The national abortion group SBA Pro-Life America denounced the former first lady’s views on abortion, including her comments on abortion later in pregnancy, but said their “priority is to defeat Kamala Harris.”

“Women with unplanned pregnancies are crying out for more resources, not more abortions,” the organization’s president Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. “We must have compassion for them and for babies in the womb who suffer from brutal abortions.”

Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law who focuses on reproductive rights law and history, said it is unclear if the memoir’s release so close to the election was an attempt to help Donald Trump. But she did note that Melania Trump's split from Trump on the issue is not uncommon historically.

There is “a pretty deep history of first ladies being more supportive of abortion rights than their husbands,” including Betty Ford, a vocal abortion rights supporter and the wife of former President Gerald Ford, Ziegler said.

Donald Trump promoted his wife's book at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fGfm56TyA">a September rally in New York</a>, calling on supporters to “go out and get her book.” It is unclear if the former president has read the book.

“Go out and buy it,” he told the crowd. “It’s great. And if she says bad things about me, I’ll call you all up, and I’ll say, ‘Don’t buy it.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602762449332.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Melania Trump revealed her support for abortion rights Thursday ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, exposing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-issue-positions-worlds-apart-3f80a342c790da64e3de92a4f5760991">stark contrast with her husband</a>, Republican presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, on the crucial election issue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND">https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y9MT3uj97b">pic.twitter.com/Y9MT3uj97b</a>&mdash; MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1841806743216537870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1841806743216537870">In a video</a>&nbsp;posted to her X account Thursday morning, the former first lady defended women's “individual freedoms” to do what they want with their bodies — a position at odds with much of the Republican Party and her own husband, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">struggled to find a consistent message</a>&nbsp;on abortion while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">wedged between</a>&nbsp;anti-abortion supporters within his base and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights.“Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard,” Melania Trump said in the video. “Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth: individual freedom. What does ‘my body, my choice’ really mean?”The video appears to confirm excerpts of her self-titled memoir&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/02/melania-trump-memoir-defends-abortion-rights">reported</a>&nbsp;by The Guardian on Wednesday.Melania Trump has rarely publicly expressed her personal political views and has been largely absent from the campaign trail. But in her memoir, set to be released publicly next Tuesday, she argues that the decision to end a pregnancy should be left to a woman and her doctor, “free from any intervention of pressure from the government,” according to the published excerpts.“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?” she wrote, according to The Guardian. “A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.”Melania Trump writes that she has “carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”These views contrast sharply with the GOP's anti-abortion platform and with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken credit for appointing the three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade and boasted about returning the abortion question to the states. Democrats have blamed the former president for the severe deterioration of reproductive rights as abortion bans were implemented in large swaths of the country following the overturning of the landmark case, which had granted a constitutional right to abortion.Donald Trump said Thursday that he had talked to his wife about the book and told her to “go with your heart.”“We spoke about it. And I said, you have to write what you believe. I’m not going to tell you what to do. You have to write what you believe,” he told Fox News, adding, “There are some people that are very, very far right on the issue, meaning without exceptions, and then there are other people that view it a little bit differently than that.”Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;' campaign noted Trump's role in ending Roe v. Wade in a statement reacting to Melania Trump's defense of abortion rights.“Sadly for the women across America, Mrs. Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her and is the reason that more than one in three American women live under a Trump Abortion Ban that threatens their health, their freedom, and their lives,” Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement. “Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear: If he wins in November, he will ban abortion nationwide, punish women, and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care."Donald Trump on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">said he would veto</a>&nbsp;a federal abortion ban, the first time he has explicitly said so after previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">refusing to answer questions</a>&nbsp;on the subject. Abortion rights advocates are skeptical, however, saying Trump cannot be trusted not to restrict reproductive rights.Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said the memoir is another example of “the Trumps playing voters like a fiddle.”“As president, (Trump) made it his mission to get Roe v. Wade overturned,” she said in a statement. “Melania stood by him, never once publicly disavowing his actions until weeks before an election where our bodies are again on the ballot and they are losing voters to this issue. Read between the lines.”Democratic strategist Brittany Crampsie called the memoir's release a “clear attempt to appeal to more moderate voters and to moderate JD Vance’s very clearly extreme views on the issue." But she was skeptical that the move would work in favor of Trump, saying his shifting views “have already confused voters and sowed distrust.”Melania Trump also defends abortions later in pregnancy, asserting that “most abortions conducted during the later stages of pregnancy were the result of severe fetal abnormalities that probably would have led to the death or stillbirth of the child. Perhaps even the death of the mother."“These cases were extremely rare and typically occurred after several consultations between the woman and her doctor,” she writes.These views appear diametrically opposed to her husband, who has often parroted misinformation about abortions later in pregnancy, falsely claiming that Democrats support abortion “after birth,” though infanticide is outlawed in every state.The national abortion group SBA Pro-Life America denounced the former first lady’s views on abortion, including her comments on abortion later in pregnancy, but said their “priority is to defeat Kamala Harris.”“Women with unplanned pregnancies are crying out for more resources, not more abortions,” the organization’s president Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. “We must have compassion for them and for babies in the womb who suffer from brutal abortions.”Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law who focuses on reproductive rights law and history, said it is unclear if the memoir’s release so close to the election was an attempt to help Donald Trump. But she did note that Melania Trump's split from Trump on the issue is not uncommon historically.There is “a pretty deep history of first ladies being more supportive of abortion rights than their husbands,” including Betty Ford, a vocal abortion rights supporter and the wife of former President Gerald Ford, Ziegler said.Donald Trump promoted his wife's book at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fGfm56TyA">a September rally in New York</a>, calling on supporters to “go out and get her book.” It is unclear if the former president has read the book.“Go out and buy it,” he told the crowd. “It’s great. And if she says bad things about me, I’ll call you all up, and I’ll say, ‘Don’t buy it.’”CHICAGO (AP) — Melania Trump revealed her support for abortion rights Thursday ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, exposing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-issue-positions-worlds-apart-3f80a342c790da64e3de92a4f5760991">stark contrast with her husband</a>, Republican presidential nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, on the crucial election issue.<a href="https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1841806743216537870">In a video</a>&nbsp;posted to her X account Thursday morning, the former first lady defended women's “individual freedoms” to do what they want with their bodies — a position at odds with much of the Republican Party and her own husband, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">struggled to find a consistent message</a>&nbsp;on abortion while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">wedged between</a>&nbsp;anti-abortion supporters within his base and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights.“Individual freedom is a fundamental principle that I safeguard,” Melania Trump said in the video. “Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth: individual freedom. What does ‘my body, my choice’ really mean?”The video appears to confirm excerpts of her self-titled memoir&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/02/melania-trump-memoir-defends-abortion-rights">reported</a>&nbsp;by The Guardian on Wednesday.Melania Trump has rarely publicly expressed her personal political views and has been largely absent from the campaign trail. But in her memoir, set to be released publicly next Tuesday, she argues that the decision to end a pregnancy should be left to a woman and her doctor, “free from any intervention of pressure from the government,” according to the published excerpts.“Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?” she wrote, according to The Guardian. “A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.”Melania Trump writes that she has “carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”These views contrast sharply with the GOP's anti-abortion platform and with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken credit for appointing the three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade and boasted about returning the abortion question to the states. Democrats have blamed the former president for the severe deterioration of reproductive rights as abortion bans were implemented in large swaths of the country following the overturning of the landmark case, which had granted a constitutional right to abortion.Donald Trump said Thursday that he had talked to his wife about the book and told her to “go with your heart.”“We spoke about it. And I said, you have to write what you believe. I’m not going to tell you what to do. You have to write what you believe,” he told Fox News, adding, “There are some people that are very, very far right on the issue, meaning without exceptions, and then there are other people that view it a little bit differently than that.”Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;' campaign noted Trump's role in ending Roe v. Wade in a statement reacting to Melania Trump's defense of abortion rights.“Sadly for the women across America, Mrs. Trump’s husband firmly disagrees with her and is the reason that more than one in three American women live under a Trump Abortion Ban that threatens their health, their freedom, and their lives,” Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement. “Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear: If he wins in November, he will ban abortion nationwide, punish women, and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care."Donald Trump on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-vance-walz-debate-2024-election-abortion-64c739e99ffa1ad51b973e420e1fe92d">said he would veto</a>&nbsp;a federal abortion ban, the first time he has explicitly said so after previously&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">refusing to answer questions</a>&nbsp;on the subject. Abortion rights advocates are skeptical, however, saying Trump cannot be trusted not to restrict reproductive rights.Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said the memoir is another example of “the Trumps playing voters like a fiddle.”“As president, (Trump) made it his mission to get Roe v. Wade overturned,” she said in a statement. “Melania stood by him, never once publicly disavowing his actions until weeks before an election where our bodies are again on the ballot and they are losing voters to this issue. Read between the lines.”Democratic strategist Brittany Crampsie called the memoir's release a “clear attempt to appeal to more moderate voters and to moderate JD Vance’s very clearly extreme views on the issue." But she was skeptical that the move would work in favor of Trump, saying his shifting views “have already confused voters and sowed distrust.”Melania Trump also defends abortions later in pregnancy, asserting that “most abortions conducted during the later stages of pregnancy were the result of severe fetal abnormalities that probably would have led to the death or stillbirth of the child. Perhaps even the death of the mother."“These cases were extremely rare and typically occurred after several consultations between the woman and her doctor,” she writes.These views appear diametrically opposed to her husband, who has often parroted misinformation about abortions later in pregnancy, falsely claiming that Democrats support abortion “after birth,” though infanticide is outlawed in every state.The national abortion group SBA Pro-Life America denounced the former first lady’s views on abortion, including her comments on abortion later in pregnancy, but said their “priority is to defeat Kamala Harris.”“Women with unplanned pregnancies are crying out for more resources, not more abortions,” the organization’s president Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. “We must have compassion for them and for babies in the womb who suffer from brutal abortions.”Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law who focuses on reproductive rights law and history, said it is unclear if the memoir’s release so close to the election was an attempt to help Donald Trump. But she did note that Melania Trump's split from Trump on the issue is not uncommon historically.There is “a pretty deep history of first ladies being more supportive of abortion rights than their husbands,” including Betty Ford, a vocal abortion rights supporter and the wife of former President Gerald Ford, Ziegler said.Donald Trump promoted his wife's book at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9fGfm56TyA">a September rally in New York</a>, calling on supporters to “go out and get her book.” It is unclear if the former president has read the book.“Go out and buy it,” he told the crowd. “It’s great. And if she says bad things about me, I’ll call you all up, and I’ll say, ‘Don’t buy it.’”___

🎥In new video Melania Trump explains her support for abortion rights

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.

The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.

HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21

HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team got back into the win column Thursday, sweeping all three of the matches at their home quadrangular.The Indians swept Liberal and Abilene then knocked off Salina South in three.HHS def. Liberal 25-8, 25-11 HHS def. Abilene 25-21, 25-16 HHS def. Salina South 25-19, 23-25, 25-21HHS has won nine of their last 11 matches and sits at 16-6 on the season

🏐 HHS volleyball wins all three matches at home quad

CLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.


The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.

Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.

Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728038842477.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostCLAY CENTER -&nbsp;TMP-Marian
freshman Brynn Schoepf shot a 45 and tied for ninth at the nine-hole Clay
Center Girls’ Invitational Golf Tournament at the Clay Center Country Club.
Jenna Brull was 12th with a 47.
The Monarchs finished in third place in the team standings with a 197.Ava Schumacher fired a 52 and placed 26th, Emma Wasinger finished in a tie for 29th with a 53 and Blakely Seib tied for 46 with a 63.Wamego's Addison Douglass won the individual title with a 34. Wamego won the team title with a 160, 10 shots better than Manhattan.

⛳ Schoepf leads TMP-Marian girls' at Clay Center

HUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.


Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.

Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.

Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728037963308.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHUTCHINSON -&nbsp;
















Hays High’s Jaycee Oakley shot a 9-over par 80 and finished in 12th place at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational Golf Tournament held at the Carey Park Golf Course.
Oakley was the lone top-20 finisher for Hays who placed 11th in the 19-team tournament.Kinslea Jones of Maize won the individual title with a 5-under par 66. Two other golfers were tied at even par.Manhattan won the team title with a 297.&nbsp;Maize was second at 331. Hays High had a 397 team score.

⛳ HHS's Oakley has top-20 finish in Hutchinson

LIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.

It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

Hays PostLIBERAL -&nbsp;Hays High boys soccer lost 1-0 in Liberal Thursday.It's their second-straight 1-0 loss this week as they drop their third straight to fall to 4-6 on the season.

⚽ HHS falls to Liberal

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Hays Police Department arrest log, Sept. 22-28, 2024

The final drawing for the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway is coming during Octoberfest Hays Friday, Oct. 4.

A winner will be selected from the finalists picked throughout the last few months.

A &amp; A Coors-Yuengling invite you to this year's Oktoberfest to enjoy all of the German food, the live entertainment, and fun for all ages.&nbsp;

A &amp; A will be giving away the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart at 1:45 p.m. on the main stage...so come and find out who the big winner is!&nbsp;

1.&nbsp;Dustin Hickert from Hays – Relay Golf Tournament 6-14

2.&nbsp;Matt Cook from Hays – Relay Golf Tournament 6-14

3.&nbsp;Brian Thorell from Hays – Brogden GMC 7-13

4.&nbsp;Cade Gerhard from Hays – Brogden GMC 7-13

5.&nbsp;Sara Brown from WaKeeney – Prairie Rose Inn 8-16

6.&nbsp;Sammy Crossland from Ogallah – Prairie Rose Inn 8-16

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Napell from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8-29

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stacy Campbell from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8-29

9.&nbsp; DeeDee Heronemus from WaKeeney – Malay’s Market 9-7

10.&nbsp; Michelle Post from WaKeeney – Malay’s Market 9-7

11.&nbsp; Kevin Baintner from Hays – Stone House 9-13

12.&nbsp; Aaron Ladd from Hays – Stone House 9-13

13.&nbsp; Nancy Williams from Stockton – Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville 9-14

14.&nbsp; Irvin Brungardt from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville 9-14

15.&nbsp; Thad Wheeles from WaKeeney – Club Liquor in Hays 9-2

16.&nbsp; Curt Wachs from Hays – Club Liquor in Hays 9-26

17.&nbsp; Jane Younger from Hays – Lewis Automotive 9-27

18.&nbsp; Cheryl Schmeidler from Hays – Lewis Automotive 9-27

&nbsp;19.&nbsp; Neva Hendrix from WaKeeney – Pit Road Liquor 9-2

20.&nbsp; Don Flax from WaKeeney – Pit Road Liquor 9-28

21.&nbsp; Jeff Rupp from Hays – CERV’s on Vine 10-3

22.&nbsp; Eric Flax from Hays – CERV’s on Vine 10-3

The final drawing for the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway is coming during Octoberfest Hays Friday, Oct. 4.A winner will be selected from the finalists picked throughout the last few months.A &amp; A Coors-Yuengling invite you to this year's Oktoberfest to enjoy all of the German food, the live entertainment, and fun for all ages.&nbsp; A &amp; A will be giving away the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart at 1:45 p.m. on the main stage...so come and find out who the big winner is!&nbsp;All finalists to date:1.&nbsp;Dustin Hickert from Hays – Relay Golf Tournament 6-142.&nbsp;Matt Cook from Hays – Relay Golf Tournament 6-143.&nbsp;Brian Thorell from Hays – Brogden GMC 7-134.&nbsp;Cade Gerhard from Hays – Brogden GMC 7-135.&nbsp;Sara Brown from WaKeeney – Prairie Rose Inn 8-166.&nbsp;Sammy Crossland from Ogallah – Prairie Rose Inn 8-167.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Napell from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8-298.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stacy Campbell from Hays – Kaiser Liquor 8-299.&nbsp; DeeDee Heronemus from WaKeeney – Malay’s Market 9-710.&nbsp; Michelle Post from WaKeeney – Malay’s Market 9-711.&nbsp; Kevin Baintner from Hays – Stone House 9-1312.&nbsp; Aaron Ladd from Hays – Stone House 9-1313.&nbsp; Nancy Williams from Stockton – Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville 9-1414.&nbsp; Irvin Brungardt from Plainville – Mr. K’s Foodtown in Plainville 9-1415.&nbsp; Thad Wheeles from WaKeeney – Club Liquor in Hays 9-216.&nbsp; Curt Wachs from Hays – Club Liquor in Hays 9-2617.&nbsp; Jane Younger from Hays – Lewis Automotive 9-2718.&nbsp; Cheryl Schmeidler from Hays – Lewis Automotive 9-27&nbsp;19.&nbsp; Neva Hendrix from WaKeeney – Pit Road Liquor 9-220.&nbsp; Don Flax from WaKeeney – Pit Road Liquor 9-2821.&nbsp; Jeff Rupp from Hays – CERV’s on Vine 10-322.&nbsp; Eric Flax from Hays – CERV’s on Vine 10-3

Yuengling Flight Golf cart to be given away during Oktoberfest

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment together advise Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals, following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans.

If you have concerns about rabies, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies">www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

TOPEKA—The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment together advise Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals, following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans.Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite or scratch from a rabid animal. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats.“Rabies is not unusual in the wildlife population, and unfortunately this often means domestic animals that roam freely can be exposed to the virus,” said Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith. “It is vital to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies, especially animals that interact with humans, because humans can be infected. Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protects both animal health and human health.”Even if an animal is kept indoors, ensuring their vaccination against the virus is up-to-date serves as an important barrier if they are ever exposed to a wild or stray animal that could be carrying the disease. Those who have barn cats should have them vaccinated against rabies.Many Kansas cities and counties have vaccination requirements; know what is required in your community and contact your veterinarian for more information about rabies vaccination.Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord and can take several weeks to months for symptoms to appear, but early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies in both humans and pets that are up to date on vaccinations. The vaccination is highly effective.If you notice unusual behavior in your animal, or you think your animal may have had contact with rabid wildlife, it is important to immediately contact your veterinarian to determine the next steps to take.If you are a veterinarian, remember to always consider rabies as a potential diagnosis for neurologic animals.&nbsp;In Kansas, rabies is&nbsp;a reportable disease which requires a veterinarian to report a positive rabies test&nbsp;to the KDA Division of Animal Health.In order to prevent the spread of rabies, people should teach children to be cautious around outdoor animals, wild or domestic, even if they look to be friendly; wash a wound from an animal encounter thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately; keep pet vaccinations current; and monitor pets when outside.If you have concerns about rabies, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies">www.kdhe.ks.gov/1497/Rabies</a>&nbsp;or call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

State issues health alert after recent rabies cases in Kansas 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County recently released data that broke down the number of needed child care slots by city.

As of Aug. 15, data from Child Care Aware of Kansas showed the following number of child care spots needed in Ellis County communities:

Hays — 114 Ellis — 109 Victoria — 4 Catherine — 21 Munjor — not available Ellis County total — 430

Child care task force members acknowledged that interpreting these numbers can be challenging.

Workers coming into Hays from other communities and counties may seek child care in Hays.&nbsp;

Andrew Curtright, a board member of the Hays Area Children's Center, said this could increase the demand for child care spots in Hays.

Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said, "Child care is a very personal experience for families. It is quite possibly one of the most important jobs and professions we have because parents want to make sure their kids are in a safe space when they are going to work."

The latest data also does not address the type of child care needed.

There has long been a higher demand for infant care than care for older children, and Wasinger said she thinks the Child Care Aware numbers may reflect this need.

Until a recent regulation change, a child younger than 18 months old was considered an infant. The new regulations will classify an infant as a child 12 months old or younger.

More adult supervision is required for infants than for older children. Caring for an infant can decrease the number of children an in-home child care provider can care for. For this reason, some in-home providers do not accept infants or must limit the number of infants they care for.

When the child care center in The Grove addition opens in Hays, 75 additional child care slots will open. The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2025.

If all the current centers stay open, that would bring the number of centers in Hays to 11 in 2025. The number of licensed child care homes in Hays has increased from 64 homes in 2022 to 68 in 2024.

The child care gap has been cut significantly since 2022. As of Aug. 15, the child care capacity in Hays increased from 772 slots to 1,096 slots.

One of the most significant jumps was in slots for school-age children. According to Child Care Aware, there were no school-age children programs in Hays in 2022. Now, there are two with a capacity of 160 children.

The Ellis school district is also working on a partnership to open more child care slots in its community.

Victoria's Aug. 15 data only showed a need for four child care slots. However, the Victoria Community Coalition has been in talks with local child care providers to move an existing in-home provider into St. John's Place.

The former nursing home is being renovated. Part of the building will be used for senior housing. The Ellis County Historical Society also plans to use a portion of the building for a satellite museum.

Victoria has no child care centers but has four in-home providers.

Munjor reported one in-home child care home, and no data was available on Catherine.

Melissa Schoenberger of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the state has seen an increase in unlicensed care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664397948075.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Child Care Task Force of Ellis County recently released data that broke down the number of needed child care slots by city.As of Aug. 15, data from Child Care Aware of Kansas showed the following number of child care spots needed in Ellis County communities:Hays — 114 Ellis — 109 Victoria — 4 Catherine — 21 Munjor — not available Ellis County total — 430Child care task force members acknowledged that interpreting these numbers can be challenging.Workers coming into Hays from other communities and counties may seek child care in Hays.&nbsp;Andrew Curtright, a board member of the Hays Area Children's Center, said this could increase the demand for child care spots in Hays.Sarah Wasinger, task force facilitator, said, "Child care is a very personal experience for families. It is quite possibly one of the most important jobs and professions we have because parents want to make sure their kids are in a safe space when they are going to work."The latest data also does not address the type of child care needed.There has long been a higher demand for infant care than care for older children, and Wasinger said she thinks the Child Care Aware numbers may reflect this need.Until a recent regulation change, a child younger than 18 months old was considered an infant. The new regulations will classify an infant as a child 12 months old or younger.More adult supervision is required for infants than for older children. Caring for an infant can decrease the number of children an in-home child care provider can care for. For this reason, some in-home providers do not accept infants or must limit the number of infants they care for.When the child care center in The Grove addition opens in Hays, 75 additional child care slots will open. The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2025.If all the current centers stay open, that would bring the number of centers in Hays to 11 in 2025. The number of licensed child care homes in Hays has increased from 64 homes in 2022 to 68 in 2024.The child care gap has been cut significantly since 2022. As of Aug. 15, the child care capacity in Hays increased from 772 slots to 1,096 slots.One of the most significant jumps was in slots for school-age children. According to Child Care Aware, there were no school-age children programs in Hays in 2022. Now, there are two with a capacity of 160 children.The Ellis school district is also working on a partnership to open more child care slots in its community.Victoria's Aug. 15 data only showed a need for four child care slots. However, the Victoria Community Coalition has been in talks with local child care providers to move an existing in-home provider into St. John's Place.The former nursing home is being renovated. Part of the building will be used for senior housing. The Ellis County Historical Society also plans to use a portion of the building for a satellite museum.Victoria has no child care centers but has four in-home providers.Munjor reported one in-home child care home, and no data was available on Catherine.Melissa Schoenberger of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the state has seen an increase in unlicensed care.She said these people are difficult to identify because the department is usually unaware of an unlicensed child care provider until a complaint is made.She asked the child care task force if they would focus some of its education resources on informing parents about what questions to ask providers and how to choose a licensed provider.Statutes recently changed that would allow some providers to care for more children. Schoenberger said that could also affect the available slots.However, task force members noted that not all providers choose to operate at capacity.If you are looking for child care, you can access the state referral system through Child Care Aware by <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/finding-quality-child-care/">clicking HERE</a>.The child care task force will continue its professional development series for providers at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. Michael Berges will present a session on financial planning and business support.Free fingerprinting for providers will be offered before the development session at 6 p.m.The next child care task force meeting will be at 4&nbsp; p.m. Oct. 30 at the Hays Welcome Center.