Defiance Brewing Co., 2050 E. Highway 40, announced it will close its taproom this Friday after 12 years of operation.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/defiancebeer">The brewery posted the following on Facebook</a>:

"Thank you for all the years of memories, community, and incredible beer. Thank you to all our amazing employees over the years for helping make Defiance what it has come to be. Thank you to our family, our friends, and our taproom regulars (who have become like family) for all your support over the years."

"For everyone who has joined us in the taproom, at our downtown location, or enjoyed our beers, we can't express our gratitude enough for joining us on this journey. It wasn't always easy, but we sure did have fun and hope you enjoyed the brews along the way."

Defiance Brewing invites customers to stop by the taproom for one last pint. On the final day, all pints and growler refills will be $1 off. The business noted that growlers are currently sold out.

The brewery is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday.&nbsp;

Facebook comments on Defiance Brewing's announcement were filled with supportive messages as customers shared their goodbyes.

"To sum up what Defiance means to me wouldn't do it justice: grateful, thankful and oh so proud of what y'all did in putting yourselves out there every day. Not a lot of folks have the courage to chase a dream. Big big love."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my Friday visits to Defiane and will dearly miss it. Thanks for all the good times over the years. All the best going forward."

"This is a sad day for Hays. So many memories. So many delicious beers."

"Thank you for all the delicious beers, wonderful memories and friendships. Love you!"

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/36da558d-ce01-4414-9f3b-1da8ceaabaad">Earlier this year, Defiance Brewing Co. also announced the closure of its downtown location&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764611472749.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDefiance Brewing Co., 2050 E. Highway 40, announced it will close its taproom this Friday after 12 years of operation.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/defiancebeer">The brewery posted the following on Facebook</a>:"Thank you for all the years of memories, community, and incredible beer. Thank you to all our amazing employees over the years for helping make Defiance what it has come to be. Thank you to our family, our friends, and our taproom regulars (who have become like family) for all your support over the years.""For everyone who has joined us in the taproom, at our downtown location, or enjoyed our beers, we can't express our gratitude enough for joining us on this journey. It wasn't always easy, but we sure did have fun and hope you enjoyed the brews along the way."Defiance Brewing invites customers to stop by the taproom for one last pint. On the final day, all pints and growler refills will be $1 off. The business noted that growlers are currently sold out.The brewery is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday.&nbsp;Facebook comments on Defiance Brewing's announcement were filled with supportive messages as customers shared their goodbyes."To sum up what Defiance means to me wouldn't do it justice: grateful, thankful and oh so proud of what y'all did in putting yourselves out there every day. Not a lot of folks have the courage to chase a dream. Big big love.""I have thoroughly enjoyed my Friday visits to Defiane and will dearly miss it. Thanks for all the good times over the years. All the best going forward.""This is a sad day for Hays. So many memories. So many delicious beers.""Thank you for all the delicious beers, wonderful memories and friendships. Love you!"<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/36da558d-ce01-4414-9f3b-1da8ceaabaad">Earlier this year, Defiance Brewing Co. also announced the closure of its downtown location&nbsp;</a>

Defiance Brewing Co. in Hays to close permanently on Friday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider approving an increase in per-pound fees for disposing of household hazardous waste during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.

The change applies only to individuals or businesses disposing of more than 55 pounds per month. Ellis County residents will still have free disposal for smaller amounts, with some exceptions.

Justin Craig, county environmental services director, will meet with the commission. The current rates have not been updated since 2017, and increased disposal costs now require an adjustment.

Entities that exceed the monthly limit must use a commercial disposal service. The new rates would take effect Jan. 2.

Melissa Miller, the county’s health director, will request approval of a $53,500 purchase order to fund the remaining 2025 vaccines. The county returned to direct vaccine ordering after ending its contract with VaxCare in 2024.

A previous purchase order covered the first half of 2025. The new order will be paid from the health department’s end-of-year budget.

Kylie Honas of the Ellis County Library Board will provide an update on the board’s work throughout the year. Since the board was formed too late to prepare a 2025 budget, the commission had previously approved $10,000 in startup funds.

So far, only about $1,500 has been spent. The board still has fees due for 2025 that fall under the original $10,000 allocation.

Public Works Enterprise Asset Management solutions

Brendan Mackay, county public works director, will ask for approval to award the bid for a new Enterprise Asset Management system to OpenGov, replacing the county’s outdated system.

The system would improve workflow across public works divisions under a proposed five-year contract. The roughly $176,490 cost would be covered using the department’s remaining 2025 budget allocations.

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will give updates from the university.

Two property owners will meet with the commission to discuss Wheatland Avenue, which runs north of Fort Hays State Tech North Central to 27th Street. They are seeking clarification on who is responsible for maintaining the road.

The commission will be asked to approve the annual review of the Ellis County Solid Waste Management Plan, which includes minor updates.

The Gemini Juniors 4-H club, with support from a local Scout troop, will ask for permission to decorate the trees just North of the Hays Public Library. This continues an annual tradition.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-713">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider approving an increase in per-pound fees for disposing of household hazardous waste during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.The change applies only to individuals or businesses disposing of more than 55 pounds per month. Ellis County residents will still have free disposal for smaller amounts, with some exceptions.Justin Craig, county environmental services director, will meet with the commission. The current rates have not been updated since 2017, and increased disposal costs now require an adjustment.Entities that exceed the monthly limit must use a commercial disposal service. The new rates would take effect Jan. 2.<h2>Vaccine purchase to finish 2025</h2>Melissa Miller, the county’s health director, will request approval of a $53,500 purchase order to fund the remaining 2025 vaccines. The county returned to direct vaccine ordering after ending its contract with VaxCare in 2024.A previous purchase order covered the first half of 2025. The new order will be paid from the health department’s end-of-year budget.<h2>Ellis County Library board update</h2>Kylie Honas of the Ellis County Library Board will provide an update on the board’s work throughout the year. Since the board was formed too late to prepare a 2025 budget, the commission had previously approved $10,000 in startup funds.So far, only about $1,500 has been spent. The board still has fees due for 2025 that fall under the original $10,000 allocation.<h2>Public Works Enterprise Asset Management solutions</h2>Brendan Mackay, county public works director, will ask for approval to award the bid for a new Enterprise Asset Management system to OpenGov, replacing the county’s outdated system.The system would improve workflow across public works divisions under a proposed five-year contract. The roughly $176,490 cost would be covered using the department’s remaining 2025 budget allocations.<h2>Other business</h2>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will give updates from the university.Two property owners will meet with the commission to discuss Wheatland Avenue, which runs north of Fort Hays State Tech North Central to 27th Street. They are seeking clarification on who is responsible for maintaining the road.The commission will be asked to approve the annual review of the Ellis County Solid Waste Management Plan, which includes minor updates.The Gemini Juniors 4-H club, with support from a local Scout troop, will ask for permission to decorate the trees just North of the Hays Public Library. This continues an annual tradition.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-713">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to consider increasing hazardous waste rates

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">strikes</a>&nbsp;against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, citing a published report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of a Sept. 2 attack.

The lawmakers said they did not know whether last week's Washington Post report was true, and some Republicans were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.

“This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-airspace-faa-maduro-pressure-campaign-39d624a0f5d5422cdfb62826a5a56373">have opened investigations</a>.

“Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,” Turner said.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Sunday evening while flying back to Washington from Florida, where he celebrated Thanksgiving, confirmed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The U.S. administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Maduro. Trump also is weighing whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.

Trump declined to comment on details of the call, which was first reported by The New York Times.

“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked about the call.

The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the call with Trump.

Turner said there are concerns in Congress about the attacks on vessels that the Trump administration says are transporting drugs, but the allegation regarding the Sept. 2 attack “is completely outside anything that has been discussed with Congress and there is an ongoing investigation.”

The comments from lawmakers during news show appearances come as the administration escalates a campaign to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. On Saturday, Trump said the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Maduro. Maduro's government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat” and seeking to undermine the South American country’s sovereignty.

After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”

"Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command," Hegseth wrote.

Trump said on Sunday the administration “will look into” the matter but added, “I wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike.” The president also defended Hegseth.

“Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” Trump said. He added, “And I believe him.”

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee “will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”

That was followed Saturday with the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, and the ranking Democratic member, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, issuing a joint statement saying the panel was committed to “providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s military operations in the Caribbean.”

“We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question,” Rogers and Smith said, referring to U.S. Southern Command.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., asked about the Sept. 2 attack, said Hegseth deserves a chance to present his side.

“We should get to the truth. I don’t think he would be foolish enough to make this decision to say, kill everybody, kill the survivors because that’s a clear violation of the law of war,” Bacon said. “So, I’m very suspicious that he would’ve done something like that because it would go against common sense.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756850570919.png" alt="U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat Sept. 2-image from Department of War" />
 <figcaption>U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat Sept. 2-image from Department of War</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">strikes</a>&nbsp;against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, citing a published report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of a Sept. 2 attack.The lawmakers said they did not know whether last week's Washington Post report was true, and some Republicans were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.“This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-airspace-faa-maduro-pressure-campaign-39d624a0f5d5422cdfb62826a5a56373">have opened investigations</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764605216020.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,” Turner said.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Sunday evening while flying back to Washington from Florida, where he celebrated Thanksgiving, confirmed that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.The U.S. administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Maduro. Trump also is weighing whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.Trump declined to comment on details of the call, which was first reported by The New York Times.“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked about the call.The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the call with Trump.Turner said there are concerns in Congress about the attacks on vessels that the Trump administration says are transporting drugs, but the allegation regarding the Sept. 2 attack “is completely outside anything that has been discussed with Congress and there is an ongoing investigation.”The comments from lawmakers during news show appearances come as the administration escalates a campaign to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. On Saturday, Trump said the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Maduro. Maduro's government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat” and seeking to undermine the South American country’s sovereignty.After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that “fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”"Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict—and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command," Hegseth wrote.Trump said on Sunday the administration “will look into” the matter but added, “I wouldn’t have wanted that — not a second strike.” The president also defended Hegseth.“Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” Trump said. He added, “And I believe him.”Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee “will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”That was followed Saturday with the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, and the ranking Democratic member, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, issuing a joint statement saying the panel was committed to “providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s military operations in the Caribbean.”“We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question,” Rogers and Smith said, referring to U.S. Southern Command.Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., asked about the Sept. 2 attack, said Hegseth deserves a chance to present his side.“We should get to the truth. I don’t think he would be foolish enough to make this decision to say, kill everybody, kill the survivors because that’s a clear violation of the law of war,” Bacon said. “So, I’m very suspicious that he would’ve done something like that because it would go against common sense.”

Congress steps in as questions mount over Sept. drug boat attack

The Hays Eagle Media Center will be closed today and New Year's Day.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post!

The Hays Eagle Media Center will be closed today and New Year's Day.Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post!

Hays Eagle Media Center closed today, New Year's Day

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Two inches of snow had fallen in Hays as of 8 this morning, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect until noon today.

Additional snowfall accumulation of up to an inch is possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Affected counties include Trego, Ellis, Ness, Rush, Pawnee and Stafford.&nbsp;

Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions.

The National Weather Service suggests you slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state are available by calling 5 1 1.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury, the National Weather Service said.

The high for today is forecast to be 30 with an overnight low of 16.

Expect a thaw on Tuesday with a high of 48 and partly cloudy with highs in the mid- to upper 30s on Wednesday and Thursday.

The melted snow will equal .15 inches of moisture. Year to date, Hays has received 26.43 inches of moisture compared with a yearly average of 24.03 inches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764592199026.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTwo inches of snow had fallen in Hays as of 8 this morning, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.A winter weather advisory will be in effect until noon today.Additional snowfall accumulation of up to an inch is possible, according to the National Weather Service.Affected counties include Trego, Ellis, Ness, Rush, Pawnee and Stafford.&nbsp;Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions.The National Weather Service suggests you slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state are available by calling 5 1 1.Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury, the National Weather Service said.The high for today is forecast to be 30 with an overnight low of 16.Expect a thaw on Tuesday with a high of 48 and partly cloudy with highs in the mid- to upper 30s on Wednesday and Thursday.The melted snow will equal .15 inches of moisture. Year to date, Hays has received 26.43 inches of moisture compared with a yearly average of 24.03 inches.

Snow falls overnight in Hays; thaw expected Tuesday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays students are finding new confidence and career paths through Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas as early as middle school.

Hays High School has offered the program for about a decade. JAG-K Career Specialist for Hays Middle School, Sally Giddens, said this is the program’s first year at the middle school.

"JAG-K states that the students we serve are anyone who has a need, want or can benefit from the JAG program," Giddens said.

JAG-K is a nonprofit that partners with schools to provide an elective course to support students at risk of not graduating.

The program offers academic support, career exploration and leadership development to help students successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service or the workforce.

JAG-K Career Specialist Bryan Zollinger said Hays High students must meet at least six selection criteria to qualify for the program.

"It could be that you come from a low-income family, somebody in your family is incarcerated, maybe you're from the bottom quadrant of class rank. Students who are not doing well for one reason or another, but have the potential to do well," Zollinger said.

According to JAG-K, among the class of 2024 in Kansas, 36% of students come from single-parent households, 57% are students of color, 44% rank in the bottom quarter of their class and 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch.

Giddens said she oversees 58 students and focuses on building their skill sets. Her class completes monthly objectives centered on communication, decision-making and organizational skills.

Giddens said JAG-K places a strong emphasis on student voice and student choice.

"Ideally, they help me create who our guest speakers will be that month and who they want to learn from," she said.

Giddens said students regularly engage with local employers and take part in service projects. Recent activities include touring an Ellis County EMS ambulance and helping with football game set-ups and clean-ups.

Her students are scheduled to ring bells for the Salvation Army on three dates in December.

One recent speaker at the middle school was Remy Stull, a young barber at Fade Factory in Hays and a former JAG-K student. He also presented to JAG-K students at the high school on the same day Hays Post interviewed Zollinger.

Zollinger said the high school program has grown quickly since he started five years ago, expanding from 35 students to 120, with about 180 students now participating districtwide.

"We do what is called project-based learning. We don't have a textbook. We look at the competencies, and then we develop projects that teach those competencies," Zollinger said.

Zollinger said that last year, students engaged with 170 businesses, ranging from tours and guest speakers to job shadows, internships and apprenticeships. This is in addition to community service hours throughout the year.

"It's very student-centered. If we have a kid who's interested in automotive technology and repair, they can develop a project to cover those competencies," he said. "We do a lot of financial literacy education to hopefully keep them out of credit card debt, teach them how to save money, invest money and budget."

Zollinger said the program also offers a 12-month follow-up period after graduation, allowing him to stay in contact with students and help with tasks such as college applications and job opportunities.

According to JAG-K, the class of 2024 statewide exceeded national standards in the top measured success categories:

98% graduation rate 78% employement 67% further education

Zollinger works alongside JAG-K Career Specialist Ashley Kazenbach at the high school. Giddens said her middle school roster is nearing its limit of about 60 students, and she expects it to be at full capacity next semester.

Giddens emphasized that the program is not for “bad kids,” but for any students who may face challenges in different areas of their education.

"They all have a need, and they can all benefit from this program," she said. "That's something that's really special and different about this program that students may not always get in the normal classroom setting."

There are 121 JAG-K programs in the state serving 6,500 students for the 2025-26 school year, according to JAG-K.&nbsp;

You can learn more about JAG-K on its <a href="https://jagkansas.org/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764177974244.jpeg" alt="Hays High School students in the Jobs for American Graduates-Kansas program listening to a guest speaker. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School students in the Jobs for American Graduates-Kansas program listening to a guest speaker. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHays students are finding new confidence and career paths through Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas as early as middle school.Hays High School has offered the program for about a decade. JAG-K Career Specialist for Hays Middle School, Sally Giddens, said this is the program’s first year at the middle school."JAG-K states that the students we serve are anyone who has a need, want or can benefit from the JAG program," Giddens said.JAG-K is a nonprofit that partners with schools to provide an elective course to support students at risk of not graduating.The program offers academic support, career exploration and leadership development to help students successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service or the workforce.JAG-K Career Specialist Bryan Zollinger said Hays High students must meet at least six selection criteria to qualify for the program."It could be that you come from a low-income family, somebody in your family is incarcerated, maybe you're from the bottom quadrant of class rank. Students who are not doing well for one reason or another, but have the potential to do well," Zollinger said.According to JAG-K, among the class of 2024 in Kansas, 36% of students come from single-parent households, 57% are students of color, 44% rank in the bottom quarter of their class and 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch.Giddens said she oversees 58 students and focuses on building their skill sets. Her class completes monthly objectives centered on communication, decision-making and organizational skills.Giddens said JAG-K places a strong emphasis on student voice and student choice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764341674298.jpeg" alt="Hays Middle School students in the JAG-K program with Ellis County EMS. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Middle School students in the JAG-K program with Ellis County EMS. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764341695777.jpeg" alt="A Hays Middle School student with the JAG-K program on a wheelchair. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A Hays Middle School student with the JAG-K program on a wheelchair. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"Ideally, they help me create who our guest speakers will be that month and who they want to learn from," she said.Giddens said students regularly engage with local employers and take part in service projects. Recent activities include touring an Ellis County EMS ambulance and helping with football game set-ups and clean-ups.Her students are scheduled to ring bells for the Salvation Army on three dates in December.One recent speaker at the middle school was Remy Stull, a young barber at Fade Factory in Hays and a former JAG-K student. He also presented to JAG-K students at the high school on the same day Hays Post interviewed Zollinger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764178033178.jpeg" alt="Remy Stull, barber at Fade Factory in Hays, giving a presentation to Hays High School students in the JAG-K program about his career after high school. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Remy Stull, barber at Fade Factory in Hays, giving a presentation to Hays High School students in the JAG-K program about his career after high school. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Zollinger said the high school program has grown quickly since he started five years ago, expanding from 35 students to 120, with about 180 students now participating districtwide."We do what is called project-based learning. We don't have a textbook. We look at the competencies, and then we develop projects that teach those competencies," Zollinger said.Zollinger said that last year, students engaged with 170 businesses, ranging from tours and guest speakers to job shadows, internships and apprenticeships. This is in addition to community service hours throughout the year."It's very student-centered. If we have a kid who's interested in automotive technology and repair, they can develop a project to cover those competencies," he said. "We do a lot of financial literacy education to hopefully keep them out of credit card debt, teach them how to save money, invest money and budget."Zollinger said the program also offers a 12-month follow-up period after graduation, allowing him to stay in contact with students and help with tasks such as college applications and job opportunities.According to JAG-K, the class of 2024 statewide exceeded national standards in the top measured success categories:98% graduation rate 78% employement 67% further education Zollinger works alongside JAG-K Career Specialist Ashley Kazenbach at the high school. Giddens said her middle school roster is nearing its limit of about 60 students, and she expects it to be at full capacity next semester.Giddens emphasized that the program is not for “bad kids,” but for any students who may face challenges in different areas of their education."They all have a need, and they can all benefit from this program," she said. "That's something that's really special and different about this program that students may not always get in the normal classroom setting."There are 121 JAG-K programs in the state serving 6,500 students for the 2025-26 school year, according to JAG-K.&nbsp;You can learn more about JAG-K on its <a href="https://jagkansas.org/">website</a>.

JAG-K program expands to Hays Middle School

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

GREENSBURG — Hanover captured the Eight-Man Division II state championship with a 28-20 win over previously unbeaten Victoria on Saturday, but the Wildcats had to survive a four-quarter fight from a Knights team that refused to go away. Victoria, seeking its eighth state title and its first since 2015, controlled long stretches of the game and repeatedly put Hanover on its heels with physical defense and trademark ball-control drives.

Victoria (11-1) struck first after stuffing Hanover on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone, a momentum-setting play delivered by Weston Scherrer. The Knights marched 59 yards in 11 plays and took a 6-0 lead on Scherrer’s 20-yard touchdown run with five seconds left in the first quarter. Through one, Victoria had outgained Hanover and looked fully in command.

Hanover (13-0) responded with a grinding 13-play drive to tie the game, but the Knights again pushed deep into Wildcat territory before a turnover on downs swung momentum. Hanover struck immediately with trickery, as receiver Braylon Meyn threw the first of his two touchdown passes — a 45-yard strike to Lanxden Stallbaumer — to take a 12-6 halftime lead.

Victoria opened the second half with another long drive, and while it came up empty, the Knights grabbed the lead moments later. Ethan VonLintel jumped a route and returned an interception 23 yards for a pick-six, putting Victoria back on top 14-12 with 6:19 left in the third.

Hanover answered quickly, but Victoria’s response was textbook Knights football: a 14-play, 65-yard march capped by Scherrer’s second touchdown, tying the game at 20 early in the fourth. The senior finished with 126 rushing yards and carried the offense through much of the night.

But Hanover’s misdirection and trick plays proved the difference. After a Victoria interception, Meyn struck again — this time a 52-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Kickhaefer with 4:30 remaining. It was the Wildcats’ third score of 45 yards or more and their second touchdown thrown by a0 wide receiver.

Victoria had two more chances, including a final possession with 1:43 to play, but Kickhaefer sealed the title with his second interception of the fourth. The Wildcats kneeled out the remaining time to secure their eighth state championship and first since 2020.

Despite the loss, Victoria outgained Hanover on the ground 201–76, held the Wildcats to just one red-zone touchdown, and controlled the clock for most of the game. Scherrer, Mason Mauch, and the Knights’ offensive line powered a rushing attack that kept them within reach until the final minute.

Hanover finished with 228 passing yards — 97 of them from Meyn’s two trick-play touchdowns — and overcame a pick-six to complete a perfect 13-0 season. Victoria, with one of the state’s most disciplined defenses and a senior class of 10, closes its season 11-1 after pushing the unbeaten Wildcats to the wire.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsGREENSBURG — Hanover captured the Eight-Man Division II state championship with a 28-20 win over previously unbeaten Victoria on Saturday, but the Wildcats had to survive a four-quarter fight from a Knights team that refused to go away. Victoria, seeking its eighth state title and its first since 2015, controlled long stretches of the game and repeatedly put Hanover on its heels with physical defense and trademark ball-control drives.Victoria (11-1) struck first after stuffing Hanover on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone, a momentum-setting play delivered by Weston Scherrer. The Knights marched 59 yards in 11 plays and took a 6-0 lead on Scherrer’s 20-yard touchdown run with five seconds left in the first quarter. Through one, Victoria had outgained Hanover and looked fully in command.Hanover (13-0) responded with a grinding 13-play drive to tie the game, but the Knights again pushed deep into Wildcat territory before a turnover on downs swung momentum. Hanover struck immediately with trickery, as receiver Braylon Meyn threw the first of his two touchdown passes — a 45-yard strike to Lanxden Stallbaumer — to take a 12-6 halftime lead.Victoria opened the second half with another long drive, and while it came up empty, the Knights grabbed the lead moments later. Ethan VonLintel jumped a route and returned an interception 23 yards for a pick-six, putting Victoria back on top 14-12 with 6:19 left in the third.Hanover answered quickly, but Victoria’s response was textbook Knights football: a 14-play, 65-yard march capped by Scherrer’s second touchdown, tying the game at 20 early in the fourth. The senior finished with 126 rushing yards and carried the offense through much of the night.But Hanover’s misdirection and trick plays proved the difference. After a Victoria interception, Meyn struck again — this time a 52-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Kickhaefer with 4:30 remaining. It was the Wildcats’ third score of 45 yards or more and their second touchdown thrown by a0 wide receiver.Victoria had two more chances, including a final possession with 1:43 to play, but Kickhaefer sealed the title with his second interception of the fourth. The Wildcats kneeled out the remaining time to secure their eighth state championship and first since 2020.Despite the loss, Victoria outgained Hanover on the ground 201–76, held the Wildcats to just one red-zone touchdown, and controlled the clock for most of the game. Scherrer, Mason Mauch, and the Knights’ offensive line powered a rushing attack that kept them within reach until the final minute.Hanover finished with 228 passing yards — 97 of them from Meyn’s two trick-play touchdowns — and overcame a pick-six to complete a perfect 13-0 season. Victoria, with one of the state’s most disciplined defenses and a senior class of 10, closes its season 11-1 after pushing the unbeaten Wildcats to the wire.

🏈Meyn’s trick-play magic lifts Hanover past Victoria in 8-Man Division II title thriller

NEW YORK (AP) — Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-friday-shopping-sales-prices-deals-bbefeb75238596fa23ee59c3f647c361">wider economic uncertainty</a>&nbsp;hovering above this year's holiday season, shoppers turned out in big numbers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-friday-deals-holiday-shopping-2d85fcbab82d71ecd930b6fe1060f3c1">for Black Friday</a>&nbsp;— spending billions of dollars both in stores and online.

Adobe Analytics, which tracks e-commerce, said U.S. consumers spent a record $11.8 billion online Friday, marking a 9.1% jump from last year. Traffic particularly piled up between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time nationwide, when $12.5 million passed through online shopping carts every minute.

Consumers also spent a record $6.4 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, per Adobe. Top categories that saw an uptick in sales across both days included video game consoles, electronics and home appliances. Shopping services powered by artificial intelligence and social media advertising have also particularly influenced what consumers choose to buy, the firm said.

Meanwhile, software company Salesforce — which tracks digital spending from a range of retailers, including grocers — estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $18 billion in the U.S. and $79 billion globally. And e-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $6.2 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $5.1 million per minute — with top categories including cosmetics and clothing, according to the Canadian company.

Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 4.1% from a year ago. The retail sales indicator, which is not adjusted for inflation, showed online sales jumped by double digits (10.4%), while in-store purchases inched up 1.7%.

Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, said consumers are “navigating an uncertain environment” this holiday season “by shopping early, leveraging promotions, and investing in wish-list items.”

Black Friday is far from the sales event that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-is-black-friday-2024-holiday-shopping-7a1d3de4b7eeebe9a93d0aef29b12ac1">created midnight mall crowds or doorbuster mayhem</a>&nbsp;just decades ago. More and more consumers have instead turned to online deals to make post-Thanksgiving purchases from the comfort of their own homes — or opt to stretch out spending across longer promotions now offered by retailers.

In-store traffic has dwindled over the years. Initial data from RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in physical stores, found that U.S. Black Friday traffic fell 3.6% compared to 2024. Still, the firm noted that was “notably better” than a sharper 6.2% decline it saw in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, found that in-store retail visits dipped 2.1% — but said that was in line with expectations and trends already seen this year. Traffic over the week of Black Friday was up nearly 57% compared to the week prior, per Sensormatic.

“Black Friday has really turned into like a full week event, or even further,” said Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions. And “Black Friday is really the start of just a really and critical stretch for retailers,” he added — noting that the weekend following Thanksgiving, as well as the days leading up to Christmas next month, will also be some of the busiest in terms of in-store traffic.

Meanwhile, in terms of e-commerce, Adobe expects U.S. shoppers to spend another $5.5 billion Saturday and $5.9 billion on Sunday — before reaching an estimated $14.2 billion peak on Cyber Monday, which would mark yet another record.

Still, rising prices could be contributing to some of those numbers. U.S. President Donald Trump’s barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">tariffs</a>&nbsp;on foreign imports&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-tariffs-small-business-d4df6f00651eb33ea5d97fad5d7273d6">have strained businesses</a>&nbsp;and households alike over the last year. And despite spending more overall, Salesforce found U.S. shoppers purchased fewer items at checkout on Black Friday (down 2% from last year). Order volumes also slipped 1%, the firm noted, as average selling prices climbed 7%.

This year’s holiday spending rush arrives amid heightened economic uncertainty for consumers. Beyond tariffs, workers across public and private sectors are also struggling with anxieties over job security — amid both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-us-economy-job-numbers-cd9d657cb7d7b4429f2c8346e18f8840">corporate layoffs</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-thanksgiving-holiday-7a812cfb02cadf5f61ebab0b4784d8e2">after-effects of the 43-day government shutdown</a>.

An uptick in budget-conscious behavior can also be seen in store traffic. While Sensormatic doesn’t track spending, “we do track consumer footsteps,” Gustafson notes — and “consumers are thinking a little bit harder about their purchases” this year, he explains, “to make sure that they’re getting their very best deals.”

For the November-December holiday season overall, the National Retail Federation estimates U.S. shoppers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-retail-federation-holiday-forecast-tariffs-inflation-de5b851a009fed78b446676c1d944853">will spend more than $1 trillion</a>&nbsp;for the first time this year. But the rate of growth is slowing — with an anticipated increase of 3.7% to 4.2% year over year, compared to 4.3% in 2024’s holiday season.

At the same time, credit card debt and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-missed-payments-regulation-f7fd30f2a0e900460919fad76a1e0dbf">delinquencies on other short-term loans</a>&nbsp;have been rising. And more and more shoppers are turning to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-loans-installments-02852578a991fb0d31879acd0b687e0d">“buy now, pay later” plans</a>, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764503654489.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-friday-shopping-sales-prices-deals-bbefeb75238596fa23ee59c3f647c361">wider economic uncertainty</a>&nbsp;hovering above this year's holiday season, shoppers turned out in big numbers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-friday-deals-holiday-shopping-2d85fcbab82d71ecd930b6fe1060f3c1">for Black Friday</a>&nbsp;— spending billions of dollars both in stores and online.Adobe Analytics, which tracks e-commerce, said U.S. consumers spent a record $11.8 billion online Friday, marking a 9.1% jump from last year. Traffic particularly piled up between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time nationwide, when $12.5 million passed through online shopping carts every minute.Consumers also spent a record $6.4 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, per Adobe. Top categories that saw an uptick in sales across both days included video game consoles, electronics and home appliances. Shopping services powered by artificial intelligence and social media advertising have also particularly influenced what consumers choose to buy, the firm said.Meanwhile, software company Salesforce — which tracks digital spending from a range of retailers, including grocers — estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $18 billion in the U.S. and $79 billion globally. And e-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $6.2 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $5.1 million per minute — with top categories including cosmetics and clothing, according to the Canadian company.Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 4.1% from a year ago. The retail sales indicator, which is not adjusted for inflation, showed online sales jumped by double digits (10.4%), while in-store purchases inched up 1.7%.Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, said consumers are “navigating an uncertain environment” this holiday season “by shopping early, leveraging promotions, and investing in wish-list items.”Black Friday is far from the sales event that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-is-black-friday-2024-holiday-shopping-7a1d3de4b7eeebe9a93d0aef29b12ac1">created midnight mall crowds or doorbuster mayhem</a>&nbsp;just decades ago. More and more consumers have instead turned to online deals to make post-Thanksgiving purchases from the comfort of their own homes — or opt to stretch out spending across longer promotions now offered by retailers.In-store traffic has dwindled over the years. Initial data from RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in physical stores, found that U.S. Black Friday traffic fell 3.6% compared to 2024. Still, the firm noted that was “notably better” than a sharper 6.2% decline it saw in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, found that in-store retail visits dipped 2.1% — but said that was in line with expectations and trends already seen this year. Traffic over the week of Black Friday was up nearly 57% compared to the week prior, per Sensormatic.“Black Friday has really turned into like a full week event, or even further,” said Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions. And “Black Friday is really the start of just a really and critical stretch for retailers,” he added — noting that the weekend following Thanksgiving, as well as the days leading up to Christmas next month, will also be some of the busiest in terms of in-store traffic.Meanwhile, in terms of e-commerce, Adobe expects U.S. shoppers to spend another $5.5 billion Saturday and $5.9 billion on Sunday — before reaching an estimated $14.2 billion peak on Cyber Monday, which would mark yet another record.Still, rising prices could be contributing to some of those numbers. U.S. President Donald Trump’s barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">tariffs</a>&nbsp;on foreign imports&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-tariffs-small-business-d4df6f00651eb33ea5d97fad5d7273d6">have strained businesses</a>&nbsp;and households alike over the last year. And despite spending more overall, Salesforce found U.S. shoppers purchased fewer items at checkout on Black Friday (down 2% from last year). Order volumes also slipped 1%, the firm noted, as average selling prices climbed 7%.This year’s holiday spending rush arrives amid heightened economic uncertainty for consumers. Beyond tariffs, workers across public and private sectors are also struggling with anxieties over job security — amid both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-us-economy-job-numbers-cd9d657cb7d7b4429f2c8346e18f8840">corporate layoffs</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-thanksgiving-holiday-7a812cfb02cadf5f61ebab0b4784d8e2">after-effects of the 43-day government shutdown</a>.An uptick in budget-conscious behavior can also be seen in store traffic. While Sensormatic doesn’t track spending, “we do track consumer footsteps,” Gustafson notes — and “consumers are thinking a little bit harder about their purchases” this year, he explains, “to make sure that they’re getting their very best deals.”For the November-December holiday season overall, the National Retail Federation estimates U.S. shoppers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-retail-federation-holiday-forecast-tariffs-inflation-de5b851a009fed78b446676c1d944853">will spend more than $1 trillion</a>&nbsp;for the first time this year. But the rate of growth is slowing — with an anticipated increase of 3.7% to 4.2% year over year, compared to 4.3% in 2024’s holiday season.At the same time, credit card debt and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-missed-payments-regulation-f7fd30f2a0e900460919fad76a1e0dbf">delinquencies on other short-term loans</a>&nbsp;have been rising. And more and more shoppers are turning to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-loans-installments-02852578a991fb0d31879acd0b687e0d">“buy now, pay later” plans</a>, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items.

Shoppers spend billions on Black Friday to snag holiday deals, despite wider economic uncertainty

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

What sat vacant for several months has been revived into a renewed cornerstone for floral services in Plainville, thanks to the Brewster family.

Joe and Lolly Brewster bought the location, 200 W. Mill St., after quietly eyeing it for four months. Lolly said an unexpected message soon arrived, setting their family on a new chapter.

"The realtor texted me in September of last year and asked, 'Do you have any interest?' and I said, 'How did you know?' because I've never pursued it," Lolly said.

Lolly said she has always loved floral design, landscaping and interior design, but she never envisioned her niche becoming a career. Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals carries locally made items along with a variety of other gifts and décor available for delivery.

Their inventory includes custom seasonal arrangements, roses and a variety of wrapped bouquets. The shop’s shelves are lined with gifts such as stuffed animals, popcorn, candles, health and beauty items, religious items and seasonal décor.

The Brewster family began remodeling as soon as they purchased the shop on Nov. 21, 2024, but chose to remain open throughout the process to ensure Rooks County continued to have access to its floral services. The business was previously known as Mill Street Market.

Paradise Flats celebrated its one-year anniversary this month with an open house.

"We're very grateful to Deanna Hammerschmidt, the previous owner, and Carol Van Dyke, the owner before Deanna. We've learned from both of them and it's been very beneficial," Lolly said.

Its floral services cover a wide range of holidays and occasions. These include prom, homecoming, graduations and cemetery arrangements with delivery. The shop also provides tuxedo rentals and purchases through Jim’s Formal Wear, with measurements done in-house.

The shop also offers subscription packages for recurring monthly flower deliveries. With the first order, customers receive a vase that is reused for each subsequent arrangement.

The family of eight runs the business together, handling in-store services and social media marketing. Lolly said their family was deeply rooted in the community long before purchasing the shop and continues to strengthen those ties through their relationships with customers.

Joe said, "We wanted to provide a place where people could still shop locally versus going to Hays or Phillipsburg."

"We're not professionals by any means, but we try to serve our community," Lolly said.

Lolly graduated from Plainville High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washburn University. She spent about 11 years in the nursing field before stepping away as their family grew to six children.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You can view Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals' services on its <a href="https://plainvilleflowers.com/">website</a>&nbsp;and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paradiseflatsgifts/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349710524.jpeg" alt="The Brewster family at their Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals shop in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Brewster family at their Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals shop in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWhat sat vacant for several months has been revived into a renewed cornerstone for floral services in Plainville, thanks to the Brewster family.Joe and Lolly Brewster bought the location, 200 W. Mill St., after quietly eyeing it for four months. Lolly said an unexpected message soon arrived, setting their family on a new chapter."The realtor texted me in September of last year and asked, 'Do you have any interest?' and I said, 'How did you know?' because I've never pursued it," Lolly said.Lolly said she has always loved floral design, landscaping and interior design, but she never envisioned her niche becoming a career. Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals carries locally made items along with a variety of other gifts and décor available for delivery.Their inventory includes custom seasonal arrangements, roses and a variety of wrapped bouquets. The shop’s shelves are lined with gifts such as stuffed animals, popcorn, candles, health and beauty items, religious items and seasonal décor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349761827.jpeg" alt="The inventory of&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The inventory of&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349786321.jpeg" alt="The inventory of Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The inventory of Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349858044.jpeg" alt="Candles, decorations, and health and beauty products at Paradise&nbsp;Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Candles, decorations, and health and beauty products at Paradise&nbsp;Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349823565.jpeg" alt="Toys and popcorn at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Toys and popcorn at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Brewster family began remodeling as soon as they purchased the shop on Nov. 21, 2024, but chose to remain open throughout the process to ensure Rooks County continued to have access to its floral services. The business was previously known as Mill Street Market.Paradise Flats celebrated its one-year anniversary this month with an open house."We're very grateful to Deanna Hammerschmidt, the previous owner, and Carol Van Dyke, the owner before Deanna. We've learned from both of them and it's been very beneficial," Lolly said.Its floral services cover a wide range of holidays and occasions. These include prom, homecoming, graduations and cemetery arrangements with delivery. The shop also provides tuxedo rentals and purchases through Jim’s Formal Wear, with measurements done in-house.The shop also offers subscription packages for recurring monthly flower deliveries. With the first order, customers receive a vase that is reused for each subsequent arrangement. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349901423.jpeg" alt="An arrangement of flowers from&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An arrangement of flowers from&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349886822.jpeg" alt="An arrangement of flowers from Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An arrangement of flowers from Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349930576.jpeg" alt="Candles, decorations and a tuxedo on display at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Candles, decorations and a tuxedo on display at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals in Plainville. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349954934.jpeg" alt="Toys at&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Toys at&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The family of eight runs the business together, handling in-store services and social media marketing. Lolly said their family was deeply rooted in the community long before purchasing the shop and continues to strengthen those ties through their relationships with customers.Joe said, "We wanted to provide a place where people could still shop locally versus going to Hays or Phillipsburg.""We're not professionals by any means, but we try to serve our community," Lolly said.Lolly graduated from Plainville High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washburn University. She spent about 11 years in the nursing field before stepping away as their family grew to six children.The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.You can view Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals' services on its <a href="https://plainvilleflowers.com/">website</a>&nbsp;and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paradiseflatsgifts/">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764350027636.jpeg" alt="Plants and mats at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Plants and mats at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349976070.jpeg" alt="Holiday decorations at&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holiday decorations at&nbsp;Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349996780.jpeg" alt="Holiday decorations at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holiday decorations at Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Paradise Flats Gifts & Florals blooms under new ownership

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. - Dan Makuna scored 18 points, Kyle Grill added 13 and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds and Juju Ramirez came off the bench to add 10 points to lead Fort Hays State to a&nbsp;92-44 win over Manhattan Christian on Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers moved to 5-1 overall with the win, their largest of the season. It's also the most points they've scored and fewest they've allowed this season.

Fort Hays State never trailed, scoring the game's first 10 points. They pushed the lead past 20 points at the 11:18 mark of the first half when Kyle Gill hit a 3-point field goal. FHSU lead by 27 (52-25) at the half, their largest halftime lead of the season.

The Tigers held MCC (5-2) scoreless for nearly six minutes to start the second half and eventually led by 52 points after a Tegan Curley basket with just over three minutes remaining.&nbsp;

All 13 Tigers that suited for the game played and scored. Lucas Hammeke dished out four assists and Muhamed Kante recorded four steals. The Tigers outshot the Thunder 55.9 percent overall to 28 percent. FHSU had 18 more rebounds had just nine turnovers compared to 23 for MCC.

Fort Hays State begins MIAA play next week on Thursday evening (Dec. 4) at Central Missouri. The trip will continue with a game at nationally ranked Washburn on Saturday (Dec. 6).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764459323008.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Tory Homan (24) looks to make a move in the second half against Manhattan Christian College on Saturday, November 29, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Hietmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Tory Homan (24) looks to make a move in the second half against Manhattan Christian College on Saturday, November 29, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Hietmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. - Dan Makuna scored 18 points, Kyle Grill added 13 and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds and Juju Ramirez came off the bench to add 10 points to lead Fort Hays State to a&nbsp;92-44 win over Manhattan Christian on Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.The Tigers moved to 5-1 overall with the win, their largest of the season. It's also the most points they've scored and fewest they've allowed this season.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2221227572&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-mbkb-coach-mark-johnson" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State never trailed, scoring the game's first 10 points. They pushed the lead past 20 points at the 11:18 mark of the first half when Kyle Gill hit a 3-point field goal. FHSU lead by 27 (52-25) at the half, their largest halftime lead of the season.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2221227374&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-mbkb-lucas-hammeke" title="Lucas Hammeke Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Lucas Hammeke Postgame vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)</a></div></div>The Tigers held MCC (5-2) scoreless for nearly six minutes to start the second half and eventually led by 52 points after a Tegan Curley basket with just over three minutes remaining.&nbsp;<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2221227257&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-mbkb-vs-manhattan" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Manhattan Christian College (Nov. 29, 2025)</a></div></div>All 13 Tigers that suited for the game played and scored. Lucas Hammeke dished out four assists and Muhamed Kante recorded four steals. The Tigers outshot the Thunder 55.9 percent overall to 28 percent. FHSU had 18 more rebounds had just nine turnovers compared to 23 for MCC.<h2>Up next</h2>Fort Hays State begins MIAA play next week on Thursday evening (Dec. 4) at Central Missouri. The trip will continue with a game at nationally ranked Washburn on Saturday (Dec. 6).

🏀 Tigers win fourth straight, roll past Thunder

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday said that the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. His government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat" and seeking to undermine the South American country's sovereignty.

The White House did not respond to questions about what Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, and it was unclear whether he was announcing a new policy or simply reinforcing the messaging around his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-us-trump-drugs-strikes-negotiations-70e6017cdde101d06ebbc15cbb5a44fd">campaign against Maduro</a>, which has involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-drugs-25000-lives-c6e4c750b0dc6f15d397d598c9bd169f">multiple strikes</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean on small boats accused of ferrying drugs as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carrier-venezuela-trump-ford-strikes-drugs-241ea9e039d717b9f80f793922cb7cc9">buildup of naval forces</a>&nbsp;in the region. More than 80 people have been killed in such strikes since early September.

The Republican president addressed his call for an aerial blockade to “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” rather than to Maduro.

Venezuela’s government said it “forcefully rejects” Trump’s claim about closing the airspace and that it was a “colonial threat” intended to undermine the country's "territorial integrity, aeronautical security and full sovereignty.”

The Foreign Ministry said “such declarations constitute a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act.”

The statement also said that U.S. immigration authorities had unilaterally suspended biweekly deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants. Following negotiations between the two governments, more than 13,000 Venezuelans have been deported to Venezuela this year on dozens of chartered flights, the latest of which arrived late Friday in Caracas, the capital, according to flight-tracking data.

International airlines last week began to cancel flights to Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration told pilots to be cautious flying around the country because of heightened military activity.

The FAA’s jurisdiction is generally limited to the United States and its territories. The agency does routinely warn pilots about the dangers of flying over areas with ongoing conflicts or military activity around the globe, as it did earlier this month with Venezuela. The FAA works with other countries and the International Civil Aviation Organization on international issues. The FAA and ICAO did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.

Trump's administration has sought to ratchet up pressure on Maduro. The U.S. government does not view Maduro as the legitimate leader of the oil-rich but increasingly impoverished South American nation and he faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.

U.S. forces have conducted bomber flights near Venezuela and the USS Gerald R. Ford, America's most advanced aircraft carrier, was sent to the area. The Ford rounds off the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">buildup of U.S. firepower</a>&nbsp;in the region in generations. With its arrival, the “Operation Southern Spear” mission includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines.

There are bipartisan calls for greater oversight of the U.S. military strikes against vessels in the region after The Washington Post reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of the Sept. 2 attack on suspected drug smugglers.

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee "will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”

Trump’s team has weighed both military and nonmilitary options with Venezuela, including covert action by the CIA.

Trump has publicly floated the idea of talking to Maduro. The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had spoken. The White House declined to answer questions about the conversation.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday said that the airspace “above and surrounding”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;should be considered as “closed in its entirety,” an assertion that raised more questions about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-cartel-soles-us-drugs-terrorist-f778922c04b4f514092bd29b91e77358">U.S. pressure</a>&nbsp;on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. His government accused Trump of making a ”colonial threat" and seeking to undermine the South American country's sovereignty.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/QdkpwonzHV">pic.twitter.com/QdkpwonzHV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1994749199989313659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The White House did not respond to questions about what Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, and it was unclear whether he was announcing a new policy or simply reinforcing the messaging around his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-us-trump-drugs-strikes-negotiations-70e6017cdde101d06ebbc15cbb5a44fd">campaign against Maduro</a>, which has involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-drugs-25000-lives-c6e4c750b0dc6f15d397d598c9bd169f">multiple strikes</a>&nbsp;in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean on small boats accused of ferrying drugs as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carrier-venezuela-trump-ford-strikes-drugs-241ea9e039d717b9f80f793922cb7cc9">buildup of naval forces</a>&nbsp;in the region. More than 80 people have been killed in such strikes since early September.The Republican president addressed his call for an aerial blockade to “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,” rather than to Maduro.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755651756653.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Venezuela’s government said it “forcefully rejects” Trump’s claim about closing the airspace and that it was a “colonial threat” intended to undermine the country's "territorial integrity, aeronautical security and full sovereignty.”The Foreign Ministry said “such declarations constitute a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act.”The statement also said that U.S. immigration authorities had unilaterally suspended biweekly deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants. Following negotiations between the two governments, more than 13,000 Venezuelans have been deported to Venezuela this year on dozens of chartered flights, the latest of which arrived late Friday in Caracas, the capital, according to flight-tracking data.International airlines last week began to cancel flights to Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration told pilots to be cautious flying around the country because of heightened military activity.The FAA’s jurisdiction is generally limited to the United States and its territories. The agency does routinely warn pilots about the dangers of flying over areas with ongoing conflicts or military activity around the globe, as it did earlier this month with Venezuela. The FAA works with other countries and the International Civil Aviation Organization on international issues. The FAA and ICAO did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.Trump's administration has sought to ratchet up pressure on Maduro. The U.S. government does not view Maduro as the legitimate leader of the oil-rich but increasingly impoverished South American nation and he faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.U.S. forces have conducted bomber flights near Venezuela and the USS Gerald R. Ford, America's most advanced aircraft carrier, was sent to the area. The Ford rounds off the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-buildup-caribbean-venezuela-ships-troops-810f6181371f53536c723ea562c5277c">buildup of U.S. firepower</a>&nbsp;in the region in generations. With its arrival, the “Operation Southern Spear” mission includes nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines.There are bipartisan calls for greater oversight of the U.S. military strikes against vessels in the region after The Washington Post reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of the Sept. 2 attack on suspected drug smugglers.Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and its top Democrat, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, said in a joint statement late Friday that the committee "will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.”Trump’s team has weighed both military and nonmilitary options with Venezuela, including covert action by the CIA.Trump has publicly floated the idea of talking to Maduro. The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had spoken. The White House declined to answer questions about the conversation.

President Trump declares Venezuela airspace closed

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7a.m. Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.

According to Kansas City, Kansas police, an SUV driven by a man in 60s was northbound in the 1300 Block of N 38th Street. The vehicle veered off the road into a parking lot and struck two posts.

First responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Police did n ot release his name of additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7a.m. Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.According to Kansas City, Kansas police, an SUV driven by a man in 60s was northbound in the 1300 Block of N 38th Street. The vehicle veered off the road into a parking lot and struck two posts.First responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Police did n ot release his name of additional details.

Driver dies after SUV crash in Kansas City parking lot

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted unanimously this week on several items that move forward with planned business and housing developments.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, presented recommendations to vacate DK Ranch Addition and a portion of Country Club Estates Sixth Addition for consideration of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition final plat. The project proposal also required the deannexation of DK Ranch and the annexation of Smoky Hill Plains Addition to streamline the property's legal description.

No comments were made during the public hearing for the deannexation.

Several current homeowners in the Columbine and 30th Street area had earlier expressed concerns about additional stormwater runoff and drainage through the new plat.

John Pyle told the commission that a group of neighbors met with Rohr, Curtis Deines, superintendent of the Planning &amp; Development Division, and Kate Armstrong, Planning &amp; Zoning technician, who explained the city's stormwater policy to them.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/343/Stormwater-Division">stormwater management regulations</a> are written so that the post-development cannot shed any more water than the pre-development, which happens through the mandatory retention area.

"They pretty much settled all our concerns," Pyle said. "They were very, very clear in explaining when we had a question...and just put our minds at ease."&nbsp;

The development is designed to have two points of access from Columbine and to include green space for the drainage way running north to south across the property. Street access to future 33rd Street improvements at the north end of the development will also be provided.

A multi-use path will be incorporated from 33rd Street south along Columbine to 27th Street, utilizing the stormwater drainage area/green space.

Also approved was a low bid award of $3.9 million from Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, for infrastructure in 90 acres owned by the city at Interstate 70 Exit 161.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Because the bid was about $1 million below budget, an upgrade of the 27th Street roadway from the intersection of 27th and Commerce to the new intersection of the internal street will be constructed for an additional $160,000. An additional $203,417 contingency will also be added.

Funding for construction services will be paid from general obligation bonds.&nbsp;A portion of the project will be funded with a $2 million state grant acquired by Grow Hays.

The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764349157470.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners with Toby Dougherty, city manager (at left) during the Nov. 25 commission meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners with Toby Dougherty, city manager (at left) during the Nov. 25 commission meeting. Photo by Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: New Hays housing and business developments begin moving forward" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ue2k9-19d44dd-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764348000590.png" alt="Smoky Hill Plains Addition. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill Plains Addition. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays city commissioners voted unanimously this week on several items that move forward with planned business and housing developments.Jesse Rohr, public works director, presented recommendations to vacate DK Ranch Addition and a portion of Country Club Estates Sixth Addition for consideration of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition final plat. The project proposal also required the deannexation of DK Ranch and the annexation of Smoky Hill Plains Addition to streamline the property's legal description.No comments were made during the public hearing for the deannexation.Several current homeowners in the Columbine and 30th Street area had earlier expressed concerns about additional stormwater runoff and drainage through the new plat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764347759276.jpeg" alt="John Pyle. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>John Pyle. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>John Pyle told the commission that a group of neighbors met with Rohr, Curtis Deines, superintendent of the Planning &amp; Development Division, and Kate Armstrong, Planning &amp; Zoning technician, who explained the city's stormwater policy to them.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/343/Stormwater-Division">stormwater management regulations</a> are written so that the post-development cannot shed any more water than the pre-development, which happens through the mandatory retention area."They pretty much settled all our concerns," Pyle said. "They were very, very clear in explaining when we had a question...and just put our minds at ease."&nbsp;The development is designed to have two points of access from Columbine and to include green space for the drainage way running north to south across the property. Street access to future 33rd Street improvements at the north end of the development will also be provided.A multi-use path will be incorporated from 33rd Street south along Columbine to 27th Street, utilizing the stormwater drainage area/green space.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764348900274.png" alt="Location of infrastructure to be developed on Hays-owned property northeast of Interstate 70 Exit 161. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Location of infrastructure to be developed on Hays-owned property northeast of Interstate 70 Exit 161. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>Also approved was a low bid award of $3.9 million from Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, for infrastructure in 90 acres owned by the city at Interstate 70 Exit 161.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because the bid was about $1 million below budget, an upgrade of the 27th Street roadway from the intersection of 27th and Commerce to the new intersection of the internal street will be constructed for an additional $160,000. An additional $203,417 contingency will also be added.Funding for construction services will be paid from general obligation bonds.&nbsp;A portion of the project will be funded with a $2 million state grant acquired by Grow Hays.The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development.

🎙New Hays housing and business developments begin moving forward 

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Dec. 7.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water, and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629384043919.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Dorrance American LegionDORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Dec. 7.Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water, and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.Call-in and carry-out orders are available by phoning 785-666-4275.&nbsp;Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.