Zane Thomas Wickham, age 34 of Hays, Kansas died September 28,
2025, in Hays. He was born March 17, 1991, in Pratt, Kansas to Robert J. and
Linda Baalman Wickham.

Zane grew up in Hays and was a 2009 graduate of Hays High School
where he excelled in many sports, including wrestling, baseball, and football.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Zane was never one to stay
still, whether on his side by side, or his motorcycle, he was always on the go.

He worked in the oil field as a pumper for TransPac Oil and
enjoyed the morning solitude and beautiful sunrises that Kansas is famous for
each and every workday.

His son and daughter brought him immense joy, and he loved
spending time with them and supporting them in all their activities.

Zane is survived by his children: Laytyn and Layney; his parents:
Robert J. and Linda Wickham, all of Hays; sister: Carissa (Dexter) Pfeifer and
their children: Nora and Navy of Olathe, KS. Aunts and Uncles: Carrie (Jeff)
Sutton of Buhler, KS, Connie (Gerold) Linenberger, Mike (Gail) Wickham, all of
Hays, KS, Kathy (Dave) Harb of FL, Dennis Baalman of Monument, KS, Rick (Joyce)
Baalman of Grinnell, KS, Roger Baalman of Hays, and VC McPhail of Cimmaron, KS.
He is also survived by his grandfather: Robert E. Wickham of Hays. His extended
family includes several nieces, nephews, and cousins that will miss him dearly.

He is preceded by his grandparents: Rosemary Wickham, Richard
Ballman, and Luetta Baalman, and his aunts: Sharon McPhail and Susan Baalman.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Memorial visitation will be from 1:30 PM until service time at
the Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow the services in St. Michael the
Archangel Catholic Cemetery - Hays.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to benefit Zane's
children's education - please make checks payable to Robert and Linda Wickham,
in care of the Funeral Chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759260035821.jpeg" alt="Zane Wickham" />
 <figcaption>Zane Wickham</figcaption>
 </figure>Zane Thomas Wickham, age 34 of Hays, Kansas died September 28,
2025, in Hays. He was born March 17, 1991, in Pratt, Kansas to Robert J. and
Linda Baalman Wickham.Zane grew up in Hays and was a 2009 graduate of Hays High School
where he excelled in many sports, including wrestling, baseball, and football.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Zane was never one to stay
still, whether on his side by side, or his motorcycle, he was always on the go.He worked in the oil field as a pumper for TransPac Oil and
enjoyed the morning solitude and beautiful sunrises that Kansas is famous for
each and every workday.His son and daughter brought him immense joy, and he loved
spending time with them and supporting them in all their activities.Zane is survived by his children: Laytyn and Layney; his parents:
Robert J. and Linda Wickham, all of Hays; sister: Carissa (Dexter) Pfeifer and
their children: Nora and Navy of Olathe, KS. Aunts and Uncles: Carrie (Jeff)
Sutton of Buhler, KS, Connie (Gerold) Linenberger, Mike (Gail) Wickham, all of
Hays, KS, Kathy (Dave) Harb of FL, Dennis Baalman of Monument, KS, Rick (Joyce)
Baalman of Grinnell, KS, Roger Baalman of Hays, and VC McPhail of Cimmaron, KS.
He is also survived by his grandfather: Robert E. Wickham of Hays. His extended
family includes several nieces, nephews, and cousins that will miss him dearly.He is preceded by his grandparents: Rosemary Wickham, Richard
Ballman, and Luetta Baalman, and his aunts: Sharon McPhail and Susan Baalman.Memorial Services will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Memorial visitation will be from 1:30 PM until service time at
the Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow the services in St. Michael the
Archangel Catholic Cemetery - Hays.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to benefit Zane's
children's education - please make checks payable to Robert and Linda Wickham,
in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Zane Wickham

Andrew J. 'Andy' Kuhn Jr.,&nbsp;age
73, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the
University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.

Andy was born on September 19, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Andrew and Clara Irene
(Hammerschmidt) Kuhn.&nbsp; On August 11, 1973, he married Wanda Dinkel of
Victoria, Kansas, and together they shared 52 wonderful years.

He grew up in Ellis, Kansas, and attended Thomas More Prep High School in
Hays, Kansas, graduating in 1971.&nbsp; He then graduated from North Central
Kansas Vo-Tech in Beloit, Kansas.

Throughout his career, Andy worked at King of the Road in Russell, Kansas,
Enersys and Heartland Building Center in Hays, Kansas, retiring in 2017.&nbsp;
He dedicated much of his life to serving his community, including leadership on
the St. Fidelis Parish Council in Victoria, Kansas, and helping with funeral
committee meals.&nbsp; He was also a proud member of the Victoria 3rd&nbsp;Degree
Knights of Columbus, and served as Grand Knight, a member of the 4th&nbsp;Degree
Assembly, and a volunteer at the Community Assistance Center in Hays.

During retirement, Andy and Wanda moved to Aurora, Colorado, to be closer to
their grandchildren.&nbsp; He treasured every moment spent taking them to
school and their activities, and he enjoyed walking his 'grand-dogs.'

Andy is survived by his wife, Wanda Kuhn; his daughter, Kristi Kuhn and
husband, Enrique Alvarez, Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren Ian and Nora
Alvarez, Denver, Colorado; his siblings, Norbert Kuhn, Hays, Kansas; Norman
Kuhn and wife, Kathy, Victoria, Kansas; Agneta Kuhn and Josita Dreiling, both
of Ellis, Kansas; and numerous nephews, nieces, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Clara Kuhn; his sister,
Lucille Kuhn; and sister-in-law, Rita Kuhn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas, with Celebrants, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. and Father Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap. Burial will follow at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

A Vigil Service will be at 6:00 P.M. Friday, followed by a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella rosary at 6:30 P.M. Friday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of Saint Fidelis or the Community Assistance Center of Hays, in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759250071289.jpeg" alt="Andrew Joseph 'Andy' Kuhn" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Joseph 'Andy' Kuhn</figcaption>
 </figure>Andrew J. 'Andy' Kuhn Jr.,&nbsp;age
73, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the
University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.Andy was born on September 19, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Andrew and Clara Irene
(Hammerschmidt) Kuhn.&nbsp; On August 11, 1973, he married Wanda Dinkel of
Victoria, Kansas, and together they shared 52 wonderful years.He grew up in Ellis, Kansas, and attended Thomas More Prep High School in
Hays, Kansas, graduating in 1971.&nbsp; He then graduated from North Central
Kansas Vo-Tech in Beloit, Kansas.Throughout his career, Andy worked at King of the Road in Russell, Kansas,
Enersys and Heartland Building Center in Hays, Kansas, retiring in 2017.&nbsp;
He dedicated much of his life to serving his community, including leadership on
the St. Fidelis Parish Council in Victoria, Kansas, and helping with funeral
committee meals.&nbsp; He was also a proud member of the Victoria 3rd&nbsp;Degree
Knights of Columbus, and served as Grand Knight, a member of the 4th&nbsp;Degree
Assembly, and a volunteer at the Community Assistance Center in Hays.During retirement, Andy and Wanda moved to Aurora, Colorado, to be closer to
their grandchildren.&nbsp; He treasured every moment spent taking them to
school and their activities, and he enjoyed walking his 'grand-dogs.'Andy is survived by his wife, Wanda Kuhn; his daughter, Kristi Kuhn and
husband, Enrique Alvarez, Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren Ian and Nora
Alvarez, Denver, Colorado; his siblings, Norbert Kuhn, Hays, Kansas; Norman
Kuhn and wife, Kathy, Victoria, Kansas; Agneta Kuhn and Josita Dreiling, both
of Ellis, Kansas; and numerous nephews, nieces, and in-laws.He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Clara Kuhn; his sister,
Lucille Kuhn; and sister-in-law, Rita Kuhn.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas, with Celebrants, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. and Father Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap. Burial will follow at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.A Vigil Service will be at 6:00 P.M. Friday, followed by a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella rosary at 6:30 P.M. Friday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of Saint Fidelis or the Community Assistance Center of Hays, in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Andrew Joseph 'Andy' Kuhn

WASHINGTON (AP) — A vote to swiftly end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed Wednesday, as Democrats in the Senate held firm to the party’s demands to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">fund health care</a>&nbsp;subsidies that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republicans refuse to provide.

The tally showed cracks in the Democrats' resolve on day one of the shutdown but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-10-1-2025">offered no breakthrough</a>. Blame was being cast on all sides. The White House and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep programs and services open, throwing the country into a new cycle of uncertainty.

Roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b62-d3e5-a399-ff7b4ce10000">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;were expected to be furloughed, with some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9c25-d394-abb9-bf2ff8a90000">potentially fired</a>&nbsp;by Trump's Republican administration. Many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/effects-of-government-shutdown-donald-trump-4a16fc477eb67b7cf7ac708e578146e3">offices will be shuttered</a>, perhaps permanently, as the president vows to "do things that are irreversible" to punish Democrats. Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ap%2C+deportations&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1151US1151&amp;oq=ap%2C+deportations&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIKCAQQABgKGBYYHjILCAUQABgWGB4YxwMyCwgGEAAYFhgeGMcDMgYIBxBFGEHSAQgzMzAxajBqN6gCCLACAfEFvyEijmQRltw&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">deportation agenda</a>&nbsp;is expected to run full speed ahead, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca5-d8db-af9f-bcbfbbfc0000">education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b5d-d3e5-a399-ff7d80870000">environmental</a>&nbsp;and other services sputter. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca8-d073-abdf-ddfdfb520000">economic fallout</a>&nbsp;is expected to ripple nationwide.

“I certainly pray they will come to their senses,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said, flanked by GOP leaders at the Capitol.

This is the third time Trump has presided over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a federal funding lapse</a>&nbsp;and the first since his return to the White House this year. His record underscores the polarizing divide over budget priorities in a political climate that rewards hard-line positions rather than more traditional compromises.

The Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-republicans-trump-fight-c4949dace66c18d6099b5e23fd98b049">picked this fight</a>, which was unusual for the party that prefers to keep government running, but their voters are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">eager to challenge</a>&nbsp;the president’s second-term agenda. Democrats are demanding funding for health care subsidies that are expiring for millions of people under the Affordable Care Act, causing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">insurance premiums to spike</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">refused to negotiate</a>&nbsp;and have encouraged Trump to steer clear of any talks. After convening a White House meeting this week with the Democratic leaders, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9afd-d8db-af9f-baff3ed90000">widely viewed as unserious and racist</a>.

“President Trump’s behavior has become more erratic and unhinged," Democratic leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Sen. Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said in a joint statement, calling for an “intervention" to get the country out of the shutdown. “Instead of negotiating a bipartisan agreement in good faith, he is obsessively posting crazed deepfake videos.”

Vice President JD Vance said Republicans want to resolve the health care issues that concern Democrats but will not negotiate until the government reopens.

“It's craziness, and people are going to suffer because of this,” Vance said Wednesday on the Fox News show “Fox &amp; Friends.”

What neither side has devised is an easy off-ramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure. The ramifications are certain to spread beyond the political arena, upending the lives of Americans who rely on the government for benefit payments, work contracts and the many services being thrown into turmoil.

Economic fallout expected to ripple nationwide

An economic jolt could be felt in a matter of days. The government is expected Friday to produce its monthly jobs report, which may or may not be delivered.

Wall Street&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-shutdown-trump-b4bddbf826a5eabee1113f62aeb5e25e">veered toward losses</a>&nbsp;before the opening bell Wednesday as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;went into effect just after midnight, but stocks drifted around their record highs later in the day.

Across the government, stoppages were getting underway. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russ Vought, directed agencies to execute plans not just for furloughs, which are typical during a federal funding lapse, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">mass firings</a>&nbsp;of federal workers. It’s part of the Trump administration’s mission, including its Department of Government Efficiency, to shrink the government.

The Medicare and Medicaid health care programs are expected to continue, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services. The Pentagon would still function. And most employees will stay on the job at the Department of Homeland Security.

But Trump has warned that the administration could focus on programs that are important to Democrats, “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.”

As agencies sort out which workers are essential, or not, Smithsonian museums are expected to stay open at least until Monday. A group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-burgum-superintendents-trash-b5109ba06f1cb3baef9370f585650136">former national park superintendents</a>&nbsp;urged the administration to close the parks to visitors, arguing that poorly staffed parks in a shutdown are a danger to the public and put park resources at risk.

Ahead of Wednesday’s start of the fiscal year, House Republicans had approved a temporary funding bill, over opposition from Democrats, to keep government running into mid-November while broader negotiations continue.

But that bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">failed repeatedly</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, including Wednesday, on a 55-45 vote. It needs 60 votes to advance, which requires cooperation between the two parties in a chamber where the GOP has a 53-47 majority. A Democratic bill also failed.

Divisions within the Democrats are apparent, as three senators again crossed over to join Republicans, signaling that Democratic leverage may be eroding. One Republican opposed the GOP plan.

During the roll call, an widening group of senators engaged in an intense conversation, including GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who has been talking with colleagues about the idea of a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies.

“It’s just one thought, and there are other ideas that are out there," Rounds said afterward.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, who has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue — but not as part of talks to keep the government open — is working to peel off more Democrats to his side.

The standoff is a political test for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Schumer</a>, who has drawn scorn from a restive base of left-flank voters pushing the party to hold firm in its demands for health care funding.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson</a>&nbsp;sent lawmakers home nearly two weeks ago after having passed the GOP bill, but said they would be back next week.

Trump, during his meeting with the congressional leaders, expressed surprise at the scope of the rising costs of health care, but Democrats left with no path toward talks.

During Trump’s first term, the nation endured its longest-ever shutdown, 35 days, over his demands for funds Congress refused to provide to build his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.

In 2013, the government shut down for 16 days during the Obama presidency over GOP demands to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Other closures date back decades.

Associated Press writers Matt Brown, Joey Cappelletti, Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and other AP reporters nationwide contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759340146038.jpeg" alt="Counting votes in the Senate on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Counting votes in the Senate on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A vote to swiftly end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed Wednesday, as Democrats in the Senate held firm to the party’s demands to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">fund health care</a>&nbsp;subsidies that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republicans refuse to provide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a> (D-NY): &quot;When I was majority leader, we never had one shutdown in four years. Not one. You know why? Because we worked with our Republican colleagues to find a way to keep the government funded.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yp98g17bLj">pic.twitter.com/yp98g17bLj</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1973413168450797571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tally showed cracks in the Democrats' resolve on day one of the shutdown but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-10-1-2025">offered no breakthrough</a>. Blame was being cast on all sides. The White House and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep programs and services open, throwing the country into a new cycle of uncertainty.Roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b62-d3e5-a399-ff7b4ce10000">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;were expected to be furloughed, with some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9c25-d394-abb9-bf2ff8a90000">potentially fired</a>&nbsp;by Trump's Republican administration. Many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/effects-of-government-shutdown-donald-trump-4a16fc477eb67b7cf7ac708e578146e3">offices will be shuttered</a>, perhaps permanently, as the president vows to "do things that are irreversible" to punish Democrats. Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ap%2C+deportations&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1151US1151&amp;oq=ap%2C+deportations&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIKCAQQABgKGBYYHjILCAUQABgWGB4YxwMyCwgGEAAYFhgeGMcDMgYIBxBFGEHSAQgzMzAxajBqN6gCCLACAfEFvyEijmQRltw&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">deportation agenda</a>&nbsp;is expected to run full speed ahead, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca5-d8db-af9f-bcbfbbfc0000">education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b5d-d3e5-a399-ff7d80870000">environmental</a>&nbsp;and other services sputter. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca8-d073-abdf-ddfdfb520000">economic fallout</a>&nbsp;is expected to ripple nationwide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;The reason why the American people&#39;s government is shut down is because Chuck Schumer is listening to the far-left radicals in his own party because he&#39;s terrified of a primary challenge.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FD2mbOakVI">pic.twitter.com/FD2mbOakVI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1973446837093769305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I certainly pray they will come to their senses,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said, flanked by GOP leaders at the Capitol.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a> (D-NY): &quot;When I was majority leader, we never had one shutdown in four years. Not one. You know why? Because we worked with our Republican colleagues to find a way to keep the government funded.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yp98g17bLj">pic.twitter.com/yp98g17bLj</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1973413168450797571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This is the third time Trump has presided over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a federal funding lapse</a>&nbsp;and the first since his return to the White House this year. His record underscores the polarizing divide over budget priorities in a political climate that rewards hard-line positions rather than more traditional compromises.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> (R-LA): &quot;Democrats in Congress have dragged our country into another reckless shutdown to satisfy their far-left base. That is the truth. Whether or not the government remains open or reopens is entirely up to them.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/FNj29KnIEU">pic.twitter.com/FNj29KnIEU</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1973402524691402961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Plenty of blame being thrown around</h2>The Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-republicans-trump-fight-c4949dace66c18d6099b5e23fd98b049">picked this fight</a>, which was unusual for the party that prefers to keep government running, but their voters are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">eager to challenge</a>&nbsp;the president’s second-term agenda. Democrats are demanding funding for health care subsidies that are expiring for millions of people under the Affordable Care Act, causing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">insurance premiums to spike</a>&nbsp;nationwide.Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">refused to negotiate</a>&nbsp;and have encouraged Trump to steer clear of any talks. After convening a White House meeting this week with the Democratic leaders, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9afd-d8db-af9f-baff3ed90000">widely viewed as unserious and racist</a>.“President Trump’s behavior has become more erratic and unhinged," Democratic leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Sen. Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said in a joint statement, calling for an “intervention" to get the country out of the shutdown. “Instead of negotiating a bipartisan agreement in good faith, he is obsessively posting crazed deepfake videos.”Vice President JD Vance said Republicans want to resolve the health care issues that concern Democrats but will not negotiate until the government reopens.“It's craziness, and people are going to suffer because of this,” Vance said Wednesday on the Fox News show “Fox &amp; Friends.”What neither side has devised is an easy off-ramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure. The ramifications are certain to spread beyond the political arena, upending the lives of Americans who rely on the government for benefit payments, work contracts and the many services being thrown into turmoil.<h2>Economic fallout expected to ripple nationwide</h2>An economic jolt could be felt in a matter of days. The government is expected Friday to produce its monthly jobs report, which may or may not be delivered.Wall Street&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-shutdown-trump-b4bddbf826a5eabee1113f62aeb5e25e">veered toward losses</a>&nbsp;before the opening bell Wednesday as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;went into effect just after midnight, but stocks drifted around their record highs later in the day.Across the government, stoppages were getting underway. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russ Vought, directed agencies to execute plans not just for furloughs, which are typical during a federal funding lapse, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">mass firings</a>&nbsp;of federal workers. It’s part of the Trump administration’s mission, including its Department of Government Efficiency, to shrink the government.<h2>What’s staying open and shutting down</h2>The Medicare and Medicaid health care programs are expected to continue, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services. The Pentagon would still function. And most employees will stay on the job at the Department of Homeland Security.But Trump has warned that the administration could focus on programs that are important to Democrats, “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.”As agencies sort out which workers are essential, or not, Smithsonian museums are expected to stay open at least until Monday. A group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-burgum-superintendents-trash-b5109ba06f1cb3baef9370f585650136">former national park superintendents</a>&nbsp;urged the administration to close the parks to visitors, arguing that poorly staffed parks in a shutdown are a danger to the public and put park resources at risk.<h2>No easy exit as health care costs soar</h2>Ahead of Wednesday’s start of the fiscal year, House Republicans had approved a temporary funding bill, over opposition from Democrats, to keep government running into mid-November while broader negotiations continue.But that bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">failed repeatedly</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, including Wednesday, on a 55-45 vote. It needs 60 votes to advance, which requires cooperation between the two parties in a chamber where the GOP has a 53-47 majority. A Democratic bill also failed.Divisions within the Democrats are apparent, as three senators again crossed over to join Republicans, signaling that Democratic leverage may be eroding. One Republican opposed the GOP plan.During the roll call, an widening group of senators engaged in an intense conversation, including GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who has been talking with colleagues about the idea of a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies.“It’s just one thought, and there are other ideas that are out there," Rounds said afterward.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, who has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue — but not as part of talks to keep the government open — is working to peel off more Democrats to his side.The standoff is a political test for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Schumer</a>, who has drawn scorn from a restive base of left-flank voters pushing the party to hold firm in its demands for health care funding.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson</a>&nbsp;sent lawmakers home nearly two weeks ago after having passed the GOP bill, but said they would be back next week.Trump, during his meeting with the congressional leaders, expressed surprise at the scope of the rising costs of health care, but Democrats left with no path toward talks.During Trump’s first term, the nation endured its longest-ever shutdown, 35 days, over his demands for funds Congress refused to provide to build his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.In 2013, the government shut down for 16 days during the Obama presidency over GOP demands to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Other closures date back decades.___Associated Press writers Matt Brown, Joey Cappelletti, Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and other AP reporters nationwide contributed to this report.

🎥Plenty of blame being thrown around over government shutdown

Scott William Heimann, 32, Hays, died Sunday, September 28,
2025 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

He was born August 24, 1993 in Shawnee, the son of William
H. and Teresa M. (Becker) Heimann.&nbsp; He
was a graduate of TMP-Marian High School with the class of 2012 and attended the
University of Kansas.&nbsp; Scott was a
Sergeant with the Hays Police Department and served as a member of the Special
Situation Response Team, High-Tech Crime Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children
Task Force and the Honor Guard.&nbsp; He was
also a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and an Eagle
Scout.&nbsp; On June 18, 2016, he was united
in marriage to Elizabeth Patricia “Beth” at St. Joseph Church.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was
very organized and constantly striving to do his best, especially as a husband
to Beth and a father to Victoria and Patrick.&nbsp;
He loved family bike rides, helping Beth around the house, and being a
dad.

Survivors include his wife Beth of Hays, his children
Victoria Sue and Patrick Jude Heimann of Hays, his parents Bill and Teresa
Heimann of Hays, two brothers Joseph Heimann and wife Megan and Jeffrey Heimann
and wife Brooklyn, all of Sheldon, Iowa, two sisters Natalie Brei and husband
Logan of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Bridget Heimann and fiancé Nolan Foust of
Wichita, his grandmother Mary Becker of Huron, his mother-in-law and
father-in-law Pamela and Travis Grizzell of Hays, sister-in-law Rebecca Dickson
and husband Justin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and his nieces and nephews Leah,
Chloe, Cora, Elsie, Caleb, Eli, Landry, and Jasper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his brother Andrew Heimann and
his grandparents Henry and Cecilia Heimann and Paul Becker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday,
October 3, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial with honors will
follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested for Scott’s
children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.&nbsp; Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Scott may be
shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759233631144.jpeg" alt="Scott William Hiemann" />
 <figcaption>Scott William Hiemann</figcaption>
 </figure>Scott William Heimann, 32, Hays, died Sunday, September 28,
2025 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.He was born August 24, 1993 in Shawnee, the son of William
H. and Teresa M. (Becker) Heimann.&nbsp; He
was a graduate of TMP-Marian High School with the class of 2012 and attended the
University of Kansas.&nbsp; Scott was a
Sergeant with the Hays Police Department and served as a member of the Special
Situation Response Team, High-Tech Crime Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children
Task Force and the Honor Guard.&nbsp; He was
also a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and an Eagle
Scout.&nbsp; On June 18, 2016, he was united
in marriage to Elizabeth Patricia “Beth” at St. Joseph Church.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was
very organized and constantly striving to do his best, especially as a husband
to Beth and a father to Victoria and Patrick.&nbsp;
He loved family bike rides, helping Beth around the house, and being a
dad.Survivors include his wife Beth of Hays, his children
Victoria Sue and Patrick Jude Heimann of Hays, his parents Bill and Teresa
Heimann of Hays, two brothers Joseph Heimann and wife Megan and Jeffrey Heimann
and wife Brooklyn, all of Sheldon, Iowa, two sisters Natalie Brei and husband
Logan of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Bridget Heimann and fiancé Nolan Foust of
Wichita, his grandmother Mary Becker of Huron, his mother-in-law and
father-in-law Pamela and Travis Grizzell of Hays, sister-in-law Rebecca Dickson
and husband Justin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and his nieces and nephews Leah,
Chloe, Cora, Elsie, Caleb, Eli, Landry, and Jasper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his brother Andrew Heimann and
his grandparents Henry and Cecilia Heimann and Paul Becker.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday,
October 3, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial with honors will
follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church.&nbsp; A vigil
service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested for Scott’s
children’s education with checks payable to F.O.P. Lodge 48.&nbsp; Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Scott may be
shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Scott William Heimann

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Ellis Co. RWD 1C public water supply system located in Ellis County.

This does not affect those customers who receive their water from the City of Hays.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on October 1, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

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

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-628-2186, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199a022ea63-1bd80ec1-c03d-4601-b957-f390024f89f4-000000/ToAKe-X5727ojZ7HWDa_7wESy4L4a9Mg7Zmd9085wHY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753780591198.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Ellis Co. RWD 1C public water supply system located in Ellis County.This does not affect those customers who receive their water from the City of Hays.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on October 1, 2025 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to maintenance in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-628-2186, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000199a022ea63-1bd80ec1-c03d-4601-b957-f390024f89f4-000000/ToAKe-X5727ojZ7HWDa_7wESy4L4a9Mg7Zmd9085wHY=425">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Ellis Co. Rural Water District 1C by KDHE

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Wednesday, October 1
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Thursday, October 2
 none

Friday, October 3
 KKQY: LaCrosse FB at
Quinter, 6:00pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Junction City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Smith Center, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, October 1
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 2
 noneFriday, October 3
 KKQY: LaCrosse FB at
Quinter, 6:00pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Junction City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Smith Center, 6:30pmSaturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pmSunday, October 5
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.

The government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation responded to the stalemate.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Appropriating is one of the primary responsibilities and necessities of the United States Senate. This is simple and straightforward. Tonight, Senate Democrats chose partisan issues over keeping the government open and hindered our ability to do the job that the American… <a href="https://t.co/QVvd2nFp5r">pic.twitter.com/QVvd2nFp5r</a>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1973185212277490072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Folks can visit <a href="https://t.co/EnP9ZApFyh">https://t.co/EnP9ZApFyh</a> for helpful resources or to share their stories. My team is ready to help however we can.&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1973236667390837066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/Hdqfg2OW61">pic.twitter.com/Hdqfg2OW61</a>&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1973184151965802850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight, Chuck Schumer chose his political livelihood over the American people. Losing an election means you don’t get to make $1 trillion ultimatums. <a href="https://t.co/7B6Q8mfMDX">pic.twitter.com/7B6Q8mfMDX</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1973204568340308265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Washington Democrats succeed in shutting down the government, our service members don’t get paid, our veterans will receive delayed health care, and vulnerable moms won’t get WIC. We should keep the government open, not force taxpayers to fund health care for illegal… <a href="https://t.co/1wKLoOLW2V">pic.twitter.com/1wKLoOLW2V</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1973169739762458882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House Republicans passed a clean funding bill two weeks ago. Our Senate Republican colleagues want to pass it too. A potential shutdown will be a Schumer Shutdown, created by Chuck Schumer and extremists in his party. <a href="https://t.co/Z7RxpwHHoH">https://t.co/Z7RxpwHHoH</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1973160854968475903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Kansas lawmakers respond to government shutdown

The Hays City Commission and USD 489 Board of Education (BOE) candidate election forum is set for Monday, October 6 at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University’s campus.

Candidates for the USD 489 BOE will open the forum at 6 p.m. and conclude by 7:00 p.m. After a 15-minute intermission including refreshments, Hays City Commission candidates will take the stage at 7:15 p.m. and will conclude by 8:45 p.m.

In a partnership with the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network, and The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, this election forum provides voters in the City of Hays and USD 489 district boundaries the opportunity to learn about each of the candidates and their stances on important community issues. A special thank you is extended to event sponsors Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News.

To submit questions in advance of the forum, email sarah@hayschamber.com.

Thank you to Tiger Media Network for offering a livestream/replay of the event for those who are unable to attend in person. The event link can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw">here:&nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw</a>

Important fall 2025 election dates and information:

· Early voting begins Tuesday, October 14th at the Ellis County Administration building located at 718 Main St. and ends at noon on Monday, November 3rd.

· Polling locations can be found here: https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations

· To view other races on the ballot and for general information, visit: <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election">https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722436916800.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chamber in HaysThe Hays City Commission and USD 489 Board of Education (BOE) candidate election forum is set for Monday, October 6 at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on Fort Hays State University’s campus.Candidates for the USD 489 BOE will open the forum at 6 p.m. and conclude by 7:00 p.m. After a 15-minute intermission including refreshments, Hays City Commission candidates will take the stage at 7:15 p.m. and will conclude by 8:45 p.m.In a partnership with the American Democracy Project, FHSU Student Government Association, FHSU Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Tiger Media Network, and The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, this election forum provides voters in the City of Hays and USD 489 district boundaries the opportunity to learn about each of the candidates and their stances on important community issues. A special thank you is extended to event sponsors Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News.To submit questions in advance of the forum, email sarah@hayschamber.com.Thank you to Tiger Media Network for offering a livestream/replay of the event for those who are unable to attend in person. The event link can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw">here:&nbsp;https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIXUNR_XQP7TX183o_vxCw</a>Important fall 2025 election dates and information:· Early voting begins Tuesday, October 14th at the Ellis County Administration building located at 718 Main St. and ends at noon on Monday, November 3rd.· Election day is November 4th.· Polling locations can be found here: https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations· To view other races on the ballot and for general information, visit: <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election">https://www.ellisco.net/759/2025-Election</a>.

Hays school board, city commission candidates public forum scheduled for Monday night

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. - The Hays High girls tennis team competed at the Valley Center Invitational Tuesday.

The No. 1 Doubles team of Mya Ploutz and Emersyn Sander led the way with a second place finish.

#1 Singles: Delia Dixon- 5th #2 Singles: Dakota Maier- 4th #1 Doubles: Mya Ploutz &amp; Emersyn Sander- 2nd #2 Doubles: Jadyn Younger &amp; Brynn Zweifel- 4th

HHS returns to action on Monday, October 6 at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Liberal.

Hays Post SportsVALLEY CENTER, Kan. - The Hays High girls tennis team competed at the Valley Center Invitational Tuesday.The No. 1 Doubles team of Mya Ploutz and Emersyn Sander led the way with a second place finish.Below are the HHS results.#1 Singles: Delia Dixon- 5th #2 Singles: Dakota Maier- 4th #1 Doubles: Mya Ploutz &amp; Emersyn Sander- 2nd #2 Doubles: Jadyn Younger &amp; Brynn Zweifel- 4thHHS returns to action on Monday, October 6 at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Liberal.

🎾 HHS competes in Valley Center

Timothy Francis Pechanec, born on December 19,
1954, in Great Bend, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in
Olathe, Kansas. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished
brother, and loyal friend. Timothy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor,
and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Timothy graduated from Otis-Bison High School in
1972 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University, where he continued to
build the foundation for a long and successful career. He served as a Senior
Account Representative at Wausau, where he was known for his professionalism,
integrity, and the relationships he built over the years.

Tim was known for his easygoing personality and
infectious sense of humor. A lifelong jokester, he brought laughter to any room
and joy to all who knew him. Whether he was tinkering in his barn, manning the
grill, camping under the stars, boating on the water, or planning the next
family adventure, Timothy embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He was an
avid reader, a devoted fan of westerns, and especially enjoyed watching the
History Channel.

On October 10, 1991, he married the love of his
life, Kimberley Jean (Rhodes) Pechanec, in Olathe, Kansas. Together they built
a life rich in love, laughter, and shared experiences. Timothy was immensely
proud of his family and found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and
grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberley,
and their three daughters: Ashley (Benjamin) Clark, Amanda (Shae) Grosdidier,
and Amber (Jordan) Currier. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to Maximus,
Victoria, River, Quinn, Dierks, Fletcher, Francis, and Flint. He also leaves
behind his brother, Greg Pechanec, and sister, Janet Palmer.

Timothy was preceded in death by his parents,
Edward and Maye (West) Pechanec, whose love and guidance shaped the man he
became.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday,
October 9, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Dengel &amp; Son Mortuary in Paola,
Kansas. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the
memory of a man who touched so many hearts with his warmth and humor.

Timothy will be remembered not only for the
laughter he brought and the love he gave but for the legacy he leaves in the
lives of those who knew and loved him. His spirit will live on in the memories
shared and the bonds he helped create.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759266304606.png" alt="Timothy Francis Pechanec" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Francis Pechanec</figcaption>
 </figure>Timothy Francis Pechanec, born on December 19,
1954, in Great Bend, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in
Olathe, Kansas. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished
brother, and loyal friend. Timothy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor,
and unwavering dedication to those he loved.Timothy graduated from Otis-Bison High School in
1972 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University, where he continued to
build the foundation for a long and successful career. He served as a Senior
Account Representative at Wausau, where he was known for his professionalism,
integrity, and the relationships he built over the years.Tim was known for his easygoing personality and
infectious sense of humor. A lifelong jokester, he brought laughter to any room
and joy to all who knew him. Whether he was tinkering in his barn, manning the
grill, camping under the stars, boating on the water, or planning the next
family adventure, Timothy embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He was an
avid reader, a devoted fan of westerns, and especially enjoyed watching the
History Channel.On October 10, 1991, he married the love of his
life, Kimberley Jean (Rhodes) Pechanec, in Olathe, Kansas. Together they built
a life rich in love, laughter, and shared experiences. Timothy was immensely
proud of his family and found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and
grandfather.He is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberley,
and their three daughters: Ashley (Benjamin) Clark, Amanda (Shae) Grosdidier,
and Amber (Jordan) Currier. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to Maximus,
Victoria, River, Quinn, Dierks, Fletcher, Francis, and Flint. He also leaves
behind his brother, Greg Pechanec, and sister, Janet Palmer.Timothy was preceded in death by his parents,
Edward and Maye (West) Pechanec, whose love and guidance shaped the man he
became.A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday,
October 9, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Dengel &amp; Son Mortuary in Paola,
Kansas. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the
memory of a man who touched so many hearts with his warmth and humor.Timothy will be remembered not only for the
laughter he brought and the love he gave but for the legacy he leaves in the
lives of those who knew and loved him. His spirit will live on in the memories
shared and the bonds he helped create.

Timothy Francis Pechanec

TOPEKA&nbsp;– In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, 2025, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty on September 28, 2025.

“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”

Sergeant Heimann will be honored during services held on October 3, 2025.

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%25252F%25253Fsplash%253Dhttps%2525253a%2525252f%2525252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2525252f%2525253furl%2525253dhttps%252525253A%252525252F%252525252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252525252FCL0%252525252Fhttps%252525253A%25252525252F%25252525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%25252525252Fnewsroom%25252525252Fkansas-flag-honors%252525252F1%252525252F01010198f29da0df-5aba935f-2b58-4afc-a0d1-9e853e517cbb-000000%252525252FVKqq1rOTEmh-ImSvlUTGIigrA3JXWrJYrQYq-eFowiM%252525253D420%25252526data%2525253d05%252525257C02%252525257CGrace.Hoge%2525252540ks.gov%252525257C61470822fb1346798b2608dde67b27bc%252525257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%252525257C0%252525257C0%252525257C638920138814651931%252525257CUnknown%252525257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%252525253D%252525253D%252525257C0%252525257C%252525257C%252525257C%25252526sdata%2525253dY4mN9hEtDxpvJW3EdhYUsRmUGdutseBm1OQH%252525252B%252525252Bb%252525252BplQ%252525253D%25252526reserved%2525253d0%252526____isexternal%253Dtrue%252F1%252F010101990b04801a-30273eaa-616e-4308-af2b-d20f4bceb10d-000000%252FhhRatcHsQX29-c_W0bHcb0w6M7u-ZxtGmFFKTzKj_vE%253D420%26data%3d05%257C02%257Cgrace.hoge%2540ks.gov%257Ccd78251463c94b9ad1ec08ddea34580d%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638924232721768175%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3dCtGstgCJvAQaX9Mt7C%252Fao%252BL8RZIJUmfXnn3rpMOSTpc%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true">https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756326939636.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, 2025, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty on September 28, 2025.“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”Sergeant Heimann will be honored during services held on October 3, 2025.To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%25252F%25253Fsplash%253Dhttps%2525253a%2525252f%2525252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2525252f%2525253furl%2525253dhttps%252525253A%252525252F%252525252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252525252FCL0%252525252Fhttps%252525253A%25252525252F%25252525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%25252525252Fnewsroom%25252525252Fkansas-flag-honors%252525252F1%252525252F01010198f29da0df-5aba935f-2b58-4afc-a0d1-9e853e517cbb-000000%252525252FVKqq1rOTEmh-ImSvlUTGIigrA3JXWrJYrQYq-eFowiM%252525253D420%25252526data%2525253d05%252525257C02%252525257CGrace.Hoge%2525252540ks.gov%252525257C61470822fb1346798b2608dde67b27bc%252525257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%252525257C0%252525257C0%252525257C638920138814651931%252525257CUnknown%252525257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%252525253D%252525253D%252525257C0%252525257C%252525257C%252525257C%25252526sdata%2525253dY4mN9hEtDxpvJW3EdhYUsRmUGdutseBm1OQH%252525252B%252525252Bb%252525252BplQ%252525253D%25252526reserved%2525253d0%252526____isexternal%253Dtrue%252F1%252F010101990b04801a-30273eaa-616e-4308-af2b-d20f4bceb10d-000000%252FhhRatcHsQX29-c_W0bHcb0w6M7u-ZxtGmFFKTzKj_vE%253D420%26data%3d05%257C02%257Cgrace.hoge%2540ks.gov%257Ccd78251463c94b9ad1ec08ddea34580d%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638924232721768175%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3dCtGstgCJvAQaX9Mt7C%252Fao%252BL8RZIJUmfXnn3rpMOSTpc%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true">https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors</a>.

Gov. Kelly directs flags flown at half-staff in honor of Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann

The majority of Ellis Co. Rural water district 1-C will experience an outage on Wednesday, October 1st, starting at 8 am to 4pm due to repairs on the 6-inch main line.&nbsp; We apologize for the inconvenience.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754306393718.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe majority of Ellis Co. Rural water district 1-C will experience an outage on Wednesday, October 1st, starting at 8 am to 4pm due to repairs on the 6-inch main line.&nbsp; We apologize for the inconvenience.&nbsp;

Water outage planned for Ellis County rural water district 1-C Wednesday

Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess, a man with at least nine lives and a laugh you could
never forget, passed away on September 24, 2025, at age 72. He lived simply,
fully, and always on his own terms—even when life had other plans.



Born May 21, 1953, in Hays, Kansas, to John and Eleanor Spiess, Jerry was a
lifelong Kansan and longtime resident of Russell. He was preceded in death by
his parents, John and Eleanor Spiess. 

He is survived by his three
children—Jason Spiess of Paradise, KS; Kelly Wellbrock and her husband Brett of
Salina, KS; and Melanie Dennis and her husband Travis of Springfield, MO—seven
grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and four siblings: Sharon Cohoon, Carol
Weigel, Jim Spiess, and Joe Spiess.

Raised in a Catholic family, Jerry attended seminary high school in Victoria
and graduated from Thomas More Prep in Hays (Class of 1971). He later built a
career in the oilfields—where the work was tough, but never tougher than him.
After a life-changing accident, he got back up, reinvented himself, and earned
a computer science degree from Salina Tech. He proved that grit and curiosity
go hand in hand, especially when you move to the beat of your own drum.



Sharp, funny, and unconventional in all the best ways, Jerry made auctions his
playground. Predicting his negotiations was impossible—he could put together
deals that made you chuckle, scratch your head, or both. And if he scored
something, he was quick to offer you first pick. Selfless to the core, Jerry
was happiest giving things away—including his many boat conquests. Though no
one ever took him up on it, the offer always stood: “Need a boat? It’s a pretty
good deal!”



He bought and reinvented the local laundromat, where the whole family pitched
in and somehow found joy in the routine. He sponsored his kids’ softball team,
cheered from the sidelines, and proudly supported the Russell community and his
oilfield family. He also rang the church bells—a quiet role he carried with
pride.



When not working or bidding on treasures, Jerry loved fishing. He was always
proud to show off a secret fishing hole—usually with a twinkle in his eye and a
story to go with it. He believed the best things in life were simple, shared,
and slightly off the beaten path.



Jerry had a way of seeing life clearly—especially when others got tangled in
the details. When stress crept in, he’d strip things down to their simplest
truths. 'Money is just fancy paper,' he’d say with a grin, reminding you to
focus on what really matters. His wisdom was quiet but grounding—and he had a gift
for cutting through the noise and helping you reset, not with advice, but with
perspective.



Of all his accomplishments, Jerry took the most pride in his children. He never
missed a chance to brag about them or support them in his own unique way. His
grandchildren—and now great-grandchild—brought him that same joy.



More than anything, Jerry was resilient, fiercely himself, and endlessly
entertaining. His laugh—loud, genuine, contagious—was a gift to everyone who
knew him. Tough as they come, he showed us how to live fully, bend the rules a
little, and never, ever give up.



The family wishes to thank the Russell community for their support, friendship,
and kindness throughout the years.



A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, at
St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, followed by a luncheon in
the parish hall. A private burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery
in Hays, where Jerry will rest beside his parents.



Memorials may be made to the Homestead Nutrition Project in Russell and sent in
care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.


Please share memories on Jerry’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Arrangements are under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759241641809.jpeg" alt="Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess" />
 <figcaption>Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess</figcaption>
 </figure>Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess, a man with at least nine lives and a laugh you could
never forget, passed away on September 24, 2025, at age 72. He lived simply,
fully, and always on his own terms—even when life had other plans.

Born May 21, 1953, in Hays, Kansas, to John and Eleanor Spiess, Jerry was a
lifelong Kansan and longtime resident of Russell. He was preceded in death by
his parents, John and Eleanor Spiess. He is survived by his three
children—Jason Spiess of Paradise, KS; Kelly Wellbrock and her husband Brett of
Salina, KS; and Melanie Dennis and her husband Travis of Springfield, MO—seven
grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and four siblings: Sharon Cohoon, Carol
Weigel, Jim Spiess, and Joe Spiess.

Raised in a Catholic family, Jerry attended seminary high school in Victoria
and graduated from Thomas More Prep in Hays (Class of 1971). He later built a
career in the oilfields—where the work was tough, but never tougher than him.
After a life-changing accident, he got back up, reinvented himself, and earned
a computer science degree from Salina Tech. He proved that grit and curiosity
go hand in hand, especially when you move to the beat of your own drum.

Sharp, funny, and unconventional in all the best ways, Jerry made auctions his
playground. Predicting his negotiations was impossible—he could put together
deals that made you chuckle, scratch your head, or both. And if he scored
something, he was quick to offer you first pick. Selfless to the core, Jerry
was happiest giving things away—including his many boat conquests. Though no
one ever took him up on it, the offer always stood: “Need a boat? It’s a pretty
good deal!”

He bought and reinvented the local laundromat, where the whole family pitched
in and somehow found joy in the routine. He sponsored his kids’ softball team,
cheered from the sidelines, and proudly supported the Russell community and his
oilfield family. He also rang the church bells—a quiet role he carried with
pride.

When not working or bidding on treasures, Jerry loved fishing. He was always
proud to show off a secret fishing hole—usually with a twinkle in his eye and a
story to go with it. He believed the best things in life were simple, shared,
and slightly off the beaten path.

Jerry had a way of seeing life clearly—especially when others got tangled in
the details. When stress crept in, he’d strip things down to their simplest
truths. 'Money is just fancy paper,' he’d say with a grin, reminding you to
focus on what really matters. His wisdom was quiet but grounding—and he had a gift
for cutting through the noise and helping you reset, not with advice, but with
perspective.

Of all his accomplishments, Jerry took the most pride in his children. He never
missed a chance to brag about them or support them in his own unique way. His
grandchildren—and now great-grandchild—brought him that same joy.

More than anything, Jerry was resilient, fiercely himself, and endlessly
entertaining. His laugh—loud, genuine, contagious—was a gift to everyone who
knew him. Tough as they come, he showed us how to live fully, bend the rules a
little, and never, ever give up.

The family wishes to thank the Russell community for their support, friendship,
and kindness throughout the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, at
St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, followed by a luncheon in
the parish hall. A private burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery
in Hays, where Jerry will rest beside his parents.

Memorials may be made to the Homestead Nutrition Project in Russell and sent in
care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.

Please share memories on Jerry’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Arrangements are under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Jerome 'Jerry' Francis Spiess

Tuesday, September 30
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, September 30
 noneWednesday, October 1
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 2
 noneFriday, October 3
 KKQY: LaCrosse FB at
Quinter, 6:00pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Junction City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Smith Center, 6:30pmSaturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pmSunday, October 5
 none

The City of Hays has scheduled its annual Fall Cleanup, a large-scale collection service for bulky waste, to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20. Residents can begin placing items out for collection on Friday, October 17. 

This event is an opportunity for residents to discard items that are not accepted during regular weekly refuse collection, such as old furniture, appliances, and minor project debris.

To ensure collection, all items must be placed at the resident’s designated pickup location by the 7:00 a.m. deadline. While residents may begin placing items out as early as October 17, the start time on October 20 is firm. 

It is critical for residents to understand that city crews will make only one single pass through the city. Due to the scale of this operation, crews cannot return to streets that have already been serviced.

No specific neighborhood schedule will be provided.

Residents must place materials exactly where their normal trash is collected; if you have curb pickup, use the curb, and if you have alley pickup, use the alley. 

Planning ahead is the best way to ensure items are not missed. The success of this city-wide effort relies on the cooperation of all residents. 

For detailed information and guidelines, please visit the city’s official cleanup page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup">www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758898323751.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe City of Hays has scheduled its annual Fall Cleanup, a large-scale collection service for bulky waste, to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20. Residents can begin placing items out for collection on Friday, October 17. This event is an opportunity for residents to discard items that are not accepted during regular weekly refuse collection, such as old furniture, appliances, and minor project debris.To ensure collection, all items must be placed at the resident’s designated pickup location by the 7:00 a.m. deadline. While residents may begin placing items out as early as October 17, the start time on October 20 is firm. It is critical for residents to understand that city crews will make only one single pass through the city. Due to the scale of this operation, crews cannot return to streets that have already been serviced.No specific neighborhood schedule will be provided.Residents must place materials exactly where their normal trash is collected; if you have curb pickup, use the curb, and if you have alley pickup, use the alley. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure items are not missed. The success of this city-wide effort relies on the cooperation of all residents. For detailed information and guidelines, please visit the city’s official cleanup page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup">www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup</a>.

Hays' Fall Cleanup starts Oct. 20; item placement begins Oct. 17

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Outdoor watering restrictions in Hays which started June 1 will end Tuesday, Sept. 30. 

Until then, outdoor water use is prohibited between noon and 7 p.m., including from private wells.&nbsp;

In addition to the seasonal restrictions, Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, said the following are banned year-round:

• Washing down of hardscapes such as sidewalks, parking lots, driveways • Known water loss through breaks, leaks in plumbing systems • Escape of water from private property onto public property such as&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;landscape irrigation onto sidewalks, street gutters

If the weather is warm and windy in October, Dickman encouraged watering landscape plants and turfgrass if necessary.

"Fortunately, with cooler night temperatures and shorter days, the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced," she said. "Always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."

Dickman said fall is also an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs as well as many drought-tolerant perennials.

"The cooler temperatures make the environment less stressful, while the warm soil temperatures encourage good root growth," she said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589921488065.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostOutdoor watering restrictions in Hays which started June 1 will end Tuesday, Sept. 30. Until then, outdoor water use is prohibited between noon and 7 p.m., including from private wells.&nbsp;In addition to the seasonal restrictions, Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist, said the following are banned year-round:• Washing down of hardscapes such as sidewalks, parking lots, driveways • Known water loss through breaks, leaks in plumbing systems • Escape of water from private property onto public property such as&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;landscape irrigation onto sidewalks, street guttersIf the weather is warm and windy in October, Dickman encouraged watering landscape plants and turfgrass if necessary."Fortunately, with cooler night temperatures and shorter days, the need for supplemental irrigation is greatly reduced," she said. "Always be sure to check the soil moisture first before turning on the irrigation system or garden hose."Dickman said fall is also an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs as well as many drought-tolerant perennials."The cooler temperatures make the environment less stressful, while the warm soil temperatures encourage good root growth," she said.&nbsp;

Outdoor seasonal watering restrictions end Sept. 30 in Hays

President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.



2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.



3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.



4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.



5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.



6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.



7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.



8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.



9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.



10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.



11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.



12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.



13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.



14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.



15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.



16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.



17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.



18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.



19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.



20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172560666.png" alt="President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the Prime Minister of Israel during a White House&nbsp; press conference on Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;To ensure the success of this effort, my plan calls for a new international oversight body — the Board of Peace... which will be headed, not at my request... by a gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/h0nFKR3JJA">pic.twitter.com/h0nFKR3JJA</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972734222315184529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.

9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.

18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

Read President Trump’s 'Eternal Peace Plan' to end the Gaza conflict

Recent tragedies in our own community remind us that domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a public crisis with profound impacts. As we approach October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jana’s Campaign is raising awareness about the critical, and often devasting, connection between domestic violence and officer-involved shootings. Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous emergency responses for law enforcement officers, often escalating into lethal situations. These tragedies not only devastate the lives of victims and their families but also place first responders and entire communities at risk.

“We know the devastating impacts of domestic violence fatality as our organization was created as a result of our own family tragedy,” said Dr. Curt Brungardt, Co-Founder of Jana’s Campaign. “Every call for help represents not just a private dispute, but a potential life-or-death crisis that can ripple outward and harm innocent people.”

Domestic violence can often be misunderstood as an issue contained to a couple’s private relationship. In reality, the effects extend far beyond the immediate partners involved. Children&nbsp; who witness abuse can face long-term trauma. Families and friends lose loved ones. Co-workers, neighbors, and bystanders can become unintended victims. Even first responders, those who step in to protect, face life-threatening risks when responding to these calls.

According to national research, 13.9% of officer-involved shootings occur in response to domestic violence incidents (wcadv.org, 2020). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies and education at every level of the community.

“Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by the recent incidents here in our home community of Hays,” Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of Jana’s Campaign added. “Incidents like this remind us why prevention education is necessary.”

Jana’s Campaign calls on the community to recognize domestic violence not as a private matter, but as a community crisis requiring collective action. 

For more information about how you can support prevention efforts and access resources for domestic violence, visit JanasCampaign.org or contact 785-656-0324. 

If you are in immediate need of advocacy services, contact Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services at 800-794-4624, for statewide services, contact the Kansas SafeLine at 1-888-363-2287. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723788240.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRecent tragedies in our own community remind us that domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a public crisis with profound impacts. As we approach October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jana’s Campaign is raising awareness about the critical, and often devasting, connection between domestic violence and officer-involved shootings. Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous emergency responses for law enforcement officers, often escalating into lethal situations. These tragedies not only devastate the lives of victims and their families but also place first responders and entire communities at risk.“We know the devastating impacts of domestic violence fatality as our organization was created as a result of our own family tragedy,” said Dr. Curt Brungardt, Co-Founder of Jana’s Campaign. “Every call for help represents not just a private dispute, but a potential life-or-death crisis that can ripple outward and harm innocent people.”Domestic violence can often be misunderstood as an issue contained to a couple’s private relationship. In reality, the effects extend far beyond the immediate partners involved. Children&nbsp; who witness abuse can face long-term trauma. Families and friends lose loved ones. Co-workers, neighbors, and bystanders can become unintended victims. Even first responders, those who step in to protect, face life-threatening risks when responding to these calls.According to national research, 13.9% of officer-involved shootings occur in response to domestic violence incidents (wcadv.org, 2020). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies and education at every level of the community.“Our hearts are with all who have been impacted by the recent incidents here in our home community of Hays,” Kaiti Blackburn, executive director of Jana’s Campaign added. “Incidents like this remind us why prevention education is necessary.”Jana’s Campaign calls on the community to recognize domestic violence not as a private matter, but as a community crisis requiring collective action. For more information about how you can support prevention efforts and access resources for domestic violence, visit JanasCampaign.org or contact 785-656-0324. If you are in immediate need of advocacy services, contact Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services at 800-794-4624, for statewide services, contact the Kansas SafeLine at 1-888-363-2287.

Jana Campaign: Domestic violence is not just a private matter

Monday, September 29
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, September 29
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pmTuesday, September 30
 noneWednesday, October 1
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, October 2
 noneFriday, October 3
 KKQY: LaCrosse FB at
Quinter, 6:00pm KFIX: Hays High FB vs. Junction City, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB at Smith Center, 6:30pmSaturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Missouri Southern State, 12:00pm KAYS: Kansas FB at UCF, 5:00pmSunday, October 5
 none

RUSSELL — The 16th annual Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ will be held on Friday, October 3 and Saturday,&nbsp;October 4, in Downtown Russell.

Hosted by Russell Main Street, Inc., this two-day&nbsp;festival has become one of Russell’s most anticipated annual gatherings, celebrating our&nbsp;community’s businesses, food, music, and culture while drawing visitors from across the region. Each year, this event helps bring energy and economic activity to the heart of Russell, and 2025&nbsp;promises to be one of the biggest yet.

While Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ is packed with fun, food, and entertainment, the heart of the event&nbsp;runs deeper. Russell Main Street, Inc. hosts the festival as part of its mission to revitalize&nbsp;downtown Russell and keep it thriving as the hub of our community.

Proceeds from the event go directly back into downtown projects, small business support,&nbsp;beautification efforts, and creating events that bring people to Main Street. 

As RMSI Director&nbsp;Kelsey Decker shared “Every bite of BBQ and every ticket purchased helps us build a stronger, more vibrant&nbsp;downtown. This is about celebrating Russell while investing in its future.”

Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ and Brew Me would not be possible without the incredible support of&nbsp;local businesses and organizations:

Their support not only makes this festival possible but also ensures Russell’s downtown&nbsp;continues to thrive year after year.

Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025 and get ready for a weekend of mouthwatering BBQ,&nbsp;craft beer tastings, competitions, music, and fun for the whole family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647793420.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL — The 16th annual Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ will be held on Friday, October 3 and Saturday,&nbsp;October 4, in Downtown Russell. Hosted by Russell Main Street, Inc., this two-day&nbsp;festival has become one of Russell’s most anticipated annual gatherings, celebrating our&nbsp;community’s businesses, food, music, and culture while drawing visitors from across the region. Each year, this event helps bring energy and economic activity to the heart of Russell, and 2025&nbsp;promises to be one of the biggest yet.FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647019678.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647089268.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758724364041.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647156114.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Purpose: More Than Just BBQWhile Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ is packed with fun, food, and entertainment, the heart of the event&nbsp;runs deeper. Russell Main Street, Inc. hosts the festival as part of its mission to revitalize&nbsp;downtown Russell and keep it thriving as the hub of our community.Proceeds from the event go directly back into downtown projects, small business support,&nbsp;beautification efforts, and creating events that bring people to Main Street. As RMSI Director&nbsp;Kelsey Decker shared “Every bite of BBQ and every ticket purchased helps us build a stronger, more vibrant&nbsp;downtown. This is about celebrating Russell while investing in its future.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647742766.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Thank You to Our SponsorsBricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ and Brew Me would not be possible without the incredible support of&nbsp;local businesses and organizations:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647348218.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647452256.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Their support not only makes this festival possible but also ensures Russell’s downtown&nbsp;continues to thrive year after year.Join Us Downtown!&nbsp;Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025 and get ready for a weekend of mouthwatering BBQ,&nbsp;craft beer tastings, competitions, music, and fun for the whole family.For tickets, contest signups, and full details, visit <a href="https://www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq">www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq</a>&nbsp;or call 785-483-2897.Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ—Where the smoke, the flavor, and the fun all come together in the&nbsp;heart of Russell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758724537530.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>