By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

CLAY CENTER - A nursing home in Clay Center has been evacuated by the state of Kansas and has left more questions than answers.

In the middle of August 2025, residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;were evacuated by the <a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/">Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)</a> due to quality of living issues. According to Cara Sloan-Ramos of KDADS, residents were 'successfully moved' from the nursing home.

"We can confirm that residents were successfully moved from the Advena nursing home in Clay Center, and we are working to make sure they are well cared for in their new locations," said Sloan-Ramos.

Reasons have as to why residents were removed remain unknown. Many speculations from the public have stated there were possibilities of 'mold in the air ducts' and even residents being 'neglected of care.'

Sloan-Ramos stated that KDADS takes such allegations seriously and are investigated accordingly.

"KDADS takes all allegations of abuse and neglect seriously and operates a hotline to receive such reports," she said. "If and when such allegations are received, they are investigated accordingly. The results of those investigations are confidential and are only made available to the parties directly involved in the case."

Sloan-Ramos also said KDADS could not answer any questions as to why the residents were evacuated. She stated these questions are to be directed towards the administration of Advena.

"We cannot provide details at this time because the process is not yet complete and the information is not public," she said. "Questions about where patients were transferred or whether any legal action has been filed would need to be answered by the facility."

Salina Post has reached out to the administrative team of Advena several times, but has not received a response.

According to a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/3d63358">press release</a> from KDADS, on March 10, 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;received funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) after approval to implement the 'SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across Kansas.' The purpose of the funding was to enhance&nbsp;staff training, improve resident care and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).

SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.

“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,” KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”

Members of Clay Center have spoken about the situation and speculated as to what may have happened.

"It is pretty sad, where are you going to put all those people?"

"There may have been a building or water problem."

"I heard the state had to evacuate the residents because of mold, but no one is talking about it and I do not know what is going on."

According to <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ks/advena-living-of-clay-center-175351">reviews</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>, the nursing home had a below average rating for "Short-term rehabilitation" and "Long-term care." The rating for Short-term rehab evaluates a nursing home's quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as instances that include strokes, heart attacks, infections or accidental injuries. The rating for Long-term care evaluates&nbsp;a nursing home's ability to care for residents who need daily assistance with medical needs, such as administering medications and non-medical needs such as dressing, eating and using the bathroom.

According to a standard inspection report conducted on April 9, 2025 from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;had potentials of actual harm with many residents being affected to provide services such as:

 Infection Control Deficiency,&nbsp;Nutrition and Dietary Deficiency and Administration Deficiency (determine what resources are necessary to care for residents).

Few patients were affected as far as the&nbsp;Quality of Life and Care Deficiency and Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiency&nbsp;

However, Advena Living of Clay Center had no reports of any actual harm with minimal potentiality when it came to&nbsp;Nursing and Physician Services Deficiency. See the full report <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/inspections/pdf/nursing-home/175351/health/health-inspection?date=2025-04-09">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757010210377.jpeg" alt="Advena Living of Clay Center sign on 715 Liberty St., Clay Center, KS. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) evacuated residents in the middle of August 2025. Photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>Advena Living of Clay Center sign on 715 Liberty St., Clay Center, KS. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) evacuated residents in the middle of August 2025. Photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostCLAY CENTER - A nursing home in Clay Center has been evacuated by the state of Kansas and has left more questions than answers.In the middle of August 2025, residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;were evacuated by the <a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/">Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)</a> due to quality of living issues. According to Cara Sloan-Ramos of KDADS, residents were 'successfully moved' from the nursing home."We can confirm that residents were successfully moved from the Advena nursing home in Clay Center, and we are working to make sure they are well cared for in their new locations," said Sloan-Ramos.Reasons have as to why residents were removed remain unknown. Many speculations from the public have stated there were possibilities of 'mold in the air ducts' and even residents being 'neglected of care.'Sloan-Ramos stated that KDADS takes such allegations seriously and are investigated accordingly."KDADS takes all allegations of abuse and neglect seriously and operates a hotline to receive such reports," she said. "If and when such allegations are received, they are investigated accordingly. The results of those investigations are confidential and are only made available to the parties directly involved in the case."Sloan-Ramos also said KDADS could not answer any questions as to why the residents were evacuated. She stated these questions are to be directed towards the administration of Advena."We cannot provide details at this time because the process is not yet complete and the information is not public," she said. "Questions about where patients were transferred or whether any legal action has been filed would need to be answered by the facility."Salina Post has reached out to the administrative team of Advena several times, but has not received a response.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757010441578.jpeg" alt="No Trespassing sign on the front door of Advena Living of Clay Center. Photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>No Trespassing sign on the front door of Advena Living of Clay Center. Photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Set up for success</h2>According to a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/3d63358">press release</a> from KDADS, on March 10, 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;received funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) after approval to implement the 'SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across Kansas.' The purpose of the funding was to enhance&nbsp;staff training, improve resident care and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,” KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”<h2>Concerns from the public</h2>Members of Clay Center have spoken about the situation and speculated as to what may have happened."It is pretty sad, where are you going to put all those people?""There may have been a building or water problem.""I heard the state had to evacuate the residents because of mold, but no one is talking about it and I do not know what is going on."According to <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ks/advena-living-of-clay-center-175351">reviews</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>, the nursing home had a below average rating for "Short-term rehabilitation" and "Long-term care." The rating for Short-term rehab evaluates a nursing home's quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as instances that include strokes, heart attacks, infections or accidental injuries. The rating for Long-term care evaluates&nbsp;a nursing home's ability to care for residents who need daily assistance with medical needs, such as administering medications and non-medical needs such as dressing, eating and using the bathroom.According to a standard inspection report conducted on April 9, 2025 from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;had potentials of actual harm with many residents being affected to provide services such as: Infection Control Deficiency,&nbsp;Nutrition and Dietary Deficiency and Administration Deficiency (determine what resources are necessary to care for residents).Few patients were affected as far as the&nbsp;Quality of Life and Care Deficiency and Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiency&nbsp;However, Advena Living of Clay Center had no reports of any actual harm with minimal potentiality when it came to&nbsp;Nursing and Physician Services Deficiency. See the full report <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/inspections/pdf/nursing-home/175351/health/health-inspection?date=2025-04-09">here</a>.

Nuisance abatements to move forward for a vote next week by Hays City Commission

HESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.

Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.

TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.

Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).

As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757080092975.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

⛳Schoepf and TMP-M earn gold at Hesston

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;hosted a high-powered group of tech executives at the White House on Thursday as he showcased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">research on artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;and boasted of investments that companies are making around the United States.

“This is taking our country to a new level,” he said at the center of a long table surrounded by what he described as “high IQ people.”

It was the latest example of a delicate two-way courtship between Trump and tech leaders, several of whom attended his inauguration. Trump has exulted in the attention from some of the world’s most successful businesspeople, while the companies are eager to remain on the good side of the mercurial president.

While the executives praised Trump and talked about their hopes for technological advancement, the Republican president was focused on dollar signs. He went around the table and asked executives how much they were investing in the country.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who sat to Trump’s right, said $600 billion. Apple’s Tim Cook said the same. Google’s Sundar Pichai said $250 billion.

“What about Microsoft?” Trump said. “That’s a big number.”

CEO Satya Nadella said it was up to $80 billion per year.

“Good,” Trump responded. “Very good.”

Notably absent from the guest list was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, once a close ally of Trump who was tasked with running the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-28263ffbfc191602b3657618138ee585">a public breakup</a>&nbsp;with Trump earlier this year.

At the table instead was one of Musk’s rivals in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman of OpenAI.

In another reflection of shifting loyalties in Trump’s world, the dinner included Jared Isaacman, who founded the payment processing company Shift4.

Isaacman was a Musk ally chosen by Trump to lead NASA, only to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-isaacman-nasa-nomination-withdraw-a0b1d23823a06ac7ae1994c930c7786c">his nomination withdrawn</a>&nbsp;because he was, in Trump’s words, “totally a Democrat.”

The dinner was expected to be held in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/trump-rose-garden-paved-over-photo-gallery-732b9521b69c10c12ce448f12e27401c">the Rose Garden</a>, where Trump recently paved over the grassy lawn and set up tables, chairs and umbrellas that look strikingly similar to the outdoor setup at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

But because of inclement weather, officials decided to move the event to the White House State Dining Room.

The event followed an afternoon meeting of the White House’s new Artificial Intelligence Education task force, which first lady Melania Trump chaired and some tech leaders participated in.

“The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction,” she said,

Pichai, IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna and Code.org President Cameron Wilson were among those participating in the task force.

The White House confirmed that the guest list for the dinner also included: Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates; Google founder Sergey Brin; OpenAI founder Greg Brockman; Oracle CEO Safra Catz; Blue Origin CEO David Limp; Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra; TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive; Palantir executive Shyam Sankar; Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang; and Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman.

Trump’s outreach to top tech executives has occasionally been divisive within the Republican Party.

One of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hawley-pelosi-stocks-insider-trading-ban-cf6200d0ec71fe012bb3b9a916696b37">Josh Hawley</a>, delivered a sharp criticism of the tech industry during a speech at a conservative conference in Washington on Thursday morning. He criticized the lack of regulation around artificial intelligence and singled out Meta and ChatGPT.

“The government should inspect all of these frontier AI systems so we can better understand what the tech titans plan to build and destroy,” the Missouri senator said.

Trump has embraced AI-created imagery and frequently shares it online, despite his complaints earlier in the week about the technology being used to create misleading videos.

Late Wednesday night, he posted a string of AI-generated memes and videos, such as one depicting him interacting with the man pictured in the Cracker Barrel logo, one showing California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff with an extremely elongated neck, and one with Trump’s face superimposed on a pole vaulter as it appears to leap over a Cracker Barrel banner.

On Tuesday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-window-ai-9dad119bb6de1519582db036dc0726d7">said a video showing items being thrown out</a>&nbsp;of an upstairs window of the White House must have been created by AI, despite his team seeming to have confirmed the video’s veracity hours earlier.

Trump then said, “If something happens that’s really bad, maybe I’ll have to just blame AI.”

The first lady, at her event Thursday, likewise highlighted both the potential and peril of AI.

“As leaders and parents, we must manage AI’s growth responsibly,” she said, calling for both action and caution. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance.”

Last month, the first lady launched a nationwide contest for students in grades K-12 to use AI to complete a project or address a community challenge. The project was aimed at showing the benefits of AI, but the first lady has also highlighted its drawbacks.

Melania Trump lobbied Congress this year to pass legislation that imposes penalties for online sexual exploitation using imagery that is real or an AI-generated deepfake.

The president signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/take-it-down-deepfake-trump-melania-first-amendment-741a6e525e81e5e3d8843aac20de8615">“Take It Down Act”</a>&nbsp;in May.

Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Washington and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco in San Francisco contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757074835886.png" alt="Image courtesy White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;hosted a high-powered group of tech executives at the White House on Thursday as he showcased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">research on artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;and boasted of investments that companies are making around the United States.“This is taking our country to a new level,” he said at the center of a long table surrounded by what he described as “high IQ people.”It was the latest example of a delicate two-way courtship between Trump and tech leaders, several of whom attended his inauguration. Trump has exulted in the attention from some of the world’s most successful businesspeople, while the companies are eager to remain on the good side of the mercurial president.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING 🇺🇸 : President Trump hosts tech leaders for a dinner at the White House. Guests include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman<a href="https://t.co/GUJavrxP9M">pic.twitter.com/GUJavrxP9M</a>&mdash; Zaid Ahmd (@realzaidzayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/realzaidzayn/status/1963766937500156283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Google co-founder Sergey Brin: &quot;It&#39;s a real incredible inflection point right now in AI and the fact that your administration is supporting our companies instead of fighting with them — it&#39;s hugely important.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3vUGc1Dvai">pic.twitter.com/3vUGc1Dvai</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963780730632180101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Google CEO Sundar Pichai: &quot;The AI moment is one of the most transformative moments any of us have ever seen... The AI Action Plan, under your leadership, I think is a great start, and we look forward to working together — and thanks for your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AKzlSgbYJl">pic.twitter.com/AKzlSgbYJl</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963781769108332769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 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://twitter.com/AMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AMD</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaSu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LisaSu</a>: &quot;The incredible work that your administration has done to support the semiconductor industry... the amount of acceleration that we&#39;ve seen just in the few short months that the administration has been in place — we&#39;re so grateful for that support.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UjrORUbzLQ">pic.twitter.com/UjrORUbzLQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963782822218313962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 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://twitter.com/Microsoft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Microsoft</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a>: &quot;Everything that you&#39;re doing in terms of setting in place the platform where the rest of the world can not only use our technology, but trust our technology more than any other alternative, is perhaps the most important issue.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4xNxZggG3f">pic.twitter.com/4xNxZggG3f</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963783827442057465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 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://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_cook</a>: &quot;I want to thank you for setting the tone such that we could make a major [$600 billion] investment in the United States... That says a lot about your focus and your leadership and your focus on innovation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/289vkiB6vy">pic.twitter.com/289vkiB6vy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963786061114417495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 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://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> CEO Sam Altman: &quot;Thank you for being such a pro-business, pro-innovation President. It&#39;s a very refreshing change...The investment that&#39;s happening here, the ability to get the power of the industry back... I don&#39;t think that would be happening without your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/suGDIJFlx8">pic.twitter.com/suGDIJFlx8</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963787418429018457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 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://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> President Greg Brockman <a href="https://twitter.com/gdb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gdb</a>: &quot;We&#39;ve been just very impressed with how this Administration has really embraced AI... There has been a choice of whether to approach it with optimism, and I think that that&#39;s what I&#39;ve really seen from this Administration.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cLGmDzLwtO">pic.twitter.com/cLGmDzLwtO</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963790825273348601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While the executives praised Trump and talked about their hopes for technological advancement, the Republican president was focused on dollar signs. He went around the table and asked executives how much they were investing in the country.Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who sat to Trump’s right, said $600 billion. Apple’s Tim Cook said the same. Google’s Sundar Pichai said $250 billion.“What about Microsoft?” Trump said. “That’s a big number.”CEO Satya Nadella said it was up to $80 billion per year.“Good,” Trump responded. “Very good.”Notably absent from the guest list was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, once a close ally of Trump who was tasked with running the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-28263ffbfc191602b3657618138ee585">a public breakup</a>&nbsp;with Trump earlier this year.At the table instead was one of Musk’s rivals in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman of OpenAI.In another reflection of shifting loyalties in Trump’s world, the dinner included Jared Isaacman, who founded the payment processing company Shift4.Isaacman was a Musk ally chosen by Trump to lead NASA, only to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-isaacman-nasa-nomination-withdraw-a0b1d23823a06ac7ae1994c930c7786c">his nomination withdrawn</a>&nbsp;because he was, in Trump’s words, “totally a Democrat.”The dinner was expected to be held in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/trump-rose-garden-paved-over-photo-gallery-732b9521b69c10c12ce448f12e27401c">the Rose Garden</a>, where Trump recently paved over the grassy lawn and set up tables, chairs and umbrellas that look strikingly similar to the outdoor setup at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.But because of inclement weather, officials decided to move the event to the White House State Dining Room.The event followed an afternoon meeting of the White House’s new Artificial Intelligence Education task force, which first lady Melania Trump chaired and some tech leaders participated in.“The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction,” she said,Pichai, IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna and Code.org President Cameron Wilson were among those participating in the task force.The White House confirmed that the guest list for the dinner also included: Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates; Google founder Sergey Brin; OpenAI founder Greg Brockman; Oracle CEO Safra Catz; Blue Origin CEO David Limp; Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra; TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive; Palantir executive Shyam Sankar; Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang; and Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman.Trump’s outreach to top tech executives has occasionally been divisive within the Republican Party.One of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hawley-pelosi-stocks-insider-trading-ban-cf6200d0ec71fe012bb3b9a916696b37">Josh Hawley</a>, delivered a sharp criticism of the tech industry during a speech at a conservative conference in Washington on Thursday morning. He criticized the lack of regulation around artificial intelligence and singled out Meta and ChatGPT.“The government should inspect all of these frontier AI systems so we can better understand what the tech titans plan to build and destroy,” the Missouri senator said.Trump has embraced AI-created imagery and frequently shares it online, despite his complaints earlier in the week about the technology being used to create misleading videos.Late Wednesday night, he posted a string of AI-generated memes and videos, such as one depicting him interacting with the man pictured in the Cracker Barrel logo, one showing California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff with an extremely elongated neck, and one with Trump’s face superimposed on a pole vaulter as it appears to leap over a Cracker Barrel banner.On Tuesday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-window-ai-9dad119bb6de1519582db036dc0726d7">said a video showing items being thrown out</a>&nbsp;of an upstairs window of the White House must have been created by AI, despite his team seeming to have confirmed the video’s veracity hours earlier.Trump then said, “If something happens that’s really bad, maybe I’ll have to just blame AI.”The first lady, at her event Thursday, likewise highlighted both the potential and peril of AI.“As leaders and parents, we must manage AI’s growth responsibly,” she said, calling for both action and caution. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance.”Last month, the first lady launched a nationwide contest for students in grades K-12 to use AI to complete a project or address a community challenge. The project was aimed at showing the benefits of AI, but the first lady has also highlighted its drawbacks.Melania Trump lobbied Congress this year to pass legislation that imposes penalties for online sexual exploitation using imagery that is real or an AI-generated deepfake.The president signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/take-it-down-deepfake-trump-melania-first-amendment-741a6e525e81e5e3d8843aac20de8615">“Take It Down Act”</a>&nbsp;in May.___Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Washington and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco in San Francisco contributed to this report.

🎥 Trump hosts top tech CEOs, not  Elon Musk, at White House dinner

ABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs volleyball team went 0-3
at the Abilene quadrangular Thursday.

The Monarchs lost in three sets to the host Cowgirls (25-23,
14-25, 20-25) and two sets against Smokey Valley (21-25, 22-25) and Rock Creek
(10-25, 27-29)

Monarch head coach Megan Gottschalk said, “What our scores
don’t show is how much fight the girls had tonight!”

TMP is 3-7 to open the season. They will travel to
Plainville on Tuesday as they open Mid-Continent League play.

Hays Post SportsABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs volleyball team went 0-3
at the Abilene quadrangular Thursday.The Monarchs lost in three sets to the host Cowgirls (25-23,
14-25, 20-25) and two sets against Smokey Valley (21-25, 22-25) and Rock Creek
(10-25, 27-29)Monarch head coach Megan Gottschalk said, “What our scores
don’t show is how much fight the girls had tonight!”TMP is 3-7 to open the season. They will travel to
Plainville on Tuesday as they open Mid-Continent League play.

🏐Monarchs go 0-3 against tough opponents at Abilene

Reporter Tony Guerrero speaks with Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun about various scams in the community and the best ways to avoid them on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff warns of scams" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=fa6m4-1952e55-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Tony Guerrero speaks with Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun about various scams in the community and the best ways to avoid them on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Ellis County Sheriff warns of scams

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A former Kansas Highway Patrol Captain has accepted the role as the new WaKeeney Police Chief.

Travis Phillips started in his new role on Wednesday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5abb4af0-7321-4b8c-b418-d359a0a15076">Phillips of WaKeeney retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol in August after serving more than 30 years.</a>

The Wakeeney Police Chief has been filled on an interim basis by Trego County Sheriff Edward Pritchard since March, when the former chief, Michael Allen Romero, was put on administrative leave and ultimately removed as police chief.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e54e5cf4-edea-4c8c-ae55-6488ac8a7116">Romero was charged in May&nbsp;with crimes of mistreatment of suspects after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.</a>

A status conference is scheduled in the district court on that case on Sept. 16.

Phillips said overcoming the public's view of the department based on its recent past will be his biggest challenge.

"My biggest goal is to bring public perception of the Wakeeney Police Department to where it should be," he said, "So it can be something they can be proud of and rely on and know when they call us, the job is going to get done.

"It's going to take us doing our job and serving the public to our best ability to bring back the trust, I think that was possibly lost through negative law enforcement."

He said the biggest mistake he could make was implementing significant changes immediately.

"I need to settle into the job and see where we can serve the public better and more efficiently," he said.

The department has five full-time positions, including the chief, but one of those positions is vacant. In addition, the department employs two part-time officers and a community service officer.

Phillips said the vacant full-time position will be filled after January during the new budget year.

Phillips earned a criminal justice degree from Fort Hays State University in 1994.

He began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Hays Police Department, before transitioning to the highway patrol in 1994. Phillips rose through the ranks of the KHP, serving as sergeant, master trooper, lieutenant and eventually being promoted to captain six years ago.

As a captain, Phillips oversaw an 18-county region. Phillips said he wanted to return to law enforcement because he missed being a trooper and the interactions he had with the community.

"As a trooper, there was a more localized area that I was in charge of being their protector," he said. "As a police chief, it brings me full circle and brings it home and allows me to take care of the city of WaKeeney and be in the community more.

After serving with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Phillips said he will have to change gears to perform municipal work.

"It's not a bad thing," he said. "I'm excited to learn a new trade as a police chief."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756936098368.jpeg" alt="New WaKeeney Police Chief Travis Phillips, left, with Trego County Sheriff&nbsp;Ed Pritchard. Phillips's first day as police chief was Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>New WaKeeney Police Chief Travis Phillips, left, with Trego County Sheriff&nbsp;Ed Pritchard. Phillips's first day as police chief was Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA former Kansas Highway Patrol Captain has accepted the role as the new WaKeeney Police Chief.Travis Phillips started in his new role on Wednesday.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5abb4af0-7321-4b8c-b418-d359a0a15076">Phillips of WaKeeney retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol in August after serving more than 30 years.</a>The Wakeeney Police Chief has been filled on an interim basis by Trego County Sheriff Edward Pritchard since March, when the former chief, Michael Allen Romero, was put on administrative leave and ultimately removed as police chief.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e54e5cf4-edea-4c8c-ae55-6488ac8a7116">Romero was charged in May&nbsp;with crimes of mistreatment of suspects after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.</a>A status conference is scheduled in the district court on that case on Sept. 16.Phillips said overcoming the public's view of the department based on its recent past will be his biggest challenge."My biggest goal is to bring public perception of the Wakeeney Police Department to where it should be," he said, "So it can be something they can be proud of and rely on and know when they call us, the job is going to get done."It's going to take us doing our job and serving the public to our best ability to bring back the trust, I think that was possibly lost through negative law enforcement."He said the biggest mistake he could make was implementing significant changes immediately."I need to settle into the job and see where we can serve the public better and more efficiently," he said.The department has five full-time positions, including the chief, but one of those positions is vacant. In addition, the department employs two part-time officers and a community service officer.Phillips said the vacant full-time position will be filled after January during the new budget year.Phillips earned a criminal justice degree from Fort Hays State University in 1994.He began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Hays Police Department, before transitioning to the highway patrol in 1994. Phillips rose through the ranks of the KHP, serving as sergeant, master trooper, lieutenant and eventually being promoted to captain six years ago.As a captain, Phillips oversaw an 18-county region. Phillips said he wanted to return to law enforcement because he missed being a trooper and the interactions he had with the community."As a trooper, there was a more localized area that I was in charge of being their protector," he said. "As a police chief, it brings me full circle and brings it home and allows me to take care of the city of WaKeeney and be in the community more."I wasn't done being a sheep dog."After serving with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Phillips said he will have to change gears to perform municipal work."It's not a bad thing," he said. "I'm excited to learn a new trade as a police chief."

Former trooper takes role as new WaKeeney Police Chief

WASHINGTON (AP) —A pair of Venezuelan fighter jets flew over the USS Jason Dunham in the international waters of the Caribbean on Thursday, Pentagon officials said.

A defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to freely discuss operational details, confirmed that two Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew over the destroyer, which is part of a group of at least seven U.S. warships that have been deployed to the area as part of a mission to target drug smuggling.

The maneuver comes days after the Trump administration revealed that it ordered a strike on a speedboat that it claims was carrying 11 drug smugglers, killing all of them.

In a social media post late Thursday, the Pentagon called the maneuver by Venezuela “highly provocative” and argued that it was “designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —A pair of Venezuelan fighter jets flew over the USS Jason Dunham in the international waters of the Caribbean on Thursday, Pentagon officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/PSxm3uRsfM">pic.twitter.com/PSxm3uRsfM</a>&mdash; Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1963775938233299235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to freely discuss operational details, confirmed that two Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew over the destroyer, which is part of a group of at least seven U.S. warships that have been deployed to the area as part of a mission to target drug smuggling.The maneuver comes days after the Trump administration revealed that it ordered a strike on a speedboat that it claims was carrying 11 drug smugglers, killing all of them.In a social media post late Thursday, the Pentagon called the maneuver by Venezuela “highly provocative” and argued that it was “designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations.”

Venezuelan military aircraft fly over US Navy vessel as tensions rise

By&nbsp; LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will have a special guest speaker at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. 

The meeting will be in the new Hays Senior Center location inside the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Dr. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the south entrance. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Kenneth Windholz, a clinical psychotherapist, will speak on the topic “Visitation Dreams.” Windholz teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University. He has authored book chapters and articles on neuropsychology. He has served as the president of the Kansas Association of Masters in Psychology, is the current president of the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Kansas Board of Directors, and serves as the faculty sponsor for NAMI on the FHSU campus.

Dr. Kate McGonigal, the Healing Hearts group facilitator, said Windholz’s appearance is a celebration of the “new beginning” for Healing Hearts. It did not meet while the Senior Center was relocating to its new home. The group will continue meeting at 6:30 the third Thursday night of each month in its new home, she said.

Healing Hearts is a grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one. McGonigal said, “We want anyone who is experiencing grief to join us for one meeting, or for however meetings they wish, as they navigate the road to coping with the death of someone they loved. We focus on healing and coping from close personal losses.”

McGonigal is an associate professor of sociology at Fort Hays State University, where she has taught since 2004. She teaches the Death &amp; Dying class at FHSU, with an emphasis on caregivers and caregiving.&nbsp;

More information about the Healing Hearts group is available by contacting her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu">klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756913740063.jpeg" alt="Kenneth Windholz. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Windholz. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays PostThe Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will have a special guest speaker at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. The meeting will be in the new Hays Senior Center location inside the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Dr. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the south entrance. The meeting is free and open to the public.Kenneth Windholz, a clinical psychotherapist, will speak on the topic “Visitation Dreams.” Windholz teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University. He has authored book chapters and articles on neuropsychology. He has served as the president of the Kansas Association of Masters in Psychology, is the current president of the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Kansas Board of Directors, and serves as the faculty sponsor for NAMI on the FHSU campus.Dr. Kate McGonigal, the Healing Hearts group facilitator, said Windholz’s appearance is a celebration of the “new beginning” for Healing Hearts. It did not meet while the Senior Center was relocating to its new home. The group will continue meeting at 6:30 the third Thursday night of each month in its new home, she said.Healing Hearts is a grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one. McGonigal said, “We want anyone who is experiencing grief to join us for one meeting, or for however meetings they wish, as they navigate the road to coping with the death of someone they loved. We focus on healing and coping from close personal losses.”McGonigal is an associate professor of sociology at Fort Hays State University, where she has taught since 2004. She teaches the Death &amp; Dying class at FHSU, with an emphasis on caregivers and caregiving.&nbsp;More information about the Healing Hearts group is available by contacting her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu">klmcgonigal@fhsu.edu</a>.

Grief support group to have guest speaker Sept. 18

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In the first regular season match of the 2025 season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst University on Thursday in Kansas City. The No. 23 ranked Tigers picked up their second-straight win over the Hawks after winning 2-1 last year in the season opener in Hays.

An XML box score of the game is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties. It will be posted once the issue has been resolved.

Fort Hays State took control early in the match with constant offensive pressure, but could not find the net in the opening half. Both teams had really good offensive looks inside the box as both keepers made saves from point blank distance on dangerous opportunities.

The Tigers broke through early in the second half with a goal in the 49th minute by Juan Linares. In the box, he collected a shot that was blocked and fired it past the keeper for the only goal of the match. The Tigers had to play about the last four minutes down a man, but held off the late equalizer hopes of the Hawks.

Bastian Carlman led the Tigers with seven shots, including three on target. The Tigers outshot the Hawks 17-8 in the match. In his collegiate debut, Payton Roehrich recorded a shutout in goal making five saves. Rockhurst keeper Stefano Camerlengo had six saves in the loss.

The Tigers (1-0) set their sights on MSU Denver on Sunday in Denver. Start time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 p.m. MT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757049364538.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rockhurst Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rockhurst Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - In the first regular season match of the 2025 season, Fort Hays State Men's Soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst University on Thursday in Kansas City. The No. 23 ranked Tigers picked up their second-straight win over the Hawks after winning 2-1 last year in the season opener in Hays.An XML box score of the game is currently unavailable due to technical difficulties. It will be posted once the issue has been resolved.Fort Hays State took control early in the match with constant offensive pressure, but could not find the net in the opening half. Both teams had really good offensive looks inside the box as both keepers made saves from point blank distance on dangerous opportunities.The Tigers broke through early in the second half with a goal in the 49th minute by Juan Linares. In the box, he collected a shot that was blocked and fired it past the keeper for the only goal of the match. The Tigers had to play about the last four minutes down a man, but held off the late equalizer hopes of the Hawks.Bastian Carlman led the Tigers with seven shots, including three on target. The Tigers outshot the Hawks 17-8 in the match. In his collegiate debut, Payton Roehrich recorded a shutout in goal making five saves. Rockhurst keeper Stefano Camerlengo had six saves in the loss.The Tigers (1-0) set their sights on MSU Denver on Sunday in Denver. Start time is set for 3:30 p.m. CT / 2:30 p.m. MT.

⚽ No. 23 Tiger men open season with win at Rockhurst

Gail Ann Brandyberry, 69 of Lenora, Kansas,was born to
parents John M. and Mary Margaret(Lightfoot) Cossman in Jetmore, Kansas.&nbsp;

Gail began her education at Pleasant View Country School.

She occasionally rode horses, and delighted in racing the
neighbor boy home on his go-cart— she always won.

In school, Gail enjoyed the arts; in the summers, she worked
on her tan, driving an open-station Minneapolis Moline tractor for her dad. She hung out
in the kitchen with her motherand learned to be an excellent cook.

Gail graduated from Jetmore High School in 1973. She
attended Emporia State University,where she was active in the theater department, developing a
passion for costume design. That passion carried over when she made Halloween ensembles
for her children.

Gail married Roger Fernandez, and the pair welcomed Brent
Mathew in 1979. Gail worked as a bank teller, worked at the business office
for Saint Mary of the Plains College, she sold cars at a Chevrolet Dealership, and
created ads for High Plains Public Radio.

Gail met David Brandyberry, one of her father’s harvest
hands, by chance. She originally disliked him because he had taken her job driving the truck.
She changed her opinion; the two were married in 1985. The pair’s 40 years of married life started in Kalvesta, as
proprietors of the ‘Ol Home Fill’er Up and Keep on Truckin’ Cafe.’

Their daughter, Amanda Lacey, was born in 1987. After three
years of running the cafe, they moved to Cimarron, Kan., and opened a retail store. In 1991, Kerby David was born. The next year, the family
moved to a farm north of Lenora. On the farm, she showcased her green thumb, knack for
preserving food, and talent for serving great meals. Gail was a certified master
gardener.&nbsp; In Norton County, Gail worked as a school secretary and
part-time helper at Sunshine Day Care before becoming a major force behind B-bar-K Tree
Services. In her life, Gail planted literally hundreds of thousands of trees throughout Kansas
and Nebraska.

In 1995, Gail started working for the US Postal Service as a
postmaster relief or PMR (an acronym she affectionately joked stood for “peon must
report”). After 14 years working at post offices in Norton, Graham, and Decatur Counties, she
was appointed postmaster in Jennings in 2007. Gail later served as postmaster in Hill
City (beginning in 2012) and Norton (2015-2025).

Gail fiercely loved her only grandchild, Jasper Eames
Fernandez, born in 2009; her daughters-in-law, Natasha Fernandez (of Chicago, Illinois),
Sierra Brandyberry (of Spearfish, South Dakota); and soon-to-be-son-in-law Elias
Zamora (of Tulsa, Oklahoma).

She is survived by brothers Max and Nick Cossman, numerous
nieces and nephews, five sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary;
her maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws Frank and Edna (Swank)
Brandyberry.

Gail’s passing leaves a very large hole for those who knew
and worked with her. She will be remembered fondly by those who knew her best.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made care of
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.&nbsp; A Memorial Service for
Gail will be held September 13, 2025, at the United Parish Church in Lenora, Kansas, at 11:00 A.M.
Luncheon to follow in the church basement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757004336621.jpeg" alt="Gail Ann Brandyberry" />
 <figcaption>Gail Ann Brandyberry</figcaption>
 </figure>Gail Ann Brandyberry, 69 of Lenora, Kansas,was born to
parents John M. and Mary Margaret(Lightfoot) Cossman in Jetmore, Kansas.&nbsp;Gail began her education at Pleasant View Country School.She occasionally rode horses, and delighted in racing the
neighbor boy home on his go-cart— she always won.In school, Gail enjoyed the arts; in the summers, she worked
on her tan, driving an open-station Minneapolis Moline tractor for her dad. She hung out
in the kitchen with her motherand learned to be an excellent cook.Gail graduated from Jetmore High School in 1973. She
attended Emporia State University,where she was active in the theater department, developing a
passion for costume design. That passion carried over when she made Halloween ensembles
for her children.Gail married Roger Fernandez, and the pair welcomed Brent
Mathew in 1979. Gail worked as a bank teller, worked at the business office
for Saint Mary of the Plains College, she sold cars at a Chevrolet Dealership, and
created ads for High Plains Public Radio.Gail met David Brandyberry, one of her father’s harvest
hands, by chance. She originally disliked him because he had taken her job driving the truck.
She changed her opinion; the two were married in 1985. The pair’s 40 years of married life started in Kalvesta, as
proprietors of the ‘Ol Home Fill’er Up and Keep on Truckin’ Cafe.’Their daughter, Amanda Lacey, was born in 1987. After three
years of running the cafe, they moved to Cimarron, Kan., and opened a retail store. In 1991, Kerby David was born. The next year, the family
moved to a farm north of Lenora. On the farm, she showcased her green thumb, knack for
preserving food, and talent for serving great meals. Gail was a certified master
gardener.&nbsp; In Norton County, Gail worked as a school secretary and
part-time helper at Sunshine Day Care before becoming a major force behind B-bar-K Tree
Services. In her life, Gail planted literally hundreds of thousands of trees throughout Kansas
and Nebraska.In 1995, Gail started working for the US Postal Service as a
postmaster relief or PMR (an acronym she affectionately joked stood for “peon must
report”). After 14 years working at post offices in Norton, Graham, and Decatur Counties, she
was appointed postmaster in Jennings in 2007. Gail later served as postmaster in Hill
City (beginning in 2012) and Norton (2015-2025).Gail fiercely loved her only grandchild, Jasper Eames
Fernandez, born in 2009; her daughters-in-law, Natasha Fernandez (of Chicago, Illinois),
Sierra Brandyberry (of Spearfish, South Dakota); and soon-to-be-son-in-law Elias
Zamora (of Tulsa, Oklahoma).She is survived by brothers Max and Nick Cossman, numerous
nieces and nephews, five sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary;
her maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws Frank and Edna (Swank)
Brandyberry.Gail’s passing leaves a very large hole for those who knew
and worked with her. She will be remembered fondly by those who knew her best.Go rest high on that mountain.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made care of
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.&nbsp; A Memorial Service for
Gail will be held September 13, 2025, at the United Parish Church in Lenora, Kansas, at 11:00 A.M.
Luncheon to follow in the church basement.

Gail Ann Brandyberry

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Artificial intelligence chatbot makers OpenAI and Meta say they are adjusting how their chatbots respond to teenagers and other users asking questions about suicide or showing signs of mental and emotional distress.

OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, said Tuesday it is preparing to&nbsp;<a href="https://openai.com/index/building-more-helpful-chatgpt-experiences-for-everyone/">roll out new controls</a>&nbsp;enabling parents to link their accounts to their teen's account.

Parents can choose which features to disable and “receive notifications when the system detects their teen is in a moment of acute distress,” according to a company blog post that says the changes will go into effect this fall.

Regardless of a user's age, the company says its chatbots will redirect the most distressing conversations to more capable AI models that can provide a better response.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

The announcement comes a week after the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier this year.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, also said it is now blocking its chatbots from talking with teens about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating and inappropriate romantic conversations, and instead directs them to expert resources. Meta already offers parental controls on teen accounts.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-chatbots-selfharm-chatgpt-claude-gemini-da00880b1e1577ac332ab1752e41225b">study published last week</a>&nbsp;in the medical journal Psychiatric Services found inconsistencies in how three popular artificial intelligence chatbots responded to queries about suicide.

The study by researchers at the RAND Corporation found a need for “further refinement” in ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude. The researchers did not study Meta's chatbots.

The study's lead author, Ryan McBain, said Tuesday that "it’s encouraging to see OpenAI and Meta introducing features like parental controls and routing sensitive conversations to more capable models, but these are incremental steps.”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Artificial intelligence chatbot makers OpenAI and Meta say they are adjusting how their chatbots respond to teenagers and other users asking questions about suicide or showing signs of mental and emotional distress.OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, said Tuesday it is preparing to&nbsp;<a href="https://openai.com/index/building-more-helpful-chatgpt-experiences-for-everyone/">roll out new controls</a>&nbsp;enabling parents to link their accounts to their teen's account.Parents can choose which features to disable and “receive notifications when the system detects their teen is in a moment of acute distress,” according to a company blog post that says the changes will go into effect this fall.Regardless of a user's age, the company says its chatbots will redirect the most distressing conversations to more capable AI models that can provide a better response.EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.The announcement comes a week after the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier this year.Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, also said it is now blocking its chatbots from talking with teens about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating and inappropriate romantic conversations, and instead directs them to expert resources. Meta already offers parental controls on teen accounts.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-chatbots-selfharm-chatgpt-claude-gemini-da00880b1e1577ac332ab1752e41225b">study published last week</a>&nbsp;in the medical journal Psychiatric Services found inconsistencies in how three popular artificial intelligence chatbots responded to queries about suicide.The study by researchers at the RAND Corporation found a need for “further refinement” in ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude. The researchers did not study Meta's chatbots.The study's lead author, Ryan McBain, said Tuesday that "it’s encouraging to see OpenAI and Meta introducing features like parental controls and routing sensitive conversations to more capable models, but these are incremental steps.”

OpenAI say they're fixing AI chatbots to better respond to teens in distress

The Elephant Bistro &amp; Bar announced on Wednesday that it will permanently close after eight years in business.

The restaurant,&nbsp;732 Main St, Hoxie, posted the following statement on Facebook.

With heavy hearts, we announce that 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘽𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤 &amp; 𝘽𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 27, 2025, after 8 incredible years. Thank you for the love and support that made this place a cherished community hub. Join us to celebrate our final days.

𝙄𝙈𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙂𝙐𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨* Gift cards will be honored through our final service on 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 27, 2025.* We encourage guests to use them soon.

𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨* Reservations can be made online here: <a href="https://theelephantbistrobar.com/reservations/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVHhaelM2UzVDRVNnVWtoawEe50OAFMfhukkj6L8taxZnPF_0kf_OGr04YHc43pCGcWRY9XKsSK6CdVLtgaY_aem_p0r8XfAGlWLuuyCkjhnXbA" target="_blank">https://theelephantbistrobar.com/reservations/</a>* Or by calling us directly at 785-677-3977.

𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨* Events scheduled before September 27 will proceed as planned.* If you have an event scheduled after that date, we will reach out to you directly to discuss options.

𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙* While we are closing this chapter, our hope is that The Elephant will one day see new life, whether through new ownership or a different form of service to the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757002770770.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Elephant Bistro &amp; Bar announced on Wednesday that it will permanently close after eight years in business.The restaurant,&nbsp;732 Main St, Hoxie, posted the following statement on Facebook.With heavy hearts, we announce that 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘽𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤 &amp; 𝘽𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 27, 2025, after 8 incredible years. Thank you for the love and support that made this place a cherished community hub. Join us to celebrate our final days. 𝙄𝙈𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙂𝙐𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨* Gift cards will be honored through our final service on 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 27, 2025.* We encourage guests to use them soon.𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨* Reservations can be made online here: <a href="https://theelephantbistrobar.com/reservations/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVHhaelM2UzVDRVNnVWtoawEe50OAFMfhukkj6L8taxZnPF_0kf_OGr04YHc43pCGcWRY9XKsSK6CdVLtgaY_aem_p0r8XfAGlWLuuyCkjhnXbA" target="_blank">https://theelephantbistrobar.com/reservations/</a>* Or by calling us directly at 785-677-3977.𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨* Events scheduled before September 27 will proceed as planned.* If you have an event scheduled after that date, we will reach out to you directly to discuss options.𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙* While we are closing this chapter, our hope is that The Elephant will one day see new life, whether through new ownership or a different form of service to the community.

The Elephant Bistro in Hoxie announces it will close on Sept. 27

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post Sports

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs committed four turnovers and
dropped their first game of the season Thursday night to the Russell Broncos
29-22.

TMP jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its first
possession of the game. Quarterback Carson Liles found running back Jackson
Gillespie for a 49-yard catch and run to put the Monarchs up 7-0, with five and
a half minutes left in the first quarter. 

After their first possession stalled in TMP territory, Russell
was able to get their ground game going on their second possession of the game
and answered with a two-yard touchdown pass for a 7-7 game with just under 90
seconds left in the first quarter.

On the Monarchs’ second offensive possession of the game,
they took advantage of a short field thanks to a good kickoff return from Grant
Nehls. 

TMP started the drive at the Russell 45-yard line and on
fourth and short, Gillespie broke free for 26 yards, setting up a goal-to-go
situation that resulted in a two-yard Liles touchdown, putting TMP up 14-7.

The Broncos had a bad snap and TMP recovered the fumble deep
in Russell territory, but two plays later, they gave it right back on one of
four turnovers, an interception.

The Broncos took advantage of the second chance and capped
off their next offensive possession with a 49-yard touchdown pass, tying the
game at 14.

The Monarchs quarterback, Carson Liles, threw his second
straight interception on the very next play, and Russell’s Trey Zorn returned
it 31 yards for the score. He also scored the two-point conversion, putting
Russell up 22-14.

They went into the halftime break with the score still in
Russell’s favor.

TMP used the passing game to get back into the game in the
second half.

Liles found Jacob Seib through the air six times in the
second half, including on a 14-yard pitch and catch for the touchdown, tying
the game at 22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.

In the final frame, both teams had their chances to break
the tie, but it was Russell who broke through, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown
pass on their way to a 29-22 victory.

Russell outgained TMP 343 to 252 yards of total offense.

Carson Liles finished 8-of-19 passing for 135 yards with two
touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble.

TMP will travel to Norton next Friday while Russell takes on
Oakley.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post SportsHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs committed four turnovers and
dropped their first game of the season Thursday night to the Russell Broncos
29-22.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165204766&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/09-04-25-tmp-coach-grant" title="09-04-25 TMP Coach Grant Stephenson Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">09-04-25 TMP Coach Grant Stephenson Interview</a></div></div>TMP jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its first
possession of the game. Quarterback Carson Liles found running back Jackson
Gillespie for a 49-yard catch and run to put the Monarchs up 7-0, with five and
a half minutes left in the first quarter. After their first possession stalled in TMP territory, Russell
was able to get their ground game going on their second possession of the game
and answered with a two-yard touchdown pass for a 7-7 game with just under 90
seconds left in the first quarter.On the Monarchs’ second offensive possession of the game,
they took advantage of a short field thanks to a good kickoff return from Grant
Nehls. TMP started the drive at the Russell 45-yard line and on
fourth and short, Gillespie broke free for 26 yards, setting up a goal-to-go
situation that resulted in a two-yard Liles touchdown, putting TMP up 14-7.The Broncos had a bad snap and TMP recovered the fumble deep
in Russell territory, but two plays later, they gave it right back on one of
four turnovers, an interception.The Broncos took advantage of the second chance and capped
off their next offensive possession with a 49-yard touchdown pass, tying the
game at 14.The Monarchs quarterback, Carson Liles, threw his second
straight interception on the very next play, and Russell’s Trey Zorn returned
it 31 yards for the score. He also scored the two-point conversion, putting
Russell up 22-14.They went into the halftime break with the score still in
Russell’s favor.TMP used the passing game to get back into the game in the
second half.Liles found Jacob Seib through the air six times in the
second half, including on a 14-yard pitch and catch for the touchdown, tying
the game at 22 in the final minutes of the third quarter.In the final frame, both teams had their chances to break
the tie, but it was Russell who broke through, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown
pass on their way to a 29-22 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165204073&color=%23234c78&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/09-04-25-tmp-vs-russell" title="09-04-25 TMP vs Russell Football Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">09-04-25 TMP vs Russell Football Highlights</a></div></div>Russell outgained TMP 343 to 252 yards of total offense.Carson Liles finished 8-of-19 passing for 135 yards with two
touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble.TMP will travel to Norton next Friday while Russell takes on
Oakley.

🏈 Monarchs cannot overcome mistakes in loss to Russell

The Kansas Highway Patrol on Wednesday responded to reports of confusion over a personal social media post by a State Trooper. The KHP wrote, "The KHP is aware of a social media post by an employee who appears to be either soliciting or accepting donations in furtherance of personal travel."

On his private social media page Monday, KHP Trooper Ben Gardner wrote that he was driving his Jeep back and forth to Michigan and using a lot of gas. He wrote, "folks had already reached out, so he shared ways that others could help."

Not everyone believed the post was actually from beloved Trooper Ben.

The Kansas Highway Patrol responded, "Because the employee's private posts are often difficult to distinguish from their professional posts, the messages can be confusing and are neither approved by nor associated with KHP business."

The Kansas Highway Patrol on Wednesday responded to reports of confusion over a personal social media post by a State Trooper. The KHP wrote, "The KHP is aware of a social media post by an employee who appears to be either soliciting or accepting donations in furtherance of personal travel."On his private social media page Monday, KHP Trooper Ben Gardner wrote that he was driving his Jeep back and forth to Michigan and using a lot of gas. He wrote, "folks had already reached out, so he shared ways that others could help."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTrooperBenKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02nBTzcurRD3DytfPsNhT5Yh5sSqSqv8EYqtYbJtBB2McqwxaEQkTRinUuctd6FBN6l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="698" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Not everyone believed the post was actually from beloved Trooper Ben.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756989004553.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol responded, "Because the employee's private posts are often difficult to distinguish from their professional posts, the messages can be confusing and are neither approved by nor associated with KHP business."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTrooperBenKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02K9KPVZySupyerHHWof5rEEGXfajoz3t8zGkpVSrUtpGtACevpWNNVFZ93AvqsfNjl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="737" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

KHP responds after confusion over personal post by State Trooper

The fundraising campaign continues for the new Crisis Intervention Center in Hays.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser has an update on the project with Craig Poe, CEO, High Plains Mental Health Center along with Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO, The Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Crisis Intervention Center update from High Plains Mental Health Center" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=faiw5-1950ef0-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The fundraising campaign continues for the new Crisis Intervention Center in Hays.&nbsp;On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser has an update on the project with Craig Poe, CEO, High Plains Mental Health Center along with Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO, The Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Crisis Intervention Center update from High Plains Mental Health Center

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar reopened its doors with a fresh community-focused vision.

The Chamber in Hays hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to mark the new chapter for Breaks under its new owner, Brent Lang.

"Everything we make here is made from scratch. All of our sauces and sandwiches... It's something I don't think you're going to find anywhere else in town," Lang said.

Breaks will also be offering all-day promotions Friday with food and drink specials. Deals include $16 beer buckets (five beers), $24.99 whiskey flights, $4 Prosecco, buy-one-get-one-free on select menu items and half-price wings.

"As far as the wings go, I'm excited for my special hot sauce blend. It's called Brent's Bonfire. It's a spicy Parmesan."

Breaks’ relaunch features a refreshed menu, longer hours and reduced prices. Lang highlighted food favorites like prime sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak and French dip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756928239002.jpeg" alt="Brent Lang, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar owner, preparing to cut a ribbon to celebrate the restaurant's grand reopening in Hays while surrounded by family, staff and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brent Lang, Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar owner, preparing to cut a ribbon to celebrate the restaurant's grand reopening in Hays while surrounded by family, staff and community members. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostBreaks Eatery &amp; Bar reopened its doors with a fresh community-focused vision.The Chamber in Hays hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to mark the new chapter for Breaks under its new owner, Brent Lang."Everything we make here is made from scratch. All of our sauces and sandwiches... It's something I don't think you're going to find anywhere else in town," Lang said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756931175854.jpeg" alt="Seating area of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Seating area of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756931205743.jpeg" alt="Seating area of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Seating area of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Breaks will also be offering all-day promotions Friday with food and drink specials. Deals include $16 beer buckets (five beers), $24.99 whiskey flights, $4 Prosecco, buy-one-get-one-free on select menu items and half-price wings."As far as the wings go, I'm excited for my special hot sauce blend. It's called Brent's Bonfire. It's a spicy Parmesan."Breaks’ relaunch features a refreshed menu, longer hours and reduced prices. Lang highlighted food favorites like prime sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak and French dip."Breakfast burritos. I personally love it, but I'd say it's probably the most undervalued with the quality ingredients we put in there," Lang said.Lang said Breaks is well-staffed, but he is continually seeking bartenders, as the restaurant is now open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day, for both food and bar services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756931243022.jpeg" alt="The bar counter of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The bar counter of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Other menu items include avocado toast, classic French toast, fluffy pancakes, omelets, breakfast burgers, and a variety of salads and pastas.Lang said <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/catering/tbd-3203-vine-street">Breaks offers off-site catering</a> along with a banquet room that seats up to 250, in addition to the dining room, which holds about 185.“I'm constantly working every day. I've spent a lot of hours here. I'm very dedicated to this because I love customer service and I want the customer to get the best experience," Lang said.You can follow the restaurant on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/breakseatery">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and visit its website <a href="https://breakseatery.com/">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756928289184.jpeg" alt="The front of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front of Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Before Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar hit Vine Street in May 2024, the location was Whisky Creek, a fixture in Hays for almost two decades.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eddb013b-e9b8-436d-b564-18be1f40c36f">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Whiskey Creek closes after 18 years, rebrands to Breaks Eatery &amp; Bar</a>