United Way of Ellis County Dine Out Day Thu., Sept. 28, 11 AM – 8:30 PM, at Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 103 W. 9th St, Ellis.
Join us for a SUPER HERO filled day and a portion of EVERY purchase will for to the United Way.
United Way of Ellis County Dine Out Day Thu., Sept. 28, 11 AM – 8:30 PM, at Arthur’s Pizza and Mexican Foods, 103 W. 9th St, Ellis.
Join us for a SUPER HERO filled day and a portion of EVERY purchase will for to the United Way.
SUBMITTED
Topeka – Jim Barnett, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, announced Monday the fourth stage of his statewide tour focusing on health care.
Phase four of the Health Tour will occur Friday, September 22. Dr. Barnett will begin the tour at Scott City Hospital at 9:00 a.m., then continue at the Greeley Co. Hospital in Tribune at 10:00 a.m. MDT. After Greeley Co. Hospital Dr. Barnett will visit the Kearney Co. Hospital in Lakin at 1:30 p.m. and end at the Garden City Hospital in Garden City at 4:00 p.m.
“Expanding coverage of Medicaid will provide better access to health care for many Kansans and bring Kansas dollars back to Kansas,” Barnett stated. “It is clearly the right thing to do.”
Barnett currently practices medicine at the Cotton O’Neil Clinic with Stormont-Vail Health in Topeka, Kansas. He is President of the Shawnee County Medical Society and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Kansas Medical Society.
Barnett has been a practicing physician for 35 years. “I get up every day to diagnose and treat my patients,” Barnett said. “My #OneKansas agenda will help develop practical and cost effective ways for the citizens of our state to receive care. Kansans deserve no less.”
Hays, Kansas – Lily Marie Hartman, infant daughter of Lance and Emily (Newell) Hartman died Monday, September 18, 2017 at Hays Medical Center Hays, Kansas.
She is survived by her parents, Lance and Emily, one sister, Ella, two brothers, Max and Charlie, all of the home; grandparents, Don and Mary (Scott) Hartman, Grainfield, KS; Stan and Joyce (Berens) Newell, Hays, KS; uncles, Derek and Cara Hartman, Vinton, OH; Justin and Nicki Newell, Ridgedale, MO; Clint and Becky Newell, Hays, KS; aunts, Darnelle Keith and Michael, Hoxie, KS; Sara Humphrey and Mike, Hays, KS: as well as many cousins.
Services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 22, 2017, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church,
2901 East 13th Street, Hays, Kansas. Burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Walker, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church Hays, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Cemetery, Walker, Kansas.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be left by guest-book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Eagle Communications wants to give you the “Best Seat in the House” for this weekend’s Fort Hays State University football game.
Sign up to win the Eagle Best Seat in the House by filling out the form HERE.
One lucky winner will receive four tickets to the game and will be seated on a couch and chairs near the south endzone, complete with Eagle cups and an Eagle/FHSU blanket.
Those registering must be able to attend the game to be eligible to win.
FHSU University Relations and Marketing
For more than 50 years, the Fort Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre has been entertaining audiences with lively and engaging productions, and the 2017-2018 theatre season will be no exception.
Director Tomme Williams spends hours reading over scripts to find the perfect pieces to accommodate both actors and audiences.
“I read through so many works, it can be hard to find pieces I get excited about,” said Williams. “This season, I’ve gone with pieces that are more outside-the-box than what we’ve done in the past.”
The year will start with the musical “Company” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4, Oct. 5 and Oct. 6. A matinee performance will be at 2:30 on Sunday, Oct. 8. All performances are in Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall.
“Company” is a fresh and original take on marriage, commitment, friendship and loneliness. The original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Music and Book.
The work has been praised for its frankness, sophistication and courage in portraying a bitter and honest of love and marriage.
Following the musical will be “The Cheery Orchard” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9, Nov. 10 and Nov. 11. A matinee performance will be at 2:30 on Sunday, Nov. 12, in Felten-Start.
The drama follows an aristocratic Russian family as they search for home and identity after losing their estate.
This season continues with Noel Coward’s comedy, “Present Laughter,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 1, March 2 and March 3, in Felten-Start. A matinee performance will be at 2:30 on Sunday, March 4.
The romantic comedy is set in 1930’s London and follows pampered actor Gary Essendine as he confronts his midlife crisis. The show has been performed all over the world and has had four Broadway revivals, the most recent of which was nominated for three Tony awards and won Best Actor.
The season will end with the FHSU Opera at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 6, and a matinee performance at 2:30 Sunday, April 8. The opera has yet to be announced, but past performances have ranged from Mozart to Bernstein. Dr. Joseph Perniciaro, assistant professor of music and theatre, will direct, and the FHSU orchestra will accompany.
“We are proud to remain one of the local community’s vital and cultural assets and most exciting entertainment values,” said Williams. “I hope everyone comes out to see our shows and enjoys them as much as I do.”
The tickets are affordable at $15 for the general public and $10 for seniors and students. Season tickets cost $50 for the general public, $30 for FHSU students and $25 for senior citizens, saving ticket holders an average of $10 per show and allowing them to reserve their seats. Season tickets are on sale now.
Patrons can also purchase all-event passes for $125, which gives admission to more than 30 Music and Theatre Department events.
For more information, call 785-628-4533 or email [email protected].

Sitting down together at the family dinner table may seem hard to manage with the busy lives people lead these days. However, a family meal helps create an environment where parents and children can have a conversation. And that family interaction is an important factor to protect children from the dangers of smoking, drinking and drugs.
This month, the Hays office of the Cottonwood Extension District is teaming up with Papa Murphy’s and the Hays Kiwanis Club to offer a make-and-take pizza activity to encourage families to cook and eat together. Families with young children will have the opportunity to make a pizza from provided ingredients and take home a low-cost meal to bake and enjoy together.
Family Pizza Make and Take Night will be held on Monday, September 25 from 4:15-6:15 pm at the Extension Office meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays. (Enter the rear door from the north parking lot.) The cost is only $2.50 per pizza, with a limit of two pizzas per family. Quantities are limited, so registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Register and pay fees at the Extension Office, 601 Main Street in Hays, 785-628-9430. This is an event for parents with their young children. Registration is considered complete when fees are paid.
Papa Murphy’s will donate pizza crusts for the make-and-take event and toppings are supported by funding from the Hays Kiwanis Club and Cottonwood Extension District. We’ll also provide a bag of baby carrots and a few pieces of fruit to balance your healthy family meal.
2017 marks the 10 th year of this popular event. In celebration of the 10 th anniversary, all participating families will receive a free gift to further enhance family time.
Volunteers are welcome to assist with this event. Call the Extension Office if you would like to help during one or both shifts: 4:00-5:15 pm and 5:15-6:30 pm.
The goal of Family Pizza Make and Take Night is to create awareness that regular conversations between parents and children are an important prevention tool to help safeguard Kansas youth and that family meals are an important way to regularly engage in those conversations.
Parental influence is known to be one of the most crucial factors in determining the likelihood of substance abuse by teenagers. Research done by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. The statistics reveal that teens who almost always eat dinner with their families are 31 percent LESS likely than the average teenager to smoke, drink or use drugs, while teens who virtually never eat dinner with their families are 72 percent MORE likely than the average teenager to use illegal drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
Kids like to eat dinner with their families, too. When a recent survey asked teens about family meals, 84 percent said they prefer to have dinner with their families than to eat alone.
Additionally, research shows that children who eat dinner often with their families are more likely to be emotionally content, do well in school, have positive peer relationships, have lower levels of stress and be bored less often. What amazing benefits from something as simple as a family meal!
This month, parents and their young children are invited to make and take a pizza together on September 25 and think of ways to schedule more family time to talk about what’s going on in your child’s world. After all, what your kids really want at the dinner table is YOU!
Linda K. Beech is Cottonwood District Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A new painting and craft studio has opened in downtown Hays.
Emily Weigel, a fine arts graduate from Fort Hays State University, has opened The Niche at 707 Main.
Weigel, a ceramics major in college who recently moved back to Hays to be closer to family, works as a graphic artist by day. She had worked at a painting studio in another community and thought Hays would be a perfect location for one.
Those who do not view themselves as artistically talented need not worry. Weigel has cheats such as stencils to help you build your painting or craft project step by step. All paintings are customizable with whatever color scheme you please.
“I am hoping people will be able to be creative here and relax,” she said. “But also come away with something that they are proud that they made—maybe that they didn’t think they could.”
All the supplies for the painting classes are included in the $30 fee, including use of aprons.
The clientele is welcome to bring wine, beer or food in to consume while they craft — but no hard liquor, please, Weigel requested.
Most craft classes take about two hours, and painting classes take two to three hours.
You can book as a single or a party. Weigel can take classes up to 35, but most classes have been running about 10 students.
Niche offers open painting and crafting times. Prices varying on canvases and craft projects depending on the size of the canvas or type of project. Some of the September projects include a tassel necklace, string art, wooden pumpkins, bottle openers and a menu board.
“We have something for every budget,” Weigel said.
On Saturday mornings, The Niche has classes for children — toddlers on up. Those who are middle school age or older are welcome to participate in adult classes.
Weigel tries to offer time for the children to paint and for another craft. Last week, the children made fluffy slime. Children are allowed to get messy and can uses brushes or paint with their fingers.
“Parents like it because their kids can get messy and leave it here,” she said.
Weigel does not require reservations, but you can reserve a spot by calling 785-639-5465 or messaging her through Facebook. Payment is due at the time of the class.

Niche is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings for painting classes, Wednesday evenings and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons for open craft/painting time, and Saturday mornings for children’s classes. Fridays are open for private parties at this time. See the Niche Facebook page for a schedule.
Niche also has a small craft boutique with homemade items at the front of the store.

What is the “promise?” “Promise me that you will never put me in a nursing home.” We hear about that promise frequently in my office. It can even be, “my kids said they would never put me in the nursing home.”
In 2001, I took over the care of my grandmother. We talked a lot about moving her to Kansas from Texas. She really wanted to stay in her home (an important lesson that I learned her), and she had this saying about a nursing home. “I know one day I am going to need to go to a nursing home. Honey, it is okay to put me in a nursing home; I just don’t want to know about it.” So, as long as she had cognitive abilities, she wanted to stay out of the nursing home.
The focus of my office as a member of the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association is to help individuals stay in their home as long as possible. There are multiple alternatives, including home care, independent living, and assisted living.
Sometimes the nursing home may be the only alternative because of the frailty of the person.
Many times the decision to place someone in a nursing home is thrust on us with just a moment’s notice. While taking care of my grandmother, I had a couple of those close calls. On one particular occasion, she had been in the hospital and the assisted living facility just did not feel like they could take her. Luckily, we were able to work out a compromise, but I remember driving around for two days looking at nursing homes trying to decide where in the world I would feel comfortable taking my grandmother.
Recently a family contacted us through their accountant. Their loved one’s health had really failed and they were trying to figure out where to place that loved one. How would they choose?
Laura Buck is one of our care coordinators. She is also an RN that worked many years in a nursing home. She wrote something for the client that I consider sage advice. This is what she said about how to choose a nursing home.
“Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to make recommendations regarding placement in a nursing facility. There are many factors that should be considered when choosing a facility in order to be sure that it is a good fit for your loved one and your family. First you must consider the current health status of the individual needing placement. Often times placement depends on what type of health care services the individual needs. I have found that many facilities are better in some areas than in others. For example, some provide rehabilitative services, others dementia care services, some only provide long term care services, yet others provide for drop in care, so forth and so on.
I would like to make a couple of suggestions.
https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html?
Now, keep in mind that most of what is found on this web site link is based on paperwork, and state survey results. Unfortunately, in my experience, I have found that some of the best facilities do not always have great star ratings. Likewise some of the facilities that have the best star ratings do not always have the best care.
During the visit they will want to take something to write on and be sure to make notes so they have them to reference later. Below is a link from the Medicare.gov website on things to look for when doing a tour. This would be a great option to use.
https://www.medicare.gov/files/nursing-home-checklist.pdf
Laura Buck RN
Care Coordinator
Sometimes “the promise” cannot be followed. Sometimes your loved one’s care needs may be so great that they cannot be addressed in any setting other than in a nursing home. I know it is a hard decision. I know it is an excruciating decision.
Let me finish with a story about my grandmother. In 2006, I made a decision to move her to assisted living. I went to Fort Worth to pick her up, drove her back to Hays, and found one assisted living facility that would take her. It was a long quiet trip, riding with my grandmother who maybe for the first time was not happy with me.
My grandmother went into the assisted living facility, and for months she would ask me, “Do you think I am well enough to go home?” However, by being in the assisted living facility, we were able to reduce her medications (they had just grown out of control with multiple doctors in Texas). She started taking her medications timely. She started eating regular meals, and more importantly, she was around other people, as well as me being able to check on her on a daily basis.
About six or so months after my grandmother moved into the assisted facility, we both realized how much better she was doing and how much happier she was. She had regained her strength, she had regained social skills, and she had regained her happiness.
Sometimes we as caregivers have to step in and do the difficult thing. My heart goes out to all of you who have had to make that decision.
Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To contact him, please send an email to [email protected]. Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

Today Sunny, with a high near 81. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 58. East northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
ThursdaySunny, with a high near 94. Breezy, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.
Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 92. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 70.
SaturdayA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
The TMP-Marian volleyball picked up three more wins Tuesday at the Oaklay quadrangular. The Monarchs beat Hill City in three sets (25-20, 24-26, 25-23) then swept Oakley (25-20, 25-22) and Smith Center (25-17, 25-22).
Kayla Vitztum led TMP with 32 kills and Sophia Coulter had 36 assists as the Monarchs improve to 17-1 on the season.

JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex charges.
Following an investigation, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chaz Aaron Zibell, 19, Holton, on a 7 count District Court Warrant.
He is charged with 6 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and 1 count of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child.
The complaint alleges between July 2015 and November 2015 that Zibell possessed child pornography and solicited a child for child pornography pictures. The alleged victims in the case are reported to be all minors.
Zibell was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
SEWARD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with forgery.
Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, police served a search warrant at a residence in the 900 block of East Second Street in Liberal, according to a Captain Patrick McClurg.
The search warrant was obtained in furtherance of an ongoing counterfeiting investigation. Investigators seized a number of counterfeit bills as well as equipment used to make the counterfeit bills.
Investigators arrested a 23 year old man and a 21 year old man without incident. They were booked into the Seward County Jail on forgery charges. Affidavits will be submitted to the Seward County Attorney’s Office seeking formal charges.
Police did not release names of the suspects.
Fort Hays State University’s celebration of Homecoming 2017 – “Tigers Through the Decades” – will begin with the Tiger Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament the morning of Thursday, Oct. 5.
Tiger alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students and the public are invited.
The FHSU Alumni Association has released its schedule of Homecoming activities. Advanced registration is required for some events, and for all events that require tickets. Tickets for sporting events are available at the gate or by calling FHSU Athletics at 785-628-4050.
For more information and a downloadable, more detailed schedule, visit www.goforthaysstate.com/homecoming2017. Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 28.
Tiger Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament (sold out)
8 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m., shotgun start, Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall
Coach’s Corner – Lunch with Head Football Coach Chris BrownNoon to 1 p.m., Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall
FHSU Football Coach Chris Brown will discuss the current season, the players and the strategies he uses in finding the right players and how the scholarship program works. Funds raised from a concurrent silent auction will support FHSU student scholarships. (Ticketed event.)
Tiger bonfire & pep rally
7:30 p.m., Robbins Center (east lawn)
Join members of the football team and coaches, the FHSU Marching Band, the cheerleaders, the 2017 Alumni Award recipients and the Homecoming king and queen candidates as the Tigers prepare to take on the Pittsburg State University Gorillas. New this year: Beginning at 7 p.m., dinner will be available from one of several food trucks in attendance. Sponsored by Tigers4Ever and Greek Life.
Homecoming registration
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Memorial Union
Center for Applied Technology building dedication
9 a.m., across the street from the Memorial Union
Half Century Club luncheon & induction
11 a.m. social; noon luncheon, Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
Oktoberfest
11 a.m., Frontier Park, south Main Street
Oktoberfest has become a tradition for people of all ages. It is a community tribute to the Volga-German heritage with delicious foods, lively entertainment, games, crafts and unique items for sale.
Forsyth Library 50th birthday party
1:30-4 p.m., Forsyth Library, FHSU campus
Campus walking tour
2 p.m., Sunset Atrium, Memorial Union
Class of 1957 & 1967 reunion campus & Hays bus tour & social
2:30 p.m., tour begins from Sunset Atrium; 4 p.m., social, Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
Alumni Awards & Recognition Banquet
6 p.m., reception; 7 p.m., banquet, Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
FHSU vs. Missouri Western State volleyball
6 p.m., Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Volleyball reunion social & dinner
8 p.m., Victor E. Lounge, Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Greek reception (Delta Zeta, Sigma Phi Epsilon & Sigma Sigma Sigma)
7-10 p.m., Smoky Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall. (Ticketed event.)
Homecoming registration
8 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union
Tiger Alumni & Friends 5K Run/Walk
7 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., race, Robbins Center
This event is for all ages. A free T-shirt is available only to those who attend the event and register by the Sept. 28 deadline. Participants also must complete and sign the disclaimer. Prizes awarded to each age group. (Ticketed event.)
Tiger Family & Friends Mile Walk
9:30 a.m., registration; 10 a.m., walk, Robbins Center
A close view of the ever-changing FHSU campus in a non-timed walk with family and friends in this inaugural event led by Victor E. Tiger. Along the route, walkers can interact with FHSU cheerleaders, receive face tattoos and free balloons and more. Registration for all children 12 and under is $5 per child with one paid adult registration. All participants will be entered into a prize drawing. Register by Thursday, Sept. 28 to receive a free T-shirt (available race day only; shirts will not be mailed). Participants also must complete the disclaimer. (Ticketed event.)
Tiger Alumni & Friends Virtual 5K Run/Walk
For those not able to come to campus, there is the Virtual 5K Run/Walk. Visit www.goforthaysstate.com/2017virtual5K for more information. (Ticketed event.)
All 5K Run/Walk-related events are sponsored by Bank of Hays, Phaze 2, Walmart, Jeff Pinkney CPA, and Troy Hallagin DDS and Leighton Werth DDS.
Class of 1957 breakfast
8:30 a.m., breakfast, Memorial Union; 11:45 a.m., board parade vehicle, Memorial Union west entrance. (Ticketed event.)
Class of 1967 breakfast
8:30 a.m., breakfast, Memorial Union; 11:45 a.m., board parade vehicle, Memorial Union west entrance. (Ticketed event.)
Delta Zeta reunion breakfast
8:30 a.m., Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
Sigma Phi Epsilon reunion breakfast
8:30 a.m., Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
Sigma Sigma Sigma reunion breakfast
8:30 a.m., Memorial Union. (Ticketed event.)
Tiger Village themed housing ribbon cutting
10:30 a.m., north of Lewis Field Stadium. (Ticketed event.)
Homecoming parade
1 p.m., Main Street
To participate, visit www.fhsu.edu/homecoming or call the Center for Student Involvement at 785-628-4664. Parade sponsored by University Activities Board.
FHSU vs. Northwest Missouri State volleyball
2 p.m., Gross Memorial Coliseum
Health and Human Performance reunion BBQ
3-5 p.m., Cunningham Hall, southeast gym. (Ticketed event.)
Greek Tailgate (Delta Zeta, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Sigma Sigma)
3-6:30 p.m., Lewis Field Stadium, north parking lot. (Ticketed event.)
FHSU vs. Pittsburg State football
6 p.m., pre-game ceremonies; 7 p.m., kickoff, Lewis Field Stadium
Special seating available for honored classes and reunion groups.
Greek Gathering
8-11 p.m., Gutch’s Bar & Grill, 111 W. Seventh. (Ticketed event.)
Established in 1916, the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association serves FHSU graduates by identifying needs and providing solutions. More than 63,500 graduates live throughout the United States and in 77 countries.