November 2025

1st Place TIAK Marketing Award goes to Hays CVB

The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) received a first place Marking Award for Digital/Online Media at last week’s Kansas Tourism Conference in Manhattan, Kansas. Hosted each year by the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) the Kansas Tourism Conference brings together industry professionals from across the state to share ideas, discover new trends and network with peers from hotels, attractions, CVBs, dining and retail establishments.

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Hello, November!

Dear Readers, The sun made a brief appearance in The Flint Hills this morning, the first time it’s done so in more than a week. But within minutes, it disappeared under a rippling blanket of gray and blue clouds.

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Run Joe run and other things you should hear at the airport

Well, that’s got to be the scariest thing I’ve ever seen in an airport: A pacifier—with no baby attached—lying on the floor in the concourse. You know what that means: Somewhere there’s a baby with no pacifier attached…possibly on a plane! YIKES! Then I hear the announcement: “If you’re traveling with an infant who does not have a ticket, please check your ticket for the infant-in-arms notification.” I think it should say, “If you’re traveling with an infant who does not have a ticket, please make sure you have a pacifier.” Or maybe even, “If you’re traveling with an infant who does not have a ticket, please consider driving.” I’m joking.

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Sales tax trend holds at s 1.25% YTD increase

Hays Finance Director Kim Rupp confirmed last week for City Commissioners what he had told them last month, that the September tax collection numbers would be positive. On September 25, 2025, as Director reported that August tax collections were down 8% compared to last year, he shared that he expected September tax collection to be increased 3% with a year-to-date (YTD) upward trend of 1.25%.

Read MoreSales tax trend holds at s 1.25% YTD increase