By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The iconic Blue Light Lady limestone sculpture created by Pete Felten is set to be moved from its location at 26th and Indian Trail to Historic Fort Hays.

The Elizabeth Polly&nbsp;Blue Light Lady statue sits in green space west of Indian Trail, south of Dairy Queen and east of Centennial Towers in Hays.

The statue has resided there since 1982. The Hays Arts Council spearheaded the statue's placement at the park.

Although there is a small playground area on the east side of Indian Trail, the statue sits alone and is often overlooked by visitors and even residents of Hays.

The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays has raised funds to move the statue to a site at the historic fort, where it will be more visible and can be used to tell Elizabeth Polly's story.

Elizabeth Polly was born in 1843. Her husband was a hospital steward at Fort Hays. She tended to&nbsp;cholera victims at Fort Hays during an outbreak in&nbsp;1867. She contracted cholera and died that same year.

"She was a courageous, young woman who sacrificed her life nursing soldiers suffering from cholera.&nbsp;While she has become a legend through her ghostly hauntings, her actual life is even more inspiring. 

"We&nbsp;want our visitors, adults and children, to leave admiring the woman. Our history is full of sacrifice, which&nbsp;provides us with enduring lessons of strength and perseverance," the Friends of the Fort said.

In addition to the statue, the Friends of the Historic Fort want to place a plaque on a pillar adjacent to it that tells the stories of Polly and Felten.

The fort is also home to Felten's Monarch of the Plains bison sculpture. Felten died on Feb. 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f8028923-65bd-48c2-b29d-d2a1cb622950">Read more on Felten's life and work HERE.</a>

Adam Conkey, Historic Fort Hays site administrator, said the fort is still in the planning and fundraising stages of the move.

The fort would like to locate the statue near the hospital site. Conkey said the hospital did not exist on that site when Polly was tending the sick. She would likely have cared for soldiers housed in hospital tents.&nbsp;

Polly was buried at the base of Sentinel Hill, but her remains were moved to the top of the hill, said Marla Matkin of Friends of the Fort, who also portrays Polly during reenactments.

"She knew the risk she took in nursing these young men," Matkin said, "but she felt she was providing a very needed service, and she was."

Polly was given a full military funeral service because of her dedication to caring for the soldiers, Matkin said.

There is a monument marking Polly's grave on Sentinel Hill, but since it is on private property, permission from the landowner would be required to visit.

Conkey said some of the Polly story has been told through family legend, and it's difficult to know what is accurate.

According to legend, Poly was buried in a blue dress. Locals have said for generations that they have seen her ghost, cloaked in a misty blue light, wandering the area.

The Friends of the Fort hope to have the statue moved in April and have a formal unveiling of the sculpture at its new site on Sept. 26, Matkin said. 80 Proof Alice will perform at the event.

The Friends of the Fort also has upcoming monthly events, as well as a July 4 celebration to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The fort's period baseball team will play.

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Reinforcements from Fort Hays were called north to serve after the battle, Matkin said.

George Custer, who spent time at Fort Hays, was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, during which Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes engaged the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army.

If you would like to donate to the Elizabeth Polly statue project, write a check to the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays, with "Elizabeth Polly statue" in the subject line, and mail it to Historic Fort Hays at 1472 U.S. 183 Alternate, Hays, KS 67601.

Matkin said the Friends of the Fort is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested, you can visit the fort and talk with Conkey.

"It is a commemorative year," Matkin said. "It's a great time to see some of the stuff and learn some history and maybe get involved and become a part of it."

Felten's Blue Light Lady statue to find new home

A man accused of shooting and killing his father and shooting his mother has been bound over for trial in Russell County.

Robert James, “Bobby” Torres was arrested after the shooting of&nbsp;49-year-old Deborah Torres of Russell and&nbsp;49-year-old Robert Torres of Russell on April 24. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

After a citizen report to 911, officers arrived at a home in the&nbsp;800 block of East Second Street in Russell and found Deborah Torres shot and Robert Torres dead.&nbsp;Deborah Torres was hospitalized.

Robert Torres was a tattoo artist at&nbsp;Fantasy Graphics Tattoo Studio in Hays.

“Bobby” Torres underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was found competent to stand trial in September, according to court records.

After a preliminary hearing, “Bobby” Torres was bound over for trial on Nov. 3, according to court records.

At his arraignment on Jan. 29, “Bobby” Torres stood mute, which means he did not enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, according to court records.

A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on May 5.

Torres is being held on a $1 million bond.

Russell man charged in shooting father, mother to go to trial

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved updating existing HVAC preventive maintenance service agreements during its Monday meeting.

The amendments proposed include HVAC equipment that was previously under warranty. The agreements are with Glassman Corp.

Rusty Lindsay, USD 489 director of buildings and grounds, said older systems were simpler and required fewer specialized tools, while newer systems are more complex with higher ongoing maintenance needs.

"We don't have the equipment, certification or the skill levels to work on some of the stuff that needs to be worked on," Lindsay said. "We're completely overwhelmed with everything. It's beyond what we can keep track of."

The service agreement includes equipment at Roosevelt Elementary and Hays Middle School, which will cost $61,000.

Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer questioned whether the district was getting the best price and whether it should have been bid out. Ron Wilson said the original agreement, which runs until December 2029, was bid out at the state level.

A motion was made with Craig Pallister, Ken Brooks and Ruth Ruder voting in favor and Park and Yarmer voting not in favor. It did not pass.

Jayme Goetz excused herself due to a conflict of interest from the discussion, and board president Curt Vajnar was absent.

A motion was made to revise the original motion to include a districtwide request for proposals for preventive maintenance, with the request to be brought back no later than the last board meeting in November.

The revised motion, which included Roosevelt and Hays Middle School maintenance contracts through Dec. 31, passed unanimously. 

The board plans to rebid the HVAC maintenance contracts for all buildings, including the high school, before the end of the year.

A Glassman representative said they would hold their bid price.

District director, administrator contracts

There was a failed motion to push district director contract extensions back to the March 9 meeting. Pallister, Brooks and Ruder voted no, while Park, Goetz and Yarmer voted yes.

A motion to extend the contracts then failed. Pallister, Ruder and Brooks voted for the motion, while Park, Goetz and Yarmer voted against.&nbsp;

The contracts will come back on the next meeting's agenda.

The board approved a motion to push back contract extensions for district administrators, such as principals and superintendents, until its next meeting on March 9. Brooks and Ruder voted no, Goetz, Pallister, Park and Yarmer voted yes.

Goetz said it was important that Vajnar was present for the vote.

The board also heard an update on Early Childhood Connections and its programs.

Hays BOE approves HVAC contract; admin. contracts on hold

UPDATE: Ellis County Sheriff seeks public's help in finding missing juvenile 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission this afternoon will consider setting dates for public hearings of two requested economic development incentives for a planned 24/7 Travel Plaza and convenience store north of Interstate 70.

Commissioners will also vote on two rezoning requests on East 27th Street.&nbsp;

The first request is to rezone property at 2460 E. 27th St. from an agricultural district to a light industrial district. L&amp;A Enterprises owns the property. The owner wants the zoning change to expand services.

The second rezoning request is for the adjacent property at 2470 E. 27th St., owned by Josh Ziegler, to change the designation from general commercial district to&nbsp;light industrial district. Ziegler owns and operates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsbstorage.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23323755535&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAokUTqCRaxeubmKyusoso_RcCp8Ue&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAl-_JBhBjEiwAn3rN7Uu-Tmxv4JVtdjMi4Fbm4GUE55Gcd4ji0N4oSpadTrSohYTt32qBghoCp2cQAvD_BwE">T.S.B. Storage</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;the property.

A report from&nbsp;Holly Dickman,&nbsp;water conservation specialist, will update the city's water conservation program and results from 2025.

Eric Burks, president of Fort Hays Tech North Central and Diana Baumann, vice-president of finance and Hays operations for&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech North Central, will present the&nbsp;Big Creek&nbsp;Technical Training Center annual report.

The complete Feb. 26 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262026-1597">here</a>.

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays city commissioners to talk 24/7 Travel Plaza progress today

It was a record-high, warm Wednesday in Hays.

Official numbers from the K-State Agricultural Center show the temperature on Feb. 25 reached 78 degrees. 

That surpasses the previous record high for the date of 76 degrees set in&nbsp;2024 and again in 2025.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4b12fd7e-050c-4ec6-bd4e-15017e40c505">three-day forecast</a> calls for a wintry mix Sunday into Monday.

Record high warm Wednesday in Hays; wintry mix possible on Sunday

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com and include your phone number.&nbsp;

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

ELLIS — The Ellis High School Alumni Association is thrilled to announce the launch of the Railroader Legacy Brick Program — creating a beautiful new Alumni Brick Courtyard at the front of the EHS Alumni Museum in Ellis.

This welcoming space will feature a relaxing seating area, a flagpole, and stunning engraved legacy bricks honoring the proud tradition of Ellis High School.

Now is your chance to leave your mark! Honor an EHS graduate, celebrate your class year, recognize a favorite teacher, memorialize a loved one, or show appreciation for USD 388 employees, families, and community supporters. Each engraved brick will become a lasting tribute and a permanent part of EHS history for generations to come.

Brick sales are open now so construction can be completed in time for the 125th anniversary celebration this May.

Brick Options: • 4" x 8" Brick — $50 includes 3 lines of personalized text (up to 20 characters per line)

• 8" x 8" Brick — $100 includes 6 lines of personalized text (up to 20 characters per line)

The legacy brick order deadline is April 1: <a href="https://donate.brickmarkers.com/ellis">donate.brickmarkers.com/ellis</a>

Questions or information contact Sylvia Deutscher at ellishighschoolalumni@gmail.com.

Join us in building a space that celebrates Railroader pride — yesterday, today, and for generations to come!

Be part of Ellis High School history with Railroader Legacy Brick Program

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;will recognize 10 alumni for outstanding early-to-mid-career achievements, honoring them with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://engg.k-state.edu/alumni-partners/professional-progress-award">Professional Progress Award</a>&nbsp;during the college's annual Seaton Society Award Celebration on Friday, March 6.

Recipients of the award are selected based on professional accomplishments, service to society and/or the engineering profession, support of the college, and the promise of continued success. Each awardee was nominated by their respective department heads and confirmed by Bradley A. Kramer, interim dean of engineering.

2026 Professional Progress Award honorees

Hale Sloan, '10,&nbsp;Hays, holds both his bachelor's and master's degrees in biological and agricultural engineering from K-State. After beginning his career in the Austin, Texas, metro area, Sloan moved to Hays in 2017, where he founded Sloan Engineering and Consulting. As a licensed professional engineer in Kansas and Texas, Sloan and his firm provide civil engineering design and consulting services across the state and are currently expanding their offerings to include construction materials testing. Alongside his professional work, he is an active community volunteer and leader, with involvement in the Hays Noon Rotary Club — where he previously served as president and received the Outstanding Club Service Award — as well as the Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C board, Western Cooperative Electric and his local Methodist church. Sloan also co-founded and currently serves as president of a nonprofit foundation supporting the Kansas State University Rugby Club. Sloan and his wife, Jenna, have three children. When not at his firm or volunteering, he enjoys farming and ranching with his family.

Kim Bartak, '06,&nbsp;Leawood, holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and electrical engineering from K-State and an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Bartak serves as a corporate change manager for Burns &amp; McDonnell, leading enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness, strengthen collaboration and support long-term growth through integrated, future-ready business systems. Previously, she served as a people manager and project manager for 1898 &amp; Co., where she led consulting teams for utility and technology clients across the U.S., and at Honeywell FM&amp;T, where she gained foundational experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality and leadership. Bartak is passionate about mentoring others and helping teams navigate and embrace change. An active volunteer, she supports organizations such as the United Way, MathCounts, the Society of Women Engineers and Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she has held multiple leadership roles. She recently earned a Women in Leadership Certificate from the University of California, Riverside, and she is a lifelong fan of K-State sports.

Jason Humphrey, '08,&nbsp;Topeka, holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with the nuclear option from K-State and an MBA from Baker University. Humphrey began his career as a power plant engineer at Evergy's Lawrence Energy Center before moving into leadership roles. While with Evergy and its predecessor companies, he has lived in Kansas City, Emporia, Wichita, and Topeka, holding several positions — including plant manager and regional director of power plants, as well as corporate roles such as assistant treasurer. In 2023, Humphrey became the vice president of development, focused on building renewable and conventional power plants to support Evergy's 1.7 million customers in the eastern third of Kansas and the western third of Missouri. He is on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka and previously served on the board of the Downtown Topeka Foundation. He and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters — Quinn and Piper.

Chris Kearney, '05,&nbsp;Orlando, Florida,&nbsp;holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering. After graduation, Kearney moved to Florida and began working at the global engineering, design and consulting firm GRG, now EXP. He now leads the firm's hospitality efforts, holding more than 20 years of experience assisting world-renowned hospitality and casino-industry clients. Along with complex building design, Kearney has a passion for sustainability. A recognized thought leader who provides sustainable design and construction solutions to increase efficiency, Kearney returns to K-State each year to recruit for the architectural engineering department and previously served on the department's advisory council. Kearney and his wife, Christy, have three kids — Ian, Aiden and Isabella.

<a></a>Mark Neier, '09,&nbsp;Olathe, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial engineering from K-State. Neier serves as the global operate technology asset senior manager for Deloitte, where he's responsible for starting and managing new technology assets and solutions for businesses in more than 150 countries and territories. Additionally, Neier helped start Deloitte's digital supply networks business, guiding numerous industrial products and aerospace and defense companies through their supply chain transformation journeys. Previously, he served as the associate vice president of assets and products for Deloitte's U.S. supply chain and network operations. Neier is passionate about giving back and staying connected to K-State, having served two terms on the industrial engineering advisory council and recruiting more than 40 engineers to Deloitte from K-State as the company's recruiting lead. Neier and his wife, Kinley, have two children — Olivia and Andrew.

Renee Roesser, '06, '09,&nbsp;San Antonio, Texas,&nbsp;earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from K-State. Beginning her career at the National Security Agency as an intern in 2005, Roesser joined the agency full time in 2006. Holding a series of progressively responsible roles in design, construction, operations and maintenance, her assignments have spanned multiple locations — including Fort Meade, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Antonio, Texas. In 2022, Roesser transitioned from federal service to the private sector, assuming the role of datacenter operations manager at Microsoft. In this capacity, she leads critical environment and IT operations for two data centers, ensuring operational excellence, reliability and compliance. In recognition of her impact, she was selected to participate in Microsoft's Advanced Leadership Program in 2024. Roesser remains actively engaged with her alma mater, serving as the K-State alumni coordinator for the San Antonio chapter. She and her husband, Saunders, have two sons — Corbin and Bodie.

Travis Rogers, '06,&nbsp;Doha, Qatar, holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and serves as production manager for Ras Laffan Petrochemicals at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Rogers is currently leading operations for a $6 billion world-scale site, scheduled to begin in early 2027, that will include the Middle East's largest ethane cracker and two of the world's largest polyethylene reactors. Since beginning his career with Chevron Phillips Chemical in 2006, Rogers has held progressive leadership roles across the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Qatar. His experience spans process engineering, operations management and process safety, including oversight of the company's risk management programs. Rogers has played a pivotal role in the successful commercialization of advanced polymer technologies and the safe ramp-up of complex manufacturing assets. A dedicated mentor and advocate for operational excellence, Rogers is recognized for building high-performing teams and promoting a culture of safety and innovation. He and his wife, Jeanette, have three children — Lucy, Elizabeth and Maxwell.

Ryan Summerskill, '08,&nbsp;Shawnee, holds a bachelor's degree in computer science. After working at Surface Systems and Instruments in Manhattan during college and as a software engineer at Garmin, Summerskill joined Veritas Prime — a premier technology and professional services company focused on payroll and human capital management services — in its startup phase, fulfilling his goal of building a software development organization from scratch. Now, he serves as senior global director of products, leading a global business unit comprising engineers, designers and product management from the U.S., India, Peru and Argentina. Summerskill has remained connected to K-State, serving on the computer science department's advisory board since 2015 and volunteering as a senior officer with the Civil Air Patrol. He and his wife, Abby, have two children — Amelia and Zander.

Nichole Waring, '05,&nbsp;Overland Park, earned a bachelor's degree in construction science and management from K-State. She is a senior project manager and employee-owner at McCownGordon Construction, where she oversees a diverse portfolio of new-build and renovation projects, including libraries, museums, aquatic centers, nonprofit facilities, corporate offices and data centers. Known for leading high-performing teams and managing complex projects with precision, Waring has delivered award-winning work recognized by the American Institute of Architects, Kansas City Business Journal and the Builders' Association of Greater Kansas City. Twice nominated for Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Kansas City, she has played a key role in securing some of the firm's most impactful projects. A graduate of Leadership Overland Park, Waring remains active in the community, volunteering with organizations such as Operation Breakthrough, Harvesters, Ronald McDonald House and Resurrection, a United Methodist Church. She and her husband have three children.

Allyson Wetter,'09,&nbsp;Silver Lake, earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from K-State and currently serves as senior director of safety and performance management for Evergy. A licensed professional engineer in Kansas, Wetter leads teams responsible for safety and training; vehicle and equipment fleet operations; and the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities. Wetter began her career at Evergy 18 years ago as an environmental intern and substation civil engineer and has since held numerous leadership roles supporting electric grid planning, construction and storm restoration efforts. Passionate about community vitality and well-being through reliable electricity, she also volunteers at events encouraging children to explore STEM careers and serves on the board of directors of the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross. Wetter and her husband, Daryl, have two children — Perry and Ryland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays K-State outstanding alumni recognized for early-career success in engineering

Keven Hiebert recently presented “Kansas Before Kansas” at Trego County Historical Society’s Kansas Day Celebration. He shared his lifetime collection of bison artifacts he’s found, bought, and made. This history lover has spent decades investigating plains tribes and fur trappers who occupied this landscape before statehood. The audience enjoyed the hour-long history/survivalist presentation and would’ve listened longer. After he explained preparing rawhide and buckskin, housing options, tools, travel supplies, weaponry, and more, I viewed bison as a 4-legged-Walmart/mobile home industry.

Keven has mastered skills including making a using atlatls, bows, and black powder guns that natives needed to survive in this region. He’s harvested big game and processed carcasses using various tribes’ practices. Early in his presentation, he detailed differences in rawhide and buckskin and exhibited handcrafted tools used to prepare them. He explained men hunted while women processed EVERYTHING including meat, hides, bones, hooves, sinews, bladders, stomachs, intestines, to pericardial sacs to feed, clothe, and house families.

He elaborated that rawhide required less processing than buckskin but was essential for making cordage and parfleche bags to store everything from dried meat to ceremonial clothing. He showed parfleches he made, praising their practicality. For storage and transport, creators scraped, cleaned, and dried hides, folding each in thirds from side to side and top to bottom, creating containers small - large. They could attach sinews or cordage and ornament them with pigments and/or quills. Keven used pigment on his. I’ve also seen quill work in historical collections.

In addition to rawhide, Keven shared buckskin clothing he made or traded for. Buckskin is obviously softer and more malleable. Nobody would wear rawhide close to flesh where it would rub skin raw. Buckskin, requiring more processing, offers degrees of softness and can be utilitarian and sturdy or soft as a tender newborn.

While Keven made a canvas tipi for personal use, he explained quantities of hides and poles natives required to house their families. He also constructed a small travois pulled by his mid-size dog to demonstrate transport for tipis, poles, and parfleches. Before horse culture changed their lives, plains tribes made smaller tipis that travois-bearing dogs drew from site to site. In camp, travois poles doubled as tipi supports. Imagine the tracks cutting into prairies when villages relocated to seek fresh resources.

Keven reminded his audience that humans can live solely off the land. He explained meat processing from drying jerky to making pemmican that supplied protein, fat, and carbohydrates from nuts and berries. When he revealed hide numbers necessary to construct tipis and clothing, it clarified tribal dependence on huge game herds. Drying and smoking meat for the year required women to create containers to protect and transport supplies. He offered examples of bags made from bison parts like bladders, testes, stomach, and pericardia. My mind wandered to the Baggy collection above my stove. I have various sizes for different purposes. Native women did too.

Practicality was the mantra of pre-Kansas residents, which Keven revealed by tugging off a handcrafted moccasin. This revealed he modeled native practices and left bison fur attached to the buckskin to better insulate his feet. He added he’d comfortably worn these in -15 degree temps. No wonder buffalo in Yellowstone don’t seem fazed by weather.

What an insightful Kansas Day Celebration!

MADORIN: Four-legged Walmart of plains

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

By JORDAN EDWARDS Fort Hays Tech | Northwest

GOODLAND — Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will host a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Friday, February 27, at 1 p.m. (MT) to celebrate the official opening of the Schears Family Center for Innovation and Design and the Tiny Tigers Child Care Facility.

The event will take place at 1407 Eustis Avenue in Goodland and is open to the public. Community members, donors, partners, and supporters are invited to attend and help mark this important milestone for the college.

The ceremony will honor the Schears Family for their generosity and lasting impact on Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. 

The Schears Family Center for Innovation and Design represents a significant investment in hands-on learning, creativity, and workforce preparation, providing students with modern spaces designed to support collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Ben Schears, FHSU Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development and former president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, said the college has played a foundational role in his family.

“With all five of our kids having graduated from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, Rachel teaching math, and as a former employee myself, the college has had a fundamental impact on each of our lives,” Schears said. “Our entire family is humbled by the honor. We love the Tech and are thrilled to see the new childcare center making a difference.”

The opening of the Tiny Tigers Child Care Facility further strengthens the college’s commitment to student success and community support. The facility will serve as a learning environment for students in the Child Care Specialist program while also providing high-quality childcare services for families in the region.

“This project reflects our commitment to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and create spaces that support both education and community needs,” said President Dr. Corey Isbell. “We are grateful to the Schears family and all who helped make this vision a reality.”

The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will include remarks, a formal ribbon cutting, and opportunities for attendees to tour the new facilities.

For more information about the event or Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqugsOgS21wCFwNLUBKgCqkA-3DGhUA_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOqvt2CQH4kxOaFChik5xVfsLl5bIW1g-2FXg8-2FYNmd4Wyn1VzaGMb03kI0kRxQYzQQKHS6Kp77y4YvC-2BuPEg4VtkJJarJ9kPDCs5R5sTTnDYWgl7NUq2K-2F3tLU3aV-2Bb32CtCazaaFMFcGSLrfZHfR0XRKHTYBOE2QlMaWj1tbneYF-2FbwMyEfE98y8s1LYmswtUTyM-2F1Lde3K2yaFafhrUr59KYFieUoosDySFQXlkPAxj82yC1EHP-2BXu2rzhbyC3Y1A">www.fhnw.edu</a>

Fort Hays Tech|NW to host ribbon cutting, ceremony honoring Schears family

Kansas Scholastic Chess Association tourney in Hays on Feb. 28

Informational meeting set for Tuesday for 100 Who Care

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

&nbsp;If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

The City of Hays is reminding residents that pet registrations for 2026 are currently open.

Per city ordinance, all dogs, cats, and non-venomous constrictor snakes exceeding six feet in length must be licensed annually.

To complete the registration, owners of dogs and cats must provide a current rabies vaccination record.

Owners of qualifying constrictor snakes are required to provide proof of microchipping.

“A pet tag is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lost or missing animal returns home,” said Community Service Officer Nikki Hausler. “When an officer or a citizen finds a pet wearing a city license, it allows us to quickly identify the owner and facilitate a safe reunion, often avoiding a trip to the shelter.”

The 2026 licensing fees are $5 for spayed or neutered dogs and cats, while the fee for unaltered pets is $25.

Constrictor snakes exceeding six feet may be registered for $5.

Additionally, owners of breeds classified by ordinance as dangerous, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or Pit Bull mixes, must pay a $50 registration fee in addition to the standard licensing costs.

Residents have until March 1 to register pets currently in their possession before late fees are applied.

Unregistered pets will incur a penalty of $10 per month or partial month past the deadline, with a maximum late fee of $50.

“We’ve worked to make this process as efficient as possible for our residents,” said City Clerk Jami Briet. “The registration can be completed quickly at City Hall, and our staff is ready to assist owners in getting their 2026 tags handled before the March deadline.”

Licenses can be obtained in person at the City Clerk’s Office, 1507 Main St.

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, residents may contact the City Clerk’s Office at (785) 628-7300 or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

City of Hays pet registration deadline approaching

BUNKER HILL — The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will provide live coverage of the 2026 Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Class 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships. 

The event is begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27 through the semi-finals, and continues Sat., Feb. 28 at 9 a.m.&nbsp;at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State University, Hays.

Smoky Hills PBS will once again showcase both boys' and girls' competitions, continuing a long-standing commitment to local sports and its tradition of bringing live broadcast coverage of high school sports to viewers across central and western Kansas.

Every match will be broadcast live, co-hosted by Eagle Radio's Mike Holliday. You can find&nbsp;3-2-1A and Hays High School state wrestling results on <a href="https://hayspost.com/">Hays Post</a>.&nbsp;

A rebroadcast of the championship finals will air on&nbsp;Sunday, March 1&nbsp;at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our production crew and our many volunteers take great pride in delivering live, reliable coverage of this championship every year," said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director at Smoky Hills PBS. "Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships is about celebrating the athletes, the schools, and the communities that support them."

3-2-1A state wrestling championships to air live on Smoky Hills PBS

Get your tickets today and then join us&nbsp;as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.list-manage.com/RcpvPPY0b4A?e=ad2f5727f7&amp;c2id=464001e5eac1dfb0bc25eb093087c2fd">https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/benefit</a>

This special night will feature two incredible bands who are not only entertaining but also special to Lovegrass —&nbsp;80 Proof Alice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rudy and the Lost Boys&nbsp;— plus a silent auction, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, all in support of Lovegrass Music Festival.

Your attendance helps us raise funds for our upcoming summer concert series, continue our mission of bringing bluegrass arts to rural Kansas, and support our capstone Lovegrass Music Festival this August.&nbsp;

Doors at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at the&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th, Hays. Suggested donation is $25.

Come enjoy great music, support the arts, and help keep bluegrass thriving in Kansas. We can’t wait to see you there!

Lovegrass Concert Series fundraiser is March 14 in Hays; tickets now available online 

This month’s Science Café presentation, “AI for Advancing Research Across Diverse Disciplines,” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Anas Hourani, FHSU Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, will provide an overview of how artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are transforming research across diverse disciplines by enabling knowledge extraction from large-scale data.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase, no food will be served&nbsp;during Science Café.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DI8e2_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOxhHfie4Psr7PgSLQuwklupqp6-2Bhxxpc08UdaGL7sxv8fcxRSUu4Oi8fMbn7NlB3xF2IVmdUY0rkyJEMwMnz-2BKSGQGMdt0NrU5sqrW-2BrUn39-2B7lX0fgeFEdloM2R-2FhDWQ7RuK85zg2QmPOUmYRoNb2lnw4sIKHCvntK4Eon0Yd0-2FVuaLhx23DMcs7mizek9UY5rDXOQsq8phghkThfnMdZa-2B1GZ1UVXL0RrEqAMv7E23OCuZRncxaF9kkUJP2rIIN">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

FHSU’s upcoming Science Café set for Monday, Feb. 23

VICTORIA - Victoria Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fries, Fridays, February 27, March 13, and March 27 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Victoria VFW Hall.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start Feb. 27

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating more credit card skimmers on gas pumps in Salina.

On Wednesday afternoon, police made contact with employees of Flying J Travel Center, 2250 N. Ohio in Salina in reference to finding two more skimmers on two diesel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

The employees reported after finding the initial two skimmers Tuesday they had checked the pumps and had not located any others. 

Prior to calling they checked the pumps and located two new skimmers. The business checked their security cameras and observed a white dually pickup pull up to both pumps for a short amount of time before leaving. 

The vehicle was at the pumps between 4:30 AM and 4:45 AM on the morning Wednesday.&nbsp;

More credit card skimmers found in central Kansas

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran– a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – today applauded the removal of the lesser prairie-chicken from the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA) list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), following a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas:

“The removal of the lesser prairie‑chicken from the endangered and threatened species list is a major win for Kansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. For years, Kansas producers have worked to protect the bird’s habitat through voluntary, locally‑driven conservation efforts, but the listing’s burdensome federal regulations put severe strain on many Kansas industries.&nbsp;I have worked to oppose the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken for more than a decade, and I applaud today’s decision to remove the listing and continue to support local efforts to promote voluntary solutions that will protect the bird’s habitat without placing unnecessary burdens on our agricultural community.”

Kan. U.S. Senator applauds removal of prairie-chicken from ESA list

SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hilary-knight">Hilary Knight</a>&nbsp;doesn’t want to let what she called a “distasteful” joke by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5">gold-medal winning</a>&nbsp;U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team get in the way of a historic performance by American women across all sports at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>.

“I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate,” Knight said on Wednesday alongside fellow Olympians Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes at the Seattle Space Needle ahead of their return to play for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. “And, I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats.”

Knight, a two-time gold medalist whose 15 goals and 33 points in Olympic competition are the most by a U.S. hockey player at the Games, said she’s not focusing on an offhand comment by Trump after the American men topped Canada for gold in overtime on Sunday.

Talking on a speakerphone in the postgame locker room, Trump extended an invitation to the White House to the men’s team, then added, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” The president later joked that if he didn’t extend the invitation, he would probably be impeached.

While the vast majority of the men’s team flew to Washington on Tuesday and visited Trump in the White House before being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-hockey-olympics-trump-89fff7bdec947251ff926e09ac24d4e4">guests at the State of the Union</a>, many of the women’s players were on the way back to their professional or college clubs.

USA Hockey, which said it was “honored” by the invitation, cited logistical issues as the major hurdle that prevented the women’s team from stopping by the White House. The team was originally scheduled to fly commercially into New York on Monday, but was forced to reroute through Atlanta due to a snowstorm in the Northeast.

Several players were going to stick around New York for promotional purposes, even ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Those scheduled appearances had to be canceled because of flight changes.

Knight lamented that the video — which included several players laughing after Trump’s comments — took on a life of its own and didn’t convey the true nature of the relationship between the men’s and women’s US hockey programs.

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