By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN The Catholic Register

He could see for himself, but it was what others were saying that also prompted Chad Meitner to nominate Jennie Helget for Teacher-of-the-Year honors for the Salina Diocese.

“I have only heard good things about how she handles all the situations that teachers can encounter in a classroom—diplomatic, kind, very creative,” he listed. “She is the perfect blend: good in the classroom with kids, good with parents, good with co-workers … an all-around example of what a Catholic school teacher should be.”

Consequently, Helget—a math teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High in Hays—represented the Salina Diocese as its educator of the year earlier this month at the annual KAIRS Conference in Topeka.

Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools is the state’s largest organization of non-public schools.

And Helget was honored and humbled to represent the diocese at the state conference.

“When Chad told me he would like to nominate me from TMP, I was thrilled that I was recognized within my own teaching team,” she said. “But this—it was definitely a surprise!”

After moving to Hays when she was 8 years old, Helget attended all local schools, including Fort Hays State University.

After graduation from FHSU, she filled in at Kennedy Middle School for a semester after a teacher passed away, and that next year, a teaching position opened up at Holy Family Elementary.

Following a 20-year career at Holy Family, she moved across town to TMP-M Jr. High.

On her nomination form, Helget was described as “dedicated, inspirational, follows seriously the belief that a supportive and active learning environment matters. Her positivity is contagious!”

She doesn’t look at teaching as a job but rather as a vocation.

“I love teaching, and I love being here in a Catholic school. It’s very meaningful in my life,” she said.

"The best part is," she added, "that I get to share my Catholic faith all day, wherever it fits in."

Hays teacher: ‘Example of what a Catholic school teacher should be’

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays set a record high on Tuesday of 81 degrees.

The previous record was 78 degrees, set in 1930.

Hays experienced strong winds and blowing dust on Tuesday, with the peak wind gust reaching 54 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fb12bf81-5c9e-4940-b601-c8f0b08e15d9">Interstate 70 was closed for part of Tuesday due to blowing dust and an accident between Colby and Oakley.</a>

Hays and surrounding counties remain under a red flag warning today.

A red flag warning has been issued for all of southwest Kansas, starting this afternoon through Thursday night. 

The most likely timeframe will be noon to midnight, according to the National Weather Service. 

Expect southwest winds gusting to 35-45 mph, with low relative humidity of 15-20%.

Temperatures will also be unseasonably warm, with highs generally in the mid 60s today. Winds will begin to subside around midnight Thursday night, and high temperatures will dip&nbsp;into the 30s. 

Any ignition can quickly become a wildfire, spread rapidly, and exhibit extreme fire behavior, according to the weather service.

The high temperature is expected to drop to 39 on Thursday, with a chance of light snow on Friday and Friday night.

Overnight lows through the weekend are forecast to be in the teens.

Hays sets record high on Tuesday; red flag warning continues today

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching someone at a Fort Hays State University residence hall.

FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said campus police were dispatched to the hall at about 2:11 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Based on the victim's description, Marque Elston Tavares was quickly apprehended by assisting officers. The suspect was identified by the victim and arrested, Pierce said.

He was booked into the Ellis County Jail for alleged sexual battery. Pierce said neither the victim nor the suspect was a student. Law enforcement provided no other details.

Man arrested at FHSU residence hall for alleged sexual battery

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.

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

The Chamber in Hays announces the 38th Annual Ag Appreciation event, sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit on Tuesday, February 24.

The gathering will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schenk Building, located on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Rd.

This long-standing tradition honors and celebrates the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout western Kansas.

The event is free to attend, with the first 300 guests receiving a complementary dinner that includes chili from Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant or green bean and dumpling soup from Gella’s Lb. Diner &amp; Brewing Co. Hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, and traditional fixings will be provided to accompany the chili, as well as pop, water, and two beer vouchers for attendees aged 21 and over.

The evening will conclude with prize drawings, courtesy of generous member sponsors who help make the celebration possible each year.

“Agriculture is a key economic contributor to Hays and Ellis County. Over 600 family farms proudly tend livestock and raise crops to feed our heartland and nation,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays.

No tickets are required for the event. However, save the date cards may be acquired from title sponsor High Plains Farm Credit. Other locations with cards include: Astra Bank, Carrico Implement, Eagle Radio – KHAZ, Equity Bank, Gella’s Diner and Lb.&nbsp;Brewing Co., Guetierrez Mexican Restaurant, HaysMed, Nex-Tech, and through cultivator sponsor locations, which can be found at hayschamber.com in the event link.

The first 150 guests will be treated to a swag bag full of gifts from sponsors. During the evening, door prize drawings will be held, with items donated by community businesses. With the help of generous sponsors, The Chamber is pleased to celebrate Ellis County’s ag producers at this free and fun event for local ag families.

For additional information contact The Chamber in Hays at 785-628-8201 or visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Chamber invites area farmers, ranchers to 38th-annual Ag Appreciation

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in a multi-vehicle accident during a dust storm just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volvo semi driven by Ihor Batiuk, 53, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles west of the U.S. 83 exit in the right lane. The driver entered a blowing dust storm crossing the interstate from south to north. This storm caused little to zero visibility across the roadway. Due to the low visibility, the driver slowed his speed down.

A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, Ness City rear-ended the semi. After impact, the semi continued to the J&amp;J Truck Stop. The Toyota stopped in the right lane of travel.&nbsp; An eastsbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Dennis E. Graham, 65,&nbsp; Henryetta, Oklahoma, was behind the Toyota. The Freightliner's on-board forward crash detection sensor stopped the semi&nbsp; prior to impacting the vehicles in front involved in a separate collision and disabled in the roadway.

A eastbound 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Gary L&nbsp;Stoll, 75, Oakley, rear-ended the Freightliner. After impact the Explorer traveled to the left and stopped in the median facing south.

 The Freightliner's rear end protection was damaged in the crash. An eastbound 2026 Acura MDX driven by Bradley A. Stout, 65, Wichita, struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer. The Acura under-rode the trailer. An eastbound 2022 Subaru Ascent driven by William J.&nbsp;Burt, 66, Springdale, Arkansas, struck the Acura.

EMS transported Stoll to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. 

Batiuk, Goodman, a passenger in the Toyota and Graham were not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stout and a passenger in the Acura Catherine W. Stout, 63, Wichita, were transported to Wesley Medical Center.

Two other passengers in the Highlander, Dennis J. Temaat, 71, and Joyce M. Temaat, 66, both of Dodge City were transported to Citizen's Medical Center.&nbsp; Bradley Stout was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kan. man dies in chain-reaction I-70 crash in a dust storm

Friends, families, and community of Hays, we are announcing our Spring Community Service Project.

We will be writing a check with a donation from our club funds to Hays USD 489 on March 1 to help go towards the lunch debt crisis. There is a total of $2,636 in school lunch debt across all Hays USD 489 schools. We are not able to cover this entire amount on our own, so we call on you, the community. 

We invite everyone in our community to help clear the balance on all of these lunch accounts.

1. You can donate through our CheddarUp fundraiser and on March 1, Moms Club of Hays will write a check directly to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services with all donations collected at&nbsp;<a href="https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaGV0YlJCSHljbWhnVzZwS3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6EKKTNSHW6Rmw9fGAuJuoWUlatlE_aHYY8l7araBN8zhZ0mKAedpuU7IS8bQ_aem_7X5Yk8noko3YxhlzxysKKw" target="_blank">https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. You can mail in a check to the following: PAY TO THE ORDER OF HAYS USD 489 ATTN: NUTRITION SERVICES 323 W. 12TH STREET HAYS, KS 67601 (MEMO: School Lunch Debts)

3. You can directly donate to a school of your choice. Just give that specific school a call and they will direct you on how to make that donation.

We are fundraising starting now through February 28. We will be writing a check to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services on March 1 with our own funds plus any donations collected.

This is a fantastic way to support your community and we are excited to see what Hays is capable of.&nbsp;

'Feed the Kids' fundraiser to clear USD 489 school lunch debt

Last week’s work continued on the budget. All budget and subcommittees have reported out to the full Senate Ways and Means committee and all proposed provisos that were accepted were put into the budget bill. We had planned on finishing the budget bill on Friday; however, the House Budget committee was already scheduled to work all day, and staff would have had to be split in half to finish the committee work. We then rescheduled our committee meeting for Monday, February 16. This week will be spent working bills on both the Senate and the House floor before Turn Around.

SB 300 will prohibit the office of the state bank commissioner or any other state agency from becoming a receiver for a technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.

SB 358 is a strong measure for victim protection because it requires individuals convicted of serious felonies, such as off grid crimes, high severity nondrug felonies (levels1-4), or serious drug felonies (levels1-2) to be held without bond in county jail until sentencing. Under current law, judges can sometimes allow these convicted offenders to stay out on bond pending sentencing, but this bill eliminates that discretion; if they were free on bond before trial, it gets revoked immediately upon conviction, and they are remanded to jail; if already in custody, their status shifts to no bond. This change directly helps victims by ensuring dangerous offenders cannot walk free in the community after a guilty verdict, reducing the risk of intimidation, retaliation, or further trauma while victims await final sentencing and begin to heal.

SB 364 requires the Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer a discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing license to residents of Kansas who are 65 years of age or older and increases the maximum age to qualify for the Kansas kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, decreases the maximum fee, and removes the expiration of such license.

SB 355 would amend the Kansas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act to require electronic cigarette manufacturers to be licensed in the state and regulate electronic cigarette products in a fashion like that for other nicotine products. The bill would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarette products marketed and advertised to minors and would make other technical and conforming changes.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate update: budget, criminal bonds, vapes

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air Launches “Kindness Heats the Heart” Valentine’s Contest to Give Away Free Furnace!

This Valentine’s season, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is proving that kindness truly warms more than just homes.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this local, family-owned business is launching a special community contest called&nbsp;“Kindness Heats the Heart,”&nbsp;giving one deserving family a&nbsp;brand-new furnace and full installation—completely free.

Beginning today and running through the end of February, residents within Ellis County and a 50-mile radius can visit HaysPost.com, Contest Page, to nominate a family in need. The selected recipient will receive a new furnace to help ensure their home stays warm during one of the most challenging times of the year.

Owners Mike McIntyre and Joslyn Brungardt have served the surrounding area for more than 25 years, building a reputation not only for quality service but for quiet generosity.

“Mike and Joslyn are the kind of people who give without asking for recognition,” said a Hays resident. “They’ve spent years supporting local families and organizations behind the scenes.”

This giveaway reflects the heart of their business and their deep connection to the community they serve.

“For many families, winter heating costs and unexpected furnace repairs can be overwhelming,” said Mike McIntyre. “We want to help relieve that burden for someone who truly needs it.”

As a proud Lennox partner, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is honored to provide not only reliable equipment but also peace of mind to a family facing hardship.

The&nbsp;“Kindness Heats the Heart”&nbsp;campaign celebrates more than just Valentine’s Day—it highlights the power of community, compassion, and local businesses stepping up when it matters most.

Residents are encouraged to nominate a deserving family by visiting HaysPost.com, Contest Page, starting Friday, Jan. 13. Nominations will remain open through the end of February.

In a season centered on love, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is reminding the community that sometimes, the greatest gifts come in the form of warmth, care, and genuine kindness.

Nominate a deserving family to receive a brand new furnace, courtesy of McIntyre Plumbing Heating &amp; Air

Kindness Heats the Heart Contest

&nbsp;As of 5p.m. the eastbound lanes remained closed between Colby and Oakley. Westbound lanes were opened from WaKeeney to Colorado state line and eastbound lanes are open at Oakley

Interstate 70 is closed in both directions between Colby and Oakley, extending to WaKeeney due to high winds and blowing dust causing reduced visibility.

Vehicle crashes blocking the roadway are also part of the closure.

High Wind and Red Flag Warnings are in effect through the afternoon across much of northwest Kansas. Motorists are advised to consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c6d2c8df6-0638a7d6-ac7f-4643-bdf5-2cbdbc567602-000000/94Kw5yb63L8KkrnqJ9WiJz13sFtIyfg6qrGkYpNqD08=444">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOT: I-70 now open in both directions after dust storm

First Call for Help seeks Meals on Wheels drivers

&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

Women Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. 

The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.

At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2026 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.

If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com or Renee&nbsp;

Women Who Lead offers $1,000 scholarships for 2026-27 school year

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas Board of Directors and staff will be conducting a strategic planning session early this spring. We would like to collect feedback from you, our valued member investors, to ensure we are focusing on areas and initiatives that matter to you the most! Thank you for your time and support!

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv7eIWzBssTLnlJMdDkqiT1pf19-M_YmXJlghcG6c3bZTrZg/viewform?usp=headerPlease&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawQAFEBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJtZmhzSjUyNW1jalhORW40c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHho8HAiKeRzdk9OKJM2PN1-ynJbK6klvd6O4eyZ3LUckWaft7iYulU5ftG7F_aem_WlE-hV7TzOrzHjaw22c8xQ">Click HERE for the survey.</a>

Chamber in Hays seeks your input

The Hays Symphony will present its “Winter Classics” concert on at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

The evening will highlight the winners of the Hays Symphony 2025 Young Artist Competition, alongside a selection of orchestral works ranging from Viennese polkas to contemporary Latin American rhythms.

The concert serves as the annual showcase for the university’s top student musical talent.

This year, three soloists will perform with the orchestra: violinist Samantha Zimmerman, mezzo-soprano Alison Walker, and trumpeter Dawson McNeal.

“Working with these young artists is a highlight of our season,” said Benjamin Cline, music director of the Hays Symphony. “These students have demonstrated immense discipline and artistry to master such complex repertoire. To see them transition from the practice room to center stage with a full orchestra is a rewarding experience for both the ensemble and the audience.”

The program opens with Franz Schubert’s “Fierrabras Overture,” followed by the featured solo performances.

Zimmerman will perform the first movement of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, op. 22. Walker will present Gioachino Rossini’s “Anzoleta Avanti la Regata” from La Regata Veneziana. McNeal will conclude the soloist portion with Kevin McKee’s “Centennial Horizon.”

The second half of the program offers a lighter, energetic collection of orchestral favorites.

The symphony will perform three works by the Strauss family: “Pizzicato Polka,” “Tritsch-Tratsch Polka,” and the “Thunder and Lightning Polka.” The evening concludes with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Danse Nègre” and Arturo Marquez’s dynamic “La Conga del Fuego Nuevo.”

“The energy these young musicians bring to the stage is contagious,” said Joan Crull, president of the Hays Symphony Guild. “We are proud to support an event that celebrates the next generation of performers. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Hays community to witness the high caliber of talent being cultivated right here at the university.”

The concert is sponsored by the FHSU Tebo Library.

Following the performance, a reception will be held for the audience and musicians, sponsored by a donation from Janis and Lyn Lee, Hays.

The Hays Symphony acknowledges the support of its 2025-26 season sponsors: the Riley Family Foundation, the Robert E. Browning Foundation, and an anonymous Ellis County family. 

Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony to feature Young Artist Winners at free ‘Winter Classics’ concert

Ana's Gift is collecting new stuffed animals for children who have experienced trauma.

At 16, Ana Hertel embarked on a mission to bring comfort to children experiencing trauma by collecting stuffed animals.

Although Ana died shortly after starting the project, her parents, Lori and Stan Hertel, have continued her mission.

The stuffed animals must be new with tags.

They can be dropped off at Eagle Radio, 2300 Hall; Jeter Law Firm, 1200 Main St #101; Golden Plains Credit Union, 2720 Broadway Ave.; and First Kansas Bank,&nbsp;1200 E. 27th St.

Stuffed animal donations sought for Ana's Gift

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a public hearing for proposed&nbsp;Unified Development Code changes to reduce sideyard setbacks for&nbsp;carports.&nbsp;Under current regulations, carports must meet accessory structure side and rear setbacks of five feet.

Commissioners will also conduct the annual comprehensive plan review.

The complete agenda is available<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02162026-1595"> here</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Area Planning Commission to conduct public hearing on setbacks for carports

Northcentral and Northwest Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an online agronomy series, “Crop Talk”,&nbsp; which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays through March 10, and each session will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.

In the northcentral and northwest agronomy-focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.

Planned topics of discussion include Available Soil Water at Planting and Related Management; Wheat conditions and Breeding efforts on Mosaic Viruses; Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum, and Insects to watch for in the Field.

There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions.

Register online by searching for “<a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">KSU Crop Talk webinars</a>” or call your local Extension Office. Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

CCA credits have been applied for with 1 credit for each session.

KSU Crop Talk webinar series returns for producers

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. 

Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KCPD: One dead after 4-vehicle I-70 crash

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.

Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.

She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.

Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.

Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.

Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.

“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”

Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.

Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.

The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.

Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.

Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.

Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.

“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

Kansas cellphone ban applying to both public and private schools clears House 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.

Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

2 firefighters injured fighting southwest Kansas wildfire 

SEWARD COUNTY —Liberal, Kansas, took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race

&nbsp;McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page.

This year’s competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney’s top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn’t enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory.

With this latest win, Liberal continues to dominate the long-standing international rivalry:

🎥Kansas wins 77th International Pancake Day race

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate overrode Gov Laura Kelly’s veto on Tuesday, putting the state one step closer to forcing people to use bathrooms in government buildings that match their biological sex at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 244</a>&nbsp;was overturned by the Senate, with votes falling along party lines.&nbsp;

As the vote was finalized in the Senate, Rabbi Moti Rieber shouted in anger from the gallery.&nbsp;

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