By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Protestors gathered Sunday afternoon in Hays, voicing opposition to ICE deportation efforts following the shooting of a&nbsp;Minneapolis woman.

A<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events_invite_off_fb/link_sharing/4516540295296628/?inviter_id=16819363&amp;token=Xi28jlg30kdadUVcKedBQlK0ez-mCwmuptfqMbaCZos&amp;mibextid&amp;__cft__[0]=AZZbzrv45gVwdooUx1M4NNvBhvC-gBtflkyFUdZuZJQICEiCQBumId5kAbtwyaF0DoS7Tupr_W2rB3qZLIyo6kjDEcKLxYNMPZ9wdbZEuoxSAMCPqCPtIddawmC1KAznK97NWSDBzbaHyLLj9rxwVrpywGYr2g4GJPAtffZy1S8wsfHOs4DHy9YJXcCSEkgX8TY&amp;__tn__=H-R"> Facebook event page</a> said the demonstration was organized to oppose cruelty, militarized enforcement and the normalization of violence in communities.

The protest was held in solidarity with events in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good was shot and killed by a U.S. ICE officer.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/29daa820-ea39-4dfc-82ca-0d9b6c7cda0f">SEE RELATED STORY: Woman killed by ICE agent was mother who had moved from Kansas City to Minneapolis</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d94d8a86-453f-43fb-b84a-6cc0c66d3b2a">SEE RELATED STORY: ICE officer who shot woman in Minneapolis identified in court records</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2802ff35-afaa-467d-a385-f53f0869e47f">SEE RELATED STORY: White House releases phone video from ICE agent before fatal shooting</a>

Janae Morton said she attended the protest because she believes the current state of the country calls on people everywhere to take a stand.

"I think in western Kansas, a lot of times we think we're immune to what happens in bigger cities and places across the country, but we're not," Morton said.

Morton described the Minneapolis incident as a murder.

"The federal government murdered a citizen in broad daylight, and they're lying about it. I don't think there's really anything to argue or debate, even if what she did was wrong," she said. "They're federal ICE agents and couldn't detain her. She was a citizen."

Morton said immigration enforcement should be carried out legally and humanely and called for easier pathways to citizenship.

"I don't think ripping people away from their families and throwing them violently out of the only home that most of them have ever known is the right way to handle it," she said.

Allie Baranowski said she attended the rally in support of Rene Good and criticized ICE's deportation tactics.

"They're awful," Baranowski said. "They're taking people out of courtrooms."

She said children are also being picked up at schools.

"They're picking areas where people are going about their normal lives," she said.

Allie Baranowski also criticized ICE for carrying firearms and questioned why agents operate with masks instead of having their faces in open view.

Gary Brinker said he also opposes current deportation practices.

"It's a milestone in what ICE is getting away with and what the federal government is getting away with," Brinker said. "It's one of those points where I hope someday enough people put their foot down to stop it."

Brinker said immigration laws were originally designed to exploit immigrants and that the country benefits from undocumented workers.

"They work for less money, and so we pay lower prices because of them. I think that's one reason prices are going up, because all the people who are replacing [immigrants] want more money, and that's what makes prices go up," he said.

Brinker and Baranowski said they support deporting violent criminals. Morton said it is essential to keep an open mind and avoid being influenced by agendas pushed by either side.

"We need to use common sense. We need to appeal to our own empathy and humanity," she said. "The violence that ICE officers are committing is not right. They need to go through legal channels, do it the appropriate way and not be violent."

📷 Hays residents stand with Minneapolis after ICE agent fatally shoots woman

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Liebenthal public water supply system located in Rush County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on January 12, 2026, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of an equipment failure resulting in the city being unable to currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-222-6122, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb3e0095c-14361626-cce4-408f-a1c6-473cb90a591c-000000/x7cPElx69EpajapUu1IETX0iYJGQA1iEBLuom75Jm_0=439">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishment&nbsp; that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for city of Liebenthal, Rush County

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the county's Rural Opportunity Zone status during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.

Although the county was designated as one in 2021, changes in state law mean it is no longer eligible for the program starting this year.

Designation under the program can help reduce the cost of living and provide financial incentives to new residents, including student loan repayment assistance and a five-year state income tax waiver.

The county must continue making payments to previously approved student loan program participants as long as they remain eligible.

Generally accepted accounting principles

The commission will be asked to approve a resolution requesting a waiver from generally accepted accounting principles.

If the county does not waive the standards, it would need to hire staff to manage the additional workload. Approving the waiver would not affect the county’s ability to issue bonds in 2026.

Commissioners will be asked to approve a resolution adjusting salaries for elected officials for 2026.

The adjustments follow a countywide pay study and a 2024 compensation policy, ensuring elected officials’ salaries remain competitive with market rates.

The commission will be asked to approve a resolution to update and formally establish a county policy for moving buildings, structures and other oversized loads on county roads.

The commission will be asked to renew the appointment of Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder to the Region One EMS Council.

Bobbi Dreiling, county clerk, will request approval and signage of the 2026 departmental inventory report.

Commissioners will be asked to approve updated job descriptions for the public works department and the solid waste division.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-721">here</a>.

Ellis County no longer be eligible for Rural Opportunity Zone

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas crude prices post mixed messages, up two dollars on the week, but still hovering near five-year lows.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices spiked on Friday to post a two-dollar weekly gain.&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas Common starts the week at $49.25 per barrel.&nbsp; Prices at CHS in McPherson dipped to five-year lows below $50, and stayed there, beginning in mid-November. Crude futures prices in New York also posted two percent gains Friday.

Year-end analysis by The Energy Information Administration shows global prices dropping from a monthly average of $79 per barrel in January to a low of $63 per barrel in December. That's the lowest monthly average for Brent crude since early 2021. The annual average last year was just $69 a barrel, which is the lowest since 2020. EIA estimates global production outpaced consumption all year, prompting one of the biggest inventory build-ups in 25 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Operators in Kansas drilled 781 wells to total depth last year, down 587 wells or 43% from the year before. Independent Oil and Gas Service reported Overall oilfield activity dropped 37%, and the number of active operators to drill a well was 189, down from 258 the year before. Operators here completed 18 wells this week including one wildcat well, and one service well in Ellis County.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service lists 14 active drilling rigs. Seven are east of Wichita, which is up two, and seven are in Western Kansas, which is down two. The statewide tally is down more than six percent from last month, and 22 percent lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway or about to begin on a lease in Russell County.

At 544 active rigs, the weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops by three oil rigs and one gas rig. Louisiana is down three rigs for the week; Utah is up four. Wyoming is down one; Colorado is up one.&nbsp; Texas, New Mexico and North Dakota each drop by one rig.

Over the long haul, the top three producers are reporting production increases despite declining rig counts. Texas is down 52 rigs from a year ago. North Dakota is down by ten rigs from the same week last year. New Mexico is down just three rigs, year-over-year. A few states are posting year-over-year increases. Louisiana is up ten rigs from a year ago. Utah is up six rigs. Ohio posts an increase of five rigs over last year.

US crude-oil production drops slightly this week but remains over 13.8 million.&nbsp; Production is a quarter million daily barrels higher than the same week last year.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports the four-week average is also over 13.8 million barrels per day.

Commercial crude oil inventories (excluding those in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve) decreased by 3.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 419.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five year average for this time of year.

The government adds another 200,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, which now total more than 413 million barrels. That's an increase of nearly 20 million barrels or five percent in the last year.

Crude imports are up nearly 1.5 million barrels per day from last week at just under 6.4 million barrels a day.&nbsp; The four week average is down about ten percent from a year ago. Crude exports are up nearly a million barrels a day. Refined product exports beat last week by half a million barrels a day. Product exports surpass the tally a year ago by 1.4 million, and beat the year before that by two million barrels a day.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices post mixed messages

Ellis County Jail bookings: Jan. 4-10, 2026

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Jan. 4-10, 2026

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

Tony Guerrero, news reporter, talks with Kim Cebula, Fort Hays State University alumni director, and John Armstrong, admissions director, about Student Recognition Programs and recruitment at the university.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU Alumni Office on student recruitment programs

SENIOR All A Honor Roll Gracie Ball, Elie Brull, Ethan Carroll, Jaren Frickey, Ashlyn Kroeger, Kia Mader, Gus Peine (KAMS), Owen Richards, Carson Schartz, Sienna Schmidt, Kinzie Sunley

A-B Honor Roll Avery Boydston, Payten Burd, Brody Fischer, Leah Reed, Mason Rohleder, Tayler Schmid

JUNIOR All A Honor Roll Madison Birdsong, Jocelyn Eck, Maggie Fitzgerald, Taylor Kohl, Evelyn Merriman, Colton Metzler

A-B Honor Roll Aiden Aschenbrenner, Baylor Born, Braidyn Cox, Cody Cullison, Wyatt Dixson, Jersee Fabrizius, Jacob Luea

SOPHOMORE All A Honor Roll Rylan Aschenbrenner, Dora Bencze, Haylee Comer, Emma Downing, Hannah James, Arien LaDuke, Talon Pyle, Mackinley Rhoden

A-B Honor Roll Asher Haag, Jaxin Howland, Lyla Richards, Trenton Schartz, Journey Swagerty, Westin Vine

FRESHMAN All A Honor Roll Cayson Boydston, Taryn Boydston, Henry Brull

A-B Honor Roll Nora Andrews, Skylynn Begler, Maggie Downing, Emma Flax, Addalyn Haas, Kooper Hankins, Hunter Honas, Beckett Longbine, Colt McCoy, Chevelle Morton, Amethyst Moses, Carter Starns

8th Grade All A Honor Roll Charly Amrein, Brody Armbrister, Lux Bell, Derek Flax, Lona Guffey, Hailey McMillan, Addilyn Priest, Caleb Schield, Myles Vine

A-B Honor Roll Lane Dixson, Presley Eaton, Brandon Gilbert, Jadyn Hann, Brayden Hept, Jonathan Luea, Adalyn Nilhas, Josey Schoenthaler, Lane Shannon, Elijah Wagner

7th Grade All A Honor Roll Judah Albin, Chase Aschenbrenner, Luke James, Brielyn Keller

A-B Honor Roll Gabriel Ball, Kraytyn Blide, Andrew Corbett, Isabelle Fondoble, Brigham Hankins, Jaxon Henman, Katie Hines, Breckyn Honas, Collin Howard, Beckem Jimenez, Graeme Matzke, Clancy McCaffery, Lula McCaffery, Gage Robins, Sophie Seibel, Cade Starns, Maverick Swagerty, Mason Yunker

Ellis High School 2025-2026 semester one honor roll

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS is excited to provide live coverage of Governor Laura Kelly’s 2026 State of the State on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join us as Kansas Governor Laura Kelly delivers the annual address, outlining key priorities and initiatives for the year ahead.&nbsp; This special live broadcast will keep you informed about the future direction of Kansas and important legislative topics.

“Providing live coverage of the State of the State is part of our commitment to public service,” said Michael Quade, director of broadcasting at Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “We’re proud to bring Kansans direct access to Governor Laura Kelly’s 2026 State of the State Address, live from the statehouse, so viewers can hear firsthand about the priorities and issues shaping our state.”

Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page.&nbsp;Set your notification so you don’t miss this important speech:&nbsp;

YouTube:&nbsp; @SmokyHills PBS –&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/live/2z1hGpld4ok">https://youtube.com/live/2z1hGpld4ok</a>

Gov. Kelly's State of the State address to be on Smoky Hills PBS Jan. 13

<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/01/kelly-hills-id3a-partnership-brings-tech-to-farmers.html">By RAFAEL GARCIA</a> K-State News Service

MANHATTAN — In an age where fast-moving, low-flying unmanned drones can spray crops miles away from a base station, Lukas Koch emphasizes that farmers still get their boots dirty.

Drones are simply the next frontier in agricultural technology, Koch said. Decades of advancements in farming technology, techniques, and tools enable one farmer to accomplish work that, less than a century ago, required dozens of people to do.

But it's still a farmer's calloused hands that sort through soil, steer a tractor's wheel or guide a drone's controls, highlighting the need to find the best ways to bring innovations into the hands of farmers.

That's why Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/">Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics</a>, or ID3A, is partnering with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems</a>&nbsp;to develop the next generation of precision agriculture alongside those who will implement it.

Kelly Hills, K-State ID3A collaboration builds research, engagement and commercialization

As CEO of Kelly Hills, established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services and based in northeast Kansas, Koch has worked to grow the company into a national leader,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">building connections</a>&nbsp;between the companies and organizations developing cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies and the farmers who can put them to valuable use. "A fantastic place for that to happen is at the university level," said Koch, who is also a 2018 and 2019 K-State alumnus. "A public-private partnership between a company like Kelly Hills and a university like K-State allows for this sandbox where all of this can come together, leveraging the reach of K-State Extension and its research."

Matching the strengths of each organization, the collaboration focuses on three key pillars:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Besides its extensive network of industry connections, Kelly Hills is also a valuable partner for K-State because of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kellyhills.us/test-range/">its nearly 50,000-square-mile test range</a>&nbsp;and experience with the Pyka Pelican 2 — the world's largest autonomous agricultural aircraft and the largest uncrewed aerial system authorized by the FAA for commercial use.

But one of the company's biggest assets is its ability to connect with on-the-ground farmers, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/McCornack-Brian.html">Brian McCornack</a>, an ID3A director at K-State.

"They're creating a lot of excitement around what they're doing," McCornack said. "They have the ears of the producers in their area, and they're growing excitement beyond that. When you have that kind of excitement and investment from farmers, it makes it easier for us to partner with farmers, listen to their needs and figure out solutions together with them."

Creating an uncrewed aerial systems pipeline

In addition to K-State's expertise in agriculture and unmanned aerial systems, K-State will play a big role in helping Kelly Hills work with the large data sets collected from farmers' lands, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bae.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/sharda/">Ajay Sharda</a>, professor of biological and agricultural engineering and an ID3A director.

"We have a diverse range of skillsets, including remote sensing, data analytics, working with large and small machines, and economic responses," said Sharda, who also taught Koch during his time at K-State. "There's a whole team of people, and they're all directly or indirectly involved with ID3A. It's an amazing opportunity for us to put a pin on the map."

Through each of the three pillars, Kelly Hills and K-State will collaborate on innovative ways to scale up the technology and reduce costs.

Farmers juggle a variety of equipment, input and operational costs, and typically aren't looking to spend more, Sharda said. "But they are looking to spend smarter, and this is a perfect spot for us to help make a business case for this technology," Sharda said. 

Long-term, the collaboration will result in resources, tools and education that familiarize, train and encourage farmers and other interested industry partners in the use of uncrewed aerial systems at scale. "When you look at how much agriculture exists within Kansas, it's crucial to have a pipeline of folks who can provide additional support in industry areas like fertility, pest protection or crop monitoring — all those services that help support an industry that is half of Kansas' GDP," McCornack said.

 For Koch, there's a sense of personal satisfaction in working with professors he learned from and appreciated, while also serving a state he loves. Having grown up on a technology-forward farm, he's seen the transformative power of next-generation agricultural technology in Kansas, and he wants Kelly Hills and K-State to unlock that innovation for the world. 

"We're early in it, but with a relationship like this, we can build on K-State's mission to serve people across Kansas and the world as a land-grant university," Koch said. "It's a unique state and position for K-State to be in to do research that benefits farmers across the wide variety of regions in Kansas, and I see a future where we can work together and bring that value back for everyone."

How a K-State partnership will help put cutting-edge drone technology in farmers' hands

&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

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.

“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e565055-72d4cf41-20e4-4c41-9820-f0a8bc7fed66-000000/v50bB3OSjtVIxQCAmWqClvLzUIj5ESUlPUK-Dr4ubFE=439">here</a>.

Commerce hosts first Virtual Job Fair of new year with new opportunities

Join us as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival fundraiser on March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre!

Tickets are on sale now at <a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05689fbd61bb2baeb0642f1e0&amp;id=66906f2319&amp;e=ad2f5727f7">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;

&nbsp;Doors at 6:00 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. at the Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th.&nbsp;

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 kicks off in Hays with fundraiser on March 14

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work to make drop-off and pick-up as smooth and safe as possible.

Morning Drop-Off: Please continue using both lanes.

Inside lane (next to the school): You may drop your student off anywhere along the sidewalk, even past the raised crosswalk and all the way to the north end of the building. The more vehicles that pull forward, the quicker the line moves.

Outside lane: For safety reasons, students should exit only at the raised concrete area by the stop sign.We also ask that you continue entering from Hays Way to reduce congestion at 13th &amp; Canterbury. With both lanes in front of HMS being used, we saw a noticeable improvement this morning, and this should continue to help traffic move efficiently.

Thank you again for your patience, flexibility, and support as everyone adjusts to this system. We truly appreciate you.

Hays Middle School offers traffic update

SCHEDULE CHANGE: Tonight’s varsity high school basketball games vs. Sacred Heart will begin at 5 p.m.. The girls' varsity game will tip off at 5 p.m., followed by the boys' varsity game. JV/C games will not be played.

TMP basketball schedule change for tonight

The annual Hays Holy Family Elementary School Chili Supper &amp; Bazaar will be held Sunday, January 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school, 1800 Milner.&nbsp;

The event includes a book fair, bingo, game room, cake walk, Feed the Pig, raffle and silent auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chili Supper &amp; Bazaar is one of the largest fundraisers held to support Holy Family Elementary School every year. Each dollar raised directly affects our educational efforts for the 380+ students in our school as well as helps us maintain a safe environment for our students, staff, and visitors.

Silent auction items are still being sought for donation. For more information call Kelsey Konz at 785-410-8668.

Holy Family Elementary annual Chili Supper, Bazaar Jan. 25

Thank you for your patience and cooperation with drop-off and pick-up. We know the past few days have been frustrating, and we truly appreciate your flexibility as we continue working to make the process smoother. Today was already better, and we expect things to keep improving.

Morning Drop-Off (Drop-Off Only): To help traffic move more quickly, please use both lanes, even though they are not marked. ( We will get lanes marked when weather improves.)Inside lane (next to the school): You may drop off your student anywhere along the lane. Students can walk on the sidewalk to the gym commons entrance.Outside lane: Please pull up to the crosswalk area with the stop signs before letting your student out.Using both lanes consistently will help speed up the entire drop-off process.

Afternoon Pick-Up: To keep traffic flowing and ensure student safety:Please do not park and wait in the inside lane. If your student isn’t ready, pull into the parking lot or loop back around.The outside lane must remain a through lane. Students should not enter vehicles from the outside lane for safety reasons.

Crossing 13th Street: If your student walks home and needs to cross 13th, please remind them to use one of the two designated crosswalks and press the crossing button. This keeps traffic moving safely and protects students from dangerous crossings.Thank you again for your understanding, patience, and support as we work through these improvements. We truly appreciate you.Go Indians!

Hays Middle School offers direction on new student pick up, drop off

'The Feast' fundraiser for Codell Community Church Feb. 7

Logan, KS — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is delighted to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado, for two Magic of Painting classes on January 24 &amp; 25. On Saturday, January 24th, participants will paint Old Castle, and on Sunday, January 25th, Mystic Waterfall. Both classes will take place in the Hansen Museum Community Room, located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, Kansas, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with a one-hour lunch break.

These classes offer a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to painting. Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of completing a finished painting each day. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Participants need only bring a roll of paper towels. Open to individuals aged 13 and older, these sessions provide a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and camaraderie.

Registration is available online at www.hansenmuseum.org under the “Classes &amp; Camps” section. Discounts are offered to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum. These classes are part of the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program and are made possible through generous support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. For more information, call 785-689-4846.

The Hansen Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00, Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00, and Sundays and holidays from 1:00 to 5:00. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The facility is handicap-accessible, and thanks to the support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, admission is always free.

Upcoming beginner-friendly painting class at Hansen Museum

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is excited to announce that the 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest is now officially open for entries. The annual contest encourages creativity and imagination by inviting children in 1st through 5th grade to submit their very own original stories.

This year introduces a new contest requirement: every story must include a zoo theme. Whether it’s a daring adventure, a silly animal tale, or a heartwarming zoo friendship, young writers are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

“At Smoky Hills PBS, we love celebrating the creativity and imagination of young writers across our region," said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. "The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is a wonderful opportunity for students in 1st through 5th grade to explore storytelling, share their unique voices, and maybe even see their work featured on television. We can’t wait to read all the amazing zoo-themed stories this year!"

Students may submit stories individually, and teachers are also welcome to submit multiple entries on behalf of their classrooms. Printable entry forms are available at <a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>, and completed forms and stories can be emailed to writerscontest@shptv.org.

All entries must be received by February 23, 2026.

Winners will receive prizes and be recognized in May 2026, during the annual Smoky Hills PBS Awards Show, where selected stories will be featured on TV.

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest continues to be a fun and educational opportunity for children to strengthen their writing skills, express themselves creatively, and share their ideas with the community.

Thank you to <a href="https://www.messer-us.com/">Messer: Gases for Life</a> and the Beach Family Foundation for making this year’s 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest possible.

Smoky Hills PBS announces 2026 PBS KIDS Writers Contest

SALINE COUNTY —Two people avoided serious injures after an accident on icy roads in Saline County.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Operations Captain Jim Hughes, the single vehicle accident occurred just before 5p.m.&nbsp;in the 5700 block of S. Burma. 

Investigators determined the vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions, slid off the road and landed on it top in a creek. &nbsp;Two occupants complained of minor “aches and pains” and denied EMS assistance.

Sheriff: 2 avoid serious injury after crash into Kansas creek

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/brianmartucci/">Brian Martucci</a>- <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Federal immigration authorities intensified a weekslong operation in the Twin Cities over the weekend following the Wednesday killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.

Residents pushed back, led by a growing network of rapid responders hounding U.S. ICE and Border Patrol vehicles and agents across the metro area.

Thousands&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/10/thousands-march-in-minneapolis-to-protest-ice-after-shooting/">marched peacefully</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis Saturday to remember Good and protest the Trump administration’s expanding immigration crackdown. Many marchers stopped to pay their respects as the procession moved from Powderhorn Park past the intersection where the fatal shooting occurred.

Saturday’s protest, the largest since Good’s killing, was more subdued than a Friday evening gathering outside downtown Minneapolis hotels where ICE agents were said to be staying.

Protesters blew whistles, banged drums and shouted taunts outside the hotels for hours before some tried to force their way into the Canopy by Hilton at 700 Third Street South, causing about $6,000 in damage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-ice-protest-friday-night-arrests-damage-no-injuries/601561757" target="_blank">Star Tribune&nbsp;reported</a>. City and state police ordered protesters to disperse around midnight and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h6jSaT1Qy3k?si=1vXpli_jiJ9nNRQL" target="_blank">arrested about 30 people</a>&nbsp;without incident, officials said Saturday.

Near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a smaller group braved chilly winds to maintain a near-permanent presence outside an ICE operations hub and detention center.

U.S. Reps.&nbsp; Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison said they were denied entry to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building shortly after arriving for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/us-reps-ilhan-omar-angie-craig-say-they-were-turned-away-from-ice-facility-mn/89-c71bf6c9-f7a0-459f-aee5-c62ea6858d56" target="_blank">what they called an oversight visit</a>&nbsp;on Saturday morning.

Later in the day,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/10/minnesota-democrats-ice-00721211" target="_blank">Politico reported</a>&nbsp;that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — who oversees ICE and said this weekend she’d ordered hundreds more agents to join at least 2,000 already in the Twin Cities — signed an order on Thursday requiring a week’s notice for Congressional visits to immigrant detention centers.

Multiple people released from Whipple told independent journalists that they’d been&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/gbrockell.bsky.social/post/3mc6zl5qsns2k" target="_blank">verbally or physically abused</a>&nbsp;in or en route to detention there. Two said agents used demeaning language to describe Good and suggested she’d deserved her fate.

The&nbsp;Reformer&nbsp;has not independently verified the Whipple detainees’ claims. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/1qa3pmm/boxed_in_by_ice/" target="_blank">separate video</a>&nbsp;posted on Sunday by a Minneapolis Reddit user, an ICE agent tells a driver to “[g]o home to your children…have you not learned from what just happened?”

Sunday saw more reports of federal law enforcement activity in St. Paul. One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/saintpaul/comments/1qaaww4/greg_bovino_has_officially_kicked_off_door_to/" target="_blank">bystander video</a>&nbsp;purported to show agents going “door to door” on Thomas Avenue near Victoria Street, possibly making good on Vice President JD Vance’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/08/jd-vance-promises-aggressive-immigration-enforcement/88086884007/" target="_blank">promise earlier this week</a>&nbsp;of house-by-house immigration operations. Armed personnel&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattprivratsky.bsky.social/post/3mc6cp7f4pc2g" target="_blank">questioned shoppers</a>&nbsp;at a nearby Target. And a crowd heckled agents as they appeared to pull a man out of his car at a gas station on Snelling Avenue.

A multi-agency operation that at times felt like an outright occupation had many Twin Cities residents — not just hardened activists — calling for ICE to withdraw and deeper reform of federal immigration policy.

On Sunday, outgoing U.S. Sen. Tina Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/democratic-minnesota-senator-ice-has-a-role-in-our-country-11342339" target="_blank">told CNN</a>&nbsp;that she was listening, but stopped short of promising to lead the “abolish ICE” movement in Washington.

“It is hard for me to imagine how I could vote to support a budget bill for the Department of Homeland Security, given how the Department of Homeland Security is functioning right now in my community,” she said. “I want to see work done that would bring some serious reforms to ICE.”

ICE intensifies Twin Cities operation after killing of Renee Good, protests

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in a fatal shooting&nbsp; that occurred in the basement of a home in Wichita is set to return to court.

Elijah Cynova, 18, will appear in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He may be asked to enter a plea in the case.

&nbsp;On December 28, Cynova was charged with&nbsp;unintentional but reckless second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Blaze Arrington, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. December 23, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court in Wichita and found&nbsp; Arrington suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

Investigators determined Arrington was in the basement with a friend, later identified as Cynova, showing him two firearms. During the interaction, Cynova reportedly pointed one of the firearms at Arrington and fired, striking him.&nbsp;

Arrington was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; He died four days later.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nicole-kenny-after-losing-blaze">Click here to view the</a> online fundraiser to assist Arrington's family.

Police arrested Cynova and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail early on Christmas Eve on an initial requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;He met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released on January 8, according to online jail records.

Kan. man accused in death of teen friend set for return to court

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man died in a deputy involved shooting in Sedgwick County.

Just after 5:30a.m.. Monday, Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shirtless man holding a handgun in the roadway near 55th Street South and Hoover Road, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

Deputies responded to the scene and found a 32-year-old Wichita man near the intersection, still armed. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation for several minutes.

During the encounter, the man fired at deputies, striking at least one patrol vehicle. Deputies returned fire, striking the man multiple times.

Deputies immediately provided aid and requested assistance from Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department. EMS transported the man to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Hospital staff pronounced him dead at 6:51 a.m.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

Sheriff Jeff Easter activated the Wichita-Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team. Under the ALERT agreement, the Wichita Police Department will lead the investigation.

Sheriff: Man killed after shooting at Kansas deputies

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;motorcade took a different route than usual to the airport as he was departing Florida on Sunday due to a “suspicious object,” according to the White House.

The object, which the White House did not describe, was discovered during security sweeps in advance of Trump’s arrival at Palm Beach International Airport.

“A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Sunday.

The president, when asked about the package by reporters, said, “I know nothing about it.”

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