By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Russell USD 407 school district voters will decide on Tuesday, March 3, on a $13.5 million bond issue.

However, the community has been hotly debating the proposal, with some opposed to an increase in property taxes.

The bond funds would be used to renovate Simpson and&nbsp;Bickerdyke elementary schools and Russell&nbsp; Junior/Senior High School.

The bond calls for $1.7 million to be used at Simpson Elementary for a new music room that will double as a storm shelter, structural repairs to flooring and improvements to make the school compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The floor repairs are being made in modular units, which are about 30 years old. Jordan Perez, USD 407 superintendent, said you can hear a thud when you step into those units.

The bond would pay for $7.7 million in improvements at Bickerdyke Elementary, including new commons that would double as a storm shelter, upgrading cooling, pumping, and electrical systems, accessibility improvements, and a remodel to provide a hallway to the new addition.

Perez said Bickerdyke has had plumbing issues for some time. There have been a couple of instances in which the school had to shut down restrooms and had only one or two functioning for the whole school.

"Which you can imagine trying to send 270 students to one or two different bathrooms," he said.&nbsp;

Bickerdyke does not have central air conditioning. The building is cooled with window units, which Perez said are neither energy-efficient nor quiet.

"We had a board meeting here at the district office this summer, and one of the board members complained they couldn't hear because of the window units, so we turned them off. Then, five minutes later, the board members were saying they were hot," Perez said.

"I joked and said, 'Now you know what our teachers experience in the classroom,'" he said. "Do you want your students to be comfortable or do you want them to be able to hear the content?"

Bikerdyke has a wheelchair lift. However, it takes 14 minutes to move an individual in a wheelchair between levels.&nbsp;

"Our specials classes—music, art, PE, things students may love—if it takes 14 minutes to get from the top to the bottom, they miss over half the instruction for those classes," Perez said.

Neither of the elementary schools has storm shelters. The children have to shelter in the hallways.

"As a parent, not just as superintendent, that makes me extremely nervous," Perez said.

At the high school, $13.5 million would be used for plumbing repairs, a controlled entrance remodel, air conditioning in the main gym and accessibility improvements.

The men's restroom outside of the gym had to be shut down during both the school's basketball and wrestling tournaments, Perez said.

Students who use wheelchairs must use the high school gym entrance. The main entrance is not accessible because of the stairs.

The bond would be repaid over 20 years, resulting in a 12-mill increase in the property tax levy.

On a $100,000 home, that would be about $138 per year or $11.50 per month. The median home price in Russell is $106,000.

<a href="https://www.usd407.org/">The school district provides a further breakdown of property taxes for residential, commercial and agricultural property, along with a tax calculator, on its website.</a>

"I think a lot of people don't understand school finance," Perez said. "Some people think that the schools need to fix these problems because these are the school's problems, and they don't understand that you can't tackle $13.5 million projects out of the capital budget."

The district levies the maximum allowable capital outlay mill levy of 8 mills. That brings in about $665,000. With state aid, the fund receives about $800,000 annually. However, Perez said the district also has to fund vehicle costs, technology purchases and routine maintenance out of that fund.

The district will also soon need to returf its football field and resurface its track, which alone will cost one year's worth of capital outlay funding.

Jeff McQuade, a Russell County business owner, said residents can't afford the increase in property taxes now.

"Things have slowed down really hard in the ag industry," McQuade said.

The local co-op, United Ag Service out of Gorham, went bankrupt, leaving local farmers without dividends or investments.

Justin Schwien, a fourth-generation farmer in Russell County, said his father alone lost $70,000 when the co-op closed.

Schwien said he was concerned about the increase in property taxes on his family's land.

"The farming community is in big, big trouble with drought and commodity prices," Schwien said. "We've been working the last three to four years at break-even or in the red."

"Property taxes on buildings and land itself are outrageous," he said. ... "Another hit, we just can't take it."

He added, "The whole community is hanging on by a thread. The oil community isn't much better. We just can't afford it."

Schwien acknowledged the plumbing issues needed to be repaired.

However, he said he thought three-quarters of the improvements included in the bond issue were "luxuries." He specifically cited the teacher's lounge and the air-conditioning in the high school gym.

McQuade said he would like to see improvements funded by a sales tax, so people coming through Russell on the interstate would help fund them and lessen the burden on local taxpayers.

"Our property taxes in Russell are insane," he said.

Mike Lohrmeyer, a retired homeowner, said he thought the school district should pursue donations to make some of the school improvements.

He, too, said he was very concerned about the overall property tax rate in Russell County.

He also thought the district should repair the issues from its capital outlay fund.

The Russell school district has had three previous failed bond attempts in April and November 2019 and in November 2025.

The bond the district brought back the same package proposed in 2025.

Perez said after a community meeting, the district determined, with input from the public, the bond package and amount should remain the same, but the district should do a better job of communicating information about the project and the school's needs.

"They focused on a bond package that was going to be less than $15 million. They thought that was the threshold that could be supported without being a financial burden on all community members," Perez said.&nbsp;

"They looked at each building and what absolutely needed to happen for safety and security, and they focused on those issues," he said.

Perez said he thought the bond package that is being presented is a compromise.

"There is no way to tailor it to everyone's individual preference," he said. "What they focused on was the needs. There's nothing pretty or glamorous about the work that is going to be done."

McQuade and some other opponents of the bond said they are frustrated that the school district is proposing the same bond that failed only months before. 

The vote is costing about $10,000. Opponents argue another try for the same bond is a waste of taxpayer money.

Perez said if the bond fails, the district will still need to invest money in repairs at Bickerdyke and the high school to at least address the plumbing issues.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.

Early voting is available at the Russell County Election Office during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until noon on Monday, March 2.

Russell USD 407 asking for $13.5M bond; some voters oppose tax hike

Starting Tuesday, March 3, until further notice, Fort Street from 27th to 22nd in Hays will be undergoing roadwork improvements. 

South bound single lane traffic will continue with periods of temporary closure during the rehabilitation process. 

Please be cautious when traveling Fort Street between 27th &amp; 22nd as there will be construction traffic and activities in this area. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Portion of Fort Street in Hays narrowed to one lane for reconstruction 

By <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/bill-demands-kansas-drivers-use-turn-signals-in-roundabouts-no-thats-not-already-on-the-books/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas drivers could be required to use their turn signals when navigating roundabouts under a proposed Senate bill — because, to the confusion of some legislators, that isn’t already law.

Sen. Brad Starnes, a Republican from Riley — or “the roundabout guy” as he introduced himself Wednesday before the Senate Transportation Committee — introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb318/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 318</a>, which calls for drivers to use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting a roundabout.&nbsp;

A few legislators asked the same question: Isn’t this already a law?&nbsp;

Adam Siebers from the Office of Revisor of Statutes said drivers are required to use turn signals on road, but that doesn’t likely apply in roundabouts.&nbsp;

Starnes said the bill would help drivers know the intent of everyone in a traffic circle — especially two-lane ones.&nbsp;

“I come in on the left-hand lane, closest to the center of the median of the roundabout, and I’m trying to make a right-hand turn off of that lane. Utilizing your turn signal to again let others know what your intent is, versus just shooting across a lane to turn off the exit,” Starnes said. “Those are the concerns I have.”

Sen. Joseph Claeys, R-Maize, said he was confused by two-lane roundabouts. He was concerned with how the bill would play out, because some Kansans use their turn signals in roundabouts and some don’t. Claeys said he hoped law enforcement would understand that and use discretion.&nbsp;

Some bills that would implement changes for drivers have a section about educating the public or giving drivers a warning citation for the first year. The roundabout bill doesn’t include such measures.

“I think our law enforcement groups could run public service announcements showing/demonstrating the change,” Starnes said in an email to Kansas Reflector.

Starnes used to teach driver’s ed. During the hearing, he said he taught his students to always use their turn signal.&nbsp;

“It’s just a pet peeve of mine,” Starnes said.

There seemed to be similar sentiments among legislators in the committee, with a few expressing verbal support.&nbsp;

Leawood Republican Sen. Kellie Warren: “If we could clear up some intent, I would think that would be helpful.”

Committee chairman Olpe Republican Sen. Mike Argabright: “I don’t have any problem about the bill.”&nbsp;

Berryton Republican Sen. Rick Kloos: “As much as I hate them stupid things, I like the bill.”

Correction: Sen. Kellie Warren’s first name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.

Bill demands Kansas drivers use turn signals in roundabouts. No, that’s not already on the books.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kylee Graves of the Family Crisis Center in Great Bend.

🎥 Forward Ever: Family Crisis Center in Great Bend

FHSU daily crime log: Feb. 22-28, 2026

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

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Fort Hays State University Criminal Justice Program will host its 8th annual Criminal Justice Career Fair on Monday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union.

The event brings together a wide range of agencies and organizations representing law enforcement, court administration and court services, corrections, community corrections, mental health services, advocacy organizations, family services, and related professional fields.

The Career Fair is designed to connect students and community members with employers seeking qualified candidates for internships, part-time employment, and full-time career opportunities. 

While rooted in criminal justice, the event highlights the interdisciplinary nature of today’s workforce. 

Agencies will be recruiting individuals pursuing degrees not only in criminal justice, but also in psychology, social work, leadership, political science, sociology, business and accounting, nursing, natural sciences, human resources, and other career fields.

“This event reflects the broad scope of careers that intersect with the justice system,” said Tamara Lynn, chair and professor of criminal justice. “It is an opportunity for students to explore meaningful career pathways while engaging directly with professionals serving our communities.”

The Criminal Justice Career Fair is free and open to FHSU students and alumni. Professional dress and copies of résumés are encouraged.

Fort Hays State University to host Criminal Justice Career Fair on Monday

MANHATTAN — More than 1,100 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in fall 2025.

The university awarded approximately 800 bachelor's degrees, 250 master's degrees and 50 doctorates. Several students earned multiple degrees.

For outstanding academic performance, more than 681 students earned graduation honors. Of those, 262 students graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or above, 238 students graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.85 to 3.949, and 181 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.849.

A full list of graduating students, listed by county or state and hometown, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/fa25/graduation-honors.html">k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/fa25/graduation-honors.html</a>.

Graduation honors, if earned, are also listed with the student's name. If a county or state is not listed, there were no graduates from that area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area students earn Kansas State University fall 2025 degrees, graduation honors

The winners of the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Kansas State Championship Fall Qualifier have been announced by Certiport, a Pearson Business, the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate people’s academic and career opportunities.

Winning first place in the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel (Office 2019), category is Kamden Keller of Ellis, at Fort Hays Tech North Central’s business technology program. Keller competed against students from across Kansas to earn this coveted placement.

“I’ve used excel almost my whole life but it is amazing how much you can do with the application the deeper the dive into it, I’m really happy to have learned these skills as I know I will be using Excel in many different ways to keep me organized in the future!” said Keller.

Taking first place in the Microsoft Office Specialist Word (Office 2019), category is Kara Roulier of Brewster at Fort Hays Tech North Central’s business technology program. Roulier also competed against students from across Kansas to earn this coveted placement.

“Winning the Kansas championship proves to me that we are truly learning so much here at Fort Hays Tech North Central. It is insane how I went from barely knowing Word to knowing enough to win the Kansas championship," said Roulier.

Winning the state of Kansas Outstanding Educator of the Year category is Jennifer Younger, instructor of the Business Technology program at Fort Hays Tech North Central. Younger competed against instructors from across Kansas to earn this prestigious award.

"This semester, our students didn't just learn software—they mastered it! Sweeping the state titles in Word and Excel is a historic win for the Business Technology program at Fort Hays Tech North Central. Furthermore, the 'Excel Expert Certification' is an incredibly high bar to clear. The four students who reached 'Excel Expert' level required a level of grit and technical precision that few achieve. These aren't just classroom wins; these are marketable, high-level&nbsp;professional skills that will set them apart in any business career path they choose. Watching my students obtain these industry-recognized credentials from Microsoft is a career highlight," said Younger.

To compete in the Fall Qualifier, students aged 13 to 22 were eligible to participate in one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified, passing score on the MOS Word, Excel®, or PowerPoint® certification exams by December 19, 2025.

The first-place students will get to represent Kansas at the upcoming 2026 MOS U.S. National Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. During this event, they will compete in their exam track, network with other top students from around the United States and celebrate their certification success. One winner per track will be named the U.S. National Champion and earn a trip to represent the United States and compete in the 2026 MOS World Championship in Anaheim, California.

“We have seen amazing results from the MOS program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Younger. “The MOS U.S. National Championship further motivates them to get certified, and we are proud of these students who have proven to be the best in our state. We know they will go on to make us proud at the MOS U.S. National Championship in June.”

The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office globally and serves as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge.

For more information about the MOS U.S. National Championship visit www.us.moschampionship.com.

Fort Hays Tech NC students, instructor win 1st in Microsoft Office Championship qualifier

By TISA MASON FHSU President In the landscape of American higher education, the term "innovation" often conjures images of glass-walled laboratories and high-tech startups. But at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), it is also evident in the handshake between a student and a local nonprofit leader, in an alumna's decision to break the cycle of "learned helplessness," and in a university-wide commitment to the "ethic of care."

This year, that commitment received the highest level of national validation. In January, the American Council of Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching awarded FHSU the Community Engagement Elective Classification. This prestigious designation recognizes a deep commitment to "partnership and reciprocity"—the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge between the university and the communities it serves.

Following the Leadership for Public Purpose Classification awarded in 2024, FHSU is now one of only 11 institutions in the world, and the only one in Kansas, to hold both Carnegie classifications.&nbsp;

As provost and vice president for academic affairs, Jill Arensdorf noted, this isn’t just an accolade; it is a reaffirmation that FHSU is a fully engaged partner with the people of western Kansas. "We don’t just teach," Arensdorf said. "We develop engaged, global citizen leaders who drive positive and impactful change."

At the center of this mission is the Leadership Studies program, specifically the Leadership 310 capstone course. While many business programs focus on management hierarchies, FHSU’s leadership curriculum focuses on community impact.

Lori Kniffin, a key voice in the program, explains that the goal isn't just to prepare students for a specific job title. "They are trained to lead and drive positive change in the world," Kniffin says. "We built the 310 course to broaden people's perspective about where leadership can be applied." It is about recognizing challenging issues—poverty, food insecurity, lack of resources—and creatively stepping in to solve them.

This academic framework creates a bridge between the classroom and the "real world," a bridge that 2001 alumna Brandy Ridgway and current student Jessie Ruff have both crossed with remarkable results.

Brandy Ridgway’s story is a testament to the "ethic of care" that defines the FHSU experience. Originally from Dodge City, Brandy grew up in a home marked by the heavy shadows of poverty, drugs, and alcohol. With a father who spent time in prison and a mother working as an assistant manager at a grocery store to keep the family afloat, college felt like a distant, impossible dream.

"When you grow up in poverty, you have two choices," Brandy says. "You can choose to accept that life as unavoidable; that’s called learned helplessness. Or you can choose to move forward and keep growing. I can pinpoint the moment I made the decision to take control of my destiny."

For Brandy, FHSU was the catalyst for that growth. By combining scholarship funding with a place to stay at her aunt’s house in Russell, she navigated the financial hurdles as a commuter student. It was Dr. Curt Brungardt who first steered her toward Leadership Studies. Once she began the coursework, particularly Leadership 310, her perspective shifted from survival to service.

"That course got me to acknowledge that somebody has to lead if there is going to be positive change," Brandy recalls. "If not me, then who?"

Inspired by her faith and a desire to "pay it forward," Brandy created 100 Who Care Ellis County. 

The concept is elegantly simple: a group of individuals meets quarterly, each bringing $100. In one hour, they listen to presentations from local nonprofits and vote on who receives a collective gift of up to $10,000. It is the "Heart of a Tiger" in its purest form—individual contributions pooled to create a massive community impact.

While Brandy represents the legacy of FHSU’s mission, students like Jessie Ruff represent its future. An ag business and business administration dual major, Jessie grew up on a family farm in Hodgeman County and graduated from a class of only 22 people.

The choice to attend FHSU was a practical one, rooted in the university’s reputation for value and its connection to the land. "I have found that leadership is more about taking action and leading by example," Jessie says. "My background in agriculture and high school sports helped me appreciate what can be done by a group of determined people."

When Jessie discovered she could earn a leadership certificate alongside her heavy course load in ag and business, she jumped at the chance. Her involvement in the 100 Who Care program has provided her with a professional network and a firsthand look at how "public purpose" works in practice. 

Jessie was recently invited to serve on the High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors, a role that allows her to blend her love for the physical side of farming with the strategic side of community leadership.

In many ways, FHSU is redefining what it means to be a "regional public university." In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, the university doubles down on relationship-building.

Brandy Ridgway often thinks of a passage from Genesis where Abraham is told he is blessed so that he might be a blessing to others. "I knew I was given so much to help get me where I am today," she says, "I won’t ever be able to give back enough."

This sentiment—this refusal to succumb to learned helplessness and the drive to "bless" the community—is the true heart of the university. This is why FHSU remains a leader in community engagement and impact. It is why a student from a class of 22 can come to Hays and find herself on a student board of directors.

As FHSU continues to hold its unique place as a global leader in community engagement and public purpose, the limestone halls are filled with more than just lectures. They are filled with the sounds of people like Brandy and Jessie, figuring out how to turn their "Heart of a Tiger" into helping hands for the High Plains.

The double Carnegie classification is a trophy for the shelf, but for the people of western Kansas, the real prize is the generation of leaders coming out of FHSU—leaders who know that the most innovative thing you can do is care.

Heart of  a Tiger: The Heart and the Hand: How FHSU’s ethic of care is transforming Kansas

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

&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

The last two K-State Extension Crop Talk webinars will be held each Tuesday at 12 noon to 1 p.m. on March 3 and 10.

You register for them only once, and then you will receive an email with the zoom and YouTube link. If you happen to miss it, you can go back and listen to the recording and view the presenters' slides as well.

These Crop Talk webinars are for growers in northcentral and northwest areas and counties of Kansas and are brought to you by the Extension agents of those areas.

On March 3, Rodrigo Onofre, Extension row crop pathologist, will discuss "Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum." The last crop talk webinar will be March 10 with Anthony Zukoff, Extension entomologist, highlighting "Insects to Watch for in the Field this Growing Season."

To register do an internet search for KSU Crop Talk webinar and the <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">link</a> should pull up. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the zoom and YouTube link to join us each Tuesday at 12 noon to 1 pm. on March 3 and 10.

If you have questions contact Stacy Campbell, at the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.

Fungicide applications, insects are topics of March 'Crop Talk' Extension webinars

DODGE CITY — United Wireless Arena, managed by&nbsp;VenuWorks, is excited to announce&nbsp;Flatland Cavalry as the official&nbsp;2026 Dodge City Days Concert on&nbsp;Saturday, July 25. Doors will open at&nbsp;6:30 p.m. on July 25 and the show will start at 7:30 p.m.

The pre-sale for FLATLAND CAVALRY begins Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m.,&nbsp;ending at 10:00 p.m., while the public on sale starts Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m.

For the past decade, Flatland Cavalry has built a reputation as “one of the most dynamic&nbsp;presences in country music” (Rolling Stone) with their signature “easy on the ears, heavy on&nbsp;the heart” sound. In 2024, the sextet celebrated 10 years together with Flatland Forever, an&nbsp;acclaimed album that pays tribute to their journey, revisiting fan favorites while introducing&nbsp;new songs that showcase how far they’ve come. 

The past year has been full of milestones for&nbsp;the Nashville and Texas-based band. 

They earned their first ACM Award nomination for Group&nbsp;of the Year, achieved their first RIAA Gold certification for their breakout single “A Life&nbsp;Where We Work Out,” and made their mark in film and television with contributions to the&nbsp;Twisters and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds &amp; Snakes soundtracks, as well as&nbsp;featured placements on Yellowstone and Landman. 

Their relentless touring schedule reached&nbsp;new heights, including sold-out headline performances at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and the&nbsp;legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 

Since first emerging in 2014, Flatland Cavalry has racked&nbsp;up seven #1 singles on Texas Country Radio and amassed more than 500 million streams.&nbsp;Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson,&nbsp;Jordan Davis, Midland, and more — proving that their brand of storytelling and musicianship&nbsp;resonates far beyond their roots. 

Flatland Cavalry is Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar),&nbsp;Jason Albers (drums, percussion), Jonathan Saenz (bass), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley&nbsp;Hall (fiddle), and Adam Gallegos (piano, organ, keys, mandolin, banjo).

Tickets for Flatland Cavalry will go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets can&nbsp;be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com.

Ticket prices are $84 or $64 for reserved seating depending on location, plus applicable fees&nbsp;and taxes. The floor will be general admission, standing only. 

United Wireless Arena is an&nbsp;exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a&nbsp;third-party vendor. 

Doors will open one hour before showtime. 

Handicapped accessible seating&nbsp;must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office. 

United Wireless&nbsp;Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our <a href="https://www.unitedwirelessarena.com/">website</a> for more details.

'Flatland Cavalary' brings signature sound as official Dodge City Days concert

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;

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

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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.

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