By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays Fire Department conducted a wildfire summit to prepare for future blazes by drawing lessons from the region’s past disasters.

Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans said the summit consisted of sharing local expertise, a field trip and simulations to address potential threats in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

"The main goal was to help us find the tools and resources to build a partnership within the community, and help spread the word on potential hazards that a wildfire brings when it impacts urban and developed areas," Hagans said.

The summit was a two-day wildfire risk workshop on Friday and Saturday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.

SimTables, or simulation tables, let participants model fire spread using real topography and wind data. The projections recreated past incidents, including the 2021 Four County Fire, and hypothetical scenarios for firefighters to study.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/244e646d-1963-4b42-bcf5-c85c78f9b5bb">SEE RELATED STORY: Drought doubles disaster as Four County ranchers struggle to recover year after wildfire</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">SEE RELATED STORY: Third-Generation rancher gives up ag: financial effects of Four County Fire may last years</a>

Firefighters shared their experiences and insights from responding to the Four County Fire, discussing factors that allowed it to spread as fast as it did, such as wind speeds.

"When this started, we had zero visibility in Hays. I was driving around when it progressed and everything browned out," one firefighter said, referring to the Four County Fire.

Firefighters estimated from the projection that fast-moving fires could sweep through Hays in roughly 10 minutes.

The summit also included an outdoor session near the Sternberg Museum to examine grasses, trees and urban-wildland risks. Hagans said the fire department gained a deeper understanding of fire behavior and plans to implement measures.

He said the department will further assess the city for wildfire threats and educate the public.

"There are several areas throughout the outer edges of town that we'd like to evaluate what fuel loads they have and what each individual neighborhood has unique to them," Hagans said. "Steps they can take to help prevent or slow down the spread of a grass fire coming and help protect their homes as well."

Hagans advises regularly clearing dead limbs, trimming trees and bushes, and mowing grass near fences as precautions.

The event also partnered with the Kansas State Forest Service, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs and National Volunteer Fire Council.

NWester: Hays hosts Wildland Resilience Summit to boost fire preparedness

Grow Hays welcomes the public to the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center grand opening and ribbon cutting at&nbsp; 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. The Community Center is located at 2510 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center is a visionary more than 14,300 square foot facility designed to serve as a multigenerational hub for the Hays community. This state-of-the-art center is also home to Bright Minds Academy's third childcare location and the Hays Senior Center, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community for residents of all ages.&nbsp;

"We are excited to see this project come to completion," said Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, Inc. "The Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center will be a cornerstone for Hays, offering valuable resources and a welcoming space for both our youngest and senior citizens."

The ceremony will feature remarks from key community leaders and project stakeholders, celebrating the collaborative effort that has brought this project to fruition.

We invite all members of the Hays community and the surrounding areas to join us for this momentous occasion. 

Attendees are encouraged to park along the new streets in The Grove development and the Hays Medical Center for Health Improvement parking lot.

Public invited to grand opening of Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center

Hays Police Department arrest log: July 27-Aug. 2, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: July 27-Aug. 2, 2025

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>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

Fort Hays State University has a new vice-president for economic and workforce placement.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Ben Shears and Tisa Mason, FHSU president.

🎙Post Podcast: Ben Shears, new FHSU vice-president for economic, workforce placement

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Hays man was arraigned on Aug. 4 in Ellis County District Court on charges of alleged aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and interference with a law enforcement officer.

At about 12:26 a.m. on March 1, Hays Police responded to a report of possible aggravated battery in the 500 block of West Seventh Street in the back alley of Chuck's bar, according to Hays Police.

A Hays man was allegedly accosted at gunpoint by two male suspects and taken to an area between houses, where he was physically assaulted and pistol-whipped, according to Hays police.

According to Hays police, the victim was allegedly stripped of his clothing, except for his underwear, and robbed of his wallet and phone.

Isaiah Tai Simpson was arrested and charged with&nbsp;alleged aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Simpson's bond was initially set at $350,000.

Simpson's defense attorney, Cheryl Ann Stewart, requested a reduction in bond on Aug. 4, but District Judge Curtis Brown denied the motion.

At the same hearing, Simpson also waived his right to a speedy trial.

Simpson's jury trial has been set for Jan. 20. Pre-trial motions will be at 9 a.m. Dec. 2.

Trial set for Hays man on charges of aggravated kidnapping, robbery

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that $10.4 million will be invested in critical broadband initiatives through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (ADOPT) program.

 The Kansas Office of Broadband Development will partner with 18 organizations across the state, including Russell USD 407, to connect Kansans to high-speed internet by making public Wi-Fi accessible and distributing devices in underserved areas.

“Broadband access is a common thread that is central to bringing our communities together and creating spaces for their residents to succeed in today’s digital world,” Kelly said. “From public safety to workforce readiness and online education — these awards will continue to propel Kansans forward.”

The ADOPT program supports organizations working to ensure communities can access public Wi-Fi and the devices needed to participate in today’s technology-driven world. &nbsp;Awards were made to nonprofits, school districts and internet service providers across Kansas, supporting all counties and creating a sustainable approach to reach as many individuals and communities as possible throughout the state.

“We will continue investing in the broadband infrastructure necessary for Kansans to participate in the digital economy, but our efforts should not – and will not – end there,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“By providing tools, resources, training and reliable access to that infrastructure, ADOPT provides targeted support to ensure every single Kansan can invest in their future and advance their own quality of life.”

Examples of ADOPT grant recipients include:

• Russell County USD 407&nbsp;received $719,565 to provide middle- and high-school students with computers to support academic achievement and improve digital literacy.

•&nbsp;Nex-Tech, Norton, received $34,893 for a public Wi-Fi system at Elmwood Park in Norton.

• Southwest Area Agency on Aging received $329,118 to equip seniors across 28 rural counties, including Lane, Ness and Pawnee counties, with technology and digital skills, ensuring they stay connected, independent and empowered in today’s digital world.

“Digital opportunity programs like ADOPT continue to help us bridge the digital divide in Kansas,”&nbsp;Broadband Executive Director Bill Abston said.&nbsp;“These awards recognize the critical need and the opportunities we can enable by funding access to high-speed broadband — truly strengthening our communities and preparing our future generations.”

To learn more about the program and other resources, or view the full list of awardees, visit the webpage&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fchallenge%2Fadvancing-digital-opportunities-to-promote-technology-adopt-2-4%2F/1/0101019876ccd529-221f998d-9dd5-4fb0-b209-8717cd818398-000000/eu28XMFwG1fVR376m6A4Mhr7KyaiwSFySXICvK3k8MQ=416">here</a>.

Russell USD 407 among underserved areas receiving state award for high-speed internet

MANHATTAN – The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), with support from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, awarded over $9,000 in educational scholarships to support individuals to provide lactation support in their communities, including in Hays.

In Kansas, nearly 90% of families choose to breastfeed. Yet, breastfeeding rates amongst communities of color and rural communities are lower than the state average.

The KBC is committed to addressing racial and geographic inequities in breastfeeding by identifying and supporting breastfeeding advocates in new and innovative ways. 

In alignment with this goal, the KBC is pleased to award $9,500 in scholarships to support 11 aspiring lactation support providers in Atchison, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Lawrence (2), Salina, Topeka, and Wichita (2).

These individuals provided written statements sharing their vision and passion for helping diverse families. They were selected by the review committee for their commitment to supporting their communities by pursuing further education in the lactation field.

“Breastfeeding is important for the health and well-being of both the parent and the child. We are excited to work with these individuals to build a diverse lactation support workforce so families in Kansas can receive culturally congruent care,” said Stephanne Rupnicki, Chair of the KBC Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition.

The KBC will continue to support these scholarship recipients in the pursuit of their goals. The KBC hopes to find more ways to contribute to equity in breastfeeding for all Kansans.

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding to improve the health and well-being of Kansas families.

Hays part of Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition scholarship awards 

<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

Lilly &amp; Marie is offering a 15% Back-to-School discount in the month of&nbsp;August&nbsp;for students and parents coming in school shopping!

Senior photos, college style, and classroom confidence—Carol Rome and her team at L&amp;M has you covered.

As students and teachers across the area gear up for a new school year, Lily &amp; Marie invite you to make this season one to remember—and one to look and feel your best in! Whether you’re shopping for senior photos, back-to-campus outfits, or your go-to classroom staples, boutique owner and stylist Carol Rome is here to help you step into the new school year feeling confident, polished, and completely yourself.

Located on the Bricks at 113 W. 11th St., Lily &amp; Marie is celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Hays—and with every year, Carol’s commitment to her customers only grows. “I’m so grateful for those who trust me to help them find styles that reflect who they are,” Carol says. “The pieces we wear become part of our memories, and I don’t take that lightly.”

What truly sets Lily &amp; Marie apart is the personal attention behind every piece. Carol carefully curates each item in the boutique—she doesn’t buy in bulk, which means you won’t see your outfit on every other person in town. Instead, you’ll find thoughtfully chosen styles that blend seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. These are pieces designed to carry you through everyday moments and life’s biggest milestones—with confidence, ease, and timeless style.

If you’re the mom of a high school senior, the team at L&amp;M knows how important finding the right outfit is. It’s all about finding trendy and timeless photos that you can cherish forever, while finding pieces that photograph well.&nbsp; Carol and her team will work one-on-one with you and your daughter to create a look that feels natural, polished, but still true to your senior’s style and personality.&nbsp; Best of all, these are versatile pieces that they’ll actually want to wear again, long after the photo shoot is over.

College students will love the boutique’s blend of coastal trends and elevated basics—ideal for campus life, internships, and weekends out. And teachers can count on Lily &amp; Marie to build a wardrobe that’s both professional and personal, with pieces that move from the classroom to your life beyond school.

Carol’s styling philosophy is simple: make it easy to look good and feel good. She believes in building a wardrobe of pieces that go the distance—items that can be worn multiple ways, layered, dressed up or down, and always fit with your lifestyle.

So whether you’re prepping for picture day or building your dream closet, stop by Lily &amp; Marie for a one-on-one styling experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Because when your outfit makes you feel confident, you can be ready for anything this school year brings.

Community Calendar

Beginning Tuesday, August 12, the intersection of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive will become a 4-way stop as this intersection will be getting traffic light upgrades and modifications. 

 Temporary stop signs will be utilized at this intersection. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

13th & Canterbury intersection to be temporary 4-way stop in Hays starting Tuesday

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

 The Bricks in Downtown Hays invites the community to Sip, Stroll, and&nbsp;Support The Bricks at the return of&nbsp;Wines &amp; Steins, presented by Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

This 21+ ticketed event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy carefully curated wine and beer pairings at 12&nbsp;unique “stroll stops” throughout Downtown Hays. Each stop features thoughtfully paired hors d’oeuvres from&nbsp;local restaurants and caterers — all while highlighting the vibrant businesses and cultural atmosphere of The&nbsp;Bricks.

This year’s presenting sponsor, Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic, is also the exclusive glassware&nbsp;sponsor. All attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass as part of their experience.

New for 2025, each guest will also receive an interactive tasting passport that includes pairing notes, vendor&nbsp;highlights, exclusive coupons, and space to rate your favorite sips and stops. 

Additional fundraising features this&nbsp;year include a gift card pull and a 50/50 raffle to support ongoing initiatives.

Tickets are $75 and available now at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/wines-steins">downtownhays.com/wines-steins</a>.

Only 250 tickets will be sold. With the&nbsp;cancellation of Brews on The Bricks this year, this event is expected to sell out — early ticket purchases are&nbsp;highly encouraged.

All proceeds support The Bricks in Downtown Hays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the&nbsp;economic and cultural vibrancy of the downtown district through events, beautification, and community&nbsp;partnerships.

“Wines &amp; Steins is a community favorite that celebrates Downtown Hays,” said Lee Ann June, executive&nbsp;director of The Bricks. “It brings people together in a meaningful and delicious way. We’re thrilled to partner&nbsp;with Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic this year and can’t wait to welcome both new and returning&nbsp;guests to sip, stroll, and support The Bricks.”

For sponsorship information, contact the director at TheBricks@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

Tickets on sale now for Wines & Steins: A night of pairings and purpose in Downtown Hays

Beginning Monday evening, Aug. 11, the Vine Street roundabouts in Hays will be getting new pavement markings installed. 

This work will be done during the evening hours as to limit daytime traffic interruptions. 

Please use caution in these areas as traffic control devices will be used. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

Hays roundabouts to get new pavement markings Monday night 

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a series of improvement projects along portions of highways K-18 and U.S. 183 in Rooks and Ellis counties the week of Aug. 11.

The first project will involve milling and overlay on 12 miles of U.S. 183 starting at S Road north of Plainville and ending at the Ellis County line. 

Crews will then resurface approximately 13 miles of K-18 between Palco and Plainville. 

The final project will continue milling and overlay on 15 miles U.S. 183 in Ellis County beginning at the Rooks County line and ending near 55th&nbsp;Street in Hays.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane and directed by flaggers and a pilot car through the areas where crews are actively working. Motorists should plan for delays not exceeding 15 minutes during daylight hours.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.

Bettis Construction and Asphalt, of Topeka, is the primary contractor for the projects with a combined contract cost of $7.2 million. 

For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

Highway construction projects set in Rooks, Ellis counties

Hungry for bierocks? Place your order with the Cancer Council of Ellis County for their BIEROCK FUNDRAISER until Monday, September 1, 2025. These delicious bierocks are made by Cervs on Main Street. 

To place your order call the Cancer Council at 785-625-6653 or mail your order to 701 Riley St., Hays KS 67601. 

Orders must be paid for at time of order. 

Pick up will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Main Street Cervs, 1601 Main Street.

Cost is $30 for ½ dozen or $50 for a dozen; with cheese $35 for ½ dozen or $60 for a dozen.

The Cancer Council of Ellis County is a local organization that has been helping Ellis County residents dealing with cancer for 39 years.

Bierocks fundraiser underway for Cancer Council of Ellis County

Farmers, are you needing to pick a new variety of wheat, or wanting to learn more about the Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus complex?

Then make plans to attend the Pre-Plant Wheat School on Wednesday, August 20 at the Great Bend Event Center, 3111 10th Street.

Registration and supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program will conclude about 8 p.m.

According to Cottonwood District Extension Agent Stacy Campbell, some topics of discussion by Extension specialists will be wheat variety performance and selection, wheat streak mosaic virus complex and there will always be time for Q &amp; A.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, August 15 to ensure a meal, call 785-628-9430, email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu or scan the QR Code.

Pre-plant wheat school offered for local farmers

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

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

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 7 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 the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to an equipment malfunction. 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 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 785-324-0187, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&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/1/01000198866eb699-91059f6d-714c-40dc-a9e2-9ae7ad45c5e4-000000/aVlpUXP4H9xS0ZuVrbIVFgUf4DmGd1qNh7XicgLXPLs=417">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments 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 Bunker Hill by KS Dept. of Health and Environment

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – joined Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing the&nbsp;Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act.

The legislation would bolster CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers and expediting emergency haying in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events.

“Equipping farmers and ranchers with improved access to CRP resources is crucial to the sustainability of the agricultural economy in Kansas,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“This bipartisan legislation grants greater flexibility for producers in Kansas and across the country to improve their economic stability while conserving our nation’s farmland, wildlife habitats and water supply for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.”

“Ensuring that CRP continues to be an effective option for producers and landowners is critical to South Dakota’s agriculture industry,”&nbsp;said Sen. Thune. “As a longtime supporter of CRP, I’m proud to lead this commonsense legislation that would help advance the multiple-use benefits of this conservation program, including wildlife habitat and livestock forage potential.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat,”&nbsp;said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense improvements to CRP that will strengthen conservation practices and landowner enrollment in this vital program.”

“The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has long advocated for additional grazing opportunities on CRP acres,”&nbsp;said Matt Teagarden, CEO of Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;“Grazing benefits the native grass species, advancing the conservation goals of the program. We appreciate Senator Moran's leadership in improving CRP for producers and the land.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s most effective tools for improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health on private lands, and is a vital part of the farm safety net,”&nbsp;said Andrew Schmidt, Director of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

“The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;will make this critical program work better for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and wildlife. PF and QF are grateful to Majority Leader Thune, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and Sens. Moran and Smith for their continued leadership in strengthening CRP and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of private lands conservation.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program is an important, incentive-based program that provides flexibility for farmers and ranchers to implement voluntary conservation practices on their land,”&nbsp;said Mike Bulk, Ducks Unlimited Kansas state policy chair. “We thank Senators Moran, Thune, Klobuchar, and Smith for their leadership in enhancing CRP to ensure landowners can continue to get the most out of this historically successful program in Kansas and across the U.S.”The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;would:

Kan. U.S. Senator helps introduce bill to bolster Conservation Reserve Program

Another regent says of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, ‘Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA —&nbsp;A University of Nebraska regent faces a felony charge for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol and crashing into another vehicle in mid-May, breaking the back and pelvis of a passenger in the other car.

NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor of Omaha, 34, a former Douglas County deputy county attorney serving in her seventh year as a regent, is accused of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,198#:~:text=60%2D6%2C198.,bodily%20injury%3B%20violation%3B%20penalty." target="_blank">DUI causing serious bodily injury</a>&nbsp;from the night of May 21 in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood, which is in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/media/images/maps/2021/regents/omaha.pdf" target="_blank">O’Connor’s district</a>. The Class IIIA felony charge carries a maximum of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-105" target="_blank">three years in prison and 18 months post-release supervision</a>.

The severity of the allegation could impact whether O’Connor can serve. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=XV-2" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;bars felons from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-112" target="_blank">holding public office</a>&nbsp;unless the person’s civil rights are restored by the Nebraska Board of Pardons, which consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

Neither O’Connor nor her attorney has yet addressed her future as a regent, a position to which she was reelected to a 6-year term in November.

According to police reports, O’Connor was driving her Subaru Outback east on Blondo Street about 8:33 p.m., when she crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Ford Focus at the intersection of N 63rd and Blondo Streets.&nbsp;

Police said they found a half-empty bottle of Fireball Whisky in O’Connor’s vehicle and wrote that she was showing symptoms of intoxication, including bloodshot or watery eyes, slurred speech and alcohol on her breath.

Field sobriety tests confirmed her condition, the investigator wrote, and a blood test collected immediately after the crash indicated O’Connor had a blood alcohol concentration of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,196" target="_blank">four times the legal limit</a>: 0.321%.

Both vehicles were totaled, according to the accident report. The crash occurred minutes from O’Connor’s home.&nbsp;

The vehicle police say her car hit had five passengers in it, including three children. The driver and children sustained minor injuries, according to the police report. The woman seriously injured in the crash and O’Connor, who had minor injuries, were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center.

O’Connor declined to comment for this story, and her attorney could not be reached. The family involved in the crash also declined to comment when reached by the Nebraska Examiner. Two listed witnesses did not return calls seeking comment. A spokesperson for the University of Nebraska system said NU “does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”

It took two months to file charges, partly because of O’Connor’s employment as a civil attorney in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office until last Tuesday, when she resigned, the timing of which the County Attorney’s Office confirmed.

Omaha’s top prosecutors opted out of the case involving O’Connor, citing a potential conflict of interest. That left Omaha City Prosecutor Kevin Slimp to file the felony charge in Douglas County Court on July 30.&nbsp;

Slimp told the Examiner a key reason for the delay was waiting for the blood test to come back from the lab.&nbsp;The police report was amended July 22 to include the BAC results. Slimp said he also needed time to review the evidence.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_568415b8-8810-4e00-8a05-7310b78932f1.html" target="_blank">defended O’Connor a day before she resigned</a>, telling the Omaha World-Herald she had “been an exemplary employee for our office.” He also described what happened as “something that is terrible and needs to be addressed.”

O’Connor, a 2015 graduate from Notre Dame Law School, told the local paper through her attorney last week that she&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_9a8194de-a14b-4909-b722-acb3dc45d007.html" target="_blank">decided to resign</a>&nbsp;“after much reflection and support from trusted colleagues.”

“While I am proud of my work serving Douglas County, I do not want my pending legal matter to serve as a distraction from the fine work and service the Douglas County Attorney’s Office continues to provide our community,” she said in the statement.

O’Connor was booked into the Douglas County Department of Corrections at 9:31 p.m. on July 31. She appeared before a judge the following morning. A county official confirmed she was released after posting 10% of a $25,000 bond around 7 p.m. on Aug. 1.&nbsp;

As a condition of her release, O’Connor must participate in Douglas County’s&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.dccorr.com/community-programs/24-7-sobriety-program" target="_blank">24/7 Sobriety Program</a>&nbsp;with daily monitoring and drug testing.

The Douglas County Court, with agreement from the prosecution and defense, waived a stipulation that O’Connor stay within 10 miles of the county. O’Connor’s next court date is Sept. 9 in Douglas County Court.

‘Everything she can to make it right’

NU Regent Paul Kenney, a Republican of Amherst and chair of the NU Board of Regents, said he would be as supportive as he could to O’Connor while not commenting on the criminal case.

“Just trying to be a friend and a colleague and do what I can to help,” Kenney said Monday.

Kenney and NU Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha, who joined O’Connor on the board in 2019, told the Examiner that O’Connor has been through a tough time recently in her personal life, which Weitz described as a “year in hell.”

O’Connor was the youngest regent elected to the NU board in 2018, at 28 years old, and is one of just a handful of women to serve.

Weitz said the situation breaks her heart and that O’Connor “takes responsibility for making a bad choice, but she’s also doing everything she can to make it right.” Weitz said she remains supportive of O’Connor and that it is “imperative” that NU keep her as a regent.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican who served as a regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023, including four years with O’Connor, would get to appoint a successor in the event of a vacancy.

The board is officially nonpartisan, and regents are often unanimous in their votes, but the party breakdown on the board is 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats. O’Connor and Weitz are the two Democrats.&nbsp;

In seven years — across hundreds of votes — only once has the board split 6-2 along party lines. That was in April, when the regents amended NU bylaws to try to comply with an order from President Donald Trump’s administration against higher education diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Weitz and O’connor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/11/university-of-nebraska-regents-amend-bylaws-to-comply-with-federal-anti-dei-mandate/">opposed the changes</a>.

O’Connor stands out among elected regents as having first served as a student body president and student regent for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, one of four students who serve in advisory roles to the board. She graduated from UNO in 2012.

Weitz described O’Connor as an “outstanding” regent, an “excellent” attorney and someone who has NU’s best interests in mind.

“Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list,” Weitz said Monday. “We’d lose a great deal if we lose her.”

NU regent faces felony DUI charge from crash that could jeopardize her office

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a 2023 murder and robbery faces sentencing Tuesday. Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 24-year-old Julian Wedge for the death of Evan Harrison,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. 

Earlier this year, Wedge was found guilty of 1st degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

On March 4, 2023, sheriff's deputies made a welfare check of a man lying in the street at 4200 S. Clifton in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Deputies found individuals attempting to help Harrison who had been shot. EMS transported Harrison to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Days later police arrested Wedge who has been registered as a violent offender since March of 2019 for convictions that include criminal discharge of firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, according to the Kansas offender registry.

Sentencing day for violent Kan. offender in robbery killing

FINNEY COUNTY —After more than four years of loyal service, K9 Koda retired on Monday from the Garden City Police Department, according to media release from the department.

Acquired in 2021, K9 Koda dutifully served Garden City as a dual-purpose dog trained for patrol deployments and narcotics detection and was proudly partnered with Officer Cody Wilson. 

Koda will spend retirement with Officer Wilson, trading in patrol shifts for endless belly rubs, treats and naps he deserves. Salute to K9 Koda for his loyal service and protecting our Officers and helping keep the community safe!&nbsp;

Southwest Kansas K9 retires from police duties

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">federalizing Washington, D.C</a>. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-factcheck-violent-homelessness-db6f809a13800ccc1f4606bb9bf506a8">pointed to data</a>&nbsp;showing violence is down.

He took command of the police department and deployed the National Guard under laws and Constitutional powers that give the federal government more sway over the nation’s capital than other cities. Its historically majority Black population wasn’t electing its own city council and mayor until 1973, when Republican President Richard Nixon signed the Home Rule Act.

The measure still left significant power to the president and Congress, though no president has exercised the police powers before.

The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia to serve as the federal seat of power under the jurisdiction of Congress rather than any state.

While the Home Rule Act allowed for greater local control, the president can still call up the National Guard in Washington. His administration did it during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when members were later faulted for flying a helicopter too low over a crowd. The Guard was called out again during Trump’s first term on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters overran the Capitol.

Trump’s second-term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-district-takeover-trump-crime-d0ebfa76584753635327d792f6c0b8fc">moves in Washington</a>&nbsp;come as the legal battle continues over his deployment of the National Guard in another Democratic-led city, Los Angeles, despite the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

His authority is less clear there, but an appeals court has so far refused to intervene. A lower-court judge was starting a trial Monday to determine whether the deployment violated another federal law.

Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows for the president to take over Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with possible extensions to 30 days, during times of emergencies. No president has done so before, said Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of Washington.

Trump cited a number of recent high-profile incidents, including the killing of a 21-year-old congressional intern and the beating of a DOGE staffer during an attempted carjacking.

“This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our Capitol back,” the president said.

The Democratic mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, called the takeover “unprecedented.” She said that violent crime overall in Washington has decreased to a 30-year low, after a rise in 2023. Carjackings, for example, dropped about 50% in 2024, and are down again this year. More than half of those arrested, however, are juveniles, and the extent of those punishments is a point of contention for the Trump administration.

He didn’t specify how long it would last

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