By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts and singing carols at local nursing homes as part of this year’s Christmas Magic.

Several scout troops gathered Saturday morning to visit the Good Samaritan Society and Brookdale Senior Living. Scouts went door-to-door throughout the facility, surprising residents with gift bags prepared for them.

Hays scouts bring Christmas Magic to nursing homes residents

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ellis County is in a defense fog advisory until 10 a.m. today.

Fog is forecast to be a hazard again tomorrow, then it will be mostly sunny with a high of 63.&nbsp;

Other counties affected include Rush, Pawnee, Stafford, Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt, Comanche and Barber.

The warm temperatures will continue on Friday, with a forecast high for Hays of 70, and on Saturday, with a high of 65.

A cold front is forecast to move in Saturday night with a high of 38 and partly sunny skies on Sunday.

Fog set to burn off today, more Thursday morning

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

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation has continued to improve enhancements to its KanDrive road and weather website/mobile app. KanDrive is a one-stop gateway for current highway and weather conditions that are available 24/7.&nbsp;

“Informed drivers can make better decisions about which routes are best for them,” said Shari Hilliard, KDOT project manager. “Upgrades to the KanDrive app, such as sending and receiving alerts hands-free, are timely and useful benefits for travelers as we head into winter and the holiday season.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The KanDrive features were first introduced in 2024 and have been fine-tuned for a better user experience. They were developed as part of the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project, which extends from the southern Finney County line to the northern Thomas County line. While some KanDrive enhancements are corridor-specific to U.S. 83, most are available for use statewide.&nbsp;

The KanDrive website has served motorists since 2009. It provides real-time travel information such as road conditions, closures, construction updates, camera/video feeds and detour information.&nbsp;

Since the first round of enhancements were released in December of 2024, KanDrive has logged 3.7 million sessions and nearly 75,000 app downloads on iOS and Android.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about the new KanDrive features and the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Fus-83-kandrive%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019afe7ca138-e1280f88-4595-45f2-b094-41908f7f912e-000000/ZlJaT9PnBFwl5mbWR71iCmWo-tvgfT56OQc19oZW-Gw=434">https://www.ksdot.gov/us-83-kandrive</a>.

KDOT encourages motorists to plan ahead and “know before you go,” by visiting the KanDrive website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019afe7ca138-e1280f88-4595-45f2-b094-41908f7f912e-000000/tUBVRlNhVLf5LNWQUv6tDCl2iU6cZVA7eeZx5hU6AXA=434">KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play.

KDOT announces continued KanDrive updates to assist Kansas motorists

The American Red Cross urges donors to make an 
appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply as strong as 
possible in the final days of the year and into 2026. Types O, A negative and B negative 
blood donors are especially needed now.


Record-setting travel is happening across the country. With more people headed away from 
home, blood and platelet donations can dip at a crucial time when patients count on care. Bad 
weather or shifting travel schedules could force donors to cancel or reschedule donation 
appointments and tighten the blood supply. Make time to give before you go — it’s a simple 
way to make a lifesaving impact.


Give hope during the holidays and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by 
using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED 
CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an 
exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts for 
details.


As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance 
to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.


If you’re unable to give blood or platelets, consider making a financial donation to support our 
lifesaving mission at redcross.org.


Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026:

Iola
 1/12/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Iola North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye

Medicine Lodge
 1/19/2026: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, 701 N. Iliff (Hwy 281)

Sharon
 12/22/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 105 S Broadway

Claflin
 12/29/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Claflin Community Center, 409 A Street

Great Bend
 12/19/2025: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Polk Street Building, 1309 Polk Street
 12/29/2025: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., St Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker St
 1/12/2026: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker St

Hoisington
 12/22/2025: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank

Fort Scott
 12/19/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott

Butler
 El Dorado
 12/30/2025: 11:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 430 Eunice

Towanda
 1/9/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Community Methodist Church, 103 4th St

Saint Francis
 1/8/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 202 N College

Clay Center
 12/19/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Clay County Medical Center, 617 Liberty
 1/16/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Catholic Parish Center, 714 Court Street

Concordia
 12/19/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OCCK Inc, 1502 Lincoln Street

Burlington
 1/16/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Church, 214 E. Juniatta St.

Le Roy
 1/15/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., LeRoy Community Center, 713 California

Arkansas City
 1/2/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Central Christian Church, 206 W Central

Udall
 1/21/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Udall High School, 301 W 4th

Winfield
 1/8/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1000 Millington

Pittsburg
 1/6/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kansas Crossing Casino, 1275 S. Highway 69
 1/17/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1507 S. Rouse
 1/21/2026: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 705 E Centennial Dr.
 1/22/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Christian Church, 705 E Centennial Dr.

Jennings
 1/9/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 202 S Topeka Ave

Oberlin
 1/15/2026: 12:15 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gateway, 1 Morgan Dr.

Abilene
 1/14/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Abilene High School, 1300 N. Cedar
 1/6/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Andrews Catholic Church, 311 S. Buckeye

Herington
 1/23/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Herington High School, 1401 N. D street

Solomon
 1/7/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Power Pavilion, 134 West Main

Lawrence
 1/13/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., The Oread Hotel, 1200 Oread Ave
 12/26/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Douglas County Human Services Building, 2518 Ridge Ct
 12/31/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Douglas County Human Services Building, 2518 Ridge Ct
 1/9/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Genesis Health Clubs, 5200 Clinton Parkway

Hays
 12/23/2025: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 12/24/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 12/26/2025: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 12/30/2025: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 12/31/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/2/2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/3/2026: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/6/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/7/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/8/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/9/2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/13/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/14/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/15/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/16/2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/20/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/21/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/22/2026: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/23/2026: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hays Blood Donation Center, 208 E. 8th St
 1/2/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St

Wilson
 1/23/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 2807 Avenue D, Box 528

Garden City
 1/19/2026: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Fleming
 12/30/2025: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., YMCA, 1224 Center Street
 12/19/2025: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Garden Valley Church, 1701 N 3rd St
 1/15/2026: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Community Congregational Church, 710 N. 3rd
 1/16/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Community Congregational Church, 710 N. 3rd

Holcomb
 1/21/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Holcomb High School, 600 North Jones

Dodge City
 12/23/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave.
 1/12/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave.
 1/13/2026: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 2408 Central Ave.

Ottawa
 1/20/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gangwish Library, 1001 S. Cedar St.

Junction City
 1/15/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Junction City Municipal Building, 700 N Jefferson
 1/16/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Junction City Municipal Building, 700 N Jefferson

Ulysses
 1/8/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grant County Fairground, 1000 W Patterson Ave

Syracuse
 1/21/2026: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hamilton County Fair Building, 806 S Main

Harper
 1/2/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 154 E. Highway 160

Burrton
 1/16/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Burrton Community, 203 N. Burrton Ave

Hesston
 1/12/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main

Newton
 12/29/2025: 11:45 a.m. - 6 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street
 12/30/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street
 1/22/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Newton Medical Center, 600 Medical Center Dr.

North Newton
 1/20/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bethel College Memorial Hall, 300 E. 27th St.

Jetmore
 1/16/2026: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., King Center, 310 Main Street

Lakin
 1/7/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building, 209 N Main

Medical treatments don’t take a holiday; give blood now with Red Cross

Community Assisstance Center says 'thank you' to community 

<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

A Victoria man who was sentenced in Ellis County district court in 2022 on sex charges is seeking an appeal.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3f50d0e1-77e3-4339-b6a8-ee4d9090cff1">Cody Schultz, who was charged in 2020, entered into a plea agreement on March 22, 2022, on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and electronic solicitation of a minor</a>. He was charged in a second case with rape.

He was sentenced on March 22, 2022, to a controlling sentence of 25 years on the case involving the child sex case and 186 months to run consecutively on the rape case of a woman in 2014.

Schultz appealed his conviction, but the Kansas Court of Appeals affirmed it and his sentence on Feb. 9, 2024.

Schultz filed a petition of habeas corpus on his sentences for both cases.

In an amended petition filed in October, he alleged: • He was denied his right to the effective assistance of counsel. • His counsel failed to adequately advise him of the sentencing discretion available to the court, and he was misled into believing the sentencing court was likely to exercise discretion in his favor and impose a lesser sentence than it ultimately did.&nbsp; • His counsel failed to adequately explain the risks and benefits of entering guilty pleas, pursue potential defenses and present mitigating evidence at sentencing.&nbsp; • Newly discovered evidence exists that was not available at the time of his plea proceedings that relates to the credibility of key witnesses and the factual basis of his convictions.&nbsp;

Schultz is requesting an evidentiary hearing and discovery to develop his claim.

He is asking that his conviction and sentencing be vacated, and he be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham, in his answer to the petition, said Schultz does not have standing to appeal at this time.

Cunningham said Schultz violated his plea agreement by filing his own motion without his attorney for a departure for a lesser sentence in his case.

Cunningham&nbsp;cited a transcript from Schultz's arraignment that said Schultz was informed of the range of the sentence he was facing. He also said Schultz's attorney explained to him the court's discretion on sentencing, and he was given a recess to further discuss the issue with his attorney during the sentencing hearing.

He also cited Schultz's plea agreement, under which he waived his right to a jury trial in favor of a bench trial before a judge.

Cunnigham asserts in his answer that Schultz missed his window to appeal. He also said Schultz should have appealed the appellate court's ruling to the Kansas Supreme Court.

He said Schultz's petition does not fall under any of the exceptions to the untimely appeal rule.

Cunningham said Schultz also has failed to provide any new evidence in the case.

"Here, the defendant ambiguously claims he has new evidence regarding witness
credibility, but fails to make any reasonable proffer of the evidence and fails to explain how this
new evidence could result in a different determination from the court's bench trial on stipulated
facts," Cunningham said in his answer.

The next hearing on this case is set for 9 a.m. Feb. 26 via Zoom.

Victoria man sentenced on sex charges files appeal

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A 45-year-old Hays man reported that his vehicle was allegedly stolen from his mobile home property on Dec. 17.

Hays Police Lt. Brandon Wright said police are investigating the alleged theft of a white 2008 Ford Crown Victoria from Reservation Road at Countryside Estates.

Wright said the owner last saw the vehicle parked at about 7:45 a.m., and the alleged theft was reported at 1:28 p.m. later that day.

Wright said the car had an unreadable 60-day tag, flaking paint, and appeared to be a former emergency vehicle, as it features a spotlight and visible mounting holes from past equipment.

Wright said the vehicle is worth about $1,500 to $2,000.

No suspect has been identified, and the vehicle has been entered into a crime database. Wright said anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

Former emergency vehicle allegedly stolen in Hays

A Hays business was allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars after an eBay purchase in November.

Hays Police Lt. Brandon Wright said officers are assisting with an alleged fraud case involving a local business that ordered about $5,000 worth of memory storage cards.

Wright&nbsp;said about 20 memory storage units were ordered about Nov. 25, but when the package arrived on Dec. 5, it allegedly contained a plastic O-ring instead of the cards.

The incident was reported to police on Dec. 16.

Wright said the business is working directly with eBay to resolve the issue. No suspect has been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hays businesses allegedly scammed out of $5,000 in online purchase

A 33-year-old Phillipsburg man died over the weekend after the car he was driving went into a ditch and struck a tree, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2025017214">crash report</a>.

A GoFundMe shared that Cody Harmon, the victim, was a father of three.

“Cody Harmon was a dear friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. He gave love generously, always working hard to lift others’ spirits and make someone smile, even when he was struggling to muster the same for himself,” the fundraiser reads. “The loss has left a deep void in their lives, and they are now facing an uncertain future without their father’s love and support. Cody’s legacy of compassion and strength lives on through his daughters, and it is our hope to honor him by helping them during this difficult time”.&nbsp;

You can find the GoFundMe&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-cody-harmons-daughters">here</a>.&nbsp;

GoFundMe created for Phillipsburg man killed in car accident 

The Hays Eagle Media office will close at noon today for the Christmas holiday. The office will also be closed on Thursday for Christmas Day and reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday.

From all of us at Eagle Media, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Hays Eagle Media office to close at noon Christmas Eve

&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

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy: new strength training program for older adults

The Heartland Catholic Parishes have announced the following times for services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (services are listed in chronological order):

Dec. 24 (Wednesday) - Christmas Eve

Immaculate Heart of Mary - 1805 Vine, 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Bilingual).

St. Joseph, 215 W. 13th&nbsp;- 5 p.m., 11:30 p.m. choir music, Mass at midnight.

St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th&nbsp;- 5 p.m.

Comeau Catholic Campus Center, 506 W. Sixth – 9 a.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, 9 a.m., English; noon, Spanish. No 6 p.m. Mass or confessions.

Hays Medical Center Chapel, 2220 Canterbury Dr. - 11:15 a.m.

The following Protestant churches in Hays have announced their Christmas Eve services. (This is not a comprehensive list. It represents those churches who provided their service times. Services are listed in chronological order):

Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th&nbsp;Ave. - 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2422 Hyacinth Ave. - 2 p.m.

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St. - 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St. - 5:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St. - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 1111 Fort St. - 6:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The 5:30 p.m. service will be in both Spanish and English.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd. - 11 p.m.

UPDATED: Hays churches announce Christmas Eve, Christmas Day service times

Community members typically provide desserts for the Hays Community Christmas and we are in need of more.&nbsp;

Anyone wanting to provide dessert can contact 785-675-1344 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com">communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com</a>.

Desserts still needed for Hays Community Christmas 

City of Hays offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in celebration of the Christmas Eve holiday and on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in celebration of the Christmas Day holiday.

Ciity of Hays offices closed for Christmas holiday

Due to the observance of the Christmas holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Monday and Tuesday routes will both be collected on Monday, December 22, Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Tuesday, December 23. 

There are no anticipated changes to Friday's route.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse/recycling collections change in Hays for Christmas holiday

Westview Church, 3000 W. 41st, Hays, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is Wed., December 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Candle light Christmas Eve service at Westview Church in Hays 

First United Methodist Church &nbsp;Wednesday, December 24 services on Christmas Eve will be at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at&nbsp;First United Methodist Church, 305. W. 7th, Hays.

First service is more family oriented; second service is traditional.&nbsp; The 5:30 p.m. service is in English and Spanish.&nbsp;

Christmas Eve services at Hays First United Methodist Church announced

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

The American Legion&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community,&nbsp;state&nbsp;and nation.&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the&nbsp;state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas&nbsp;program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2026 program is Thursday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Saturday, Jan. 31, will receive a KBS sweatshirt or polo. Furthermore, delegates who are returning for a second year have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three people from their school (or another school) to attend.

Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/collegecredit/">three-hour course credit</a>&nbsp;(Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through Kansas State University at a 72% discount, as well as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/scouts/">earn merit badges</a>&nbsp;to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/our-program/samsung-scholarship/">apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship</a>. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ksbstate.org/sponsor">ksbstate.org/sponsor</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.&nbsp; For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.

For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

Applications open for 2026 Kansas Boys State in Manhattan

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two Indian nationals with allegedly defrauding a victim while posing as federal law enforcement officials.&nbsp;

According to court documents, Venkateswara Reddy Chagamreddy, 27, of San Antonio, Texas, and Sai Praveen Kommana, 29, of Frisco, Texas, were indicted on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of interference with commerce by threat.

From May 2025 through September 2025, Chagamreddy and Kommana are accused of conspiring with others to defraud a victim in Kansas. The members of this conspiracy posed as agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They allegedly convinced the individual to purchase $255,287 in gold and give it them, falsely thinking it was going to a government agency for safe keeping.

The members of this conspiracy, including the indicted men, allegedly primarily target elderly retired individuals, falsely asserting they are with a government agency and telling victims that their identity has been compromised in ways that could result in jail time and major financial loss for victims. Prosecutors accuse the members of this conspiracy of convincing victims to transfer their assets, primarily in gold, to the federal government to protect themselves against further crimes.

The FBI will never call, email or otherwise contact private citizens to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal or sensitive information. Fraud can be reported via<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">&nbsp;tips.fbi.gov&nbsp;</a>or 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI encourages people who have been victims of internet crimes and/or financial fraud and schemes to report via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/">ic3.gov</a>.&nbsp;

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a&nbsp;

2 accused of posing as FBI agents to scam Kansans

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after&nbsp; 7:00 a.m. Dec. 18, a Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant at the residence of 16399 R. Road, just north of the City of Mayetta, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. In October law enforcement responded to a shooting at the same address.

 The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received information late Tuesday evening reporting a domestic altercation and criminal damage to a vehicle at the location.&nbsp; On Wednesday, deputies served the search warrant taking two men into custody.

Deputies arrested 22-year-old Cody M. Smith and 21-year-old Cole Alexander Thompson both of Mayetta.

Deputies seized cocaine and weapons from the residence. Smith was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thompson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

Sheriff: Suspects were selling cocaine from Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 33-year-old Johntrel L Vickers, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders found Vickers lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced him deceased.

There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified.

Police ID homicide victim found on Kansas City street

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street closed higher and reached more records Wednesday on a holiday-shortened trading day.

The S&amp;P 500 index rose 22.26 points, or 0.3%, to 6,932.05. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 288.75, or 0.6%, to close at 48,731.16, and the Nasdaq composite added 51.46, or 0.2%, to 23,613.31

Trading was extremely light as markets closed early for Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Thursday. Roughly 1.8 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, which is roughly a third of the average trading day.

Markets will reopen for a full day of trading on Friday; however volumes are expected to remain light this week with most investors having closed out their positions for the year.

The S&amp;P 500 is up more than 17%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wall-street-stocks-bonds-crypto-tariffs-ai-539ae5ec338d19f52116e97d38300c28">this year</a>, as investors have embraced the deregulatory policies of the Trump administration and been optimistic about the future of artificial intelligence in helping boost profits for not only technology companies but also for Corporate America. Some of the strongest performers this year include Nvidia and Micron Technologies, both companies that make chips or other components that power the proliferation of data centers across the country.

Much of the focus for investors for the next few weeks will be on where the U.S. economy is heading and where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;will move interest rates. Investors are betting the Fed will hold steady on interest rates at its January meeting.

The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years, driven by consumers who continue to spend in the face of ongoing inflation. There have also been recent reports showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-55a603a497c5885745b87de8fc5f7821">shaky confidence among consumers</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-economy-inflation-groceries-costs-trump-affordability-d27635d279b27e5e2c19700c006ebb1d">worried about high prices</a>. The labor market&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-trump-unemployment-federal-reserve-cf1280a8466d92fbbc1b5ace7b80bffc">has been slowing</a>&nbsp;and retail sales&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-industry-inflation-cd9c68bb96ea0f1bfc6a3c0be6be1a90">have weakened</a>.

The number of Americans applying for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-ba15107bd53911c23c1a694c3dd09f18">unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;fell last week and remain at historically healthy levels despite some signs that the labor market is weakening.

U.S. applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 20 fell by 10,000 to 214,000 from the previous week’s 224,000, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. That’s below the 232,000 new applications forecast of analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet.

Dynavax Technologies soared 38.2% after Sanofi said it was acquiring the California-based vaccine maker in a deal worth $2.2 billion. The French drugmaker will add Dynavax’s hepatitis B vaccines to its portfolio, as well as a shingles vaccine that is still in development.

Novo Nordisk's shares rose 1.8% after the weight-loss drug company got approval from U.S. regulators for a pill version of its blockbuster drug Wegovy. However, Novo Nordisk shares are still down almost 40% this year as the company has faced increased competition for weight-loss medications, particularly from Eli Lilly. Shares of Eli Lilly are up 40% this year.

European markets moved between slight gains and losses. Asian markets were also quiet, with Hong Kong moving up 0.2% while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.1%

US stocks drift to more records on a holiday-shortened day of trading

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-hanna">JOHN HANNA</a> Associated Press

The University of Oklahoma has fired an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-oklahoma-gender-bible-essay-demonic-0fd51985c123737cd372ba609b730541">a failing grade</a>&nbsp;on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.”

The university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/UofOklahoma/status/2003209457195741653" target="_blank">a statement</a>&nbsp;posted Monday on X that its investigation found the graduate teaching assistant had been “arbitrary” in giving 20-year-old junior Samantha Fulnecky zero points on the assignment. The university declined to comment beyond its statement, which said the instructor had been removed from teaching.

Through her attorney, the instructor, Mel Curth, denied Tuesday that she had “engaged in any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work.” The attorney, Brittany Stewart, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press that Curth is “considering all of her legal remedies.”

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