By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said Monday he did not think farmers would fare well through a prolonged trade war.

Moran spoke to the Hays Noon Rotary on Monday.

"The longer this trade battle goes, the more difficult it is for there to be a future for the farm."

Moran said he favors a free market.&nbsp;

Moran said his aim as a congressman is to make sure rural America has a future.

"I want my hometown to be around," said Moran, who is a native of Plainville and a 30-year resident of Hays. "I want your hometowns to be around."

He said as costs increase, it becomes more difficult for rural businesses to make it.

"I use LaCrosse as my example," he said. " How many more hammers can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of something goes up, tariffs, for example, but also taxes, insurance, workers' compensation premiums and health care.

He said he had represented the First Congressional District in Kansas for years, where there was no growth.

"How can the hardware store in LaCrosse sell when the price of a hammer goes up, and your population is declining?" Moran said.

Agriculture determines so much of success in Kansas communities, he said.

"Not everyone who lives in Hays is a farmer or rancher, but I don't think there is anyone in this room who is not impacted when agriculture is doing poorly," Moran said. ...

"Agriculture determines if our hometowns have a future," he said. ... "Right now, agriculture is in terrible condition. In my experience, this is as bad as it has been during my time in office."

Input prices are high and commodity prices are low.

He said President Trump wanted to lower cattle prices, but livestock is the only sector of agriculture that is doing well now.

Because of tariffs, China and other countries have left the U.S. markets and are buying from Brazil. He said he heard on the ag report Monday morning that the weather in Brazil will determine wheat prices.

"We are now dependent on the weather of other countries rather than the markets of our own," he said.

"I don't know how you ever fill the gap of China buying corn, soy beans and grain sorghum," Moran said.

He added, "A trade war reduces the stability and the certainty of those markets. ... "Once you lose a customer, how do you get them back?"

Moran said if President Trump could negotiate some easing of tariffs on U.S. goods imposed by other countries, that would be a good outcome.

However, he said a prolonged trade war will be very difficult for farmers.

Despite this hardship, Moran said most American farmers he spoke with said they still support Trump.

"Most of my farmers in Kansas give President Trump the benefit of the doubt on this and see that they are going to get something better at the end of the day, and they are willing to put up with the pain," Moran said.

"In the meantime, they want money to survive the pain."

President Trump announced in early December that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.

Farmers who qualify for the&nbsp;Farmer Bridge Assistance  Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28.

Moran said he sponsored a bill requiring Congressional approval to impose tariffs. President Trump has been operating under emergency executive power. The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering whether he can do so.

Sen. Moran serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec8a94ca-e2a2-403e-aa5d-616658687575">Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud Pezeshkian&nbsp;said Saturday his country is in a full-scale war with the U.S., Israel and Europe.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9072827a-202e-4587-985b-a0747c4fbb20">SEE RELATED STORY: Trump issues new warning to Iran of future U.S. strikes</a>

Moran was asked about his level of concern over&nbsp;Pezeshkian's declaration.

"I think we need to be seriously concerned with Iran and its capabilities," he said. "We have demonstrated some of our own, as has Israel.

"Iran is unpredictable and dangerous. The question is, what can you do about it?"

"It's not just about armies and navies and air forces, it's the capability of an individual or people being able to kill other individuals or groups of people in terrorism," Moran said. "They have great capabilities to do us damage.

"Everything we can do to contain them is important for us to do."

He also said he thought Russia had been the aggressor in Ukraine and should be kept from that aggression.

He said the outcome of the war should discourage others from thinking they could invade another country, or that Russia could invade an additional country.&nbsp;

Moran: Prolonged trade war would be difficult on farmers

Federal Trade Commission WASHINGTON, D.C. — Scammers&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/it-scam">tell lots of different stories</a>&nbsp;to try to get your money or personal information.&nbsp;They might lie and say you owe the government money. Or pretend to be your bank and say your account’s been hacked. They might claim someone in your family had an emergency or that your computer has a virus. Or they might tell a different lie.

Scammers tell you all these things to try to get you to panic. They want you to hurry and do what they say before you have time to think, check out their story, or reach out to someone who might intervene.

That’s where the FTC’s new tool,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan</a>, can help. You can use it to make a list of people you trust — maybe your friend, neighbor, parent, daughter, or grandson — who you can reach out to if you think you might be dealing with a scammer. Talking it through can help you realize that something’s not right.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">Action Plan</a>&nbsp;also has you list contact information for companies you do business with — like your credit card company, bank, and favorite online shopping sites — so you’ll know how to reach them directly if you’re worried there’s a problem with your account.

Scams can affect anyone at any time. So&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.gov/system/files/consumer_gov/pdf/1096A_HowIllAvoidAScam-ActionPlan-508.pdf">make your own action plan</a>. Post it on your fridge or keep it near your phone or computer. Then help others in your life make one:

• Drop it off at your kid’s, parent’s, or grandparent’s house. • Hand it out to your colleagues, friends, and neighbors. • Share it at your church, local library, or community center

Order free copies to share&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/publications/how-ill-avoid-scam-worksheet">here</a>. And as always, if you spot a scam, tell the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Use this action plan to avoid scams

BUNKER HILL, KS – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to present The Moccasin Speaks, a powerful new documentary that reexamines one of the most enduring and misunderstood stories of the High Plains: The German Family Massacre.

For more than a century, the events surrounding the attack on the German family and the capture of four young sisters have been retold through legend. The Moccasin Speaks moves beyond myth to uncover a story that is tragic, poignant, and far more complex than history has often portrayed.

Directed by author and historian Deb Goodrich, with assistance from Ed Lowry, producer of Cottonwood Connections, the film presents the nuanced story of the pioneering German family alongside the Cheyennes who were being forced from their land. Based on the book The Moccasin Speaks: Living as Captives of the Dog Soldier Warriors, Red River War, 1874–1875 by Arlene Feldmann Jauken, the documentary offers an honest and balanced examination of the killing of the settlers, the capture and eventual rescue of the daughters, and the Cheyenne perspective often absent from earlier accounts.

“Ultimately, the story of the German Family is one of humanity's triumph over tragedy,” said Deb Goodrich, Writer of The Moccasin Speaks. “It reminds us that we can call upon the better angels of ourselves no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. It is a story that needs to be heard now more than ever.”

Through careful historical research and thoughtful storytelling, the film also explores how, over time, descendants of both the captives and the captors have come together in reconciliation, acknowledging the tragedy and complexity of their shared history.

The Moccasin Speaks will air on Smoky Hills PBS on January 8 at 9 PM and an encore presentation will air January 17 at 8 PM.

For more information on broadcast times and additional coverage details, please visit our website at <a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Love to read deeper into the stories you see on screen?

Viewers are encouraged to explore the books connected to this documentary, Girl Captives of the Cheyenne and Captured: The True Account of Sarah White and the Cheyenne, available at local libraries and bookstores. These works offer additional perspectives and insight into this documentary.

Moccasin Speaks was made possible with the support from <a href="https://ftwallace.com/">Fort Wallace County Museum</a> and their Memorial Association and these current sponsors: <a href="https://www.northwestkansas.org/">Northwest Kansas Travel Council</a>, <a href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">Smoky Hill Museum</a>, <a href="https://russellbookstore.com/">Russell Specialty Books and Gifts</a>, <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">The Sternberg Museum of Natural History</a>, Hodgden House Museum Complex and Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum, <a href="https://cqmuseum.org/">Coronado Quivira Museum</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas. Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air with an antenna, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and Dish Network, HULU + LIVE TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here: <a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>. More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

Smoky Hills PBS presents new documentary; The Moccasin Speaks

Anyone using cell phones gets reminded of events you’d rather forget. Recently, the US Weather Service shared a post regarding a severe ice storm that shut down our region 18 years ago. That triggered memories of cold, dark days and nights, dogs and us mummified in blankets, and how much I appreciated lineman by the time power kicked back on.

The historical report explained this storm that snapped thousands of poles and downed electric lines arrived on December 10, 2007. Though some argued the one in 2005 was much worse, I won’t join that disagreement. However, if anyone wants to praise linemen, I’ll gratefully stand in line.

I do recollect knowing that frigid storm headed our way and feeling glad I’d fully stocked cupboards and fridge. At the time, we lived several miles in the country on caliche and dirt roads. Once the storm began, I was glad we prepared. In short time, weighted branches snapped and shattered while lights flickered. Walking outside to feed critters was more than a notion and required careful steps in heavy-duty shoe treads.

Our three dogs who normally loved roaming our acres contentedly remained inside except for essential potty breaks. For the next few days their job changed from running coyotes off the property to sharing body heat with us.

Being optimists, we expected a short-lived event, but insistent warnings encouraged us to prep for multiple powerless days. I thought of Little House on the Prairie life as I dug candles, lanterns, flashlights, and matches out of cupboards and filled our bathtub so we’d have water to flush the toilet should power go out. Yep, folks on well water without generators have concerns townies don’t. I laid extra blankets at end of the bed, expecting we’d need them.

Unfortunately, the weatherman wasn’t wrong. This front deposited heavy ice across a broad region shutting down power, roads, services, and normal life. I can’t imagine how electric company dispatchers felt as callers without power flooded phone lines. Families were forced to warm and feed themselves without setting the house on fire or carbon-monoxiding themselves. While we had candles, lanterns, and flashlights, some didn’t.

As hours passed and temps dropped, I added clothing layers. Still chilly, I’d urge two big dogs and a terrier to crawl under my lap quilt to generate more heat. We started the storm with the thermostat at a comfortable 68. By the third day without electricity, it dropped into the 40s with a continuing downward spiral. The whole time, I wondered how linesmen working outside held up under frigid conditions. So many depended on them, including their own loved ones.

Day 4 meant diminishing flushing water with a thermostat edging the thirties. Thoughts of freezing pipes alarmed shivering brain cells. Though worrying doesn’t raise temps, 3 dogs warmed me when the light over sink flickered and brightened the room. I shouted for joy hearing the furnace kick on.

While our immediate issues were resolved, power company employees faced months of hard labor in extreme conditions. Since that experience, I’m profoundly grateful for those working in extreme conditions so we have power. They are heroes!

MADORIN: Ice coated heroes

<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 href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d47e259b-e783-4435-9af2-c91b85b73b66">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Police officer killed responding to domestic violence call</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1fb5c077-c5f5-45c3-8604-d7847df5ed24">SEE RELATED STORY: City of Hays identifies Sgt. killed in weekend shooting</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/234d566c-b698-4041-ac56-ca22e7b48c74">SEE RELATED STORY: Community mourns loss of police officer; funeral set for Friday</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7d925339-2675-48a6-90bf-229b7d855180">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays honors fallen police officer at escort</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/828772e4-ab2d-416f-a5cb-bd6631c6d836">SEE RELATED STORY: Vigil: Community shaken by officer's death, but blessed by 'ultimate peacemaker'</a>

As of Dec. 12, 2025, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation has concluded its
investigation of the murder of Hays Police Department Sergeant Scott Heimann that
occurred on Sept. 28th, 2025. The investigative report included over 100 reports from various law enforcement agencies, photo evidence, and multiple hours of
audio and video discovery.

Based on review of all provided discovery, Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham has
composed a comprehensive summation of what occurred during the weekend of
Sept. 26-28, 2025, concerning the murder of Sergeant Scott Heimann. The
investigation also included evidence from the aggravated battery/attempted murder
incident that occurred on Sept. 27, 2025, with the same suspect and an ex-girlfriend. What follows is what the Ellis County Attorney’s Office can release at this time.

On Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, suspect Zane Wickham attempted to make contact with
an ex-girlfriend in a harassing manner. The following morning, Saturday, Sept. 27,
2025, Wickham began messaging the ex-girlfriend again throughout the day, informing her
he was suicidal and threatening to come to her house uninvited.

At 7:15 p.m., Wickham showed up to the ex-girlfriend’s residence and can be observed on
doorbell camera footage standing on the porch with a semi-automatic handgun. Wickham
attempted to force his way into the victim’s residence after discovering her front door was
locked. The ex-girlfriend, who was inside the house, spoke to Wickham by phone and
convinced him that she was not home. Wickham eventually left her residence.

Concerned for her own safety, the victim contacted Wickham’s parents in an attempt to get
the suspect to calm down. She also elected to drive around Hays in an effort to hide from
Wickham. It is believed Wickham used an On Star tracking feature in their shared vehicle to
locate the victim’s whereabouts.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., the victim received around 20 phone calls from Wickham.
While driving west on 22nd Street in Hays, the victim observed Wickham’s Chevy Silverado
behind her with Wickham driving. She attempted to flee from Wickham, but he chased
after her and began ramming her vehicle. Wickham rammed his truck into the victim’s
vehicle a total of three times, ultimately pushing her vehicle off the road and into a tree in a
residential neighborhood.

The victim was able to escape the wrecked vehicle and ran from the scene. Wickham
pursued the victim on foot yelling he was going to kill her as she attempted to seek refuge at
multiple nearby residences, as evidenced by an eyewitness and a doorbell camera in the
area. A resident in the area heard her calls for help and aided her in seeking shelter in a
garage. The victim was able to contact law enforcement, and Hays Police Department
officers responded to the scene of the collision and to the victim. Wickham had left the
scene by the time law enforcement arrived. The victim informed responding officers that
she believed it was Wickham’s intent to commit “suicide by cop” based on his calls to her
that evening.

At approximately 11:05 p.m., officers responded to Wickham’s residence at 2202 Downing
Ave., where they observed a gold Chevy Silverado pickup with heavy front-end damage.
While officers were knocking at the door attempting to make contact with Wickham, they
could hear Wickham’s voice on the other side of the door, and what sounded like Wickham
moving heavy objects in front of the door that the officers were at. It was clear to officers that
Wickham was beginning to barricade himself in the house.

Officers were able to speak with Wickham using the victim’s phone, and Wickham relayed
that he refused to come out of his house and that he was going to kill any officers that
entered his residence. Wickham also relayed that he planned on dying that night. Officers
took protective measures, calling additional officers and setting up a perimeter around
Wickham’s house to protect the community. The Hays Police Department Special Situation
Response Team was called out to assist, which caused Sergeant Scott Heimann to
respond to the scene. Due to it being Oktoberfest weekend, the Kansas Highway Patrol
Special Response Team was also immediately requested to respond to the scene.

After establishing a perimeter, law enforcement formed Immediate Reaction Teams (IRTs)
and placed them in the front and rear of the house. These teams were in place to safely
take Wickham into custody should he exit the residence.

30 phone calls between Wickham and law enforcement took place while Wickham was
barricaded in the house. The phone calls involved negotiations between Wickham and law
enforcement, attempting to convince Wickham not to hurt himself or anyone else, and to
exit the residence peacefully.

The IRT positioned in the back alley of the residence was led by Sergeant Scott Heimann.
After hearing movement in the backyard, the team in the alley made an approach to the
suspect’s back fence to ensure Wickham had not exited the residence. After confirming
Wickham was not in the backyard, the team returned to their original position.

Shortly thereafter, at 1:56 a.m., Wickham fired a single round from within the residence,
striking Sergeant Scott Heimann. A Special Situation Response Team Tactical Medic
immediately moved Sergeant Heimann behind the cover of a vehicle and began rendering
life-saving medical aid. Sergeant Heimann was transported to Hays Medical Center by law
enforcement, and air transport to Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas by Eagle Medical Air was
ordered. While in transport to Wichita, the EagleMed team rerouted to Hutchinson Regional
Medical Center and, at 4:03 a.m., Sergeant Scott Heimann was pronounced deceased by a
medical doctor.

Following the shooting, members of the Hays Police Department disembarked from an
armored vehicle with rifle-rated shields to make entry into the suspect’s backyard in an
attempt to make the scene safe and mitigate further harm to officers. From this time until
5:00 a.m., Wickham had multiple phone conversations with law enforcement where he
repeatedly attempted to bait law enforcement into the house, threatened to kill law
enforcement, lied to law enforcement that he had no weapons, admitted to shooting a law
enforcement officer, and threatened to take his own life.

Between 2:47 a.m. and 2:50 a.m., members of the Hays Police Department, as well as the
Kansas Highway Patrol, launched gas munitions into the house to try to get the suspect to
evacuate the home.

At 3:49 a.m., Chief of Police Don Scheibler requested that the Kansas Highway Patrol SRT
take tactical command of the situation, and members of the Hays Police Department were
strategically pulled off scene due to the loss of their own. Hays Police Department Officers
were replaced by personnel from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of
Investigation.

Between 4:40 a.m. and 4:43 a.m., members of the Kansas Highway Patrol deployed impact
rounds to knock out Wickham’s doorbell cameras.

At 5 a.m., Wickham advised law enforcement he was going to the basement of his house
to commit suicide and stopped responding to the negotiator.

At 5:48 a.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol Tactical Team breached the door, and a drone was
sent in. The drone located what was believed to be Wickham’s deceased body. A K-9 was
deployed to ensure the safety of the residence, and, at 6:29 a.m., the KBI confirmed
Wickham was deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

From that point forward, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation began processing the scene,
conducting interviews, and gathering evidence. As part of the investigation, all officers who
were present on scene at 2202 Downing Ave. had their weapons examined to confirm no
shots had been fired. Apart from gas munition rounds and impact rounds used to take out
the cameras, the KBI confirmed no lethal rounds had been fired by any member of law
enforcement that evening.

Based on the reports and discovery, if the suspect was alive, the Ellis County Attorney has
found probable cause exists for the following charges:

• Capital murder, for the killing of Sergeant Scott Heimann • Attempted premeditated murder in the first degree • Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (x3) • Aggravated burglary of an occupied dwelling • Driving under the influence • Aggravated criminal threat • Criminal threat (x2) • Felony interference with law enforcement (x2) • Criminal trespass • Criminal damage to property • Telephone harassment • Stalking

“Members of the Hays Police Department were more than justified to be present at 2202
Downing Ave. that evening, based on seven different crimes, three of which were severe
person felony offenses that occurred earlier in the night and posed an imminent threat to
the safety of the community,” said Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham. “Although law
enforcement would have been authorized to exercise lethal force against Wickham, at no
point did they attempt to do so.”

“Law enforcement acted professionally and appropriately throughout their entire duration
on scene. Chief Scheibler’s immediate request for assistance from the Kansas Bureau of
Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol in the wake of an officer shooting was in
accordance with proper protocol and again demonstrated law enforcement’s priority
throughout the investigation was the safety of the entire community. The courage of law
enforcement on scene flowed like a river in the wake of the killing of one of their own. At
least four officers went toward possible gunfire to help make the scene safe and prevent
further harm to their fellow officers,” Cunningham said.

“Based on my review of the evidence, Zane Wickham did not target Sergeant Scott
Heimann for who he was. Wickham targeted Sergeant Heimann for what he was: a law
enforcement officer.”

“In reviewing all of the discovery and reports, it should be noted that the following
individuals demonstrated remarkable courage and acted with the utmost professionalism:
Master Trooper Seth Gruber (KHP), TAC Medic Jesse Hermosillo (HFD), Officer Clay
Robinson (HPD), Sergeant Dakota Reese (HPD), Sergeant Brayden Parke (ELSO), Sergeant
Phillip Gage (Hays PD), Corporal Cody Wolf (HPD), Officer Kyle Jones (HPD), Officer Caleb
Koehn (HPD), Corporal Lindsey Clayton (HPD), and fallen Sergeant Scott Heimann (HPD),
for making the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Ellis County Attorney’s Office continues to remind the community that if you or
someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact law enforcement and Options,
or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For more information
regarding these resources please visit <a href="http://www.help4abuse.org">www.help4abuse.org</a>.

Investigation concludes in Hays Police Sgt. killing

The Hays Eagle Media Center will be closed today and New Year's Day.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post!

Hays Eagle Media Center closed today, New Year's Day

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

As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection.

As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, here is a look back at the top 10 local Hays Post stories from 2025.

10. Local restaurant chain's assets seized on tax warrants

The Kansas Department of Revenue seized assets from San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc. with locations in Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee counties.

On July 8, agents from the Department of Revenue, accompanied by the Russell, Scott, Thomas, Phillips, Rooks and Pawnee County Sheriff departments, executed tax warrants.

They seized the assets of San Juan Mexican Restaurant Inc., Bernabe A Lopez, Magarita Lopez, Johnaton Lopez, Santiago Gutirrez, Bernabe K Lopez, David Serrato for nonpayment of sales tax and liquor drink tax totaling $301,031.29, according to information provided by the Department of Revenue.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f7e08d64-7191-4ee1-a47f-8bfb7c6f61b6">SEE RELATED STORY: Local restaurant chain's assets seized on tax warrants</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8c676a59-66a8-4a7d-b7ed-3e56c9780647">SEE RELATED STORY: Local chain of Mexican restaurants to reopen after paying tax debt</a>

9. FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk

The Fort Hays State University assistant professor defended her Facebook posts about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Nuchelle Chance of the psychology department posted a TikTok video on Sept. 29 saying she was being targeted online by Libs of TikTok, an X account with 4.4 million followers, and other online accounts.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77065ce5-61e2-4d99-b7c9-b292b7644abc">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for Charlie Kirk posts responds</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/67bf5501-02df-472c-a43a-a4ff11ff5305">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor under review for posts about Charlie Kirk</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dce30c70-5702-4f65-870a-48acb1c5eef7">SEE RELATED STORY: FHSU assistant professor receives threats for Charlie Kirk posts; online fundraiser</a>

8. Hays man arrested after accidentally firing gun in local bar

A Hays man was arrested on Feb. 9 after he allegedly accidentally discharged a gun in Chuck's bar, 507 W. Seventh, in Hays.

Police were called to the bar at 8:27 p.m. The staff told officers a man had accidentally fired a gun in the men's restroom, according to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

A round hit a toilet and went through a wall into the women's restroom, Scheibler said. No injuries were reported.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec8b5a71-629d-4a09-9e37-cbc7ae246159">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man arrested after accidentally firing gun in local bar</a>

7. Hays man sentenced to 6 years in prison on drug, sex charges

A Hays man was sentenced on Aug. 4&nbsp;to more than six years in prison on drug-dealing and sex charges after an emotional morning in court where his victim discussed her turmoil and supporters testified the defendant was a changed man after pursuing recovery for drug addiction.

Jordan Bradley Burgess was sentenced to 78 months in prison on a charge of distribution of cocaine and 40 months in prison on a charge of possession of cocaine, with both sentences to run concurrently.

He also pleaded to three counts of misdemeanor sexual battery through an Alford plea, as well as a DUI charge, with those sentences to also run concurrently with his prison sentence on the cocaine charges.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6af49489-e119-4c94-b9d6-b4140bd5f3c0">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man sentenced to 6 years in prision on drug, sex charges</a>

6. KHP trooper arrested on charge of DUI after hit and run in Hays

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper was arrested in Hays on suspicion of DUI after a minor vehicle crash.

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said officers arrested 37-year-old Davis Jay Whisman of Ellis after officers heard a collision at about 12:30 a.m. on May 31 in the 600 block of Park Street.

Scheibler said officers allegedly saw Whisman leave the scene in a white pickup truck with two passengers and located him within the area.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2432a4e8-e477-4789-9f81-5256069b68df">SEE RELATED STORY: KHP trooper arrested on charge of DUI after hit and run in Hays</a>

5. Hays tattoo artist killed in Russell, wife injured, suspect arrested

One person was arrested after a Russell man was shot and killed at his home on April 24.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a news release, stating the Russell Police Department responded after a citizen called 911 to report a shooting.

When officers arrived in the 800 block of East Second Street in Russell, they found 49-year-old Deborah Torres of Russell with apparent gunshot wounds. The press release said her husband, 49-year-old Robert Torres of Russell, was inside their home.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ae0597b6-3a71-4a1c-b1cf-5ff919c7b8fb">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays tattoo artist killed in Russell, wife injured, suspect arrested</a>

Robert James, “Bobby” Torres, 33, was arrested in the case.

4. NW Kan. CPA, creator of 'Middle Finger Ranch,' admits to fraud scheme

A northwest Kansas businessman pleaded guilty to various charges related to defrauding clients of his accounting firm by falsely claiming money he had stolen was being used to pay business expenses.

According to court documents, Quintin Flanagin, 45, of Colby pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of false statements and one count of money laundering.

Flanagin, a certified public accountant, used his status as a signatory on the accounts of his clients’ business, Diamond M. Farms, to make unauthorized transactions between December 2021 and August 2022.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/13fa2251-2159-472f-be8d-2d2d6224847e">SEE RELATED STORY: NW Kan. CPA, creator of 'Middle Finger Ranch,' admits to fraud scheme</a>

3. Grizzly attack survivor shares inspiring story in Hays

Jim VanSteenhouse came face-to-face with a grizzly bear and lived to share his story at the Hays Super Buck Dinner.

His Feb. 1 appearance at the North Oak Community Church also included antler competitions and giveaways to foster connections between faith and outdoor enthusiasm.

Following a dinner, VanSteenhouse took the stage to share his harrowing September 2015 encounter and the lasting scars it left behind.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f339b785-70a5-4bbf-b049-49269e0962ad">SEE RELATED STORY: Grizzly attack survivor, shares inspiring story in Hays</a>

2. A Voice for Karen: Living behind a curtain of silence

On March 21, 2022, an ambulance was called to 324 W. 24th St. in Hays.&nbsp;

Karen Schumacher was transported to Hays Medical Center and died at 9:03 on the morning of March 22 after being beaten for 40 years. She was 60 years old, a mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Jay Schumacher of Hays was initially charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife. He accepted a plea agreement that reduced his charges to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery and mistreatment of a dependent adult.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Jan. 9.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f6fb5eb0-494c-4518-992a-6bffdf7c38c9">SEE RELATED STORY: A Voice for Karen: Living behind a curtain of silence</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/83db8380-36ef-4fae-998f-19d47159e964">SEE RELATED STORY: A Voice for Karen: Leaving and going back</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a1a463f9-45a3-424b-86b8-1445e2bf2959">SEE RELATED STORY: A Voice for Karen: He took her away from us</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/65023111-a863-47a5-bca5-8be446e5ab78">SEE RELATED STORY: A Voice for Karen: 'A slap in the face,' hope for others</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3af7a093-f0d8-4c2e-a1e3-4a31be6c0e7e">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays man who killed wife sentenced to 10 years in prison</a>

1. Hays police officer killed responding to domestic violence call

A Hays Police officer was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 28 in Hays when responding to a domestic violence call in the 2200 block of Downing Street.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the shooting.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, the Hays Police Department received a 911 call indicating a female subject had escaped a domestic violence incident at a residence.

The woman reported that while she attempted to flee, her significant other, identified as Zane Wickham, 34, of Hays, drove his truck into her vehicle. She ran to a nearby home to call for help.

At about 1:55 a.m., officers from the HPD and a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol were setting up a perimeter near the backyard of Wickham’s residence in the 2200 block of Downing St. A single shot was fired from inside the house, and the round struck Hays Police Sgt. Scott William Hiemann. He died from his injuries.

At about 6:15 a.m., tactical teams entered the house and found Wickham deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Goodbye 2025: Look back at Hays Post's biggest local stories of year

A workshop is coming up for those interested in volunteering to staff a Red Cross shelter in times of emergencies.

The free “American Red Cross Shelter Fundamentals Training” will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Hays First Baptist Church, 1111 Fort St. Registration is due by midnight Wednesday, Jan. 7, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.train.org/ks">www.train.org/ks</a>. Those registering will need to create an account and then enter course No. 1132663.

“Shelter Fundamentals is a basic level course that introduces the roles and responsibilities for opening, operating, and closing a shelter during a disaster,” a news release said. “The course focuses on what new shelter workers need to know to work in a shelter.”

The workshop is being presented by the American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. It will be taught by trained Red Cross volunteers.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of operating a Red Cross shelter and will participate in a hands-on simulation to support the learning objectives,” the news release said.

“This course will enable our partners to help us carry out our mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of disaster in their communities.”

More information is available from Lyle Pantle, Ellis County Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, at (785) 621-1780 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lpantle@ellisco.net">lpantle@ellisco.net</a>.

Red Cross shelter training workshop to be offered in Hays

By EMMA DICKMAN, Good Hope 4-H club reporter, age 12

December was a busy month for the Good Hope 4-H club. To start off the month on December 7th we attended the Frost Fest parade. The day before the parade, almost the entire club came to help decorate the float. It was really a team effort. At the parade we were all bundled up, even some of our club members dressed up for the occasion. Our float included the Grinch driving an antique tractor with a big bag of presents hanging from the back. The Good Hope 4-H club has been around since 1934, making it the oldest club in the county. This was perfect for Frost Fest’s theme, which was “Timeless Traditions”.

Also, in December we had our grandparents’ dinner. This included all the club members that attended to bring food for the potluck dinner. Many of our grandparents support us in all our 4-H projects, so we felt the importance of honoring them with a dinner. After a very eventful month, it was a good way to end 2025.

Good Hope 4-H Club ends year with fun

&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

Schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 9 am to 3 pm at Rooks County Health Building, 426 Main Street, Stockton, KS.

Those who donate will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

American Red Cross blood drive today in Stockton

Due to the observance of the New Years holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Wednesday, December 31. 

There are no anticipated changes to Monday, Tuesday or Friday routes.

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.

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