FHSU base for officer&nbsp;de-escalation training

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Fort Hays State University hosted law enforcement officers on Friday to recertify as trainers in de-escalation techniques.

The FHSU Criminal Justice program is home to the&nbsp;Central Regional Training Center of the National De-Escalation Training Center.

The center staff has trained more than 5,000 law enforcement officers across the United States.

As a result of the training, almost 60% of officers were better able to identify and respond to escalated situations, according to the center.&nbsp;

Following de-escalation training, 95% of the officers involved demonstrated high skill in applying de-escalation techniques (compared with 30% before training), the center reported.

Participants in the class shared their thoughts on the importance of the training and how it helps them in their work.

"The why, simply put, is to give better tools to first responders across the country so they can be more effective in de-escalation. We just want to make everyone safer—law enforcement, civilians, everybody," said David Vilaysing, former Hays Police officer and owner of DXI Training Solutions.

Steven Herold, Transylvania University police chief and former Racine, Wisconsin, officer, said the training allows officers to learn in days what could take years to learn on the streets.

Vilaysing&nbsp;said, "I think that's one of the reasons the instructors in here love this course, because they all have that light bulb moment they can think back on their career—the things they had learned the hard way."

Ryan Rogers, an Oklahoma State trooper, said the training helped him think about how he approached situations and regulate his own responses.

"If I can control myself, it helps a lot," he said.

Vilaysing&nbsp;said, "We preach in every class that the most important factor in de-escalation is an officer's self-control. It's easier said than done.

"We give tools and resources to the students so they actually understand themselves and why they tend to communicate in certain ways. ... Only when we understand ourselves can we begin to understand others. That is the foundation of emotional intelligence," he said.

Vilaysing&nbsp;said people's natural tendency is to treat others as they are treated. The training helps officers adapt their responses, even when faced with disrespect from others.

Herold said that when he entered law enforcement in the 1990s, he was taught to engage suspects at one level higher than they were.&nbsp;

Herold said that while he was working in Wisconsin, he had a citizen complaint lodged against him. He said he didn't violate the law, but he could have heard the person out.

"Had I taken a few more minutes to listen to him on the scene, I probably would have avoided that complaint altogether," he said.

Vilaysing&nbsp;said before he left the Hays Police Department, he was on a call during which the Kansas Highway Patrol chased a man going 130 mph into Hays. The chase ended with the suspect up on a roof.&nbsp;

"It was me and two other officers on the roof that were able to de-escalate that situation, talk to that individual, and get him to come down the ladder of his own accord," he said. "As opposed to getting into a physical confrontation with him on a rooftop or worst case scenario, him jumping off the roof as he had threatened, as soon as we stepped on the roof.

"We prevented a potentially serious injury from happening to that individual because I recognized what was going on and, thanks to this training, what approach needed to be taken,"&nbsp;Vilaysing said.

Rogers, a former Marine, said using force was not a problem for him. He said force can always be an option, and there are situations you won't be able to talk your way out of.

However, de-escalation gives you other techniques and options.

"Here are some things that I can do to keep this from going higher," Rogers said. "It means less paperwork for me, less stress on my job, less stress on people around me."

Rogers gave the example of a driver stopping in the middle of the road during a traffic stop. This is likely to heighten his response, as the driver has put him at risk of being struck by another vehicle during the stop.

"This training has helped me process things a little bit differently," Rogers said. "Normally, I would have probably yelled at them for stopping in the middle of the road. ... Now, I'm giving her a reason why I'm a human and why I lost my cool. Here's why you can't do what you just did."

Vilaysing&nbsp;said all departments and officers, including ICE officers, could benefit from the de-escalation training.

"There are still agencies out there that aren't doing any de-escalation training," he said. "We will get sent to agencies and be told this is the first de-escalation training I've had in a decade. Some of them don't even remember if they had it at the academy. It is very much needed across the country."

However,&nbsp;Vilaysing said nothing works 100% of the time.&nbsp;

"The situation is going to dictate," he said. "When things are that extreme and that out of control, we always say force must be an available option. At the end of the day, police officers are going to go home.&nbsp;

"At no point do we tell a police officer or a first responder to jeopardize their safety or the safety of another person so they can de-escalate," he said.

Rogers, who said he has been through riots as an officer, said the situation in Minneapolis is so heightened that it may be difficult to de-escalate through talk.

Rogers said, "If you are at a level of heightened aggression, if I try to talk to you and reason with you and work some of these avenues that we teach, it's still not going to reach out to you.

"If I'm talking to a person who is of a clear mind, it might work, but most of them are so agitated, they are not listening to rational thought anyway."

Rogers said it helps if both sides can give grace.

"We don't get it right 100% of the time, but we're going through training and offering training so other officers can better themselves," he said.

Officer on de-escalation training: 'We just want to make everyone safer'

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) at the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Department of Commerce announced&nbsp;the recipients of the <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/kansas-creative-arts-and-industries-commission-kcaic/governors-arts-awards/2026-governors-arts-award-recipients/">2026 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards</a>&nbsp;at its&nbsp;annual&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;Monday, February 2,&nbsp;at the Docking State Office&nbsp;Building in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among the Legacy winners was Pete Felten, Hays sculptor.&nbsp;

Pete Felten is a 92-year-old (born 1933) limestone sculptor from Hays who has been carving Kansas limestone for nearly 70 years. He first took hammer and chisel in hand in 1957 after serving in the U.S. Navy (1952-1956), where he visited art museums on the east and west coasts and Hawaii. After briefly attending an art league school in New York, he returned to Hays to pursue his career.&nbsp;

His most prominent work includes the eight-foot-tall, approximately 2,000-pound limestone portraits of Amelia Earhart, William Allen White, Arthur Capper, and Dwight Eisenhower that encircle the Kansas Capitol rotunda, installed in 1981. He won the competitive selection process by creating detailed models of each subject. He chose Silverdale limestone from southeastern Kansas for the Capitol work because he believed it to be “the finest Kansas limestone, uniform and excellent for statues.” Notably, he declined to sign the work, explaining “this is Kansas’ work, not mine.”&nbsp;

Ellis County alone contains more than 28 of his limestone sculptures, including well-known figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody. His first large commissioned piece was a bust of Buffalo Bill Cody at the Hays Public Library (1961). The “Monarch of the Plains” buffalo sculpture at Fort Hays State Historic Site (completed 1967) stands 8 feet high and 10 feet long on an 8-foot base, starting from a 24-ton stone. In 2024, bronze plaques were finally added next to his capitol sculptures to credit him for the work.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwEW_aOoz3A">Watch Video&nbsp;</a>

“Thanks to the dedicated individuals and organizations in our state who make our communities more vibrant, the arts are thriving in Kansas,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“When creativity is supported and encouraged, we strengthen intergenerational relationships, boost economic innovation, and improve community identity.”&nbsp;

These awards celebrate and recognize Kansas artists, organizations, and communities for leadership in improving quality of life in Kansas and encouraging meaningful creative expression through the arts.&nbsp;

“This group of&nbsp;Kansas artists, art administrators,&nbsp;and advocates we are honoring from across the state&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;have&nbsp;significant and positive&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;on our economy&nbsp;and&nbsp;culture,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and&nbsp;Secretary of&nbsp;the Kansas Department of&nbsp;Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Kansas is&nbsp;fortunate&nbsp;to have such an array of artists&nbsp;who are eager to take their work to the next level, bringing great benefit&nbsp;and pride&nbsp;to the entire state.”&nbsp;

This year, the recipient of the Governor’s Award, which was presented by Governor Kelly to close out the night, is Joe Walsh, a multi-Grammy Award winning musician and Wichita native who has earned global acclaim for his work with the James Gang, the Eagles, and a successful solo career. In addition to his music career, Walsh founded the veterans nonprofit VetsAid in 2017, which has disbursed more than $4 million to veterans’ services charities to date.&nbsp;

“It’s hard to imagine American rock without&nbsp;the&nbsp;guitar solos,&nbsp;flawless songwriting,&nbsp;and the enduring musical career of Joe Walsh,”&nbsp;Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said.&nbsp;“Joe’s passion for music,&nbsp;paired with&nbsp;his generosity and philanthropy,&nbsp;makes him&nbsp;the perfect recipient for such a prestigious award.”&nbsp;

This year’s award categories and recipients are:&nbsp;

Hays sculptor Pete Felten wins 2026 Governor's Arts Legacy Award 

SHERMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement in northwest Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a home in Goodland.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, police executed a narcotics search warrant in the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Goodland, according to a media release.

The officers located illegal narcotics and an improvised explosive device. Police officers and sheriff's deputies secured and maintained the perimeter while additional resources were requested. The Kansas Highway PatrolHazardous Device Unit responded to the scene and safely removed the improvised device without further incident.&nbsp;

One suspect is currently in custody and facing multiple felony charges related to the incident.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Explosive device seized during drug bust at NW Kansas home

Hays Community Theatre has announced auditions for “The Shady Caper at Golden Acres,” an original comedy written by HCT board member and Hays High School theatre director Bill Gasper.

The action of the play, which is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. on April 26, takes place in the retirement community of Golden Acres, where residents get tricked into a money-making scam dreamed up by the activities director and her inept boyfriend. In the end, they are caught, but not before a series of twists and turns.

To help people determine if the play is for them, a copy of the script can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iiIe-mAIjZxFVZICy1NTm_wymLZQm5af/view">https://tinyurl.com/Shady-Caper-Golden-Acres-Final</a>

“It’s a fun play that I wrote quite a few years ago,” Gasper said. “When Hays Community Theatre expressed an interest in producing it, I pulled it off the shelf, reworked it, and presented it to a few people to read. It was met with positive reviews, so I’m excited to get things rolling.”

The cast is composed of eight women and six men. Eight people (three men, five women) will play Golden Acre residents. Four people (two men, two women) will play facility employees and the mother of a resident, and two teens (one male and one female) will play the grandchildren of one of the residents.

“With 14 people in the cast, it’s a great opportunity for people to get involved – whether they’ve been a part of productions in the past or want to get involved for the first time,” Gasper said.

Auditions have been scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, and Tuesday, Feb. 17. Auditions will consist of a cold read of a short monologue or “sides” provided at auditions. 

Interested actors can sign up for a 10-minute audition time here: <a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/393379640036/false#/invitation">https://signup.com/go/JbOMrDu</a>.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Gasper at bgasper56@gmail.com

Hays Community Theatre seeks actors for original comedy

What better way to begin celebrating Volga German heritage than around the table? The Ellis County community is invited to launch the sesquicentennial celebration with a series of cooking demonstrations highlighting treasured Volga German food traditions passed down through generations.&nbsp;

The Sesquicentennial Cooking Demo Series will be held on&nbsp;Feb. 4, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25, each beginning at&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Gallery Room at the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;

Food has always been at the heart of Volga German families, with recipes carefully shared, adapted, and loved over time. These demonstrations celebrate those traditions and the stories behind them.&nbsp;

The series begins on&nbsp;Feb. 4&nbsp;with&nbsp;Earl Legleiter, who will share his family’s recipe for&nbsp;Mahogany Cake, a longtime favorite. Recipes will be provided, and yes—there will be samples.&nbsp;

Each session offers a chance to learn, taste, and connect with the rich culinary heritage that helped shape Volga German communities in western Kansas.&nbsp;

All are welcome to attend and take part in this flavorful start to the Sesquicentennial celebration.&nbsp;

For more information, contact the Ellis County Historical Society at 785-628-2624.&nbsp;

Sesquicentennial cooking demos kick off today for Volga German heritage celebration 

<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

Glassman Corporation is seeking an experienced Commercial Sheetmetal Installer to join our growing HVAC &amp; Plumbing team in Hays, KS. 

This position works directly under a Foreman-level leader and plays a critical role in delivering high-quality commercial and light industrial HVAC installations. 

The ideal candidate takes pride in craftsmanship, works efficiently in a team environment, and understands the importance of proper duct installation and insulation.

Position Overview As a Commercial Sheetmetal Installer at Glassman Corporation, you will be responsible for installing HVAC systems in accordance with project plans, codes, and company standards.

This role requires hands-on field experience, attention to detail, and the ability to support the Foreman while maintaining productivity and quality on job sites. Travel is required during the work week.

&nbsp;Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

Build your future with&nbsp; Glassman Corporation!&nbsp; Equal Opportunity Employer Apply today at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/careers">www.glassmancorp.com/careers</a>

NW Kansas man hospitalized after semi overturns

TMP-Marian at Trego Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, 6 p.m WaKeeney, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3489367">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to Mid-Continent League play Tuesday night as they take on the Trego Golden Eagles.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP returns to MCL play at Trego

Hays High vs Great Bend Friday, Jan. 30 - 6:00 Colby, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3483622">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High opens February by hosting Sunrise Christian Academy on Tuesday evening.

Girls: #4-5A Hays (14-1) versus Sunrise Christian (16-2) Boys: #6-5A Hays (12-3) versus Sunrise Christian (13-9)

Tip-off is set for 6:00. The Hertz Pregame Show will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

🏀 Hays High hosts Sunrise Christian to open February

Girl Scouts have always believed that real change happens when people come together with purpose. Our Girl Scouts are learning that giving back is not just an activity, it is a responsibility, a mindset, and a commitment to making our communities stronger.

We are challenging our community to join the cause. Whether through time, resources, mentorship, or simple acts of kindness, every contribution matters. When adults step forward to support service projects, volunteer efforts, and community initiatives, we show our children what leadership truly looks like.

This is more than just helping others with compassion, accountability, and unity. Together, we can create a culture where giving back isn’t just an option but a way of life, where our children see a community that shows up, lifts each other up, and leads with heart.

The Girl Scout Troop 11298 is ready, and so is Little Dillons on Hall Street! We are now asking the community to stand with us.

Girl Scout Troop 11298 of Hays invites the community to give back in a simple yet meaningful way by donating new personal hygiene items while shopping. 

The troop has partnered with High Plains Mental Health Center, specifically the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC), which is scheduled to open in May 2026, to help ensure that individuals aged 18 and older have access to essential hygiene supplies.

Troop members will be stationed at Little Dillons on Hall Street in Hays throughout the weekend of Feb. 6, collecting donations.

 Community members are encouraged to purchase extra items on their way out, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, or toothpaste. 

Through this effort, Girl Scouts are learning the importance of service and compassion as they work alongside the community to support the future Crisis Intervention Center. The public is encouraged to visit Dillons on Hall Street in Hays to support the new Crisis Intervention Center in our community.

If your organization would like to join Troop 11298’s mission, collaborate on future service projects, or share ideas that can further support the Hays community, the troop welcomes your involvement. 

Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference, one thoughtful act at a time. 

For more information, collaboration opportunities, or to share your ideas, or if your organization has any needs we may be able to support, please contact us at girlscouttroop11298@outlook.com.

Girl Scouts set hygiene item drive this weekend at Little Dillons

Production members needed for 'Annie,' Hays Community Theatre summer musical

This spring, Fort Hays State University’s Career Development Office, in partnership with FHSU departments, will be hosting several career fairs. These events provide students with opportunities to meet numerous potential employers all in one location.

Mark your calendar for the following career fairs:

Health &amp; Wellness Career Fair: Monday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - noon, Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union. 35 employers will be on campus to visit with students about opportunities for internships, clinicals, and full-time employment. The fair is aimed at students in the nursing, radiologic technology, medical diagnostic imaging, and health and human performance programs, but all students are invited to attend.

Teacher Exploration &amp; Employment Fair: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. - noon, Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union. Students can meet with representatives from 60 school districts and education co-ops to learn about student teaching and full-time employment opportunities.

Werth College of Science, Technology, &amp; Mathematics Career Fair: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2-4 p.m., Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union. Employers can register in Handshake through February 19 by using this link:&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0dlDVoWxwchLl2zKh5TbK6-2BtPDsVui5UfDpWFlWXbDCfSDrXo3arTEqIxZF4D70y9ZoQGa1HWjbFravITK2nWYtLkhaGYIRjMYouVwFXoh5RGbAk8IyfPLOEPruIBJM4HMvN82WQHIYoV-2BNaa1c1e6O-2BqwK60KWT77A6zaFHKqXj-2By6rM71ruXAHYaQJPerao5qOzyvEHyoeq2y-2BOaud0DxrasVw4sSMU7KOerW92mZZFD-2BeQzG-2FTdITj9dcn0Xn-2BXAP-2BPyhMiF1ygfSULRTC0Y7Czktrzo1-2FWiTericrTDls1-2Bvhd-2FaGo6n7mIku2jPHrs9mo9YiQoX0EFRGbp-2BBCAY03zbwEFqq8n33rDtk0F40FhiVkNR6trIquQ-2FEsEXW4SMMNrovMkvk9yIZO1NBA6KrnxLnhQQUPCUdiskMk0dajAwmQ9ocRA5dJtq5PbtChfq1XSvZYbmusAXpD2tqPu-2BiD5W79LsMKjeLE4QDvpDtBfLf5UQCcO4APhE-2F0EpHUlDgJmQntuhjdYk1ZkGtH2W-2BIw6FN2VmF3-2BgSRw8i2LnomKizsKSb6D8VFWU4d06S4WbfwzNYCGS5Z1954PT0Eela7fTtm6dYpwV4gDBUMAf7REywhSf2NtMubxY1SsySHjNmIXcy7fWGgaspz9C1E-3DWoUT_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6zmPasQMqwlhB8lcoWwenQbM15tWVOqmaAzcEEop-2BrfykV-2Bhq2xmcR7UmxDBcHjXUylOOdUzofnZdK6bhVrut7cwcLXfyEXHPJXMFgzTbqU1MvfWtylAsfXHq1hQxD9kgQKfdffeyDMlgcQf-2Ftn7SF3U7AOf65v2XQmNEX-2B04n3Kzg-2Fy3S1MOvbaYgZLCXSwZuV5H1g127VmDG9L-2BqNzPzcgugSD40fQYvzLjLiK3xBrU5NreEle8J1H5w8BYFbF">https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/b8ec06b3-00c4-41de-bf06-dba2ae95847d/employer_preview</a>

This career fair is geared toward students in the following academic programs: agriculture, applied technology, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geosciences, mathematics, and physics. As with the other fairs, students from all programs are welcome to participate.

Freshmen through seniors, as well as graduate students, are encouraged to attend these events to explore career opportunities and make professional connections. Students do not need to register in advance for the career fairs.

To find out more about FHSU career fairs, contact Career Development at 785-628-2460 or careers@fhsu.edu.

FHSU’s Career Development Office announces career fairs for spring 2026

Women Who Lead to offer free senior meal Thursday

&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

Feb. 2 Morning Mixer - The Hideout, Osborne, 7 am-noon

Feb. 3 Lunch with Us - The Roundhouse, Downs, 11-1:30 PM

Feb. 4 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, City Office, Natoma 11-1 - Come learn tips and techniques for writing grants

Feb. 7 Morning Mixer - The Front Porch, Alton, 8:30-10 amFeb. 10 Morning Mixer - VFW, Natoma, 7-9 am

Feb. 11 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, Osborne Public Library, 11-1 - Come learn tips and techniques for writing grants

Feb. 13 Trooper Ben "Go and Grow" Event, Osborne High School New Gym, Osborne, 6:30 PM

Feb. 16 Community Soup Supper, Community Center, Portis, 5:30-7:00 PM

Feb. 18 Coffee &amp; Cookies Grant Lab, Roundhouse Coffee, Downs, 11-1

Feb. 23 Morning Mixer, Midway Coop Station, Portis, 8-10 am

February events in Osborne County

Fort Hays Tech | North Central to celebrate opening of construction career center

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SEDGWICK COUNTY— The Wichita Police Department is aware of potential confusion around information released about the SWAT activation on Monday.

WPD’s responsibility is to provide the public with verified facts. All information released by WPD is based on the stage of the invesitgation at the time, officer observations, video evidence, and post-incident reviews.

One photo below shows SWAT operators as they are opening the apartment door, making entry. The use of technology to create time and distance is a standard tactic intended to achieve a safe resolution, which occurred in this incident.

Officers and negotiators made repeated attempts over hours to establish communication. The suspect did not comply or surrender until after SWAT made entry and deployed technology. 

The victim left the apartment before officers arrived. 

During the initial on-scene media briefing, police stated the victim may have been inside which was the information they had at that time. During the investigation, police were able to determine the victim left the apartment prior to officer arrival.

The photo released by police shows the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Amos Small, armed with a loaded AR-15-style rifle. This information was known to officers and directly informed tactical decisions to protect the public and responding personnel.

Scanner traffic is incomplete, fragmented, and often inaccurate as incidents unfold. It is not a reliable or final source of information, and Wichita Police does not base public messaging on scanner audio.

Wichita police remains committed to transparency by releasing verified information.

Police clarify details on Kansas standoff and arrest

SEDGWICK COUNTy — One person died following a vehicle-pedestrian collision just after 6:30p.m. Monday in Wichita.

Wichita Police reported a 2011 gray Toyota Camry driven by a 41-year-old man was northbound on Broadway in Wichita. The car struck 41-year-old pedestrian identified as Clyde Gibbls of Wichita, who was crossing the road mid-block.&nbsp;

 EMS transported Gibbs to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Wichita Police Department’s Critical Accident Team was activated and responded to conduct a thorough investigation.

Kansas man killed after struck by a car while crossing the street

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators found signs of forced entry at the Arizona home of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie's</a>&nbsp;mother, a person familiar with the investigation said Tuesday, as the host asked for prayers to help bring back the 84-year-old, who is believed to have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>.

The host described her mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>, as “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant” in a social media post late Monday. She asked supporters to "raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. Bring her home.”

The Pima County sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief held a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">news conference Tuesday</a>&nbsp;and urged the public to offer tips, but they revealed few new details about the investigation. The sheriff said they don't have credible information indicating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">Guthrie's disappearance</a>&nbsp;was targeted.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has said Guthrie needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”

DNA samples have been gathered and submitted for analysis as part of the investigation. “We’ve gotten some back, but nothing to indicate any suspects,” Nanos said.

The person who spoke to The Associated Press said investigators found specific evidence in the home showing there was a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Guthrie’s personal items, including her cellphone, wallet and car, were still there after she disappeared.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes and working to analyze data from cellphone towers. Police are also reviewing information from license plate cameras in the area, according to the person, who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The motive remains a mystery. Investigators do not believe at this point that the abduction was part of a robbery, home invasion or kidnapping-for-ransom plot, the person said.

TMZ reported Tuesday that it received a purported ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency for Guthrie's release. Separately, a journalist with Tucson television station KOLD said in an X post that the station received what appears to be a ransom note. Both outlets said they turned over the notes to investigators.

The sheriff’s department said it’s taking the possible ransom notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon, said he planned to call Savannah Guthrie “later on” and called the situation “terrible.”

“I always got along very good with Savannah,” Trump said.

For a second day, “Today” opened Tuesday with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, but Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor’s desk. NBC Sports said Guthrie will not be covering the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics “as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time.”

The “Today” host grew up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tucson">in Tucson</a>, graduated from the University of Arizona and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson television station KVOA.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her home in the Tucson area, where she lived alone and was reported missing Sunday. Someone at her church called a family member to say she was not there, leading family to search her home and then call 911, Nanos said.

Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials do not believe she left on her own. Nanos said she is of sound mind.

In the hours after she disappeared, searchers used drones and dogs and were supported by volunteers and Border Patrol. The homicide team was also involved, Nanos said.

Guthrie’s home is in the affluent Catalina Foothills area on the northern edge of Tucson. Her brick home has a gravel driveway and a yard covered in prickly pear and saguaro cactus.

Savannah Guthrie’s parents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">settled in Tucson</a>&nbsp;in the 1970s when she was a young child. The youngest of three siblings, she credits her mom with holding their family together after her father died of a heart attack at 49, when Savannah was just 16.

“When my dad died, our family just hung onto each other for dear life because it was such a shock. We were just trying to figure out how to become a family of four when we’d always been a family of five,” she said on “Today” in 2017.

Nancy Guthrie raised them on her own. The host often brought her mother on “Today” as a guest.

“She has met unthinkable challenges in her life with grit, without self-pity, with determination and always, always with unshakeable faith,” Savannah Guthrie said on the show in 2022 on her mother's 80th birthday.

“She loves us, her family, fiercely, and her selflessness and sacrifice for us, her steadfastness and her unmovable confidence, is the reason any of us grew up to do anything.”

Billeaud reported from Phoenix and Balsamo from Washington.

Ransom note: 'Today' show co-host's mother is still missing

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2&nbsp;million, or&nbsp;1.2%,&nbsp;above&nbsp;the estimate. Total tax collections were&nbsp;up 4.8% from&nbsp;January&nbsp;2025, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F02%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3541384%2F07_January_Revenue_FY2026_02-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019c1ff67759-7b28bc96-2b6d-42b3-9937-5470eadc1fd4-000000/tt-ZnPoShuodwKNXEvex61mrWyyUsblaSF7hhM5zd0M=442">here</a>&nbsp;to view the&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of&nbsp;hundreds of millions of dollars,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My final budget puts Kansas on a&nbsp;path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8&nbsp;million, which is&nbsp;$12.2 million,&nbsp;or 3.5%&nbsp;below&nbsp;the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas total tax collections above the estimate for January

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The first husband of former first lady Jill Biden has been charged with killing his wife at their Delaware home in late December, authorities announced in a news release Tuesday.

William Stevenson, 77, of Wilmington was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975.

Caroline Harrison, the Delaware Attorney General’s spokesperson, confirmed in a phone call that Stevenson is the former husband of Jill Biden.

Jill Biden declined to comment, according to an emailed response from a spokesperson at the former president and first lady’s office.

Stevenson remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail after his arrest Monday on first-degree murder charges. He is charged with killing Linda Stevenson, 64, on Dec. 28.

Police were called to the home for a reported domestic dispute after 11 p.m. and found a woman unresponsive in the living room, according to a prior news release. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

She ran a bookkeeping business and was described as a family-oriented mother and grandmother and a Philadelphia Eagles fan, according to her obituary, which does not mention her husband.

Stevenson was charged in a grand jury indictment after a weekslong investigation by detectives in the Delaware Department of Justice.

It was not immediately clear if Stevenson has a lawyer. He founded a popular music venue in Newark called the Stone Balloon in the early 1970s.

In an interview with the conservative news outlet Newsmax in 2024, Stevenson criticized Jill Biden and he described their divorce as contentious, calling her “bitter” and “nasty.”

Jill Biden married U.S. Sen. Joe Biden in 1977. He served as U.S. president from January 2021 to January 2025.

Jill Biden's ex-husband charged with murdering his wife

Deandre Pointer lost his challenge to the way the Missouri Department of Corrections calculated his time-served credit. His attorney says he will appeal

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Missouri man fighting a calculation that could keep him in state prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/missouri-math-how-a-23-year-sentence-adds-up-to-more-than-40-years-in-prison/">more than 40 years</a>&nbsp;on a 23-year sentence lost the first round of a court battle seeking to be released.

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