Photos by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

Despite a chilly night, Hays residents lined Main Street for the annual FrostFest parade Sunday night.&nbsp;

All of the entries in the parade have to lighted.

This year's theme was "Timeless Traditions."

Watch the Hays Post for the release of this year's parade winners when they become available.

See photo galleries of these other Ellis County events from this weekend.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a182d563-b12b-483f-91e9-1921b0a592bc">Ellis Polar Express</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/aad92a0e-ce8b-4308-9858-f752cef2dfd0">Christmas Past Open House at Historic Fort Hays</a>

📷 Hays FrostFest parade lights up night

The Hays Police Department is pleased to announce its participation in the Ellis County CARE (Creating Awareness, Responding Effectively) Alert Program.

This is a county-wide voluntary initiative designed to equip local first responders, including HPD officers, with critical, pre-registered information regarding residents with special needs during emergency situations.

The CARE program is a regional collaboration involving the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis Police Department, the Victoria Police Department, and the Fort Hays State University Police Department.

The goal is to ensure a more informed, effective, and compassionate emergency response throughout Ellis County.

Under the program, at-risk individuals, their families, or caregivers can voluntarily complete an online registration form, sharing essential details about the resident.

This information is securely flagged within the public safety software utilized by the Ellis County Communications Center dispatchers and responding agencies.

Eligible participants include individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities; those on the autism spectrum; residents experiencing mental health challenges; and those with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Collected data includes physical descriptions, medical conditions, allergies, and crucial communication preferences.

“The Ellis County CARE Alert Program is a vital tool that enhances our ability to serve every member of the community compassionately,” said City of Hays Chief of Police Don Scheibler. “By having access to pertinent details regarding a resident’s special needs or communication challenges before arriving on scene, our officers and county partners are better prepared to de-escalate situations, build immediate trust, and provide assistance tailored to that individual’s needs.”

The collected information remains confidential and is strictly utilized by authorized emergency personnel when a relevant incident arises.

To maintain data accuracy, registrations are set to expire annually, with participants receiving an automated reminder to update their information.

“We strongly encourage all Hays residents who meet the criteria to enroll in this county resource,” Scheibler said. “When registering, Hays participants should select the Hays Police Department as their local agency. This program provides an essential layer of safety and supports our mission to provide the most effective public service possible.”

Residents interested in enrolling or seeking more information about the CARE Alert Program can complete the online registration form at www.ellisco.net/757/CARE or contact Ellis County Communications via phone at 785-625-1011 or email at CARE@ellisco.net.

Hays Police Department joins Ellis County CARE Alert Program

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

NW Kansas counties awarded KDOT bids for state highway construction, maintenance

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

If you’re feeling more overwhelmed than usual this time of year, you’re certainly not alone. 

Many people report that the holiday season brings added pressure—extra expenses, tense family dynamics, tired and overstimulated children, cold weather and shorter days, final exams, concerts and events, relationship challenges, or even deep loneliness. Any one of these stressors is manageable on its own, but during the holidays they often hit all at once, making the season feel heavy and exhausting.

When stress rises, it’s important to lean on healthy coping strategies rather than falling back on habits that leave us feeling worse. Here are some ways to make the holiday season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:

The holidays bring a flurry of gatherings and events, but you don’t have to attend everything. Identify what activities truly bring you joy and prioritize those. Focus your time and energy on what feels meaningful rather than what you believe you’re “supposed” to do.

2. Simplify Travel and Reduce Time in the Car

Travel can be especially draining this time of year. If you need to travel, simplify wherever you can—book direct flights when possible and reduce layovers. Driving from one event to the next can also be exhausting. Try limiting travel to one or two meaningful gatherings. Setting healthy boundaries helps protect your time and sanity.

Gift giving can be enjoyable but can also create financial strain. Establish a holiday budget now and commit to staying within it. You’re not obligated to overspend, and sticking to your limits will help prevent regret later on.

Try to maintain healthy eating habits and practice moderation with holiday treats and alcohol. Too much sugar can disrupt hormones, blood sugar, and even mood. Choose balanced meals, drink responsibly, and stay well-hydrated to feel your best.

Spending time with family can be wonderful, but it can also be stressful. Take care of yourself by stepping away when needed—take a walk, call someone supportive, or find a quiet moment alone. Decide ahead of time what you can reasonably handle regarding travel, hosting, meals, or spending.

Give yourself the gift of rest. Step away from the constant rushing, shopping, and preparing. Read a favorite book, watch a holiday movie, take a nap, or go for a bike ride. Limit screen time and prioritize genuine connection with the people around you. Your mental health will benefit from the pause.

For many, the holidays intensify feelings of grief. Allow space for your emotions. You might adjust traditions to make them more manageable or incorporate the memory of a loved one into your celebrations in meaningful ways.

Try to keep up with your usual self-care habits—sleep well, eat regularly, exercise, meditate, and get outside. Even in cold weather, fresh air and movement support both emotional and physical well-being. Staying active can be fun, too: • Walk the neighborhood to enjoy holiday lights • Have a snowball fight with neighbors • Visit a Christmas tree farm • Go ice skating • Build a snowman • Take a nature walk or hike • Go sledding

Regular activity boosts your immune system and helps you feel healthier, calmer, and more resilient during the holidays.

9. Ask for Support When You Need It

If this season is consistently difficult for you, turn to trusted friends or family. Share how you’re feeling and let them support you in setting boundaries and practicing self-care.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Dealing with holiday stress

<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

Bigg E Meats, 1010 East 29th&nbsp;St., Hays, KS 67601

Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.

NW Kan. man linked to disappearance of woman found guilty of drug, gun charges

On Tuesday, December 16 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. , we will be having a Drive-Through Caroling Night combined with a food drive at Roosevelt Elementary School, 2000 MacArthur Street. 

 Our students and families will line the Roosevelt drive and will collect any food items or other donations anyone is able to provide.  We will be singing Christmas carols for them to enjoy while driving through. 

 Even if someone is not able to donate, we still want community members to drive through and enjoy the Christmas carols

Drive-through Caroling Night Dec. 16 at Roosevelt School includes food drive

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

One of the perks of having had an interesting and memorable childhood full of interesting and memorable characters, is having a treasure chest full of stories at one’s disposal should all other inspiration elude me as I sit down to pen a weekly column. And with deer rifle season beginning in Kansas, here is a story full of those characters.

I’ve often mentioned that during our first several years of deer hunting my brother and I were part of a neighborhood group of landowners and farmers that often hunted deer together. We would converge on a property, “post” two or three guys along one edge, then walk through from the other side as a group and attempt to run the deer out past the “posters” for a shot. 

We had some colorful and amusing individuals in our assembly. As in every group, we had Dave, the local cop who always shot straight, looked sharp and made no mistakes. Many deer were spotted from his kitchen window as we all sat around warming up with a hot drink. Someone (usually Dave) would spot a deer crossing the road, and coffee cups and chairs would fly as we headed for the trucks.

The Beck clan, brothers Don and Paul and most of Paul’s kids made up the bulk of the group. As I talked with my brother the other evening, he reminded me that the first advice I gave him when he began hunting with us was, “When the Becks start shootin’, just get on the ground!”

 I remember standing beside Don one day in the woods when a big buck erupted from a brush pile in front of us. I was behind the pile and couldn’t see well enough for a shot, but Don emptied both barrels of his old double barrel at the fleeing buck. The buck danced away unscathed and the next day Don had a different gun. 

His brother Paul (known to all of us as junior) had a live-in girl friend named Elaine. They were both pretty coarse and crude around the edges, and the best way I know to describe Paul is to compare him to Jackie Gleason’s character Ralph Kramden - always grousing and whining over something. Elaine hunted with us, too, and when they were dressed in hunting garb, the only way to tell them apart was that Elaine was the bigger one. Her favorite line, uttered often as we stood somewhere loitering and planning our assault was “I’m goin’ deer huntin’, you pansies!”

Of the Becks, Ralph, who was my age, was my favorite. He was a big, hairy guy (that earned him the nickname Wolf) who didn’t know his own strength. Turkey shoots were popular back in those days and sponsored by numerous organizations. For a fee you were given one shotgun shell and stood in a line in front of a row of paper targets. After everyone had shot, the targets were pulled down and the number of pellets was counted in each target. The winner was obviously the person putting the most pellets in their target and the prize was a turkey or a ham.

 Ralph had an old single-shot 12-gauge shotgun that broke open to load. The mechanism that allowed it to hinge open had long since ceased to function, so to load it, he simply pulled the pin and the gun became two pieces. He’d load the shell, reinsert the pin and close the gun. It was worth going with him to turkey shoots just to watch. All other shooters up and down the firing line sporting expensive custom-built shotguns would sneer and snicker as he walked up and broke the battered old 12-gauge in half and loaded his shell. The reactions became quite different, though as he fired the old cannon and walked away with the turkey every time.

As with most childhood stories, everything has changed now. I moved to Kansas and have lost touch with most of the old hunting gaggle. 

My brother and I and our families remain active deer hunters and trappers, I’d say in part because of those early experiences. Back then, we harvested few deer, but I learned respect for nature and for my elders. I learned hunter safety without a book or video to teach me. I also learned I’m glad that here in Kansas I can hunt deer with a rifle instead of a shotgun! 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Whitetails, shotguns and turkey shoots

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Downtown Ellis will glow one more time tonight as the beloved holiday train returns for its final evening.

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with miniature train rides starting after Ellis Recreation’s free Candy Cane Hunt at 5:30 p.m. at Twilight Baseball Field.

A suggested $5 donation per rider offers a trip through a magical one-mile route lined with thousands of holiday lights and seasonal displays. This year’s theme adds a playful touch with yeti sightings and a tribute to first responders.

All donations support programs for local children. Saturday was the only night for cookies and a family visit with Santa Claus.

You can follow Ellis Polar Express on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellispolarexpress/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;for any updates.

📷 Ellis Polar Express to make final stop tonight

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Ellis High School inducted nine juniors and fifteen seniors into the local chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). 

The requirements for NHS membership include maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.5, demonstrating leadership in seven organizations within the school or community, completing 40 hours of community service, and receiving a positive character evaluation from teachers. 

The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:

SENIORS: Owen Richards, son of Brady and Jamie Richards; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Kia Mader, daughter of Michael and Mindi Mader; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Eliana Brull, daughter of Steven and Sheresa Brull; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Ashlyn Kroeger, daughter of Matt and Rachael Kroeger; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Mason Rohleder, son of Logan and Ashley Kauten; and Augustus Peine, son of Derek and Sarah Peine.

JUNIORS: Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Taylor Kohl, daughter of Jeff and Emily Kohl; Evelyn Merriman, daughter of Rob and Amber Merriman; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Colton Metzler, son of Jim and Becky Metzler; Wyatt Dixson, son of Tanner and Jill Dixson; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael Fitzgerald and Mandy Stoecklein; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; and Jocelyn Eck, daughter of Mark and Sarah Eck.

Ellis High School inducts 24 into National Honor Society 

Join the Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a Holiday Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The KWEC gift store is stocked with perfect gift selections for any nature enthusiast. Visitors can take advantage of a 40 percent discount on one item, excluding consignment items. Find the hidden Christmas Goose and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to decorate bird-shaped sugar cookies that resemble birds that visit Cheyenne Bottoms. Information about some of the winter birds commonly found in the area will also be presented. In addition, participants can create a unique eagle ornament to take home.&nbsp;Bald eagles are a common sight at Cheyenne Bottoms in the winter.&nbsp;

This year, we're also adding a festive twist to the nature trail.&nbsp;Three beautiful stained-glass bird ornaments will be hidden along the path, waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;If you find one, it's yours to keep as a special holiday treasure.&nbsp;Take a stroll, enjoy the winter scenery, and see if you can spot these colorful surprises during your visit.

No registration is required for this free, family-friendly event.&nbsp;Kick start your holiday spirit with a visit to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;For more information, visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu or call 1-877-243-9268.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU's Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of K-156 Hwy. Great Bend, Kan. 67530.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 2025 Holiday Open House

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to the Hays Post

Three Hays churches are collaborating to present the annual “Blue Christmas Service” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St.

In addition to First Presbyterian, the other two churches are St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Rev. Brenda Roger, pastor at Trinity, said, “While society pushes this to be 'the most wonderful time of the year,’ that isn't true for everyone. For many, it doesn't matter how festive and bright the surroundings are or how joy-filled and triumphantly we sing the familiar hymns; people can be weighed down by their own circumstances with loss, grief, and despair.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Blue Christmas Service offers a safe space to mourn the losses past and present and acknowledge those feelings that keep us from feeling jolly and bright during this season.”

The service will last an hour and will include music, scripture readings, and prayers. A combined choir from the three churches will be featured, under the direction of Ash McKinley, director of sacred music at St. Michael’s.

The Rev. Ben Houchen, pastor at First Presbyterian and St. Michael’s, said there will be an opportunity for attendees to light memorial candles from one central candle.

Houchen said, “The Advent season is one of anticipation. For some, that anticipation is joyous and bright. Others wait in more somber spaces. Pain, loss, and the weight of this life hang heavy on them. Oftentimes that weight can feel like a wedge between us and this time of Christmas cheer.

“The Blue Christmas service is an invitation into this season on more tender terms. It is a service where we encourage people to enter and exit quietly,” he added.

&nbsp;Roger stressed that the community is invited to attend. “This is a service for everyone, as we have all suffered a loss of some kind.”

'Blue Christmas Service' to be held Dec. 10 at Hays First Presbyterian Church; all invited 

Downtown Hays invites the community to bundle up and experience the magic of the 25th annual&nbsp;FrostFest Illuminated Parade on Sunday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. This year marks a major milestone as FrostFest&nbsp;celebrates a quarter-century of glowing floats, community pride, and holiday wonder — and with 50+ registered&nbsp;parade entries, it’s shaping up to be the most spectacular procession yet.

This year’s theme, “Timeless Traditions,” reflects the parade’s long-standing place in Hays’ holiday season. Floats&nbsp;and entries will shine in a nod both to the parade’s 25th anniversary and to the nostalgic traditions that return year after year.

“Reaching 25 years of FrostFest is something truly special,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. 

“This parade is woven into the heart of the community. Families come every year, businesses and organizations&nbsp;pour their creativity into their floats, and the glow on Main Street feels like pure Christmas magic. We couldn’t be&nbsp;more excited to celebrate this milestone with a record number of entries.”

This year, FrostFest also honors the Christmas Magic on Main Street Tree Topper Sponsor, Werth Wealth&nbsp;Management, who will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 parade in recognition of their generous support of&nbsp;the Christmas Magic on Main Street imitative.

In addition, thanks to the support of the Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, parade participants will compete for&nbsp;cash prizes across multiple categories including among others, People’s Choice — adding an extra spark of friendly&nbsp;community competition to this year’s festivities.

The FrostFest Illuminated Parade is part of the larger Christmas Magic on Main Street season — a community-driven initiative supported by sponsors, donors, and volunteers who help bring festive events, lights, and holiday&nbsp;activities to Downtown Hays.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly, and enjoy the twinkling lights, festive music, and&nbsp;community spirit that make FrostFest a beloved holiday tradition.

The FrostFest Parade is one of many free, family-friendly events offered as part of Christmas Magic on Main Street,&nbsp;generously supported by sponsors at every tier — from Candlelight Contributors to Tree Topper and Secret Santa&nbsp;sponsors. Their commitment helps keep these experiences free and accessible to all.

For full event listings, parade details, and seasonal activities, visit <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/frostfest">www.downtownhays.com</a>.

🎤 FrostFest Illuminated Parade celebrates 25 years in downtown Hays on Sunday

&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

A decorated U.S. Army Colonel and combat veteran, Kansas State Representative Pat Proctor,&nbsp;representing the 41st House District,&nbsp; is running for Secretary of State.

Come hear his plan for Kansas on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Trails Room of the Memorial Union at Fort Hays State University. 

He is hosted&nbsp;by FHSU College Republicans.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2">https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2znn-kreA/?igsh=dXFjanh2bjBodDB2</a>

Kansas Secretary of State candidate Pat Proctor to speak at Fort Hays State University

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS) is proud to announce the broadcast of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Football Championship games, featuring the top teams in the 8-Player DI &amp; DII classifications and 6-Player.

The games, originally played on November 29, will air on December 6 and 7, bringing the excitement of Kansas high school football directly to viewers across western and central Kansas.

This exciting announcement reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality sports content to our audience and celebrating the achievements of talented athletes in our communities.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is proud to be at the forefront of showcasing the passion, dedication, and sportsmanship of the young high school athletes within our viewing area.

DATE:&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, December 6

8-Player DI –&nbsp;South Central vs. Lincoln

6-Player&nbsp; –&nbsp;Cunningham vs. Weskan

DATE:&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, December 7

8-Player DII –&nbsp;Hanover vs. Victoria

Victoria among state football champion games on Smoky Hill PBS 

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will have its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10, at First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th&nbsp;St.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make prior arrangements by contacting the ECMA president, Cheryl Glassman, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets December meeting

COLBY — “Christmas in Killarney” is the&nbsp;Western Plains Arts Association&nbsp;holiday season program this year. It will be held Friday, December 5 at the Oakley High School auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Admission to the show can be purchased at the door or by WPAA season tickets.&nbsp;

“Christmas in Killarney” transports audiences to 1920s Ireland through world-champion Irish dance and beloved holiday classics. Don’t miss this holiday special that shows what it means to celebrate Christmas the “Irish Way,” where many of our Christmas traditions originated.&nbsp;

We would like to thank all the area sponsors. This project is also generously funded by the Logan County Community Foundation and the Dane G Hansen Foundation. Additionally, sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

'Christmas in Killarney' comes to Oakley on Dec. 5

The Ellis County Ham Operators will have their radios set up for kids to talk to Santa and share their wish list with him on Sunday, December 7 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. &nbsp;

Bring the kids to Vanderbilt’s, 2704 Vine, Hays.

Kids can talk to Santa Claus via Ellis County Ham Operators on Saturday 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita Police arrested an 18-year-old Saturday after he allegedly struck a relative with a rifle, threatened to shoot multiple people, and prompted a SWAT response at a home in the 2000 block of South Mosley.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday., a relative called 911 to report that her 18-year-old brother identified in county booking records as Christopher J. Cooper had assaulted their 42-year-old stepmother with a rifle and threatened to shoot several people at the residence.

Officers located the caller and the victim at a different location. The victim had injuries to the back of her head requiring medical attention. During further follow-up, officers learned from additional witnesses that Cooper had made alarming statements, including a threat to “shoot it out” with police if they responded.

Officers responded to the South Mosley address and believed Cooper was inside a detached garage behind the home. They attempted to communicate with him using drones but were unsuccessful.

SWAT and Crisis Negotiators were activated while officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and garage. Negotiators attempted to contact Cooper again using loudspeakers, but were unsuccessful.

Once the warrant was secured, SWAT deployed less-lethal tactics, including bean bag rounds and a Noise/Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD). After the NFDD was deployed, Cooper exited the structure, saw SWAT officers and a police K9, and surrendered peacefully.

The 42-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital and later released.

Cooper was booked into Sedgwick County Jail and is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon and criminal threat.

Kan. teen accused of violent attack on his stepmother

SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after multiple suspicious devices were found in the city of Caldwell.

Just after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, police were alerted to the presence of a suspicious, unknown device located in the vicinity of the 100 block of South Main Avenue in the city of Caldwell, according to a media release.

Police temporarily closed surrounding road and&nbsp;initiated a multi-agency response. Personnel from several key public safety and investigative organizations were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist in the investigation and rendering the area safe. 

These assisting agencies included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, The Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad, Caldwell Emergency Medical Services and Caldwell Fire Department.

The highly trained technicians of the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad played a crucial role. They were able to successfully assess the initial device located on South Main Avenue and safely neutralize it, thereby making the device secure for collection and further forensic examination.

During the investigation in the area, two additional, similar devices were&nbsp; located and collected by law enforcement. Police collected them in the 100 block of South Chisholm Avenue and the other in the 00 block of North Arapahoe.&nbsp; All devices have been secured as evidence.

&nbsp;The Caldwell Police Department is diligently working with its partners to determine the nature of these devices, the motivation behind their placement, and to identify the individual or individuals responsible.T

Police asked residents to thoroughly review any home or business surveillance cameras for footage captured Saturday or in the preceding hours and to report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles, or sounds you may observe or have recorded in or around the affected areas. Anyone with any information regarding the devices, their placement, or any associated suspicious activity is strongly encouraged to contact 911 immediately.

Police found suspicious devices in Kan. community

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bill-barrow">BILL BARROW</a>

A video of a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that killed two survivors of the initial attack shows “nothing remarkable,” the Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee said Sunday, and he would not oppose its public release if the Pentagon were to declassify it.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who backs President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">campaign against suspected drug smugglers</a>, is partially aligning himself with Trump and top Democrats in favor of releasing the video of the Sept. 2 attack. It was the first in what has become a monthslong series of American strikes on vessels near Venezuela that the administration says were ferrying drugs. At least 87 people have been killed in 22 known strikes.

But Cotton, among the top lawmakers on national security committees who were briefed Thursday by the Navy admiral commanding those strikes, is splitting with Democrats over whether military personnel acted lawfully in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642">carrying out a second strike</a>&nbsp;to kill the two survivors. The nine others aboard the boat also were killed.

“I think it’s really important that this video be made public. It’s not lost on anyone, of course, that the interpretation of the video ... broke down precisely on party lines,” said Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. He said he has spent “years looking at videos of lethal action taken, often in the terrorism context, and this video was profoundly shaking.”

When Trump was asked Wednesday whether he would release the video of that follow-on strike, he told reporters, “I don’t know what they have, but whatever they have we’d certainly release. No problem.” Defense Secretary Pete&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-defense-reagan-cartels-nuclear-90ed9fda0db322cf61cb481f228fc5c9">Hegseth said</a>&nbsp;in a Fox News interview Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California that officials were reviewing the video. “Whatever we were to decide to release, we’d have to be very responsible” about it.

“That boat was still a valid target,” Cotton said, arguing that releasing the video would prove that the two survivors of the initial strike remained a threat.

“It’s not gruesome. I didn’t find it distressing or disturbing,” he said, explaining why he does not have a problem with releasing all the footage. “It looks like any number of dozens of strikes we’ve seen on jeeps and pickup trucks in the Middle East over the years.” He added that “there’s nothing remarkable on that video, in my opinion.”

The classified sessions on Capitol Hill came after The Washington Post reported that Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley had ordered a follow-on attack that killed those survivors, to comply with Hegseth’s demands. Bradley told lawmakers there was no&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-hegseth-maduro-512c66b99b2a13e9d1a3ed2699e78228">“kill them all”</a>&nbsp;order from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pete-hegseth">Hegseth</a>, but a video of the entire series of attacks left some lawmakers with serious questions. Legal experts have said killing survivors of a strike at sea could be a violation of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-survivors-hegseth-72b0a498ca08615b2589c772a1d9e642">laws of military warfare</a>.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, and Himes are among those who have seen the video and they disputed Cotton’s characterization.

“I have no doubt that these guys were involved in the running of drugs. … But in that instance, these guys were about to die,” Himes said.

Smith added: “It did not appear that these two survivors were in any position to continue the fight.”

Himes said lawmakers are aware of the partisan divide.

Some legal experts have disputed that the United States is in an official armed conflict with Venezuela, raising questions about the legalities of using American military personnel for what would amount to law enforcement activities that require due process. Other experts have said that, regardless of the terms of engagement, international law does not allow further attacks on defenseless survivors of a previous attack. Specifically, Pentagon protocols say that firing upon the shipwrecked is illegal.

There have been questions and criticism of the mission raised by lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill, with inquiries ongoing.

Bradley told lawmakers in a closed session that he ordered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-pentagon-drug-boats-caribbean-ae33b738a2481932ffefaf58e0a2d6ab">second attack on the wreckage</a>&nbsp;of a boat that was carrying cocaine because it was believed that bales of the drug were still in the hull of the boat.

Cotton said Sunday that two final victims were “not in a shipwrecked state” or “floating helplessly in the water” but instead were “sitting or standing on top of a capsized boat.” Because they were “not incapacitated,” he said, “that boat, its cargo ... remained valid targets.”

Smith, who saw the same video, said, “The boat was clearly incapacitated. A tiny portion of it remained capsized, the bow of the boat. They had no communications device. Certainly, they were unarmed.”

Cotton was on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Smith was on ABC’s “This Week” and Himes appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Key GOP senator: No objection to releasing video of Sept. strike on drug boat

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas man pleaded guilty in federal court last week to illegally possessing a fully automatic pistol.

Verdell D. Mays, 30, of Overland Park, Kansas pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun, according to the United State's Attorney.

By pleading guilty, Mays admitted on June 28, 2025, he possessed a Glock, Model 22C, .40 caliber fully automatic pistol and that the Glock pistol had a rear slide plate that was modified to produce automatic fire.&nbsp;Mays is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has prior felony convictions, including a prior conviction in federal court for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

Under federal statutes, Mays is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.&nbsp; A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2026, after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Kansas man admits illegally possessing a machine gun

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in a fatal gunfight at a liquor store in on Labor Day in Wichita was back in court last week for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Rodger Woods&nbsp; determined there is enough evidence for&nbsp;23-year-old Jaime Medina  to go to trial in early March, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On September 5, he was charged with first degree murder and battery, according to online jail records.

Just after 2p.m. September 1, officers were called to a liquor store on North Broadway in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found three men with gunshot wounds including&nbsp;19-year-old Mario Gustavo. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect identified as 23-year-old Jaime Medina and another man were taken to a hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

Investigators learned that&nbsp;a disturbance in the parking lot led to gunfire.

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