By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A long-vacant Plainville property is set to become The Yard, a vision designed to bring new life to East Mill Street.

The project will turn the empty lot, once the site of Plainville’s historic lumberyard, into a multi-use community space for events, activities and celebrations.

Justin Casey, president of Downtown Plainville Inc., and Ashley Comeau, a Downtown Plainville board member, said the project will include a stage, designated food-truck parking, connecting sidewalks, shade structures and a play area for children.

"Our group wanted to see something downtown that brought a little bit more livelihood to it," Casey said.&nbsp;

Comeau said the old lumberyard had become a safety concern as its condition deteriorated, which ultimately drew the board’s attention to the site.

"It became one of those things where everyone said, 'somebody should do something,' and we finally decided that Downtown Plainville Inc. should be that somebody," Comeau said.

The 2025 Cookie Crawl this Saturday will help raise funds for phase one of the project. Participants can stop at downtown businesses to collect cookies to take home for the holidays. Totes and maps cost $25, with a limited number available.

You can learn more about the Cookie Crawl <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Fb1A5Cb7R/">here</a>.

Phase one will focus on building the stage, with work to be completed by local contractors. The nonprofit has raised $60,000 toward the estimated $140,000 needed for this phase, with the board aiming to complete it by the end of 2026, Comeau said.

Downtown Plainville has applied for several phase one grants, and those could free up locally raised funds to move directly into phase two. Downtown Plainville plans to pursue additional grants to match community contributions and support long-term development.

Comeau said much of the fundraising momentum has come from local donations and business support. A capital campaign planned for 2026 will offer naming-rights opportunities to individuals and businesses.

"The city council has been an outstanding partner on the project," Comeau said. "The city backing us has made all the difference in bringing the project to life."

Comeau said Downtown Plainville has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the city of Plainville. The nonprofit will handle project improvements, while the city will own and maintain the property.

Future phases will add shaded picnic areas, landscaping and a small play area. Comeau said the project will also support local agriculture and foster entrepreneurship while creating a space that can be used year-round.

"We're going to hopefully have music concerts, outdoor movies and any type of small gatherings," Casey said. "It's going ot be a nice space to bring people downtown and just get them out and about."

Comeau said the play area is intentionally designed as a nature-based space rather than a traditional playground, allowing it to blend naturally into the venue.

"For example, if somebody wants to get married or have a private event in this area, there's no distraction of a typical school playground off to the side. It will blend in naturally and look really beautiful as part of the space," she said.

A shipping-container concession stand with built-in storage, planned near the stage, is one of the board’s wishlist features that might be added if the organization raises enough funds for what it considers bonus items.

Kelli Hansen, a Downtown Plainville board member, said the project demonstrates what a group with a shared vision and purpose can accomplish for its community.

"It isn't just about downtown physical improvements, it's about creating a place we can all be proud of, where everyone feels welcome to come together and connect as a community," Hansen said.

You can follow Downtown Plainville Inc. on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownPlainville">Facebook</a>.

Nwester: Downtown Plainville plans revival with new gathering space

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, about the upcoming legislative session. Rahjes represents the 110th district, which includes portions of Ellis County.

🎙 Forward Ever: Ken Rahjes, KS. Rep. 110th District

Congratulations to Reindeer Radio week four winner,&nbsp;Stan Linenberger of Hays.

This week's feature sponsor is POPT! Gourmet Popcorn. Stan won a $250 gift card to use in their store!

94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS invites you to listen to Reindeer Radio and win! Each day Monday through Thursday we will give out a code word. Enter that word right here for your chance to win. The code word changes daily.

Next week's sponsor is Brogden Automotive of Hays.

Week 4 Reindeer Radio winner announced; play with KAYS, Hays Post

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It was unusually warm in Hays Thursday, so warm that a new record high temperature was set for Dec. 11.

According to the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the temperature reached 76 degrees yesterday.

That surpasses the previous record high of 69 set in 1921 and 1924.

One year ago on Dec. 11, the daytime high was a more moderate 54 degrees.&nbsp;

Cooler temperatures are expected&nbsp;for the weekend. The three-day forecast calls for highs in the 40s, falling to 35 degrees on Sunday.&nbsp;

Record high temperature for Dec. 11 in Hays 

Congratulations to Amber Weigel of Hays, winner of the week 2 A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway on 101.9 The Bull. 

 Amber wins a Yuengling Lager Light 99 Field and Stream Cooler and $25 gift cards to Cervs, Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant, Doghouse Liquor, Thirstys Brew Pub and Grill and Kaiser Liquor, all of Hays.

Get registered for next week's A&amp;A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway Monday at 7:35 a.m.&nbsp;

Week 2 A&A Coors-Yuengling Yuletide giveaway winner announced

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

In 2016, a child sent a letter to Santa Claus, not asking for expensive toys but asking for food.

The child says in the shaky letters of small hands just learning to write, "My mom needs food. My mom needs food because we are running out of food."

Megan Ball of Hays said this simple, earnest plea broke hearts. She and others launched a program to help children and families in the Hays USD 489 school system.&nbsp;

The loosely bound group has expanded its efforts from $2,625 to support basic needs for five families in 2019 to 50 donors giving $6,120 in 2024.

More and more needs are being identified, so Megan and her group of big-hearted donors this year have partnered with Women Who Lead to expand the program's fundraising opportunities and to anchor the giving circle with a permanent, year-round nonprofit partner.

"There are definitely, definitely a lot of unmet needs," Ball said.

Women Who Lead has launched the initiative as Supporting Our Students.

In partnership with Breathe Coffee House of Hays, which is offering free coffee to educators, Ball and other volunteers are visiting schools throughout USD 489 to inform teachers about resources available through Supporting Our Students.

In the past, the group has tried to support the very specific needs of children or families. Ball said it could be a pair of shoes, a winter coat, a mattress, grocery gift cards or assistance with school lunch fees.

The Hays Academy of Hair Design has been a partner for multiple years, providing both cash and gift cards for haircuts for families in need.

The program is not intended to replace existing community programs but to address gaps in supporting families.

Although giving used to happen around the holidays, Supporting Our Students has expanded to a year-long effort.

Educators can contact their school counselors or submit a request directly to the committee at&nbsp;<a href="http://womenwholead.org/sos" target="_blank">womenwholead.org/sos</a>. Supporting Our Students committee members process requests and personally shop for the needed item, for example, a pair of shoes.

Request details will remain confidential. Items costing more than $250 might be delayed because they must be approved by the Women Who Lead organization.

All USD 489 schools are now eligible, including Early Childhood Connections and the Hays Virtual School.

Ball said the Supporting Our Children project is even more important for her now that she has her own children.

"I don't think I know anybody who would hear of a child who is in need of food or clothing or those essentials who wouldn't step up to help," Ball said. "So I don't know that I am different than anybody else.

Ball said she came from a giving family.&nbsp;

When her teacher asked for school supplies, Ball's mother always sent extra boxes of crayons or tissue paper because she knew other families would struggle to provide them.

"I think one of the things my parents instilled in us is doing more than is asked," she said. ...

"If I were in that position, I would want someone to help me."

The&nbsp;Supporting Our Students committee is in the second week of a two-week fundraising drive. Ball said the committee wishes to expand its efforts to the Victoria, Ellis and Hays Catholic schools.

As of Tuesday, about $11,000 of the $20,000 in seed money the committee hoped to raise for the expansion had been raised. The campaign will culminate with a fundraiser all day Saturday at Breathe.

However, donations will be accepted year-round.

All donated funds go directly to benefit children and families. Women Who Lead takes no administrative fees. All of the committee work is volunteer.

"Every dollar we raise will go back to  buying a coat or shoes or glasses or a mattress or whatever it is," Ball said.

"Hearing the responses from the teachers about how the parents react is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time," she said.

The committee is requesting monetary donations only because it has no space to store physical donations, and the needs are ever-changing and unique.

If a local business would like to offer in-kind donations or be a partner for future needs, please contact Ball at meganrachelleball@gmail.com.

You can donate online by visiting womenwholead.org and clicking <a href="https://womenwholead.org/3732-2/">Directed Donations</a> under the "Sponsors" tab. Select "Supporting our Schools/​Youth."

You can also donate through Venmo&nbsp;@​womenwholead or mail checks payable to Women Who Lead to PO Box 453, Hays, KS 67601. Please note Supporting Our Youth in the subject line.

Women Who Lead is a Hays-based nonprofit founded in 2017. Its mission is to inspire and empower women to effect change in their community.

To learn more about the organization, its projects, donations or membership, visit <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">womenwholead.org</a> or follow the nonprofit on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org">Facebook</a>.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

Heart-breaking Santa letter sparks group to meet needs of Ellis County children

WICHITA — The American Red Cross urges people to make an appointment to give blood now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Be there for patients in need this winter.

All who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give later in the month, Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.

Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.

December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.

Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA4Lhq_MgkU2uUY0ZsaJVVukYNXq7atE3f7e-3OBSw02aSkupwjRIaB-FpQMGGlZasrkffU5ArlZJOdkKYteS0KfcQ6ULx7C3bm6gHUW_KyCHSvL1_ptdlo36cNErlgj15jNHnpP03vQW3kex2sof1VwU3A7z3PqwrW3MeatNZ5afyi46V14JdNlExpiVi4fuP-D8leHCa3XvTzpd7zaOFSwQo9NPseptl2Po4vs79iiXzhJMpxCNKEiGFrQmZl4Fo4XKwvpnwJ_AQAA__8I1Ffz">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

See&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy83u2yAQBPCngRsWLB8OBw65-DWiNbuOUXFJATXq21eJ_sf5zQwluGWng-Rk1uDBmwhRngk0Zs2wZ3egXdGxN4GB1niQWTVaWVKIdo27w_VmwT2MyQdoo8HuwulRiH-VP-rCUrkP5SnH7Cn7VV2u97B8ClnTOedrCHsXsAnY3u_30plyb2PstTVaWn8K2Kj9xsnqS59YXwK2ZznmWM55VXkxFVSdK-NgVSh94fEDwt5NDFFb2dOJ_8arjSmcZnxW_g6X3C45Zme-Pmcd7UGBg6LgvHI5gsIjGrUj7Uz-pvlA-TfB_wAAAP__9bVjNw">RedCrossBlood.org/gifts</a>&nbsp;for details on both offers and visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwszLtuwyAUBuCngY0IDhf7DAwZ6gdopapbxOUQoxolBTdV375y1PX7L9nDnIx0nLyanAWrEJCvXqlpMlI5BG2jkQWNcgVtnDEhFZS8eod6wmjCNGswF6VSAakk6MiMHDXTZ_0SLdSN-hA2J0w2JzuJZnp3pyPgm1_3_T6YPjNYGCzjHhKN01qv6x7qdkq3xmDplKg-iMHy8v792t7w48fxRrkG0WmjMEjU7J9w-QemzwodSs27X8PvuN_GzoykcN3oWTyu-dg7UTvGEnXJjpzIzlhhEoIIBZWIIUfKdpZUAn94-AsAAP__Mwpcog">this link</a>&nbsp;to download and share photos of this all-new shirt.

Area blood donations needed to keep supply steady over busy holiday season

Hays, KS - First Care Clinic, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kaylie Walker, APRN, to its primary care provider team. While Kaylie is new to her role as a nurse practitioner, she is certainly not new to First Care Clinic. She has been a dedicated member of the organization for a combined seven years.

Kaylie began her career with First Care Clinic as a Registered Nurse, where she developed strong patient relationships, delivered exceptional clinical care, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of improving community health. After pursuing advanced education and completing her nurse practitioner training, Kaylie returns to First Care Clinic in this expanded role, ready to continue serving patients with the same compassion and professionalism she has always shown.

“Kaylie has been an essential part of our clinical team for many years,” says First Care Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher. “Her dedication to our patients, her calm presence, and the genuine compassion she brings to every interaction have made a lasting impact on our clinic. We are extremely proud to see her step into the provider role, and we know our patients will continue to benefit from the exceptional care she has always delivered.”

First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax stated, “We are very excited to have Kaylie step into a provider role at First Care Clinic. Throughout her time in our clinic as a Registered Nurse, she has been a pilar of quality and compassionate patient care. As a provider, we know she will continue to provide that same high-level care to her patients. We have known for some time that Kaylie was destined to be a provider. We are fortunate to have Kaylie on our care team!”

Kaylie will be accepting new patients of all ages, at the 13th Street location in Hays, beginning in February. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventive care, chronic disease management, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

First Care Clinic accepts all major insurances, and a sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990.

“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

United Way of Ellis County names new executive director, board leadership

Two people have been charged in the death of a 17-year-old Plainville teen on Jan. 12.

Walter V. Lowry II, 40, of Stockton, has been charged with felony aggravated endangerment of a child and interference with a law enforcement officer, according to court records.

According to court documents, Lowry allegedly left the teen, who was allegedly intoxicated, on a county road in the middle of the night. The documents said the temperatures were between 32 and 24 degrees, and the child was wearing minimal clothing.

The child died as a result of hypothermia, according to court records.

The court documents said&nbsp;Lowry also allegedly gave false information to Rooks County Deputy Salvador Ramirez during his investigation of the case.

An arrest warrant was issued for Lowry on Nov. 19.

Lowry is being held on $20,000 bond. He made his first appearance in court on Nov. 25 and was assigned a court-appointed attorney.

A status conference has yet to be set in Lowry's case, according to court records.

Serena Marie Barnhill, 41, Natoma, is being charged with one count of&nbsp;felony aggravated endangerment of a child. She also allegedly was involved in the incident in which the Painville teen was left on a county road in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures.

She was arrested on Nov. 25 and posted a $20,000 bond,&nbsp;according to court records.

Barnhill is set to make a bond appearance before Judge Curtis Brown at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 14.

2 arrested in hypothermia death of Plainville teen

&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

The Hays High School Chamber Singers are asking you to bring nonperishable food items or cash to their holiday concert on Monday at the HHS performing arts center.

The donations will benefit the students' Holiday Help Project.

Students soliciting food donations; bring items to Hays High Chamber Singers concert Monday

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/c3hays?__cft__[0]=AZaMpMNvM4hYyTcLoTpQdTAUrxg35SK-Mj8l-rSDkwbUUz-cFU_4bfmc1TB49Pq5knF8l6Yp_u-QfNBqfaxN5QJoiquQx5v2JIufjWIqgzfgbq2n0Te6J3KX7hH8qaSW6duj_MQAq4cyl0qb9tEd4gJ7QRlIquS_qZ6QHI7yMePSZA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Celebration Community Church</a>&nbsp;invites you to view Celebration Community Church’s first Christmas light show at 5790 230th Ave., Hays.

The display will be programmed to run in 30-minute intervals each day, with the exception of a few Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. from now until Christmas.

 To enjoy the choreographed music, tune your FM radio to 98.5. In addition, the church invites you to its Christmas Eve services at 1, 2:30 or 4 p.m.

Celebration Community Church in Hays offers free light display

Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County is seeking donations during this giving season to support affordable housing projects in Ellis County.

Funds donated to the Ellis County chapter stay in Ellis County.

You can send donations to Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County at PO Box 444, Hays, KS 67601.

Also, come by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 2707 Broadway in Hays and shop. All proceeds also help those in need of a nice place to live and flourish.

The ReStore is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County seeks donations to provide affordable housing

Healing Hearts Grief Support Group

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Please use the south entrance.

Healing Hearts is a grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one of any age.

The meeting is a snack potluck, but “the most important item to bring is yourself,” said Dr. Kate McGonigal, the group’s facilitator. McGonigal teaches in the Sociology Department at Fort Hays State University.

“This meeting is about getting through the holidays after the loss of someone close to you,” McGonigal said. “The holidays are so difficult when we are missing our loved ones. As always, all are welcome.”&nbsp;

Healing Hearts Grief Support Group plans meeting

The 16th annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Christmas Day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VFW in&nbsp;Hays, located at 22nd &amp; Vine.&nbsp;

The meal will consist of roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, a dinner roll, dessert, and&nbsp;is free of charge. 

Donations received will be used to cover expenses and any extra will be given to area organizations that serve and assist residents, in an effort to 'give back' all that has been given.&nbsp;

The Community Christmas Dinner began with the vision to bring the community together for a Christmas meal, and to return to the true reason for the season - the remembrance and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas can quickly become overshadowed by the busyness that tends to arise with the holiday season, and focus loss regarding the true meaning. 

The Community Christmas Dinner offers a time to refocus on the birth of Christ, provides the opportunity for community members to serve/be served, and simply enjoy each other's company. Though Jesus is celebrated all are welcome regardless of personal beliefs.

&nbsp;Service also extends beyond the walls of the VFW through the delivery of meals to those who are homebound.&nbsp;The Community Christmas Dinner stands upon the scripture that “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8), and has continued to be an example of this kind of love throughout the years.

Volunteer opportunities will be available on Christmas Day prior to the meal, during the meal, and after. Some of the opportunities include decorating, directing traffic, preparing to-go boxes for delivery, filling drinks, clearing tables, delivering meals, washing dishes, cleaning after the event, and other miscellaneous tasks that arise.&nbsp;

Desserts for the meal are provided by community members, and these remain needed at this time.&nbsp;

For anyone who is homebound and would like a meal delivered, or if wishing to volunteer, provide desserts, or make a donation, please use the following contact information: 785-625-5528 through December 18 and 785-675-1344 December 19 - December 24 or&nbsp;

email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com">communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com</a>

<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com"></a>Thank you to the VFW, New Life Center, and Northwestern Printers,&nbsp; as well as all the volunteers who help make this celebration possible.&nbsp; &nbsp;

All invited to Community Christmas Dinner at Hays VFW; volunteers sought

Karen Thomason is retiring from Hays Area Children's Center after 37 years.

 Her retirement celebration here at is at Hays Area Children's Center, 94 Lewis Drive, Friday, December 12, 3-7 p.m.

Thomason to retire after 37 years at Hays Area Children's Center; reception Friday

McKenna Youth Center Open House Dec. 14 with Shopapalooza, free movie

Get ready for a sound that fills the season with cheer! TubaChristmas, the beloved annual concert featuring musicians on tuba, euphonium, and baritone horns, is set to bring its joyful, brassy melodies to Big Creek Crossing at 3 p.m. Dec. 14.

This festive event, a national tradition since 1974, celebrates the holiday spirit by gathering local players of all ages and skill levels to perform classic Christmas carols. From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners, the concert showcases the rich, resonant sounds of these low brass instruments in a unique and heartwarming display.

The Hays Tuba Christmas group will be performing at the Big Creek Crossing Mall at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Twenty-five to 30 tuba and baritone players participate in this event every year. Hays is one of many international TubaChristmas concerts held annually. Jim Tanis is the coordinator for the event. Traditional Christmas Carols will be presented at this 45-minute concert. Low brass players from area high schools, colleges as well as adults participate in this ensemble.

Our group is under the leadership of Peter Lillpopp, the director of bands at Fort Hays State University. At FHSU, he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Hays City Band, and the FHSU Tiger Marching Band. He also teaches the Low Brass Studio and directs the Low Brass Choir.

This concert is free and open to the public.

If you would like to join us in the performance, contact Peter or Jim Also, see <a href="http://www.tubachristmas.com">www.tubachristmas.com</a> for details

Attendees can expect a lively performance of holiday favorites, often with participants adorned in festive attire, creating a truly memorable experience for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to enjoy the booming brass that signals the start of the holiday season.

Event Details: · What: Hays Kansas TubaChristmas Concert · When:&nbsp; 3 p.m. Dec. 14 · Where: Big Creek Crossing Mall · Cost: Free admission ·Who: Tubas, euphoniums and baritone players of all ages

Call for Musicians: Musicians interested in participating in the ensemble are encouraged to come early, starting at 12:30 p.m., to register with a practice session after.

Join us for a joyous celebration of music and community as we make the holidays bigger, brighter and brassier!

Hays to host annual TubaChristmas Concert: A booming holiday tradition returns

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sherrone-moore-michigan-ecc29f440a54659c40a98b02f3b534ce">Sherrone Moore</a>, who was abruptly fired this week as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sherrone-moore-michigan-a11220624841e4697b781a4c8edcdddd">University of Michigan football</a>&nbsp;coach, was charged Friday with three crimes including home invasion and stalking a person he had dated, prosecutors said.

Moore has spent two nights in jail following his firing and subsequent arrest Wednesday.

The 39-year-old coach who had led the Wolverines for two seasons was fired for what the school called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sherrone-moore-fired-ec213f233cae4f730f474331ec5e2cdd">an inappropriate relationship</a>&nbsp;with a staff member. Hours later, police arrested Moore after he was accused of assault in Pittsfield Township, a community near Ann Arbor.

Moore is accused of “unlawfully entering the dwelling of a victim with whom Mr. Moore had a dating relationship,” the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office said Friday.

Michigan prosecutors said Moore “terrorized” his former girlfriend after losing his head coach job.

Defense attorney Joe Simon said Friday, “There’s no evidence to suggest he’s a threat.”

Michigan has not disclosed details of the alleged relationship but said an investigation found credible evidence against Moore, who is married with three young daughters. Athletic director Warde Manuel said the behavior was "a clear violation of university policy.”

Moore signed a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year. According to the terms of his deal, the university will not have to buy out the remaining years of his contract because he was fired for cause.

Moore, the team’s former offensive coordinator, was promoted to lead the Wolverines after they won the national title. He succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers.

Michigan is set to play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/texas-longhorns-football">No. 14 Texas</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who filled in for Moore when he was suspended earlier this season in relation to a Harbaugh-era&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-michigan-sign-stealing-b1bf55b0b93dad083bd97fe2c26faddb">sign-stealing scandal</a>, will serve as interim coach.

While the school seeks a new head coach, the Wolverines may lose players in the transfer portal this winter and donors who help fund revenue-sharing and NIL deals may hesitate to invest in the winningest program in college football history.

Fired Mich. football coach, Kan. native, charged with 3 crimes

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Honda Odyssey driven by Kong Yang, 59, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 435&nbsp;under 95th Street bridge in Lenexa. The minivan drifted off the roadway and struck the bridge pillar.

Yang was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man killed after minivan strikes overpass pillar

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;signed an executive order Thursday aimed at blocking states from crafting their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-artificial-intelligence-ai-regulation-646de06404ba543dd7244d225fb27250">regulations for artificial intelligence</a>, saying the burgeoning industry is at risk of being stifled by a patchwork of onerous rules while in a battle with Chinese competitors for supremacy.

Members of Congress from both parties, as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups, have pushed for more regulations on AI, saying there is not enough oversight for the powerful technology.

But Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “there's only going to be one winner” as nations race to dominate artificial intelligence, and China's central government gives its companies a single place to go for government approvals.

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