By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hundreds of athletes from across the Sunflower State will gather in Hays this week as the city hosts the Special Olympics Kansas State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament.

The two-day event will be on Friday and Saturday in Hays and Manhattan, following qualifying competitions across the state.

Brent Kaiser, director of competitions and training, said about 562 athletes and 121 coaches are expected to participate in Hays alone.

"It's a big-time event. Teams from all over the state come to compete," Kaiser said.

A total of 120 teams will compete in Hays and Manhattan. You can find the basketball and cheerleading tournament schedule for both locations&nbsp;<a href="https://soks.org/sports/state-competitions/state-basketball-and-cheerleading/">here</a>.

In Hays, games and events will be at Gross Memorial Coliseum, Cunningham Hall, the Hays Recreation Commission and the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Friday begins with a traditional opening ceremony at 9 a.m. in the coliseum before athletes move into the first competition: individual skills.

"The individual skills competition alone is three different activities. It's the wall pass, spot shot and a 10-meter dribble," Kaiser said. "We have a separate competition that is also part of the skills competition, but it's called the speed dribble competition."

Tournament games will begin at 12:30 p.m. in multiple gyms at Fort Hays State University’s Cunningham Hall and the Hays Recreation Commission, with the tourney resuming at 9 a.m. Saturday at both locations.

Friday ends with a banquet at 5 p.m. and a dance at 7 p.m. at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Saturday will also feature the cheerleading competition at 8:30 a.m. in the coliseum. Team basketball is set for 9:30 a.m.

Ten cheerleading teams will perform two cheers during the competition and will be judged by the FHSU cheer team. Both basketball players and cheerleaders will compete for medals.

Concessions will be available during competitions.

"We encourage people from the community to come out and loudly cheer on our athletes. There is no entry fee to any of the competitions. It's free for everyone," Kaiser said.

The Special Olympics Kansas State Basketball Tournament in Hays began in 1976. Kaiser said the event began shortly after Gross Memorial Coliseum opened in 1973 and has since served as the competition's primary venue.

"This is our longest-standing event in one location, and it's important to us. It's a huge part of what we do, and hosting it here in Hays is a huge tradition," he said.

In the tournament's first year, 38 teams participated. Today, the event has grown significantly, with 50 teams competing in Hays, including 19 from out of town. Some of the tournament's longest-tenured athletes are from Hays.

Originally, the entire state tournament was at a single location. In 2018, Kaiser said organizers split it into two sites to accommodate growing participation and increased demand for hotel space.

Kaiser said this year also marks the celebration of one of the tournament’s longest and most dedicated supporters: the Knights of Columbus.

"For those 50 years, the Knights of Columbus has been a huge sponsor and supporter of the event," he said. "The Knights of Columbus do Tootsie Roll drives all over the state. Those support our state basketball competitions and provide this opportunity for our athletes relatively free of charge."

Kaiser said the Knights of Columbus also advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Kansas, in addition to their fundraising efforts.

Most basketball teams competing in Hays are from western Kansas, while others are traveling from communities as far as Salina, McPherson, Pittsburg and the Wichita area. Each team will receive snacks and meals from local businesses to support visiting athletes.

A newer addition to the annual event is health screenings through its Healthy Athletes program. Kaiser said athletes’ participation in the tournament offers several benefits.

"All of our opportunities and competitions provide a chance for athletes to learn teamwork skills, decision making, leadership and goal setting, along with developing self-confidence," he said.

Kaiser said 200 volunteers are required for the two-day event, and more are still needed, such as referees.

Volunteers ages 12 to 15 may participate with adult supervision, while those 16 and older can volunteer independently.&nbsp;

You can register to volunteer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.givepulse.com/event/722639-2026-state-basketball-and-cheerleading-hays">here</a>.

"These are real athletes. They practice a lot at a high level, and I hope attendees can see the joy that our athletes bring and the excitement this opportunity brings them when they come out to these competitions," Kaiser said.

You can find more information on the Special Olympics Kansas <a href="https://soks.org/sports/state-competitions/state-basketball-and-cheerleading/">website</a>.

Hays to host 50th Special Olympics Kansas State Basketball, Cheerleading Tournament

Ellis County Jail bookings: March 8-14, 2026

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: March 8-14, 2026

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Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com and include your phone number.&nbsp;

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

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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

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance, about the five "Blue Zones" around the world and the "Plant Slant" in healthy diets of long-lived people.

🎙 Post Podcast: 'Blue Zones' and their 'Plant Slants' 

WAKEENEY — Western Cooperative Electric proudly announces that Trustee Marvin&nbsp; Keller has received the Director Gold Renewal Certificate (DGR) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The Director Gold credential recognizes electric cooperative board members who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuing education and professional development.

The renewal designation is awarded to directors who continue to expand their knowledge of the electric utility industry, cooperative governance, and emerging issues that impact electric cooperatives and the members they serve.

The Director Gold program is designed for cooperative directors who strive to stay informed and effective in their leadership roles. By maintaining this credential, recipients reinforce their status as part of a distinguished group of experienced and well-educated cooperative leaders dedicated to the long-term success of their organizations.

“Continuing education is an important part of strong cooperative leadership,” Western Cooperative Electric CEO/GM Nolan Numrich said, “Trustees who actively pursue learning opportunities help ensure that our cooperative remains well-governed and prepared to meet the evolving needs of our membership.”

Western Cooperative Electric congratulates Keller on achieving the Director Gold Renewal Certificate and applauds his dedication to continuing education and his ongoing commitment to serving the members of Western Cooperative Electric.

Western Cooperative Electric Trustee earns Director Gold Renewal Certificate

On Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m., Tracy King, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, will host a free community event called "Midlife Hits Different: Let's Talk About It" at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th Street, Hays.&nbsp;

The event is open to women in the community and seating is limited to 12 to facilitate a truly intimate experience.

Register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/midlife-hits-different-lets-talk-about-it-tickets-1984701556783">Midlife Hits Different</a>.&nbsp;

The conversation will focus on what actually happens to women's bodies, hormones and health during midlife — and why so many women feel dismissed, confused or brushed off by the traditional healthcare system when they try to get answers.

"Women are not declining. They are recalibrating," said King. "But when your body stops making sense and your doctor tells you everything looks normal, that's not a diagnosis — that's a dismissal. This conversation exists to change that."

King is a women's health nurse practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience across hospital systems, academic institutions and private practice. She recently relocated to Hays and is partnering with Grow Hays and BriefSpace to build a presence in the community.

The March 19 event is the first in what King plans to become a recurring series, with upcoming conversations planned for Las Vegas, Denver and Tallahassee later this spring.

About Tracy King, MSN, APARN, WHNP-BC

Tracy King is a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practioner, midlife recalibration specialist and founder of HER Slayground and HER Rebirth Studio. With a career spannning&nbsp;hospital systems, academic institutions and private practice across multiple states, she specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, hormonal health and identify transitions in midlife. She holds licensure in Kansas, Nevada Colorado, Florida and Ohio and sees patients via telehealth.

'Midlife Hits Different: Let's Talk About It' hosted by Hays nurse practitioner

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Crabgrass preventers are another name for preemergence herbicides that prevent crabgrass seeds from developing into mature plants. Many people have a somewhat foggy idea of how they work and assume they kill the weed seed.&nbsp; Such is not the case. They do not kill the seed or even keep the seed from germinating but rather kill the young plant after it germinates.&nbsp; Therefore, they do not prevent germination but prevent emergence.&nbsp;

Crabgrass preventers are just that – preventers. With few exceptions they have no effect on existing crabgrass plants, so they must be applied before germination. Additionally, preventers do not last forever once applied to the soil. Microorganisms and natural processes begin to gradually break them down soon after they are applied. 

If some products are applied too early, they may have lost much of their strength by the time they are needed. Most crabgrass preventers are fairly ineffective after about 60 days, but there is considerable variation among products.

For most of Kansas, crabgrass typically begins to germinate around May 1 or a little later. April 15 is normally a good target date for applying preventer because it gives active ingredients time to evenly disperse in the soil before crabgrass germination starts.&nbsp; Even better, base timing on the bloom of ornamental plants. The Eastern Redbud tree is a good choice for this purpose. When the trees in your area approach full bloom, apply crabgrass preventer. A follow-up application will be needed about eight weeks later unless you are using Dimension or Barricade.&nbsp;

Dimension and Barricade are the only two products that give season-long control of crabgrass from a single application. In fact, they can be applied earlier than April 15 and still have sufficient residual strength to last the season. Barricade can even be applied in late fall for crabgrass control the next season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dimension can be applied as early as March 1. Because of the added flexibility in timing, these products are favorites of lawn care companies who have many customers to service in the spring. Though Dimension is usually not applied as early as Barricade, it is the herbicide of choice if it must be applied later than recommended. It is the exception to the rule that preemergence herbicides do not kill existing weeds. Dimension can kill crabgrass as long as it is young (two- to three-leaf stage). 

Dimension is also the best choice if treating a lawn that was planted late last fall. Normally, a preemergence herbicide is not recommended unless the lawn has been mowed two to four times. But Dimension is kind to young tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass seedlings and some formulations can be applied as early as two weeks after the first sign of germination. However, read the label of the specific product you wish to use to ensure that this use is allowed. 

Lawns established in the fall can be safely treated with Dimension the following spring even if they have not been mowed.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Crabgrass preventers kill young plants, not seeds

<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

Fort Hays Tech NC March Mania Bracket Challenge

GOVE COUNTY —Three people were injured in separate accident blamed on the high winds on Sunday afternoon in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Just after 1:30p.m., a 2022 Chevy Silverado driven by Stephen Blackwell, 78, Cortez, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 216, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Due to strong winds the vehicle's trailer began to rollover. The driver attempted corrective action. The trailer broke loose from the pickup.&nbsp; The trailer and began to spin. The pickup entered the median and rolled. Trailer came to rest in the driving lane.

EMS transported the Blackwell and a passenger Melba Blackwell, 77, Cortez, Colorado, to the Logan County Health Center. They were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Just after 2p.m., a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Reynol&nbsp;Garcia, 48, Kansas City, Misouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 one&nbsp;mile east of Voda Road in Trego County. The driver lost control due to the high winds in the area. The semi spun clockwise and overturned.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after I-70 accidents due to strong wind gusts

&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

FHSU University Communications

GREAT BEND — Cheyenne Bottoms, located on the Central Flyway, a bird migration route that connects Canada to South America, is an ideal place to witness the spring migration of many bird species. 

Seventy percent of all the different shorebird species in North America have been recorded at Cheyenne Bottoms, and late March through early May is prime time to view the birds using the local wetlands for rest and fuel.

This spring, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering 2-hour birdwatching van tours through the Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands.&nbsp;Bird communities can change quickly from day to day during the spring, but the migration usually peaks around the last two weeks of April through the first two weeks of May.&nbsp;

Birdwatchers will get the chance to see a variety of wetland birds during the tours, including ducks, such as Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Gadwall; shorebirds, such as Long-billed dowitchers, Least sandpipers, Willets, Black-necked stilts, and American avocets; wading birds, such as Great blue herons, Black-crowned night herons, and Snowy Egrets; and other wetland specialist birds, such as American white pelicans, Double-crested cormorants, and Pied-billed grebes.

Saturday, March 21 Saturday, March 28 Saturday, April 18 Monday, April 27 Wednesday, April 29 Saturday, May 9 Saturday, March 28

Time:&nbsp;9–11 a.m. Cost:&nbsp;$5 per person Ages:&nbsp;12 and older Registration:&nbsp;Pre-registration required Capacity:&nbsp;Limited to 11 participants Pre-register for the tours by calling KWEC at 877-243-9268.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. 

More information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OVG0lv_jsop8PIMT7gxIIR3VBIav8lOuFYBpuHbZjyafuuURjtbMxTr6o-2BCULFYMWFiG8W3FriW2HKWCsmar-2F80lP7v1vq52wJw6YLOXDmCmHbeaROFack9jVp1Qhk-2F6TWh58l5uHAgwtF6DnCPaQD6CREfcGUfXb8G-2B2IKrjxz8DhEkrVoG6hDQrGzuLgkxopxqTdHAsIbYS4XpEeihm3izgkPb4ysmOZp6ovBxyz-2BwbMGrJJx0kHMMYLQcsm2VmElT4vAHWMPF8BMT6iqGiERauIQy5XsHZeUasZu8y4xg10KV0DZDhwutrPCuGeaPq2V-2BTkIqpwEQf0wvorT08R3kYnKhZ7RfvzgWzAWd98eAJOjAZqUd8JDrsQ-2F22u-2Bg3jNbpY0">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center to host spring Bird Migration Tours

If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

<a href="https://www.nordichottubs.com/damour-se/">Check out more details and a video HERE!</a>

It’s love at first sight with the D’Amour SE™! Ease into the deep-seated captain’s chairs and let the Nordic Star™ jets massage your entire body so you emerge, refreshed, and invigorated. Picture yourself enveloped in swirling hot water, letting the stress of the day drift off. Your muscles relax, your mind calms, and a sense of well-being takes over. This is a 2-person hut tub. Includes cover, chemical kit, and steps. DELIVERY NOT INCLUDED. (Available for extra charge per location.) Love your life in a D’Amour SE™! Pools Plus 1609 Main, Hays. It’s love at first sight with the D’Amour SE™! Ease into the deep-seated captain’s chairs and let the Nordic Star™ jets massage your entire body so you emerge, refreshed, and invigorated. Picture yourself enveloped in swirling hot water, letting the stress of the day drift off. Your muscles relax, your mind calms, and a sense of well-being takes over. This is a 2-person hut tub. Includes cover, chemical kit, and steps. DELIVERY NOT INCLUDED. ( Available for extra charge per location. ) Love your life in a D’Amour SE™! Pools Plus 1609 Main, Hays. See more online about this great item by going to: <a href="https://www.nordichottubs.com/damour-se/">https://www.nordichottubs.com/damour-se/</a>

Current Bid: $998 Retail Price: $6,699

Give your child a summer that builds confidence, strengthens skills, and sparks curiosity. The Learning Academy is offering a12-week Summer Care Program, running May 26–August 14, 2026, and this sought?after spot could be yours! Designed for students entering 1st–5th grade, this program blends structured learning with meaningful experiences that prepare children for a strong start to the next school year. What’s Included: Daily structured environment focused on reading, math repetition, and skill refresh / Educational field trips that bring learning to life / Weekly life skills lessons to build independence and confidence / Nutritious meals and snacks provided each day / Weekly pool day for fun and physical activity / Arts, crafts, and creative projects / Intergenerational interaction with community partners / Operation Community Service projects that teach responsibility and kindness / Limited screen time to keep kids engaged and active / Optional in?house tutoring for additional academic support / Convenient hours: Drop off as early as 7:30 AM and pick up as late as 5:30 PM. This program offers structure, enrichment, and real?world learning in a safe, nurturing environment. Secure this item and set your child up for success all summer long.Current Bid: There is no current bid on this item. Retail Price: $3,000 Opening Bid: $300

Your website is your digital storefront. It's so important to have a nice and effective site. This item is for a new website build from The Grace Group, with local service and a vast majority of customers from Hays and Western Kansas. The Grace Group, Inc. is a full-service marketing and consulting agency helping small businesses grow with creative, customized strategies. From social media management to branding, consulting, and website development, The Grace Group is committed to giving businesses the tools they need to succeed. For this radio auction, The Grace Group is offering a complete website build, which includes: Up to 7 custom pages (content, creation, and design included); SEO optimization to help your business get found online; Mobile &amp; tablet optimization for a seamless experience across devices; 2 months of maintenance, support, and training after launch to ensure your success; Please note: this package covers the website build itself but does not include any fees associated with obtaining a domain name or hosting services. This is the perfect opportunity to elevate your business presence with a professional, functional, and beautifully designed website from The Grace Group.Current Bid: There is no current bid on this item.

Retail Price: $1,500 Opening Bid: $150

Check out these Eagle Radio Auction items through Sunday, including a hot tub

WICHITA — Harsh winter weather&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;many communities in February, disrupting blood drive collections&nbsp;and scheduled&nbsp;donation routines.&nbsp;With spring just around the corner, all who are eligible are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood&nbsp;or platelets&nbsp;during&nbsp;Red Cross Month&nbsp;this March.&nbsp;

The Red Cross will perform free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31 (one result per calendar year).&nbsp;Plus, those who come to give&nbsp;March 1-31, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.&nbsp;Details can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy7Gu4yAQheGngQ4LxhjGBcVt_BrRAOPYWghZsBLt268S3fY7588BMFntJAfj_Wy8dxrkEXbImpZ1txw1Z2cJd4JoZ9Jk3OKiPINbo0baZ1pd5Jsx2WhtAJfEwupxZv5z_lWVzsJ9KL96XNa4e6_6jo8yfQZZwnFdzyHmHwGbgO39fk-dc-ptjFhay1PrdwFbaYmKOlrlJ91ZwMYvflxDwFapp2M6rlpk5XyS6lyYBqszhy_cfkHMP2BnbVD2cNC_8WzjElYz3Qt_j1NqVY6rM9dPjIgL-QWUWzEpq6NTq0VQs-Xsl-Q9YpKvAP8DAAD__-3MZHg">RedCrossBlood.org/March</a>.&nbsp;

March is Red Cross Month; blood donations needed

VICTORIA — The Victoria Knights of Columbus will hold their second Lenten fish fry on Friday, March 13,&nbsp; beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Victoria VFW Hall.

Victoria Lenten Fish Friday is Friday in Knights of Columbus Hall

TMP-Marian Sports Booster Club presents 'Dueling Pianos' fundraiser March 28

The Thursday, May 12 Hays City Commission meeting has been canceled

Hays City Commission meeting this week is canceled

WICHITA — The American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood&nbsp;supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment&nbsp;to give blood or platelets in March.

 As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will&nbsp;receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March (one result per&nbsp;calendar year).

New Red Cross data reveals 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes&nbsp;and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.&nbsp;

The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood&nbsp;donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025.

&nbsp;Among donors with elevated A1C&nbsp;levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle&nbsp;changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close&nbsp;them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like&nbsp;their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. “By giving blood and&nbsp;downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better&nbsp;manage and advocate for their health.”

The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past&nbsp;three months.

&nbsp;Visit <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED&nbsp;CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment.

&nbsp;All who come to give blood, platelets or&nbsp;plasma March 1-31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.&nbsp;See <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/march.html">RedCrossBlood.org/March</a> for details.

Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to&nbsp;deliver support when help can’t wait by also making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a&nbsp;lifesaving skills class.

Millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, which are often&nbsp;preventable and in many cases, reversible. These conditions often develop silently, though if untreated,&nbsp;they can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets.

An American Diabetes Association study found that, while people with prediabetes typically incur a few&nbsp;hundred dollars in additional medical costs each year, those with blood sugar levels that have progressed&nbsp;to the diabetic range could face several thousand dollars more in annual expenses — as much as 25&nbsp;times higher.

How to Find Out Your A1C from the Red Cross

After making a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation in March, donors can access their&nbsp;A1C result within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal&nbsp;at RedCrossBlood.org. Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care&nbsp;provider.

In addition, donors can access and track their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature,&nbsp;which are taken during each donation’s mini-physical to ensure they’re healthy enough to give.

How Blood Donation Can Help Bridge Health Care Gaps

As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to help bridge existing health&nbsp;care gaps by providing blood donors with critical health insights. Through the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp;App and online donor portal, donors can track their results and share them with their health care&nbsp;provider.

These efforts are part of the broader Red Cross mission, which has supported the health of communities&nbsp;for 145 years. 

Today in Kansas, this work includes installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high&nbsp;risk for home fires, providing basic health and mental health services to disaster survivors, and supporting the well-being of military families, veterans and their caregivers.

Q: Why is the Red Cross testing blood, platelet and plasma donors’ A1C levels?

A: The Red Cross values the health and well-being of blood donors. By providing this vital health insight,&nbsp;the Red Cross is helping to bridge existing care gaps and empower donors to take an important&nbsp;step toward preventative care and lifesaving intervention.

Q: Should I fast to receive the A1C test on my blood donation?

A: No, the A1C test does not require individuals to fast. This is noteworthy because eating a nutritious&nbsp;meal prior to blood donation is important.

Q: Can I donate blood if I have prediabetes or diabetes?

A: People with prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood, platelets and plasma if they&nbsp;are feeling well on the day of their donation. In most situations, the type of medication donors take to&nbsp;manage their diabetes does not disqualify them from donating blood.

Q: Can I donate blood while taking GLP-1 medication?

A: In most situations, the type of medication you take to manage your diabetes or insulin&nbsp;resistance won't disqualify you from donating blood. Whether you take insulin injections like Apidra or&nbsp;Humalog, an injected diabetes medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, or oral medications like metformin,&nbsp;you are still eligible to donate if you are feeling well on the day of your donation.

Red Cross offers free A1C testing; 1 in 5 donors prediabetic, diabetic 

Tree removal demonstration set for March 18

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Three suspects accused in the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old Kansas girl are due back in court Monday.

Danielle Wheeler, 53; Isaac L. Hord, 24 and Niklas Wiley, 24, are scheduled for a preliminary hearing in&nbsp;Judge Jeffrey Syrios courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Wheeler was charged with&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Hord and Wiley have both been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child. Wiley is also facing charges of criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the district attorney's office.

On September 14, police responded to the report of a deceased 15-year-old in Wichita, according to a media release from police. The investigation determined the death of Kennedy Herren was the result of a drug overdose.

Since then, Wichita police overdose analyst worked to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the people responsible for this senseless death.&nbsp;

On October 15,&nbsp;K-9 officers arrested 24-year-old Isaac L. Hord and on October 19 they arrested 24-year-old Niklas Wiley in connection with this case. Wheeler was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on October 22, according to online jail records. She met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody.

Both men remain in custody in the Sedgwick Count Jail. Hord on a one-million dollar bond and Wiley on bonds totaling over $1,250,000 according to online jail records.

Preliminary hearing for 3 in Kansas teen's overdose death

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Five people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford F 150 driven by Cornellia D. Watson, 39, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 70 near the Paxico rest area. The pickup traveled off the road to the right. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle crossed the eastbound lanes and struck the limestone embankment in the median.

EMS transported Watson and three children including a 16-year-old girl; a 14-year-old boy; 11-year-old girl and a 2-year-old girl to a Topeka Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and the 2-year-old was seated on the lap of front seat passenger, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman, 4 children hospitalized after I-70 crash

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump said he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-democrats-oil-midterms-e4919b1a69f90f47f8f61c5967e12fac">demanded</a>&nbsp;about seven countries send warships to keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-hormuz-oil-shipping-49a1901c35cf2507830776a29706cf98">Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;open as Iranian strikes continued to rain down on Gulf countries Monday.

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest, gradually restarted operations after a drone struck a fuel tank and started a fire. Authorities said it was quickly contained and no injuries were reported.

Tehran has accused the United States without evidence of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the United Arab Emirates to launch strikes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-islands-strait-hormuz-oil-trump-1b3e770e61c6a05d3e078223e15b20b2">Kharg Island</a>, home to the main terminal handling Iran’s oil exports evidence, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jet-fuel-airfares-flights-prices-oil-ac2446896f112746345702bd6e1986cc">oil prices soared</a>. Brent crude oil was trading near $105 per barrel on Monday.

Trump said the U.S. is negotiating with countries heavily reliant on Middle East crude to join a coalition to police the waterway where about one-fifth the world’s traded oil normally flows, but declined to name them.

Israeli strikes have deepened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/lebanon-shelter-hezbollah-israel-war-487792d7f62cfc2c5d9d20a2fd62fea1">Lebanon's humanitarian crisis</a>, with more than 850 people killed and over 850,000 displaced.

American efforts to protect Strait of Hormuz continue, US military commander says

The top U.S. military commander in the Middle East says American forces are zeroing in on Iran’s threats to freighters carrying oil and natural gas through a vital chokepoint in the Persian Gulf.

“We will continue to rapidly deplete Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz,” Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said in a video posted to X on Monday.

Iranian strikes on commercial vessels have effectively stopped shipping traffic in the waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported. That has dramatically increased the price of oil and put pressure on Washington to do something to ease the pain for consumers.

American efforts to protect Strait of Hormuz continue

MIAMI COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after an alleged violent attack on her mother.

Just before 11a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to 601 17th Street in Osawatomie where a woman had reportdly fled to home after being struck in the head and body multiple times with a baseball bat,&nbsp;according to Police Chief David Stuteville.

The victim was identified as 68-year-old Tina L. Day and the alleged suspect her 50-year-old daughter Anegela M. Platt.

Miami County EMS transported Day to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Meanshile, Platt locked herself inside the home and would not respond to police.

After multiple attempts to get Platt to exit the home, an officer finally convinced Platt to step outside onto an elevated deck at the rear of the home.&nbsp; As the officer and Platt were talking, two officers including Chief Stuteville made their up the side of the deck near the residence, as to be able to keep Platt from being able to go back inside. Once on the deck, Platt was safely taken into custody without futher incident.

After getting a search warrant, officers collected evidence related to the reported assault of Mrs. Day.

Platt was transported to the Miami County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

Kan. woman accused of baseball bat attack on her mother

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an other homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shoosting in the 2600 block of NE. 42nd Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

At the scene, officers heard the sound of a gunshot coming from inside an upstairs apartment. Officers made entry inside of the residence to search for any victims and render any necessary medical aid. An adult male was located suffering from gunshot trauma. He was unresponsive. An additional adult female was located. She unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and declared both individuals deceased.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and gathering any witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Detectives are not currently seeking any person of interest, according to Gonzalez.

Homicide: Man and woman found dead in KC apartment

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “One Battle After Another” won several awards at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/oscars-2026-updates">Sunday’s Oscars</a>, including best picture, director and the first-ever casting award.

“Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2026-oscars-academy-awards-show-b868da63dd16aa6ca289ba4a8ac3a157">best actor</a>, earning his first Oscar. Jessie Buckley won best actress for her role in “Hamnet.”

Amy Madigan took home the first award of the night. She won best supporting actress for “Weapons.” She was the first winner announced at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday night hosted by Conan O’Brien.

Ryan Coogler won best original screenplay for “Sinners,” which entered the night with a record-breaking 16 nominations.

Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another”

Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”

“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon and Teddy Park

Cassandra Kulukundis, “One Battle After Another”

Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta, “F1”

“One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson

(tie) “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva”

Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, “Avatar: Fire and Ash”

Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau, “Frankenstein”

Andy Jurgensen, “One Battle After Another”

Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey, “Frankenstein”

Who won? Complete list of 2026 Academy Awards winners

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a&nbsp; weekend house fire.

Just before 11p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a house fire located at 417 SW Polk Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the residence. Firefighters initiated fire attack operations and were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

Fire crews rescued a woman from a first-floor apartment within the home. American Medical Response transported her to a local hospital in critical condition. A second occupant who resides in a second-floor apartment was able to escape prior to the arrival of firefighters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Non-working smoke detectors were found in the home.

Woman hospitalized after fire at a Kansas home

TOPEKA, KAN. – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced to 137 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while he was on supervised release for similar crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Michael Pinkerton, 48, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography.

In September 2010, a U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of Missouri sentenced Pinkerton to 120 months in prison followed by 60 months of supervised release after convictions for attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted possession of child of pornography.&nbsp;

In April 2024, while Pinkerton was living in Kansas on supervised release, two U.S Probation Office officers went to his home in Topeka. They observed Pinkerton attempting to hide something and asked him what it was. Pinkerton admitted to having an unauthorized smartphone that contained saved images of CSAM. Investigators later confirmed the phone contained CSAM.

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