By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Sculptor Pete Felten was remembered by the Hays community during his celebration of life on Sunday.

The event was at the Ellis County Historical Society and began with a public reception featuring Felten exhibits and displays. Attendees visited and reflected on Felten’s impact on Kansas.

Brenda Meder, former Hays Arts Council director, opened the tribute by reading several statements on Felten's passing, including remarks from&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/15976726-4296-4743-95e6-b30f1d0674c6">U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran</a>&nbsp;and Gov. Laura Kelly, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d978febe-e1d6-4305-8c11-24284affb882">who awarded Felten with a legacy award shortly before his death.</a>

"He was thoughtful, creative and technically very proficient," Meder said.

Felten died in February at Hays Medical Center, surrounded by family, friends and fellow artists. He was 92.

After graduating from Hays High School and serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Felten attended Fort Hays State University but left in 1957 to pursue sculpture, beginning a career that spanned almost 70 years.

His first commissioned work was a bust of Buffalo Bill Cody in 1961, placed in front of the Hays Public Library. His most prominent sculptures are the four eight-foot-tall limestone portraits of Amelia Earhart, William Allen White, Arthur Capper and Dwight Eisenhower in the Kansas Capitol rotunda.

Ellis County alone has about 30 public Felten sculptures. Hundreds of other works are in public and private collections across Kansas and beyond.

Bruce Burkholder, a close friend of Felten and a fellow artist, shared how he first met Felten and recounted a time when Felten intervened during his suicide attempt.

"In 1985, I was going through a personal time in my life. ... Pete came by and saw me with razorblades. He saved my life, and I want to make sure I give back to him," Burkholder said.

Jean Stramel, a friend and supporter of Felten’s work, described him as a historian and documentarian who photographed buildings, churches, schools, animals and events in Hays.

"He has photo albums full of all these pictures. These will either go to the Historical Society or into his archives," she said. "The process of sorting out his house has begun."

Stramel said Felten kept 66 photo albums dating from 1956 to 2018, some documenting trips he took, including one to California. She also shared how she met Felten and became involved in Hays’ local art scene.

Michael Jilg, a fellow Hays artist and friend, acknowledged Felten’s impact on the community and said he hopes the community will give back in return.

Contributions to the Felten Legacy Fund are accepted through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandCF?__cft__[0]=AZZi369okAhp8AG1kf7bR2tAIFfL9RB9jMd2xLEh5fR_ttlJBlztFKFJaNfctfGcMAxaOF4Fr6kCj2fK1584jfF_TnDX3uBNAgyMQ92oZQI6p2LUsSS09QGKVF3quj_fxEBzEUT1BCq_CxxFUgEdvbDNqOoxIn6fRewKGaps2sHZEA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Heartland Community Foundation</a>. They will be used to turn Felten's Stone Gallery, 107 1/2 Sixth St., and workshop into a museum.

Upon his death, his gallery and workshop were willed to the Ellis County Historical Society.

Donate online here&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ywfpju6n?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEycGozRlRTZG0yQ3ZLcGF1OHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR45AWgG02wsxKnzJyrFi4t5I3Jlvg7wevlbuGsD6jwDuJF3Zfz_5KrfxnS_nA_aem_9SeCaU-eivfC1Zsbt2NcAw" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ywfpju6n</a>&nbsp;or mail your gift to PO Box 1673, Hays, KS, 67601. Please note “Pete Felten Legacy Fund” in the memo or Pete Felten Memorial.

Attendees were also welcome to an open house at the gallery and Felten's studio.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f8028923-65bd-48c2-b29d-d2a1cb622950">SEE RELATED STORY: A legacy carved in stone: Hays community remembers artist Pete Felten</a>

Hays community pays tribute to artist Pete Felten's legacy

Ellis County Jail bookings: March 1-7, 2026

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: March 1-7, 2026

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 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;

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

The City of Hays will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on March 9th and continue through May 11th. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion. 

Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for longer periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can impact water quality, such as high temperatures or reduced usage of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual.

The Hays Fire Department is conducting their annual testing of hydrants at the same time to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.

Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact the Water Resources Department at 785-628-7380.

City of Hays chlorine conversion begins today

High school seniors ready to turn entrepreneurial ambition into action can take the next step this fall at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Through hands-on programs and real-world experiences, students transform ideas into viable business opportunities while building practical skills that last a lifetime.

Experiential programs such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, EPI²C Weekend Challenge, and Faulkner Business Plan Challenge provide students with opportunities to develop innovative ideas, collaborate with mentors, and pitch their concepts in competitive environments. These immersive experiences foster confidence and create a strong foundation for launching and growing a business.

FHSU is also home to the Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Hall, the only residential community in Kansas designed specifically for students interested in starting their own businesses. Open to students of all majors, Hansen Hall connects driven individuals with mentors, resources, and a collaborative peer network focused on innovation and action.

“Fort Hays State University helps students turn ideas into real businesses by providing access to the tools needed to create and launch ventures,” said Henry Schwaller, FHSU senior lecturer in management. “Through Dane G. Hansen Entrepreneurship Hall and our entrepreneurial campus environment, students don’t just learn about business – they live it, collaborate across disciplines, and build ventures that make an impact.”

Prospective students and families are invited to experience this unique environment at the Hansen Hall Open House on Monday, March 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests will tour the facility, explore the E-Lab, enjoy refreshments, and meet current student entrepreneurs who call Hansen Hall home.

Space in Hansen Hall is limited and fills quickly. Students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot and immerse themselves in an entrepreneurial experience from day one.

Apply through FHSU Residential Life or email <a href="mailto:entrepreneurship@fhsu.edu">entrepreneurship@fhsu.edu</a> for additional information.

FHSU announces opportunities for next generation of entrepreneurs

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

The Babysitting Clinic Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (10-18 yrs.) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for infants through school age children.

The participants will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring for and managing resources, decision-making, and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” 

Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.

Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.

We also partner with Ellis County EMS to provide CPR and First Aid training. The participants will be certified in CPR and First Aid upon completion of the class. Participants will also receive an information notebook, activity bag, and first aid kits.

Location: Cottonwood Extension District, 601 Main St. Hays, KS

The cost is $50 for babysitting supplies, meal, and CPR/First Aid Certification. You can register online at: <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lij5HiDjR4Q0dM">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Lij5HiDjR4Q0dM</a>

Class size is limited to 15. The deadline to register is March 12, 2026. Please call the office if you have any questions.

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: Prepare for role of babysitter at Cottonwood Extension clinic

<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

Early Childhood Connections of Hays is starting enrollments for Head Start Preschool for the 2026-27 school year.

Early Head Start has options year-round for familis who are prenatal to age 3.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">usd489connections.com</a>&nbsp;and click on Enrollment Inquiries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Early Childhood Connections serves Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties and is free for families.

&nbsp;Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064590373991">Early Childhood Connections</a> on Facebook, or call 785-623-2430.&nbsp;

Huge FHSU support a tradition at MIAA tourney

There's a new partnership between Fort Hays State University teacher interns and Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Rachel Wentling, FHSU&nbsp;College of Education director of field experience, Amy Mayo, Roosevelt third-grade teacher, and Heidi Wamser, Roosevelt kindergarten teacher about the specialized classrooms in Roosevelt.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU-Roosevelt Elementary teacher intern partnership 

&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&nbsp;

GREAT BEND — Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break, March 16-20, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school-aged children. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Monday, March 16 – All About That Bass

Get ready for a fintastic fishy adventure! Students will discover how awesome fish features, like cool mouths, speedy tails, and wiggly body shapes, help them survive and thrive. Then it’s time to get crafty and create their very own paper fish with fun adaptations of their choice.

Tuesday, March 17 – Terrariums To Go

Ever want to have your own pocket-sized world? Well, now you can. Learn what goes into creating a perfect habitat for living creatures, and put it into practice by making your very own terrarium to take home and enjoy your own little world.

Wednesday, March 18 – Bioluminescent Beetles: Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies, lightning bugs, glowworms, blinkies, moon bugs, golden sparklers, marsh flickers; no matter what you call them, these bioluminescent beetles have a unique way of capturing our attention. Flash on over to learn more about these insects. We will learn about how and why they glow at night and craft a paper lantern inspired by fireflies for you to take home with you.

Thursday, March 19 – Cheyenne Bottoms Buffet&nbsp;

As many as 41 species of shorebirds migrate to Cheyenne Bottoms each year. With so many migrants, you might be wondering how all of these birds find enough food to eat.&nbsp;Migrate out to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to learn about microhabitats as well as how these shorebirds eat.&nbsp;In addition, we will be making a flapping bird for you to take home.

Friday, March 20 – A Wild Introduction to Field Journaling

Did you know some of history’s most groundbreaking ideas, expeditions, and discoveries began in the pages of a field journal? Such as Charles Darwin's sketches from the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clark's charts from their expedition. So, let’s get started on your very own field journal. Together, you will learn tricks and tips to not only draw your observations but also write about and understand what they mean. Afterwards, we will put your skills to the test with a walk through our very own KWEC trail.

Can't join us in person or want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0d6l0qajQc2cNPx9eB-2BHhpm5IMZ-2B8g1sy0eqGIkhgPELV8VeFlGkoKFvhBqsB6fHoA-3D-3DR9bt_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaYA2iBOf6cDjAEHZmA-2B0dGDJJ4YcJcOwzWPq0-2BTDSAEUHoPHZQRTKD2Jy-2B5mKGB3rlMTq2LR4yWBqDzOQG5D4VawnBHt2IwTEg72ILrjt8Vst3gTaqUrHLlN2-2By-2BFLt-2B6-2B-2FCySRN4YFJKa6s1y0gdfKhLxC8eC15ye5B5Ajg0wjQ">https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter</a>&nbsp;for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.

KWEC is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, on K-156 Highway. For more information, call 877-243-9268 or visit <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OV7rO5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaXHdGcAyXWeLnPAZIoj6SavGEGAyE-2BfnujAqTEanhiR9FAnTKxWiWbxD3DBoMf8y9Y0F35UzD82IURDz4tKwwM-2BABb3LG5eq-2FAzWOidK1zsK2JMrzEISe1-2FrehOgcJZAlmyhjp0VOqBOuMlB7sxuDiTKz6S0ZXrDdd-2BIsnn1evWG">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Spring break activities at FHSU Kansas Wetlands Education Center   

This month's presentation, "Eco Acoustics: Harmonizing Humans and Nature," is sponsored by Fort Hays State University's Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, at The Venue in Thirsty's Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Luke Helker, assistant professor and percussion assistant director of bands at Fort Hays State University, will present a lecture-recital of works for percussion and electronics that engage with sonification and acoustic ecology to demonstrate different relationships between humans and the natural world. 

With this recital, audiences will be exposed to sounds unheard of or unimaginable, with the hope that the natural world will be amplified like never before.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase, no food will be served&nbsp;during Science Café.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCpL-p_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOL5Vbz6lOSRnn5577dkU80-2FW631O5wh2jOhGQVdeNHxO5CMCD2hHg66IOCHLhJJm9rgd92rkN9XJh2LyW-2FxPUsO-2BEmWOxkBZPDITR1pCBdlYJ5PgMT4NUgSChpCKE3QmvZjHJo4D7XVP0e-2FBTxP-2BtYSNt58XSbv50Y8JhEn16-2BePmgwhbzLdtKEVK0t0XjRjZ-2FDS4vqe4lVZz16hRk0P7M0080JLHK6qN8-2F91nGvBZSp-2FFb7GifavD4mchX0raLeG">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3Dj3K8_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOL5Vbz6lOSRnn5577dkU80-2FW631O5wh2jOhGQVdeNHxO5CMCD2hHg66IOCHLhJJm9rgd92rkN9XJh2LyW-2FxPUsAFFYdrimTPIAPHEYyDIjfXSCN3yv8qOh33THHm62p8c4QNdEpGS8LxbOhOdJgItO110snzTBzrxcUBJSSEau7pG-2FJLrde0SRrVe1sqRJ8YLQkkCI7qwjDLspm2NaQp5FzKz559GqcFfARwzHhapUDZ9aaUr-2BL4aJV7wa7E-2F0wVS">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Eco-acoustics in harmony of humans and nature is next FHSU Science Cafe

Ellis County Environmental Services

As a friendly reminder with warmer weather approaching, if a vehicle enters the Ellis County Landfill without being properly secured, or drops, sifts, leaks, material enroute to the disposal area, the customer will be charged an additional 50% of the total weight disposal fee. We also want to remind customers that municipal waste and construction demolition waste be separated before arriving at the landfill. Mixed loads may need to be refused at the staff’s discretion; we appreciate your cooperation in keeping materials sorted and our roads clean

Such waste includes, but is not limited to:

Household waste PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) Plastic Garbage Stuffed/upholstered furniture Vinyl siding Yard Waste CRT TV’s and computer monitors Cardboard Paper Food waste Fabric Carpet and pad Microwave ovens Foam Empty plastic drums (one side must be open) Mirrors

Such wastes include, but are not limited to:

Other masonry materials Roofing materials Soil Wood Plaster Wall covering Plumbing fixtures (non-plastic, non-PVC “Polyvinyl chloride”) Drywall Electrical Components (Non-Hazardous) Electrical Wiring Toilet Showers Non-friable asbestos

Ellis County landfill secured, mixed load reminder

Register before March 20 to be entered in a drawing to win a free pair of Brooks or Hokas shoes from Brown's Shoe Fit.

Sign up online at <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">firstcallelliscounty.com</a>.

First Call for Help Race to Restock set for April 4

&nbsp;United Way of Ellis County is helping residents maximize their hard-earned income through free tax filing support available through My Free Taxes®.

My Free Taxes lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $89K last year file their federal and state taxes online for free.

Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped people across America file more than 1.5M returns, save $318M in tax preparation fees, and receive over $2.1B in refunds.

“Tax season is an opportunity to help put hard-earned dollars back into the pockets of our community members,” said Janelle VanKooten, executive director of United Way of Ellis County. 

“My Free Taxes provides a secure, easy, and completely free way for qualifying individuals and families to file accurately, claim the credits they deserve, and access support from IRS-trained specialists along the way.”

Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour and can file from a phone, tablet, or computer. The platform guides users through the process to help ensure they receive their maximum refund.

Through April 15, 2026, northwest Kansas filers who want assistance can call 1-866-698-9435 daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. From April 21 through October 15, support will be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Help Line, available in English and Spanish, is supported by 211 call specialists trained by the IRS. 211 is the 24/7 go-to resource that connects people to locally available help. It is supported by United Way and available in 99% of the U.S.

My Free Taxes also offers tax guides for small business owners, gig economy workers such as rideshare drivers and delivery workers, owners of home-based childcare centers, and filers impacted by federally declared disasters.

Find the guides and tax filing assistance at <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com.</a>

Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:&nbsp;&nbsp;

My Free Taxes is part of United Way’s efforts to help local residents build financial security, including those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), affirming households that are working and contributing to their community while navigating financial barriers to meeting basic needs. 

For questions or more information, visit <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com</a> or contact Janelle VanKooten, executive eirector of United Way of Ellis County at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.

United Way of Ellis County offers residents free tax filing support 

Strength training program set for Tuesday in Ellis

PAWNEE ROCK — Heartland Farm and Heartland Center for Spirituality will host the free program, "Tahtonka: Buffalo and the Plains Indians" on from 2 to 4 p.m. March 8&nbsp; at the Great Bend Motherhouse, 3600 Broadway. Dr. Leo Oliva, professor emeritus, Fort Hays State University, will explore the Plains Indians and historical buffalo culture, how technology changed it and how the hide hunters destroyed it.

In 1840, it was estimated there were 40 million buffalo on the Great Plains. Buffalo were the Plains Indians' supermarket, providing food, shelter, clothing, and tools. The robe trade with Euro-Americans provided manufactured items.

The railroads made possible widespread hunting for hides for the leather industry by 1870. Encouraged by the government and the military, who wanted the Indians placed on reservations, the hunters destroyed the buffalo and the Indians' way of life. 

The great slaughter of the buffalo on the Southern Plains in the 1870s and the Northern Plains in the 1880s forced the Indigenous nations to move to the reservations to survive. Warfare killed many who refused to go to the reservations, and many more died on the reservations from diseases, malnutrition, and hunger.

With a&nbsp;screening of the film,&nbsp;Tahtonka, and with context by and discussion and Q&amp;A with Dr. Oliva, attendees will examine how after the great slaughter of the buffalo, the traditional lives and culture of the Indians could not survive. The final conquest, part of the colonization inspired by the Doctrine of Discovery, came quickly when the buffalo were gone.

A freewill offering will be taken but is not required.

Heartland Farm & Heartland Center to host 'Tahtonka: Buffalo and the Plains Indians' on March 8

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department lawyers announced Monday that they'd reached a settlement in their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-live-nation-ticketmaster-antitrust-lawsuit-df9b552d127e1494db13e3cd625787a8">antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster</a>&nbsp;and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, in a case that alleged an illegal monopoly over live events in America. But it remained possible that some states might continue a trial on their own.

The announcement by the Justice Department at the start of the trial in federal court in Manhattan was greeted angrily by Judge Arun Subramanian, who said no one informed him of the tentative deal until late Sunday even though a term sheet for a possible settlement was signed on Thursday.

“It's entirely unacceptable,” he said.

Adam Gitlin, a lawyer for the District of Columbia, said the states were requesting a mistrial, although the state of Texas had expressed “serious concerns” about the deal between the U.S. and Live Nation and states have not yet agreed to the deal.

David Marriott, a lawyer for Live Nation, said the company opposed a mistrial and believed it should proceed.

The Department of Justice and Live Nation didn’t immediately respond to requests by The Associated Press for comment.

It comes as the two sides face trial in New York over whether to dismantle the monopoly the Justice Department said was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/live-nation-ticketmaster-antitrust-trial-ecfd6cb3e77459412584ed002653bc8f">squelching competition and driving up prices for fans</a>.

The case, brought under President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;'s Democratic administration in 2024, accused Live Nation of using threats, retaliation and other tactics to “suffocate the competition” by controlling virtually every aspect of the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing.

The Justice Department accused Live Nation of engaging in a slew of practices that have allowed it to maintain a stranglehold over the live music scene. The Justice Department has said the company uses long-term contracts to keep venues from choosing rival ticketers, blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers and threatening venues that they could lose money and fans if they don’t choose Ticketmaster.

Live Nation has maintained that artists and teams set prices and decide how tickets are sold.

Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment, based in Beverly Hills, California, have a long history of clashes with major artists and their fans, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-taylor-swift-af5d58d2a8c6def368ded1bd2ddd8a6f">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;and Bruce Springsteen.

Ticketmaster, which was established in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010, is the world’s largest ticket seller across live music, sports, theater and more.

Ticketmaster parent company reaches landmark antitrust settlement

MIAMI COUNTY —Three people are safe after a weekend water rescue in Miami County.

Emergency personnel from the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office, Osawatomie Volunteer Fire Department, and Miami County EMS worked a water rescue in the area of 347th Street and Hospital Drive on Sunday, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

The driver traveled into flooded roadways, requiring emergency rescue. The occupants, two adults and a juvenile, reportedly did not know how to swim, making this situation even more dangerous for both them and the responders working to reach them.

&nbsp;All occupants were rescued and are safe. There were no injures to anyone involved.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The sheriff office reminded, "Turn around, don’t drown. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.Please avoid flooded areas and allow emergency crews space to work safely."

2 adults, child rescued after driver stuck on flooded Kansas road

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Five Democratic candidates vying to unseat U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall told more than 150 people Sunday how they will deliver in Washington, D.C., if the state can flip the seat blue.

While sharing their experience and goals for Kansas, the five took a few shots at Marshall. They&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4oovkjmWY" target="_blank">were on stage</a>&nbsp;during the closing day of the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual meeting, which began Friday at Townsite Topeka.

“I just want you to know I’m ready, willing and able to send Roger Marshall back to Florida for good,” said Sandy Spidel Neumann, who is challenging Marshall for his Senate seat.

Democrats have accused Marshall of living at his second residence in Florida more than his Kansas residence, an accusation Marshall denies.

Spidel Neumann said she made the decision to run, after a long career in financial services, after seeing Marshall storm out of a town hall.

“I saw Roger Marshall’s infamous town hall, and I saw him walk out on Kansans — people that reminded me of my cousins who voted for Trump and Marshall,” she said. “It was so bad that I thought, ‘Oh, hell to the no, you work for us, and we need somebody to fight for us.’ I’m that person.”

The five candidates talked about issues they’ve heard from Kansans as they’ve toured the state, echoing many of the same challenges other candidates spoke about at the convention: education, immigration, health care, tariffs and reproductive rights.

Erik Murray, a real estate developer, said the “politician-created problems,” such as tariffs and tax policies that benefit billionaires, “are tearing apart the fabric of our communities.”

“We know that this is a country of immigrants, and protecting and standing up for folks is what we believe in,” Murray said. “So we’ve got to restore our Kansas values in Washington.”

Anne Parelkar, an immigration attorney, called for a full investigation of what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been doing nationwide.&nbsp;

“The American people need and deserve to see everything that they have done and everything that has gone wrong,” she said. “We deserve the truth, and if that investigation shows us that there isn’t anything in that entity worth saving, then we abolish it, and we use that money for actual immigration reform that serves our people in our country.”

Spidel Neumann called for body cameras, the elimination of masks and better training.

“We need them to have the right goals,” she said, noting that ICE agents have goals set based on the number of arrests, rather than on convictions or other criteria.

Jason Hart, an assistant U.S. district attorney, said his job for 21 years has been “standing in the breach against bullies” for marginalized communities.

“You have to be there and be able to hold their hand, to meet them where they are, and show them that you care and that you are an ally,” he said.

Christy Cauble Davis, a fifth-generation Kansan, said about 20% of the voters in Chase County, where she lives, are registered Democrats. Even with those numbers, her county voted about 50-50 on protecting abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

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