By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office logged almost 16,000 calls for service in 2025.

County Sheriff Scott Braun said it was a busy but typical year for the office, which operates across three main areas: patrol, courthouse security and detention.

"We had over 3,500 traffic stops. Those stops may have been warnings or a variety of other things. Our guys are pretty active out on the road trying to keep it safe," he said.

Braun said the detention facility is averaging about 63 inmates, a number that continues to increase. The jail housed about 1,200 inmates last year, most of them male.

The Sheriff’s Office served about 260 warrants in 2025.

Braun said the office logged more than 36,000 miles and about 600 hours transporting inmates across roughly 200 trips.

"We do a lot of transports across the state, meaning we either take them to other facilities for incarceration or we're picking them up. We travel out of our jurisdiction and just got one that came back from Texas the other day," he said.

Braun said deputies also logged about 383,000 patrol miles across the county’s 900 square miles for 2025. The county is covered by a lieutenant, two detectives, three sergeants, and 16 deputies.

The department received more than 3,000 patrol check requests, allowing deputies to monitor homes during vacations, court protection orders or other safety concerns.

You can call the Sheriff's Office to request a patrol check or do so on the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4de7954a-f04e-4832-9c84-46b4aaf24657">Ellis County Sheriff app</a>.

Courthouse security had 18,695 contacts in 2025. Braun added almost 220,000 people have been processed since security operations began in 2016.

Despite the busy year, Braun said the department is well-staffed and not struggling to find applicants, crediting department heads and county commissioners for a competitive pay and benefits plan.

"I have to say we're truly blessed," Braun said. "There are phases that we've gone through where we're having a hard time getting applicants. We are not having that issue."

🎙 Ellis County Sheriff reports over 15,000 calls in 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Hays man was found guilty of second-degree murder Friday in the death of his&nbsp;5-month-old son.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b82bb20e-49b1-41cf-bf36-fb0b29acf58a">Emergency personnel were dispatched at 12:15 p.m. on April 2, 2024, to Room 206 at the Rodeway Inn, 3404 Vine St., responding to a report</a> that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/obituaries/fernando-leon">Fernando Leon III</a>, an infant, was not breathing.

Abraham Duran Leon of Hays, Fernando's father,&nbsp;was also present in the motel room.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said drug paraphernalia was found in the hotel room. A toxicology report found methamphetamine in both Leon's and his son's bodies.

The coroner's report cited methamphetamine intoxication as the cause of the child's death.

Cunningham said further investigation revealed that&nbsp;Fernando&nbsp;had been left swaddled in a heavy blanket in a car seat on a bed near a heater set at 80 degrees for 12 and a half hours alone, Cunningham said.

Abraham Leon was alternately charged with first-degree murder with the underlying felony charge of aggravated endangering a child and first-degree murder with the underlying felony of possession of methamphetamine in the case. A jury found him not guilty on both of those charges.

Leon's criminal history is a level A, the highest level. Cunningham said the second-degree murder is a level 2 person felony, and Leon is facing a sentence of almost 39 years in prison.

Leon will qualify for two years of credit toward his sentence for time served, plus up to a 15% reduction for good-time credit, which would bring his time served with the Kansas Department of Corrections to about 31 years, with no eligibility for parole, Cunningham said.

Ironically, Leon would have qualified for parole after 25 years had he been found guilty of first-degree murder, Cunningham said.

Sentencing has yet to be set in this case.

Hays man charged in death of infant son guilty of second-degree murder

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is excited to announce the appointment of Brian Kitchen as manager of treasury services.

 Appointed to provide planning, management, and strategic direction for Sunflower’s treasury management services, Kitchen will oversee cash management, corporate credit, debt issuance and borrowing, and debt compliance and administration. He will also serve as a steward of Sunflower’s financial resources, advising management on financial matters through oversight of accounts payable and payroll functions, maintaining creditor relationships, and assisting with the planning and implementation of new borrowing initiatives.

Kitchen brings more than 14 years of experience working closely with financial institutions and regulatory agencies. He has extensive experience collaborating with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve Bank, providing guidance and regulatory correspondence to banking partners. Throughout his career, he reviewed policies and procedures for internal and regulatory compliance and ensured adherence to all regulatory guidelines. In addition, he has evaluated organizations’ financial condition, operational and lending functions, and risk management practices; conducted meetings with executive management; presented examination findings to boards of directors; and prepared formal written reports of examination.

A native of Hays Kan., Kitchen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Fort Hays State University. Brian and his wife, Allison, reside in Hays with their children, Beckett, Bentley, and Bennett.

About Sunflower—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. The focus of Sunflower’s 450+ workforce is delivering reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its seven members who serve electric consumers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at sunflower.net.

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a member of Sunflower.

Sunflower appoints new manager of treasury services

Every February, the Ellis County Commission recognizes county employees who reach five years of service. The Kansas Association of Counties also honors employees celebrating eight years with the county. The following is a list of those employees:

5 Years with Ellis County Jeremiah Brown (EMS) Lori Dreiling (IT) Lucas Everett (Fire) Sharon Honeyman (Deeds) Matthew Meagher (EMS) Wade Park (Sheriff’s Office) Michael Purvis (Sheriff’s Office) Jordan Silva (Public Works) Logan Unrein (Fire) Dustin Barnes (Sheriff’s Office) Lacey Woods (Treasury) Brandon Zimmerman (Fire)

10 Years with Ellis County Merrie Boucher (Treasurer) Monte Boydston (Fire) Shaun Burd (Fire) Eric Haas (Fire) Dennis Johnson (Public Works) Ronald Julian (Fire) John Kisner (Fire) Dylan Kuhn (Fire) Dustin Mattheyer (Fire) Charles McGinnis (Public Works) Darin Myers (Fire) Amanda Shannon (Treasury)" Eric Schmidt (Fire) Janet Schmidt (HR)

15 Years with Ellis County Brian Schmidt (Public Works)

20 Years with Ellis County Wesley James (Fire) Dustin Vine (Fire)

30 Years with Ellis County Dustin Shubert (EMS)

40 Years with Ellis County Kevin Bieker (Fire)

8 Year KAC Awards Mike Fields (EMS) Mike Freeman (Public Works) Jason Gerstner (Public Works) Kaiden Grieve (Public Works) Rosa Reese (Sheriff’s Office) Vern Ruder (Treasury) Ron Wiesner (Public Works)

16 Year KAC Awards David Fitzhugh (EMS)

24 Year KAC Awards Carla Hearld (Health), Randy Newton (Sheriff’s Office), Eugene Rupp (Appraiser)

32 Year KAC Awards Michaela Dreiling (Noxious Weed Jamie Summers (EMS)

44 Year KAC Awards Melvin Kinderknecht (Public Works)

Ellis County recognizes years of work with employee service awards

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

HaysMed will host the Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat on Saturday, March 28, 2026, offering a compassionate, supportive one-day program for children coping with the loss of a loved one. The retreat will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive in Hays.

The Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat provides a safe and confidential environment where children can learn healthy ways to understand and navigate grief. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, guided discussions, and meaningful projects designed specifically for their emotional and developmental needs.

“HaysMed is committed to caring for the whole person, and that includes supporting families and children through difficult emotional experiences,” said Sarah Dreiling, HaysMed director of clinical care. “Programs like the Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat help ensure that no child has to navigate grief alone.”

Throughout the day, trained volunteers will guide children through activities that honor the memory of their loved one, encourage healthy expression, and foster connection with peers who have gone through similar experiences. Each participant will be paired with a dedicated adult buddy for support and encouragement.

Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost for children to attend.

Participation is free, but registration is required and limited to the first 20 children. Forms must be submitted by March 1, 2026. Families interested in registering may contact the HaysMed Hospice Department, which can provide all registration details by phone or mail an application upon request.

For more information or to register, contact: Phone: 785-623-6200 Email: mjordan1@haysmed.com

HaysMed hosts Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat March 28 for children experiencing grief

Fort Hays State University hosted the annual regional Science Olympiad. Nearly 100 students from 11 Kansas schools, four middle and seven high schools, braved frigid weather to compete.

The top three finishers in each of the regional events received medals, and students achieving qualifying scores were invited to compete at the state event in April at Wichita State University.

The Science Olympiad is a competition involving a wide variety of science and technology competitions, coordinated by faculty and students from several departments at the university. This year, representatives from FHSU departments of mathematics, biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, physics, and the College of Education came together to coordinate this event.

“Science Olympiad is not just about the robots or the hovercrafts, it’s really about the connection between students and teachers,” said Dr. Tara Phleps-Durr, professor and chair of biological science at FHSU. “Here in western Kansas, we have amazing mentors who pour everything into their students, and brilliant kids who are ready to take on any challenge. Seeing them work together makes it clear: the future of STEM is looking bright.”

Competitions are divided into two divisions (Division B for middle schools and Division C for high schools). This year’s school winners include:

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Third Place – Minneapolis

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second Place – Hill City

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First Place – Palco

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Third Place – Hill City

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second Place – Sacred Heart

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First Place – Goodland

Kansas middle, high school students compete in regional Science Olympiad at FHSU

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission approved a preliminary plat for the Big Creek Estates Third Addition during its Tuesday meeting.

The proposed project would be north of Reservation Road and include 14 residential lots and one stormwater retention lot.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ee851b27-fd93-4943-b1ba-e924696a0982">The item returned to the commission after additional review by the county planning and zoning board.</a>

Justin Craig, the county’s environmental services director, provided updates on the plat, including expanding the cul-de-sac to meet county standards and increasing all lot sizes to a minimum of 14,000 square feet.

Craig said the roadway would remain private and be maintained by developer Adam Pray. Multiple lots with double frontage would include restricted access areas to prevent entry from secondary roads.

The development will also use a centralized sanitary sewer, while water will come from individual private wells. Commissioner Neal Younger asked Pray what would happen if a well had to be moved because no water was found at the planned location.

"We've got flexibility," Pray said. "There's water down there. We wouldn't be so far along on this project if we didn't have high confidence in water."

Community improves district parameters

Commissioners discussed standards for future community improvement districts.

A community improvement district is a designated area where property owners agree to pay additional taxes or fees to fund road improvements. Subdivision roads in Ellis County are normally not maintained by the county.

State law requires signatures from at least 55% of landowners, but the commission agreed to require a two-thirds majority to ensure broader support for what would essentially be a taxing district.

Commissioners also agreed that at least 75% of parcels must be developed before approving a community improvement road project, which is intended to protect improved roads from damage caused by heavy construction traffic.

The commission reviewed three options for the minimum level of road improvements required for a community improvement district project.

In discussion with Public Works Director Brendan Mackay and Stonewood North resident Ty Wilson, commissioners weighed the options by considering cost, road quality and long-term county standards.

Myers clarified the three choices discussed:

1. An initial double seal coat, followed by two or possibly three additional maintenance seal coats over time 2. An initial double seal coat, followed by an asphalt lift with a seal coat, with future maintenance falling under the county's maintenance plan 3. Landowners work with a contractor for the road improvements

The commission approved the 2026 services agreement with DSNWK, formalizing previously approved funding levels.

In September 2025, the commission approved a $250,000 subsidy request for DSNWK, with additional funding of $120,000 for the child care program and $50,000 for ACCESS Transportation.

Other business • Commissioners were in agreement to refocus the county scholarship program as a recruitment and retention effort for county employees. The scholarship amount was reduced to $5,000 and would no longer be open to the general student population. • The commission reminded the public that there is a Joint Planning Commission vacancy, with the term ending on June 30, followed by a three-year term if reappointed. • From March 30 through Oct. 30, Ellis County Public Works, Road and Bridge and Noxious Weeds will operate on a four-day workweek, with employees working 10-hour days from 7 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.

Ellis County Commission approves preliminary plat for Big Creek housing 

<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

The Second City Touring Company is coming to Hays!

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center&nbsp;

For more information click here.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/encore/second-city/second-city#second-city">https://www.fhsu.edu/encore/second-city/second-city#second-city</a>

For over fifty years, THE SECOND CITY has taken its act on the road performing at colleges, performing arts centers, clubs, theatres, fundraisers, festivals, conventions, and more.

Performing social satire in (2) 45-minute acts of scripted scenes, music, and improvisation, THE SECOND CITY TOURING COMPANY is always original, daring, and hilarious. Their alumni list is a veritable “Who’s Who” of comedy including Bill Murray, John &amp; Jim Belushi, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, George Wendt, Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Horatio Sanz, Tim Meadows, Joan Rivers, John Candy, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Harold Ramis, Jane Lynch, Aidy Bryant, Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, Jack McBrayer, Jason Sudeikis, and so many more.

Learn more about&nbsp;THE SECOND CITY TOURING COMPANY here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bookece.com/artists/the-second-city-touring-company/">https://www.bookece.com/artists/the-second-city-touring-company/</a>

Grass fire near Hays City Sportsmen's Club, church contained

&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

Rose Garden to host Valentine's Day Buffet on Saturday

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services&nbsp;

The Ellis County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence at Fort Hays State University invite the community to attend Surviving the I-70 Rapist: A Story of Strength and Healing on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Beach Schmidt Auditorium on the FHSU campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The evening’s main speaker, Stacie Edgett-Minson, is a survivor of the serial sexual assaults committed by the individual known as the I-70 Rapist. In a powerful and rare public presentation, Edgett-Minson will share her journey of survival and healing, including how her faith, alongside the support of dedicated investigators and prosecutors, helped her reclaim a sense of strength and hope after trauma.

“Choosing to share such a deeply personal experience takes tremendous courage,” said Anniston Weber, community engagement and sexual violence response coordinator at Options. “Stacie’s story is not only one of survival, but of resilience and perseverance. Hearing directly from her reminds our community why believing and supporting survivors matters.”

Edgett-Minson will be joined by Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, and former Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent Mark Kendrick, both of whom were directly involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Their participation offers insight into how collaborative, survivor-centered responses can lead to accountability and justice.

Following the presentation, a panel of local professionals will be available to answer questions about sexual assault response and survivor services in Ellis County. Panelists will include representatives from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays Medical Center, the Hays Police Department, and the Ellis County Attorney’s Office.

“This event is an opportunity for our community to learn, reflect, and strengthen local response efforts,” said Jennifer Hecker, executive director at Options. “By bringing together survivors, advocates, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, we reinforce that healing looks different for everyone, and that survivors deserve support at every step.”

Content Notice: This event includes discussion of sexual violence and may be emotionally difficult for some attendees. Support resources will be available during and after the presentation, and community members are encouraged to care for their well-being when choosing to attend.

Organizers emphasize that the event is grounded in hope, healing, and community responsibility, and encourage anyone interested in understanding survivor experiences and local resources to attend.

For more information, please contact Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at 785-625-4202.

Surviving the I-70 Rapist: Options to host speakers April 6

How the humanities shape understanding of race, justice, civic responsibility

Seventeen students, twelve faculty members, and two administrators from Fort Hays State University traveled to Overland Park for the 24th annual Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) Symposium, held on January 16-18. This event, led by the University of Kansas Medical Center, and funded through the National Institute of Health (NIH), aims to prepare and inspire promising students for careers in bioscience.

FHSU participants presented their research through oral and poster presentations over the course of the event. Four students received awards including:

Hazel Frans (Overland Park), an oral presentation award winner in Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: Impact of one nucleotide on organ enumeration and phyllotaxy in Arabidopsis thaliana

Maggie Peterson, (Lebanon) in Dr. Eric Gillock’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: Analysis of Essential Oils Inhibiting Growth of Gram-Positive, Gram-Negative, and Fungal Pathogens&nbsp;

Jeyun Park (Seoul Korea) in Dr. Masa Watanabe’s research group, Academy of Mathematics and Science Program and Department of Chemistry. Title: Exploring Ancestral Enzymes through Sequence Reconstruction and Stability Prediction

Cody Pfaff, (Leonardville) in Dr. Eric Gillock’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: A&nbsp;Bacillus Pumilus&nbsp;Isolate with Promising Antimycobacterial Properties&nbsp;

K-INBRE is a multi-disciplinary network designed to inspire undergraduates to pursue careers in biomedical research, enhance research capacity through faculty development and retention, and expand the biomedical research infrastructure connecting several academic institutions. More information about the program can be found at www.k-inbre.org.

FHSU students recognized for research at 24th annual K-INBRE Symposium

On Feb. 15, the WPAA will present Magicians Pomeroy and Lamb at 3 p.m. at Oakley High School. &nbsp;

The Conjurors invite guests to the world of the impossible - a place where limitations have yet to be created and amazing memories are waiting to be made. From captivating stories, incredible magic, large illusions, and breathtaking demonstrations of mind control, this show guarantees an adventure that will amaze all ages.

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door. Thank you to the area sponsors especially the Logan County Community Foundation, Dane G Hansen Foundation. Sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

My earliest memories are being on and around a stage. I was mesmerized by every aspect and element of performing. Every show is a journey filled with magic, wonder, enchantment and story telling.

Magic allows us to experience the impossible. Together we will create moments and memories that will be remembered long after the lights dim and the curtains close.

Magicians Pomeroy, Lamb set for Oakley High School

Lions provide usable eyeglasses to Children and Adults throughout the World.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, we will be sorting used eyeglasses, determining their prescriptions and PREPARING THEM FOR MISSION TRIPS.

The Public is invited to attend to watch, learn or help.

We will be at STEM, (the old Hays Daily newspaper building, south side entrance), 507 Main, Ste D, from 10 to 4 on Saturday the 14th.

For more information, please call Lion Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club, VP KLSF,

Hays lions club to host recycling used glasses Feb. 14

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

North Central and North West Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 10 through Tuesday, March 10, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers.  These will be on Tuesdays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST. 

In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers. 

Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information. 

Planned topics of discussion include Understanding Flex Leases; Available Soil Water at Planting and Related Management; Wheat conditions and Breeding efforts on Mosaic Viruses; Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum and Insects to watch for in the Field. 

There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions. 

You register once and get information for all five webinars. The Zoom and YouTube links will be emailed out after you register and on the day of the webinar. Register online at <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">www.bit.ly/KSUCropTalk</a> or call your local Extension Office.&nbsp;Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

&nbsp;CCA credits have been applied for with one credit for each session. 

For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local County or District Extension Office. The Cottonwood Extension District office in Great Bend can be reached at 620-793-1910 and in Hays at 7856-628-9430.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

'Crop Talk' sessions available online for area farmers in Feb., March

A Prescribed Burn meeting is scheduled to be held on Feb. 26 starting at 9 a.m. and running until 11. The program will be held at the Agriculture Research Station at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. in Hays.

1. Benefits of prescribed burning 2. Planning a safe burn 3. Burn Safely (PBA option) 4. Protect your homes and community

Speakers will include Keith Harmony, K-State Rangeland Specialist, Dennis Carlson, Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans, and Shawna Hartman.

Breakfast will be provided for program attendees. 

While this is a free program to attend an RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 23 for an accurate meal count. Please contact Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;, or call her office at 620-793-1910 to RSVP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prescribed burn meeting set for Feb. 26 in Hays 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On February 9, Officer J. Paulakovich assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the suspect’s car struck a citizen’s vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Officer Paulakovich arrested the suspect and located fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. 

The suspect had multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of controlled substances, burglary, and parole violations. He was taken into custody and charged.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Fentanyl and cocaine found after Kan. police chase and crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday kept former New York Jets first-round draft pick&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">Darron Lee</a>&nbsp;in jail without bond as he faces a first-degree murder charge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">in the death of his girlfriend</a>&nbsp;in Tennessee.

The ruling by Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith came after Lee was arrested and charged late last week. He also faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Lee is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 9.

Authorities identified the victim in the case as Gabriella Perpétuo. The couple had been living in a home they rented where the incident occurred for about 10 days, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Lockhart testified Wednesday.

Lockhart said he was present during the autopsy and learned the potential manner of death is blunt force trauma homicide, though an autopsy report has not been released yet.

According to an arrest affidavit, first responders on Feb. 5 went to a home in the Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah for a call of CPR in progress, where they found the woman already deceased.

Lee told deputies that the woman may have fallen in the shower, but according to the affidavit, there were extensive amounts of blood in different areas of the residence that were inconsistent with Lee's statement.

Authorities carrying out a search warrant found multiple kinds of trauma to the woman's body, including a stab wound to her abdomen, an apparent human bite mark on her shoulder, a large bruise on her head, black eyes with heavy swelling, and dried blood on her face and neck, the affidavit said.

Lockhart testified that she also had a severe brain injury and a broken neck. She had more stab wounds on her legs while wearing pants without cut marks, suggesting the pants were put on afterward, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said.

Investigators also found alcohol, narcotics and a gun, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said Lee had a facial injury, lacerations on his hands, wounds on his chest and blood inside the case of his cellphone.

Crime scene detectives also identified blood that had been attempted to be cleaned in multiple areas of the house, in addition to cleaning supplies near where testing confirmed blood stains but no blood was visible, the affidavit said.

Wamp said the case is eligible for capital punishment, but prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

“Mr. Lee was in a home with a female that was, for lack of a better term, beaten to death,” Wamp said in court, arguing for the judge to withhold bond. “And the explanation that he gave doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

Wamp said Lee was on probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in one county and battery in another, and on probation in Ohio for attempted batteries.

Lee was represented at the hearing by deputy public defender Mike Little, who said in court that bond is often set for homicide or first-degree murder defendants, including those with prior felonies.

Responding to a request for comment from The Associated Press, Little said it is too early in the case for him to be making any statements.

The 31-year-old Lee played 58 games with the Jets, Kansas City and Buffalo from 2016 through the 2020 seasons. The former Ohio State linebacker was the 20th overall pick in 2016 by the Jets. He was the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl.

Former KC Chief jailed without bond in death of girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi launched into a passionate defense of President Donald Trump Wednesday as she tried to turn the page from relentless criticism of the Justice Department’s handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-client-list-sex-trafficking-049c96080a2ca2c12c84ac506437e50b">the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>, repeatedly shouting at Democrats during a combative hearing in which she postured herself as the Republican president's chief protector.

Besieged by questions over Epstein and accusations of a weaponized Justice Department, Bondi aggressively pivoted in an extraordinary speech in which she mocked her Democratic questioners, praised Trump over the performance of the stock market and openly aligned herself as in sync with a president whom she painted as a victim of past impeachments and investigations.

“You sit here and you attack the president and I’m not going to have it," Bondi told lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee. "I am not going to put up with it.”

With victims of Epstein seated behind her in the hearing room, Bondi forcefully defended the department's handling of the files related to the well-connected financier that have dogged her tenure. She accused Democrats of using the Epstein files to distract from Trump's successes, when it was Republicans who initiated the furor over the files and Bondi herself fanned the flames by distributing binders to conservative influencers at the White House last year.

The hearing quickly devolved into a partisan brawl, with Bondi repeatedly lobbing insults at Democrats while insisting she was not “going to get in the gutter” with them. In one particularly fiery exchange, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland accused Bondi of refusing to answer his questions, prompting the attorney general to call the top Democrat on the committee a “washed-up loser lawyer — not even a lawyer.”

Trying to help Bondi amid an onslaught of Democratic criticism, Republicans tried to keep the focus on bread-and-butter law enforcement issues like violent crime and illegal immigration. Bondi repeatedly deflected questions from Democrats, responding instead with attacks seemingly gleaned from news headlines as she sought to paint them as uninterested about violence in their districts. Democrats became exasperated as Bondi declined time and again to directly answer.

“This is pathetic. I am not asking trick questions," said Becca Balint, a Vermont Democrat who tried to ask Bondi whether the Justice Department had questioned different Trump administration officials about their ties to Epstein. “The American people deserve to know.”

Bondi has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">struggled to move past the backlash</a>&nbsp;over the Epstein files since handing out binders to a group of social media influencers at the White House in February 2025. The binders included no new revelations about Epstein, leading to even more calls from Trump’s base for the files to be released.

In her opening remarks, Bondi told Epstein victims to come forward to law enforcement with any information and about their abuse and said she “deeply sorry” for what they had suffered. She told the survivors that “any accusation of criminal wrongdoing will be taken seriously and investigated.”

But she refused when pressed by Rep. Pramila Jayapal to turn and face the Epstein victims in the audience and apologize for what Trump's Justice Department has “put them through" and accused the Democrat of “theatrics.”

Bondi’s appearance on Capitol Hill comes a year into her tumultuous tenure that has amplified concerns that the Justice Department is using its law enforcement powers to target political foes of the president. Just a day earlier, the department sought to secure charges against Democratic lawmakers who produced a video urging military service members not to follow “illegal orders.” But in an extraordinary rebuke of prosecutors, a grand jury in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-orders-democrats-video-e1435655587ad9715c4d1cc776edd545">refused to return an indictment.</a>

Turning aside criticism that the Justice Department under her watch has become politicized, Bondi touted the department’s work to reduce violent crime and said she was determined to restore the department to its core missions after what she described as “years of bloated bureaucracy and political weaponization.”

GOP Rep. Jim Jordan praised Bondi for undoing actions under President Joe Biden's Justice Department that Republicans say unfairly targeted conservatives — including Trump, who was charged in two criminal cases that were abandoned after his 2024 election victory.

“What a difference a year makes," Jordan said. "Under Attorney General Bondi, the DOJ has returned to its core missions — upholding the rule of law, going after the bad guys and keeping Americans safe."

Democrats, meanwhile, excoriated Bondi over haphazard redactions in the Epstein files that exposed intimate details about victims and also included nude photographs.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-28a28aeebcfd49890e0810eb69992724">A review by The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;and other news organizations has found countless examples of sloppy, inconsistent or nonexistent redactions that have revealed sensitive private information.

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