By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Step back in time to 1870 as Historic Fort Hays glows under candlelit walkways and opens its door to a Victorian Christmas tonight.

Christmas Past Open House is free and runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1472 Highway 183 Alternate. Visitors can enjoy caroling, refreshments and a visit with Father Christmas.

The event also features decorated officers' quarters, a model train exhibit, wagon rides, hot apple cider, fried apples over a campfire and cookies. Its opening night was Friday.

📷 Christmas Past Open House at Historic Fort Hays set for tonight

Congratulations to Reindeer Radio week three winner, Mary Selensky, who won a pair of Oral B IO electric toothbrushes with other goodies and a gift card to Total Convenience in Victoria. This prize pack with worth well over $250!

KAYS invites you to listen to Reindeer Radio and win! Each day Monday through Thursday, we will give out a code word.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d111a20f-161a-4a69-b697-ed219dfeb558">Enter that word on the Hays Post for your chance to win.</a>&nbsp;The code word changes daily.

Thank you to this week's feature sponsor The Dentist in Hays!&nbsp;

Week 3 Reindeer Radio winner announced; play with KAYS, Hays Post

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley MHP, Hays, KS public water supply system located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure due to required maintenance in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley MHP, Hays, KS indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019af4a4e68b-ae85a77f-5f26-46ad-a0f5-89f160f0d000-000000/RZeUmS3CCQWcgN2WbtaFseA5swSLhCd0lV-RQ39eYuI=434">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil water advisory rescinded for Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park

Hays High vs Manhattan/Life Prep Saturday, Dec. 6 - 5:00 p.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3267832">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a>

The Hays High girls and boys both play for the championship of their own 43rd Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout.

It is the fourth straight trip to the finals for the Lady Indians. They face Manhattan who is making a record 17th title game appearance.&nbsp;

The Indians make a tournament record 22nd title game. Their opponent is the Life Prep Fire.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 5:00. The Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show beings at 4:40 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX. Video is available at the above link.

🏀🎥 Hays High girls and boys go for tournament titles

On behalf of the Hays High School Health Occupations Students of America–Future Health Professionals chapter, I am reaching out to request your support through sponsorship or a financial donation. 

Health Occupations Students of America&nbsp;is a national student organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through leadership development, technical skill training, and competitive events.

Participation in&nbsp;Health Occupations Students of America offers students numerous benefits, including:

· Developing real-world health science skills

· Gaining leadership experience and teamwork abilities

· Exploring healthcare careers and building professional confidence

· Preparing for postsecondary education and the medical workforce

Funds raised will directly support our students as they learn essential health services skills and work toward competing at both the state and national HOSA conferences. These opportunities are invaluable for our students’ growth, but they also come with travel, registration, and material expenses that we strive to meet each year.

We would be grateful for any level of support your business or organization is able to provide. All donations may be mailed to:

Hays High School c/o HOSA Sponsor 2500 E. 13th Street Hays, KS 67601

Thank you for considering this request and for supporting the future of healthcare in our community. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the experiences and success of our students.

—An Li, Hays High School&nbsp;Health Occupations Students of America Community Outreach Officer

LETTER: Donations sought by Hays High Future Health Professionals chapter

Hays First United Methodist Church

'Tis the season for giving and Hays First United Methodist Church is living that mission.

 The congregation has been addressing food insecurities within our community by making donations to the food pantry at First Call for Help and the Community Assistance Center along with a donation to the Community Thanksgiving meal.

The church has also made a recent donation for supplies to the Feed Hays program along with an ongoing commitment to send two volunteers from our congregation to help with preparation and dispersing of the weekly meal. 

We also have two dedicated members that have taken on the task of preparing spaghetti noodles for the meal each week.

Hays First United Methodist Church gathers food on a continuous basis to help keep the Hays High food pantry stocked as well.

Many other projects are underway for the upcoming year to assist our fellow community members in need as we carry out our mission to serve God and our&nbsp; community through various programs and groups, focusing on spiritual growth, caring ministries and nurturing leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays First United Methodist Church, season of giving

TMP-Marian v Olathe East/Newton Saturday, Dec. 6 10:00 a.m. Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3267838">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs wrap up their appearance at the 43rd Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout on Saturday morning. Both teams will look for their first win of the season in the 7th place game.

The girls face Olathe East while the boys play Newton. The games will be played in the Gold Gym at Hays High School.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 10:00 a.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 9:40 on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP wraps up Shootout appearance Saturday morning

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to the Hays Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city ordinance regarding the sale and use of fireworks in Hays will not change, for now.

The fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2 through July 4, unless suspended due to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns. The regulations have been in place since 2012.

City commissioners could not reach a consensus on any changes to the policy during their work session on Thursday.

Commissioner Reese Barrick expressed concern about the loud noises and their detrimental effects on some people and pets. He suggested limiting fireworks use to Independence Day only.

"Maybe we can restrict this a little bit, still have our fun, have that celebratory event without extending it so long," Barrick said.

He agreed with the other commissioners that the trash residue was also an issue.&nbsp;

Hays resident Ken Kennedy told the commission he doesn't shoot any fireworks but wakes up to a yard filled with debris from neighbors' shooting them each year.&nbsp;

A public poll in May showed no desire to make any major changes to the current policy.

Other agenda items included discussion of ordinances to authorize the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d49c8ec-b445-4b28-a49c-d154c709104f">Agiliti</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1d6b946f-2c14-4596-b5f1-f6df119ef9a2">Vernie's Trux-N-Equip</a>.

Agiliti, a medical equipment manufacturer on South Commerce Parkway,  plans to buy, renovate, and expand its campus buildings. A total of 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions.

The utilization of industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.

The new location of Vernie's Trux-N-Equip is on six acres northwest of the&nbsp;intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road, the site of the former Hays Livestock sales barn.

The developer is asking for the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the $2.2 million project. No property tax abatement is requested. A&nbsp;community improvement district is also sought.

Both items were moved on to the Dec. 11 meeting for a vote.

Construction engineering services contract

Tom Howie, project manager, presented a bid from Driggs Design Group for the Interstate 70, Exit 161, infrastructure project. Driggs had the low bid of $38,632. The project will be funded from general obligation bonds.

The initial new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to 8 acres, for commercial and residential development on the city-owned 90-acre property.

Following a review of its pool season operation, the Hays Recreation Commission requested a 50% reimbursement for its operating loss, as outlined in the pool services agreement with the city. The city would pay $25,501 to the recreation commission  from the 2025 General Fund Pool Budget.

Hays City Commission declines to change fireworks policy

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Armyworms are a recurring pest issue across Kansas, but several different species fall under the “armyworm” umbrella. Each species varies in its host plants, seasonal activity, and whether it overwinters in the state (Table 1). This article prepared by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomology Specialist provides an overview of the major species of concern, with emphasis on the Fall Armyworm and Armyworm, which were the primary issues for Kansas producers in 2025. A brief summary of the Army Cutworm, which is not a true armyworm, is also included.

The two species that caused the greatest concern to Kansas producers in 2025 were: Fall armyworm &amp; armyworm (true armyworm). Summaries for each species follow.

Fall Armyworm key characteristics:

Identification: Inverted Y on head capsule and four dark spots on the last abdominal segment.

Identification: Larvae are green to black with stripes of various colors. Head capsule is medium brown with dark markings.

ARMY CUTWORM (not a true Armyworm)

Identification: Small larvae are light-colored with few distinguishable markings. As they grow, larvae become darker brown or grayish with varying degrees of mottling and several pale, dorsal stripes. The head capsule is darker brown with some mottling.

Damage - Army cutworms can severely thin or eliminate stands of wheat, alfalfa, and rangeland grasses. Army cutworms were present in large numbers in 2020 and decimated areas of wheat fields and alfalfa fields in parts of Kansas. However, this was not the case in 2021, and only a few were reported in 2022. Army cutworms develop into “miller” moths, which were a nuisance in spring 2024 and a smaller nuisance in spring 2025.

Turkeys often feed heavily on army cutworm larvae, sometimes with crops full of larvae (Figure 11).

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.

CAMPBELL: The armyworm lineup: Who’s feeding in your field?

<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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

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

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

He is hosted&nbsp;by FHSU College Republicans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victoria among state football champion games on Smoky Hill PBS 

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

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

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets December meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The United Way of Ellis County announces the opening of the 2026 CARE Council application process.

The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 19.

Any&nbsp;501(c)(3) that provides services in Ellis County is eligible to apply. The services must meet one of the three&nbsp;criteria of education, health, and financial stability.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 community volunteers who review the applications to determine funding for&nbsp;the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County&nbsp;alcohol tax funds.

The online application for funding can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://liveunited.us/apply2026">https://liveunited.us/apply2026</a>.

Deadline for submission is now Friday, December 19.

For questions, please contact Janelle VanKooten,&nbsp; executive director, at 785-628-8281 or info@liveunited.us.

Deadline extended to Dec. 19 for United Way CARE Council applications

The Hays Symphony is set to perform its annual holiday concert, "Poinsettia Pops," at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

The "Poinsettia Pops" concert serves as the symphony's traditional seasonal performance, bringing together musicians and community members to celebrate the holidays through music.

This year’s program will feature an array of beloved orchestral holiday arrangements, including the driving rhythm of "Carol of the Bells," the tranquil beauty of "Greensleeves," and the dynamic, festive sounds of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride."

Ken Windholz will guide the audience through the evening’s program as the master of ceremonies.

Music director Benjamin Cline emphasized the concert’s role as an annual fixture in the community calendar.

“‘Poinsettia Pops’ is not just a concert; it’s our cherished annual tradition, a time when the orchestra comes together to offer a vibrant, musical celebration that truly marks the start of the holiday season for our community,” Cline said. “We are proud that this concert, like all our performances, remains free to the public. It is central to our mission to ensure that the joy and richness of live symphony music are available to everyone in Ellis County and beyond.”

Along with the holiday celebration, this year the Symphony will use the event to support local families in need during the holiday season, partnering with the local chapter of Toys For Tots.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to participate in the toy drive by contributing new, unwrapped toys or other appropriate gifts, which may be dropped off in the lobby of the performing arts center before the concert begins.

The Symphony and Toys For Tots welcome a variety of donations suitable for children of different ages, including books, board or card games, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and personal care items such as hair brushes or accessories.

Hays Symphony Guild president Joan Crull highlighted the connection between the arts and community service.

“The Hays Symphony Guild looks forward to 'Poinsettia Pops' every year. It’s a signature event that brings our community together for beautiful music and holiday fellowship, and we encourage everyone to join us for this special tradition,” Crull said. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we can maintain the tradition of free concerts. We are thrilled to combine this annual holiday event with the Toys For Tots drive, allowing the community to experience seasonal music while supporting a great cause.”

The evening will conclude with a post-concert reception, which has been made possible through a generous donation from Great Plains Dermatology.

Midwest Energy has stepped forward as the event's concert sponsor, demonstrating their strong commitment to supporting local arts and entertainment.

Further, the ability of the Hays Symphony to provide free and accessible concert experiences throughout the year is supported by its season sponsors, including the Riley Family Foundation, the Robert E. Browning Foundation, and an anonymous Ellis County family. 

Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony to present annual "Poinsettia Pops" concert on Friday

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A driver accused in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in February finally made her first court appearance on Thursday.

Madelyn Walter, 24, Derby,&nbsp; was charged with with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and leaving the scene of an accident, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Just after 5 p.m. February 6, deputies, Sedgwick County EMS and Sedgwick County Fire District #1 responded to a hit-and-run crash at 47th Street South and Clifton, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

Witnesses reported that a red Dodge Nitro was traveling south on Clifton when it failed to yield to an eastbound Ford Fiesta and struck the vehicle in the intersection.&nbsp;

The impact caused the driver of the Fiesta, identified as&nbsp; Manolopoulos &nbsp;Panagiotis of Wichita, to be ejected and then struck by his own car.

Sedgwick County EMS transported Panagiotis to a Wichita hospital in extremely critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries at 10:46 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver of the Nitro, later identified as Walter, fled the scene following the collision.

Thanks to witness reports and information provided to 911 dispatchers, deputies utilized the Flock license plate reader system to locate the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of the Walmart in Derby. With assistance from the Derby Police Department Walter was found at a nearby Derby residence.

She was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. As part of the investigation, it was determined that Walter’s 5-year-old child was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Neither Walter nor the child was injured.

Walter met the requirement for bond and was released from custody Feb. 7, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;She is scheduled to return to court Dec. 15, according to the district attorney's office.

5-year-old was in SUV during hit-and-run that killed Kan. man

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

Just after 3a.m. Nov. 29,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy with conducted a traffic stop on a blue 2008 Ford Taurus near SW Huntoon Street and SW Lincoln Street, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, were located. Roger K. Kelley, 63, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges, Criminal possession of a weapon by felon and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Kansas felon is back in jail on drug allegations

Company owner says the seized products were a small portion of the total inventory, and employees were allowed to continue production while feds were there

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Federal agents this week seized 73,000 products containing 7-hydroxymitragine, commonly known as 7-OH, from three Kansas City-area warehouses.

The seized products included things like power bars, pills and liquids shots that are made with a concentrate of 7-OH, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">the main opioid-inducing element in kratom</a>.&nbsp;

The action came out of a partnership between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Justice Department, according to the DOJ’s<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/justice-department-seizes-unlawful-7-oh-products-three-warehouses" target="_blank">&nbsp;press release issued Tuesday</a>.

“While 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the plant kratom, products containing 7-OH as an added ingredient can be dangerous,” states a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26338216-shaman-complaint/" target="_blank">civil forfeiture complaint filed on Nov. 21</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. “In the human body, 7-OH is able to bind to opioid receptors, raising concerns about its potential for abuse.”

7-OH products are advertised as improving chronic pain and “mental clarity,” and they are sold in Missouri smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online shops.&nbsp;

The FDA sent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/fda-warns-kansas-city-manufacturer-of-illegal-marketing-pain-relieving-pills/">warning letters</a>&nbsp;in June to the facility owners, Shaman Botanicals LLC and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC, stating the 7-OH products were considered “adulterated” and their labels were illegal under federal food laws.

On Nov. 12 and 13, FDA officials did an unannounced inspection of the three facilities, where they tagged and detained 76,000 units. Vince Sanders, who owns Shaman Botanicals LLC, said the company had the opportunity to appeal the FDA’s action, which they did. Shaman was the first company to make 7-OH products, Sanders said.

The DOJ filed a complaint to seize the detained products on Nov. 21, and officials from the FDA and U.S. Marshal Service seized the tagged boxes on Tuesday.

“The 7-OH products seized are illegal under federal law and pose risks to consumers, including children,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “We are committed to helping American consumers protect themselves from dangerous chemicals posing as health products.”

Price said the department will continue to work with the FDA “to ensure illegal products never enter the stream of commerce and pursue all possible civil and criminal remedies against those who violate federal laws.”

However, Sanders told The Independent Thursday the seized units were only a small portion of the 7-OH products that were at the warehouse during the FDA’s November inspection. And his employees were allowed to continue making products while the federal agents were tagging and later seizing products in the warehouse.&nbsp;

“This is the craziest part,” Sanders said. “We literally sat there continuing to make the same products that they were taking.”

Sanders said the agents explained that they were targeting the finished packages, but there were many more finished products in the warehouse than the ones that were detained and ultimately seized.&nbsp;

In the FDA’s June warning letter, the agency deemed that 7-OH is a “new dietary ingredient.” The letter states that a dietary supplement is adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if it contains a new dietary ingredient that doesn’t have enough evidence to show it isn’t dangerous.

“Because there is inadequate information available to provide a reasonable assurance that 7-OH does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury, it is illegal to sell dietary supplement products containing it as an ingredient,” the release states.&nbsp;

Sanders told The Independent in July that his company conducted three research studies on the products, including using rodents and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25999061-dfr-mgn-25-001-27jun25-crrdoc/" target="_blank">beagles</a>, which he believes shows the products are safe.

“This is just destroying something that has the potential to save hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives long term,” Sanders said.

He said there will likely be a hearing on the recent action in the next few weeks.

On the same day the DOJ’s complaint was filed on Nov. 21,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/missouri-ag-launches-investigation-into-manufacturers-of-kratom-7-oh/">Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway</a>&nbsp;sent “civil investigative demand” letters to Sanders’ company and six other producers and distributors of 7-OH products.

The letters mandate the company hand over multiple types of documents, including lab test results, research on health risks and safety label information.

Consumers, Hanaway said in a press release, “may be exposed to unapproved, unsafe and deceptively marketed opioid-like drugs.”

According to the letters sent to each company, the attorney general’s investigation targets the distribution of products containing 7-OH or “any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa,” which is the kratom plant.

“We are deeply concerned,” Hanaway said, “that Missourians are being sold drug-like substances under the guise of harmless supplements, with no FDA approval, no safety testing, and in some cases no meaningful disclosure of what these products actually contain.”

Feds seize thousands of 7-OH products from Kansas City warehouses

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Annett, a former racecar driver who made 436 combined starts in NASCAR’s three national touring series, has died. He was 39.

JR Motorsports, one of Annett's former teams, posted the news on social media on Friday. No cause of death was announced.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the team wrote. “Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and was an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.”

According to NASCAR, Annett made 321 starts in the Xfinity Series, 158 of which came with JRM.

In 2019, Annett won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet for his only win at the national level.

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