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

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>

🏀🎥 TMP Monarchs return to MCL play against Russell

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

Hays High at McPherson Tuesday, Feb. 10 - 6:00 McPherson, 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 &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3483709">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High plays their final non-conference game of the regular season as they head to McPherson on Tuesday evening.

Girls: #5-5A Hays (16-1) at McPherson (8-9) Boys: #7-5A Hays (14-3) at McPherson (9-8)

Tip-off is set for 6:00. The Hertz Pregame Show will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

📺🏀 Hays High heads to McPherson

A grass fire was reported on Monday near the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club gun field and Celebration Community Church.

Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said the call initially reported a structure fire but was later determined to be a grass fire east of the church, 5790 230th Ave.

The fire began around 4 p.m. and was moving north toward the sports activity's buildings at 5810 230th Ave. The fire was brought under control by 5:16 p.m. and no structures were damaged, Myers said.

Hays Fire Department and Ellis County Fire both responded to the scene. No injuries were reported.

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

Hays Police Department arrest log: Feb. 1-7, 2026

Rose Garden to host Valentine's Day Buffet on Saturday

&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

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 

RIO RICO, Ariz. (AP) — A person was detained for questioning Tuesday in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, hours after the FBI released surveillance videos of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie’s front door the night she vanished from her Arizona home.

Deputies detained the person during a traffic stop south of Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. It did not immediately provide details about the person or the location. The FBI referred questions to the sheriff’s office.

A Phoenix, Arizona, television station, KNXV-TV, interviewed a delivery man who said he had been detained by police on suspicions of kidnapping Guthrie. He said he was innocent and that police released him after several hours. Local and federal authorities have not confirmed that the person who they had detained was released.

The department and the FBI were conducting a court-authorized search Tuesday night at a location in Rio Rico, about an hour’s drive south of Tucson, the department said in a statement. It was expected to take several hours.

Guthrie disappeared on Feb. 1 and since then the case has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-534c68bfb666ab8e08123f130f937c2d">gripped the nation</a>. Until Tuesday, it seemed authorities were making little headway in determining what happened to the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;or finding who was responsible.

Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have released a series of video statements pleading for the return of their mother and indicating a willingness to pay a ransom. Authorities have described Nancy Guthrie as mentally sound but with limited mobility. She takes several medications and there was concern from the start that she could die without them, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said repeatedly.

The community of Rio Rico — population 20,000 — is roughly an hour's drive from Guthrie's home and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The videos released earlier Tuesday show a person wearing a ski mask and a backpack. At one point, they tilt their head down and away from a doorbell camera while approaching Guthrie's front door. The footage also shows the person holding a flashlight in their mouth and trying to cover the camera with a gloved hand and part of a plant ripped from the yard.

The videos — less than a combined minute in length — gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who was outside Guthrie's home in the foothills outside Tucson. But the images did not show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-nancy-adaa8af43efe04c252a52616d9037a05">what happened to her</a>&nbsp;or help determine whether she is still alive.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the “armed individual” appeared to "have tampered with the camera." It was not entirely clear whether there was a gun in the holster.

The videos were pulled from data on "back-end systems” after investigators spent days trying to find lost, corrupted or inaccessible images, Patel said.

“This will get the phone ringing for lots of potential leads,” said former FBI agent Katherine Schweit. “Even when you have a person who appears to be completely covered, they’re really not. You can see their girth, the shape of their face, potentially their eyes or mouth.”

Tuesday afternoon, authorities were back near Guthrie’s neighborhood, using vehicles to block her driveway. A few miles away, law enforcement was going door-to-door in the area where daughter Annie Guthrie lives, talking with neighbors as well as walking through a drainage area and examining the inside of a culvert with a flashlight.

Investigators have said for more than a week that they believe Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>. She was last seen at home Jan. 31 and reported missing the next day. DNA tests showed blood on her porch was hers, authorities said.

Authorities initially could not pull images from camera

Until now, authorities have released few details, leaving it unclear if ransom notes demanding money with deadlines already passed were authentic, and whether the Guthrie family has had any contact with whoever took Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie posted the new surveillance images on social media Tuesday, saying the family believes their mother is still alive and offering phone numbers for the FBI and county sheriff. Within minutes, the post had thousands of comments.

Investigators had hoped cameras would turn up evidence right away about how Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in an secluded neighborhood.

But the doorbell camera was disconnected early on Feb. 1. While software recorded movement at the home minutes later, Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos had initially said none of the footage could be recovered. Officials continued working to get the footage.

Savannah Guthrie expressed desperation a day ago

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-guthrie-instagram-videos-timeline-37d24fdea0bbc787900d8c02ea34b390">Heartbreaking messages</a>&nbsp;by Savannah Guthrie and her family shifted from hopeful to bleak as they made pleas for whoever took Nancy Guthrie. In a video just ahead of a purported ransom deadline Monday, Savannah Guthrie appeared alone and spoke directly to the public.

“We are at an hour of desperation,” she said. “We need your help.”

Much of the nation is closely following the case involving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/today-savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-2c0512333cfaa6cdb01a82d1992160b2">the longtime anchor</a>&nbsp;of NBC’s morning show.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump watched the new surveillance footage and was in “pure disgust,” encouraging anyone with information to call the FBI.

The FBI this week began posting digital billboards about the case in major cities from Texas to California.

Connor Hagan, a spokesperson for the FBI, said Monday that the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-ransom-deadline-arizona-3977f842fd3d1fd66952d1d763944b9d">was not aware of ongoing communication</a>&nbsp;between Guthrie’s family and any suspected kidnappers. Authorities also had not identified any suspects, he said.

Videos from Guthrie siblings appealed directly to whoever took their mom

Three days after the search began, Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings sent their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">first public appeal</a>&nbsp;to whoever took their mother, saying, “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.”

In the recorded video, Guthrie said her family was aware of media reports about a ransom letter, but they first wanted proof their mother was alive.

The next day, Savannah Guthrie’s brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-2765f354b498e6146b955162c3b71d4f">again made a plea</a>, saying, “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly."

Then over the past weekend, the family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-92dff046a91f2c5c0093f17cd3b7ad42">posted another video</a>&nbsp;— one that was more cryptic and generated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/search-nancy-guthrie-social-media-posts-e176abcc670af3844416946fb3bb5619">even more speculation</a>&nbsp;about Nancy Guthrie's fate.

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” said Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Golden reported from Seattle and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press reporters Darlene Superville in Washington, Ed White in Detroit, and Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report.

Nancy Guthrie mystery: Suspect detained and then released

Kansas City —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to improve.

&nbsp; Deputy Westphal sustained numerous serious injuries that required multiple surgeries. He was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve and on Tuesday&nbsp;returned to the&nbsp; Jackson County Sheriff's office for a short visit, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP.

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center where he underwnt several medical procedures.

Deputy struck by a car  at scene of earlier crash continues to improve

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dave-skretta">DAVE SKRETTA</a>

MILAN (AP) — U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov carried the memory of his late parents with him to the Olympics on Tuesday night, delivering an emotional, heartfelt short program at the Milan Cortina Games that fulfilled a dream they had long shared together.

Former pairs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vadim-naumov-evgenia-shishkova-dc-jet-crash-c4788cb6f3e123f0caff83e57347a00d">world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov</a>&nbsp;were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aviation-safety-dc-plane-crash-faa-helicopters-07ea495a557b8a2767d0eca4277e8be1">among the 67 people killed</a>&nbsp;— more than two dozen of them members of the figure skating community — when American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-plane-crash-army-helicopter-ntsb-cause-c2ebc159a163068b782dd4824097b00b">crashed into a military helicopter</a>&nbsp;on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport and fell into the icy Potomac River on Jan. 29, 2025.

One of the last conversations Naumov had with his parents was about what it would take to make the Olympics.

“I’ve been inspired by them since day 1, ever since we stepped on the ice together,” said Naumov, who brought an old photograph of that moment to the kiss-and-cry at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, the little tyke standing between his parents as he stepped foot on the ice for the first time, the three of them all smiling for the camera.

“It’s not necessarily thinking about them specifically,” Naumov said, “but their presence. Feeling their presence. With every glide and step that I made on the ice, I couldn’t help but feel their support, almost like a chess piece on a chess board.”

What made one of the feel-good stories of the Winter Games even more special was the performance.

While a long shot to make the top 10 at the Olympics, much less land on the podium, the 24-year-old Naumov nevertheless had one of the best short programs of his career. He opened with a quad salchow as his godmother, Gretta Bogdan, watched from the stands, and he followed up with a triple axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop to finish out the program.

As the last notes of “Nocturne No. 20” by Frederic Chopin reverberated through the arena, and the crowd rose to its feet, Naumov slid to a stop on his knees and looked to the sky, telling his parents: “Look at what we’ve done.”

“I didn’t know if I was going to cry, smile or laugh,” he said afterward, “and all I could do was look up at them. And man, I still can’t believe what just happened. I think it’s going to take me a few hours or maybe a few weeks to know.”

The plane carrying Naumov’s parents also had aboard 11 young skaters, two other coaches and several family members who had been attending a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, following the 2025 national championships.

Naumov had flown out earlier, shortly after he had finished in fourth place for the third consecutive year.

He has recalled those first weeks after the plane crash, when little things like getting out of bed seemed impossible.

“I just wanted to rot, basically,” he told The Associated Press, though he willed himself to rise anyway.

Naumov soon realized he could find a purpose in lacing up his skates again. The idea of fulfilling the Olympic dream he harbored with his parents pushed him on. And when he finished third at the U.S. championships in January, his spot was all-but secured.

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