By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

For one night, the spotlight belonged to the kings and queens of Night to Shine on Friday.

The 10th annual Night to Shine celebrates individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with an evening designed to make every guest feel like royalty.

Guests who need attire receive a tuxedo or dress fitting and can have their hair styled at a local salon. They then make a red-carpet entrance before meeting their volunteer buddies, who spend the evening by their side.

The evening included a catered meal, dancing and a variety of activities. It concluded with every guest being crowned king or queen.

🎥 Night to Shine in Hays 2026

Senate committees remained active over the past two weeks, holding hearings, refining legislation, and advancing bills to General Orders for full Senate debate and voting. The Ways and Means Committee has also begun reviewing the state budget, with agencies presenting funding requests as lawmakers work to identify priorities and potential savings.

With Turnaround Day on February 19 approaching—the deadline for most bills to pass their chamber of origin—legislative activity continues to increase. Tax relief and the state budget remain top priorities, and additional bill hearings, budget recommendations, and tax policy discussions are expected in the coming weeks. Nearly 500 bills have been introduced in the Senate since the beginning of the 2025–2026 legislative biennium, with several measures already advancing to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/">SB 244</a> – Clarifies provisions of the Women’s Bill of Rights by requiring official state documents, including driver’s licenses and birth certificates, to reflect biological sex at birth and establishes guidelines for multiple-occupancy private spaces in government buildings. The bill passed 30–9 and now heads to the Governor. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb254/">SB 254</a> – Prohibits individuals unlawfully present in the United States from receiving certain state or local public benefits. The bill passed 30–9. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2347/">CCR 2347</a> – A comprehensive public-safety measure strengthening penalties for certain theft-related offenses, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, increasing penalties related to purchasing sexual relations, and creating the crime of unlawful use of a laser pointer directed at law enforcement officers or aircraft. The bill passed 39–0 and now heads to the Governor. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1615/">SCR 1615</a> – Honors the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk for his work promoting free speech and civil discourse on college campuses and recognizes October 14 as Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day. The resolution passed 30–9. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb299/">SB 299</a> – Increases transparency by opening certain records of the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission to public disclosure while protecting confidential applicant information. The bill passed 38–0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb66/">Sub for SB 66</a> – Updates filing requirements for Statements of Substantial Interests (SSI) by local officials and requires verbal public disclosure of certain financial interests. The bill passed 36–3. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb184/"> SB 184</a> – Modifies provisions within the Kansas Drycleaner Environmental Response Act, including surcharge and penalty adjustments. The bill passed 37–2. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb348/"> SB 348</a> – Exempts certain not-for-profit electric public utility subsidiaries of electric cooperatives from portions of Kansas Corporation Commission regulation while preserving customer petition rights. The bill passed 38–0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2331/">HB 2331</a> – Establishes procedures for the disposition of unclaimed cremated remains, includes provisions related to veterans’ remains, and creates the crime of aggravated criminal desecration. The bill passed 38–0. I voted yes.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb327/">SB 327</a> – Updates meeting requirements for the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services and KanCare Oversight. The bill passed 38–0. I voted yes.

Dwight Keen – Kansas Corporation Commission. Confirmation passed 38–0. I voted yes.

January 29, 2026, marked the 165th anniversary of President James Buchanan signing the bill admitting Kansas as the 34th state of the United States. Kansas is named for the Kansa, an Algonquian word referring to the Kaw people. Our state is rich in history, natural beauty, and notable landmarks.

Within Senate District 36, we are fortunate to be home to remarkable historic sites, including the Pony Express Riders Memorial in Marshall County, the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Rock City near Minneapolis, and the “Home on the Range Cabin” in Smith County—the birthplace of our state song. “Home on the Range” was adopted as the official Kansas state song on June 30, 1947. Kansas also has two official state marches: “The Kansas March” and “Here’s Kansas.”

Our state flag, designed by Hazel Avery of Lincoln County in 1925, features the Great Seal of the State of Kansas and our state motto, “Ad Astra Per Aspera”—“To the Stars Through Difficulties.” In 1961, legislation introduced by Senator Ross Doyen of Concordia added the word “KANSAS” beneath the seal.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS

A wealth of information about Kansas government services can be found at <a href="https://portal.kansas.gov/">www.kansas.gov</a>, including business services, tax filing through WebFile, forms available through the Secretary of State, Learning Quest programs through the State Treasurer’s Office, and links to all three branches of state government.

Kansas residents can obtain information about legislation, legislative procedures, public policy issues, and state government services by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by reference librarians at the State Library of Kansas and are kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Messages for legislators may also be left through the hotline.

Questions may also be emailed to infodesk@ks.gov, or Kansans may chat in real time through the State Library’s Ask-A-Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. Text questions can be sent to 785-256-0733.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building – Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> <a href="https://elainebowers.com/">www.elainebowers.com</a>

BOWERS: 2026 Senate Scene - Weeks 3 and 4

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas is recognizing students for earning a place on the Fall 2025 Chancellor's List, the university's highest academic honor for undergraduates during the semester.

Kyzer Fox of Hays joins a select group of students who have achieved a 4.0 grade-point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours of coursework required for graduation.

"Earning a place on the Chancellor's List reflects not only a perfect GPA, but also the hard work and sustained commitment to excellence required to achieve it while balancing coursework with life's many responsibilities," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Students like these strengthen the University of Arkansas in significant ways, from elevating the classroom experience of their peers and professors to reinforcing our reputation for developing some of the nation's brightest and most capable graduates. I congratulate them on this achievement and look forward to the great things they'll accomplish in the years ahead."

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.g63uWesTOoMiEDvepx4RZVGbjnyDfSXb5Bn1iklULXSv-kgj1CtGcJuoiQCtOR2jVwfzzaVeimlINDu27dLEVdYNtRy9ss2ITeG5SteWoP_tIj-zh43xOMPJwkOMUZOD/4o1/5K__N0S2T6WR-r0a3i9MTQ/h0/h001.JFFJAfzIf0nLGXMAEtGrUt-jrsg9zKQ71c_HcvFRfG4">Fall 2025 Chancellor's List</a>&nbsp;is available online.

All students on the Chancellor's List also automatically earn recognition on the university's Dean's List, which honors undergraduates who achieve a minimum 3.75 grade-point average while completing at least 12 credit hours.

Hays student named to University of Arkansas Chancellor's List

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

By many measures, one could argue the Kelly-Toland years have been the biggest economic boon the state has ever seen.

Pick any measure…$30 billion of private sector investment (most per capita in nation), almost 80,000 new or retained jobs that pay 7.7% more than the average private sector wage in Kansas, highest ever Kansas exports, four consecutive Golden Shovel awards, a recent $3 billion budget surplus, or the coup de grace…securing the biggest economic win in state history luring the Chiefs from Missouri.

Just don’t pick population growth. At least on its face. 

Last month, census population estimates were released for 2025 showing Kansas, while achieving a modicum of growth since 2020 (1.3%), lagged all neighboring states (Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska) who averaged 2.8%, or more than double the rate of Kansas. The U.S. growth rate was 3.0%.

It’s hard to beat population growth as the gold standard metric for economic success in localities. It’s easy to see why when a community’s fortunes are tethered to it.

For example, in growing communities, if it costs each taxpayer $100 to provide “good” schools in their community, having more people (i.e., income) effectively allows the government to either lower everyone’s taxes to maintain the same level of service or keep spending levels at $100 for “better” schools. Either choice makes the community more competitive.

Conversely, communities with declining populations are death spirals. Fewer taxpayers paying $100 for “good” schools forces a decision point on local government – increase taxes to maintain “good” schools or keep them flat for “okay” schools. 

Either choice is a losing proposition and just induces more middle class wage earners to vote with their feet leaving behind a cost of operation fewer people can afford in their wake.

So, while adding jobs and private sector investment are significant precursors to growing population, why is Kansas’ population gains underachieving?

Of the seven biggest developments that opened under Kelly-Toland, four dot growing urbanizing counties between 2020-2024 – NBAF/Riley (0.8%), NBAF/Pottawatomie (6.0%), Panasonic/Johnson (3.7%), Integra/Sedgwick (2.3%), and Urban Outfitters/Wyandotte (0.1%). Wyandotte springboards to 2.2% since 2022. 

The remaining three developments dot shrinking rural to semi-rural counties - Hilmar Cheese/Ford (-0.6%), Schwan’s&nbsp;Pizza/Saline (-1.6%), and Amber Wave/Phillips (-5.0%). 

Localized population growth is happening, but when 75% of the 105 counties have not grown since 2020, statewide gains fight an uphill battle.

Another trend affecting state population is the nation’s own growth. Population math made simple: take births, minus deaths, factor arriving and departing migrants. This formula ensured U.S. population growth was unstoppable over its 250-year history. And in turn helped states grow.

By 2030, U.S. deaths will likely outnumber births. Without natural growth, only net migration remains. And under current immigration policies, net international migration has plummeted so much that the U.S. population could shrink for the first-time in its history next year. 

Kansas’s own international migration in 2024-25 cratered to 7,440 from the previous year’s 13,829 due to the chilling effect on new migrants rather than deportations.

In conclusion, the Kelly-Toland wins have shown some silver linings even in the face of these obstacles. 

Last year, Kansas domestic net migration increased by 4,000 people from the previous year, virtually all 39,000+ people added to Kansas since 2020 occurred since 2022, and many big STAR Bond projects focus on out-of-state visitors – a proxy for temporary population growth.

Good signs that the massive economic wins under Kelly-Toland stand to bear population&nbsp;fruit.

Bill Fiander teaches university-level courses in Kansas covering state/local government, public administration, and city planning.

Insight Kansas: Are Kansas’ economic wins also translating to population wins?

<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

Sunday, February 22nd is NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY! And Fuzzy's Taco Shop is the best place to celebrate! Take the quiz below to see what Fuzzy's Margarita fits your personality best!

Come check out Fuzzy's Taco Shop at&nbsp;4310 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601!

Colby hosted regional KidWind Challenge on Thursday; more to come

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Scott Summers, Hays USD 489 technology director, about school technology and cyber safety on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 technology director on school tech, cyber safety

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but they decline shortly after Feb. 14. 

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini offers guidelines to extend the life of floral arrangements and loose stems.

“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water,” Domenghini said. “Add fresh, warm water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”

Domenghini suggests recutting loose stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, under water to allow the stem to draw water instead of air.

“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, and not directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” Domenghini said.

For loose stems, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.

“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth,” Domenghini said, “Stems should be cut immediately before putting them in water.”

If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, Domenghini added.

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

BOOR: Keeping those Valentine roses lovely past Feb. 14

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners approved the 2026 street maintenance plan during a short meeting on Thursday.

The total amount of recommended bids and other in-house projects was $953,479, paid from the special highway fund in cash.

The total was almost $136,000 under budget. The remaining funds will be used for additional curb and brick repairs and pavement markings.

The largest project will be replacing several concrete panels on Fort Street between 22nd and 27th streets.&nbsp;

The other significant rehabilitation project scheduled this year is the reconstruction of the 500 block of Oak Street.

During commissioner comments at the end of the meeting, David Vilaysing asked city staff to research potential changes to the city's pet licensing requirements to reduce costs and time spent.

The city brings in about $14,000 a year in pet license fees.

"But most pet owners already go out and buy their own pet tags, which have owner contact information," Vilaysing said. "Many pets are now microchipped with pet and owner identification."&nbsp;

Vilaysing suggested revising the city ordinance to require that pet owners have their animals microchipped or provide identifying owner information.&nbsp;

"It would not only save the city money and staff time in the city clerk's office, but also for police officers and dispatch."

Staff will investigate options and bring the issue forward during a future work session.

🎙 Hays city commissioners approve almost $1M in 2026 street improvements

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

As of the beginning of the year, the Norton County Sheriff's Department has encrypted its radio traffic, so the public can no longer hear it on a police scanner.

The dispatch and radio system is under the Norton County Sheriff's Department. The dispatch center handles radio traffic for both the Sheriff's Department and Norton Police Department.

Norton County Undersheriff Adam Wahlmeier&nbsp;said the change was made to protect private information, including medical information and victims' names.

He gave the example of information that might be on a driver's license, including date of birth and home address.

He said the encryption is required for departments to continue to use the criminal justice information system.

Although deputies have computer terminals in their vehicles, he said they do not have access to the information system through those terminals. They must go through dispatch while on the road.

Sheriff Troy Thomson shared a statement about the change in January.

"This change is not about secrecy. It's about protecting private information and meeting federal requirements," he said in the letter.

He said the change will not reduce transparency or accountability. Police reports, public records requests and court proceedings will remain open.

"You may ask, 'Why not just encrypt the sensitive part?' On fast-moving radio traffic, that's not practical. Fully encrypting the channel prevents private information from being accidentally broadcast and allows officers to focus on safety rather than technology."

"This change protects victims' privacy, officer safety and personal information without changing public access to records and accountability," Thomson said in the letter

Wahlmeier said the sheriff's department purchased six new portable radios for about $5,000 to upgrade its system. Car radios were also upgraded, he said.

The Norton Police Department is sharing activity on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NPD67654">Facebook page</a>, but&nbsp;Wahlmeier said he was not aware of any plan for the Sheriff's Office to do so.

In cases of natural disasters or area-wide emergencies, the county and city use reverse 911 systems. You can sign up for the system on the <a href="https://www.cityofnorton.com/">city of Norton's homepage</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b120940f-5e46-45fc-8224-024090aec8b7">Ellis County encrypted its first responder radio traffic in 2024.</a>

Norton law enforcement radio traffic now encrypted

Ana's Gift is collecting new stuffed animals for children who have experienced trauma.

At 16, Ana Hertel embarked on a mission to bring comfort to children experiencing trauma by collecting stuffed animals.

Although Ana died shortly after starting the project, her parents, Lori and Stan Hertel, have continued her mission.

The stuffed animals must be new with tags.

They can be dropped off at Eagle Radio, 2300 Hall; Jeter Law Firm, 1200 Main St #101; Golden Plains Credit Union, 2720 Broadway Ave.; and First Kansas Bank,&nbsp;1200 E. 27th St.

Stuffed animal donations sought for Ann's Gift

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a public hearing for proposed&nbsp;Unified Development Code changes to reduce sideyard setbacks for&nbsp;carports.&nbsp;Under current regulations, carports must meet accessory structure side and rear setbacks of five feet.

Commissioners will also conduct the annual comprehensive plan review.

The complete agenda is available<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02162026-1595"> here</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Area Planning Commission to conduct public hearing on setbacks for carports

Northcentral and Northwest Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an online agronomy series, “Crop Talk”,&nbsp; which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays through March 10, and each session will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.

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

Planned topics of discussion include 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.

Register online by searching for “<a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">KSU Crop Talk webinars</a>” or call your local Extension Office. Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

CCA credits have been applied for with 1 credit for each session.

KSU Crop Talk webinar series returns for producers

Western Plains Arts Association COLBY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Western Plains Arts Association’s January 25th show was postponed because of weather and is now rescheduled for&nbsp;Sunday, February 22.

Jeff Davidson will have his public performance at the Quinter High School Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. Davidson is bringing the history of the Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories and pictures. Admission will be by WPAA season ticket or at the door.

There will be a school presentation in the Quinter High School Auditorium on Monday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. and then another at noon at the Oakley High School Auditorium for Oakley Elementary. School performances are free to all who attend.

Thanks again to our area sponsors, especially the Gove County Community Foundation and the Dane G Hansen Foundation. Additionally, it is sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

RESCHEDULED: Jeff Davidson brings Santa Fe Trail history to life through song, stories, pictures

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

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

Community Calendar

FHSU University Communications

A free virtual online open house will be hosted by Fort Hays State University on Tuesday,&nbsp;March 10, 4:30-6 p.m. CDT for area families and adult learners.&nbsp;

The event is open to&nbsp;any prospective student, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Parents with&nbsp;college-bound students&nbsp;who want to learn more about admissions, financial aid, and next steps. • Working adults or parents considering returning to school or upskilling. • • Community members exploring flexible online degree options

This is a&nbsp;virtual, drop-in event, allowing participants to join at their convenience. Attendees can:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Connect directly with faculty and university staff. • Get help with&nbsp;applications and FAFSA. • Learn about&nbsp;scholarship opportunities and prize drawings&nbsp;available to participants

Check out the event website to learn more:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/">https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/</a>.

Free FHSU Online Open House for Hays area families, adult learners

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

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

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly plans to attend a business meeting at the White House this week, which comes after President Donald Trump flip-flopped on invitations and Democrats promised to boycott.

Kelly’s office said she will attend a bipartisan working meeting on Feb. 20, but she will not partake in the White House’s black-tie dinner that is expected to follow. She has not attended the White House dinner since 2019 and does not plan to this year, said spokesperson Grace Hoge.

“She recognizes the utility of meeting with the president, Cabinet secretaries and other federal officials, alongside her colleagues, to discuss ways states and the federal government can partner on behalf of all Americans,” Hoge said. “She decided to attend the meeting once the White House invitation included all governors, regardless of party.”

The plans leading up to next week’s events in Washington, D.C., have fluctuated. Trump at first refused to invite Democrats to the White House. Then he backtracked after Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the National Governors Association, of which he is the chair, would no longer facilitate the meeting.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/09/repub/trump-shuts-out-democratic-governors-from-traditional-white-house-gatherings/">White House confirmed Trump’s decision</a>&nbsp;to exclude some Democratic governors from the dinner.

“Many Democrats were invited to dinner at the White House, and others were not. These are White House events and the President reserves the right to invite whomever he wants,” a White House official told States Newsroom, Kansas Reflector’s parent organization.

Members of the Democratic Governors Association, including Kelly, said Tuesday they wouldn’t attend the White House dinner, and accused Trump of creating chaos and division.

“If the reports are true that not all governors are invited to these events, which have historically been productive and bipartisan opportunities for collaboration, we will not be attending the White House dinner this year,” the Democratic governors’ statement said.

Trump wrote in a Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116054089500353661" target="_blank">post to Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that he only declined to invite two Democratic governors to the dinner — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the vice chair of the national association and the country’s only Black governor.

Kelly, who is in her last term, is a former chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Kansas is not a member of the National Governors Association, so she also does not plan to attend the three-day national conference, her office said.

Kansas governor plans to attend White House meeting

EDWARDS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda Civic driven by Aaron JG&nbsp;Pineda, 29, Garden City,&nbsp;was stuck on the railroad tracks on 310th Avenue just north of U.S. 50.&nbsp; An eastbound Amtrak train struck the car.

Pineda was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home.&nbsp; The conductor, engineer and an additional 113 occupants on board the train were not injured.

Kan. man dead after Amtrak train strikes car stuck on the tracks 

&nbsp;DAMASCUS —U.S. forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S&gt; Central Command.

U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage targets with precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

U.S. forces previously conducted five strikes against an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2.

Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

More than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured and over 100 ISIS infrastructure targets have been struck with hundreds of precision munitions during two months of targeted operations.

U.S. forces continue strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.

Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.

Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.

The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.

Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.

Inmate's DNA found on cigarillo at scene of Kansas City killing

HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Sedgwick County, Kansas, has been ordered to federal prison for making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations to law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Heather Worden pleaded guilty Nov. 14, 2025.U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now sentenced Worden to three months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. The court also ordered Worden to pay $210,000 in restitution.&nbsp;

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