By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

HAYS - Hays High heads back to the state tournament in back-to-back season for the first time 1995-96 with a 55-37 victory over Andover Central.

Andover Central (14-11) jumped out to a 5-2 lead in a little under the first three minutes of the game. Hays bounced back with a big first quarter run. The full run totaled 16-4 for an 18-9 advantage with 1:05 left in the quarter. The Zoe Winter and Morgan Armbruster combined for five points to give the Indians a 7-5 advantage. With the score tied at seven Hays (23-1) launched into a 8-0 spurt.&nbsp;

Molly Buckles got the run going with a two-point bucket. Haley LaBarge and Jenna Schmeidler followed with a pair of traditional three point plays for a 15-7 edge with two minutes left in the quarter.

Central got a bucket which was followed by a Schmeidler second traditional three point play at 18-9. The Jaguars were game though hitting consecutive threes to close the first quarter at an 18-15 score.

They followed that with the first two field goals for the second quarter to complete a 10-0 run that boosted the Jaguars to a 19-18, ninety seconds into the second quarter. Winter put Hays back on top 20-19 a minute later. Tied at 20, Armbruster knocked in two free throws for a led the Indians would never give back.

Leading by two, Hays got the second of three, three pointers from Armbruster for a 29-24 advantage. Winter scored the final three points of the half for Hays and the Indians led 32-26 at half.

Hays never trailed in the second half. The Jaguars got within four points on two occasions. The second at 36-32 with 3:15 left in the third quarter was the closest Central would be rest of the night.

Schmeidler wrapped a pair of two point field goals around an Armbruster three for a 43-32 lead after the third quarter.

The Hays defense tightened as well after the 36-32 scored. The Indians didn't allow Central to score for the next 9:30 seconds. During that time Hays went on a 17-0 run for a 53-32 advantage with 2:30 left in the game.

Winter scored six of the Indians first eight points of the fourth quarter as Hays pulled away for a 55-37 victory.

Schmeidler led all scoring with 16. Winter grabbed her sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and a career high 14 rebounds. Armbruster scored 11 off the bench and Molly Buckles added 10.

Hays will play on Wednesday in the first round of the 5A State Tournament. The location and time is yet to be released by KSHSAA.

The Indians set a school record for wins in a season at 23.

Rupp 0, Schmeidler 16, Humphrey 0, LaBarge 3, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 11, Turner 0, Newell 0, Harrington 0, Buckles 10, Winter 15.

🏀 Hays girls headed back to the state tournament

Hays High vs Andover Central Saturday, Mar. 4 - 5:00 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 &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3793292">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

The Hays High girls try to grab one of eight spots in the 5A State Tournament when they host Andover Central on Saturday.

Hays (22-1) advanced out of the first round with a season high point total in an 80-18 victory. Andover Central&nbsp;is 14-10 after a first round home win over Hutchinson. The Jaguars are the seven seed in 5A West.

Winner of this game plays on Wednesday in the opening round of the 5A State Tournament.

Tip-off for tonight is set for 5:00. The Hertz Pregame Show will begin at 4:40 on 96.9 KFIX.&nbsp;

🏀📺 Hays girls host Andover Central in sub-state title game

TMP-Marian vs Stanton County March, 7th, 5:00 p.m Smith Center, 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/3793505">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Stanton County Trojans Saturday afternoon in Smith Center in the 2A sub-state title game. With a trip to next week's 2A state tournament on the line.

Tipoff is at 5p.m. from Smith Center. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 4:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian Monarchs set take on Stanton Co. in sub-state finals

Fuzzy's Taco Shop's owner has announced its permanent closure.

The Hays Post has no other details at this time.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop closes in Hays

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Ted Bush, president of the Wichita Firefighters Union, on the recent southwest Kansas fires.

🎥 Forward Ever: Firefighters union president on southwest Kansas fires

Tayler Schmidt was selected to participate in the KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association) 1-2A Honor Band, where she held the position of first chair bass clarinet. They performed at the KMEA In-Service Workshop at Century II in Wichita this past weekend. It was an honor for Tayler to represent Ellis High School at this prestigious event. Congratulations, Tayler! #RAILROADERPRIDE

Student represents Ellis High School at state honor band

It's almost spring and that means the Downtown Hays Market opens soon.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks, about how to become a vendor, and even apply for the market manager position.

🎙 Post Podcast: Downtown Hays Market looking for manager, vendors; opens in May 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Audoboun of Kansas recently celebrated five years of its annual Lek Treks event in Hays.

About 150 people from across the nation will be in Hays from April 9 to 12 for the event, which celebrates prairie-chickens.

Northwest Kansas is unique in that both lesser and greater prairie chickens nest here.

The birds are particularly popular with bird watchers because of their elaborate mating dances and booming calls.

However, Jackie Augustine, executive director of Audubon of Kansas, raised concerns last week when the federal government delisted the lesser prairie-chicken as an endangered species.

"We wish we could tell you that lesser prairie-chickens are no longer on the Endangered Species list because permanent habitat protections were put in place, or that their abundance has rebounded throughout their range," Augustine said in a statement.

"Instead, lesser prairie-chickens became officially delisted due to multiple court cases filed by industrial oil, big agriculture, and the Attorneys General from Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. On Feb. 26, the delisting became official through publication in the Federal Register," Augustine said.

Augustine continued, "However, we still have a glimmer of hope to save this charismatic species. At the same time as the publication of the delisting, the US Fish and Wildlife Service also published a 'status review' for the lesser prairie-chicken.

"This is the first step in considering the species for relisting. They are specifically asking for new information since 2022. 

"Information on sightings of the birds outside their traditional historic range, population trends, including leks that have disappeared since 2022, and threats to prairie-chicken habitat, including plowing prairie or industrial energy development within their range, would be particularly useful."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/192f7103-1ca0-4e59-9e45-901190d51f50">Audubon of Kansas has also raised red flags about a solar project in the works in southwest Ellis County, which it says is proposed in prime prairie-chicken habitat.</a>

The developers of the project, ibV, said initial surveys of the property found no nesting prairie-chickens, but representatives told county officials they would do further surveys this spring.

On the national level, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, who is from Plainville, applauded the delisting of the lesser prairie-chickens.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff80a947-04d7-4a3a-a224-67a56510bd30">Moran, in a statement, said the listing saddled farmers and ranchers with burdensome federal regulations.&nbsp;</a>

He said he would, "continue to support local efforts to promote voluntary solutions that will protect the bird’s habitat without placing unnecessary burdens on our agricultural community.”

The grasslands of northwest Kansas are an ideal habitat for prairie chickens, Augustine told a group gathered at the Sternberg Museum for a Chamber ribbon cutting for Lek Treks last month. A lek is another name for the bird's mating grounds.

Augustine said lesser prairie-chicken populations have been declining. There are about 25,000 left in the world, and three-quarters of them are in Kansas.

The prairie chicken festival used to be conducted in Oklahoma, but the lesser prairie-chickens have disappeared from that range.

The Kansas population is stable, Augustine said, but if the birds and their grassland habitat are not protected, the birds could be lost.

Grassland habitat is being lost at a larger rate than any other habitat in North America, Augustine said. The prairie is being developed and urbanized, taken over by trees, and developed for solar and wind farms.

Prairie-chickens avoid tall structures like trees because they can be homes to predators such as hawks or raccoons, Augustine said.

They prefer to mate in wide open grasslands.

Bird watchers enjoy keeping a life list of all the birds they have seen. The Lek Treks prairie chicken festival allows birders to go out in blinds or on van tours to see these rare birds, Augustine said.

"They are not displaying or obvious when other birds come through, like cranes. You really have to make a concerted effort to see these birds," she said.

She added, "[Festivalgoers] come out here just expecting to see the birds, and then they meet you—this community that is so welcoming. 

"They go to private land where we give our tours, and they see how the landowners and ranchers in this area are such great stewards of the grassland habitat ... and they leave Kansas really knowing that this is a special place because of these birds and the communities that support them."

Augustine said the Audubon of Kansas would like to expand the festival, but it needs more volunteers and more private landowners with leks to open land for viewing.

All of the prairie-chicken tours for this year's festival are full, but the festival has wait lists.

Kenn Kaufman, a Kansas native and renowned ornithologist and author, will speak Saturday, April 11, at the Sternberg Museum. His lecture is open to the public.

You can learn more about Lek Treks by <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/events/kansas-lek-treks#About">clicking here.</a>

Learn more about Audubon of Kansas at <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/">audubonofkansas.org</a> or follow them on Facebook.

Learn more about the local chapter, Sunflower Audubon, on its website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunfloweraudubon.org/" target="_blank">sunfloweraudubon.org,</a>&nbsp;and join their discussion group on Facebook.

Hays to host prairie-chicken festival; lesser prairie-chickens no longer listed as endangered

FHSU University Communications&nbsp;

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

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

Monday, March 16 – All About That Bass

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

Tuesday, March 17 – Terrariums To Go

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

Wednesday, March 18 – Bioluminescent Beetles: Fantastic Fireflies

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

Thursday, March 19 – Cheyenne Bottoms Buffet&nbsp;

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

Friday, March 20 – A Wild Introduction to Field Journaling

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

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

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

Spring break activities at FHSU Kansas Wetlands Education Center   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

For the purpose of this column, a weed is defined as a plant growing somewhere it is not wanted. For many gardeners, weeds are the downfall. Weeds create competition for nutrients and water. They can also restrict growth of desired plants by competing for space. The frustration with weeds leads some gardeners to turn to chemicals or give up on a garden plot altogether. Understanding weeds may be helpful in your gardening efforts. Just like our garden plants, weeds can be annuals, perennials or biennials.

Annual weeds, including henbit and spurge, germinate each year and complete their life cycle in one growing season. Perennial weeds such as, clover and bindweed, live at least two years and often reproduce by seed with the help of wind, water, animals and other means of dispersal.

We all know a child, or perhaps you were the child, who loves blowing dandelion heads and making wishes as the wind disperses the seeds. Perennial weeds can sometimes spread by cuttings of roots or other vegetative plant parts as well. This capability can make managing these weeds a challenge. 

Preventing weeds is the best management strategy. This includes using practices such as keeping the soil covered with a cover crop or mulch to prevent germination. Using drip irrigation to direct water to the desired plants rather than watering the entire garden area can also prevent weeds from germinating.

 Other prevention strategies include minimizing tillage. Deep tilling the garden damages the soil structure and brings weed seeds to the surface where conditions for germination are right. Occultation is the use of black tarps over the ground to kill weeds with the help of the sun. Depending on the persistence of the weeds this can take a couple weeks to months for successful eradication.

Weeds that have already established in a garden are often most effectively and safely removed by hand pulling. Though there are a couple of herbicides home gardeners can use there are consequences of using this method, including risk of damaging vegetable crops due to overspray.

Cultivating the top one to two inches of soil can remove annual and young perennial weeds. If done on a regular basis this can effectively control their growth. It is beneficial to knock out weeds before they are able to develop seeds to prevent reproduction.

A single dandelion seed head has been reported to produce 150 to 200 seeds. (Something to remember next time you see the neighborhood child gathering stems in their yard!) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) includes controlling weeds in the landscape. Using a variety of practices listed above will give the most effective management.

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: Weeds; ready or not, here they come

Ellis County Environmental Services

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

Such waste includes, but is not limited to:

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

Such wastes include, but are not limited to:

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

Ellis County landfill secured, mixed load reminder

&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

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

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

First Call for Help Race to Restock set for April 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United Way of Ellis County offers residents free tax filing support 

Strength training program set for Tuesday in Ellis

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

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

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

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

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

A freewill offering will be taken but is not required.

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

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Association will have in concert pianist Barron Ryan who will present "Classic Meets Cool" on Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. in the Cultural Arts Center, Colby.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state art agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas,&nbsp;the Dane Hansen Foundation and in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door.

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Motown. So when it comes to his own work, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Ryan is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe.

What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out, but rest assured that in all Barron Ryan’s music, classic Meets cool.

Pianist Barron Ryan to perform in Colby concert on March 8

The Hays Arts Council proudly presents Fields &amp; Forms, a compelling dual exhibition featuring the work of Amy Warfield and Brittany Gorelick, opening Friday, March 6.

This exhibition brings together two distinct artistic perspectives rooted in personal and regional&nbsp;experience.

&nbsp;Brittany Gorelick’s work reflects her lived experience as a queer and&nbsp;neurodivergent artist. 

Through collage, papermaking, and experimental printmaking, she uses&nbsp;recurring visual symbols—such as scribbled lines, structured grids, and waveform imagery—to&nbsp;explore themes of identity, structure, and emotional intensity. Bold color and layered marks&nbsp;create work that is both reflective and expressive.

In contrast, Amy Warfield turns her attention outward to the western Kansas landscape.&nbsp;

As a representational painter working primarily in watercolor, she captures the subtle atmosphere,&nbsp;texture, and character of the High Plains. Her work invites viewers to slow down and reconsider&nbsp;a landscape that is often overlooked, revealing its quiet complexity and sense of place.

The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hays&nbsp;Arts Council Annex, 1010 Main Street, Hays.

&nbsp;The event is free and open to the&nbsp;public.

The exhibition will be open beginning Thursday, March 5, and will remain on view through April&nbsp;11.

&nbsp;Public viewing hours at the Annex Gallery are:

● Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This exhibition also marks an exciting transition period for the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp;

As renovation begins on its primary facility, the organization will continue serving the community through&nbsp;temporary locations.

The Hays Arts Council Gift Shop and Main Office has reopened inside the&nbsp;Hadley Center, located at 205 E. 7th Street, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors may enter through the main Hadley entrance on 7th Street and will find HAC directly inside in a convenient retail storefront just beyond the front doors.

● Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Even during renovation, the Hays Arts Council remains committed to presenting exhibitions, arts&nbsp;education programming, Smoky Hill Art, seasonal art walks, and new community initiatives.&nbsp;The&nbsp;organization looks forward to welcoming the public into its temporary spaces while preparing for&nbsp;an exciting new chapter ahead.

For additional information, email arts@haysartscouncil.org or follow the Hays Arts Council on&nbsp;social media or visit during open hours.

New duel exhibition opens at Hays Arts Council Annex; reception Friday evening

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2817/Parris-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Tyler J. Parris</a>, 29, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2818/Parris-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on Feb. 16 regarding a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital and did not survive his injuries. The shooting occurred outside a residence near East 31st Street and Brighton Avenue.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports, Parris was in his truck, arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the truck. The two were arguing about a stolen vehicle. The defendant then allegedly fired at the victim.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $200,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Fight over stolen vehicle led to deadly KC killing

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Last month, two individuals were taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies near 4th&nbsp;and Arizona in the City of Holton. These arrests are a part of a multi-month drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine into Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Early this year, Sheriff Tim Morse initiated an investigation into potential methamphetamine sales in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. During this investigation, a series of undercover drug buys were made in Jackson County.

Early Thursday morning, deputies closed in on a pickup truck that had pulled into a local convenience store. The Sheriff’s Office believed that the suspects were allegedly bringing a delivery of methamphetamine to Jackson County from Topeka. &nbsp;Deputies took the occupants into custody at the scene and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.

The passenger of the vehicle, Jade Renee Graf, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include Distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school; Taxation Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute methamphetamine; Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;Distribute methamphetamine 3.5 – &lt;100 grams;Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Use communication facility. In the commission of a felony drug violation and a Probation Violation.

The driver of the vehicle, Gary Ray Hards, 26, of Denison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expects additional arrests and charges in connection with this investigation.

Sheriff: Kansas couple jailed after series of undercover drug buys

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base at the dignified transfer for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-military-deaths-0a3f1532ec1953d51898e5b5e2b625d6">six U.S. soldiers</a>&nbsp;killed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-veterans-military-service-dover-0a150a0cacecb8b5fc6b90cbb2c7baf1">war in the Middle East</a>.

The dignified transfer, a ritual that returns the remains of U.S. service members killed in action, is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief. During his first term, Trump said bearing witness to the transfer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.

“It's a very sad day,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to Florida later Saturday afternoon, saying that he was “glad we paid our respects.” He said the relatives of the deceased are “great people, great parents, wives, family” and said that the "parents were so proud.”

Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were present for the transfer, as were their spouses. A host of top administration officials were in attendance, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who wrote in a social media post Friday of “an unbreakable spirit to honor their memory and the resolve they embodied"; Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence.

Also present for the solemn event were governors and senators from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Florida.

Those killed in action were Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist.

As is protocol, Trump — wearing a blue suit, red tie and a white USA hat — did not speak during the transfer. The president saluted as each flag-draped transfer case was carried from the military aircraft to awaiting transfer vehicles, which would take them to a mortuary facility to prepare them for their final resting place. The families were largely silent as they observed the ritual, which lasted about a half hour.

The six members of the Army Reserve, who were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, were all from the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies. They died just one day after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c">U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign</a>&nbsp;against Iran.

“These soldiers engaged in the most noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure,” Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran, said earlier this week after the six were identified. “Our nation owes them an incredible debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”

During the ritual, transfer cases draped with the American flag and holding the remains of the fallen soldiers are carried from the military aircraft that transported them to an awaiting vehicle to take them to the mortuary facility at the base. There, the service members are prepared for their final resting place.

Amor’s husband, Joey Amor, said earlier this week that she had been scheduled to return home to him and their two children within days.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor said.

O’Brien had served in the Army Reserve for nearly 15 years, according to his LinkedIn account, and his aunt said in a post on Facebook that O’Brien “was the sweetest blue-eyed, blonde farm kid you’d ever know. He is so missed already.”

Marzan’s sister described him in a Facebook post as a “strong leader” and loving husband, father and brother.

“My baby brother, you are loved and I will hold onto all our memories and cherish them always in my heart,” Elizabeth Marzan wrote.

Coady was among the youngest people in his class, trained to troubleshoot military computer systems, but he impressed his instructors, his father, Andrew Coady, told The Associated Press.

“He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier,” Coady said. “He was also one of the most kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”

Khork's family described him as “the life of the party” who was known for his “infectious spirit” and “generous heart” and who had wanted to serve in the military since childhood.

“That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was,” according to a statement from his mother, Donna Burhans, his father, James Khork, and his stepmother, Stacey Khork.

Tietjens, who came from a military family, previously served alongside his father in Kuwait. When he returned home in February 2010, he reunited with his overjoyed wife in a local church’s gym.

Tietjens’ cousin Kaylyn Golike asked for prayers, especially for Tietjens’ 12-year-old son, wife and parents, as they navigate “unimaginable loss.”

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements