By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation has announced it will match donations up to $50,000 for the improvements planned for Sunrise Park in Hays.

"We are excited to help with this project and look forward to the many smiles it will create with kids and families in the future. The Women Who Lead set a great example of what can be accomplished by a group of enthusiastic thinkers!" Gary Shorman, foundation trustee, said.

Women Who Lead is raising funds for the second through fourth phases of improvements to the park.&nbsp;

Phase two will include new playground equipment for the park to replace aging equipment that needs to be removed.

Read more about the park project <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/85e37152-f58f-4b1d-9ccc-7976ef14c477">here</a>.

"We thank the Schmidt Foundation for its generous commitment to the Sunrise Park project, and ask the community to join us in contributing to the improvements to this wonderful space that will surely be used by Hays residents of all ages for many years to come," Nancy Jeter, Women Who Lead, president, said.

Phase one of the improvements is partially complete, with work ongoing.

If you wish to donate to the park project, you can do so through Women Who Lead on its website at&nbsp;<a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>. There is a dedicated donation button on the nonprofit's homepage for this project.

You can also send checks to Women Who Lead at PO Box 453, Hays, KS 67601, with Sunrise Park in the memo line.

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

Schmidt Foundation offers matching funds for Sunrise Park project

On Thursday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting a 38-year-old man making statements and live-streaming from a location where he did not have permission to be, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff's office. The property owner requested that the individual be removed.

Deputies located the individual identified in booking records as Steven E. Walker and observed him discharging fireworks toward the street. No vehicle damage was reported at this time.

Walker was taken into custody. During the arrest and transport process, Walker physically resisted, made threats toward law enforcement, struck a deputy with his leg, spit, and head-butted another deputy. While being repositioned for transport, Walker bit a deputy, breaking the skin.

Walker was transported to the Phillips County Jail and placed in secure holding pending further evaluation.

The injured deputy was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released, with follow-up care scheduled.

Formal charges against Walker are pending review by the Phillips County Attorney’s Office. He is currently being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

A statement on community support from the Phillips County Sheriff

During Thursday’s incident on Main Street, several members of the public stopped to check on our deputies and asked if assistance was needed.

We want the community to know that we genuinely appreciate that support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and it means a great deal to our office when citizens show concern for the safety of our deputies, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

Thank you for continuing to stand behind the deputies and staff of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.

NW Kansas man attacked deputies during arrest

Skyler Tebo CRPCTM a Private Wealth Advisor with Privian Wealth a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Hays, has qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2026.

To earn this achievement, Tebo established himself as one of the company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Tebo provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, please contact Skyler Tebo at (785) 621-4522, visit the Ameriprise office at 1105 E 30th St Ste A or visit their website ameripriseadvisors.com/team/Privian-wealth.

About Ameriprise Financial At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 130 years1. With extensive investment advice, global asset management capabilities and insurance solutions, and a nationwide network of more than 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tebo achieves Circle of Success recognition at Ameriprise Financial

The Bricks Downtown Hays is pleased to announce the addition of new members to its Board of Directors as the organization looks ahead to another exciting year in the heart of downtown. 

The Bricks is excited to welcome the following individuals to the Board of Directors:

• Julie Keller, Northwestern Office Supplies • Janie Louden, Pebl • Chief Don Scheibler, Hays Police Department • Jackie Smith, Werth Heating &amp; Air

Each new board member brings unique professional experience, fresh perspective, and a shared passion for strengthening Downtown Hays. Their leadership will support The Bricks’ mission to promote local businesses, enhance community events, and create vibrant experiences that draw residents and visitors alike to The Bricks.

“We’re excited to welcome this group to the board,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director. “The mix of new energy alongside our downtown business owners and community partners creates a strong foundation to continue the good work happening in Downtown Hays. Together, we’re building on that momentum and looking ahead to an impactful year.”

As The Bricks prepares for upcoming events and initiatives, the organization remains focused on fostering economic vitality, celebrating downtown’s historic character, and cultivating partnerships that strengthen the district.

For more information about The Bricks Downtown Hays and upcoming events, visit downtownhays.com or follow @DowntownHays on social media.

About The Bricks Downtown Hays The Bricks Downtown Hays is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and enhancing the heart of Hays through business support, events, and community-driven initiatives

The Bricks welcomes new board members

An all-new triple raffle event is live now to raise funds supporting High Plains Mental Health Center’s new Crisis Intervention Center, opening its doors to Northwest Kansas on May 4. The “Heroes of Hope &amp; Healing Triple Raffle” offers three incredible chances to win three incredible prizes.

Tickets are $20 each or a bundle of six tickets per $100. The raffle can be entered online by visiting donatehighplains.com and clicking the link to the raffle website, https://heroesofhopeandhealing.auctria.events/

The “Heroes Raffle” will feature a grand prize of $1,000 cash, plus a second-place prize of $500 and a third-place prize of $250. Each ticket may win only once. A winner drawn live on May 1, 2026. Need not be present to win.

The “Hope Raffle” will be a traditional 50/50 split the pot raffle. The lucky winner will take home half of the total amount of money raised on this raffle only. Winner will be drawn live on May 1; need not be present to win.

The “Healing Raffle” will provide the chance to win a used car! The grand prize is a pale green 2013 Ford Focus Hatchback that has been part of the High Plains Mental Health Center staff vehicle fleet. The vehicle is in good condition and has been subjected to regular maintenance. One winner will be drawn live at the Masquerade on Main gala scheduled for July 25 in downtown Hays. Need not be present to win.

Potential ticket buyers now have a choice. Do you enter the “Heroes Raffle” for set prizes – or do you enter the “Hope Raffle,” driving the grand prize even higher? Or do you need a car and plan to enter the “Healing Raffle?” You can buy one ticket for each, or buy a bundle for one and a single ticket for another. The choice is yours!

Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 students will partner with High Plains Mental Health Center to benefit this important initiative and support this fun new event. Watch social media for more information and events coming soon, and don’t forget to purchase your tickets.

All proceeds will benefit development of the Crisis Intervention Center, which will bring urgently needed behavioral health treatment to Northwest Kansas. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, the CIC provides 24/7/365 therapeutic and psychiatric care for adults experiencing mental

‘Heroes of Hope & Healing’ Triple Raffle to raise funds for crisis center

<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

Ellsworth FFA announced this year’s National FFA Week events, which will take place from February 22-28. The FFA officers have an exciting and fun week planned and hope you will be able to participate in some of our events!&nbsp;

Feb 22: Ellsworth FFA Friends and Family Night: Experience a fun evening full of trivia, speeches, live auction, silent auction raffles, food, and more. See you at the NEW location of the Ellsworth American Legion at 6 PM. Bring a smile, some friends, an empty stomach and possibly your checkbook.&nbsp;

Feb. 23: FFA Skating Fun Night and Meeting: We will be traveling to the Hutchinson Skating Rink. FFA students will have a blast with skating games. We will leave at 5:30 p.m. and be back at 10 p.m.&nbsp;

Feb. 24: Bird House Habitat project: During the day, FFA members will be making bird houses to donate to Kanopolis Lake to rehabilitate their habitat housing around the wildlife area. Sign up in the agriculture room to claim your spot to participate in this community service project.&nbsp;

Feb. 25: FFA Ag Awareness Day: On this day, FFA students will be going to the elementary and middle school to share about a topic in agriculture like how plants grow, life cycles of animals, and more. This will take place during the school day. In addition, the FFA is hosting a coloring contest for children K-2nd.&nbsp;

Feb 26: Community Breakfast Feed: FFA members will serve a FREE community breakfast from 5PM to 8PM. The meal will be in the ag shop. Bring the whole family to eat and we will serve until we are out of food!&nbsp;

Feb 26: Rock Paper Scissors Tournament: The FFA will host a Rock, Paper Scissors competition for all 7-12 grade students. Winners will be crowned during advisory period with the finals occurring in the gym.&nbsp;

Feb 27: The FFA will be hosting an FFA emblem hunt for all students around the school. Winners will receive a prize. Also, it is wear your FFA t-shirt to school or work day! Show your FFA pride. No shirt? Reach out to an FFA officer or advisor to purchase one!&nbsp;

March 3: FFA Pizza Party: FFA members participating in at least 3 FFA week events will be invited to a pizza party during lunch! In addition, new FFA t-shirts will be handed out to those doing at least 2 FFA week events.&nbsp;

Students be listening to announcements for more ways to be involved and opportunities to win prizes for your class and yourself.&nbsp;

Community members check out our Ellsworth FFA Facebook Page for opportunities to get FFA gear, get involved, be informed of the FFA endowment and learn more about your local chapter.&nbsp;

Big Award - Bob Garlow Chapter State Champion - Number 1 Program of Activities in the state for offering diverse FFA events for students and community.&nbsp; Reigning state champion ( #1 FFA chapter in the state)

2025 National Finalist for Building Communities at National FFA Convention

2025 State Champion Horse and Ag Sales team.

Kindness Heats the Heart Contest

TMP-Marian at Norton Thursday, Feb. 19th, 6 p.m Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3489462">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian travels to Oakley

Hays High vs Garden City Thursday, Feb. 19 - 6:00 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/3483753">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High plays their only game of the week on Thursday night when they host Garden City. Both Indian programs currently lead the conference standings.

The game was moved up a day as Hays High prepares to host the 5A Super Regional boys wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Girls: #4-5A Hays (18-1, 5-0) vs Garden City (13-7, 4-2) Boys: #9-5A Hays (15-4, 5-0) vs Garden City (10-10, 3-3)

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

🏀📺 Hays High returns home to host Garden City

Annual Hays Lions Club pancake feed fundraiser is March 10

VICTORIA - Victoria Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fries, Fridays, February 27, March 13, and March 27 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Victoria VFW Hall.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start Feb. 27

Please save the date for "Vessel of Survival," an MFA thesis exhibition by Jonah Simmons, presented in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree at Fort Hays State University.

The exhibition features sculptural ceramic works that explore themes of endurance, vulnerability, and material transformation, drawing from personal narrative as well as broader social and cultural frameworks.

Exhibition:&nbsp;Vessel of Survival Artist:&nbsp;Jonah Simmons, MFA Candidate (Ceramics) Dates:&nbsp;July 14–17 Reception:&nbsp;Friday, July 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Location:&nbsp;Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Fort Hays State University

'Vessel of Survival' ceramics exhibition to be presented in July at FHSU

Hays USD 489 kindergarten round-up set for next week

&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

First Call for Help seeks Meals on Wheels drivers

The Chamber in Hays announces the 38th Annual Ag Appreciation event, sponsored by High Plains Farm Credit on Tuesday, February 24.

The gathering will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schenk Building, located on the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Rd.

This long-standing tradition honors and celebrates the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout western Kansas.

The event is free to attend, with the first 300 guests receiving a complementary dinner that includes chili from Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant or green bean and dumpling soup from Gella’s Lb. Diner &amp; Brewing Co. Hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, and traditional fixings will be provided to accompany the chili, as well as pop, water, and two beer vouchers for attendees aged 21 and over.

The evening will conclude with prize drawings, courtesy of generous member sponsors who help make the celebration possible each year.

“Agriculture is a key economic contributor to Hays and Ellis County. Over 600 family farms proudly tend livestock and raise crops to feed our heartland and nation,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays.

No tickets are required for the event. However, save the date cards may be acquired from title sponsor High Plains Farm Credit. Other locations with cards include: Astra Bank, Carrico Implement, Eagle Radio – KHAZ, Equity Bank, Gella’s Diner and Lb.&nbsp;Brewing Co., Guetierrez Mexican Restaurant, HaysMed, Nex-Tech, and through cultivator sponsor locations, which can be found at hayschamber.com in the event link.

The first 150 guests will be treated to a swag bag full of gifts from sponsors. During the evening, door prize drawings will be held, with items donated by community businesses. With the help of generous sponsors, The Chamber is pleased to celebrate Ellis County’s ag producers at this free and fun event for local ag families.

For additional information contact The Chamber in Hays at 785-628-8201 or visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Chamber invites area farmers, ranchers to 38th-annual Ag Appreciation

Friends, families, and community of Hays, we are announcing our Spring Community Service Project.

We will be writing a check with a donation from our club funds to Hays USD 489 on March 1 to help go towards the lunch debt crisis. There is a total of $2,636 in school lunch debt across all Hays USD 489 schools. We are not able to cover this entire amount on our own, so we call on you, the community. 

We invite everyone in our community to help clear the balance on all of these lunch accounts.

1. You can donate through our CheddarUp fundraiser and on March 1, Moms Club of Hays will write a check directly to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services with all donations collected at&nbsp;<a href="https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaGV0YlJCSHljbWhnVzZwS3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6EKKTNSHW6Rmw9fGAuJuoWUlatlE_aHYY8l7araBN8zhZ0mKAedpuU7IS8bQ_aem_7X5Yk8noko3YxhlzxysKKw" target="_blank">https://feedthekidshays.cheddarup.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. You can mail in a check to the following: PAY TO THE ORDER OF HAYS USD 489 ATTN: NUTRITION SERVICES 323 W. 12TH STREET HAYS, KS 67601 (MEMO: School Lunch Debts)

3. You can directly donate to a school of your choice. Just give that specific school a call and they will direct you on how to make that donation.

We are fundraising starting now through February 28. We will be writing a check to Hays USD 489 Nutrition Services on March 1 with our own funds plus any donations collected.

This is a fantastic way to support your community and we are excited to see what Hays is capable of.&nbsp;

'Feed the Kids' fundraiser to clear USD 489 school lunch debt

Women Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. 

The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.

At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2026 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.

If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com or Renee&nbsp;

Women Who Lead offers $1,000 scholarships for 2026-27 school year

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas Board of Directors and staff will be conducting a strategic planning session early this spring. We would like to collect feedback from you, our valued member investors, to ensure we are focusing on areas and initiatives that matter to you the most! Thank you for your time and support!

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv7eIWzBssTLnlJMdDkqiT1pf19-M_YmXJlghcG6c3bZTrZg/viewform?usp=headerPlease&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawQAFEBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJtZmhzSjUyNW1jalhORW40c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHho8HAiKeRzdk9OKJM2PN1-ynJbK6klvd6O4eyZ3LUckWaft7iYulU5ftG7F_aem_WlE-hV7TzOrzHjaw22c8xQ">Click HERE for the survey.</a>

Chamber in Hays seeks your input

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest.”

Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former President Barack Obama of disclosing “classified information” when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-aliens-podcast-area-51-a23f03ebb1b4c3009415b20bec3df26b">Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview</a>&nbsp;that aliens were real.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and said of Obama, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

In a post on his social media platform Thursday night, Trump said he was directing government agencies to release files related “to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”

Obama, who made his comments in a podcast appearance over the weekend, later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” but said, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

By Dewey Terrill JC Post / Little Apple Post

Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were no any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined. Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.

Junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley. The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.

This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

Residents of 17 apartments displaced after Kansas fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfter

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman.

 Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. 

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

 Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Kansas man threatened to kill officers, hospital staff

MILAN (AP) — On a night of American comebacks at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>, Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

The 20-year-old Liu performed a near-flawless free skate Thursday to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. She finished with a career-best 226.79 points. Nakai and Sakamoto each made a mistake on a combination sequence.

Liu had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-usa-328f4469f6ea79776df47c27afac710a">walked away from the sport</a>&nbsp;after the 2022 Beijing Games only to launch a remarkable comeback.

It was the first individual gold medal for an American woman figure skater since 2002, when Sarah Hughes won in Salt Lake City, and it was the second gold for Liu at these Games. She helped the Americans win team gold.

Sakamoto scored 224.90 points to earn a silver. Nakai finished third with 219.16 points.

Liu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-us-0870a87177fc4cb07e2a0474fa708fa0">third after the short program</a>&nbsp;two nights earlier, though within range of gold.

US beats Canada in OT for women's hockey gold

The U.S. women's hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.

With her team trailing 1-0, American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.

Megan Keller then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">scored 4:07 into overtime</a>&nbsp;to hand the U.S. its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.

It was the seventh time the two powerhouses faced off for Olympic gold since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games. In the 2022 Beijing final,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-hockey-canada-gold-d3850710a59523b92693ba57c0111160">Canada beat the Americans</a>&nbsp;in the final.

With the sides playing 3-on-3 in overtime, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. Driving to the net, Keller got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens.

Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada in the second period.

Earlier Thursday, Alina Muller scored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-sweden-womens-hockey-olympic-bronze-cf85aec375145aa20294037d1094cd56">the bronze medal-winning goal in overtime</a>&nbsp;in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden. It came 12 years after Muller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alina-muller-switzerland-womens-hockey-6019a6844f1a9f72e60049f01ef45270">scored the clinching goal</a>&nbsp;to deliver the Swiss their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey — a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz’s late push wasn’t enough.

The American star settled for silver in the 1,500 meters, missing a chance to secure a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.

China’s Ning Zhongyan won Thursday’s race in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. The 21-year-old Stolz, who won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-stolz-olympics-speedskating-339ceb92acbc3450ca973e0fa277403f">gold medals in the 500 and 1,000</a>&nbsp;at these Games, crossed 0.77 seconds later.

As Stolz glided by, hands on his knees, Ning raised his country’s flag aloft with both hands and started a victory lap.

Stolz, a Wisconsin native, will participate in the mass start on Saturday.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, who won the 1,500 at the past two Olympics, took bronze.

Eileen Gu advances to halfpipe final despite fall

Defending Olympic champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/eileen-gu">Eileen Gu</a>&nbsp;shook off a fall during her opening run to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-halfpipe-freeski-winter-olympics-f5ee0364425f639c22b2502a3850706e">advance to Saturday's final</a>&nbsp;in freeski halfpipe. The 22-year-old Gu was born in the United States and competes for China.

She clipped the lip of the halfpipe on the third trick of her first run, knocking her left ski off and sending her skittering to the bottom of the course.

That set up a pressure-packed second attempt that run earned 86.50 points, good enough to place fifth among the 12 skiers who advanced to the final.

US and Canada reach women’s curling semifinals

The United States and Canada&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-milan-cortina-olympics-canada-switzerland-sweden-414e619b93b4bad79e3a45a5f1af31d2">advanced to the women’s curling semifinals</a>.

The Americans, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, beat Switzerland 7-6 in a match that went to an extra end. The teams will square off again in Friday’s semifinals.

Peterson threw the decisive rock and her teammates swept it into position, just a hair closer to the button than the Swiss’ nearest stone.

Canada beat South Korea 10-7 and will play Sweden on Friday.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements