By BECKY KISER Hays Post

"Stuff is getting done, with the collaboration we have with the county and the school district," Grow Hays Executive Director told the Hays City Commission Thursday.

Shaun Musil, Hays city commissioner, was pleased with the momentum of the city's economic development in 2025 following a review during Thursday's work session.

"It takes a progressive commission—at the city level, the county level, the school board, and all their departments—it takes a lot of people to make this happen," Williams said.

He opened his review by listing 20 building projects started or completed in Hays last year.

Eight multi-unit housing projects are underway, and 17 building permits have been approved for single-family homes.

"But we're still short," Williams said, "and there's no real relief in sight for 2026. We have a shortage of lots."

He said the apartments in town have a low vacancy rate, and it all results in "a strong need for more housing."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/9020cce4-2ac9-4312-8963-5a81d81ac2c8">SEE RELATED STORY: Grow Hays: City making progress but demand still outpacing supply</a>

Expansion and retention of existing businesses last year was also discussed.

Retail recruitment will continue in 2026 with a focus on the solicitation of tenants for the new $15 million <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/68c83702-3486-4109-b74f-2a7ee851a4fe">shopping center projec</a>t next to Home Depot.

"We have some tenants identified ... They want to be here," Williams said.&nbsp;

David Vilaysing, commissioner, said, "I appreciate all the work you've done. You've definitely done some good things for business and the economy here."

Williams also touched on property taxes, which the state legislature will be addressing this session. 

"We keep hearing that they're 'too high', and I understand property taxes are too high for some residents," he said, "but compared to what?"

Williams went on to break down where property taxes go in Ellis County and compared Hays to similar towns in Kansas.&nbsp;

"If you think you're going to move to Dodge City, Garden City or Lawrence because you're going to have a lower property tax, you're sadly mistaken. ... Hays is well below other peer communities," Williams said.

"We're fortunate here because we have a strong commercial tax base, and that keeps our mill levy low. You pay for the city's general fund through sales tax. Everything kind of works better here because of some of that."

Financial Management Policy revisions

Kim Rupp, director of finance, presented his recommended revisions to the Comprehensive Financial Management Policy. The last update was in December 2021.

Rupp suggested setting a $3 million cap on the budget stabilization reserve fund.

"History has proven the city’s budgeted unreserved fund balance, commission capital reserve and budget stabilization reserve have been sufficient to fund unforeseen emergency needs," Rupp said. 

Commisioners will vote on the proposed revisions at the Jan. 22 meeting.&nbsp;

Grow Hays report: 2025 filled with momentum in economic development

<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

Kansas man dies after pickups collide in Rooks County

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Becky Hickert, assistant principal at Hays High School, about the Career Technical Education program on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Career Technical Education at Hays High

It is time for the 12th annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays water poster contest. The 2026 theme is “Water…It’s Important!”

 Daycares, pre-schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, TMP Marian and home-school students, ages pre-school through 12th grade, FHSU students, faculty, and staff, Fort Hays Tech/North Central students, faculty and staff and adults in the City of Hays are eligible to participate. There is also an Intellectual/Development Disabilities (IDD) division (youth through adults).

The “Water…It’s Important!” posters can focus on water conservation or stormwater/water quality messages.

Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. Coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.

Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12 x 18-inch white poster paper with “Water…It’s Important!” included. Posters can be designed with pencil, paints, pens, crayons, or markers. In addition, the posters can be 3-dimensional, or computer-generated (but originality is expected).

Name, age, grade, and teacher (if applicable) need to be included on the back of the poster. Adults should list name, address, and phone number. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine Street, during regular business hours. 

Prize money will be awarded to 1st through 3rd place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri- Central Office supply during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.

Posters are due by Wednesday, March 12, at school offices, city hall, or the&nbsp; Public Works Department. 

The Awards Celebration will be held at Sternberg Museum on March 31, at 6 p.m.

To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/776/Water-Poster-Contest">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a> (special events tab).

For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU watershed specialist, 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays water conservation specialist, 785-628-7350.

Entries open for KSU Watersheds/City of Hays annual water poster contest

The <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">Hays Public Library</a> recently shared its list of Top 10 fiction and nonfiction books that were checked out in 2025.

Ellis County residents can cehck out library materials for free.

To get a library card, go to any service desk with a photo ID and proof of address to receive your permanent physical card. Minors who are younger than 18 will need a parent or guardian with them to receive a library card.

To learn more about library cards and checkout periods, visit the library's <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/get-a-library-card/">card webpage</a>.

You can learn more about library events, including their book clubs, by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayslibrary.org/" target="_blank">library's website</a>&nbsp;or following the library on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary">Facebook</a>.

Fiction: "The Boyfriend" by&nbsp;Freida McFadden "The Locked Door"&nbsp;by Freida McFadden "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros "The Housemaid" by&nbsp;Freida McFadden "The Perfect Son" by Freida McFadden "The Tenant"&nbsp;by Freida McFadden "Iron Flame"&nbsp;by Rebecca Yarro "The Crash"&nbsp;by Freida McFadden "The Women"&nbsp;by Kristin Hannah "The Housemaid's Secret"&nbsp;by Freida McFadden

Non-Fiction "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt "Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection"&nbsp;by John Green "The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About" by Mel Robbins "Outlive: The Science &amp; Art of Longevity" by&nbsp;Peter Attia, MD "The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy"&nbsp;by James Patterson and Vicky Ward "Crab monsters, teenage cavemen, and candy stripe nurses: Roger Corman: king of the B movie" by&nbsp;Chris Nashawaty "Fahrenheit-182" by&nbsp;Mark Hoppus and Dan Ozzi "Merlin's Tour of the Universe: A Traveler's Guide to Blue Moons and Black Holes, Mars, Stars, and Everything Far" by&nbsp;Neil deGrasse Tyson "The DOSE effect: Optimize Your Brain and Body by Boosting Your Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins"&nbsp;by T.J. Power "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma"&nbsp;

The Ellis Public Library also shared its top 10 list on Facebook. See their list below.

Follow the Ellis Public Library on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellispubliclibrary/">Facebook</a>.

Hays, Ellis public libraries release top 10 books of 2025

A towering jungle of color, imagination, and literacy now fills the stairwell of the Oberlin City Library.&nbsp;The Jungle Books, a hand-drawn and hand-painted mural by local artist and educator Ladd Wendelin, spans more than 300 square feet and rises 14.6 feet at its highest point, transforming the space into an immersive visual story about the joy of reading and a love of the natural world.

The mural depicts 265 individual animals representing 54 species, from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Wendelin completed the mural without using projectors, stencils, or tracing devices. Over approximately 1,400 hours across 584 days, he worked directly on the wall using only rough scale sketches as a guide, developing what he calls “painted drawings” that merge realistic detail with expressive character.

“I wanted the mural to feel like something you step into and become a part of, not just some painting on a wall you passively observe,” Wendelin said. “Just as the mural is a world unto itself, I felt it was important to encourage people to seek out the new, undiscovered worlds found in books.”

An Oberlin native, Wendelin is a self-taught artist, educator, writer, and former mayor whose influences range from natural history, theatre, film, music, and television. Much of his work is shaped by his childhood exploring the Kansas plains and by his commitment to community-centered art.

Begun May 3, 2024, and completed Dec. 8, 2025,&nbsp;The Jungle Books&nbsp;is Wendelin’s most ambitious project to date. Designed for children and adults alike, the mural encourages viewers to slow down, look closely, and experience books through the lens of the natural world.

The mural is now open to the public at the Oberlin City Library, located at 104 E. Oak. Interviews, photographs, and additional information are available upon request.

For more information about&nbsp;The Jungle Books, visit:&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://sites.google.com/view/the-jungle-books-mural/">https://sites.google.com/view/the-jungle-books-mural/</a>

Immersive mural ‘The Jungle Books’ transforms Oberlin library stairwell

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Getting the most out of your fertilizer dollar in these tough economic times with commodity prices as low as they are will be the focus of K-State Extension agents in the region hosting several programs to address this issue, says Stacy Campbell, crop production agent with the Cottonwood Extension District.

A soil fertility with tight crop budgets program will be held at the Barton County 4-H Building, U.S. N. Highway 281 at the intersection of NW 60th Road, Great Bend, on Thursday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m.&nbsp;

This program has been designed to help producers understand how to get the most out of their fertilizer dollar, while making zero to minimal impact on yields.

January 28 – Colby – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Thomas Co. 4-H Building

January 29 – Kensington – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – First St. John Lutheran Church

January 29 – Great Bend – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Barton Co. 4-H Building

The schools will be presented by Dr. Lucas Haag, agronomist-in-charge at Tribune and Dr. Peter Tomlinson, KSU fertility specialist along with local district extension agents. 

Topics will include KSU research updates, soil sampling, fertilizing with tight budgets, premixes and standard forms, targeted nutrients and a question and answer session. So be sure and bring all your questions with you! 2.5 CCA credits have been applied for.

Lunch will be provided following the program thanks to sponsors. 

There is no cost for the schools, however, pre-registration is requested by Friday, January 23 for all schools either online <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kzGICRCmh0rfwi">https://bit.ly/4jEiELo</a> or by calling the host county extension office.

If you have further questions, contact Stacy Campbell, crop production agent, at 785-628-9430. A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers are needed to hold each of the schools. Hope to see you there!

Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Getting the most out of your fertilizer dollar

Hays High at Garden City Friday, Jan. 16 - 6:00 Garden City, 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/3474593">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High takes to the road after a week off to resume Western Athletic Conference play.&nbsp;

The #3-5A Hays girls (9-1, 1-0) face a Garden City (7-4, 1-1) team that has split their first two conference games after losing in Liberal on Tuesday.

The #8-5A Hays boys (7-3, 1-0) face their first non-ranked opponent after four consecutive ranked foes. Garden City (7-4, 1-1) picked up their first league win on Tuesday over Liberal.

Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.

🏀📺 Hays High travels to Garden City for WAC play

&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

The Hays High FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters would like to invite you to their fourth annual benefit dinner, auction, and concert featuring Elvis Tribute Artist Frank Werth &amp; The Vibrations. 

Born and raised in Ellis County, Frank Werth is an award-winning tribute artist who delivers authentic Elvis shows and is praised for his strong vocals and stage presence. 

This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fair Grounds, Schenk Building. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. with the auction and concert to follow. Cash bar will be available.

The goal of the Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters organization is to support the Hays High FFA Chapter by providing students with scholarships, FFA jackets, meal stipends for travel, or other needs that may arise. Anyone that supports agriculture, and the development of future leaders is encouraged to come out and join us.

Tickets for this evening of food and fun are only $25 per person with children 5 and under free. Tickets can be purchased at Vanderbilt’s of Hays, or from any FFA Alumni board member. Limited tickets may be available at the door if the event is not sold out – but don’t wait, get your tickets today!

For more information about this event or the Hays High FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters, follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysHighFFAAlumniandSupporters">HaysHighFFAAlumniandSupporters</a> or email HaysFFAAlumni@gmail.com with questions.

We hope to see you on February 7 at the fairgrounds!

Hays High FFA Alumni, Supporters benefit event Feb. 7

GriefShare is a support group offering hope and healing to those who have lost a loved&nbsp;one to death. North Oak Community Church is hosting this 13-week grief recovery program&nbsp;beginning February 12, 2026 – May 7, 2026, on Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the North&nbsp;Oak Community Church Center, 3002 Northridge Court in Hays, Kansas, 67601.

Each week you will view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook in a safe, comforting environment.

For more information call North Oak Community Church Office at (785)628-8887 (Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30).

GriefShare support group to offer 13-week program at North Oak Community Church

TIMKEN —  Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 103 S. Main, in Timken is having a Chicken Noodle, Chili &amp; Potato Soup Supper on Sunday, February 1,&nbsp; from 5 - 7 p.m.&nbsp; for a free will offering. 

There will be a silent auction, three drawings for a $300 beef bundle, and two drawings for $500 cash. 

All proceeds go towards the maintenance&nbsp; of the church.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Soup supper to benefit Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken

ELLIS — Some moments come around once in 125 years.

 This spring, the Ellis Alumni Association will observe this momentous anniversary on May 22-23 to celebrate&nbsp; their past, present, and future. 

The Ellis Alumni Association&nbsp; is one of the oldest active alumnis in the state of Kansas. For over a century Ellis High School&nbsp; has shaped minds, built leaders and created a legacy&nbsp; that has stood the test of time. 

"We encourage&nbsp; and are thrilled to welcome alumni back to relive the hallways that shaped their future and catch up with friends who helped make their time at Ellis High School so memorable," said alumni president Sylvia Deutscher. "Again, honor classes are graduating classes ending in 1 and 6, but we encourage the other alumni community to join in as well."

Tentative plans the Ellis Alumni Board have announced&nbsp; are:

Friday, May 22 Alumni golf tournament, 9 a.m. Fishing contest, 8-11 a.m., Ellis Lakeside campgrounds&nbsp; Gather and Gab, 7 p.m., Ellis K of C Hall Paramount, Ellis Country Club Geocaching fun, Golden Lantern Hunt

Saturday, May 23 Parade and Chrysler Car Show, 10 a.m. Open houses at EHS, WGS, Ellis Alumni Museum, Weight room and old Ellis High School, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Railer Roll, Fairground activities&nbsp; Banquet&nbsp; and dance, 5 p.m., Dolce Vita, Wes Cossman Band.

As our dedicated historian volunteers worked to establish the EHS Alumni Museum, their research uncovered fascinating stories about the many paths EHS alumni have taken. 

While every career holds value and purpose&nbsp; a few stories stood out as especially&nbsp; memorable. Now through May 2026, the alumni will share weekly notable Alumni stories on their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisalumni">Ellis High School Alumni (KS)</a>&nbsp;spotlighting EHS legacy and their journeys.

For more information about the Ellis Alumni weekend, call 785-520-5030 or 785-656-1955 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ellishighschoolalumni@gmail.com">ellishighschoolalumni@gmail.com</a>.

Ellis Alumni Association announces plans for 125th anniversary

Dinner Show $25 January 31 at 6 p.m. Dessert Show $15 February 1 at 1 p.m. Link to buy tickets&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php">https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php</a>

TMP-Marian Pop Singers present dinner, dessert shows

CORRECTION: Ellis Fire Department pancake fundraiser set for Jan. 21

Russell County Road and Bridge Department

The Russell County Road and Bridge Department will reduce a portion of Highway 40 to one lane, at the Pioneer/Old 40 transition curve, starting today through Wednesday, Jan. 14, for a culvert installation. Portable signal lights will be in place to direct traffic. Please reduce speeds within the construction area.

Also, the Russell County Road and Bridge Department will close a portion of 15th St., from 181st to 182nd St., starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, for bridge repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route and be mindful of construction in the area. For your safety and the safety of the workers, please obey signage and do not drive around barricades.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Justin Mermis, Russell County Public Works Director, at 785-483-4032.

Portion of Highway 40 in Russell County to go to one lane for drainage work

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Ford F150 driven by Craig&nbsp; Silvey, 37, Cherokee, was westbound on Kansas 126 approximately two and one half miles west of U.S. 69.

The pickup was passing multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed and&nbsp; collided&nbsp; head-on with an eastbound 2023 Chevy Malibu driven by Layla&nbsp; Sharbutt, 16, Girard.&nbsp; After impact the pickup traveled off the&nbsp;roadway to the north and rolled.

Silvey was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Sharbutt and a passenger in the Chevy identified as Heather&nbsp;Burgess, 48, Girard, to Pittsburg Mercy. Silvy was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dead, 16-year-old driver injured after head-on crash

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of killing his estranged wife is going to prison.

This week, 34-year-old Miguel Flores was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 25-year-old, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

The sentence follows his conviction of first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife 23-year-old Loren Flores on November 21, 2022.

Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot her outside a residence.

Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;

Kansas man going to prison for killing his wife

KANSAS CITY– A member of the Los Valerosos Motorcycle Gang, a support club for the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorneyh.

Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 41, of East Ridge, Tn., pleaded guilty this week to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Gattis and other members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Gattis and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Under federal statutes, Gattis is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI,&nbsp;<a></a>the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.&nbsp;

Biker gang member admits KC area armed assault against rival

LYON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Lyon County.

The Lyon County Sheriff's office reported a John Deere tractor driven by 78-year-old Kenneth DeDonder of Reading was eastbound in the 1700 Block of of Road 270 in rural Lyon County. The tractor struck a guardrail and overturned.

First responders&nbsp;located DeDonder still in the cab of the tractor. Emporia EMS was able to extricate him from the cab of the tractor. EMS and LifeSave personnel provided care for him. However, he was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in farm tractor accident

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would charge a 10% import tax starting in February on goods from eight European nations because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.

Trump said in a social media post that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face the tariff and that it would climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.

The threat of tariffs was a drastic and potentially dangerous escalation of a showdown between Trump and NATO allies, further straining an alliance that dates to 1949 and provides a collective degree of security to Europe and North America. The Republican president has repeatedly tried to use trade penalties to bend allies and rivals alike to his will, generating investment commitments from some nations and pushback from others such as China, Brazil and India.

It was unclear how Trump could impose the tariffs under U.S. law, though he could cite economic emergency powers that are currently subject to a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.

Trump said in his Truth Social post that his tariffs were retaliation for recent trips to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands and Finland and for general opposition to his efforts to purchase the semiautonomous territory of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-greenland-trump-denmark-threat-annex-4907c132b499531d8d5fe6cd549c0beb">NATO ally</a>&nbsp;Denmark. He has Greenland is essential for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for the U.S., and has argued that Russia and China might try to take over the island.

Resistance has steadily built in Europe to Trump's ambitions, even as several countries on the continent agreed to his 15% tariffs last year in order to preserve an economic and security relationship with Washington.

Earlier Saturday, hundreds of people in Greenland's capital braved near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to march in a rally in support of their own self-governance.

The Greenlanders waved their red-and-white national flags and listened to traditional songs as they walked through Nuuk's small downtown. Some carried signs with messages like “We shape our future,” “Greenland is not for sale” and “Greenland is already GREAT.” They were joined by thousands of others in rallies across the Danish kingdom.

The rallies occurred hours after a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation in Copenhagen sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/no-such-thing-as-a-better-colonizer-inuit-council-leader-rejects-us-imperialism-over-greenland-12d022b1b63748c2a0587fc132846829">current rhetoric around Greenland</a>&nbsp;was causing concern across the Danish kingdom and that he wanted to de-escalate the situation.

“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” he said in Copenhagen, adding that the U.S. has respect for Denmark and NATO “for all we’ve done together.”

Danish Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, told The Associated Press that Denmark doesn't expect the U.S. military to attack Greenland, or any other NATO ally, and that European troops were recently deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training.

He said that the goal isn’t to send a message to the Trump administration, even through the White House hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-us-options-takeover-trump-denmark-86790903847fc8ffc27334ccb64985a9">taking the territory by force</a>.

“I will not go into the political part, but I will say that I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” he told the AP on Saturday aboard a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk. “For us, for me, it’s not about signaling. It is actually about training military units, working together with allies.”

The Danish military organized a planning meeting Friday in Greenland with NATO allies, including the U.S., to discuss Arctic security on the alliance’s northern flank in the face of a potential Russian threat. The Americans were also invited to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance in Greenland in the coming days, Andersen said.

In his 2½ years as a commander in Greenland, Andersen said that he hasn't seen any Chinese or Russian combat vessels or warships, despite Trump saying that they were off the island's coast.

But in the unlikely event of American troops using force on Danish soil, Andersen confirmed a Cold War-era law governing Danish rules of engagement.

“But you are right that it is Danish law that a Danish soldier, if attacked, has the obligation to fight back,” he said.

Thousands of people marched through Copenhagen, many of them carrying Greenland’s flag. Others held signs with slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off.”

“This is important for the whole world,” Danish protester Elise Riechie told the AP as she held Danish and Greenlandic flags. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”

Trump has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly saying that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals.

“There are no current security threats to Greenland,” Coons said.

Trump has insisted for months that the U.S. should control Greenland, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be “unacceptable.”

During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

“I may do that for Greenland, too,” Trump said.

He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue.

Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio.

That encounter didn’t resolve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-cc278af4f3daf725029101966ba03568">the deep differences</a>, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group — on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e">sharply diverging public views</a>.

European leaders have said that it's only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies.

“There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark,” Coons said. “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”

Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Boak from West Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press writer Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.

Trump slaps tariffs against European countries in bid for Greenland

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —One person died in accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Montgomery County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Hinman, Dakota Ray&nbsp;Hinman, 34, Parsons, was westbound on&nbsp;County Road 2800. The driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at U.S. 169. A northbound 2025 Freightliner semi driven by Said&nbsp;Bouchelarm, 43, Lenexa, struck the pickup on the driver's side.

Hinman was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Bouchelarm was not transported for treatment.&nbsp; Hinman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after semi, pickup crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is now down to its lowest level in more than three years.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate eased to 6.06% this week, down from 6.16% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 7.04%.

The last time the average rate was lower was Sept. 15, 2022, when it was at 6.02%.

Meanwhile, borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week, dropping to 5.38% from 5.46% last week. A year ago, that average rate was at 6.27%, Freddie Mac said.

Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power, good news for home shoppers at a time when the housing market remains in a deep slump after years of soaring prices and elevated mortgage rates have shut out many aspiring homeowners.

Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Mortgage rates began easing in July in anticipation of a series of Fed rate cuts, which began in September and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cut-inflation-jobs-e689e1397856aa24ffebdaaefa9762a2">continued last month</a>.

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but when it cuts its short-term rate that can signal lower inflation or slower economic growth ahead, which can drive investors to buy U.S. government bonds. That can help lower yields on long-term U.S. Treasurys, which can result in lower mortgage rates.

The pullback in mortgage rates helped drive sales of previously occupied U.S. homes higher on a monthly basis the last four months of 2025. Even so,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-d14d4f80bb90d6031292d1f0c377d708">home sales remained stuck at a 30-year low last year,</a>&nbsp;extending the housing market’s slump into its fourth year.

Lower mortgage rates have been helpful for home shoppers who can afford to buy at current rates. The median U.S. monthly housing payment fell to $2,413 in the four weeks ending Jan. 11, according to Redfin. That’s a 5.5% drop from the same period a year earlier and near the lowest level in two years.

The latest drop in rates comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">President Donald Trump announced last week</a>&nbsp;that the federal government would buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds in a bid to reduce mortgage rates.

Lower rates spurred a sharp increase in homeowners seeking to refinance their existing home loan to a lower rate last fall, a trend that has continued into this year.

Applications for mortgage refinancing loans soared 40% last week from the previous week and accounted for 60% of all home loan applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Applications for loans to buy a home climbed 16%.

“With mortgage rates much lower than a year ago and edging closer to 6%, MBA expects strong interest from homeowners seeking a refinance and would-be buyers stepping off the sidelines,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit.

Economists generally expect mortgage rates to ease further this year, though most recent forecasts show the average rate on a 30-year mortgage remaining above 6%, about twice what it was six years ago.

Still, rates would have to drop considerably for homeowners, who bought or refinanced when mortgage rates hit rock bottom earlier this decade, to take on a new loan at a far higher rate.

Nearly 69% of U.S. homes with an outstanding mortgage have a fixed-rate of 5% or lower, and slightly more than half have a rate at or below 4%, according to Realtor.com.

Average US long-term mortgage rate hits lowest point in more than 3 years

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The city of Wichita took the unprecedented action Friday to address social media statements involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Wichita Police.

On the city's social media page, they wrote, they are aware of circulating posts that claim Mayor Lily Wu directed the Wichita Police to work alongside ICE. 

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