By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Sheriff voiced support for legislation providing protection to counties that hold detainees for ICE after signing an agreement with the federal agency.

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun told a House committee on Feb. 25 in Topeka that he signed a memorandum with ICE to prevent the county from potentially losing millions of dollars in funding.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2771/">House Bill 2771</a> addresses how county sheriffs operating jails may enforce immigration detainers. The bill would require municipal insurance pools to provide liability coverage for law enforcement agencies enforcing federal law, requiring the state to pay certain judgments in potential federal civil cases and provide legal representation through the attorney general.&nbsp;

The bill would allow sheriffs who operate jails to hold individuals for up to 48 hours based on an ICE detainer or certain federal warrants to transfer them to federal authorities.

The bill would also establish procedures for reviewing detainers, notifying detainees and releasing individuals under certain conditions, including when proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status is provided.

The bill’s protections apply to law enforcement agencies participating in <a href="https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g">ICE’s 287(g) program</a>, which allows ICE to authorize state and local agencies to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties under federal supervision.

Braun told the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs that his department has entered into the agreement, which has since raised questions about what counties are allowed to do.

"If you recall, there was supposed to be cooperation with local law enforcement and inviting them to be more involved with immigration," Braun said.

Braun said that after learning about issues with the <a href="https://www.kcamp.org/">Kansas County Association Multiline Pool’s</a> coverage for holding ICE detainees, he met with the Ellis County Commission to discuss federal grant funding and whether signing the agreement could affect those funds.

Braun said in May 2025, the county association’s liability pool notified him that the ICE memorandum agreement places responsibility and costs on local agencies because coverage does not apply to activities carried out in a federal law enforcement context.

"Basically, we're dealing with detainees trying to keep our community safe, but we have no assurance through the KCamp side," he said.

Braun said his department could have faced liability if it had signed the agreement with ICE. However, he added that not signing the agreement would create challenges for Ellis County.

Braun said his department has left itself open to liability after signing the agreement with ICE. However, he added not signing the agreement would create challenges for Ellis County.

"We have a decent population, but we struggle with budgets, funding, etc. ... Our commissioners believe that it was in our best interest to sign [the ICE agreement] to ensure we get our dollars when we apply for grants," Braun said.

Braun explained to committee members that the grants support road projects and law enforcement, and that he signed the ICE memorandum at the direction of the county commission despite knowing there were “holes” in it.

"We would have lost somewhere between $2 million and $3 million, of which $327,000 comes to the sheriff's office for equipment," Braun said.

Braun said liability exposure extends beyond immigration detainers and also affects sheriffs whose employees serve on federal task forces such as the FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service.

"This issue is not about politics. It's about clarity of liability, fiscal responsibility and protecting Kansas sheriffs, counties and taxpayers from a catastrophic financial exposure," Braun said.

Braun was asked why he supports the bill, which would allow sheriffs to sign agreements without county commission approval, despite having a good relationship with his commission. His response was due to uncertainty about future leadership.

"We never know who the next sheriff is going to be, and we don't know who the next commissioners are. They may not have that relationship," he said. "We would like that authority to sign the contracts."

Braun was also asked whether his department had considered ending its agreement with ICE because of the issues surrounding it. He said the department has not had that discussion.

"We've got to look at how to protect our community. That's our main reason for still being in that program. Dollars come into play, but that's not our most important reason. We want to make a safe community, and those who violate the law and commit heinous crimes probably shouldn't be with us within our country," he said.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter also spoke in support of the bill and answered questions from the committee.

Easter provided additional details on the different ICE program models outlined in the memorandum and how ICE uses FBI databases, which jails are required by law to report to, to identify individuals who may be in the country illegally.

Opponents testify against the bill

Several opponents told the committee the bill should not remove county oversight, could disrupt relationships between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, should require a judge-signed warrant and might negatively affect local economies.

Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of the Kansas Interfaith Action, said he understands why sheriffs support the bill but remains opposed to it.

"The two specific concerns we have are the 48-hour retainer. We think under these circumstances it should be a judicial warrant rather than an administrative one. Also, this ability for the sheriffs to unilaterally sign 287(g) agreements, that should remain in civilian hands and county commission hands," he said.

Logan DeMond, director of policy and research at ACLU of Kansas, said the bill cannot be viewed in isolation and called it another attack on immigrants in the state.

"I would be remiss if I also failed to mention the legal implications of this bill and the risk of exposing the state of Kansas to federal civil rights litigiation thanks to the obvious violations of the Fourth and 14th amendments," DeMond said.

Alejandro Rangel-Lopez, campaign manager for New Frontiers, said the bill would allow federal overreach in the state and could weaken trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

"I urge you to reject the bill and preserve the trust that we have between our local law enforcement, including our sheriffs, that they built up over decades," Lopez said.

Erica Andrade, president of El Centro, said the bill would not make communities safer and could make families afraid to report crimes. She also said county commissioners are elected to represent their communities and opposed agreements that bypass their approval.

Johnny Dunlap of Spearville said the bill would be an economic disaster.

"We have a meat packing plant in southwest Kansas that allows people to earn a fairly good wage without the necessity for training or education ahead of time, so it's drawn to the immigrant population," he said. "If those folks leave, our economy is going to be at risk."

Ellis County Sheriff supports bill on ICE detainers, liability protections

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

HUTCHINSON — Twenty recruits from the 353rd Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) graduated after completing 14 weeks of intensive training. The new officers will now return to their agencies across Kansas to begin serving their communities.

Police Instructor Senior Bryan Carey introduced the class during the ceremony. Mike Brown, executive director of the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, addressed the graduates and reflected on his time at the academy and the leadership provided by KLETC staff.

“One thing — the most sacred duty of an old cop — is to teach young cops how to become old cops, how to truly be part of something bigger than yourself, how to survive this profession not only tactically, but administratively, spiritually and emotionally,” Brown said.

He challenged the graduates to continue developing throughout their careers.

“I challenge every one of you to become lifelong learners and, more importantly, lifelong teachers. Strive to be that old cop teaching young cops how to become old cops,” he said.

Officer Jonathon Slaten of the Emporia Police Department, the class president, also addressed his fellow graduates and their guests, reflecting on the transition from academy training to active duty.

“Starting tomorrow, the training wheels come off,” Slaten said. “Tomorrow, we step into patrol cars. Tomorrow, we will answer real calls. And tomorrow, someone is going to look at us not as recruits, but as the person they are counting on in the worst moments of their life.”

KLETC has been a division of the University of Kansas since 1968 and serves as the state’s central training agency for law enforcement officers.

Under the authority of Darin Beck, vice provost and director of police training, graduates received certificates attesting the satisfactory completion of a full-time basic course of instruction and certification as Kansas law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority.

The following are the graduates of the 353rd basic training class. Some trainees also received additional awards, noted in parentheses.

Anderson County Andrew McAdam, Garnett Police Department (Fitness Award)

Butler County Matthew Keene, Andover Police Department

Cherokee County Luke Gunn, Baxter Springs Police Department

Cloud County Tristan Kearn, Concordia Police Department (Fitness Award) Dustin Lindley, Cloud County Sheriff's Office

Crawford County Makinzie Goedeke, Pittsburg Police Department Alex Wilson, Girard Police Department

Edwards County Jackson Adler, Edwards County Sheriff's Office

Ellis County Gehrig Milledge, Hays Police Department

Finney County Donovin Aldana, Holcomb Police Department

Labette County Gracie Mann, Chetopa Police Department Bo Sharp, Chetopa Police Department (Fitness Award)

Leavenworth County Omar Willingham, Leavenworth Police Department

Lyon County Jonathon Slaten, Emporia Police Department (Fitness Award, class president)

McPherson County Ian Bartlett, McPherson Police Department

Osage County Kevin Lock, Carbondale Police Department

Pratt County Austyn Staats, Pratt Police Department

Saline County Molly Hodges, Salina Police Department

Sedgwick County Paris Moore, Valley Center Police Department

Wilson County James Williams, Neodesha Police Department.

Hays police officer among Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduates 

Moms Club of Hays is a local chapter of Moms Club International—a&nbsp; non-profit support group for moms in the community. We organize&nbsp; playdates and activities monthly for our club and have a monthly Mom’s Night Out. We also do two service projects a year that directly support moms and kids in our community.&nbsp;

We felt really passionate about tackling the school lunch debt in our district for our spring service project. As of February 5 the total debt was $2,636 for all Hays USD 489 schools. We immediately started sharing the word of our fundraiser and were able to share it even wider with the help of Hays Post.

We are SO excited to share that between online and direct donations we have raised $4,485!! More donations are still rolling in so that number will surely grow. 

This means that every lunch account in debt in the district has been wiped to a $0 balance, and all remaining funds have been moved into an account that will continue to pay off lunch debts as they accrue. These extra funds should extend through the remainder of the school year and potentially even into the next school year!

We would like to thank everyone for stepping up and helping us tackle this feat for the families in our community!&nbsp;

Mom's Club of Hays fundraiser clears USD 489 lunch debt, beyond

<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

&nbsp;If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

When it comes to accessorizing your Truck, Suv, Car, or Van, Advantage Glass Plus is the original specialist! They have a great selection to match your needs. Along with Towneau covers, 3M glass tinting, glass replacement, and more. Advantage Glass Plus, the original accessory center, 1005 Vine in Hays. Certificate may not be applied to account balance. 2 certificates per customer. Certificate good for one year. Advantage Glass Plus, 1005 Vine in Hays. 785-625-8855.

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Bid on this Confortotal 12,000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump 110V Ductless, 1 ton, with WIFI Compatible with Alexa from All Seasons Plumbing, Heating, and A/C in Hays.&nbsp; This unit can heat or cool up to 550 square feet.&nbsp; Perfect for a garage, she-shed or man-cave, or a part of your home that needs some extra cooling or heating.&nbsp; This item includes installation in Ellis County.&nbsp; If you live outside of Ellis County, there will be a mileage fee added.&nbsp; Call Tommy Coker if you have any questions at 785-259-4039.&nbsp; This item must be installed by no later than April 30th, 2026.

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2713 BroadwayHays, KS 67601(785) 301-2797<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Broadway-Automotive-LLC-1115577725237238/">https://www.facebook.com/Broadway-Automotive-LLC-1115577725237238/</a>

This $50.00 gift certificate to Broadway Automotive in Hays can be used for any services they provide. A basic oil change to major engine work they can do it....Things like getting your AC or heater working, fixing your pesty squeaking brakes, even finding out what that annoying check engine light is. This $50.00 gift certificate can be applied. Walk-ins and appointments always welcomed. limit: 1 per customer per visit, no cash value. Good through March 31, 2027

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Check out these items on Eagle Radio Auction through Sunday

A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.&nbsp;

Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.&nbsp;

The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

Did Kan. high school coach secretly film minors in showers in Hays?

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with the actors and directors of the Hays High musical "The Sound of Music" on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The von Trapp family will take the stage tonight as Hays High School presents an intense production of “The Sound of Music.”

Alex Underwood, Hays High School music teacher, said the upcoming production extends beyond high school students, featuring cast members as young as 6.

"To cheer on young people in their pursuit of the arts is such a powerful experience," Underwood said.

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased <a href="https://gofan.co/event/6024212?schoolId=KS25142">online</a>&nbsp;or at the door of the Hays High School Performing Arts Center, 2300 E. 13th St.

The production features 53 cast members and about 40 musicians in the orchestra pit, including 20 students.

"Johanna Jones as Maria Rainer is incredible. She is really taking command of this role, and she drives the show. It's quite remarkable," Underwood said. "Bryson Webber plays the Georg von Trapp, and he's absolutely fantastic."

11th grader Harley Foarde and Rolf Gruber 11th grader Alexis Ryan as Liesl von Trapp 10th grader Ryan Ward as Friedrich von Trapp 10th grader Martha Miller as Louisa von Trapp 10th grader Rowan Neeley as&nbsp;Brigitta vo Trapp 6th grader Zaric Picking as Kurt von Trapp 2nd grader Camryn Crough as Marta von Trapp 1st grader Gemma Davidson as Gretl von Trapp

Rehearsals began Jan. 11. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission, and marks the first production in the new performing arts center.

"We knew we needed a pretty famous show, one with a lot of name recognition. We really hope that a lot of the community comes in and experiences the new space," Underwood said.

The production follows the classic 1959 Richard Rodgers &amp; Oscar Hammerstein musical set in 1938 Austria. It focuses on Maria, a free-spirited nun who becomes the governess of the von Trapp family.

Underwood said the story was chosen because it fits this year’s students’ strengths and explores themes that remain relevant today, especially how people respond differently to the rise of fascism.

The production tells the story of the family’s resistance to the Nazi regime and their attempted escape. Underwood said the script and songs remain unchanged, but the Nazi presence is portrayed much more strongly.

"The more in-your-face threat of the Nazis will be intense. I think people will be very stirred by that, and I think that'll make the final moments really beautiful," he said.

Underwood said students are learning to create excellence by dedicating themselves to a large group project. They had a hand in costumes, lighting, musical numbers, and building and painting the sets.

"There's something really powerful about telling a story together in mass," he said.

Underwood said he hopes to reintroduce audiences to characters who were reduced to background roles in the 1965 film adaptation.

Underwood said he is thankful for the community’s support of the performing arts. While shows no longer sell out as they did 30 years ago, he said attendance remains strong.

"The work we do is really incredible. I always want to encourage Hays to come out and watch how amazing these kids are and be present with the work they're doing," he said.

You can follow Hays High School Music and Theatre on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HHSMusicTheatre">Facebook</a>.

Hays High School presents 'The Sound of Music' tonight

Hays Middle School 7th grade boys basketball team went undefeated and won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship.

The A-team went 15-0 and the B-team went 11-0.

Hays Middle School 7th grade boys win WAC basketball championships

By TAYLOR PROVINE <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/kstate-research-addresses-high-cancer-rates-in-western-kansas.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> MANHATTAN — When residents of three western Kansas counties raised concerns about rising cancer rates and potential environmental cancer risks in their communities, Kansas State University researchers responded with research and collaboration that led to results.

A project led and funded by K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;has been studying and testing groundwater contamination in private wells and radon levels in homes in Russell, Ellsworth and Lincoln counties since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/archives/2024-02/Johnson-Cancer-Research-Center-evaluates-cancer-risks-in-three-KS-counties.html">March 2024</a>. The project was initiated from residents' concerns about increasing cancer rates in these counties, including colorectal cancer in Russell County and prostate and lung cancers in Lincoln County.

Now that the initial research phase has concluded, the researchers have identified results and implemented strategies to help reduce cancer risks and promote community health.

Innovation with integrity <a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/rafferty/">Ryan Rafferty</a>, interim director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center and associate professor of chemistry, is leading the research team alongside collaborators in geology, public health, environmental science and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.k-state.edu/">K-State Extension</a>.

As part of the project, community members could volunteer to have K-State researchers test their homes for radon at no cost. Rafferty said the radon testing results have been a significant concern, prompting the need to install radon mitigation systems.

"The radon tests were off the charts," Rafferty said. "It was concerning to see what the levels were, but luckily, once we got mitigation systems into about 90% of the houses tested, they were back down to safe levels. Anyone who wanted help received it."

Private well water testing across the three counties, also conducted voluntarily, found elevated mineral levels that may also pose health risks, Rafferty said, and improved water filtration systems could help reduce the public's exposure.

Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences specialist in Ellsworth for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.midway.k-state.edu/">K-State Extension Midway District</a>. As a dedicated catalyst for improving community health, she has been a strong advocate and partner for the project.

"Sometimes a lot of our focus is just on healthy living, but healthy living can run a lot deeper," Kootz said. "With this project, one of the focuses was, if there is something in the ground that's contributing to our health, how long has it been there? What we're doing to our environment today might not affect us, but it could affect generations to come."

Kootz helped coordinate town halls in Ellsworth, Lincoln and Russell counties for residents to learn more about the project and how they could participate in research efforts.

During follow-up town hall meetings, the researchers shared anonymized results of their findings with community members for their awareness."

The people in these counties are hungry for knowledge," Rafferty said. "They want to know what is happening in the ground that they farm and live on."

Living K-State’s land-grant mission

The project reflects K-State’s land-grant commitment to addressing real-world health challenges, Rafferty said, helping to provide not only education, but also education for Kansans’ quality of life. The group is working on the next steps to continue the project and implement additional mitigation efforts.

"We are working to rebuild the team, as both professors who started this great work have retired," Rafferty said. "The team is excited to return to these communities, continue to provide results and build connections so that the community members can continue to feel like their voices are being heard.

"With the anticipation of additional funding from the Johnson Cancer Research Center and potential support from other entities, the team could expand water and radon testing to more homes, he said.

"We are living our land-grant institution's mission," Rafferty said. "That's why it was so important for us to get out there with the center's mission for fighting cancer. Radon is a big cause of cancer, and we're happy that we can mitigate it in so many homes in that area, and we look forward to helping many others.

"Every single person in this wonderful state of Kansas deserves to live a healthy and long life," he said.

The project team also includes Shreepad Joglekar, professor and head of the art department, who is documenting the daily lives of community members through photography and video interviews for the project "Surveying the Invisible: Cancer and Research in Kansas"; Helene Avocat, visiting assistant professor in geography and geospatial sciences; Luke Romang, a 2025 graduate in geology; Karin Goldberg, adjunct professor of geology; Matt Kirk, professor of geology; and Sherry Flemming, former director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cancer rates rising in western Kansas; K-State helping communities address issue

FHSU daily crime log: March 1-7, 2026

&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

&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

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Osborne County Community Foundation

March 11&nbsp;9:30-11 AM Lakeside High School Gym, Downs, KS Osborne County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Public is invited to the Trade Show&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 13&nbsp;11:00-5:00 Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne, KS Join us for Pi(e) Day! Get a piece of delicious pie or a whole one!&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 25 7-10 a.m. Osborne County Spring Health Fair, 115 N. 1st&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Call 785-346-2412 to schedule an appointment

March 27-28 To Know and Be Known - Soul Infusion Work Shop and Retreat Osborne United Methodist Church, 105 N. 3rd&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Friday 5:30-8:30 PM Join us in Learning self-defense basics with Stephanie!&nbsp; Saturday 9-3 Brunch Provided. Silvia and Stephanie will share a beautiful message. A soulful day to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the God who is already with you. Take your faith from something you read to something you live!&nbsp;Call Traci at 785-346-4555 or Robin At 785-476-5396. Register by March 16.

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