By LEANNA SWART HaysMed Communication and Marketing Director

At HaysMed, we believe in the power of community, compassion and courage, and few embody these values more than Jeff and Melissa Dewey.

Melissa, HaysMed volunteer gift shop manager, has been a joyful presence at HaysMed since 2024, bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she meets.

Her journey to Hays began in 2020 with her husband, Jeff, and their three sons, the youngest of whom recently graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Originally from Ness City and Cimarron, the Deweys are true western Kansas folks, deeply rooted in rural values and community spirit.

Before joining HaysMed, Melissa worked as a paraeducator to stay close to her boys, while Jeff built a career in banking and agriculture, driven by a lifelong passion for the cattle market. 

Their shared interest in real estate led them to form Team Dewey with Coldwell Banker Executive Realty in Hays, where they quickly became known for their energy and teamwork, often jokingly referring to themselves as “Bonnie and Clyde.”

Their entrepreneurial spirit also led them to open Doghouse Liquor, which they successfully ran for three years before selling it in 2024 to focus on family and health.

That decision became even more meaningful when Jeff’s lifelong battle with polycystic kidney disease reached a critical point. Diagnosed years ago after his father received a kidney transplant from Jeff’s mother, Jeff has lived under the weight of this genetic condition. When the time came for his own transplant, Melissa stepped forward, not just as a caregiver but as a donor.

On Oct. 14, Jeff and Melissa underwent the kidney transplant surgery in Kansas City. Melissa’s recovery is expected to take 4 to 6 weeks, while Jeff’s will be slightly longer, followed by a few weeks of close monitoring.

Throughout this journey, they’ve been supported by a team of caregivers, including Lisa Dinkel, HaysMed’s director of imaging services and Melissa’s lifelong friend.

Lisa, who has served HaysMed for 35 years, even volunteered to be tested as a donor herself. Though she was a match, Melissa’s markers were the best fit.

Their story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible power of giving. Melissa shared how the donor process opened her eyes to the thorough care and support provided to donors, including full health screenings and lifelong priority should they ever need a transplant themselves.

At HaysMed, we are honored to walk alongside the Dewey family during this chapter of their lives. Melissa’s presence in our Volunteer Gift Shop has brought joy to our halls, and her story reminds us all of the profound impact of community, family, and selfless love.

Please join us in sending your thoughts and support to Jeff and Melissa as they recover and continue to inspire us all.

HaysMed celebrates strength of kidney donor, recipient

By BRENDAN M. LYNCH <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/researchers-at-ku-launch-new-kansas-flood-mapping-dashboard">KU News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — For Jude Kastens, who grew up on a farm in northwest Kansas, rainfall always was serious business. Although flooding wasn’t as big a problem in his hometown as in central and eastern Kansas, it was “always memorable” when heavy rain caused local streams to swell from their banks into surrounding river valleys.

“Being a farm kid in rural Rawlins County shaped my interests in geography, weather and the environment,” Kastens said. “I got my degrees in math at KU and eventually transitioned into applied geospatial work.”

Now, he works as a research professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://biosurvey.ku.edu/">Kansas Biological Survey &amp; Center for Ecological Research</a>&nbsp;at the University of Kansas, where he still watches for extreme rainfall in Kansas and beyond. Kastens, who directs the&nbsp;<a href="https://kars.ku.edu/">Kansas Applied Remote Sensing</a>&nbsp;(KARS) program at the Biological Survey, recently oversaw launch of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kars.ku.edu/apps/KU::kansas-flood-mapping-dashboard-1/explore">Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard</a>, a cutting-edge digital tool for emergency managers across the state as well as the public.

“The dashboard grew out of our flood modeling research,” Kastens said. “We started building it after the 2019 floods, and it’s been evolving ever since. It’s now a web-based system that automatically maps flood extent and depth in near real time. When a natural disaster strikes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansastag.gov/353/State-Emergency-Operations-Center">State Emergency Operations Center</a>&nbsp;activates, and flooding is frequently in focus. This tool gives them a clear picture of where the water is and how deep it’s expected to be along most major Kansas waterways.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kars.ku.edu/apps/KU::kansas-flood-mapping-dashboard-1/explore">Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard</a>&nbsp;uses stream gauge data from the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, among other sources, along with the terrain-based FLDPLN (“Floodplain”) model developed in Kastens’ 2008&nbsp;<a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1808/5354">dissertation</a>&nbsp;to generate flood inundation maps.&nbsp;

“We’ve automated the maps to update every two hours,” Kastens said. “Over the years, a big part of my research has focused on flooding. It started with mapping river valleys, which are historic floodplains – using hydrologic flow principles applied to terrain data. After realizing we could convert river stage readings to realistic flood inundation maps, we began to develop the Kansas flood mapping system.”

KARS works with Kansas state agencies like the Kansas Water Office and the Department of Agriculture to provide research that helps them better understand and manage land and water resources across the state.

“One of my biggest drives is to utilize science and research for the benefit of the state. Developing applications that get used makes me happy,” Kastens said.

Kastens also was part of a team to report new flood mapping research in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/19/3362">scholarly paper</a>&nbsp;recently featured on the cover of the peer-reviewed journal Remote Sensing.

“The approach is called ‘FLDSensing,’” said the KU researcher. “It uses the FLDPLN model and floodwater boundary points extracted from satellite imagery to estimate floodwater extent and depth. If you know the location of a flood’s shoreline, that’s essentially a proxy gauge. This research demonstrates how edge-of-water coordinates from the field could be used for area-wide flood mapping in the absence of stream gauges.”

The lead author of the study is Jackson Edwards, whose master’s research at KU produced the work. Other co-authors include David Weiss and Xingong Li of KU; Francisco Gomez, Hamid Moradkhani and Sagy Cohen of the University of Alabama; and Son Kim Do and Venkataraman Lakshmi of the University of Virginia.

While Kastens headed work that led to the flood mapping dashboard, he stressed it was a “total” team effort.

“A lot of people contributed to this project,” Kastens said. “My colleague Xingong Li, professor in the KU Department of Geography &amp; Atmospheric Science, laid the groundwork for the real-time mapping, and we’ve had several researchers and graduate students involved over the years. KARS researcher and PhD student David Weiss is the lead architect of the current dashboard, which received praise from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for its responsiveness and accuracy during severe spring flooding earlier this year.”

Kastens said his group would continue making improvements to the dashboard, with next steps aimed at completing coverage for the western one-third of the state and incorporating roadway impacts. Support from&nbsp;<a href="https://nsfepscor.ku.edu/track-1-arise">Kansas NSF EPSCoR ARISE</a>&nbsp;is helping with the latter effort.

“The goal is to make this resource as helpful as possible for the public and our emergency responders during a flood event,” he said

Rawlins County 'farm kid' life shaped KU prof's interests in geography, weather, environment

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest traveling holidays, with that comes an increase in crashes. The Hays Police Department wants to remind everyone to always buckle up.

Hays PD joins law enforcement across the state to provide education about the importance of seat belts. Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on local roads during the statewide Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign, which runs from Nov. 22-29.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure in your vehicle.

· The shoulder belt should lay flat across the middle of the chest and away from the neck · The lap belt should fit across the hip, not stomach · Never put the seat belt behind the back or under the arm · Children should be properly restrained in car seats according to weight, age and height

For more information on seat belts go to <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts">www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts</a>.

Hays police Thanksgiving campaign stresses importance of buckling up

During a recent visit, a friend asked, “What do I consider a life well lived?” Her timely question made me think about a recently passed friend and what a difference she made in many lives. Donna Cooper was a teacher who never quit teaching, modeling integrity, curiosity, kindness, and interest in our world. Qualities she shared daily.

We met in the late '80s when I joined Hays High staff where Donna instructed biology. 

We bonded over shared interests in teaching, birds, reptiles, plants, anything outdoors. Eventually she invited me to help sponsor and with my daughters to join her, her sons, and her students on several science club trips. Though colleagues only five years, our explorations of Oklahoma’s Black Mesa and Alabaster Caverns dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs, geology, stars in pure black skies, caves, and birds cemented our connection.

Both of us shared Oklahoma ties so even after I began teaching in Ellis, she and I continued trips to red dirt country. One spring, we joined Oklahoma Ornithological Society members to birdwatch near Kenton where I gained new respect for Donna’s knowledge. This area has unique birds that aren’t typical in either western Kansas or Oklahoma. 

Donna could identify them as well as any of the group leaders. She knew eye bars, wing markings, tail, and belly patterns like linguists know foreign languages. I suggested she offer a brain cell transfusion to strengthen my I.D. skills.

Another year, we invited another Hays High friend for a trip to Kearney, NE, during spring crane migration. All the way up and all the way home, Donna revealed identities of not only prairie and migrating birds but also grasses, forbs, and trees. Our friend and I enjoyed way more than crane-watching with our personal encyclopedia of natural knowledge.

A few years later, she demonstrated more skills during a Saturday jaunt to Quivira Wildlife Refuge. She didn’t have to see birds to tell me what they were. Listening to calls provided enough information she could tell me what hid in the marshes. If we waited patiently, the secretive bird would emerge to confirm Donna’s identification. That day, she I.D.’d regulars as well as lesser-known species.

Speaking of listening, this walking/talking resource involved me in western Kansas frog counts. On Spring nights, she needed a partner to join her while she evaluated rural locations pre-selected by a Kansas University natural science data collector. Our job involved accessing GPS-marked sites, turning off the engine, and standing outside listening for calling frogs. Donna knew every species and their identifying vocalizations. She then determined populations based on rubrics involving volume and repetitions during set time limits. That data collector had to love her reports.

Though I heard frogs calling around our home on Big Creek, I didn’t grasp amphibian population diversity in western Kansas until she taught me to differentiate bull frog bass from chorus frog marbles clanking in a bag from leopard frog thumb running over a comb, from trilling tree frogs. Thanks to Donna’s patient tutoring, I discovered scores of woodhouse toads shared our rocky hill.

Our adventures made me wish she’d been my high school science teacher. Instead of combining PE and English concentrations, biology would have replaced PE. Her patient instruction enriched my world. I didn’t get things quickly yet I never felt stupid.

What a blessing for so many that this woman shared her knowledge freely and enthusiastically. Hers was a life well-lived and thankfully well-shared.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: A life well shared

<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

This December marks a milestone for Lilly &amp; Marie, the beloved downtown boutique that’s been curating timeless fashion for women of all ages for a full decade! From cozy knits to statement pieces, owner Carol has built more than a store—she’s built a community of women who love to feel confident, stylish, and seen.

To celebrate her 10-year anniversary, Carol is saying thank you in the most heartfelt ways: with gifts that delight! Shoppers during her anniversary week, December 2nd - December 6th, will get a chance at early access to upcoming styles, special surprises on purchases over $50, and other special delights that reflect the care and creativity Carol pours into every piece she selects.

While the holiday season brings its usual flurry of downtown shopping days and the highly anticipated Downtown Coupon Book, Lilly &amp; Marie will be participating in. Carol also wants to ensure she provides one-on-one service that eases your holiday stress. “I want every customer to feel like they’re opening a gift they didn’t expect. I want anyone who receives a gift bought from Lilly and Marie to be so excited when they open it!” Carol says. “It’s not just about fashion—it’s about joy.”

The boutique is stocked with fresh arrivals for the season, from versatile layers to accessories that elevate any outfit. This winter season, you’ll find faux fur, chunky knits, soft corduroys, and cozy textures. Statement outerwear like plaid blazers and oversized coats. When you step into Lilly and Marie, you’ll find something for all the ladies on your list. This winter, Carol says, rich chocolate hues, jewel tones, classic patterns, and comfortable yet stylish boots are the way to go! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or gifting to someone special, you’ll find pieces that feel current without chasing trends—because Carol believes style should last longer than the season.

Extended holiday hours are coming soon, but as a one-woman show, Carol encourages shoppers to follow https://www.facebook.com/lillyandmarie and visit her online store <a href="https://lillyandmarie.square.site/">https://lillyandmarie.square.site/</a> for updates and speedy shipping. You’ll have your gifts wrapped and ready long before Santa makes his rounds.

Here’s to 10 years of timeless fashion, and to the women who make it all possible! Make sure to come visit Carol during anniversary week at Lilly &amp; Marie!

Texas woman arrested after alleged gun threat in Hays traffic dispute

94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS invites you to listen to Reindeer Radio and win! Each day Monday through Thursday we will give out a code word. Enter that word right here for your chance to win. The code word changes daily.

This week's feature sponsor is Bigg E Meats and the prize is $250 certificate to use in their store in Hays!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you didn’t get on their list for Thanksgiving plan ahead NOW for Christmas. Smoked turkeys, prime ribs, brats of so many different flavors, assortment of Kansas-made cheeses. It’s not the holidays without authentic ham salad or raw burger!

🦌 WIN WITH REINDEER RADIO!

Today and Thanksgiving Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the 40s.

However, after a high of 50 on Friday, a cold front is forecast to move in with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight in Hays.

The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before noon Saturday, and then a slight chance of snow showers. The high is forecast to be near 43, with wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

The forecast calls for a 20% chance of snow showers on Sunday, a 30% chance of snow showers on Sunday night, and a 20% chance of snow showers on Monday, with a high of 33.

The Kansas Department of Transportation issued the following press release today about the upcoming weather and travel precautions.

Kansas Department of Transportation

Early weather forecasts from different weather services are showing the possibility of inclement weather affecting parts of Kansas as well as several northern and western states this holiday weekend.

If inclement weather does impact the highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to treat roadways as needed. KDOT employees have been preparing since September: Salt, sand and brine materials have been ordered, trucks and other equipment have undergone preventive maintenance and crews have completed training courses.

“Whatever the obstacle, KDOT crew members work together and find a way to get the job done,” said Director of Field Operations Ron Hall. “Our crews always do their best to serve the public in their efforts to clear the highways.”

Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed&nbsp;shared a reminder for all travelers: “Check on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delay travel plans. It’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and travel safe.”

Resources and safety reminders for motorists:

Kansas maintains about 9,500 miles of highways, including more than 25,000 total lane and ramp miles. Clearing snow from these highways takes time, especially while the snow is still falling.

Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of safety for the crews working to keep roads open.

“KDOT employees work challenging 12-hour shifts to remove snow and ice from the highways,” said Secretary Reed. “Don’t drive in their blind spots and give them space to work so they can focus on the job.”

Northwest Kansas to see chance of snow during busy travel weekend

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The free Community Thanksgiving Feast, sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St., Hays.

No reservations are required; the meal is first-come, first-served. There will be no individual carry-out meals. Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, said that 530 meals have been ordered from the caterer; 225 of those meals will go to Meals on Wheels clients and residents of local shelters and group homes.

On the menu will be roasted turkey, dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, a roll, drink, and dessert.

The Union Catering Co. is catering the main meal. The ECMA is seeking desserts from churches and individuals. Desserts may be brought to the office of First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Glassman said volunteers are needed at the dinner, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, to help with set-up, serving plates, slicing pies, cleaning up, and other duties. Volunteers may sign up by calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

One familiar aspect of the dinner will be the grocery give-away. Every household in attendance who wants one will receive a free sack of groceries, Glassman said. One feature that will be new this year is each sack will contain recipe cards featuring the food items in the sack. Last year around 200 sacks were distributed.

Glassman said the ECMA sponsors the free community meal each Thanksgiving because “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering--gathering with family, gathering with community.&nbsp;There are also people who are alone for the holidays .&nbsp;. . We want people to feel welcome. All are invited.”

Tax deductible donations to help with the cost of the dinner may be sent to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601, with proceeds to benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund.

Free Community Thanksgiving Feast to be held at Hays armory

WICHITA — Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home.

Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.&nbsp;The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

COOKING SAFETY TIPS&nbsp;Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0uO6yAQheHVwAyLR1HAgEEm2UaEqSJB15Zzweqoe_WtRD39zvkpa89QquRsArqUEKKXj4wtrIlWMMU2j9QogQvJVowmrT6S7BmTheAcok5gbwbXSBFBA7MAPTvxv_5f7aVvPKYK1VNF3wjU_uMRlvcgt_w4z6dwF2Gvwl5fr9cymOo45lyOcRf22vpguTP1ogZvXCarTvkDtz8Q7mKiCcnIkR_lez6PeQrQXO4bf45LPXY5z8G8v2PfmkFnQa26JAXBokquNRUTe6uJI4KRX9n-BgAA__96VFX5">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA6LjwHDgkU2uUaEmSFGxXUKbq309FWibn_v_TFKS5Ayp6hmZ0Jw4C1fY1gWGSBLKAGtQV_8okCinlUykMHzGl3QMBvjnAygb8otHr0DCUQM5KhIH_VLbKk26kPM2WJ2tiCI7dc6mF4Db3E9jsdg5sL0lenreZ5TJ8x9H2Pa-53pa6mfKJ77dxdtz6mJvKbHQX1aj63xjbAm0alRGiQqxjfc_oGZi_JqDor3uKbneOzjYCAp3Ru9j1PeNz6OTrS9YluKckaDWGQKAmbtRDClCB_IaonkHSj-E_VfAAAA___Z1l9J">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Red Cross offers steps to help avoid a Thanksgiving cooking fire

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to continue its tradition of bringing local sports to viewers across Kansas this Thanksgiving season.

On Thanksgiving Day, tune in for a special broadcast of the&nbsp;2025 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of legendary Kansas athletes and coaches. It all starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 27.

Then, on&nbsp;November 28h and 29, Smoky Hills PBS will be live from Gowan Stadium in Hutchinson.

Watch the top teams of&nbsp;1A, 2A and 3A high school football&nbsp;teams from across Kansas compete in the KSHSAA State Football Championships&nbsp;Games.&nbsp;Jeremy McGuire and Larry Jantz provide commentary as we&nbsp;find out who will win the KSHSAA State Football Championships.

The action continues in December. On&nbsp;Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, Smoky Hills PBS will broadcast the&nbsp;8-Player Division I, Division II, and 6-Player State Football Championship Games&nbsp;that will be played in Greensburg on November 29.&nbsp;

These broadcasts are made possible thanks to the generous support of viewers like you. Your donations help Smoky Hills PBS continue to share local stories and sports that matter to our communities.

Smoky Hills PBS brings viewers exciting lineup of sports this Thanksgiving

The culvert replacement project scheduled to take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road has been postponed due to the recent weather conditions. 

 If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

Culvert replacement project postponed

&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

Ellis Knights of Columbus host free Thanksgiving Day meal

Cattleman’s Café, 1230 E. 27th, Hays, will once again offer a free sit-down turkey dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

No reservations or pre-orders will be taken; it is first-come, first-served until the food runs out, a news release said.

A slice of pumpkin pie will be $1. Water will come with the meal, but other drinks will be $2.99 each. 

To-go meals through the drive-thru will be $5 each.

Free Thanksgiving turkey dinner offered by Cattleman's Cafe in Hays

The Hays Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed on Friday, Nov. 28.

Eagle Media Center business office to close Friday, Nov. 28

The Hays Symphony Orchestra invites the community to “a night of orchestral carols and holiday cheer” at its annual “ringing in” of the holiday season.

The free “Poinsettia Pops Concert” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Ken Windholz, who teaches in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University, will be the special guest emcee.

“The symphony this year is partnering with the local chapter of Toys For Tots&nbsp;to bring children in need across Ellis County the joy of receiving gifts this holiday season,” the symphony’s website said.

“Please consider bringing new toys or other gifts,&nbsp;such as books, board/card games, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and personal items (hairbrushes, makeup, hair accessories, etc.) to be dropped off in the lobby” at the concert, the website said.

Among the traditional pieces scheduled to be performed are “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Greensleeves.”

The symphony is directed by Ben Cline, professor of cello and bass and chair of the Music and Theatre Department at FHSU. A post-concert reception is being sponsored by Great Plains Dermatology.

Free tickets are available at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony ‘Poinsettia Pops Concert' is Dec. 5; partnering with Toys for Tots

The Teen Advisory Board has put together Winter Kits that are available to anyone who wants one.

They include a hat, gloves and other items to help keep warm this winter. 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org?__cft__[0]=AZVHVjjSgs2tvU-HoKElbTVBkrFfwNl0ol8q-MxzTafibt8Oea1StEYagzMBDa0o1qSSKaTg9P37KevGSpOqQWEFiLRmpALdy_kCI0UjIEtqiF58NPcsSCaSRZMSnHXLNB2N5jWwZ2l1c2nLmZ9Vnot9&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Women Who Lead</a>&nbsp;donated to this project.

Winter kits free at Hays Public Library thanks to Youth Advisory Council

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing multiple charges for the alleged theft of multiple packages from residences since September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2765/Bennett-RED-COMPLAINT-CB">Curtis D. Bennett&nbsp;</a>faces six counts of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. Each count of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item is a class E felony, carrying one to four years in prison upon conviction. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2764/Bennett-RED-PC-CB">According to court records</a>, Kansas City detectives received reports from four different victims stating they had packages stolen from their homes. In total, the six packages were worth more than $1,100. Detectives were able to identify and connect Bennett to each incident through victim surveillance video. Bennett admitted to stealing the packages from the residences.&nbsp;

“We take package theft seriously because we understand our community works hard each day to be able to purchase holiday gifts and everyday necessities for their families,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “We’re committed to holding these repeat offenders accountable, but we need the community’s help to bring these cases to our office.”

With the holiday season underway, Prosecutor Johnson urges residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Install doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras around your home, which provide critical evidence for investigations.&nbsp;

Retrieve your packages immediately after delivery or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect them if you will not be home. Consider having items delivered to your workplace or request that the post office or delivery service hold packages for pickup if you will be traveling. Requesting a signature requirement for valuable deliveries or using secure package lockers are other ways to ensure packages are protected.&nbsp;

“If you believe your package or mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and provide any video or photo evidence,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “It’s crucial to report these crimes. Unless these cases reach our desk, we cannot do our job, prosecute, and protect our community.”

Bennett is being held on a $3,000 cash-only bond. &nbsp;

Porch Pirate: KC man admits theft of packages from multiple homes

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;– The Cheney Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Cheney woman, according to a media release from the KBI.

The whereabouts of 76-year-old Martha Brenneis are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her.

Brenneis is likely driving a black 2019 Dodge Caravan bearing Kansas tag 1207ACD. She was last seen at her residence in Cheney on Nov. 27, at approximately 8 a.m.

Brenneis is a white female who is around 5 foot 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds. She has white hair and light hazel eyes.&nbsp;

If you see Brenneis, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Cheney Police Department at (316) 542-3173.

KBI: Statewide Silver Alert for missing Kansas woman

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — President Donald Trump said that one of the two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;shot by an Afghan national near the White House had died, calling the shooter who had worked with the CIA in his native country a “savage monster.”

As part of his Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, Trump said that he had just learned that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, had died, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was “fighting for his life.”

“She’s just passed away,” Trump said. “She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her.”

The president called Beckstrom an “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.”

Trump used the announcement to say the shooting was a “terrorist attack” as he criticized the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the U.S. The president has deployed National Guard members in part to assist in his administration’s mass deportation efforts.

Trump suggested that the shooter was mentally unstable after the war and departure from Afghanistan.

“He went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts,” the president said. “It happens too often with these people."

The shooter worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan

The suspect charged with the shooting is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. The suspect had worked in a special CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-afghan-operation-allies-welcome-b11c48fb0b807e8f519c266e2a004d8e">emigrating from Afghanistan</a>, according to two sources who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, and #AfghanEvac, a group that helps resettle Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the two-decade war.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, declined to provide a motive for Wednesday afternoon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-washington-shooting-suspect-b37bc92853ba14625678236318f80751">brazen act of violence</a>&nbsp;which occurred just blocks from the White House. The presence of troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Webster Springs, where Beckstrom is from, will hold three prayer vigils Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, according to a Facebook post from the Webster County Veterans Auxiliary.

Pirro said that the suspect, Lakanwal, launched an “ambush-style” attack with a .357 Smith &amp; Wesson revolver. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that “it’s too soon to say” what the suspect’s motives were.

The charges could be upgraded, Pirro said, adding: “We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge.”

The rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil, on the eve of Thanksgiving, comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-dc-deployment-c1c2b13a7102632632267bf1262506ff">court fights</a>&nbsp;and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops. The order expired a month later. But the troops have remained in the city, where nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned, according to the government’s latest update.

The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events. The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following Wednesday’s shooting.

The suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Shooting raises questions about legacy of Afghanistan War

A resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwal’s cousin said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that he and his brother had worked in a special Afghan Army unit known as Zero Units in the southern province of Kandahar. A former official from the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Lakanwal was a team leader and his brother was a platoon leader.

The cousin spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.He said Lakanwal had started out working as a security guard for the unit in 2012, and was later promoted to become a team leader and a GPS specialist.

Kandahar is in the Taliban heartland of the country. It saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 following the al-Qaida attacks on Sept. 11. The CIA relied on Afghan staff for translation, administrative and front-line fighting with their own paramilitary officers in the war.

Zero Units were paramilitary units manned by Afghans but backed by the CIA and also served in front-line fighting with CIA paramilitary officers. Activists had attributed abuses to the units. They played a key role in the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country, providing security around Kabul International Airport as the Americans and withdrew from the country.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that Lakanwal’s relationship with the U.S. government “ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation” of U.S. servicemembers from Afghanistan.

Lakanwal, 29, entered the U.S. in 2021 through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-afghan-operation-allies-welcome-b11c48fb0b807e8f519c266e2a004d8e">Operation Allies Welcome,</a>&nbsp;a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, #AfghanEvac said in a statement.

The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and others over allegations of gaps in the vetting process, even as advocates say there was extensive vetting and the program offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals.

Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman.

Wednesday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-guard-washington-shooting-6548fbcba4b6efce59a38eeed32b4865">in a video message released on social media,</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration.

The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a social media post Thursday that Trump directed him to review the green cards of people from countries “of concern.”

Edlow didn’t name the countries.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-exceptions-immigrants-visa-4d5a4d07a4430dd1e1cf24511370bc0e">But in June</a>, the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-d4d74e856e06f1a2626cc1ddbdfaa9f7">banned travel to the U.S.</a>&nbsp;by citizens of 12 countries and restricted access from seven others, citing national security concerns. Green card holders and Afghans who worked for the U.S. government or its allies in Afghanistan were listed as exempt.

Attack being investigated as terrorist act

FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Agents have served a series of search warrants, with Patel calling it a “coast-to-coast investigation.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has previously questioned the effectiveness of using the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-guard-washington-army-8de4fca47b84d6b2eeaca59040b7cdb0">National Guard</a>&nbsp;to enforce city laws. Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment there, but the judge also paused her order for 21 days to allow the administration to remove the troops or appeal.

On Thursday, Bowser interpreted the shooting as a direct assault on America itself, rather than specifically on Trump’s policies.

“Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington, D.C., to attack America,” Bowser said. “That person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the suspect’s name. It is Lakanwal, not Lakamal or Lakanmal.

Associated Press journalists Siddiqullah Alizai, Elena Becatoros, Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Gary Fields, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker, Jesse Bedayn, Evan Vucci, Nathan Ellgren, John Raby, Hallie Golden, Michael R. Sisak and John Seewer contributed.

Trump: Sarah Beckstrom, National Guard soldier shot in DC, has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY - Police have responded to two incidents in the 3500 block of S. Gold in Wichita involving a suspicious person seen looking into residential windows, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

These windows were identified as belonging to rooms of young female children. Both incidents occurred on Nov. 25, 2025, between approximately 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

A resident reported seeing the suspect flee the area on foot. The individual is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot tall, medium build, facial hair and he was wearing a gray Carhatt jacket and work boots.

This remains an active investigation. The Wichita Police Department is asking residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles. Anyone with any information can contact Investigations at 316-268-4407 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. We are also asking the public to review their home security camera footage for anything that may assist in this investigation.

Police release description of reported Kan. window peeper

Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion and one of golf’s most gregarious characters whose career was tainted by a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods, has died, according to a longtime colleague. He was 74.

A cause of death was not immediately available. Brian Naugle, the tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, said Zoeller’s daughter called him Thursday with the news.

Zoeller was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt, a three-man playoff in 1979. He famously waved a white towel at Winged Foot in 1984 when he thought Greg Norman had beat him, only to defeat Norman in an 18-hole playoff the next day.

But it was the 1997 Masters that changed his popularity.

Woods was on his way to a watershed moment in golf with the most dominant victory in Augusta National history. Zoeller had finished his round and had a drink in hand under the oak tree by the clubhouse when he was stopped by CNN and asked for his thoughts on the 21-year-old Woods on his way to the most dominant win ever at Augusta National.

“That little boy is driving well and he’s putting well. He’s doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year. Got it?,” Zoeller said.

He smiled and snapped his fingers, and as he was walking away he turned and said, “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”

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