By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Six pets in the care of the Humane Society of the High Plains are in desperate need of medical care.

The Humane Society, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter, is seeking public support to fund veterinary bills for these pets.

Taryn Faulkender, shelter community outreach coordinator, said even when the shelter has mostly healthy animals, its vet bill can average $1,200 per month.

But these six pets, most of which came in over the holidays, have special needs.

The shelter does not have a vet on staff. Sometimes vets offer a small discount for the shelter, but the cost of vet services is rising, Faulkender said.

"When we take in that many animals that have all these health issues, it's a big, big bill for us," she said.

Olga, who Faulkender described as a sweet, shy old lady, was picked up as a stray, but&nbsp;Faulkender  believes she originally came from a home because she was spayed and her fur was in good condition.

However, she has a severe ear infection and needs antibiotics. She will need to return to the vet for a sedated ear cleaning.

Mowgli, a rotweiler, had essentially been abandoned by his owners and was being temporarily cared for by a neighbor until he was surrendered.

He had been kept on a chain in a yard and was malnourished and extremely underweight when he came to the shelter,&nbsp;Faulkender said.

"He leans his head on your arms and leans his entire body on you,"&nbsp;Faulkender said. "He just knows he's safe."

He is on a special diet and will need to return to the vet for wellness checks. He was loaded with parasites when he came in and had open wounds that needed to be treated.&nbsp;

"He had pretty poor care of life for the last couple of months, and we're going to try to get him to bounce back because he's too young to be looking like that,"&nbsp;Faulkender said.

Ellie and Stephanie are young, bouncy schnauzers who originally came from a puppy mill, one that had been listed among the 100 worst puppy mills in the nation,&nbsp;Faulkender said.

Both dogs have ulcers on their eyes and have experienced swelling that has affected their vision. They will need to return to the vet to determine whether surgery is necessary.

Both girls love wearing their sweaters as they heal and wait for adoption.

Zena is a husky-shepherd mix who has an overgrowth on her bone that may have been caused by a previous injury.&nbsp;Faulkender said Zena is very submissive and may have been mistreated in her earlier life.

The vet would like to perform an exploratory surgery to determine how to fix Zena's injury.

"She's a big doll,"&nbsp;Faulkender said. "She is one of these big dogs who just wants to be in your lap. She always rolls over and shows you her belly. She's kind of a sensitive little girl ... very sweet, very talkative."

Faulkender is personally fostering Hugo, likely an American bully mix.

"He's my foster boy. He is a big, goofy, goober," she said. "He's very clumsy."

He has low thyroid and will need to continue to take thyroid medication for the rest of his life. He needed an ear flush to clear yeast from his ears and medicated baths to address skin issues.

Faulkender described Hugo as a manatee. He is subdued and easy-going.

He was pulled from the Garden City Humane Society because he wasn't getting any views for adoption, she said.

Once these pets have been cleared medically, they will all be up for adoption.

The sooner the pets can be treated and adopted, the better,&nbsp;Faulkender said. Prolonged illness or a stay in the shelter can affect the animal's mental health. Mental health issues can also further affect the animal's physical health, she said.

If you wish to financially support their care or the shelter in general, you can donate in the following ways:

If you wish to mail a check, you can send those donations to Humane Society of the High Plains, P.O. Box 311, Hays, KS 67601.

Cash or checks can also be dropped off in person at the shelter at 2050 E. Highway 40, Hays.

You can learn more about the Humane Society and see pets up for adoption on their <a href="https://hshponline.org/">website</a> or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HSHPHays">Facebook</a>.

Hays humane society pets in need of donations for vet bills

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

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Friday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Mistrie L.&nbsp; Duarte, 49, Cedar City, Utah, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of the Kansas 267 exit. The driver&nbsp;lost control of vehicle&nbsp; due to high winds and the vehicle rolled into the median.

&nbsp;EMS transported Duarte to the hospital in Goodland. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP

There has been a semi crash as of 11:18 this morning in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near Kanorado and the Colorado line.

Check&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/">Kandrive</a> for developing road conditions.

Driver hospitalized after wind blows semi over on I-70

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A grass fire was reported in Gove County between mile markers 83 and 84 on Interstate 70.

Gove County Undersheriff Mike Haase said the fire spread southeast across about one and a half to two miles of grassland.&nbsp;He said the fire is 90% contained as of 1:56 p.m.

No structures were impacted, and no injuries were reported.

Gove County fire mostly contained

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Leslie Grant with Wichita State University's Community Education program to discuss their free lifelong learning program.

For more details go to the web site Wichita.edu/lifelonglearning&nbsp; &nbsp;Or call the office 316-978-3731

🎙 Forward Ever: Leslie Grant with WSU's Community Education Program

Update: The reported power outage is a planned outage, and residents were notified in advance.

As a high wind warning is in effect across northwestern Kansas, the City of Ellis is already experiencing power outages, according to <a href="https://outageviewer.mwenergy.com/">Midwest Energy</a>.

As of 11:05 a.m., 322 Midwest Energy customers are without electricity.&nbsp;

According to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19jG24faJz/">National Weather Service in Dodge City</a>, peak wind gusts of 55 to 60 mph are likely, with 65 mph gusts across mainly far west central Kansas.

UPDATE: Planned power outage in city of Ellis

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Friday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Impala driven by Jaylen Z.&nbsp;Cruse, 23, Manhattan, was westbound on U.S. 40 just west of 330th Road. The car crossed the centerline and struck a 2024 Freightliner semi head-on.&nbsp; After impact the car came to rest in the south ditch after&nbsp;being pushed 75 feet by the semi.&nbsp; The semi came to rest in the north ditch.

EMS transported Cruse to Citizens Medical Center in Colby. The semi driver Mouanoutoua&nbsp;Van Pein, 34, Thornton, Colorado, was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after head-on crash with a semi

FHSU daily crime log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

For most college students, the start of a new semester means finding the right buildings on campus, scouting out the best parking spots, and settling into a familiar routine of library sessions and coffee runs. But for two Fort Hays State University students, and for one semester, campus isn’t made of brick and mortar—it’s made of steel, salt water, and 106 days of horizon-chasing.

Mallory Palmer, an online Business Education senior from Osawatomie, and Tayton Roberts, a sophomore Political Science major from Olathe, are part of an elite group of Tiger explorers participating in a Semester at Sea experience. It is a program that transforms a cruise ship into a floating university, circumnavigating the globe to turn the world itself into a classroom.

While they are at different stages of their journey—Mallory having returned in 2025 and Tayton preparing to embark this January—the two have formed a unique bond, proving that even in a global program, the FHSU community remains tight-knit.

For both Mallory and Tayton, the seeds of this adventure were sown long before they reached college. Both girls discovered Semester at Sea on social media, watching students waking up in new countries every week.

“I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it,” Mallory recalled. After years of wondering ‘what if,’ she finally decided to stop dreaming and start doing. “I just decided to make it happen.

Tayton felt a similar pull. A pre-law student with a passion for international relations, she was drawn to the opportunity of a lifetime. “I think it was the aspect that you get to see so many different countries, not just one,” Tayton said. “And you are with a group of American students, so it feels a little safer. You get to meet a lot of people from different places while sharing the same experience.”

The itinerary is nothing short of breathtaking. The voyage begins in Bangkok, Thailand. From there, the ship—housing roughly 600 students, faculty, and staff—becomes a moving bridge between cultures. The route spans three continents, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Spain, before finally disembarking in Bremerhaven, Germany.

While at sea, students take a full 12-credit course load, including a mandatory core course in global studies. The credits are issued by Colorado State University and transferred back to FHSU, ensuring that while the students are seeing the world, they aren’t falling behind on their degrees.

For Mallory, the academic and social aspects blended seamlessly. “The ship's staff does a good job of preparing you,” she explained. “They did a pre-port the night before arriving in a country and gave you the basics... a heads-up on what to watch out for to stay safe and places you should visit.”

As Tayton prepares to leave, Mallory has stepped into a mentorship role, helping Tayton navigate the anxieties of packing four months of life into a tiny stateroom. Tayton’s current challenge? Fitting all her toiletries, clothes, and schoolbooks into two rolling duffels and a backpack.

“It’s surreal. I’m excited for Morocco and the African countries. I think Africa is so gorgeous. I really want to swim with sharks in South Africa and go on camel treks in Morocco.”

She has already used social media to connect with her future roommate, a student from South Carolina. “She seems amazing. I feel a lot better knowing that I will know someone.”

Stacey Lang, FHSU’s Study Abroad Coordinator, emphasizes that Semester at Sea is far more than a sightseeing tour. It is a rigorous exercise in global citizenship, a core value of the FHSU mission.

“This experience directly supports FHSU’s goal of developing engaged global citizen-leaders,” Lang said. “Students return with a broadened worldview, cultural competence, and leadership skills—qualities central to FHSU’s mission. They bring back global insights that enrich classroom discussion and campus culture.”

Mallory’s experience confirms this. When asked for her best advice, she didn’t talk about landmarks or museums; she talked about the internal shift that happens when you're thousands of miles from home.

Her primary takeaway is that the most meaningful growth happens when you “expect the unexpected.” She suggests that while preparation is vital, students should be brave enough to let the plan fall away. “Be flexible,” she noted, "and don't plan everything to a ‘T.’” For Mallory, being open to new foods and unplanned detours led to the highlight of her trip: the deep connections made with people around the world.

For Tayton, the upcoming voyage isn't just a personal milestone; it’s a professional one. As a future lawyer, she believes understanding the world is non-negotiable. “I think that having a good worldview is so important. Seeing three different continents will give me a diversity of knowledge. It applies to anything—learning to work with people, adapt, and just being flexible.”

As Tayton prepares to board the ship in Thailand, she carries with her the support of the FHSU Global Affairs and International Student Services as well as the wisdom of Mallory, her ‘Tiger’ predecessor.

For other FHSU students inspired by Mallory and Tayton’s journey, the door is open. The university encourages anyone interested to schedule an advising session with our Global Affairs Coordinator, Stacey Lang.

As Mallory Palmer prepares to graduate this spring and Tayton Roberts prepares to set sail, their stories remind us that Tiger Nation isn't just a place in Western Kansas—it’s a global community, one port at a time.

Heart of a Tiger: From high plains to high seas: FHSU students embrace global citizenship

SHERMAN COUNTY —First responders in northwest Kansas are preparing for the possibility of fires on Friday.&nbsp;

On their social media page, Sherman County 911 Communication asked the community to be prepared to respond.

"A significant wind event is expected across northwest Kansas and the surrounding region today through Friday. Strong northwest winds will develop, with sustained speeds of 30–40 mph and potentially stronger gusts."

 The strongest winds are expected between NOON and 2:00 PM (Mountain Time). If you have travel plans, please plan around this window if possible.

 EXTREME FIRE SAFETY REMINDER:• NO OPEN FLAMES — no burning trash, brush, or fire pits. We are under a burn ban anyway, in case you didn't know. • Extinguish cigarettes completely — do NOT toss them on the ground or out vehicle windows.• Even a small spark could cause a fast-moving grass fire under these conditions.

 BLOWING DUST &amp; HEALTH CONCERNS:• Blowing dust is likely, which may reduce visibility and impact air quality.• Those with asthma, COPD, or other breathing difficulties should plan ahead, limit outdoor exposure during peak winds, and have medications readily available.

 Travel Impacts:• Strong crosswinds may make driving hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles.• Be alert for sudden drops in visibility due to dust.

 COMMUNITY SUPPORT REQUEST:• If you have water tankers, fill those suckers up!• We may be calling on you to assist the fire department if you’re willing and able during this wind event. Your help could make a critical difference.

 Preparation Tips:• Secure loose outdoor items (trash cans, patio furniture, decorations).• Stay weather-aware and monitor local alerts.Please take this event seriously and help keep our community safe. Share this post so others can prepare.

First responders in NW Kan. preparing for threat of possible fires

&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

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.

“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e565055-72d4cf41-20e4-4c41-9820-f0a8bc7fed66-000000/v50bB3OSjtVIxQCAmWqClvLzUIj5ESUlPUK-Dr4ubFE=439">here</a>.

Commerce hosts first Virtual Job Fair of new year with new opportunities

Join us as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival fundraiser on March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre!

Tickets are on sale now at <a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05689fbd61bb2baeb0642f1e0&amp;id=66906f2319&amp;e=ad2f5727f7">https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/benefit</a>.

This special night will feature two incredible bands who are not only entertaining but also special to Lovegrass —&nbsp;80 Proof Alice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rudy and the Lost Boys&nbsp;— plus a silent auction, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, all in support of Lovegrass Music Festival.

Your attendance helps us raise funds for our upcoming summer concert series, continue our mission of bringing bluegrass arts to Rural Kansas, and support our capstone Lovegrass Music Festival this August.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Doors at 6:00 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. at the Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th.&nbsp;

Come enjoy great music, support the arts, and help keep bluegrass thriving in Kansas. We can’t wait to see you there!

Lovegrass Concert Series kicks off in Hays with fundraiser on March 14

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have impeded federal immigration enforcement through public statements they have made, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The investigation focused on potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the people said.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a pending investigation by name.

CBS News first reported the investigation.

In response to reports of the investigation, Walz said in a statement: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”

Walz’s office said it has not received any notice of an investigation.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s office did not immediately respond to an email and voicemail requesting comment.

The investigation comes during a weekslong immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul that the Department of Homeland Security has called its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-ice-noem-minnesota-somali-db661df6de1131a034da2bda4bb3d817">largest enforcement operation</a>, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests.

The operation has become more confrontational since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7</a>. State and local officials have repeatedly told protesters to remain peaceful.

Justice Dept. investigating whether Minnesota Gov. impeded immigration enforcement

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed on Friday to hear an appeal from global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer to block thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller could cause cancer.

The justices will consider whether the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of the Roundup weedkiller without a cancer warning should rule out the state court claims.

The Trump administration has weighed in on Bayer's behalf, reversing the Biden administration's position and putting it at odds with some supporters of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-kennedy-trump-health-hhs-maha-5e1e9e3208c42b6a185facad26e3b457">the Make America Healthy Again agenda</a>&nbsp;who oppose giving the company the legal immunity it seeks.

Some studies associate Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, with cancer, although the EPA has said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate">not likely to be carcinogenic</a>&nbsp;to humans when used as directed.

Bayer disputes the cancer claims but has set aside $16 billion to settle cases. At the same time, it has tried to persuade states to pass laws barring the lawsuits. Georgia and North Dakota have done so.

The high court will take up a case from Missouri, in which a jury awarded $1.25 million to a man who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after spraying Roundup on a community garden in St. Louis.

The Supreme Court in 2022 declined to hear a similar claim from Bayer in a California case that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-environment-and-nature-california-san-francisco-b0ef61238f5e83778fb12e748bc97593">awarded more than $86 million</a>&nbsp;to a married couple.

But Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, contends the Supreme Court should intervene now because lower courts have issued conflicting rulings. In 2024, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Bayer’s favor.

Bayer faces about 181,000 Roundup claims, mostly from residential users. It has stopped using glyphosate in Roundup sold in the U.S. residential lawn and garden market. But glyphosate remains in agricultural products. It’s designed to be used with genetically modified seeds, including corn, soybeans and cotton, that resist the weedkiller’s deadly effect. It allows farmers to produce more while conserving the soil by tilling it less.

Bayer has said it might have to consider pulling glyphosate from U.S. agricultural markets if the lawsuits persist.

"It is time for the U.S. legal system to establish that companies should not be punished under state laws for complying with federal warning label requirements,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said in a statement.

Environmental groups said Bayer wants to keep juries out of the lawsuits because it keeps losing in state courts.

"It’s a sad day in America when our highest court agrees to consider depriving thousands of Roundup users suffering from cancer of their day in court,” said Lori Ann Burd, environmental health director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

It’s unclear if the case will be argued in the spring or at the start of the next court term, in October.

Supreme Court will hear appeal by maker of weedkiller to block thousands of lawsuits

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that critically injured one person.

Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the intersection of SE 6th St. and Sherman Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Police then received information on a shooting victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle. The shooting victim was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police have reported no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim air lifted to a hospital

RILEY COUNTY— An elementary school was briefly evacuated on Friday due a fire.

Just before noon Friday, crews responded to a small fire at Marlatt Elementary School,&nbsp;2715 Hobbs Drive in Manhattan, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department.. Before 1p.m. the fire was extinguished and students&nbsp; allowed back into the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; The fire department has not released details on what cause the fire ore additional information.

Kan. elementary school evacuated due to fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislators got their first look at Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, finding a plan that prioritizes funding for schools and special education, expanded mental health services and creating a 10-year water plan.

Budget director and administration secretary Adam Proffitt presented the spending blueprint virtually at the joint meeting of the Senate and House budget committees.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/budget-report/" target="_blank">governor’s budget</a>&nbsp;was set after Kelly completed a statewide tour to hear from Kansans, Proffitt said.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Kelly said in a news release. “My budget delivers on Kansans’ wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation.”

The governor’s budget used a projected 1.7% revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, as a basis, Proffitt said. The recommended budget total of $10.8 billion comes in 1.6% higher than last fiscal year’s approved budget, he said.

Proffitt said $35 million of the increase comes from one-time expenditures, and if those expenditures are removed, the budget increase would be 1.3%, the amount total tax collections are expected to grow during the upcoming fiscal year.&nbsp;

Diving into budget details, Proffitt said a few spending increases are tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifted some costs to the states. For instance, the state will pay a higher portion of administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the governor accounted for by including $21 million in the budget, he said.

Legislators at the hearing questioned whether the budget included paying a penalty for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/committee-questions-delay-on-implementing-kansas-food-assistance-ban-on-soda-candy/">the state’s high SNAP error rate</a>, which could be between $20-40 million, depending on the rate, but Proffitt said the penalty won’t be assessed until fiscal year 2028.&nbsp;

That gives the state time to get the error rate below 6%, which would carry no penalty, he said.

The error rate measures mistakes that have been made in allocating dollars for recipients, and can include data entry mistakes and incorrect calculations. The federal goal is a rate below 6%.&nbsp; Kansas had a 9% rate for 2025.

The federal law also had more stringent work requirements for SNAP recipients, which increased administrative costs at the state level an estimated $4 million, Proffitt said.

Kelly recommended full funding for K-12 general education for two full years, Proffitt said, which provides predictability to school districts.

The school funding formula sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2027, and Proffitt said the governor’s budget extends the current school finance formula into 2028.

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