By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Rural hospitals are facing economic pressures that have them operating in the red.

HaysMed has not been immune to these pressures. HaysMed Chief Financial Officer Michelle&nbsp;Beckner said the hospital has been operating at a loss and has been relying on reserves to cover the shortfall.

Although the&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/">Center for Healthcare Quality &amp; Payment Reform</a>&nbsp;reported 68 rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing,&nbsp;Beckner claimed HaysMed is not in danger of closing, and the hospital has implemented a plan to be back in the black within two years.

HaysMed is a nonprofit hospital that must file a 990 tax form with the federal government.

<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/480559088">According to its&nbsp;</a><a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/480559088" target="_blank">2023 Form 990, available through ProPublica</a>, HaysMed had revenues of about $231.6 million but was $10.1 million short of&nbsp;expenses. As of its 2024 990 filing, the most recent available report, revenue had increased to $259 million, and the hospital's deficit had fallen to just less than $115,000.

Those annual reports are usually filed in May.

"We are very blessed, because the board and the stewardship prior to COVID were able to generate a healthy balance sheet for us, so right now that is helping us get through this post-COVID financial landscape," Beckner said.

HaysMed's reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid does not cover the costs of services,&nbsp;Beckner said.

Medicaid covers about 50% of service costs, and Medicare covers about 80%.&nbsp;

In addition, reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid are not keeping pace with inflation, widening the cost-to-reimbursement gap. In the last four out of the five years, inflation has grown more than Medicare has increased hospital reimbursement rates.

"Not only are we in the hole, but the hole is getting deeper,"&nbsp;Beckner said.

The hospital makes up the difference from private-pay insurance, such as United or Aetna.

Revising the reimbursement structure is a national legislative issue.

"I would love for our patients to understand the role they could play in supporting us with our legislators," Bekner said. "Are they at the table to say what we're doing in health care right now is not sustainable across the whole state of Kansas? So what can we do that's different? What can we do to increase reimbursements for the patients who need it?"

HaysMed faces $15 million in uncompensated or charity care annually.

Beckner said this is often care for individuals who lack insurance or are underinsured.

Because Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, there is a gap for people who don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, Beckner said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc922e8c-20dd-4a50-8d3a-19106c472222">Health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act have expired. On Jan. 8, the U.S. House passed a bill to reinstate them, but legislation has not passed in the Senate.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/62085371-47c2-4129-835f-d28436feedf3">On Thursday, President Trump proposed his own health care reform plan.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">HaysMed CEO Edward Herrman has been an advocate for expanding Medicaid in Kansas.</a>

Herrman welcomed Kelly to HaysMed in April 2024 as she toured the state, urging the Kansas Legislature to allow the issue to go to a vote in both houses. 

Herrman said during the Kelly visit, “As the HaysMed President and CEO overseeing health care delivery, I can attest firsthand to the critical need for Medicaid expansion. Our hospitals are on the frontline, serving those in need regardless of their ability to pay.

"Medicaid expansion isn't just a policy. It's a lifeline for countless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A 2023 study by the Sunflower Foundation found 68% of Kansas registered voters support Medicaid expansion.</a>

Beckner said uninsured and underinsured residents result in economic and human costs.

Patients who do not have insurance tend to delay treatment, so when they are seen at the hospital, they are sicker, Beckner said. This often means their treatment is more complicated and expensive. Delayed treatment can also result in unfavorable patient outcomes, lost time from work and time away from family.

"By this time, their disease progression is further. It's harder for them to recover or maybe they never recover back to the state they could have had if the disease been caught earlier in its progression," Beckner said, "so I think there are several human implications to that."

Herrman has also advocated for the expansion of the 340B drug program. This federal program allows hospitals to qualify for drug discounts.

Most small, rural hospitals automatically qualify for a tier of the program because they are designated as critical-access hospitals. To qualify for the deepest discounts, hospitals have to be a university hospital, teaching hospital or care for a high percentage of Medicaid patients.

Qualifying for drug discounts under the 340B program would mean about $10 million for HaysMed,&nbsp;Beckner said.

HaysMed does not accept Medicare Advantage plans because, Beckner said, the hospital administration does not think it is in patients' best interests. She said that often patients experience higher out-of-pocket costs compared to straight Medicare.

Since the pandemic, the health care industry has faced a shortage of nurses.&nbsp;The national average for nursing turnover is 16.4-18.4%, down from the COVID peak of 20.7%.

HaysMed is faring better than the national average with a turnover rate of 7.41% as of January 2026. However, the HaysMed turnover rate is higher than it was at this time last year, when it was 5.91%.

More nurses are choosing to become traveling nurses.

Covering the higher cost of traveling nurses takes a toll on the hospital's bottom line, but Beckner did not provide an exact number for that line item.

"It's a little bit of a vicious cycle," Beckner said. "With the nursing shortage, nurses get burnt out more easily because it's harder to get time off or they're asked to do more overtime to care for their patients. They're getting burnt out because we're working short. Then they leave."

If a staff nurse leaves, the hospital spends about $60,000 to replace them. Beckner said.

HaysMed has increased staff compensation by $8 million during the last two years, Beckner said.&nbsp;

"We want to make sure associates are paid competitively to respect their expertise, their skill and honor all the work that they're doing to provide care," she said.

How other hospital closures could affect HaysMed

Kansas has more hospitals at immediate risk of closure than any other state, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/">Center for Healthcare Quality &amp; Payment Reform</a>. Thirty are at immediate risk.

"The current financial forecast for health care, particularly in rural health care, is concerning," Beckner said. ..."I think we will continue to see hospital closures, particularly in Kansas.

"Unless we figure out a different way to figure out the reimbursement-to-cost ratio, I think we will see additional hospitals close."

The latest hospital closure in Kansas was Rock Regional Hospital in Derby earlier this month.

If smaller hospitals in the region close, one of two things could happen, Beckner said.

HaysMed could see an increase in volume as patients travel farther to receive care.

Patients could go to another critical-access hospital that is part of a referral system with another regional hospital. If a patient is accessing a critical-access hospital in northern Kansas, and it closes, those patients might be referred to a hospital in Nebraska rather than to HaysMed, Beckner said.

Plans to bring HaysMed back into the black

Beckner said HaysMed has several long-term strategies to bring the hospital back into the black.

One strategy is service line growth. The hospital is recruiting more providers, increasing access to care and trying to make it easier for patients to be seen for services, Beckner said.

The hospital is focusing on maximizing payments by properly managing prior authorizations and insurance denials, she said.

Beckner said the hospital is facing an administrative burden from insurance denials.

"Another thing we are seeing from payers is they are being more proactive in denying on the back end after the care has been provided," she said. "Payers are saying we don't think that was medically necessary or we don't think that was appropriate care instead of listening to what the provider thought."

Beckner said this practice is also difficult for patients who receive a bill for care they thought was covered.

The hospital has also tried to maximize labor efficiency and cut supply costs, she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5470f484-aaa8-498d-adea-fc256ec3323e">Kansas will receive $222 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund. However, how those funds will be allocated has yet to be determined.&nbsp;</a>

"Despite all the financial pressures that we are navigating and all of the headwinds," Beckner said, "we are excited to be here and honored to be serving the patients here in our community.

"It's an exciting time to be coming up with innovative solutions to be able to care for our patients."

HaysMed faces economic pressures, operating at a loss

The new year brings an exciting new chapter for the Hays Arts Council (HAC), as construction on its long-anticipated renovation project is set to begin in February 2026.

At the end of 2025, PWC, Inc. was officially awarded the bid to serve as general contractor for the project. PWC has an outstanding reputation in Hays and the surrounding region and has recently completed several major community projects, including the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center, Fort Hays State University’s Tebo Library, and Cervs.

“This moment marks the transition from vision to action,” said Jo Ann Jennings, Vice President of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. “I’ve seen firsthand how deeply this project reflects the commitment and generosity of our community. This renovation will have a lasting impact for generations of the Hays community and beyond.”&nbsp;

To prepare for the renovation, the Hays Arts Council will host an “everything must go” community sale from Monday, January 26 through Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day in the former Madd Matter Frame Shop. Art, office supplies, small furniture pieces, and other miscellaneous items will be available by free will donation.&nbsp;

Additionally, the public is invited to attend a Construction Kickoff Event in conjunction with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, on Monday, February 2, beginning at 4:00 PM at the Hays Arts Center. Brief remarks will be followed by a unique opportunity for attendees to leave their mark on the space before construction begins. HAC leadership will also share information about temporary locations and operations during the renovation period.

Construction is expected to continue through 2026 and into early 2027, with a major community celebration planned later in 2027 to coincide with the Hays Arts Council’s 60th Anniversary.

The For the Heart of Hays campaign has been made possible through generous support from the Robert E. &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Kansas Department of Commerce, The Leo J. Dreiling and Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust, Beach Edwards Family Foundation, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and nearly 200 individual donors and community businesses. Donations are still being accepted as construction begins.

To learn more about the project or to contribute, visit<a href="http://www.haysartscouncil.org"> www.haysartscouncil.org</a>.

Construction to begin at the Hays Arts Council in February

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The Hansen Foundation awarded DSNWK $100,000 for the purchase of two ramp-accessible vehicles to address the increasing demand for accessible transportation. With the addition of these two fleet vehicles, DSNWK remains committed to providing reliable, dignified, and inclusive transportation for individuals with evolving mobility needs.

These vehicles will be used for essential transportation for individuals served by DSNWK, including rides to medical appointments, employment, classes, shopping, and participation in community activities. The majority of the individuals in these service settings require accessible transportation due to mobility issues (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.) and who will directly benefit from the use of a ramp-accessible vehicle.

“We are so grateful to the Hansen Foundation for their support. These vehicles will benefit some of the most vulnerable passengers in northwest Kansas,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Transportation is an essential component to a strong and inclusive community and for the people we serve, it is even more important because they rely on DSNWK for their transportation needs.”

DSNWK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit www.dsnwk.org to learn more about services and ways to support.

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Yards may need another shot of moisture even after recent rain and snow to alleviate stress in lawns and gardens, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“A good, deep watering with moisture reaching at least a foot down into the soil is much better than several light sprinklings that just wet the top portions of the soil,” Domenghini said. “A deep watering will ensure that the majority of roots have access to water.”

Domenghini urged homeowners to test the moisture content in their yard’s soil by pushing a metal rod or wooden dowel into the ground. “Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet,” she said. Measure how far down the implement goes to determine the amount of moisture is in the soil.

“Although all perennial plants benefit from moist soils before winter, it is especially important for newly planted or over-seeded lawns, as well as newly transplanted trees and shrubs due to their limited root systems,” Domenghini said.

“Even trees and shrubs planted within the last 2-3 years are more sensitive to drought than a well-established plant. Evergreens are more at risk because moisture is lost from the foliage.”

Domenghini shared a few tips for watering common areas of the yard:

Trees and shrubs planted within the last year. Drill a small hole in a five-gallon bucket near the bottom, then fill the bucket and let the water dribble out slowly next to the tree. Refill the bucket once so that you apply 10 gallons. Slow release bags with micropores can be purchased as an alternative to using a bucket. Larger trees planted 2-3 years prior may require more water.

Large trees. Using a soaker hose, circle the trunk one-half the distance to the dripline, or the outermost reach of branches. On smaller trees, you may need to circle the tree several times so that tree roots will be watered.

Newly established bed or foundation plantings. Hook the beginning and end of a soaker hose to a Y-adapter to equalize pressure, which encourages more uniform watering.

Fall planted or overseeded lawns. Use an overhead sprinkler. Watering to a depth of 12 inches is more difficult; try to reach at least six inches deep.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Watering winter land

<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

Developer ibV of Florida&nbsp;is requesting a conditional-use permit from Ellis County to erect solar panels in its&nbsp;Tallgrass Development in southwest Ellis County.

The facility would generate 175MW of power for the Southwest Power Pool energy market, connecting via ITC Great Plains’ 345-kilovolt Spearville-Post Rock transmission line.

Tallgrass Development will host two open house events at Gella’s venue room. They will be from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22.

This will be in a station-type setting where community members can engage directly with the Tallgrass Development Team on specific areas of interest, such as engineering, environmental, community benefits and solar technology.

Ellis County Commission to consider multiple solar project agreements

Hays Police Department arrest log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Hays Police Department activity log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Ellis County Jail bookings: Jan. 11-17 2026

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Western Plains Arts Association COLBY — Western Plains Arts Association’s first performance to begin the second half of this season will feature Jeff Davidson.

The public performance will be at the Quinter High School Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25.&nbsp; Admission will be by WPAA season ticket or at the door.

There will be a school presentation in the Quinter High School auditorium on Monday, Jan 26 at 9:00 and then one at noon at the Oakley High School auditorium for Oakley Elementary. School performances are free to all who attend. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Jeff Davidson is&nbsp;bringing the history of the Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories and pictures. The man behind the music has more than 30 years of experience; 25 of those years Jeff Davidson spent as an entertainer for the Flint Hills Overland Wagon Train. In the historical setting of wagon trains, he developed the idea of using historical western (notably Kansas) events to introduce the songs he sings.

Western Plains Arts Association would like to thank our area sponsors, especially the Gove County Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Additionally, we are sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment&nbsp; for the Arts.

Jeff Davidson brings history of Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories, pictures

&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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch will be provided following the program thanks to sponsors. 

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

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

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

CAMPBELL: Getting the most out of your fertilizer dollar

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

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self did not accompany the Jayhawks to Boulder for their game Tuesday night at Colorado after being taken to a hospital in Lawrence on Monday, the school said.

Kansas' athletic department said in a statement that Self was feeling under the weather and went to the hospital out of an abundance of caution. Self felt better after receiving IV fluids, the school said.

It was not immediately clear if Self would attempt to travel for the game or if an assistant would run the bench for the 19th-ranked Jayhawks.

Self, 63, missed the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments in 2023 because of a heart condition, getting a standard catheterization and having two stents inserted to help treat blocked arteries. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-self-kansas-basketball-coach-stents-heart-765a63dee3b9d55d73baba3e6f7ff2b7">had two more stents inserted</a>&nbsp;in July.

Now in his 23rd season, Self led Kansas to national titles in 2008 and 2022 and is the program's career wins leader with a 609-156 record. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, the former Oklahoma State player also coached at Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Illinois.

KU coach Bill Self hospitalized, did not travel with team to Boulder

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri man was sentenced in federal court earlier this month for fentanyl distribution and illegally possessing firearms.

Darius Burnett, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to a total sentence of 13 years in federal prison without parole, according to the United State's Attorney.

Burnett pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 8, 2025.

On Nov. 8, 2023, investigators with the ATF, DEA, and Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant at Burnett’s residence. During the search of Burnett’s apartment and vehicle, officers located four loaded semi-automatic pistols, including two with extended magazines, body armor, ammunition, marijuana, over 1,000 pills containing fentanyl, and $78,935.80 in cash. 

In an interview, the defendant described himself as the “top dude” in Springfield, Missouri, for fentanyl sales, stated that he was purchasing 5,000 pills a month from a source in St. Louis, Missouri, and admitted that the cash located by law enforcement were drug proceeds.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Prison for man who described himself as 'top dude' in fentanyl sales

By CARA ANNA and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

At least eight more countries say the United States has invited them to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-board-of-peace-gaza-un-b27d17190177041865c6827acd042e56">President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace,</a>&nbsp;a new body of world leaders meant to oversee next steps in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-ceasefire-yellow-line-062f3a55d737cc83607c0ddacf312df0">Gaza</a>&nbsp;that shows ambitions for a broader mandate in global affairs. Two of the countries, Hungary and Vietnam, said they have accepted.

A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the Trump-led board instead of a three-year appointment, which has no contribution requirement, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity about the charter, which hasn’t been made public. The official said the money raised would go to rebuilding Gaza.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accepted an invitation to join the board, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told state radio Sunday. Orbán is one of Trump’s most ardent supporters in Europe.

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam, also has accepted, a foreign ministry statement said.

India has received an invitation, a senior government official with knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the information hadn’t been made public by authorities.

Australia has been invited and will talk it through with the U.S. “to properly understand what this means and what’s involved,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday.

Jordan, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan said Sunday they had received invitations. Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania have already said they were invited. It was not clear how many have been invited in all.

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