By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

&nbsp;Snow in Hays during the weekend led law enforcement to respond to several accidents.

Hays Police Lt. Brandon Wright said officers responded to four accidents involving vehicles sliding into one another. One incident saw a vehicle hitting a sign when going through a roundabout on Vine Street.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office reported one crash after a vehicle slid off the road and went over a box culvert. Two people were taken to Hays Medical Center with minor injuries.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/894eed0b-8f72-498e-8272-d9571c69a149">Hays set two record lows during the weekend, reaching -15 overnight on Saturday and Sunday.</a>&nbsp;The K-State Ag Research Center reported 5 inches of snow during the weekend. Hays has received 8 inches of snow for the season.

Today's high is forecast at 31, with a low of 10. Sunny skies are expected on Wednesday, with a slight chance of snow returning starting Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742485020179.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post&nbsp;Snow in Hays during the weekend led law enforcement to respond to several accidents.Hays Police Lt. Brandon Wright said officers responded to four accidents involving vehicles sliding into one another. One incident saw a vehicle hitting a sign when going through a roundabout on Vine Street.He said no injuries were reported.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office reported one crash after a vehicle slid off the road and went over a box culvert. Two people were taken to Hays Medical Center with minor injuries.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/894eed0b-8f72-498e-8272-d9571c69a149">Hays set two record lows during the weekend, reaching -15 overnight on Saturday and Sunday.</a>&nbsp;The K-State Ag Research Center reported 5 inches of snow during the weekend. Hays has received 8 inches of snow for the season.Today's high is forecast at 31, with a low of 10. Sunny skies are expected on Wednesday, with a slight chance of snow returning starting Thursday.

Weekend snow storm leads to sliding vehicles in Hays

The Ellis County Commission considered several possible solutions to help offset property taxes during a work session on Monday.

The discussion included the 2030 sales tax sunset and a potential transient guest tax. County Administrator Darin Myers outlined several tax-based revenue sources that support county operations.

Myers presented sales tax renewal options that could be placed on the 2029 ballot to help offset property taxes.

Myers said increasing the health services sales tax from a quarter-cent to a half-cent could generate an additional $2.3 million in revenue to support multiple services.

These include High Plains Mental Health, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, the county health department, EMS and jail doctors.

Similarly, the general-purpose sales tax could be raised to a half-cent, generating about $950,000 in additional revenue. Myers also discussed a hybrid approach that would double the health services tax while eliminating the general-purpose tax.

However, Myers said the general-purpose sales tax is shared with Hays, Ellis, Victoria and Schoenchen, meaning any changes would hinge on whether those cities would support its removal.

The plan is to put the sales tax question on the ballot for 2029 so the county knows whether it can budget sales tax revenue for 2031.

The commission also discussed a transient guest tax that would largely be paid by hotel and Airbnb guests.

Myers said each 1% of a transient guest tax would generate about $240,000, which could be directed to specific projects and organizations that support tourism and event attraction, such as Grow Hays, the Ellis County Fair and the Ellis County Historical Society.

Myers said this is the most immediate option because it could provide quicker property tax relief. The county can adopt a tax rate of up to 2%, but going higher would require a different process under state statute.

The commission held broader discussions about the 2027 budget and its limited revenue streams, with state-level changes seen as a factor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748874047174.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission considered several possible solutions to help offset property taxes during a work session on Monday.The discussion included the 2030 sales tax sunset and a potential transient guest tax. County Administrator Darin Myers outlined several tax-based revenue sources that support county operations.Myers presented sales tax renewal options that could be placed on the 2029 ballot to help offset property taxes.Myers said increasing the health services sales tax from a quarter-cent to a half-cent could generate an additional $2.3 million in revenue to support multiple services.These include High Plains Mental Health, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, the county health department, EMS and jail doctors.Similarly, the general-purpose sales tax could be raised to a half-cent, generating about $950,000 in additional revenue. Myers also discussed a hybrid approach that would double the health services tax while eliminating the general-purpose tax.However, Myers said the general-purpose sales tax is shared with Hays, Ellis, Victoria and Schoenchen, meaning any changes would hinge on whether those cities would support its removal.The plan is to put the sales tax question on the ballot for 2029 so the county knows whether it can budget sales tax revenue for 2031.Transient guest taxThe commission also discussed a transient guest tax that would largely be paid by hotel and Airbnb guests.Myers said each 1% of a transient guest tax would generate about $240,000, which could be directed to specific projects and organizations that support tourism and event attraction, such as Grow Hays, the Ellis County Fair and the Ellis County Historical Society.Myers said this is the most immediate option because it could provide quicker property tax relief. The county can adopt a tax rate of up to 2%, but going higher would require a different process under state statute.The commission held broader discussions about the 2027 budget and its limited revenue streams, with state-level changes seen as a factor.

Ellis County Commission discusses raising sales taxes to offset property taxes

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;fourteen&nbsp;Kansas communities have secured&nbsp;over&nbsp;$45.7&nbsp;million in federal&nbsp;Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act&nbsp;(IIJA) funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program. &nbsp;

“The Safe Streets and Roads for All program ensures that our communities have the resources to build, operate,&nbsp;and&nbsp;maintain critical infrastructure, which improves quality of life for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“By leveraging federal dollars, and with the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature's&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;support of this initiative,&nbsp;we&nbsp;are investing into the future of communities across Kansas.”&nbsp;

Combined with more than&nbsp;$10.8&nbsp;million&nbsp;in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund and&nbsp;$566,987&nbsp;in local matching dollars, the total investment into safer streets and roads in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;through&nbsp;this round of SS4A grants&nbsp;is&nbsp;over&nbsp;$57&nbsp;million.&nbsp;

“The recent awards&nbsp;for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program demonstrate&nbsp;what is possible when local, state, and federal partners work together with a shared vision,”&nbsp;said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“By aligning priorities and pursuing infrastructure funding collaboratively, we&nbsp;are able to&nbsp;bring critical resources to our communities and deliver projects that have a lasting impact.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to these fourteen awards for safer streets and roads, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 79&nbsp;other federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over&nbsp;$47.7 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $153.4&nbsp;million.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;fourteen&nbsp;Kansas projects receiving SS4A funding in this round are:&nbsp;

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;best practices for maximizing IIJA funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under IIJA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199987282.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;fourteen&nbsp;Kansas communities have secured&nbsp;over&nbsp;$45.7&nbsp;million in federal&nbsp;Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act&nbsp;(IIJA) funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program. &nbsp;“The Safe Streets and Roads for All program ensures that our communities have the resources to build, operate,&nbsp;and&nbsp;maintain critical infrastructure, which improves quality of life for all Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“By leveraging federal dollars, and with the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislature's&nbsp;bipartisan&nbsp;support of this initiative,&nbsp;we&nbsp;are investing into the future of communities across Kansas.”&nbsp;Combined with more than&nbsp;$10.8&nbsp;million&nbsp;in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund and&nbsp;$566,987&nbsp;in local matching dollars, the total investment into safer streets and roads in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;through&nbsp;this round of SS4A grants&nbsp;is&nbsp;over&nbsp;$57&nbsp;million.&nbsp;“The recent awards&nbsp;for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program demonstrate&nbsp;what is possible when local, state, and federal partners work together with a shared vision,”&nbsp;said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“By aligning priorities and pursuing infrastructure funding collaboratively, we&nbsp;are able to&nbsp;bring critical resources to our communities and deliver projects that have a lasting impact.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to these fourteen awards for safer streets and roads, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 79&nbsp;other federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over&nbsp;$47.7 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $153.4&nbsp;million.&nbsp;The&nbsp;fourteen&nbsp;Kansas projects receiving SS4A funding in this round are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>City&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lawrence – Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Project</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $76,000</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $4,000</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $320,000</li><li>Total Project - $400,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Norton County – Northwest Kansas Safe Streets and Roads for All Project Action Plan</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $150,000</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $600,000</li><li>Total Project - $750,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of&nbsp;Wichita –&nbsp;Wichita SS4A Broadway Corridor Safety Implementation Project</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $4,750,000</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $250,000</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $20,000,000</li><li>Total Project - $25,000,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Shawnee County&nbsp;– Critical 911 and Real Time Crime Center Updates</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $950,000</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $50,000</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $4,000,000</li><li>Total Project - $5,000,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Jefferson County –&nbsp;Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for Jefferson County</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $120,200</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $480,800</li><li>Total Project - $601,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Leavenworth County – Modernizing Leavenworth County Highway Connections</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $4,142,570</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $218,030</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $17,442,400</li><li>Total Project - $21,803,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of Olathe –&nbsp;City of Olathe Safety Action Plan Demonstration Project</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $164,160</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $8,640</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $691,200</li><li>Total Project - $864,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of Halstead –&nbsp;Halstead, KS Safety Action Plan</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $47,500</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $2,500</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $200,000</li><li>Total Project - $250,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of Coffeyville – Coffeyville Road Safety Audit and Traffic Engineering Study</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $30,000</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $10,000</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $160,000</li><li>Total Project - $200,000</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of Valley Falls – Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $13,300</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $700</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $56,000</li><li>Total Project - $70,000&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Chase County –&nbsp;Safe Streets for All Grant</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $100,985</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $5,315</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $425,200</li><li>Total Project - $531,500&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Franklin County –&nbsp;Safe Streets for Franklin County</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $156,906</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $8,258</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $660,657</li><li>Total Project - $825,821&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>City of Junction City –&nbsp;Supplemental Safety Action Plan for Junction City EMS Project</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $145,855</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $7,677</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $614,128</li><li>Total Project - $767,660</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Mid-America Regional Council –&nbsp;Regional Safe Streets Plan Supplement Demonstration&nbsp;</li><li>Build Kansas Funding - $35,477</li><li>Applicant Contribution - $1,867</li><li>Federal Funding Awarded - $149,374</li><li>Total Project - $186,718&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;best practices for maximizing IIJA funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under IIJA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly announces over $57M for safer streets, roads in Kansas 

Every once in a while, you get an opportunity to put smiles on people's faces. I’d recommend never letting those moments go by unfulfilled.

The Wakeeney Police Department, Trego Sherrif Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Kansas Highway Patrol showed up at a snowball fight challenge at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care.

Though outnumbered and lacking talent 😉, the Peacemakers held their own. Thank you for the memories. Chief T.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199335409.jpeg" alt="Law enforcement with a&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care resident. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement with a&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care resident. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEvery once in a while, you get an opportunity to put smiles on people's faces. I’d recommend never letting those moments go by unfulfilled.The Wakeeney Police Department, Trego Sherrif Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Kansas Highway Patrol showed up at a snowball fight challenge at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care.Though outnumbered and lacking talent 😉, the Peacemakers held their own. Thank you for the memories. Chief T.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199376203.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199398850.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199420795.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199442330.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199460991.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199481699.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199517622.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769199536247.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Law enforcement agencies bring smiles to Trego County hospital with snowball fight

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769472555577.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><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

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced $1,496,970 in funding for 20 community-based domestic violence programs across Kansas. Funded through the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), these grants support and strengthen domestic violence programs that provide emergency shelter, 24/7 confidential call and text hotlines, transportation, and specialized services for survivors of domestic violence as well as their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These services play a vital role in promoting safety, stability, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. This crucial funding will go a long way in supporting Kansans as they rebuild their lives,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through these grants, we are building a more resilient state together.”&nbsp;

FVPSA funding&nbsp;also&nbsp;enhances&nbsp;access to&nbsp;an array of&nbsp;critical resources such as&nbsp;crisis intervention&nbsp;services, support groups&nbsp;and counseling, legal advocacy and court accompaniment,&nbsp;and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;with protection from abuse orders.&nbsp;The grant also funds&nbsp;prevention education in schools and communities&nbsp;across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The grant funds are made available through&nbsp;the&nbsp;federal Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services,&nbsp;an Office of the Administration for Children and Families&nbsp;at the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;

Barton County - Family Crisis Center - $62,609

Butler County - Family Life Center - $60,963

Crawford County - Safehouse Crisis Center - $73,908

Douglas County - The Willow Domestic Violence Center - $79,147

Ellis County - Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Service - $82,876

Finney County - Family Crisis Services - $58,838

Ford County - Crisis Center of Dodge City - $55,892

Harvey - Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force - $58,165

Leavenworth - Alliance Against Family Violence - $58,431

Saline County - Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas - $72,014

Sedgwick County - Catholic Charities, Harbor House - $93,583

Sedgwick County - Wichita Family Crisis Center - $106,943

Seward County - Library Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Service - $53,775

Shawnee County - YMCA Center for Safety &amp; Empowerment - $86,870

Wyandotte County - Friends of Yates - $73,600

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769198636326.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced $1,496,970 in funding for 20 community-based domestic violence programs across Kansas. Funded through the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), these grants support and strengthen domestic violence programs that provide emergency shelter, 24/7 confidential call and text hotlines, transportation, and specialized services for survivors of domestic violence as well as their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These services play a vital role in promoting safety, stability, and long-term healing for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. This crucial funding will go a long way in supporting Kansans as they rebuild their lives,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through these grants, we are building a more resilient state together.”&nbsp;FVPSA funding&nbsp;also&nbsp;enhances&nbsp;access to&nbsp;an array of&nbsp;critical resources such as&nbsp;crisis intervention&nbsp;services, support groups&nbsp;and counseling, legal advocacy and court accompaniment,&nbsp;and&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;with protection from abuse orders.&nbsp;The grant also funds&nbsp;prevention education in schools and communities&nbsp;across Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The grant funds are made available through&nbsp;the&nbsp;federal Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services,&nbsp;an Office of the Administration for Children and Families&nbsp;at the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;The grant awards are below:Allen County - Hope Unlimited - $51,091Barton County - Family Crisis Center - $62,609Butler County - Family Life Center - $60,963Crawford County - Safehouse Crisis Center - $73,908Douglas County - The Willow Domestic Violence Center - $79,147Ellis County - Options: Domestic and Sexual Violence Service - $82,876Finney County - Family Crisis Services - $58,838Ford County - Crisis Center of Dodge City - $55,892Harvey - Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force - $58,165Johnson County - Safehome - $166,354Leavenworth - Alliance Against Family Violence - $58,431Lyon County - SOS - $58,753Reno County - BrightHouse - $61,119Riley County - Crisis Center - $82,039Saline County - Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas - $72,014Sedgwick County - Catholic Charities, Harbor House - $93,583Sedgwick County - Wichita Family Crisis Center - $106,943Seward County - Library Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Service - $53,775Shawnee County - YMCA Center for Safety &amp; Empowerment - $86,870Wyandotte County - Friends of Yates - $73,600Total - $1,496,970

Gov. Kelly announces over $1.4M to support survivors of domestic violence, families

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After a preliminary hearing in Ellis County District Court on Monday, a WaKeeney man was bound over for trial for attempted first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his partner on July 17, 2025.

Cody Evan Garrett is charged with three felonies: attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery,&nbsp;criminal threat, and two misdemeanors: domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

The state presented its evidence in November, but the preliminary hearing was continued until Monday, when the defense presented its case.

Garrett drove his truck to an area of Hopewell Road in Ellis County. He&nbsp;allegedly told the victim he was going to kill her, throw her in a ditch, and she would never see her kids again, according to court records.

The victim told authorities that Garrett threw her up against the truck hard enough to dent the truck, pulled her hair, held her down on the ground and strangled her, according to court records and testimony.

The victim told authorities Garrett strangled her to the point she saw bright lights and heard ringing in her ears.

Garrett allegedly released the victim when another couple approached the area in another vehicle. She ran toward that vehicle, and law enforcement was called.

During testimony on Monday, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Tina Jecha of HaysMed said an examination of the victim found&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage in the victim's mouth, which can be an indicator of strangulation.

Petechial hemorrhage is the rupture of capillaries and can cause red, purple or brown spots to appear on the skin, in the mouth or in the eyes.

The defense noted in its questioning of Jecha that&nbsp;petechial hemorrhaging was not found anywhere else on the victim's body.

However,&nbsp;Jecha said someone can be strangled and not have any signs of&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage.

She also said she found abrasions, bruising and an injury to the victim's upper lip.

Although&nbsp;Jecha said she did not recall seeing any bruising on the victim's neck, she did remember seeing redness.

The victim's ex-husband testified he told a Wakeeney businessman after Garrett's arrest that he wouldn't put it past the victim to fabricate the incident.&nbsp;

J D Hobbs testified Monday this was his own speculation, and he had made the statement in anger after a sleepless night worrying about his children. Hobbs said he and the victim did not have an amicable divorce, and there remained tension in the relationship.

This statement, after going through two more people, morphed into an allegation that the victim had planned the incident to make Garrett look bad.&nbsp;

County Attorney Aaron Cunningham likened the line of testimony to a child's game of telephone in which the original statements had been contorted.

In his closing statement, defense attorney Mark Harmon argued there was no evidence of premeditation other than the victim's statements to law enforcement that Garrett had threatened to kill her.

He said there was no evidence that the victim had been close to death.&nbsp;

He characterized the events leading up to the alleged crime as a mutual combat inside the truck.

Harmon asked that the charge of attempted first-degree murder be dismissed. However, Judge Curtis Brown declined and bound Garrett over for trial on all charges.

Garrett's arraignment has been set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 via Zoom.

Garrett is free on a $500,000 bond. Herrman asked that Garrett's ankle monitoring be terminated as a condition of his bond. The state objected.&nbsp;

Brown said he would allow Garrett to switch to GPS monitoring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769467286563.png" alt="Cody Evan Garrett" />
 <figcaption>Cody Evan Garrett</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter a preliminary hearing in Ellis County District Court on Monday, a WaKeeney man was bound over for trial for attempted first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his partner on July 17, 2025.Cody Evan Garrett is charged with three felonies: attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery,&nbsp;criminal threat, and two misdemeanors: domestic battery and criminal damage to property.The state presented its evidence in November, but the preliminary hearing was continued until Monday, when the defense presented its case.Garrett drove his truck to an area of Hopewell Road in Ellis County. He&nbsp;allegedly told the victim he was going to kill her, throw her in a ditch, and she would never see her kids again, according to court records.The victim told authorities that Garrett threw her up against the truck hard enough to dent the truck, pulled her hair, held her down on the ground and strangled her, according to court records and testimony.The victim told authorities Garrett strangled her to the point she saw bright lights and heard ringing in her ears.Garrett allegedly released the victim when another couple approached the area in another vehicle. She ran toward that vehicle, and law enforcement was called.During testimony on Monday, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Tina Jecha of HaysMed said an examination of the victim found&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage in the victim's mouth, which can be an indicator of strangulation.Petechial hemorrhage is the rupture of capillaries and can cause red, purple or brown spots to appear on the skin, in the mouth or in the eyes.The defense noted in its questioning of Jecha that&nbsp;petechial hemorrhaging was not found anywhere else on the victim's body.However,&nbsp;Jecha said someone can be strangled and not have any signs of&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage.She also said she found abrasions, bruising and an injury to the victim's upper lip.Although&nbsp;Jecha said she did not recall seeing any bruising on the victim's neck, she did remember seeing redness.The victim's ex-husband testified he told a Wakeeney businessman after Garrett's arrest that he wouldn't put it past the victim to fabricate the incident.&nbsp;J D Hobbs testified Monday this was his own speculation, and he had made the statement in anger after a sleepless night worrying about his children. Hobbs said he and the victim did not have an amicable divorce, and there remained tension in the relationship.This statement, after going through two more people, morphed into an allegation that the victim had planned the incident to make Garrett look bad.&nbsp;County Attorney Aaron Cunningham likened the line of testimony to a child's game of telephone in which the original statements had been contorted.In his closing statement, defense attorney Mark Harmon argued there was no evidence of premeditation other than the victim's statements to law enforcement that Garrett had threatened to kill her.He said there was no evidence that the victim had been close to death.&nbsp;He characterized the events leading up to the alleged crime as a mutual combat inside the truck.Harmon asked that the charge of attempted first-degree murder be dismissed. However, Judge Curtis Brown declined and bound Garrett over for trial on all charges.Garrett's arraignment has been set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 via Zoom.Garrett is free on a $500,000 bond. Herrman asked that Garrett's ankle monitoring be terminated as a condition of his bond. The state objected.&nbsp;Brown said he would allow Garrett to switch to GPS monitoring.

WaKeeney man bound over on attempted 1st-degree murder charge

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider approving a resolution authorizing the sale of up to $11 million in bonds to fund multiple county projects.

These include the law enforcement center remodel, emergency medical services building, courthouse and administrative HVAC improvements, and a fire services storage building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/474951d3-998a-4651-a486-a894aab89ce0">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission hears updates on potential bond projects</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3c4ef7e6-c79c-401e-8440-0fcc702901c8">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission sees decreased costs for multiple projects</a>

Approval would move the bonding process into the final sale and bidding phase.

Tallgrass development solar project review agreements

Commissioners will consider approving agreements that would allow legal and technical experts to help review documents for the proposed Tallgrass Development solar project.

The proposed $275 million project would be located in southwest Ellis County. Project documents include a conditional-use permit, county resolutions, payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement and road use agreement.

Action on these agreements was delayed during its Jan. 20 meeting.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/46a6d21a-a5df-4f71-9d3b-29a6aa263211">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission to consider multiple solar project agreements</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d6c9018e-7bf4-4b59-90bc-d89ea87e8d30">SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer shares maps, more on construction during Hays open house</a>

Other business • High-risk urban road agreement • High Plains Mental Health update • 2026 county agreements to treat noxious weeds for the Kansas Department of Transportation • I voted sticker contest for sixth grade through 12th grade

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-726">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider approving a resolution authorizing the sale of up to $11 million in bonds to fund multiple county projects.These include the law enforcement center remodel, emergency medical services building, courthouse and administrative HVAC improvements, and a fire services storage building.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/474951d3-998a-4651-a486-a894aab89ce0">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission hears updates on potential bond projects</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3c4ef7e6-c79c-401e-8440-0fcc702901c8">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission sees decreased costs for multiple projects</a>Approval would move the bonding process into the final sale and bidding phase.Tallgrass development solar project review agreementsCommissioners will consider approving agreements that would allow legal and technical experts to help review documents for the proposed Tallgrass Development solar project.The proposed $275 million project would be located in southwest Ellis County. Project documents include a conditional-use permit, county resolutions, payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement and road use agreement.Action on these agreements was delayed during its Jan. 20 meeting.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/46a6d21a-a5df-4f71-9d3b-29a6aa263211">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission to consider multiple solar project agreements</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d6c9018e-7bf4-4b59-90bc-d89ea87e8d30">SEE RELATED STORY: Solar developer shares maps, more on construction during Hays open house</a>Other business • High-risk urban road agreement • High Plains Mental Health update • 2026 county agreements to treat noxious weeds for the Kansas Department of Transportation • I voted sticker contest for sixth grade through 12th gradeYou can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-726">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to consider bond projects

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446033724.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446047456.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446092290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446104841.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446115447.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446128913.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769446141907.png" alt="Activity-7.png" />
 <figcaption>Activity-7.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Jan. 18-24, 2026

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733777655657.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769445425259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769445457406.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769445481590.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Jail bookings: Jan. 19-26, 2026

Hays set two record lows during the weekend, reaching -15 overnight on Saturday and Sunday.

The former overnight low on Saturday night into Sunday was -10 set in 1957. The previous record for the overnight low Sunday into Monday was also -10 set in 1940.

The K-State Ag Research Center reported 5 inches of snow during the weekend. Hays has received 8 inches of snow for the season.

The snow accounted for .49 inches of precipitation. Hays averages .5 inches of precipitation in January and has received 1.34 inches this month.

Hays is still under a cold weather advisory through noon today. The high is forecast to be 28 degrees with wind gusts up to 31 mph.

The high on Tuesday is forecast to be 32, with a high of 44 on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764592199026.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays set two record lows during the weekend, reaching -15 overnight on Saturday and Sunday.The former overnight low on Saturday night into Sunday was -10 set in 1957. The previous record for the overnight low Sunday into Monday was also -10 set in 1940.The K-State Ag Research Center reported 5 inches of snow during the weekend. Hays has received 8 inches of snow for the season.The snow accounted for .49 inches of precipitation. Hays averages .5 inches of precipitation in January and has received 1.34 inches this month.Hays is still under a cold weather advisory through noon today. The high is forecast to be 28 degrees with wind gusts up to 31 mph.The high on Tuesday is forecast to be 32, with a high of 44 on Wednesday.

Hays sets 2 record lows; snow blankets city during weekend

Jim Huenergarde, a 29-year member of the Hays Lions Club, has been awarded the international&nbsp;Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Huenergarde, 78, has a long history of service in Hays and the state, especially in advancing the Lions' mission of eye health.

Huenergarde has served the Hays Lions as past president, board member, and chairman of the vision screening committee. He serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee.

The foundation provides grants to the school for the blind and leader dogs for the blind.

Huenergarde can often be found in local schools, most recently in Holy Family Elementary School, helping screen children for potential eye issues.

A co-worker asked him to join the club in the 1990s.

"I like the part where we were helping people who had needs, especially the vision, and a lot of it is geared toward children," he said.

"We kept hearing all these children in school who couldn't afford new glasses, or they weren't getting them done," he said. "It was an opportunity to help and get the word out."

Helen Keller challenged the Lions at their 1926 convention to be the Knights of the Blind, and they have championed vision causes ever since.

The Lions have a digital screener that can assess a child's vision in less than a minute for seven vision issues. Screeners can print the results and send them to parents so they can make an appointment with an optometrist.&nbsp;

Optometrists have told&nbsp;Huenergarde that if vision problems can be identified by about age 6 or 7, most can be corrected.

If Lions finds a family that can't afford glasses for a child, they have funds to help pay for those glasses.

Huenergarde&nbsp;said he enjoys working with kids.&nbsp;

He said some children are afraid to be screened, but he points the screener at the kids and says, "I'm just going to take their picture."

"They're fine with that," he said. "You just have to figure out how to deal with them. They're all different."

Huenergarde said he remembers offering free vision screenings at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. A woman came in, and he offered to screen the children. He screened the three children, and their eyesight was fine. He tried to screen the mother, and the equipment would not give an accurate reading.

"I said, 'Something is wrong.' I suggested she get a hold of and go see an optometrist right away,"&nbsp;Huenergarde said. ... "She went there Monday morning and found she had a detached retina.

"They were able to get that repaired, so she didn't lose her vision. Early detection gives you the ability to repair or fix."

The Lions also promote diabetes education, as diabetes can lead to severe eye complications.

The Lions collect used glasses for international mission trips with volunteer optometrists.&nbsp;Huenergarde said he has been involved in collecting and sorting these glasses. Prison inmates used to measure the lens prescriptions and sort the glasses manually.

However, the Lions Foundation recently bought a machine that will measure the prescription in the glasses in a fraction of the time.

You can drop off used glasses at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. Check with your local Lions Club to identify glasses collection sites in other areas of the state.

Huenergarde said he has also enjoyed the camaraderie he feels with other Lions as they meet throughout the year, complete other service projects and fundraisers.

"Lions Club is kind of my other family," he said.

The Hays Lions conduct three main fundraisers throughout the year: a pancake feed in March, bierock sales during Oktoberfest, and a golf tournament.

"You're working with the members," he said. "You're training them. You're helping them. You get them excited about the project. You have fun. That's the biggest part. It's fun."

Huenergarde sometimes wears a lion costume&nbsp;during the pancake feed to bring a little comic relief to the event.

The Lions use some of the funds they raise to help other nonprofits in the community, some of which include Boy Scout Troop 101, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and DSNWK. This year, the club has budgeted $16,000 for local grants.

"The money is going right back into our community—every penny of it. I liked that, an opportunity to really give back to the community. That was where the passion is, and it develops as you go."

The Hays Lions Club has 46 members on the roster and about 28 to 30 active members. The number of active members has steadily decreased in recent years, and&nbsp;Huenergarde said smaller numbers make it more difficult for the club to complete projects.

"The younger generation is not interested in this service work or giving back to the community," he said. "It's hard to get anyone interested."

Anyone can visit a Lions Club meeting if they are interested in joining. There is a one-time membership fee of $46, plus $7 monthly membership dues. The first six months of dues are free.

The Hays club, which was founded in 1924, meets weekly at noon Tuesdays at the Verdant Bistro meeting room at the Hadley Center. If you eat, the meal costs $12.50.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769186824114.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, far right, at a recent vision screening at Holy Family Elementary School. Huenergarde, a 29-year Lions member, was recently honored by the organization for his community service and dedication to the club's vision and mission. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, far right, at a recent vision screening at Holy Family Elementary School. Huenergarde, a 29-year Lions member, was recently honored by the organization for his community service and dedication to the club's vision and mission. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJim Huenergarde, a 29-year member of the Hays Lions Club, has been awarded the international&nbsp;Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.Huenergarde, 78, has a long history of service in Hays and the state, especially in advancing the Lions' mission of eye health.Huenergarde has served the Hays Lions as past president, board member, and chairman of the vision screening committee. He serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee.The foundation provides grants to the school for the blind and leader dogs for the blind.Huenergarde can often be found in local schools, most recently in Holy Family Elementary School, helping screen children for potential eye issues.A co-worker asked him to join the club in the 1990s."I like the part where we were helping people who had needs, especially the vision, and a lot of it is geared toward children," he said."We kept hearing all these children in school who couldn't afford new glasses, or they weren't getting them done," he said. "It was an opportunity to help and get the word out."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769187833864.jpeg" alt="Jim Huenergarde, far right, helps screen students for vision issues at Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp;Huenergarde&nbsp;serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Huenergarde, far right, helps screen students for vision issues at Holy Family Elementary School.&nbsp;Huenergarde&nbsp;serves as vice president of the Kansas Lions Sight Foundation and leads its Finance and Investment Committee. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Keller challenged the Lions at their 1926 convention to be the Knights of the Blind, and they have championed vision causes ever since.The Lions have a digital screener that can assess a child's vision in less than a minute for seven vision issues. Screeners can print the results and send them to parents so they can make an appointment with an optometrist.&nbsp;Optometrists have told&nbsp;Huenergarde that if vision problems can be identified by about age 6 or 7, most can be corrected.If Lions finds a family that can't afford glasses for a child, they have funds to help pay for those glasses.Huenergarde&nbsp;said he enjoys working with kids.&nbsp;He said some children are afraid to be screened, but he points the screener at the kids and says, "I'm just going to take their picture.""They're fine with that," he said. "You just have to figure out how to deal with them. They're all different."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769188058913.jpeg" alt="It only takes Lions volunteer screeners about a minute to assess a person's eyes&nbsp;for potential vision issues with a device such as the one shown here. The Lions provide free screenings and refer children and adults to optometrists if issues are detected. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>It only takes Lions volunteer screeners about a minute to assess a person's eyes&nbsp;for potential vision issues with a device such as the one shown here. The Lions provide free screenings and refer children and adults to optometrists if issues are detected. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769188380590.jpeg" alt="Lions volunteers test Holy Family Elementary School students for color blindness during a recent vision screening at the school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lions volunteers test Holy Family Elementary School students for color blindness during a recent vision screening at the school. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lions also screen and assist adults.Huenergarde said he remembers offering free vision screenings at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. A woman came in, and he offered to screen the children. He screened the three children, and their eyesight was fine. He tried to screen the mother, and the equipment would not give an accurate reading."I said, 'Something is wrong.' I suggested she get a hold of and go see an optometrist right away,"&nbsp;Huenergarde said. ... "She went there Monday morning and found she had a detached retina."They were able to get that repaired, so she didn't lose her vision. Early detection gives you the ability to repair or fix."The Lions also promote diabetes education, as diabetes can lead to severe eye complications.The Lions collect used glasses for international mission trips with volunteer optometrists.&nbsp;Huenergarde said he has been involved in collecting and sorting these glasses. Prison inmates used to measure the lens prescriptions and sort the glasses manually.However, the Lions Foundation recently bought a machine that will measure the prescription in the glasses in a fraction of the time.You can drop off used glasses at the Arc Thrift Store in Hays. Check with your local Lions Club to identify glasses collection sites in other areas of the state.Huenergarde said he has also enjoyed the camaraderie he feels with other Lions as they meet throughout the year, complete other service projects and fundraisers."Lions Club is kind of my other family," he said.The Hays Lions conduct three main fundraisers throughout the year: a pancake feed in March, bierock sales during Oktoberfest, and a golf tournament."You're working with the members," he said. "You're training them. You're helping them. You get them excited about the project. You have fun. That's the biggest part. It's fun."Huenergarde sometimes wears a lion costume&nbsp;during the pancake feed to bring a little comic relief to the event.The Lions use some of the funds they raise to help other nonprofits in the community, some of which include Boy Scout Troop 101, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and DSNWK. This year, the club has budgeted $16,000 for local grants."The money is going right back into our community—every penny of it. I liked that, an opportunity to really give back to the community. That was where the passion is, and it develops as you go."The Hays Lions Club has 46 members on the roster and about 28 to 30 active members. The number of active members has steadily decreased in recent years, and&nbsp;Huenergarde said smaller numbers make it more difficult for the club to complete projects."The younger generation is not interested in this service work or giving back to the community," he said. "It's hard to get anyone interested."Anyone can visit a Lions Club meeting if they are interested in joining. There is a one-time membership fee of $46, plus $7 monthly membership dues. The first six months of dues are free.The Hays club, which was founded in 1924, meets weekly at noon Tuesdays at the Verdant Bistro meeting room at the Hadley Center. If you eat, the meal costs $12.50.

Hays Lions member honored for dedication to vision mission, community service

USDA&nbsp;Rural Development Kansas

COLBY – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Gimmie Jo Jansonius participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday marking the opening of Citizens Medical Center Inc. in Colby. 

USDA Rural Development awarded $119,133,000 in loans to help make the project possible.

“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansans have access to reliable quality health care,” Jansonius said. “The loans provided for this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will improve healthcare in Colby, northwest Kansas and in neighboring states.”

Rural Development funding helped Citizens Medical Center construct a 184,000-square-foot replacement hospital and rural healthcare clinic in Colby. The project will deliver quality patient care that meets current and future needs for the area. 

This investment is through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans program, which provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. 

An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. 

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/ks.">www.rd.usda.gov/ks.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769099534770.jpeg" alt="Citizens Medical Center, Inc., Colby" />
 <figcaption>Citizens Medical Center, Inc., Colby</figcaption>
 </figure>USDA&nbsp;Rural Development Kansas COLBY – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Gimmie Jo Jansonius participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday marking the opening of Citizens Medical Center Inc. in Colby. USDA Rural Development awarded $119,133,000 in loans to help make the project possible.“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansans have access to reliable quality health care,” Jansonius said. “The loans provided for this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will improve healthcare in Colby, northwest Kansas and in neighboring states.”Rural Development funding helped Citizens Medical Center construct a 184,000-square-foot replacement hospital and rural healthcare clinic in Colby. The project will deliver quality patient care that meets current and future needs for the area. This investment is through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans program, which provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/ks.">www.rd.usda.gov/ks.</a>

USDA Rural Development loans help finance new Citizens Medical Center in Colby

Kennedy Berkley Attorneys at Law announced that Matt Odom has joined the firm’s Hays office, strengthening the firm’s domestic relations and family law services for individuals and families across Hays and surrounding western Kansas communities.

Odom’s practice focuses on family law and domestic relations, including matters such as divorce, child custody, parenting time, support, and related family issues. Known for his steady and compassionate approach, Odom brings a service-minded background and a commitment to helping clients navigate emotionally complex legal matters with clarity and care.

Odom is a Hays High School graduate who then joined the United States Army after graduation. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and later attended the University of Kansas School of Law. In 2019, Odom made the intentional decision to return to Hays, drawn by the strength of the community and the opportunity to serve families in a region where access to domestic relations attorneys can be limited.

Before joining Kennedy Berkley, Odom worked with Kansas Legal Services, where he advocated for individuals and families with a focus on practical solutions and meaningful support.

“Matt’s commitment to service, his understanding of our community, and his client-centered approach make him an outstanding addition to our Hays office,” said Jim Angell, managing partner and representative of Kennedy Berkley.&nbsp;

“Family law is personal. Matt has the temperament and professionalism to guide people through some of the most challenging transitions of their lives.”

Odom said he is proud to continue serving the community that shaped him.

“Family law is rarely about winning—it’s about helping people move forward in a way that protects what matters most,” Odom said. “I’m honored to serve families in Hays and across western Kansas with respect, steadiness, and genuine care.”

Odom, along with Kennedy Berkley Law, provides smart, effective legal counsel to businesses and individuals throughout Kansas and beyond. The firm has served clients for more than six decades, with a commitment to practical solutions and personalized attention. 

Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Salina, Kennedy Berkley serves clients across its regional office locations. Kennedy Berkley’s Hays office will provide a broad range of services for individuals and businesses in northwestern Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769097199179.jpeg" alt="Matt Odom. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Matt Odom. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kennedy Berkley Attorneys at LawKennedy Berkley Attorneys at Law announced that Matt Odom has joined the firm’s Hays office, strengthening the firm’s domestic relations and family law services for individuals and families across Hays and surrounding western Kansas communities.Odom’s practice focuses on family law and domestic relations, including matters such as divorce, child custody, parenting time, support, and related family issues. Known for his steady and compassionate approach, Odom brings a service-minded background and a commitment to helping clients navigate emotionally complex legal matters with clarity and care.Odom is a Hays High School graduate who then joined the United States Army after graduation. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and later attended the University of Kansas School of Law. In 2019, Odom made the intentional decision to return to Hays, drawn by the strength of the community and the opportunity to serve families in a region where access to domestic relations attorneys can be limited.Before joining Kennedy Berkley, Odom worked with Kansas Legal Services, where he advocated for individuals and families with a focus on practical solutions and meaningful support.“Matt’s commitment to service, his understanding of our community, and his client-centered approach make him an outstanding addition to our Hays office,” said Jim Angell, managing partner and representative of Kennedy Berkley.&nbsp;“Family law is personal. Matt has the temperament and professionalism to guide people through some of the most challenging transitions of their lives.”Odom said he is proud to continue serving the community that shaped him.“Family law is rarely about winning—it’s about helping people move forward in a way that protects what matters most,” Odom said. “I’m honored to serve families in Hays and across western Kansas with respect, steadiness, and genuine care.”Odom, along with Kennedy Berkley Law, provides smart, effective legal counsel to businesses and individuals throughout Kansas and beyond. The firm has served clients for more than six decades, with a commitment to practical solutions and personalized attention. Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Salina, Kennedy Berkley serves clients across its regional office locations. Kennedy Berkley’s Hays office will provide a broad range of services for individuals and businesses in northwestern Kansas.&nbsp;

Kennedy Berkley welcomes Hays native as law firm expands to Hays office

Anyone interested in taking drivers education this summer through Hays High&nbsp;School, please contact Jessica Dale,&nbsp;USD 489 drivers ed coordinator, at Hays Middle School.&nbsp;You may email Jessica Dale at jdale@usd489.com or call 785-623-2450.

Pre-enrollment for middle school students will be during science classes&nbsp;February 10 and 11 at Hays Middle School.

Pre-enrollment for Hays High students will be during advisory time period at Hays High School, February 17 and 18 in the hospitality room.

There will also be an informational meeting for all students and parents&nbsp; Tuesday, February 17 at the new Hays Middle School in the gym at 6:00 pm.

Four sessions will once again be offered. The sessions include the following&nbsp;dates

Session 1: May 26 – June 4 Session 2: June 8 - 18 Session 3: June 22 – July 2 Session 4: July 6 - 16

We do accept students from outside of the USD 489 school district.

Enrollment forms are available at both the middle school and high school&nbsp;offices as well as on the school websites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769014381235.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High SchoolAnyone interested in taking drivers education this summer through Hays High&nbsp;School, please contact Jessica Dale,&nbsp;USD 489 drivers ed coordinator, at Hays Middle School.&nbsp;You may email Jessica Dale at jdale@usd489.com or call 785-623-2450.Pre-enrollment for middle school students will be during science classes&nbsp;February 10 and 11 at Hays Middle School.Pre-enrollment for Hays High students will be during advisory time period at Hays High School, February 17 and 18 in the hospitality room.There will also be an informational meeting for all students and parents&nbsp; Tuesday, February 17 at the new Hays Middle School in the gym at 6:00 pm.Four sessions will once again be offered. The sessions include the following&nbsp;datesSession 1: May 26 – June 4 Session 2: June 8 - 18 Session 3: June 22 – July 2 Session 4: July 6 - 16We do accept students from outside of the USD 489 school district.Enrollment forms are available at both the middle school and high school&nbsp;offices as well as on the school websites.

Time to sign up for summer driver's ed at Hays High School

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769187979552.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/">U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;build on familiar advice — eat more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains and limit highly processed foods — while sharpening the focus on how Americans cook, combine and choose foods for long-term health, according to a Kansas State University Extension nutrition specialist.

Priscilla Brenes, a nutrition and wellness specialist with K-State Extension, said the updated guidelines emphasize gut health, higher-quality protein and cooking skills that support healthier eating at home.

“We are seeing many similar things as before,” Brenes said. “But they’re also pointing out more gut health. They are increasing the amount of protein. The USDA is calling for high-quality, nutrient-dense proteins, and they’re prompting people on different cooking methods.”

Those methods — baking, broiling, roasting, stir-frying and grilling — reflect an emphasis for more home cooking, Brenes said, encouraging Americans to rely less on ready-to-eat and restaurant foods and more on meals prepared at home.

“If we start decreasing the amount of ready-to-eat foods we eat, or start eating out less, then we need to increase our skills on those cooking methods,” she said. “We need to pay more attention to what foods we are putting on our plates.”

Protein plays a central role in the new recommendations. The guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods at every meal, drawn from both animal and plant sources.

“In animal sources, we have eggs, poultry and seafood,” Brenes said. “In plant sources, we have peas, beans and lentils, and a combination of those throughout the day.”

When it comes to meat, the emphasis is on minimizing added sugars and refined carbohydrates while enhancing flavor with herbs and spices rather than heavy sauces.

The guidelines also highlight whole dairy foods without added sugars. “Dairy has a lot of good nutrients that we need,” she said, including vitamins D and A, which are fat-soluble, as well as B vitamins essential for brain and body function.

Even with full-fat dairy and higher protein intake, moderation remains key. The guidelines continue to recommend that no more than 10% of daily calories come from saturated fat, based on a standard 2,000-calorie diet.

A simple way to understand saturated fats, Brenes said, is to look at how foods behave at room temperature.

“If it’s solid at room temperature, like butter, it has a high content of saturated fat,” she said. “If it’s liquid at room temperature, like olive oil, it has more unsaturated fats.”

These new guidelines make reading nutrition labels an essential skill, especially for people managing conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Brenes said K-State Extension agents and staff can help Kansans learn how to interpret labels and choose foods that fit their health needs.

Fruits and vegetables remain a cornerstone of the guidelines, with an emphasis on variety and color to maximize vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support gut health. While fresh produce is preferred, frozen, dried or canned options can also work if they contain no added sugars and limited sodium.

Whole grains are another priority, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Brenes said consumers should look for grains that retain the bran, germ and endosperm, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat, and carefully read labels to ensure products truly contain whole grains.

The guidelines also call for reducing highly processed foods, which often provide excess calories from fat and added sugars without enough essential nutrients.

Alcohol intake should be limited, and sodium consumption should stay below 2,300 milligrams per day, with lower limits for some individuals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/">U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;build on familiar advice — eat more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains and limit highly processed foods — while sharpening the focus on how Americans cook, combine and choose foods for long-term health, according to a Kansas State University Extension nutrition specialist.Priscilla Brenes, a nutrition and wellness specialist with K-State Extension, said the updated guidelines emphasize gut health, higher-quality protein and cooking skills that support healthier eating at home.“We are seeing many similar things as before,” Brenes said. “But they’re also pointing out more gut health. They are increasing the amount of protein. The USDA is calling for high-quality, nutrient-dense proteins, and they’re prompting people on different cooking methods.”Those methods — baking, broiling, roasting, stir-frying and grilling — reflect an emphasis for more home cooking, Brenes said, encouraging Americans to rely less on ready-to-eat and restaurant foods and more on meals prepared at home.“If we start decreasing the amount of ready-to-eat foods we eat, or start eating out less, then we need to increase our skills on those cooking methods,” she said. “We need to pay more attention to what foods we are putting on our plates.”Protein plays a central role in the new recommendations. The guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods at every meal, drawn from both animal and plant sources.“In animal sources, we have eggs, poultry and seafood,” Brenes said. “In plant sources, we have peas, beans and lentils, and a combination of those throughout the day.”When it comes to meat, the emphasis is on minimizing added sugars and refined carbohydrates while enhancing flavor with herbs and spices rather than heavy sauces.The guidelines also highlight whole dairy foods without added sugars. “Dairy has a lot of good nutrients that we need,” she said, including vitamins D and A, which are fat-soluble, as well as B vitamins essential for brain and body function.Even with full-fat dairy and higher protein intake, moderation remains key. The guidelines continue to recommend that no more than 10% of daily calories come from saturated fat, based on a standard 2,000-calorie diet.A simple way to understand saturated fats, Brenes said, is to look at how foods behave at room temperature.“If it’s solid at room temperature, like butter, it has a high content of saturated fat,” she said. “If it’s liquid at room temperature, like olive oil, it has more unsaturated fats.”These new guidelines make reading nutrition labels an essential skill, especially for people managing conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Brenes said K-State Extension agents and staff can help Kansans learn how to interpret labels and choose foods that fit their health needs.Fruits and vegetables remain a cornerstone of the guidelines, with an emphasis on variety and color to maximize vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support gut health. While fresh produce is preferred, frozen, dried or canned options can also work if they contain no added sugars and limited sodium.Whole grains are another priority, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Brenes said consumers should look for grains that retain the bran, germ and endosperm, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat, and carefully read labels to ensure products truly contain whole grains.The guidelines also call for reducing highly processed foods, which often provide excess calories from fat and added sugars without enough essential nutrients.Alcohol intake should be limited, and sodium consumption should stay below 2,300 milligrams per day, with lower limits for some individuals.Ultimately, Brenes said the dietary guidelines serve as a foundation.“They are a base, and then we need to build from there,” she said, pointing to K-State Extension programs that teach cooking skills, meal planning and label reading. “We can help build healthier meals depending on people’s needs and their budgets.”More information on healthy eating is available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations">local extension offices in Kansas.</a>

Local