As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection.
So as we wrap up the year, and look forward to 2024 here is a look back at the top 10 local Hays Post stories from 2023.
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Hays man arrested by FBI in $4.5 million fraud scheme targeting elderly
In July, Hays resident Christopher Lang was charged with a criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants allegedly convinced victims to pay advance fees in return for services that involved selling or securing the sale or rental of their timeshares.
The Lang case has yet to go to trial.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/2166a4d6-7ac2-483b-bf16-84d3a9f8d25e.
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Cattleman's Cafe to offer 'grandma's cooking' in new Hays location
Just as 2023 was kicking off, Cattleman's Steak House announced they would be opening a location in Hays in addition to their Liberal and Sublette locations. The cafe offers comfort food favorites, such as chicken-fried steaks, meatloaf, pot roast, hamburgers, salads and steaks and has quickly developed into a staple for many area residents.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/c9b5cd92-a70c-4ae7-b853-e755153c432f.
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Shooting outside Hays bar leaves person dead
In June, an argument outside of a bar in Hays ended with one man dead and another jailed. Larry Braun was allegedly killed by Keith Ostrom, leading to a grand jury indictment charging Ostrom with voluntary manslaughter, criminal discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and endangerment.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/cb25e09c-b11a-4bc4-9df4-321f1f528bcb.
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Young mom from Hays sues Kansas Board of Cosmetology to offer sugaring
In October, Hays resident Bryn Green sued the Kansas Board of Cosmetology in order to offer sugaring, an ancient grooming technique that uses a mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water to safely remove unwanted hair without obtaining an occupational license with the assistance of the Kansas Justice Institute.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/14a7b433-3f84-4a2b-97ac-9ea092742473.
The case remains ongoing.
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Hays felon arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
In March, Hays Police responded to a domestic disturbance finding a victim with multiple stab wounds. Collin Micheal McMillin would later be arrested on charges of attempted murder.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/453cb422-cd9e-4386-8103-8e6c8f7ff224.
McMillin is currently in custody in the Ellis County Jail.
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Ellis County man found guilty of pre-meditated murder after week-long trial
In September, a criminal case dating to Halloween 2019 was closed after the conviction of Colby Alan Trickle for the pre-meditated first-degree murder of his wife, Kristin Trickle.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/b6c032e6-536c-4ad8-b646-fea6b6b293bf.
Colby Trickle was sentenced in November to life in prison and is currently being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.
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Hays PD reports arrests following fentanyl-linked overdose death
In March, two Hays residents were arrested on drug charges stemming from a death in February from fentanyl ingestion. Kimberly Schmeidler and Brandon Kahrs were both charged with alleged drug distribution after a search of their home located drugs that matched the pills found during the initial investigation.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/d7ff76bf-a6d5-4493-8470-3d110f0ded4f.
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Vehicle drives into Gross Memorial; train crash may be related
In June, an unnamed suspect allegedly drove inside Gross Memorial Coliseum on the Fort Hays Campus, causing significant damage. A vehicle matching the description later drove onto train tracks near the university and was struck by a train.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/703cf48a-78d2-4eea-b296-3fab7397c6d9.
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Locals pack Brass Rail bar for last time after more than 70 years in Hays
In October, area residents had one last chance to visit an iconic part of downtown Hays, The Brass Rail, after the building was sold and before the over-70-year-old bar closed for the last time.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/63d75fa4-f2c2-468b-865c-515c72d8e17b
Plans for the building have not yet been announced, but demolition is currently underway inside.
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Blue Light Body Art opens with new name on Main in Hays
In February, after 15 years at Vine and Eighth, Sore Loser, Tattoo rebranded and moved downtown with the new name Blue Light Body Arts.
Read the original story at hayspost.com/posts/96919371-593d-482a-8dec-5e5b23ed7638.
The business continues operating in the new location.
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