The city of Hays has declared a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency, effective immediately, as a winter storm is expected to significantly impact the region.

City crews are actively working to clear Emergency Snow Routes, and residents are urged to avoid travel unless necessary.

Under the declared emergency, parking on designated Emergency Snow Routes is prohibited.

Vehicles left on these routes may be subject to towing at the owner's expense to allow for efficient snow removal operations.

The city’s priority remains maintaining open and passable primary roads for emergency responders and essential travel.

The winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Residents are advised to use caution, monitor weather updates, and allow additional travel time if driving is unavoidable.

Due to staffing and equipment limitations, residential streets are generally not plowed, per city policy. However, exceptions will be considered as needed and appropriate.

City officials will continue to provide updates on snow removal efforts through official social media channels and local news outlets.

Those with questions regarding snow routes or road conditions can contact the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011 or the Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

For the latest weather and travel updates, residents are encouraged to tune in local radio and TV stations, including KAYS, KBSH-TV, KFIX, KHAZ, KJLS, and KKQY.

<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information" target="_blank">Click here for snow route information.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739831433198.jpeg" alt="City of Hays snow routes" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays snow routes</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe city of Hays has declared a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency, effective immediately, as a winter storm is expected to significantly impact the region.City crews are actively working to clear Emergency Snow Routes, and residents are urged to avoid travel unless necessary.Under the declared emergency, parking on designated Emergency Snow Routes is prohibited.Vehicles left on these routes may be subject to towing at the owner's expense to allow for efficient snow removal operations.The city’s priority remains maintaining open and passable primary roads for emergency responders and essential travel.The winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, creating hazardous driving conditions.Residents are advised to use caution, monitor weather updates, and allow additional travel time if driving is unavoidable.Due to staffing and equipment limitations, residential streets are generally not plowed, per city policy. However, exceptions will be considered as needed and appropriate.City officials will continue to provide updates on snow removal efforts through official social media channels and local news outlets.Those with questions regarding snow routes or road conditions can contact the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011 or the Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.For the latest weather and travel updates, residents are encouraged to tune in local radio and TV stations, including KAYS, KBSH-TV, KFIX, KHAZ, KJLS, and KKQY.<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information" target="_blank">Click here for snow route information.</a>

Hays declares Winter Storm Traffic Emergency - Phase 1

Hays High vs McPherson Monday, Feb. 17th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2188501">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High plays their final non-conference games of the season as the Indians host McPherson.

Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs McPherson Monday, Feb. 17th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2188501">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High plays their final non-conference games of the season as the Indians host McPherson.Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

🏀🎥 Hays High hosts McPherson

TMP-Marian vs Oakley Moonday, Feb. 17 – 4:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger Fieldhouse

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2188494">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return home for their final two games of the regular season this week.&nbsp;

Monday night, they host the Oakley Plainsmen in a key Mid-Continent League matchup. The games were initially scheduled for Tuesday but have been moved, and the start time has been moved up due to the anticipation of winter weather across the region.

The girls' game will tip off at 4:30 p.m. from Hays, and the boys will follow on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Oakley Moonday, Feb. 17 – 4:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger FieldhouseRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2188494">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs return home for their final two games of the regular season this week.&nbsp;Monday night, they host the Oakley Plainsmen in a key Mid-Continent League matchup. The games were initially scheduled for Tuesday but have been moved, and the start time has been moved up due to the anticipation of winter weather across the region.The girls' game will tip off at 4:30 p.m. from Hays, and the boys will follow on the Monarchs Sports Network.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian returns home to host Oakley

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the second-straight week, Fort Hays State has the MIAA Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week. Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;received the honor on Monday for her performance in a pair of road wins last week. DeGarmo averaged a double-double in points and rebounds for the week, while also adding 5.0 assists per game.

DeGarmo put up a pair of double-doubles for FHSU, helping the Tigers stretch their winning streak to nine games by averaging 14.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The graduate student opened the week with 13 points, as well as a season-high 14 rebounds and six assists in a win at Emporia State before notching 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in a victory against Newman.

DeGarmo now has seven double-doubles this season in points and rebounds and 43 for her career. She now has 2,118 points and 1,161 rebounds in her career at FHSU, already claiming the all-time total rebounds record.

DeGarmo claims this week's Athlete of the Week honor after teammate Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;received the honor last week. Hollenbeck has received the honor twice this season, so this gives FHSU three Athlete of the Week honors so far this season. DeGarmo and Hollenbeck have combined for 3,930 points and 1,869 rebounds in their careers at FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739829157836.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the second-straight week, Fort Hays State has the MIAA Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week. Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;received the honor on Monday for her performance in a pair of road wins last week. DeGarmo averaged a double-double in points and rebounds for the week, while also adding 5.0 assists per game.DeGarmo put up a pair of double-doubles for FHSU, helping the Tigers stretch their winning streak to nine games by averaging 14.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The graduate student opened the week with 13 points, as well as a season-high 14 rebounds and six assists in a win at Emporia State before notching 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in a victory against Newman.DeGarmo now has seven double-doubles this season in points and rebounds and 43 for her career. She now has 2,118 points and 1,161 rebounds in her career at FHSU, already claiming the all-time total rebounds record.DeGarmo claims this week's Athlete of the Week honor after teammate Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;received the honor last week. Hollenbeck has received the honor twice this season, so this gives FHSU three Athlete of the Week honors so far this season. DeGarmo and Hollenbeck have combined for 3,930 points and 1,869 rebounds in their careers at FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 DeGarmo named MIAA women’s basketball Athlete of the Week

Hays Post Winter storm and extreme cold warnings have been issued for Hays and the surrounding area.

Snow is expected in Hays mainly after 11 p.m., but some patchy blowing snow after 9 p.m. The low in Hays is forecast at -4. The wind chill values are forecast to reach as low as -20. Snow accumulation is forecast to be 3 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow will continue in Hays until about 3 p.m. Tuesday. The high is forecast to be 3 with wind chills as low as -24 Tuesday. Further snow accumulation is forecast to be 1 to 3 inches on Tuesday.

The forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of snow Tuesday night, with a low around -7. Wind chill values will be as low as -23.

The extreme cold warning will continue through noon Thursday.&nbsp;

The high for Wednesday is forecast to be 6, with an overnight low of -13. The high for Thursday is forecast to be 9, with an overnight low of -6.&nbsp;

Friday's high is forecast to be 23, with above-freezing temps to return by the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739823568789.png" alt="National Weather Service Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post Winter storm and extreme cold warnings have been issued for Hays and the surrounding area.Snow is expected in Hays mainly after 11 p.m., but some patchy blowing snow after 9 p.m. The low in Hays is forecast at -4. The wind chill values are forecast to reach as low as -20. Snow accumulation is forecast to be 3 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.The snow will continue in Hays until about 3 p.m. Tuesday. The high is forecast to be 3 with wind chills as low as -24 Tuesday. Further snow accumulation is forecast to be 1 to 3 inches on Tuesday.The forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of snow Tuesday night, with a low around -7. Wind chill values will be as low as -23.The extreme cold warning will continue through noon Thursday.&nbsp;The high for Wednesday is forecast to be 6, with an overnight low of -13. The high for Thursday is forecast to be 9, with an overnight low of -6.&nbsp;Friday's high is forecast to be 23, with above-freezing temps to return by the weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739824204665.png" alt="National Weather Service, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>

Snow in Hays to start tonight; extreme cold warning through Thursday

The city of Hays is making preparations ahead of a significant winter storm expected to impact the area beginning Monday night and continuing through Tuesday.

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions as snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures are forecast to create hazardous conditions.

According to the&nbsp;National Weather Service in Dodge City, snow is projected to move into the region late Monday, with the heaviest accumulation likely along the I-70 corridor through early Tuesday morning. 

The storm will also bring an arctic air mass, resulting in dangerously low wind chills through early Thursday.

Strong winds may contribute to blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel difficult.

City crews are actively preparing for the storm and will work to keep major roadways as clear as possible.

If snowfall reaches a level requiring extensive removal, the city manager may declare a Winter Storm Traffic Emergency. In such a case:

Due to staffing and equipment limitations, snow removal efforts will focus on Emergency Snow Routes.

Residential streets are typically not plowed unless conditions warrant exceptions.

For real-time weather alerts and city updates, residents are encouraged to follow the city of Hays’ official social media pages or sign up for text and email alerts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">haysusa.com</a>.

Additional weather information can be found through the National Weather Service at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weather.gov/ddc" target="_blank">www.weather.gov/ddc</a>.

City of HaysThe city of Hays is making preparations ahead of a significant winter storm expected to impact the area beginning Monday night and continuing through Tuesday. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions as snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures are forecast to create hazardous conditions.According to the&nbsp;National Weather Service in Dodge City, snow is projected to move into the region late Monday, with the heaviest accumulation likely along the I-70 corridor through early Tuesday morning. The storm will also bring an arctic air mass, resulting in dangerously low wind chills through early Thursday.Strong winds may contribute to blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel difficult.City crews are actively preparing for the storm and will work to keep major roadways as clear as possible.If snowfall reaches a level requiring extensive removal, the city manager may declare a Winter Storm Traffic Emergency. In such a case:<ul>
 <li>Parking will be prohibited on designated Emergency Snow Routes to allow for efficient snow removal.</li><li>Vehicles left on these routes may be towed at the owner’s expense.</li>
 </ul>How Residents Can Prepare:<ul>
 <li>Move vehicles off designated Emergency Snow Routes before the storm arrives.</li><li>Stock up on essential supplies in case of travel disruptions.</li><li>Monitor local weather reports and official city updates for the latest storm developments.</li>
 </ul>Due to staffing and equipment limitations, snow removal efforts will focus on Emergency Snow Routes.Residential streets are typically not plowed unless conditions warrant exceptions.For real-time weather alerts and city updates, residents are encouraged to follow the city of Hays’ official social media pages or sign up for text and email alerts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">haysusa.com</a>.Additional weather information can be found through the National Weather Service at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weather.gov/ddc" target="_blank">www.weather.gov/ddc</a>.

City of Hays preparing for incoming winter storm

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Public Works director will discuss plans for road repairs and improvements on 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway during the Ellis County Commission meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will present the 48th Street repairs, which involve milling the existing asphalt and applying hot mix asphalt layers. The Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway improvements focus on upgrading the surface from gravel and sand to asphalt.

The commissioners must approve the project by authorizing staff to proceed with Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction, allowing construction to begin in August.

Traffic lights at Canterbury Drive and Old Highway 40 intersection

Commissioner Neal Younger requested a review of the turn signals at the Highway 40 and Canterbury Drive intersection. The recently installed westbound traffic pole includes extra wiring to potentially add left-turn signals in the future.

The request for a left-turn signal is driven by the expected increase in northbound traffic on Canterbury Drive once the new high school is completed.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will evaluate whether to proceed with the installation or keep the existing setup.

County Administrator Darin Myers will request approval from the county commissioners to sell a list of items through Purplewave, an online auction platform.

The items consist of fleet management program vehicles and miscellaneous equipment that various departments no longer use.

Proceeds will support the fleet management program and be allocated to each department's non-budgeted revenue fund.

Ellis County Fire Department truck modifications

Myers will also request approval to upgrade two fire brush trucks by transferring their utility bodies onto new Ford F-550 chassis.

One truck will be assigned to Victoria and the other to Ellis. Additional upgrades include a new LED emergency lighting system, a replacement front bumper, and the installation of a new radio and siren system.

Weed Control Supervisor Gary Haas will seek approval for the annual report, which provides an overview of the county's weed control efforts, including financial data, weed surveys and herbicide applications.

The commissioners must also approve the 2025 management plan, which outlines the county's strategy for controlling noxious weeds for the following year.

Amanda Rupp of the Ellis County Historical Society and Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health, will also update the county commission on their respective organizations.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182025-654">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 Public Works director will discuss plans for road repairs and improvements on 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway during the Ellis County Commission meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will present the 48th Street repairs, which involve milling the existing asphalt and applying hot mix asphalt layers. The Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway improvements focus on upgrading the surface from gravel and sand to asphalt.The commissioners must approve the project by authorizing staff to proceed with Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction, allowing construction to begin in August.<h2>Traffic lights at Canterbury Drive and Old Highway 40 intersection</h2>Commissioner Neal Younger requested a review of the turn signals at the Highway 40 and Canterbury Drive intersection. The recently installed westbound traffic pole includes extra wiring to potentially add left-turn signals in the future.The request for a left-turn signal is driven by the expected increase in northbound traffic on Canterbury Drive once the new high school is completed.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will evaluate whether to proceed with the installation or keep the existing setup.<h2>Purplewave auction</h2>County Administrator Darin Myers will request approval from the county commissioners to sell a list of items through Purplewave, an online auction platform.The items consist of fleet management program vehicles and miscellaneous equipment that various departments no longer use.Proceeds will support the fleet management program and be allocated to each department's non-budgeted revenue fund.<h2>Ellis County Fire Department truck modifications</h2>Myers will also request approval to upgrade two fire brush trucks by transferring their utility bodies onto new Ford F-550 chassis.One truck will be assigned to Victoria and the other to Ellis. Additional upgrades include a new LED emergency lighting system, a replacement front bumper, and the installation of a new radio and siren system.<h2>Noxious weed report</h2>Weed Control Supervisor Gary Haas will seek approval for the annual report, which provides an overview of the county's weed control efforts, including financial data, weed surveys and herbicide applications.The commissioners must also approve the 2025 management plan, which outlines the county's strategy for controlling noxious weeds for the following year.<h2>Organization updates</h2>Amanda Rupp of the Ellis County Historical Society and Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health, will also update the county commission on their respective organizations.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182025-654">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to hear 48th Street repair plans

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Administration Center to consider five capital projects related to the bond projects.

The board will consider approval of a digital marquee sign that will allow for recognition of students, staff and schools for Hays Middle School and Hays High School to be placed on 13th Street between Hays Middle and Hays High. The cost of the marquee is&nbsp;$66,364.

The board will consider a&nbsp;bid from BSN Sports for weight room equipment for $146,710 for the new Hays High School.

The board will consider a bid and down payment for new scoreboards at Hays High School for $777,680. These include video scoreboards for the new Hays High School football stadium and gym.

The board will consider a bid from Stallbaumer Construction for $687,937 to construct new tennis courts at Hays High. The project will include&nbsp;adding four new courts and reconditioning the existing four courts.

The board will also consider a bid to purchase Resilite wrestling mats for $57,714 for the new Hays High School.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Administration Center to consider five capital projects related to the bond projects.<h2>Marquee</h2>The board will consider approval of a digital marquee sign that will allow for recognition of students, staff and schools for Hays Middle School and Hays High School to be placed on 13th Street between Hays Middle and Hays High. The cost of the marquee is&nbsp;$66,364.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739820362336.png" alt="Proposed HHS, HMS&nbsp;marquee. Image courtesy of USD 489." />
 <figcaption>Proposed HHS, HMS&nbsp;marquee. Image courtesy of USD 489.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Weight room equipment</h2>The board will consider a&nbsp;bid from BSN Sports for weight room equipment for $146,710 for the new Hays High School.<h2>Scoreboards</h2>The board will consider a bid and down payment for new scoreboards at Hays High School for $777,680. These include video scoreboards for the new Hays High School football stadium and gym.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739820656236.png" alt="Proposed football video scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>Proposed football video scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739820722817.png" alt="Proposed gym video scoreboard." />
 <figcaption>Proposed gym video scoreboard.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tennis courts</h2>The board will consider a bid from Stallbaumer Construction for $687,937 to construct new tennis courts at Hays High. The project will include&nbsp;adding four new courts and reconditioning the existing four courts.The board will also consider a bid to purchase Resilite wrestling mats for $57,714 for the new Hays High School.

Hays USD 489 BOE to consider bids for scoreboards, tennis courts

Monday, Monday 17
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Oakley, 4:10pm KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at McPherson, 5:40pm KKQY: Hill City MWBKB at Thunder Ridge, approx. 5:45pm

Tuesday, February 18
 KKQY: Victoria MWBKB at Kinsley, approx. 5:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at BYU, 6:30pm

Wednesday, February 19
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm

Thursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pm

Sunday, February 23

 none

Monday, Monday 17
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Oakley, 4:10pm KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at McPherson, 5:40pm KKQY: Hill City MWBKB at Thunder Ridge, approx. 5:45pmTuesday, February 18
 KKQY: Victoria MWBKB at Kinsley, approx. 5:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at BYU, 6:30pmWednesday, February 19
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pmThursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pmSaturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pmSunday, February 23

 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The 7th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team tries to keep their winning-streak alive when they take on Emporia State on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan.

The 7th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team tries to keep their winning-streak alive when they take on Emporia State on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Emporia State" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xqggp-1805e93-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB at Emporia State

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;

In a time when rural Kansas is struggling to find attorneys, Aaron Cunningham said he wanted to return to his hometown and serve his community.

Cunningham graduated from Washburn School of Law in 2019.&nbsp;

Cunningham, 31, interned for former Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees, who hired him to work in the office after he passed the bar exam.&nbsp;

He primarily worked DUI and drug cases under Drees.

Cunningham also worked under Robert Anderson, who recently left the county attorney's office to return to private practice.

Cunningham ran unopposed for the county attorney position and took office in January.

He said becoming county attorney was a unique opportunity to give back to his hometown.

&nbsp;Anderson implemented many productive changes at the county attorney's office, Cunningham said. He transitioned the office to a paperless system, which Cunningham said has improved efficiency and cut waste. He also reduced the backlog of unfiled cases at the county attorney's office.

"He's done a lot of leg work to set me up for success," Cunningham said.

Anderson will continue some cases that he started as a special prosecutor at minimal cost to the county, Cunningham said.

He said he was not starting his tenure with the same backlog of cases that was facing Anderson. Anderson was able to resolve some of those cases. However, Cunningham said there are still likely hundreds of backlogged cases.

He said they could include child in need of care cases, sex crimes, drugs crimes and everything in between.

"The unfortunate reality that hasn't changed during Robert's administration is that we usually have four attorneys to field 1,500 reports from seven law enforcement agencies per year," Cunningham said.

Anderson re-evaluated&nbsp;and prosecuted somes cases Drees had not filed, including some sexual assault cases.

Cunningham said he and Anderson had discussions on many cases. He said he did not anticipate re-evaluating any of Anderson's cases as Anderson did with some of Drees' cases.

"I'm fortunate not have stacks and stacks of rape cases that no one took action on," he said.

Anderson did not file cases on certain charges, including possession of small amounts of marijuana.

"I tend to be of the philosophy that whether or not something is a crime is up to the Legislature," Cunningham said, "and I have an obligation to enforce the law as it's written. I don't choose which ones are important and should be enforced and which ones aren't important and shouldn't."

He said he would also consider filing charges on hemp-derived products, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10—illegal hallucinogenics.

"We have not been active in holding people accountable on those on the county level. The city has been faithful in prosecuting those crimes, but we as a county have not been," Cunningham said.

Still, because of limited resources, Cunningham said the county attorney's office has to prioritize cases. A person stopped with a marijuana pipe on the interstate may not be prosecuted, "especially if they are not citizens of Ellis County and imminent threat to lawful behavior," Cunningham said.

He added some sex crimes can be difficult to prosecute because of a lack of physical evidence.

The county's attorney's office has three attorneys on staff. The office has extended a job offer to an attorney who will finish law school this spring, contingent on passing the bar.&nbsp;

Cunningham said the office has enough support staff.

The Ellis County Commission recently approved a Victim/Witness Coordinator position.

"That has been a huge help in keeping our victim crimes organized and making sure we're communicating with victims of crime," Cunningham said.

The coordinator schedules victim/attorney meetings and tracks restitution requests and victim impact statements. She will also inform victims of court procedures and expectations, Cunningham said.

Although the office will continue to partner with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and other advocacy agencies, the coordinator can also sit with victims and witnesses and be a comforting presence in court.

To prosecute all of the cases the office receives, it would need more attorneys, and Cunningham said he was doubtful that the county would be willing to foot that additional expense.

He said the county's pay study and recent pay increases have made it more competitive in hiring.

However, Kansas, especially in rural areas, struggles to employ prosecutors and public defenders. The lack of attorneys slows down the system and limits the number of cases that can be heard.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/511e88a7-a174-469a-b789-95c994ec6cec">SEE RELATED STORY: Shortage of public defense attorneys in Kansas could result in courts throwing out criminal cases</a>

Cunningham said Kansas is not producing attorneys quickly enough and is not doing enough to incentivize them to stay in the state, much less go rural.

The pool of public defenders is small, but the pool of attorneys that qualify to defend suspects in cases involving upper-level felonies, such as murder or rape cases, is even smaller. To qualify, attorneys must take so many cases to a conclusion through jury trial.

If most cases are plea-bargained (more than 90%), that limits the number of opportunities to qualify to defend upper-level cases, Cunningham said.

Only four to five attorneys in western Kansas are qualified to defend people facing upper-level felonies. Because of the shortage, those attorneys are also called to help with cases in other parts of the state.

Long wait times can be frustrating for incarcerated individuals, which can lead to defendants firing attorneys and filing their own motions in court. The court must hear these pro se motions, further slowing proceedings.&nbsp;

"I get it. They're the ones sitting in jail, but they lose their patience, and they can't appreciate that there 17 other defendants sitting in 17 other jails in 17 other counties facing the same problems because of a shortage of attorneys," Cunningham said.

The Rural Justice Initiative has introduced bills in both the Kansas Senate and House to provide student loan forgiveness for attorneys who agree to serve in rural communities.

Similar programs have been successful in recruiting doctors and veterinarians.

Cunningham said he received scholarship aid from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, which motivated him to return to practice in Ellis County.

Despite his vehicle sporting a license plate saying "LOCKMUP," which he says is meant as a joke, he said he sees value in Recovery Court, treatment and mental health care.

"Meeting the people I deal with day in and day out has definitely shown me the value of a holistic approach," he said. ... "I do genuinely want to help people."

He said growing up in Hays, he always felt as if it was a safe place.

"I want to continue to make it a safe place for people to raise families and to live their lives and take pride in," Cunningham said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739565835127.jpeg" alt="Cunningham" />
 <figcaption>Cunningham</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post&nbsp;In a time when rural Kansas is struggling to find attorneys, Aaron Cunningham said he wanted to return to his hometown and serve his community.Cunningham graduated from Washburn School of Law in 2019.&nbsp;Cunningham, 31, interned for former Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees, who hired him to work in the office after he passed the bar exam.&nbsp;He primarily worked DUI and drug cases under Drees.Cunningham also worked under Robert Anderson, who recently left the county attorney's office to return to private practice.Cunningham ran unopposed for the county attorney position and took office in January.He said becoming county attorney was a unique opportunity to give back to his hometown.&nbsp;Anderson implemented many productive changes at the county attorney's office, Cunningham said. He transitioned the office to a paperless system, which Cunningham said has improved efficiency and cut waste. He also reduced the backlog of unfiled cases at the county attorney's office."He's done a lot of leg work to set me up for success," Cunningham said.Anderson will continue some cases that he started as a special prosecutor at minimal cost to the county, Cunningham said.He said he was not starting his tenure with the same backlog of cases that was facing Anderson. Anderson was able to resolve some of those cases. However, Cunningham said there are still likely hundreds of backlogged cases.He said they could include child in need of care cases, sex crimes, drugs crimes and everything in between."The unfortunate reality that hasn't changed during Robert's administration is that we usually have four attorneys to field 1,500 reports from seven law enforcement agencies per year," Cunningham said.Anderson re-evaluated&nbsp;and prosecuted somes cases Drees had not filed, including some sexual assault cases.Cunningham said he and Anderson had discussions on many cases. He said he did not anticipate re-evaluating any of Anderson's cases as Anderson did with some of Drees' cases."I'm fortunate not have stacks and stacks of rape cases that no one took action on," he said.Anderson did not file cases on certain charges, including possession of small amounts of marijuana."I tend to be of the philosophy that whether or not something is a crime is up to the Legislature," Cunningham said, "and I have an obligation to enforce the law as it's written. I don't choose which ones are important and should be enforced and which ones aren't important and shouldn't."He said he would also consider filing charges on hemp-derived products, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10—illegal hallucinogenics."We have not been active in holding people accountable on those on the county level. The city has been faithful in prosecuting those crimes, but we as a county have not been," Cunningham said.Still, because of limited resources, Cunningham said the county attorney's office has to prioritize cases. A person stopped with a marijuana pipe on the interstate may not be prosecuted, "especially if they are not citizens of Ellis County and imminent threat to lawful behavior," Cunningham said.He added some sex crimes can be difficult to prosecute because of a lack of physical evidence.The county's attorney's office has three attorneys on staff. The office has extended a job offer to an attorney who will finish law school this spring, contingent on passing the bar.&nbsp;Cunningham said the office has enough support staff.The Ellis County Commission recently approved a Victim/Witness Coordinator position."That has been a huge help in keeping our victim crimes organized and making sure we're communicating with victims of crime," Cunningham said.The coordinator schedules victim/attorney meetings and tracks restitution requests and victim impact statements. She will also inform victims of court procedures and expectations, Cunningham said.Although the office will continue to partner with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and other advocacy agencies, the coordinator can also sit with victims and witnesses and be a comforting presence in court.To prosecute all of the cases the office receives, it would need more attorneys, and Cunningham said he was doubtful that the county would be willing to foot that additional expense.He said the county's pay study and recent pay increases have made it more competitive in hiring.However, Kansas, especially in rural areas, struggles to employ prosecutors and public defenders. The lack of attorneys slows down the system and limits the number of cases that can be heard.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/511e88a7-a174-469a-b789-95c994ec6cec">SEE RELATED STORY: Shortage of public defense attorneys in Kansas could result in courts throwing out criminal cases</a>Cunningham said Kansas is not producing attorneys quickly enough and is not doing enough to incentivize them to stay in the state, much less go rural.The pool of public defenders is small, but the pool of attorneys that qualify to defend suspects in cases involving upper-level felonies, such as murder or rape cases, is even smaller. To qualify, attorneys must take so many cases to a conclusion through jury trial.If most cases are plea-bargained (more than 90%), that limits the number of opportunities to qualify to defend upper-level cases, Cunningham said.Only four to five attorneys in western Kansas are qualified to defend people facing upper-level felonies. Because of the shortage, those attorneys are also called to help with cases in other parts of the state.Scheduling can be very difficult.Long wait times can be frustrating for incarcerated individuals, which can lead to defendants firing attorneys and filing their own motions in court. The court must hear these pro se motions, further slowing proceedings.&nbsp;"I get it. They're the ones sitting in jail, but they lose their patience, and they can't appreciate that there 17 other defendants sitting in 17 other jails in 17 other counties facing the same problems because of a shortage of attorneys," Cunningham said.The Rural Justice Initiative has introduced bills in both the Kansas Senate and House to provide student loan forgiveness for attorneys who agree to serve in rural communities.Similar programs have been successful in recruiting doctors and veterinarians.Cunningham said he received scholarship aid from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, which motivated him to return to practice in Ellis County.Despite his vehicle sporting a license plate saying "LOCKMUP," which he says is meant as a joke, he said he sees value in Recovery Court, treatment and mental health care."Meeting the people I deal with day in and day out has definitely shown me the value of a holistic approach," he said. ... "I do genuinely want to help people."He said growing up in Hays, he always felt as if it was a safe place."I want to continue to make it a safe place for people to raise families and to live their lives and take pride in," Cunningham said.

New Ellis County Attorney to resume charging pot cases; lack of attorneys still issue

Skyler Tebo, CRPCTM, a Private Wealth Advisor with Privian Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Hays, has qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2025.

To earn this achievement, Tebo established himself as one of the company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Tebo provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients. 

For more information, please contact Skyler Tebo at 785-621-4522, visit the Ameriprise office at 1105 E. 30th St in, Hays, KS or visit his website <a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Skyler.Tebo/">www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Skyler.Tebo</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739528516008.png" alt="Skyler Tebo. Photo courtesy Ameriprise Financial Services, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Skyler Tebo. Photo courtesy Ameriprise Financial Services, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSkyler Tebo, CRPCTM, a Private Wealth Advisor with Privian Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Hays, has qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2025.To earn this achievement, Tebo established himself as one of the company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.As a Private Wealth Advisor, Tebo provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, please contact Skyler Tebo at 785-621-4522, visit the Ameriprise office at 1105 E. 30th St in, Hays, KS or visit his website <a href="https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Skyler.Tebo/">www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Skyler.Tebo</a>

Tebo achieves Circle of Success recognition at Ameriprise Financial

GREAT BEND&nbsp; — Barton Community College in Great Bend has named 312 students to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. 

To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Area students making the Dean's List include:

ALBERT Baileigh Drake Benjamin Espinosa&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CLAFLIN Emma Hickel Hunter Klima Marilyn Soeken&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLAY CENTER Chayla Maichel Elaine Sleichter Gage Wilson&nbsp;

ELLINWOOD Justice Batt Bryan Jaske Eva Quintana Schartz Branden Rapp Brittany Simpson&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;GREAT BEND Roselyn Bayona Damian Calzada Brissa Caro Uriel Castruita Jalen Daniels Braya Darnall&nbsp; Jaydon Davis Treyton Dove Zachery Gaddis&nbsp; Adison Galusha Yadhira Gonzalez Emma Grandclair Jaden Hartshorn Lieu Hoang Iris Ibarra&nbsp; Gabriale Jacobs Kamryn Johns Tiffany Lewing David Leyva Ellie Lutt Alessandra Madrid&nbsp; Andrew McQuade Abigail Miller Cody Miller Mohamed Sayedah Mohamed Jorge Pena&nbsp; Dru Penka Johana Perales&nbsp;&nbsp; Nineth Pereyra Zuany Audra Schaffner&nbsp; Gabriel Schaffner Georgia Schwager&nbsp; Cassandra Sexton Kaleigh Sheets&nbsp; &nbsp;

HAYS Lauren Benjamin Kennedy Brown

HOISINGTON Kendall Mason Shamara Mora Lexus Petersilie Deryk Yott&nbsp;

&nbsp;LARNED Zane Burger Jason Crabbs Ayisha Milius Maverick Munden James Seeman Christopher Shadden Carson Shaver Eddie Terhune Cyrus Zayas&nbsp; Shannon Zink&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MCCRACKEN Carson North

 &nbsp; &nbsp;

NESS CITY Emiliano Araiza-Bejarano Andrea Lopez

OAKLEY Maya Rodriguez&nbsp; 

OSBORNE Stasha Conway 

OTIS Eston Juno

&nbsp; &nbsp; 

PHILLIPSBURG Leyla Karim

RUSSELL Kierra Eck&nbsp; &nbsp;

WAKEENEY Kya O'Banion&nbsp;&nbsp;

WILSON Hadleigh Davis London Love&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603212700151.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND&nbsp; — Barton Community College in Great Bend has named 312 students to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students making the Dean's List include:ALBERT Baileigh Drake Benjamin Espinosa&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CLAFLIN Emma Hickel Hunter Klima Marilyn Soeken&nbsp;&nbsp; CLAY CENTER Chayla Maichel Elaine Sleichter Gage Wilson&nbsp;ELLINWOOD Justice Batt Bryan Jaske Eva Quintana Schartz Branden Rapp Brittany Simpson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GREAT BEND Roselyn Bayona Damian Calzada Brissa Caro Uriel Castruita Jalen Daniels Braya Darnall&nbsp; Jaydon Davis Treyton Dove Zachery Gaddis&nbsp; Adison Galusha Yadhira Gonzalez Emma Grandclair Jaden Hartshorn Lieu Hoang Iris Ibarra&nbsp; Gabriale Jacobs Kamryn Johns Tiffany Lewing David Leyva Ellie Lutt Alessandra Madrid&nbsp; Andrew McQuade Abigail Miller Cody Miller Mohamed Sayedah Mohamed Jorge Pena&nbsp; Dru Penka Johana Perales&nbsp;&nbsp; Nineth Pereyra Zuany Audra Schaffner&nbsp; Gabriel Schaffner Georgia Schwager&nbsp; Cassandra Sexton Kaleigh Sheets&nbsp; &nbsp;HAYS Lauren Benjamin Kennedy Brown HOISINGTON Kendall Mason Shamara Mora Lexus Petersilie Deryk Yott&nbsp; &nbsp;LARNED Zane Burger Jason Crabbs Ayisha Milius Maverick Munden James Seeman Christopher Shadden Carson Shaver Eddie Terhune Cyrus Zayas&nbsp; Shannon Zink&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;MCCRACKEN Carson North

 &nbsp; &nbsp;NESS CITY Emiliano Araiza-Bejarano Andrea Lopez OAKLEY Maya Rodriguez&nbsp; 

OSBORNE Stasha Conway 

OTIS Eston Juno

&nbsp; &nbsp; 

PHILLIPSBURG Leyla Karim RUSSELL Kierra Eck&nbsp; &nbsp;WAKEENEY Kya O'Banion&nbsp;&nbsp;WILSON Hadleigh Davis London Love&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays students among those on Barton Community College Dean's List

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 293 students to the President’s List for the fall 2024 semester. 

To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Area students on the President's List include:

ALBERT Kolton Maneth&nbsp; &nbsp;

CLAFLIN Peyton Ryan Mollie Steiner&nbsp;

CLAY CENTER Audrey Reh&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; COLBY Kamrynn Elling&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

ELLINWOOD Makayla Burton Olivia Herrman Brooklin Morgan Haley Rugan&nbsp; &nbsp;

ELLIS Kaiden Colby Jarret Mader&nbsp;

ELLSWORTH Mitchell Ebihara&nbsp; &nbsp;

GREAT BEND Selena Armstrong Clarissa Bashor Anna Campbell Xavier Carey&nbsp; Kaden Deines Emilee Hall Avah Holden Kadynce Jean Vada Kaiser Emily Kuykendall Breonna Landers Skyler McMullen Esten Moore Macy Nachtigal&nbsp; Rowan Orth-Johnson Alexa Overman Laura Patzner Valeria Piedra Kimberly Reyes Pilo Maleigha Ribordy&nbsp; Charley Sander&nbsp; Cody Wells Karter Wolf

HAYS Justin Esner&nbsp;&nbsp;

HOISINGTON Taelur Barnes&nbsp; Elliott Copp&nbsp; Kiana Grandclair Kevin Patterson&nbsp; &nbsp; KANOPOLIS Kylee Maddox
 LA CROSSE Mariah Werth&nbsp; 

LARNED Cagney Lemuz Deacon Martin Corbyn Nance Danial VanBebber Alexandra Zook-Cochran 

MANKATO Lauren Whelchel 

NORTON David Porter Matthew Rushton

&nbsp; &nbsp; 

OTIS Chloe Schenk 

RUSSELL Kelvie Reeves Madison Sohm 

ST. JOHN Logan Sanders Angel Ibarra

STOCKTON Cecelia Barnard Tierra Yohon&nbsp;

VICTORIA Brooklyn Nowak&nbsp; WILSON Matthew Adams Calli Sheridan&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College, Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College, Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has named 293 students to the President’s List for the fall 2024 semester. To qualify for this honor students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Area students on the President's List include:ALBERT Kolton Maneth&nbsp; &nbsp;CLAFLIN Peyton Ryan Mollie Steiner&nbsp;CLAY CENTER Audrey Reh&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; COLBY Kamrynn Elling&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;DORRANCE Brady Mermis&nbsp;ELLINWOOD Makayla Burton Olivia Herrman Brooklin Morgan Haley Rugan&nbsp; &nbsp; ELLIS Kaiden Colby Jarret Mader&nbsp;ELLSWORTH Mitchell Ebihara&nbsp; &nbsp;GREAT BEND Selena Armstrong Clarissa Bashor Anna Campbell Xavier Carey&nbsp; Kaden Deines Emilee Hall Avah Holden Kadynce Jean Vada Kaiser Emily Kuykendall Breonna Landers Skyler McMullen Esten Moore Macy Nachtigal&nbsp; Rowan Orth-Johnson Alexa Overman Laura Patzner Valeria Piedra Kimberly Reyes Pilo Maleigha Ribordy&nbsp; Charley Sander&nbsp; Cody Wells Karter Wolf HAYS Justin Esner&nbsp;&nbsp; HOISINGTON Taelur Barnes&nbsp; Elliott Copp&nbsp; Kiana Grandclair Kevin Patterson&nbsp; &nbsp; KANOPOLIS Kylee Maddox
 LA CROSSE Mariah Werth&nbsp; 

LARNED Cagney Lemuz Deacon Martin Corbyn Nance Danial VanBebber Alexandra Zook-Cochran 

MANKATO Lauren Whelchel 

NORTON David Porter Matthew Rushton

&nbsp; &nbsp; 

OTIS Chloe Schenk 

RUSSELL Kelvie Reeves Madison Sohm 

ST. JOHN Logan Sanders Angel Ibarra STOCKTON Cecelia Barnard Tierra Yohon&nbsp;VICTORIA Brooklyn Nowak&nbsp; WILSON Matthew Adams Calli Sheridan&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Barton Community College President's List includes Ellis County students

Hays Community Theatre plans to take audience members on a hilarious journey through the heartland of family memories when it presents the comedy, “Leaving Iowa,” on Feb. 21-23.

Billed as a toast to the undying dedication to the classic family road trip, the comedy will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. Eighth Street.

The critically acclaimed play by Tim Clue and Spike Manton focuses on Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present day to Don’s memories of the annual vacations of his childhood.&nbsp;

"I think audience members will be able to relate to the frustrating and hilarious situations in which Don finds himself, as well as the crazy characters he meets along the way," said director Bill Gasper. "It also has several touching moments as Don reminisces about his father while expressing a few regrets about his past relationship with him."

The play features a cast of 10, five of whom play family members, while the other five members play multiple roles depicting the various people the family meets on their journey. Portraying family members are Jerrett Leiker, Javier Alonzo, Pamela Grizzell, Brooke Leiker and Carter Stephenson. Taking on the multiple character roles are Arron Hardin, Jessica Hamner, Linda Becker, Adam Conkey and Gene Stramel.

“We have a very talented cast who is doing a great job with this play,” Gasper said. “Principal characters are challenged playing old and young versions of themselves, while the multi-role actors have been asked to create multiple distinct characters.”

Gasper said the staging of the play is somewhat unique as it will take place down the center of the theater with audience members seated on both sides. In scenes in which the family is driving, the car is situated on an elevated area at one end, while all other scenes will take place on the floor.

“This is the first time I’ve directed anything like this,” Gasper said. “I saw this done in a production of the show and felt it would be perfect for this particular venue. I think the audience will really enjoy the close proximity of the actors.”

General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at <a href="http://www.hctks.com">www.hctks.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739571563857.png" alt="“Leaving Iowa,” a comedy about family vacations will be presented on Feb. 21-23 at Hays Community Theatre, l121 W. Eighth. Cast members are: Front – Gene Stramel, Arron Hardin, Jerrett Leiker, Linda Becker, Jessica Hamner, Adam Conkey. Back – Brooke Leiker, Javier Alonzo, Pam Grizzell, Carter Stephenson." />
 <figcaption>“Leaving Iowa,” a comedy about family vacations will be presented on Feb. 21-23 at Hays Community Theatre, l121 W. Eighth. Cast members are: Front – Gene Stramel, Arron Hardin, Jerrett Leiker, Linda Becker, Jessica Hamner, Adam Conkey. Back – Brooke Leiker, Javier Alonzo, Pam Grizzell, Carter Stephenson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Community TheatreHays Community Theatre plans to take audience members on a hilarious journey through the heartland of family memories when it presents the comedy, “Leaving Iowa,” on Feb. 21-23.Billed as a toast to the undying dedication to the classic family road trip, the comedy will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. Eighth Street.The critically acclaimed play by Tim Clue and Spike Manton focuses on Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present day to Don’s memories of the annual vacations of his childhood.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739571684756.png" alt="With his car in the shop, Don (Jerrett Leiker) stops off at the local hotel, where he is greeted by an inebriated patron (Jessica Hamner) and a hotel clerk (Gene Stramel) with a mysterious injury, the cause of which is revealed during the show." />
 <figcaption>With his car in the shop, Don (Jerrett Leiker) stops off at the local hotel, where he is greeted by an inebriated patron (Jessica Hamner) and a hotel clerk (Gene Stramel) with a mysterious injury, the cause of which is revealed during the show.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think audience members will be able to relate to the frustrating and hilarious situations in which Don finds himself, as well as the crazy characters he meets along the way," said director Bill Gasper. "It also has several touching moments as Don reminisces about his father while expressing a few regrets about his past relationship with him."The play features a cast of 10, five of whom play family members, while the other five members play multiple roles depicting the various people the family meets on their journey. Portraying family members are Jerrett Leiker, Javier Alonzo, Pamela Grizzell, Brooke Leiker and Carter Stephenson. Taking on the multiple character roles are Arron Hardin, Jessica Hamner, Linda Becker, Adam Conkey and Gene Stramel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739571710154.png" alt="While traveling, Don (Jerrett Leiker) meets up with friend and college professor Jack Singer (Adam Conkey), who describes his thoughts about today’s youth." />
 <figcaption>While traveling, Don (Jerrett Leiker) meets up with friend and college professor Jack Singer (Adam Conkey), who describes his thoughts about today’s youth.</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have a very talented cast who is doing a great job with this play,” Gasper said. “Principal characters are challenged playing old and young versions of themselves, while the multi-role actors have been asked to create multiple distinct characters.”Gasper said the staging of the play is somewhat unique as it will take place down the center of the theater with audience members seated on both sides. In scenes in which the family is driving, the car is situated on an elevated area at one end, while all other scenes will take place on the floor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739571740677.png" alt="When the car’s starter finally gives out, Don (Jerrett Leiker) visits with mechanics Fred and Jamie (Arron Hardin and Linda Becker), the latter of which performs some interesting celebrity impressions." />
 <figcaption>When the car’s starter finally gives out, Don (Jerrett Leiker) visits with mechanics Fred and Jamie (Arron Hardin and Linda Becker), the latter of which performs some interesting celebrity impressions.</figcaption>
 </figure>“This is the first time I’ve directed anything like this,” Gasper said. “I saw this done in a production of the show and felt it would be perfect for this particular venue. I think the audience will really enjoy the close proximity of the actors.”General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at <a href="http://www.hctks.com">www.hctks.com</a>.

Hays Community Theatre to present comedy, ‘Leaving Iowa,’ on Feb. 21-23

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/conquest-of-mexico-chronicles-complex-history-of-spanish-contact-with-new-world">KU News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — The “Conquest of Mexico” is both a misnomer and an oversimplified depiction of history, according to John Schwaller.

“People think there was a plucky group of Spanish swashbucklers who defeated an empire of millions of natives,” said Schwaller, a research adjunct in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas and a Hays native.

His new book titled&nbsp;<a href="https://upcolorado.com/inst-meso-studies/item/6653-beyond-cortes-and-montezuma">“Beyond Cortés and Montezuma: The Conquest of Mexico Revisited”</a>&nbsp;was written to set the record straight. The multiauthor effort gathers a diverse collection of scholars from the U.S., Mexico and Europe to examine both European and Nahuatl works, revealing the complex narrative of Spanish contact&nbsp;with the New World and the ensuing conflict, negotiation and cooperation. The book is published by the University Press of Colorado.

Co-edited by Schwaller and Vitus Huber of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, the book revolves around Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of Montezuma’s Aztec Empire and brought portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.

This account is part of what scholars now term the “new conquest history.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739548008023.jpeg" alt="John Schwaller is a Hays native and a research adjunct in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>John Schwaller is a Hays native and a research adjunct in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/conquest-of-mexico-chronicles-complex-history-of-spanish-contact-with-new-world">KU News Service</a> LAWRENCE — The “Conquest of Mexico” is both a misnomer and an oversimplified depiction of history, according to John Schwaller.“People think there was a plucky group of Spanish swashbucklers who defeated an empire of millions of natives,” said Schwaller, a research adjunct in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas and a Hays native.“That’s not exactly accurate.”His new book titled&nbsp;<a href="https://upcolorado.com/inst-meso-studies/item/6653-beyond-cortes-and-montezuma">“Beyond Cortés and Montezuma: The Conquest of Mexico Revisited”</a>&nbsp;was written to set the record straight. The multiauthor effort gathers a diverse collection of scholars from the U.S., Mexico and Europe to examine both European and Nahuatl works, revealing the complex narrative of Spanish contact&nbsp;with the New World and the ensuing conflict, negotiation and cooperation. The book is published by the University Press of Colorado.Co-edited by Schwaller and Vitus Huber of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, the book revolves around Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of Montezuma’s Aztec Empire and brought portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.This account is part of what scholars now term the “new conquest history.”“It’s where we stop, step back and look at the other aspects of this story. Let’s look at the guys in the trenches. Let’s look at the participation of the natives. Let’s look at these larger cultural issues. How does that inform our understanding of what went on?” Schwaller said.Even the word “conquest” is a loaded term.<figure>
 <img src="https://news-archive-assets.ku.edu/data/a0/76/01jm01nh63r2gqqzxchwp1xtqr.jpg" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>“My chapter, which is the summary in the book, explores the various monikers. My colleague, Vitus, was strongly in favor of calling it ‘Conquista’ — keep it in scare quotes and call it that because of what the Spaniards did,” he said. “I personally prefer calling it the Spanish Invasion of 1519. We have to put the date on it since there were other Spanish invasions, especially in the 19th century.”Schwaller said he hopes the book “wakes people up to the fact the myths they learned back in fourth or fifth grade by and large aren’t true.”For instance, he cites a celebrated (albeit apocryphal) moment in which Cortés rebels against Diego Velázquez,&nbsp;the governor of Cuba. To ensure there is no dissension among his own troops, Cortés burns their ships.“Except it didn’t quite happen that way,” Schwaller said.“These ships were probably built in Cuba. They’d been in the water for over two years, which means they had only about 6-8 months left before they would have to be keelhauled and essentially rebuilt. That’s because the tropical waters just destroy the timbers due to all the little beasties that live in it. So they grounded all the ships. They took everything important: the sails, the rope, the nails, the cannons — anything made of metal — and they saved it. The rest was just timber, so they burned it.”“Beyond Cortés” is based on a series of symposia that Schwaller organized at four different conferences. One of these, the International Congress of Americanists slated to meet in Paris in 2020, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and moved to online. This same group of scholars in the U.S., Mexico and Europe became the book’s contributors.How did these legendary events of 500 years ago shape the world of today?“Well, obviously they speak Spanish in Mexico,” said Schwaller, a native of Hays.“But we must understand that the colonial enterprise the Spaniards launched was built upon the labor of native peoples. There were just never enough Spaniards to get everything done that they wanted to get done. Also, Spaniards didn’t cross the Atlantic in order to go to Mexico to raise pigs. They wanted to become filthy, stinking rich. So they provided a ‘land of opportunity,’ if you will. And the colonial regime which Cortés and the others established was very much built upon the exploitation of native labor and local resources.”Schwaller returned to Kansas to join KU’s faculty in 2021 after a lengthy career in academia that included serving as president of State University of New York at Potsdam. His past books include “Stations of the Cross in Colonial Mexico: The Via crucis en mexicano by Fray Agustin de Vetancurt and the Spread of a Devotion,” “The Fifteenth Month: Aztec History in the Rituals of Panquetzaliztli” and “The First Letter from New Spain: The Lost Petition of Cortés and His Company, June 20, 1519.”“My work started with studies of the Catholic Church, and then I learned the Aztec language as a graduate student and started really focusing on language documents,” Schwaller said.“When you put it all into a blender, what comes out is this nexus of religion, religious practice, language and culture that defines my research.”