By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will consider two rezoning requests on East 27th Street at its work session this afternoon.&nbsp;

The first request is to rezone property at 2460 E. 27th St. from an agricultural district to a light industrial district.&nbsp;

The property is owned by L&amp;A Enterprises. The owner wants the zoning change in order to expand services.

The second rezoning request is for the adjacent property at 2470 E. 27th St., owned by Josh Ziegler, to change the designation from general commercial district to&nbsp;light industrial district.&nbsp;

Ziegler owns and operates <a href="https://www.tsbstorage.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23323755535&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAokUTqCRaxeubmKyusoso_RcCp8Ue&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAl-_JBhBjEiwAn3rN7Uu-Tmxv4JVtdjMi4Fbm4GUE55Gcd4ji0N4oSpadTrSohYTt32qBghoCp2cQAvD_BwE">T.S.B. Storage</a> on&nbsp;the property.

The Hays Area Planning Commission is supportive of both requests.&nbsp;

The other two agenda items involve the planned 24-7 Travel Plaza at Interstate 70, Exit 157.

Two resolutions are calls for public hearings, one for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project plan and the other for a Community Improvement District (CID).

The financing district would capture all incremental property tax revenues within the TIF District, but&nbsp;no sales taxes, in line with the city’s economic&nbsp;development policy. No bonds would be issued.

The developer estimates that the TIF&nbsp;would generate $4.5 million during its 20-year life for TIF-eligible expenses.

Within&nbsp;the improvement district, a 2% CID sales tax would be imposed in addition to the city's current 2.25% sales tax.&nbsp;

The CID sales tax revenues would be used to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go&nbsp;basis for CID-eligible expenses, primarily related to the private construction costs of the&nbsp;Travel Store, gas pumps and related private improvements.

The developer estimates the CID sales tax would&nbsp;generate about $2 million to fund CID-eligible expenses during its 22-year life.&nbsp;

The complete Feb. 19 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192026-1596">here</a>.

The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will consider two rezoning requests on East 27th Street at its work session this afternoon.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771513365454.png" alt="L&amp;A Enterprises, 2460 E. 27th St. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>L&amp;A Enterprises, 2460 E. 27th St. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The first request is to rezone property at 2460 E. 27th St. from an agricultural district to a light industrial district.&nbsp;The property is owned by L&amp;A Enterprises. The owner wants the zoning change in order to expand services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771513468937.png" alt="T.S.B. Storage, 2470 E .27th St. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>T.S.B. Storage, 2470 E .27th St. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The second rezoning request is for the adjacent property at 2470 E. 27th St., owned by Josh Ziegler, to change the designation from general commercial district to&nbsp;light industrial district.&nbsp; Ziegler owns and operates <a href="https://www.tsbstorage.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23323755535&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAokUTqCRaxeubmKyusoso_RcCp8Ue&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAl-_JBhBjEiwAn3rN7Uu-Tmxv4JVtdjMi4Fbm4GUE55Gcd4ji0N4oSpadTrSohYTt32qBghoCp2cQAvD_BwE">T.S.B. Storage</a> on&nbsp;the property.The Hays Area Planning Commission is supportive of both requests.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771514120578.png" alt="24-7 Travel Plaza TIF and CID districts. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>24-7 Travel Plaza TIF and CID districts. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>24-7 Travel PlazaThe other two agenda items involve the planned 24-7 Travel Plaza at Interstate 70, Exit 157.Two resolutions are calls for public hearings, one for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project plan and the other for a Community Improvement District (CID).The financing district would capture all incremental property tax revenues within the TIF District, but&nbsp;no sales taxes, in line with the city’s economic&nbsp;development policy. No bonds would be issued.The developer estimates that the TIF&nbsp;would generate $4.5 million during its 20-year life for TIF-eligible expenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771514416167.png" alt="24-7 Travel Plaza TIF District eligible expenses" />
 <figcaption>24-7 Travel Plaza TIF District eligible expenses</figcaption>
 </figure>Within&nbsp;the improvement district, a 2% CID sales tax would be imposed in addition to the city's current 2.25% sales tax.&nbsp;The CID sales tax revenues would be used to reimburse the developer on a pay-as-you-go&nbsp;basis for CID-eligible expenses, primarily related to the private construction costs of the&nbsp;Travel Store, gas pumps and related private improvements.The developer estimates the CID sales tax would&nbsp;generate about $2 million to fund CID-eligible expenses during its 22-year life.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771514634390.png" alt="24-7 Travel Plaza CID expenses" />
 <figcaption>24-7 Travel Plaza CID expenses</figcaption>
 </figure>The complete Feb. 19 agenda is available <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192026-1596">here</a>.The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. &nbsp;

Hays City Commission to review rezoning, public hearing requests for 2 businesses 

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Once the music starts, the stage won't be big enough to hold the joy at Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Organizers with DSNWK and Styles Dance Centre said&nbsp;the show is an inclusion-focused performance and fundraiser.

The event brings together Styles dancers and individuals served by DSNWK. Sarah Biggs, DSNWK director of programs and services, said the partnership brings many smiles to everyone involved.

"It's just a great mix," she said. "Interacting with them in the studio is so much fun."

The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 1 at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University. Admission is by free-will donation, and raffle tickets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting DSNWK.

Alyssa DeChant, owner of Styles Dance Centre, said she has helped coordinate the event for several years, and this year’s performance will include 50 DSNWK participants.

"Some are traveling from all over Kansas this year to participate," DeChant said. "It's a really great way for my kids to work with individuals with disabilities and bring them together into the studio."

Their first rehearsal on Monday prepared dancers for the show, which will end with a grand finale featuring cheerleaders and dancers from the Arc, Hays High School and FHSU. Participants practiced in large and small groups.

DSNWK participants are traveling from surrounding areas, including as far away as Norton. With the large number of performers, organizers said audience members can expect to see dancers in the aisles.

"You can just feel the whole auditorium moving, and it's a pretty cool piece," Biggs said.

Allison Dreiling, a Styles Dance Centre alumna, is again choreographing and leading rehearsals this year. The annual event began as a project in an FHSU leadership class and now fosters year-round connections.

"It's created such a community for my dancers that they may not have ever been introduced to if it weren't for this show," DeChant said. "We see these individuals out in the community and at other events. They remember us, they know our names and we know theirs."

Trudi Mapes, a DSNWK client and dancer, said she enjoyed the rehearsal and that it wasn't her first rodeo.

"I've done this lots of times—about four or five times," Mapes said.

The song she is learning to dance to is "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" by One Direction.

Biggs thanks the moms who work extra hours to make the event possible and the businesses that donated to the 20 raffle baskets.

DeChant said the show precedes her dancers’ upcoming competitions and offers an opportunity to practice while working with individuals with disabilities.

You can follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a>&nbsp;on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362681939.jpeg" alt="Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/HaysPost" />
 <figcaption>Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/HaysPost</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOnce the music starts, the stage won't be big enough to hold the joy at Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.Organizers with DSNWK and Styles Dance Centre said&nbsp;the show is an inclusion-focused performance and fundraiser.The event brings together Styles dancers and individuals served by DSNWK. Sarah Biggs, DSNWK director of programs and services, said the partnership brings many smiles to everyone involved."It's just a great mix," she said. "Interacting with them in the studio is so much fun."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362714440.jpeg" alt="Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas rehearsing for their upcoming show in March. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas rehearsing for their upcoming show in March. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362737529.jpeg" alt="Many dancers from Styles Dance Centre were paired with individuals from Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas to guide them through rehearsals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Many dancers from Styles Dance Centre were paired with individuals from Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas to guide them through rehearsals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 1 at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University. Admission is by free-will donation, and raffle tickets will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting DSNWK.Alyssa DeChant, owner of Styles Dance Centre, said she has helped coordinate the event for several years, and this year’s performance will include 50 DSNWK participants."Some are traveling from all over Kansas this year to participate," DeChant said. "It's a really great way for my kids to work with individuals with disabilities and bring them together into the studio."Their first rehearsal on Monday prepared dancers for the show, which will end with a grand finale featuring cheerleaders and dancers from the Arc, Hays High School and FHSU. Participants practiced in large and small groups.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362772599.jpeg" alt="The large group rehearsing for the upcoming&nbsp;Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The large group rehearsing for the upcoming&nbsp;Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362896650.jpeg" alt="The large group rehearsing for the upcoming Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The large group rehearsing for the upcoming Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362801073.jpeg" alt="The smaller group practicing for their upcoming show. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The smaller group practicing for their upcoming show. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362825633.jpeg" alt="The smaller group being led through a dance routine. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The smaller group being led through a dance routine. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWK participants are traveling from surrounding areas, including as far away as Norton. With the large number of performers, organizers said audience members can expect to see dancers in the aisles."You can just feel the whole auditorium moving, and it's a pretty cool piece," Biggs said.Allison Dreiling, a Styles Dance Centre alumna, is again choreographing and leading rehearsals this year. The annual event began as a project in an FHSU leadership class and now fosters year-round connections."It's created such a community for my dancers that they may not have ever been introduced to if it weren't for this show," DeChant said. "We see these individuals out in the community and at other events. They remember us, they know our names and we know theirs."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771362866031.jpeg" alt="A dancer with Styles Dance Centre paired with a Development Services of Northwest Kansas participant during rehearsals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A dancer with Styles Dance Centre paired with a Development Services of Northwest Kansas participant during rehearsals. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Trudi Mapes, a DSNWK client and dancer, said she enjoyed the rehearsal and that it wasn't her first rodeo."I've done this lots of times—about four or five times," Mapes said.The song she is learning to dance to is "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" by One Direction.Biggs thanks the moms who work extra hours to make the event possible and the businesses that donated to the 20 raffle baskets.DeChant said the show precedes her dancers’ upcoming competitions and offers an opportunity to practice while working with individuals with disabilities.You can follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a>&nbsp;on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dancing Together for DSNWK set for March 1 in Hays

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.

The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.

But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.

Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.

“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.

The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

Bayer agrees to $7 billion settlement in Roundup cancer lawsuits

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771350885552.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH " />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507120194.png" alt="Ramirez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson."We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."--------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

TOPEKA - The Kansas State High School Activities Association has
released Sub-State brackets for Classes 1A Division I and Division II. 

Boys quarterfinal games will be on Monday, February 23 at
the higher seed. Girls quarterfinal games will be played on Tuesday, February
24 at the higher seeded team. Boys semifinal games will be played on Saturday,
February 28 at the higher seed. Girls semifinal games will be played on Monday,
March 2 at the higher seed. Boys finals will be played at the predetermined
site listed below on Friday, March 6. Girls finals will be played at the
predetermined site below on Saturday, March 7. Each predetermined site will
have two finals on both of those days. Start time for the first game on
Saturday, March 7 is 5 p.m.

Brackets for Classes 2A and 3A will be released on Saturday.

BOYS
Class 1A D1 – Osborne
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Central Plains (19-2) bye
 [9] Ellis (8-12) at [8] Hill City (11-10)
 [13] Stockton (4-16) at [4] Sylvan-Lucas (15-4)
 [12] St. Francis (4-15) at [5] Decatur Community (15-6)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Beloit-St. John's/Tipton Catholic (16-2) bye
 [10] Lakeside (5-13) at [7] Rock Hills (11-9)
 [3] Quinter (18-3) bye
 [6] Lincoln (13-8) at [11] Osborne (6-18)

Class 1A D1 – Spearville
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Meade (18-3) bye
 [9] La Crosse (13-8) at [8] Hodgeman County (14-8)
 [13] Macksville (3-18) at [4] South Gray (16-5)
 [12] Elkhart (4-17) at [5] Kiowa County(16-6)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Spearville (19-4) bye
 [10] Ness City (8-13) at [7] Tribune-Greeley County (14-7)
 [3] South Central (16-4) bye
 [11] Kinsley (8-14) at [6] St. John-Hudson (16-6)

Class 1A D2 – Golden Plains @ Colby Event Center
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Wallace County (14-5) bye
 [9] Golden Plains (7-14) at [8] Cheylin (7-11)
 [13] Brewster/Winona-Triplains (1-19) at [4] Victoria (14-8) &nbsp;[12] Pawnee Heights (2-18) at [5] Otis-Bison (11-11)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Weskan HS (13-6) bye
 [10] Logan/Palco (6-13) at [7] Western Plains (7-11)
 [3] Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell (14-7) bye | [11] Dighton (4-16) at [6] Northern Valley (10-11)

GIRLS
 Class 1A D1 – Osborne
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Quinter (17-4) bye
 [9] Victoria (9-14) &nbsp;at [8] Lincoln (11-9)
 [13] Ellis (2-18) at [4] Decatur Community (16-5) &nbsp;[12] Lakeside (2-15) at [5] Osborne (15-6)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Rock Hills HS (16-4) bye
 [10] Hill City (7-14) at [7] Sylvan-Lucas (10-8)
 [3] Beloit-St. John's/Tipton Catholic (13-4) bye
 [11] St. Francis (4-16) at [6] Central Plains (14-7)

Class 1A D1 – Spearville
 Sub-State 1
 [1] South Gray HS (17-4) bye
 [9] Kinsley (10-12) at [8] Meade (10-12)
 [13] Ness City (2-18) at [4] South Central (13-8)
 [12] Elkhart (6-14) at [5] St. John-Hudson (13-9)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Hodgeman County (16-6) bye
 [10] Kiowa County (9-13) at [7] Tribune-Greeley County (11-10)
 [3] Spearville (16-6) bye
 [11] Macksville (9-14) at [6] La Crosse (12-9)

Class 1A D2 – Golden Plains @ Colby Event Center
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Dighton HS (17-3) bye
 [9] Pawnee Heights (6-14) at [8] Weskan (6-13)
 [4] Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell (16-5) bye
 [12] Brewster/Winona-Triplains (3-17) at [5] Golden Plains (11-10)

Sub-State 2
 [2] Western Plains (14-4) bye
 [10] Otis-Bison (6-15) at [7] Wallace County (8-11)
 [3] Cheylin (14-4) bye
 [11] Logan/Palco (4-14) at [6] Northern Valley (9-12)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771436634404.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsTOPEKA - The Kansas State High School Activities Association has
released Sub-State brackets for Classes 1A Division I and Division II. Boys quarterfinal games will be on Monday, February 23 at
the higher seed. Girls quarterfinal games will be played on Tuesday, February
24 at the higher seeded team. Boys semifinal games will be played on Saturday,
February 28 at the higher seed. Girls semifinal games will be played on Monday,
March 2 at the higher seed. Boys finals will be played at the predetermined
site listed below on Friday, March 6. Girls finals will be played at the
predetermined site below on Saturday, March 7. Each predetermined site will
have two finals on both of those days. Start time for the first game on
Saturday, March 7 is 5 p.m.Brackets for Classes 2A and 3A will be released on Saturday.BOYS
Class 1A D1 – Osborne
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Central Plains (19-2) bye
 [9] Ellis (8-12) at [8] Hill City (11-10)
 [13] Stockton (4-16) at [4] Sylvan-Lucas (15-4)
 [12] St. Francis (4-15) at [5] Decatur Community (15-6)Sub-State 2
 [2] Beloit-St. John's/Tipton Catholic (16-2) bye
 [10] Lakeside (5-13) at [7] Rock Hills (11-9)
 [3] Quinter (18-3) bye
 [6] Lincoln (13-8) at [11] Osborne (6-18)Class 1A D1 – Spearville
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Meade (18-3) bye
 [9] La Crosse (13-8) at [8] Hodgeman County (14-8)
 [13] Macksville (3-18) at [4] South Gray (16-5)
 [12] Elkhart (4-17) at [5] Kiowa County(16-6)Sub-State 2
 [2] Spearville (19-4) bye
 [10] Ness City (8-13) at [7] Tribune-Greeley County (14-7)
 [3] South Central (16-4) bye
 [11] Kinsley (8-14) at [6] St. John-Hudson (16-6)Class 1A D2 – Golden Plains @ Colby Event Center
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Wallace County (14-5) bye
 [9] Golden Plains (7-14) at [8] Cheylin (7-11)
 [13] Brewster/Winona-Triplains (1-19) at [4] Victoria (14-8) &nbsp;[12] Pawnee Heights (2-18) at [5] Otis-Bison (11-11)Sub-State 2
 [2] Weskan HS (13-6) bye
 [10] Logan/Palco (6-13) at [7] Western Plains (7-11)
 [3] Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell (14-7) bye | [11] Dighton (4-16) at [6] Northern Valley (10-11)GIRLS
 Class 1A D1 – Osborne
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Quinter (17-4) bye
 [9] Victoria (9-14) &nbsp;at [8] Lincoln (11-9)
 [13] Ellis (2-18) at [4] Decatur Community (16-5) &nbsp;[12] Lakeside (2-15) at [5] Osborne (15-6)Sub-State 2
 [2] Rock Hills HS (16-4) bye
 [10] Hill City (7-14) at [7] Sylvan-Lucas (10-8)
 [3] Beloit-St. John's/Tipton Catholic (13-4) bye
 [11] St. Francis (4-16) at [6] Central Plains (14-7)Class 1A D1 – Spearville
 Sub-State 1
 [1] South Gray HS (17-4) bye
 [9] Kinsley (10-12) at [8] Meade (10-12)
 [13] Ness City (2-18) at [4] South Central (13-8)
 [12] Elkhart (6-14) at [5] St. John-Hudson (13-9)Sub-State 2
 [2] Hodgeman County (16-6) bye
 [10] Kiowa County (9-13) at [7] Tribune-Greeley County (11-10)
 [3] Spearville (16-6) bye
 [11] Macksville (9-14) at [6] La Crosse (12-9)Class 1A D2 – Golden Plains @ Colby Event Center
 Sub-State 1
 [1] Dighton HS (17-3) bye
 [9] Pawnee Heights (6-14) at [8] Weskan (6-13)
 [4] Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell (16-5) bye
 [12] Brewster/Winona-Triplains (3-17) at [5] Golden Plains (11-10)Sub-State 2
 [2] Western Plains (14-4) bye
 [10] Otis-Bison (6-15) at [7] Wallace County (8-11)
 [3] Cheylin (14-4) bye
 [11] Logan/Palco (4-14) at [6] Northern Valley (9-12)

🏀 KHSHAA releases 1A Sub-State brackets

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays set a record high on Tuesday of 81 degrees.

The previous record was 78 degrees, set in 1930.

Hays experienced strong winds and blowing dust on Tuesday, with the peak wind gust reaching 54 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fb12bf81-5c9e-4940-b601-c8f0b08e15d9">Interstate 70 was closed for part of Tuesday due to blowing dust and an accident between Colby and Oakley.</a>

Hays and surrounding counties remain under a red flag warning today.

A red flag warning has been issued for all of southwest Kansas, starting this afternoon through Thursday night. 

The most likely timeframe will be noon to midnight, according to the National Weather Service. 

Expect southwest winds gusting to 35-45 mph, with low relative humidity of 15-20%.

Temperatures will also be unseasonably warm, with highs generally in the mid 60s today. Winds will begin to subside around midnight Thursday night, and high temperatures will dip&nbsp;into the 30s. 

Any ignition can quickly become a wildfire, spread rapidly, and exhibit extreme fire behavior, according to the weather service.

The high temperature is expected to drop to 39 on Thursday, with a chance of light snow on Friday and Friday night.

Overnight lows through the weekend are forecast to be in the teens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637082592347.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays set a record high on Tuesday of 81 degrees.The previous record was 78 degrees, set in 1930.Hays experienced strong winds and blowing dust on Tuesday, with the peak wind gust reaching 54 mph, according to the National Weather Service.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/fb12bf81-5c9e-4940-b601-c8f0b08e15d9">Interstate 70 was closed for part of Tuesday due to blowing dust and an accident between Colby and Oakley.</a>Hays and surrounding counties remain under a red flag warning today.A red flag warning has been issued for all of southwest Kansas, starting this afternoon through Thursday night. The most likely timeframe will be noon to midnight, according to the National Weather Service. Expect southwest winds gusting to 35-45 mph, with low relative humidity of 15-20%.Temperatures will also be unseasonably warm, with highs generally in the mid 60s today. Winds will begin to subside around midnight Thursday night, and high temperatures will dip&nbsp;into the 30s. Any ignition can quickly become a wildfire, spread rapidly, and exhibit extreme fire behavior, according to the weather service.The high temperature is expected to drop to 39 on Thursday, with a chance of light snow on Friday and Friday night.Overnight lows through the weekend are forecast to be in the teens.

Hays sets record high on Tuesday; red flag warning continues today

A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching someone at a Fort Hays State University residence hall.

FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said campus police were dispatched to the hall at about 2:11 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Based on the victim's description, Marque Elston Tavares was quickly apprehended by assisting officers. The suspect was identified by the victim and arrested, Pierce said.

He was booked into the Ellis County Jail for alleged sexual battery. Pierce said neither the victim nor the suspect was a student. Law enforcement provided no other details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771433392816.png" alt="Tavares photo Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Tavares photo Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching someone at a Fort Hays State University residence hall.FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said campus police were dispatched to the hall at about 2:11 p.m. on Feb. 10.Based on the victim's description, Marque Elston Tavares was quickly apprehended by assisting officers. The suspect was identified by the victim and arrested, Pierce said.He was booked into the Ellis County Jail for alleged sexual battery. Pierce said neither the victim nor the suspect was a student. Law enforcement provided no other details.

Man arrested at FHSU residence hall for alleged sexual battery

Last week’s work continued on the budget. All budget and subcommittees have reported out to the full Senate Ways and Means committee and all proposed provisos that were accepted were put into the budget bill. We had planned on finishing the budget bill on Friday; however, the House Budget committee was already scheduled to work all day, and staff would have had to be split in half to finish the committee work. We then rescheduled our committee meeting for Monday, February 16. This week will be spent working bills on both the Senate and the House floor before Turn Around.

SB 300 will prohibit the office of the state bank commissioner or any other state agency from becoming a receiver for a technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.

SB 358 is a strong measure for victim protection because it requires individuals convicted of serious felonies, such as off grid crimes, high severity nondrug felonies (levels1-4), or serious drug felonies (levels1-2) to be held without bond in county jail until sentencing. Under current law, judges can sometimes allow these convicted offenders to stay out on bond pending sentencing, but this bill eliminates that discretion; if they were free on bond before trial, it gets revoked immediately upon conviction, and they are remanded to jail; if already in custody, their status shifts to no bond. This change directly helps victims by ensuring dangerous offenders cannot walk free in the community after a guilty verdict, reducing the risk of intimidation, retaliation, or further trauma while victims await final sentencing and begin to heal.

SB 364 requires the Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer a discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing license to residents of Kansas who are 65 years of age or older and increases the maximum age to qualify for the Kansas kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, decreases the maximum fee, and removes the expiration of such license.

SB 355 would amend the Kansas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act to require electronic cigarette manufacturers to be licensed in the state and regulate electronic cigarette products in a fashion like that for other nicotine products. The bill would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarette products marketed and advertised to minors and would make other technical and conforming changes.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Feb. 16 TopekaLast week’s work continued on the budget. All budget and subcommittees have reported out to the full Senate Ways and Means committee and all proposed provisos that were accepted were put into the budget bill. We had planned on finishing the budget bill on Friday; however, the House Budget committee was already scheduled to work all day, and staff would have had to be split in half to finish the committee work. We then rescheduled our committee meeting for Monday, February 16. This week will be spent working bills on both the Senate and the House floor before Turn Around.SB 300 will prohibit the office of the state bank commissioner or any other state agency from becoming a receiver for a technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.SB 358 is a strong measure for victim protection because it requires individuals convicted of serious felonies, such as off grid crimes, high severity nondrug felonies (levels1-4), or serious drug felonies (levels1-2) to be held without bond in county jail until sentencing. Under current law, judges can sometimes allow these convicted offenders to stay out on bond pending sentencing, but this bill eliminates that discretion; if they were free on bond before trial, it gets revoked immediately upon conviction, and they are remanded to jail; if already in custody, their status shifts to no bond. This change directly helps victims by ensuring dangerous offenders cannot walk free in the community after a guilty verdict, reducing the risk of intimidation, retaliation, or further trauma while victims await final sentencing and begin to heal.SB 364 requires the Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer a discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing license to residents of Kansas who are 65 years of age or older and increases the maximum age to qualify for the Kansas kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, decreases the maximum fee, and removes the expiration of such license.SB 355 would amend the Kansas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Act to require electronic cigarette manufacturers to be licensed in the state and regulate electronic cigarette products in a fashion like that for other nicotine products. The bill would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarette products marketed and advertised to minors and would make other technical and conforming changes.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate update: budget, criminal bonds, vapes

DNA from gloves found a few miles from the Arizona home of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;did not match any entries in a national database, authorities said Tuesday, the 17th day of her disappearance.

“There were no DNA hits in CODIS," the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said, referring to the national Combined DNA Index System.

"At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” the department said, suggesting that other DNA samples had been put through the system.

CODIS is a storehouse of DNA taken from crime suspects or people with convictions. Any hits could identify possible suspects in Guthrie's disappearance.

The 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1 after spending the previous night with family, police said. Her blood was detected on the porch.

A porch camera&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-guthrie-nest-camera-footage-kidnapper-bd5f1d886543e23f2d105535031c9445">recorded video</a>&nbsp;of a man with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. The FBI said the suspect is about 5 feet, 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall with a medium build.

Gloves were found about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home. The FBI has said that the gloves appeared to match those worn by the man in the video.

“There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence, and that is also being analyzed,” the sheriff's department said.

In addition, the department said it's working with experts to try to locate Guthrie by detecting her heart pacemaker.

Parsons Corp. said its BlueFly device, which weighs less than a pound (.45 kilograms) and has a range of up to 218 yards (200 meters), can detect signals from wearable electronics and medical devices. The company said the technology has been used from the air and on the ground in Arizona. It declined further comment about the search.

Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video Sunday in which she issued an appeal to anyone with information about what happened to her mother.

"It is never too late to do the right thing,” she said. “And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it’s never too late.”

By ED WHITE Associated PressDNA from gloves found a few miles from the Arizona home of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;did not match any entries in a national database, authorities said Tuesday, the 17th day of her disappearance.“There were no DNA hits in CODIS," the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said, referring to the national Combined DNA Index System.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The DNA that was submitted to CODIS was from the set of gloves found 2 miles away. It did not trigger a match in CODIS &amp; did not match DNA found at the property. The DNA found at the property is being analyzed &amp; further testing needs to be done as part of the investigation.&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2023843455706034483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DNA evidence from gloves found approximately 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie&#39;s residence was submitted to CODIS &amp; produced no matches. There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence that is also being analyzed.&mdash; Pima County Sheriff&#39;s Department (@PimaSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PimaSheriff/status/2023831510651204069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">REMINDER: FBI reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall of average build. Report tips to… <a href="https://t.co/PrFkHPj9Ac">pic.twitter.com/PrFkHPj9Ac</a>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2023817455756283921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” the department said, suggesting that other DNA samples had been put through the system.CODIS is a storehouse of DNA taken from crime suspects or people with convictions. Any hits could identify possible suspects in Guthrie's disappearance.The 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1 after spending the previous night with family, police said. Her blood was detected on the porch.A porch camera&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-guthrie-nest-camera-footage-kidnapper-bd5f1d886543e23f2d105535031c9445">recorded video</a>&nbsp;of a man with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. The FBI said the suspect is about 5 feet, 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall with a medium build.Gloves were found about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home. The FBI has said that the gloves appeared to match those worn by the man in the video.“There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence, and that is also being analyzed,” the sheriff's department said.In addition, the department said it's working with experts to try to locate Guthrie by detecting her heart pacemaker.Parsons Corp. said its BlueFly device, which weighs less than a pound (.45 kilograms) and has a range of up to 218 yards (200 meters), can detect signals from wearable electronics and medical devices. The company said the technology has been used from the air and on the ground in Arizona. It declined further comment about the search.Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video Sunday in which she issued an appeal to anyone with information about what happened to her mother."It is never too late to do the right thing,” she said. “And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it’s never too late.”

DNA results from glove found near Nancy Guthrie’s home revealed

The Hays High girls remained seventh in the next to last Kansas
Wrestling Coaches Association Class 5A rankings released Tuesday. The Indians,
who finished runner-up at the Newton regional, have five individuals ranked
this week.&nbsp;Freshman Audrey Yarmer is second at 100, junior Eleanor Stoffel
is second at 190, senior Lexi Barnett is fourth at 155, junior Timber Lovewell dropped
to fifth at 145 and senior Reese Vehige is sixth at 130.

The Hays boys have four ranked wrestlers heading into this
weekend’s regional tournament. Senior Johnny Rigler remained third at 190, sophomore
Archer Amrein is fourth at 175, senior Jaxson Chartier is fourth at 215 and
junior Tanner Geist fifth at 285.

No change in the top five spots of the 3-2-1A girls rankings. Russell, who was the regional champ in WaKeeney, remained first, Norton second, Oakley third, Plainville fourth and Smith Center
fifth while Phillipsburg moved up four spots to sixth.

The Hoxie boys continue to hold down the top spot in the
3-2-1A team rankings, Smith Center remained third, Norton fifth and Russell
remained 10th.

Area 3-2-1A Girls Rankings
 100
4. Kaeleigh Klein (Sr.) Plainville
 5. Carolina Northrup (Sr.) Stockton

110
 1. Keleigh Ochoa (So.) Smith Center
 5. Saj Snyder (Sr.) Stockton

115
 4. Hadlie Younkin (Fr.) Oakley
 5. Kya Bell (So.) Hill City
 6. Camry Ney (Fr.) Russell

120
 1. Arianna Weigel (Fr.) Russell
 2. Josie Bell (Jr.) Hoxie
 4. Kylee Hodges (Jr.) Oakley

125
 1. Kaison Miller (So.) Norton
 5. Karsyn Hamlin (Fr.) Russell&nbsp;

130
 1. Averie Counts (So.) Russell
 4. Annika Dietz (So.) Trego

135
 2. Abbygayl Jackson (Sr.) Oakley
 3. Mya Trevino (Sr.) Russell
 5. Hayden Staab (Fr.) Plainville
 6. Layla Magana (Jr.) Trego

140
 1. Halle Pfannenstiel (So.) Norton
 3. Kynley Griffin (Fr.) Phillipsburg
 4. Chaysie Bachman (Jr.) Russell

145
 1. Kinsey Zorn (Jr.) Russell
 6. Karper Franklin (So.) Smith Center

155
 1. Aaliyah Trevino (Fr.) Russell
 2. Cali Wagoner (Sr.) Oakley
 6. Khloe Padilla (Jr.) Smith Center
 6. Johnna Ebner (Sr.) Phillipsburg

170
 1. Lillian Garcia (Jr.) Plainville &nbsp;2. Brooke Smith (Jr.) Oakley
 3. Sophia Kane (So.) Norton

190
 1. Cadence Greeson (Sr.) Norton
 2. Kaitlyn McCreery (So.) Phillipsburg
 3. Caydence Carter (Sr.) Plainville
 6. Kacee Herredsberg (Jr.) Smith Center

235
 5. Adriana Winters (Jr.) Norton
 6. Molly Rahier (So.) Hoxie

Area 3-2-1A Boys Rankings
 106
1. Xzander Donner (So.) Russell
 2. Porter Meyer (Fr.) Hoxie

113
 2. Kaleb Keiswetter (Jr.) Norton 3. Bradyn Wilson (So.) Hoxie
 5. Jethro Chrisler (Fr.) Oakley

120
 2. Xzephren Donner (Sr.) Russell
 6. Gunner Wente (Jr.) Hoxie

126
 3. Ryan Budig (Sr.) Hill City 4. Simon Watkins (Fr.) Hoxie

132
 1. Ian Giancola (Sr.) Hoxie
 2. Derek Clydesdale (Sr.) Norton
 6. Aaron Samuelson (So.) Oakley

138
 2. Asher Haag (So.) Ellis
 4. Karson Nichols (Fr.) Smith Center
 5. Beau Koster (So.) Hoxie
 6. Ayston Kats (Sr.) Norton&nbsp;

144
 3. Chase Meyer (Jr.) Hoxie
 4. Jatin Weigel (Sr.) Norton

157
 1. Blake Buresh (Sr.) Phillipsburg
 3. Slade Rohr (Jr.) Hill City

165
 1. Parker Hutchinson (Sr.) Smith Center
 3. Jaxson Smith (So.) Hill City

215
 3. Dominick Kattenberg (Jr.) Smith Center
 4. Mathew Bretz (Jr.) Hoxie

285
 2. Kharson Montgomery (Sr.) Smith Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsThe Hays High girls remained seventh in the next to last Kansas
Wrestling Coaches Association Class 5A rankings released Tuesday. The Indians,
who finished runner-up at the Newton regional, have five individuals ranked
this week.&nbsp;Freshman Audrey Yarmer is second at 100, junior Eleanor Stoffel
is second at 190, senior Lexi Barnett is fourth at 155, junior Timber Lovewell dropped
to fifth at 145 and senior Reese Vehige is sixth at 130.The Hays boys have four ranked wrestlers heading into this
weekend’s regional tournament. Senior Johnny Rigler remained third at 190, sophomore
Archer Amrein is fourth at 175, senior Jaxson Chartier is fourth at 215 and
junior Tanner Geist fifth at 285.No change in the top five spots of the 3-2-1A girls rankings. Russell, who was the regional champ in WaKeeney, remained first, Norton second, Oakley third, Plainville fourth and Smith Center
fifth while Phillipsburg moved up four spots to sixth.The Hoxie boys continue to hold down the top spot in the
3-2-1A team rankings, Smith Center remained third, Norton fifth and Russell
remained 10th.Area 3-2-1A Girls Rankings
 100
4. Kaeleigh Klein (Sr.) Plainville
 5. Carolina Northrup (Sr.) Stockton105
 6. Kia Mader (Sr.) Ellis110
 1. Keleigh Ochoa (So.) Smith Center
 5. Saj Snyder (Sr.) Stockton115
 4. Hadlie Younkin (Fr.) Oakley
 5. Kya Bell (So.) Hill City
 6. Camry Ney (Fr.) Russell120
 1. Arianna Weigel (Fr.) Russell
 2. Josie Bell (Jr.) Hoxie
 4. Kylee Hodges (Jr.) Oakley125
 1. Kaison Miller (So.) Norton
 5. Karsyn Hamlin (Fr.) Russell&nbsp;130
 1. Averie Counts (So.) Russell
 4. Annika Dietz (So.) Trego135
 2. Abbygayl Jackson (Sr.) Oakley
 3. Mya Trevino (Sr.) Russell
 5. Hayden Staab (Fr.) Plainville
 6. Layla Magana (Jr.) Trego140
 1. Halle Pfannenstiel (So.) Norton
 3. Kynley Griffin (Fr.) Phillipsburg
 4. Chaysie Bachman (Jr.) Russell145
 1. Kinsey Zorn (Jr.) Russell
 6. Karper Franklin (So.) Smith Center155
 1. Aaliyah Trevino (Fr.) Russell
 2. Cali Wagoner (Sr.) Oakley
 6. Khloe Padilla (Jr.) Smith Center
 6. Johnna Ebner (Sr.) Phillipsburg170
 1. Lillian Garcia (Jr.) Plainville &nbsp;2. Brooke Smith (Jr.) Oakley
 3. Sophia Kane (So.) Norton190
 1. Cadence Greeson (Sr.) Norton
 2. Kaitlyn McCreery (So.) Phillipsburg
 3. Caydence Carter (Sr.) Plainville
 6. Kacee Herredsberg (Jr.) Smith Center235
 5. Adriana Winters (Jr.) Norton
 6. Molly Rahier (So.) HoxieArea 3-2-1A Boys Rankings
 106
1. Xzander Donner (So.) Russell
 2. Porter Meyer (Fr.) Hoxie113
 2. Kaleb Keiswetter (Jr.) Norton 3. Bradyn Wilson (So.) Hoxie
 5. Jethro Chrisler (Fr.) Oakley120
 2. Xzephren Donner (Sr.) Russell
 6. Gunner Wente (Jr.) Hoxie126
 3. Ryan Budig (Sr.) Hill City 4. Simon Watkins (Fr.) Hoxie132
 1. Ian Giancola (Sr.) Hoxie
 2. Derek Clydesdale (Sr.) Norton
 6. Aaron Samuelson (So.) Oakley138
 2. Asher Haag (So.) Ellis
 4. Karson Nichols (Fr.) Smith Center
 5. Beau Koster (So.) Hoxie
 6. Ayston Kats (Sr.) Norton&nbsp;144
 3. Chase Meyer (Jr.) Hoxie
 4. Jatin Weigel (Sr.) Norton150
 5. Noah Nickelson (So.) Hoxie157
 1. Blake Buresh (Sr.) Phillipsburg
 3. Slade Rohr (Jr.) Hill City165
 1. Parker Hutchinson (Sr.) Smith Center
 3. Jaxson Smith (So.) Hill City175
 2. Cass Smith (Sr.) Trego215
 3. Dominick Kattenberg (Jr.) Smith Center
 4. Mathew Bretz (Jr.) Hoxie

285
 2. Kharson Montgomery (Sr.) Smith Center

🤼‍♀️ Hays girls hold steady in latest KWCA rankings

RAWLINS COUNTY —Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, the evacuation order was lifted for city of Herndon, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office.

According to the Fire Chief, the fire is 80 % contained and no longer a threat to the city of Herndon. Those who evacuated are safe to return home

RAWLINS COUNTY —The town of Herndon has been placed under an evacuation order. A large grass fire is headed toward the community, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office. Just after 4p.m. the fire was approximately 4-5 miles northwest of Herndon moving southeast, according to Rawlins County Emergency Management.

The residents of the community are asked to shelter in Atwood at the Redeemer Lutheran Church,&nbsp;808 1st Street. There were no injuries reported as of 3:30p.m. Tuesday. Check the post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771364231172.png" alt="Fire danger image NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Fire danger image NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>RAWLINS COUNTY —Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, the evacuation order was lifted for city of Herndon, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office.According to the Fire Chief, the fire is 80 % contained and no longer a threat to the city of Herndon. Those who evacuated are safe to return home----------------RAWLINS COUNTY —The town of Herndon has been placed under an evacuation order. A large grass fire is headed toward the community, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office. Just after 4p.m. the fire was approximately 4-5 miles northwest of Herndon moving southeast, according to Rawlins County Emergency Management.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frawlinscountysheriff%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0uVQRcHBcsS5uFkf1WptjUVQs7i1i2aZAacQHiZafMyQX6q759YqWBWT416kLyeXml&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="189" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The residents of the community are asked to shelter in Atwood at the Redeemer Lutheran Church,&nbsp;808 1st Street. There were no injuries reported as of 3:30p.m. Tuesday. Check the post for additional details as they become available.

Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community after wildfire

The Hays High boys and girls along with the TMP-Marian and Victoria boys remain in the final regular season rankings from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

The Hays girls (18-1) moved up a spot to fourth in Class 5A while the boys (15-4) dropped two slots to ninth.&nbsp;

The TMP-Marian boys (15-5) remain eighth in Class 2A.

The Victoria boys (13-8) boys move up two spots to sixth while
Wheatland-Grinnell (14-7) dropped a spot to seventh in 1A Division II.

Two Mid-Continent League girls teams remain ranked. Hoxie dropped
a spot to fourth and Oakley remained eighth in Class 2A.

The Quinter girls (17-4) dropped two spots to eighth in 1A
Division, Dighton (17-3) moved up one to fifth and Wheatland-Grinnell (16-5) dropped
one to ninth in 1A Division II.

6A Girls 1. Wichita Heights (1) 2. Olathe South (2) 3. Shawnee Mission South (3) 4. Derby (4) 5. Blue Valley North (5) 6. Olathe North (8) 7. Manhattan (6) 8. Wichita East (7) 9. Liberal (9) 10. Topeka High (NR)

5A Girls 1. Andover (1) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas (2) 3. Maize South (4) 4. Hays (5) 5. St. James Academy (3) 6. Shawnee Heights (7) 7. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (6) 8. Basehor-Linwood (NR) 9. Goddard Eisenhower (10) 10. Kansas City Piper (8)

4A Girls 1. Wellington (1) 2. Eudora (2) 3. Wamego (3) 4. Independence (4) 5. Bishop Miege (5) 6. Rock Creek (6) 7. Topeka Hayden (8) 8. Clearwater (10) 9. Andale (NR) 10. Ottawa (7)

3A Girls 1. Silver Lake (1) 2. Halstead (2) 3. Holcomb (3) 4. Osage City (4) 5. Hiawatha (5) 6. Burlington (7) 7. Goodland (6) 8. Frontenac (9) 9. Beloit (NR) 10. SE Of Saline (8)

2A Girls 1. Eureka (1) 2. Ellinwood (2) 3. Moundridge (4) 4. Hoxie (3) 5. Sacred Heart (5) 6. St. Mary's Colgan (6) 7. Hillsboro (9) 8. Oakley (8) 9. Remington (7) 10. Conway Springs (10)

1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River (1) 2. Wabaunsee (3) 3. Centralia (2) 4. Olpe (4) 5. Hodgeman County (10) 6. Rock Hills (NR) 7. South Gray (5) 8. Quinter (6) 9. Pretty Prairie (7) 10. Decatur Community (9)

1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Central Christian (1) 2. Bucklin (2) 3. Hanover (3) 4. Linn (4) 5. Dighton (6) 6. Ashland (5) 7. Argonia (NR) 8. Marais des Cynges (7) 9. Wheatland-Grinnell (8) 10. Lebo (10)

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South (1) 2. Olathe North (2) 3. Mill Valley (4) 4. Blue Valley Northwest (5) 5. Wichita Heights (3) 6. Blue Valley (6) 7. Maize (7) 8. Derby (8) 9. Olathe East (9) 10. Blue Valley North (10)

5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1) 2. Maize South (2) 3. Bonner Springs (3) 4. Topeka West (4) 5. Topeka Seaman (6) 6. Kansas City Piper (5) 7. Emporia (8) 8. Bishop Carroll (9) 9. Hays (7) 10. Salina South (NR)

4A Boys 1. Rock Creek (1) 2. Atchison County (2) 3. Pratt (3) 4. Hugoton (7) 5. Concordia (4) 6. Bishop Miege (5) 7. McPherson (NR) 8. Andale (6) 9. Santa Fe Trail (9) 10. Baldwin (8)

3A Boys 1. Collegiate (1) 2. Hesston (2) 3. Beloit (5) 4. Burlington (4) 5. Holcomb (3) 6. Hiawatha (8) 7. Silver Lake (6) 8. Chaparral (7) 9. Riverton (9) 10. Neodesha (NR)

2A Boys 1. Sterling (1) 2. Berean Academy (2) 3. Moundridge (3) 4. Sacred Heart (4) 5. Classical School (5) 6. Ell-Saline (6) 7. Cair Paravel (7) 8. TMP-Marian (8) 9. St. Mary's (10) 10. Pitt-Colgan (NR)

1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Little River (1) 2. Olpe (2) 3. Central Plains (4) 4. Burden-Central (5) 5. Pleasonton (6) 6. Meade (8) 7. South Central (3) 8. St. John’s/Tipton (9) 9. Spearville (10) 10. Seabury Academy (7)

1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Axtell (1) 2. Hanover (2) 3. Hartford (3) 4. Lebo (4) 5. Wallace County (7) 6. Victoria (8) 7. Wheatland-Grinnell(6) 8. Thunder Ridge (5) 9. Deerfield (9) 10. Linn (NR)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsThe Hays High boys and girls along with the TMP-Marian and Victoria boys remain in the final regular season rankings from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.The Hays girls (18-1) moved up a spot to fourth in Class 5A while the boys (15-4) dropped two slots to ninth.&nbsp;The TMP-Marian boys (15-5) remain eighth in Class 2A.The Victoria boys (13-8) boys move up two spots to sixth while
Wheatland-Grinnell (14-7) dropped a spot to seventh in 1A Division II.Two Mid-Continent League girls teams remain ranked. Hoxie dropped
a spot to fourth and Oakley remained eighth in Class 2A.The Quinter girls (17-4) dropped two spots to eighth in 1A
Division, Dighton (17-3) moved up one to fifth and Wheatland-Grinnell (16-5) dropped
one to ninth in 1A Division II.6A Girls 1. Wichita Heights (1) 2. Olathe South (2) 3. Shawnee Mission South (3) 4. Derby (4) 5. Blue Valley North (5) 6. Olathe North (8) 7. Manhattan (6) 8. Wichita East (7) 9. Liberal (9) 10. Topeka High (NR)5A Girls 1. Andover (1) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas (2) 3. Maize South (4) 4. Hays (5) 5. St. James Academy (3) 6. Shawnee Heights (7) 7. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (6) 8. Basehor-Linwood (NR) 9. Goddard Eisenhower (10) 10. Kansas City Piper (8)4A Girls 1. Wellington (1) 2. Eudora (2) 3. Wamego (3) 4. Independence (4) 5. Bishop Miege (5) 6. Rock Creek (6) 7. Topeka Hayden (8) 8. Clearwater (10) 9. Andale (NR) 10. Ottawa (7)3A Girls 1. Silver Lake (1) 2. Halstead (2) 3. Holcomb (3) 4. Osage City (4) 5. Hiawatha (5) 6. Burlington (7) 7. Goodland (6) 8. Frontenac (9) 9. Beloit (NR) 10. SE Of Saline (8)2A Girls 1. Eureka (1) 2. Ellinwood (2) 3. Moundridge (4) 4. Hoxie (3) 5. Sacred Heart (5) 6. St. Mary's Colgan (6) 7. Hillsboro (9) 8. Oakley (8) 9. Remington (7) 10. Conway Springs (10)1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River (1) 2. Wabaunsee (3) 3. Centralia (2) 4. Olpe (4) 5. Hodgeman County (10) 6. Rock Hills (NR) 7. South Gray (5) 8. Quinter (6) 9. Pretty Prairie (7) 10. Decatur Community (9)1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Central Christian (1) 2. Bucklin (2) 3. Hanover (3) 4. Linn (4) 5. Dighton (6) 6. Ashland (5) 7. Argonia (NR) 8. Marais des Cynges (7) 9. Wheatland-Grinnell (8) 10. Lebo (10)6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South (1) 2. Olathe North (2) 3. Mill Valley (4) 4. Blue Valley Northwest (5) 5. Wichita Heights (3) 6. Blue Valley (6) 7. Maize (7) 8. Derby (8) 9. Olathe East (9) 10. Blue Valley North (10)5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1) 2. Maize South (2) 3. Bonner Springs (3) 4. Topeka West (4) 5. Topeka Seaman (6) 6. Kansas City Piper (5) 7. Emporia (8) 8. Bishop Carroll (9) 9. Hays (7) 10. Salina South (NR)4A Boys 1. Rock Creek (1) 2. Atchison County (2) 3. Pratt (3) 4. Hugoton (7) 5. Concordia (4) 6. Bishop Miege (5) 7. McPherson (NR) 8. Andale (6) 9. Santa Fe Trail (9) 10. Baldwin (8)3A Boys 1. Collegiate (1) 2. Hesston (2) 3. Beloit (5) 4. Burlington (4) 5. Holcomb (3) 6. Hiawatha (8) 7. Silver Lake (6) 8. Chaparral (7) 9. Riverton (9) 10. Neodesha (NR)2A Boys 1. Sterling (1) 2. Berean Academy (2) 3. Moundridge (3) 4. Sacred Heart (4) 5. Classical School (5) 6. Ell-Saline (6) 7. Cair Paravel (7) 8. TMP-Marian (8) 9. St. Mary's (10) 10. Pitt-Colgan (NR) 1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Little River (1) 2. Olpe (2) 3. Central Plains (4) 4. Burden-Central (5) 5. Pleasonton (6) 6. Meade (8) 7. South Central (3) 8. St. John’s/Tipton (9) 9. Spearville (10) 10. Seabury Academy (7)1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Axtell (1) 2. Hanover (2) 3. Hartford (3) 4. Lebo (4) 5. Wallace County (7) 6. Victoria (8) 7. Wheatland-Grinnell(6) 8. Thunder Ridge (5) 9. Deerfield (9) 10. Linn (NR)

🏀 HHS boys and girls, TMP remain in final KBCA poll

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission heard an update on Insurance Services Office ratings for the Ellis County Fire Department during its Tuesday meeting.

The fire department conducted an assessment in 2025 that created property protection classifications for different areas of the county. Better scores increase the likelihood that property owners may qualify for lower insurance premiums.

Fire departments usually have multiple ratings based on a property’s location. The most significant changes occurred in Catharine, Munjor and Schoenchen, where improvements were made after hydrants in those areas were formally recognized.

As a result of this change, the three communities saw improvements in their assessment ratings. It is worth noting that not all insurance companies use these ratings directly to determine insurance premiums.

Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said residents in the red circles are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine whether they may be eligible for a lower premium.

Myers said ISO evaluations assess the fire department’s response to structure fires, its equipment and water supply, and the dispatch center's operations.

Myers highlighted the 911 communications department, which scored 9.88 out of 10, calling it "next to perfect" in their protocols and equipment.

Myers said the county fire department's average arrival time on scene is about nine minutes and 54 seconds countywide.

ISO compares fire departments across the state and nationwide. These include departments with full-time, paid-per-call and volunteer firefighters.

For a department with 97 paid-per-call firefighters and two full-time firefighters, Myers said his department outperformed the state and national averages.

Other business • Commissioners agreed that the annual county road tour be on March 31. • Mike Freeman, public works project manager, updated the commission on efforts to address road right-of-way issues and the review process. • The Ellis County Recovery Court received about $25,200 in court funding. This will include covering training, a software app and behavior therapy. • Opioid funding request was approved to send Ellis County Sheriff officers to the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association conference • Jay Harris, Cottonwood Extension District executive director, provided an overview of Kansas State University's Cooperative Extension Service and its role in Ellis and Barton counties.

<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 heard an update on Insurance Services Office ratings for the Ellis County Fire Department during its Tuesday meeting.The fire department conducted an assessment in 2025 that created property protection classifications for different areas of the county. Better scores increase the likelihood that property owners may qualify for lower insurance premiums.Fire departments usually have multiple ratings based on a property’s location. The most significant changes occurred in Catharine, Munjor and Schoenchen, where improvements were made after hydrants in those areas were formally recognized.As a result of this change, the three communities saw improvements in their assessment ratings. It is worth noting that not all insurance companies use these ratings directly to determine insurance premiums.Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said residents in the red circles are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine whether they may be eligible for a lower premium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771345590522.png" alt="Map of Catharine highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums." />
 <figcaption>Map of Catharine highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771345662665.png" alt="Map of Schoenchen highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums." />
 <figcaption>Map of Schoenchen highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771345711260.png" alt="Map of Munjor highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums." />
 <figcaption>Map of Munjor highlighting potentially eligible residents for better insurance premiums.</figcaption>
 </figure>Myers said ISO evaluations assess the fire department’s response to structure fires, its equipment and water supply, and the dispatch center's operations.Myers highlighted the 911 communications department, which scored 9.88 out of 10, calling it "next to perfect" in their protocols and equipment.Myers said the county fire department's average arrival time on scene is about nine minutes and 54 seconds countywide.ISO compares fire departments across the state and nationwide. These include departments with full-time, paid-per-call and volunteer firefighters.For a department with 97 paid-per-call firefighters and two full-time firefighters, Myers said his department outperformed the state and national averages.Other business • Commissioners agreed that the annual county road tour be on March 31. • Mike Freeman, public works project manager, updated the commission on efforts to address road right-of-way issues and the review process. • The Ellis County Recovery Court received about $25,200 in court funding. This will include covering training, a software app and behavior therapy. • Opioid funding request was approved to send Ellis County Sheriff officers to the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association conference • Jay Harris, Cottonwood Extension District executive director, provided an overview of Kansas State University's Cooperative Extension Service and its role in Ellis and Barton counties.

Ellis County Commission reviews fire department rating, effects on insurance

Both sides agree 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, needs regulation, but opponents say kratom shouldn’t be included

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bill heard Monday would list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, moving the previously unclassified substance into the same category as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb497/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 497</a>&nbsp;classifies both Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as controlled substances. Proponents and opponents Monday before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee agreed that 7-OH — the opioid-like compound derived from kratom — is hurting Kansans, but opponents argued the bill wrongly equates the two substances.&nbsp;

Several proponents came from state organizations. One was Sara Hortenstine, youth services division chief for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;

“If we continue to allow widespread retail access to substances that act like opioids, we will see opioid-type consequences that include more addiction and overdoses and preventable deaths in our state,” Hortenstine said.&nbsp;

David Kuntz works for the Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa. He said he’s seen more 7-OH recently than oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl combined.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764210048130.jpeg" alt="Photo by Mike Courson Great Bend Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Mike Courson Great Bend Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Both sides agree 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, needs regulation, but opponents say kratom shouldn’t be included</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A bill heard Monday would list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, moving the previously unclassified substance into the same category as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb497/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 497</a>&nbsp;classifies both Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as controlled substances. Proponents and opponents Monday before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee agreed that 7-OH — the opioid-like compound derived from kratom — is hurting Kansans, but opponents argued the bill wrongly equates the two substances.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764210017608.jpeg" alt="Photo by Mike Courson" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Mike Courson</figcaption>
 </figure>Several proponents came from state organizations. One was Sara Hortenstine, youth services division chief for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;“If we continue to allow widespread retail access to substances that act like opioids, we will see opioid-type consequences that include more addiction and overdoses and preventable deaths in our state,” Hortenstine said.&nbsp;David Kuntz works for the Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa. He said he’s seen more 7-OH recently than oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl combined.&nbsp;If the bill passes, Kansas would join a&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/11/kratom-faces-increasing-scrutiny-from-states-and-the-feds/" target="_blank">growing number of states</a>&nbsp;in banning kratom or 7-OH. Kratom and 7-OH aren’t considered a controlled substance in Kansas, but there have been regional bans.&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-02-13/kansas-city-kratom-ban-7oh-addiction-gas-station-drugs" target="_blank">Kansas City, Missouri barred</a>&nbsp;the sale of synthetic kratom — known as 7-OH — and restricted kratom sales to adults older than 21.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2230_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2230</a>&nbsp;from last session would have taken a similar path in Kansas, but was never heard by the House.&nbsp;Kratom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171" target="_blank">is marketed as</a>&nbsp;a stimulant if used in low dosages, and a sedative at higher ones. It’s also been used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom" target="_blank">Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;</a>said 7-OH naturally occurs in trace amounts in kratom, but when synthesized it acts more like an opioid, and increases the chance of addiction.&nbsp;Kelly Gray owns two shops that sell kratom in Salina and Derby. He broke his back 10 years ago, and was prescribed opioids. He became addicted and decided to quit.&nbsp;“I was still going through daily pain with my back as well as my hips being bone on bone when I heard about and tried kratom, after much research. It completely changed my life for the better,” Gray said.Jason Todack runs a similar business in Topeka. He also uses kratom.“I’ve seen addicts from fentanyl. I’ve seen alcoholics use it. I’ve seen people hooked on pain pills,” Todack said. “This is an all-natural, whole leaf product, this product gives people choices and options to be able to get off of these other heinous drugs that are out there. I see this literally every day.”&nbsp;Nearly every opponent asked legislators not to lump kratom and 7-OH in the same group.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers" target="_blank">FDA recommended</a>&nbsp;scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance, and specified they are “not focused on natural kratom leaf products.”&nbsp;Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association based in Virginia, said the bill should be amended to focus solely on 7-OH.&nbsp;Bob Stuart is an executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He said it’s difficult for KBI officers to differentiate between the two substances. Haddow disagreed.