The Starbucks at 3216 Vine St. is undergoing floor renovations and has temporarily closed its lobby.

The drive-through will remain open during the process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743696733746.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Starbucks at 3216 Vine St. is undergoing floor renovations and has temporarily closed its lobby.The drive-through will remain open during the process.

Hays Starbucks lobby on Vine St. closed for remodeling

The Community Baby Shower will held on Saturday, April 5 at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th, Hays, as part of the Week of the Young Child.

News reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension Family &amp; Community Wellness Agent and Susan Bowles, Kid-Link&nbsp;speech pathologist on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast about the event for expectant and new parents.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Community Baby Shower" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ycm4r-186c8fd-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Community Baby Shower will held on Saturday, April 5 at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th, Hays, as part of the Week of the Young Child.News reporter Becky Kiser talks with Monique Koerner, Cottonwood Extension Family &amp; Community Wellness Agent and Susan Bowles, Kid-Link&nbsp;speech pathologist on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast about the event for expectant and new parents.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743609508823.png" alt="K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Post Podcast: Community Baby Shower for new parents Saturday in Hays

The affiliation agreement between Fort Hays State University and the technical colleges in Hays, Beloit and Goodland is up and running.

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Joey Linn, Fort Hays State University vice-president for student affairs and Corey Isbell, Fort Hays Tech|North Central-Beloit's vice-president of student and instructional services with an update of the strategic process.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Update on FHSU strategic affiliation with technical colleges in Hays, Beloit, Goodland" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=faw99-186e1de-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The affiliation agreement between Fort Hays State University and the technical colleges in Hays, Beloit and Goodland is up and running.On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Joey Linn, Fort Hays State University vice-president for student affairs and Corey Isbell, Fort Hays Tech|North Central-Beloit's vice-president of student and instructional services with an update of the strategic process.

🎙Post Podcast: Update on FHSU strategic affiliation with technical colleges in Hays, Beloit, Goodland

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County real estate valuations increased in 2025, according to a report given by the Ellis County Appraiser to the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday.

Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said the county's median property valuation increased by 3% overall in 2025. Agricultural use decreased by 4.4%, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.

The overall median value from 2024 was up 4.7%. Rupp said the market is slowing down in 2025.

Hays increased by 3%, Ellis increased by 6%, Victoria by 6%, Schoenchen by 6% and Catharine by 9.4%.

The total final value in Ellis County for 2025 is $3,780,355,500. It was $3,644,458,000 in 2024.&nbsp;

Rupp said the percentage of exempt properties, which include churches, schools and hospitals, changed from 16.7% to 17.21% between 2024 and 2025.

Each year, a commission meeting is scheduled for a tour led by Public Works staff, during which commissioners visit various road and bridge sites throughout Ellis County.

These include projects that have been completed, are underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.

Commissioners spoke with Public Works Director Brendan Mackay about plans for the April 30 tour and discussed additional sites that could be included.

Locations mentioned included the 10th Street bridge in Ellis, the Catharine Road project, Vineyard Road and 270th Street, Reservation Road, and the Leiker Addition on 280th Street.

The commissioners approved the supply of labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis' 2025 chip seal project. The city lacks the resources to complete the work independently.

The city of Ellis will be responsible for material costs, while the county will provide labor, equipment and some materials for work on Washington Street.

The commission heard from Katelyn Schmidt, a Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grade teacher, about the school's role in the&nbsp;<a href="https://yacenter.org/young-ameritowne/">AmeriTowne program</a>.

Schmidt discussed the project-based learning program, which concludes with a field trip where students participate in hands-on, real-world experiences.

She hopes to encourage other schools to adopt the program and attract more community volunteers.

• Approved the purchase and installation of a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement. Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel.

• Approved the 2026 budget schedule for 2025. The next step in the budget process is for the commission to prepare to give budget directions to department heads, elected officials and outside agencies at the April 15 commission meeting.

• Received an update on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger. The merger aims to expand effective practices and improve services for job seekers and employers.

• Approved the motion to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593005347050.jpeg" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County real estate valuations increased in 2025, according to a report given by the Ellis County Appraiser to the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday.Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said the county's median property valuation increased by 3% overall in 2025. Agricultural use decreased by 4.4%, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.The overall median value from 2024 was up 4.7%. Rupp said the market is slowing down in 2025.Hays increased by 3%, Ellis increased by 6%, Victoria by 6%, Schoenchen by 6% and Catharine by 9.4%.The total final value in Ellis County for 2025 is $3,780,355,500. It was $3,644,458,000 in 2024.&nbsp;Rupp said the percentage of exempt properties, which include churches, schools and hospitals, changed from 16.7% to 17.21% between 2024 and 2025.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743448267942.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743448304206.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Ellis County road tour</h2>Each year, a commission meeting is scheduled for a tour led by Public Works staff, during which commissioners visit various road and bridge sites throughout Ellis County.These include projects that have been completed, are underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.Commissioners spoke with Public Works Director Brendan Mackay about plans for the April 30 tour and discussed additional sites that could be included.Locations mentioned included the 10th Street bridge in Ellis, the Catharine Road project, Vineyard Road and 270th Street, Reservation Road, and the Leiker Addition on 280th Street.<h2>City of Ellis chip seal project</h2>The commissioners approved the supply of labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis' 2025 chip seal project. The city lacks the resources to complete the work independently.The city of Ellis will be responsible for material costs, while the county will provide labor, equipment and some materials for work on Washington Street.<h2>AmeriTowne</h2>The commission heard from Katelyn Schmidt, a Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grade teacher, about the school's role in the&nbsp;<a href="https://yacenter.org/young-ameritowne/">AmeriTowne program</a>.Schmidt discussed the project-based learning program, which concludes with a field trip where students participate in hands-on, real-world experiences.She hopes to encourage other schools to adopt the program and attract more community volunteers.<h2>Other business items.</h2>In other business, the commissioners• Approved the purchase and installation of a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement. Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel.• Approved the 2026 budget schedule for 2025. The next step in the budget process is for the commission to prepare to give budget directions to department heads, elected officials and outside agencies at the April 15 commission meeting.• Received an update on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger. The merger aims to expand effective practices and improve services for job seekers and employers.• Approved the motion to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.

Ellis County real estate assessed values up overall in 2025

A former Ellis County Attorney issued a public apology for his office's budget overrun by more than $72,000 in the final year of his term.

Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson told the Ellis County Commission Tuesday that budget overage stemmed from multiple factors, including hiring Joshua Becker as a fifth attorney.

Anderson said he expected attorney James Rutherford to leave by October, but Rutherford stayed through January.&nbsp;Both attorneys remained on staff, which caused overlapping budget costs.

Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the 2024 fiscal budget was $1,066,725, with Anderson exceeding it by $72,400.

"If I can go back in time, my preference would have been to come to the commission and ask for that budget authority," Anderson said. "I would have never deliberately or purposely spent money we didn't have. That is my apology."

Anderson said he is handling about a dozen cases at no cost as a special prosecutor as an act of restitution.

County commissioners responded to Anderson with appreciation and understanding, commending his efforts to maintain staffing in the attorney’s office during his transition out of the role.

"It takes a real person to come and apologize," Commissioner Neal Younger said.

Anderson did not run for re-election for county attorney.&nbsp;

Aaron Cunningham ran unopposed for the position in 2024 and assumed the office in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743602398322.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA former Ellis County Attorney issued a public apology for his office's budget overrun by more than $72,000 in the final year of his term.Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson told the Ellis County Commission Tuesday that budget overage stemmed from multiple factors, including hiring Joshua Becker as a fifth attorney.Anderson said he expected attorney James Rutherford to leave by October, but Rutherford stayed through January.&nbsp;Both attorneys remained on staff, which caused overlapping budget costs.Ellis County Administrator Darin Myers said the 2024 fiscal budget was $1,066,725, with Anderson exceeding it by $72,400."If I can go back in time, my preference would have been to come to the commission and ask for that budget authority," Anderson said. "I would have never deliberately or purposely spent money we didn't have. That is my apology."Anderson said he is handling about a dozen cases at no cost as a special prosecutor as an act of restitution.County commissioners responded to Anderson with appreciation and understanding, commending his efforts to maintain staffing in the attorney’s office during his transition out of the role."It takes a real person to come and apologize," Commissioner Neal Younger said.Anderson did not run for re-election for county attorney.&nbsp;Aaron Cunningham ran unopposed for the position in 2024 and assumed the office in January.

Former Ellis County Attorney goes $72K over budget

I attended your so-called “Town Hall” in Oakley on March 1, and I had every reason to believe it would be a genuine meeting—a discussion with Kansans, with open questions and follow-ups. Instead, your insistence on pre-written, selectively chosen questions made it clear that you were steering the conversation to avoid real accountability.

Your misquotation of President Eisenhower was particularly insulting. Not only was it fabricated, but it also served as an attempt to silence us under the guise of his authority. Your dismissive suggestion that this event was only for “Oakley folk” was yet another slap in the face. My wife’s family—11 kids—were raised at 512 Freeman in Oakley. 

I was raised in Hays, regularly practice law in Logan County, and have lifelong ties to the region. I sat with my wife, her brother, and a cousin, all from the area at the event. The crowd was full of Western Kansans, as well as others who cared enough to drive from across the state and stay overnight in local motels.

Your treatment of your own constituents was nothing short of rude and condescending. Your refusal to answer real questions, particularly about your unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, made it clear that this was never intended to be a true town hall. It was a staged media opportunity for you. When it backfired, and Mr. Dunn gently called you out for supporting the unnecessary firing of thousands of veterans, you cut and ran.

Now, to the purpose of this letter: I demand an apology for the slander and libel you committed after the event. You falsely accused us of being “paid troublemakers” and “not real Kansans.” You ratified Trump’s smear of us, slandering me, my wife, our family, and every other person in that room—about 150 Kansans who showed up in good faith.

While Trump may be immune from accountability for his wrongful actions, you are not. I expect you to issue an apology with at least as much visibility as your original defamatory statements.

Since March 1, I have been looking for an opportunity to deliver this letter in person, but you have been avoiding public appearances. Your phones are set to screen out real Kansans, and you lack a&nbsp;residence in the state where this letter could be delivered. You fled Oakley that morning at 9:37 a.m., and you’ve been dodging accountability ever since.

I will keep trying to reach you. In the meantime, I have pledged to raise at least $100,000 in modest donations from real Kansans to support a candidate who actually represents us and will replace you in the U.S. Senate.

Sincerely, John T. Bird Attorney at Law Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Marshall,I attended your so-called “Town Hall” in Oakley on March 1, and I had every reason to believe it would be a genuine meeting—a discussion with Kansans, with open questions and follow-ups. Instead, your insistence on pre-written, selectively chosen questions made it clear that you were steering the conversation to avoid real accountability.Your misquotation of President Eisenhower was particularly insulting. Not only was it fabricated, but it also served as an attempt to silence us under the guise of his authority. Your dismissive suggestion that this event was only for “Oakley folk” was yet another slap in the face. My wife’s family—11 kids—were raised at 512 Freeman in Oakley. I was raised in Hays, regularly practice law in Logan County, and have lifelong ties to the region. I sat with my wife, her brother, and a cousin, all from the area at the event. The crowd was full of Western Kansans, as well as others who cared enough to drive from across the state and stay overnight in local motels.Your treatment of your own constituents was nothing short of rude and condescending. Your refusal to answer real questions, particularly about your unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, made it clear that this was never intended to be a true town hall. It was a staged media opportunity for you. When it backfired, and Mr. Dunn gently called you out for supporting the unnecessary firing of thousands of veterans, you cut and ran.Now, to the purpose of this letter: I demand an apology for the slander and libel you committed after the event. You falsely accused us of being “paid troublemakers” and “not real Kansans.” You ratified Trump’s smear of us, slandering me, my wife, our family, and every other person in that room—about 150 Kansans who showed up in good faith.While Trump may be immune from accountability for his wrongful actions, you are not. I expect you to issue an apology with at least as much visibility as your original defamatory statements.Since March 1, I have been looking for an opportunity to deliver this letter in person, but you have been avoiding public appearances. Your phones are set to screen out real Kansans, and you lack a&nbsp;residence in the state where this letter could be delivered. You fled Oakley that morning at 9:37 a.m., and you’ve been dodging accountability ever since.I will keep trying to reach you. In the meantime, I have pledged to raise at least $100,000 in modest donations from real Kansans to support a candidate who actually represents us and will replace you in the U.S. Senate.Govern your actions accordingly.Sincerely, John T. Bird Attorney at Law Hays

LETTER: Sen. Marshall's conduct at Oakley, post-event slander

NORTON — Work will resume this week on asphalt crack repair Kansas Department of Transportation projects in Rice and Rush counties that were paused last season due to weather concerns.

One KDOT project will be on U.S. 183 in Rush County, from the Pawnee/Rush county line to the south city limits of La Crosse. The length is 10 miles.

The work is expected to begin around April 3 starting in Rice County, to be completed around April 11. The Rush County project will follow that, with both projects done by early May, weather permitting.

During the work, traffic will be guided by a pilot car and flaggers, and motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect up to a 15-minute delay.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in south central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743608091376.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNORTON — Work will resume this week on asphalt crack repair Kansas Department of Transportation projects in Rice and Rush counties that were paused last season due to weather concerns.One KDOT project will be on U.S. 183 in Rush County, from the Pawnee/Rush county line to the south city limits of La Crosse. The length is 10 miles.The work is expected to begin around April 3 starting in Rice County, to be completed around April 11. The Rush County project will follow that, with both projects done by early May, weather permitting.During the work, traffic will be guided by a pilot car and flaggers, and motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect up to a 15-minute delay.KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in south central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

Crack repair resumes this month on U.S. Highway 183 in Rush County

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes battered rebel-controlled areas of Yemen into Wednesday, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;saying that one strike killed at least four people near the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.

Meanwhile, satellite images taken Wednesday and analyzed by The Associated Press show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b2-bombers-us-yemen-houthis-iran-israel-hamas-war-487247ed0d6c8743b21d18740b649d1c">at least six stealth B-2 Spirit bombers</a>&nbsp;now stationed at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a highly unusual deployment amid the Yemen campaign and tensions with Iran.

The intense campaign of airstrikes in Yemen under U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, targeting the rebels over their attacks on shipping in Mideast waters stemming from the Israel-Hamas war,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">has killed at least 65 people</a>, according to casualty figures released by the Houthis.

The campaign appears to show no signs of stopping as the Trump administration again linked their airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis to an effort to pressure Iran over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>. While so far giving no specifics about the campaign and its targets, White House press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-press-secretary-4c550e04334e87d2075dc6bbe2e244bd">Karoline Leavitt</a>&nbsp;put the overall number of strikes on Tuesday at more than 200.

“Iran is incredibly weakened as a result of these attacks, and we have seen they have taken out Houthi leaders,” Leavitt said. “They’ve taken out critical members who were launching strikes on naval ships and on commercial vessels and this operation will not stop until the freedom of navigation in this region is restored.”

The Houthis haven’t acknowledged the loss of any of its leadership so far — and the U.S. hasn’t identified any official by name. However, messages released by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">the leak of a Signal conversation</a>&nbsp;between Trump administration officials and their public comments suggest a leader in the rebels’ missile forces had been targeted.

Overnight, a likely U.S. airstrike targeted what the Houthis described as a “water project” in Hodeida governorate’s Mansuriyah District, killing four people and wounding others. Other strikes into Wednesday targeted Hajjah, Saada and Sanaa governorates, the rebels said.

The rebels say they’ve continued to launch attacks against U.S. warships in the Red Sea, namely the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is carrying out the majority of the strikes on the Houthis. No warship has been struck yet, but the U.S. Navy has described the Houthi fire as the most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-yemen-houthis-israel-war-7a9997f9d84ac669fae69ecf819913fb">intense combat</a>&nbsp;its sailors have faced since World War II.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, now in Asia, is on its way to the Middle East to back up the Truman. Early Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that “additional squadrons and other air assets” would be deployed to the region, without elaborating.

More than 300 airmen and several A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have deployed into the Middle East as well to support the mission from the Idaho Air National Guard. The troops, from Idaho’s 124th Fighter Wing out of Boise, fly the aircraft known as the Warthog. The U.S. military’s Central Command, which oversees Mideast operations, posted an image Wednesday of two A-10s flying in the region.

Satellite photos taken Wednesday by Planet Labs PBC and analyzed by the AP showed at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers deployed to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

The deployment represents nearly a third of all the B-2 bombers in Washington’s arsenal. It’s also highly unusual to see that many at one base abroad. Typically, so-called show of force missions involving the B-2 have seen two or three of the aircraft conduct operations in foreign territory.

The B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the U.S. military in combat, because each aircraft is worth around $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The bombers are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there.

The U.S. has used the B-2 in Yemen last year to attack&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-99721f7f952d66d6da27e24dc3c189c3">underground Houthi bases</a>. The B-2 likely would need to be used if Washington ever tried to target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">Iran’s underground nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;as well.

The Houthis on Tuesday said that they shot down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-mq9-shot-down-israel-hamas-war-us-airstrikes-6bd7764ba19e84d2dddac0d3c762459a">another American MQ-9 drone</a>&nbsp;over the country.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An AP review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation against the Houthis under Trump appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA" target="_blank">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former U.S. President Joe Biden, as Washington moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel and dropping bombs on cities.

The new campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted.

The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two</a>&nbsp;of them and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships without success.

The attacks greatly raised the profile of the Houthis, who faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting dissent and aid workers in Yemen amid a decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743644959974.png" alt="This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows six B-2 stealth bombers parked at Camp Thunder Cove in Diego Garcia on April 2, 2025 (Planet Labs PBC via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows six B-2 stealth bombers parked at Camp Thunder Cove in Diego Garcia on April 2, 2025 (Planet Labs PBC via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes battered rebel-controlled areas of Yemen into Wednesday, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;saying that one strike killed at least four people near the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.Meanwhile, satellite images taken Wednesday and analyzed by The Associated Press show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b2-bombers-us-yemen-houthis-iran-israel-hamas-war-487247ed0d6c8743b21d18740b649d1c">at least six stealth B-2 Spirit bombers</a>&nbsp;now stationed at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a highly unusual deployment amid the Yemen campaign and tensions with Iran.The intense campaign of airstrikes in Yemen under U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, targeting the rebels over their attacks on shipping in Mideast waters stemming from the Israel-Hamas war,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">has killed at least 65 people</a>, according to casualty figures released by the Houthis.The campaign appears to show no signs of stopping as the Trump administration again linked their airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis to an effort to pressure Iran over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-us-tensions-explains-25acc4bfbbe165a374a58ebfa6a4ab41">rapidly advancing nuclear program</a>. While so far giving no specifics about the campaign and its targets, White House press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-press-secretary-4c550e04334e87d2075dc6bbe2e244bd">Karoline Leavitt</a>&nbsp;put the overall number of strikes on Tuesday at more than 200.“Iran is incredibly weakened as a result of these attacks, and we have seen they have taken out Houthi leaders,” Leavitt said. “They’ve taken out critical members who were launching strikes on naval ships and on commercial vessels and this operation will not stop until the freedom of navigation in this region is restored.”The Houthis haven’t acknowledged the loss of any of its leadership so far — and the U.S. hasn’t identified any official by name. However, messages released by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-atlantic-war-plans-signal-yemen-houthis-c0addd08c627ab01a37ea63621cb695e">the leak of a Signal conversation</a>&nbsp;between Trump administration officials and their public comments suggest a leader in the rebels’ missile forces had been targeted.<h2>Fatal strike reportedly targets Hodeida</h2>Overnight, a likely U.S. airstrike targeted what the Houthis described as a “water project” in Hodeida governorate’s Mansuriyah District, killing four people and wounding others. Other strikes into Wednesday targeted Hajjah, Saada and Sanaa governorates, the rebels said.The rebels say they’ve continued to launch attacks against U.S. warships in the Red Sea, namely the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is carrying out the majority of the strikes on the Houthis. No warship has been struck yet, but the U.S. Navy has described the Houthi fire as the most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-yemen-houthis-israel-war-7a9997f9d84ac669fae69ecf819913fb">intense combat</a>&nbsp;its sailors have faced since World War II.The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, now in Asia, is on its way to the Middle East to back up the Truman. Early Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that “additional squadrons and other air assets” would be deployed to the region, without elaborating.More than 300 airmen and several A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have deployed into the Middle East as well to support the mission from the Idaho Air National Guard. The troops, from Idaho’s 124th Fighter Wing out of Boise, fly the aircraft known as the Warthog. The U.S. military’s Central Command, which oversees Mideast operations, posted an image Wednesday of two A-10s flying in the region.<h2>More B-2s seen at Diego Garcia</h2>Satellite photos taken Wednesday by Planet Labs PBC and analyzed by the AP showed at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers deployed to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.The deployment represents nearly a third of all the B-2 bombers in Washington’s arsenal. It’s also highly unusual to see that many at one base abroad. Typically, so-called show of force missions involving the B-2 have seen two or three of the aircraft conduct operations in foreign territory.The B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the U.S. military in combat, because each aircraft is worth around $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The bombers are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there.The U.S. has used the B-2 in Yemen last year to attack&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-99721f7f952d66d6da27e24dc3c189c3">underground Houthi bases</a>. The B-2 likely would need to be used if Washington ever tried to target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">Iran’s underground nuclear sites</a>&nbsp;as well.The Houthis on Tuesday said that they shot down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-mq9-shot-down-israel-hamas-war-us-airstrikes-6bd7764ba19e84d2dddac0d3c762459a">another American MQ-9 drone</a>&nbsp;over the country.<h2>Intense US bombings began on March 15</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An AP review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation against the Houthis under Trump appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA" target="_blank">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former U.S. President Joe Biden, as Washington moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel and dropping bombs on cities.The new campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted.The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two</a>&nbsp;of them and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships without success.The attacks greatly raised the profile of the Houthis, who faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting dissent and aid workers in Yemen amid a decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

More B-2 bombers seen at US base in striking distance of Yemen, Iran

Crystal Ann “Chris” Trauer age 86 of Hays, Kansas died March
31, 2025. &nbsp;She was born August 7, 1938, in Pueblo, Colorado to Lyle and
Evelyn (Weight) Scott.

She married Robert Dennis in Pueblo, CO and had three children, Lauree, Steve,
and Mike.&nbsp; She grew up in Pueblo, CO and was a 1956 graduate of Central
High School.&nbsp; While living in Colorado Chris worked at Woolworths in
Denver and in 1972, they moved to Ellis, KS as her husband worked on the
railroad. She and Robert later separated.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

While living in Ellis she met Duane Trauer when she worked at the 11th Frame
Club, and&nbsp;they later
married on March 26, 1977, in Palco, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on
January 20, 2011.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

She and Duane started Trauer Insurance Agency in the basement of their house in
1977, and later moved the business to Northridge Plaza, and happily serving
numerous customers throughout Western KS in the crop/hail insurance industry.&nbsp;
They sold the agency in 2001, and Duane continued to work until 2011, and Chris
worked there until 2012.&nbsp; She was a member of the First United Methodist
Church, and a Life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post # 9076 both of
Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Chris had a passion for bowling and attended several state bowling
tournaments, loved gardening, traveling to Alaska to see her kids and
grandkids, and traveling with friends on cruises, trips to Hawaii, and other
places in the US, and spending time with her grand dog “Emmy”,

Crystal is survived by her children, Lauree Honas and husband, Jim, Ellis, KS;
Mike Dennis and wife, Jane, Big Lake, AK; Terri Cox, Pearisburg, VA; Tammi
Strutt and husband, Darvin, Colby, KS; her daughter-in-law, Audra Dennis, Hawaii;
her grandchildren, Eric Wedermyer; Amanda Wedermyer; Ryan Gross; Sarah Cummings
(Justin); Daniella Peterson (Kevin); Ryan Honas; Jessica Alocoer (Jose); Brain
Trauer; Tyler Trauer (Kayla); Dana Cox (Laura); Kirstie Wojtech (John); Trevor
Strutt (Amanda); her great grandchildren, Madison and Hailey Wedermyer; JuJaun
Lucas, and Lyric Gross; Caden, Brynlee, and Layton Peterson; Haven Wojtech;
Harper and Holton Trauer; Benson and Kami Trauer; and Shaylee Benoit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Evelyn Scott; her husband
Duane Trauer; her sons, Steve Dennis; Mark Trauer; and Gregg Trauer.

Chris will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to
know her.

Though she
is no longer with us, the memories of her energetic spirit will live on in the
hearts of all the lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, April 4, 2025, at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Chaplain, Chad Pritchett
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays, Kansas, 

&nbsp;The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 1:00 P.M. Friday, at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary&nbsp;of Hays. 

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Fort Hays State University, for
Athletic Department in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of&nbsp; Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays,Kansas
67601.

Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743548061072.jpeg" alt="Crystal Ann 'Chris' Trauer" />
 <figcaption>Crystal Ann 'Chris' Trauer</figcaption>
 </figure>Crystal Ann “Chris” Trauer age 86 of Hays, Kansas died March
31, 2025. &nbsp;She was born August 7, 1938, in Pueblo, Colorado to Lyle and
Evelyn (Weight) Scott.She married Robert Dennis in Pueblo, CO and had three children, Lauree, Steve,
and Mike.&nbsp; She grew up in Pueblo, CO and was a 1956 graduate of Central
High School.&nbsp; While living in Colorado Chris worked at Woolworths in
Denver and in 1972, they moved to Ellis, KS as her husband worked on the
railroad. She and Robert later separated.&nbsp;&nbsp; While living in Ellis she met Duane Trauer when she worked at the 11th Frame
Club, and&nbsp;they later
married on March 26, 1977, in Palco, KS.&nbsp; He preceded her in death on
January 20, 2011.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She and Duane started Trauer Insurance Agency in the basement of their house in
1977, and later moved the business to Northridge Plaza, and happily serving
numerous customers throughout Western KS in the crop/hail insurance industry.&nbsp;
They sold the agency in 2001, and Duane continued to work until 2011, and Chris
worked there until 2012.&nbsp; She was a member of the First United Methodist
Church, and a Life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post # 9076 both of
Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Chris had a passion for bowling and attended several state bowling
tournaments, loved gardening, traveling to Alaska to see her kids and
grandkids, and traveling with friends on cruises, trips to Hawaii, and other
places in the US, and spending time with her grand dog “Emmy”,Crystal is survived by her children, Lauree Honas and husband, Jim, Ellis, KS;
Mike Dennis and wife, Jane, Big Lake, AK; Terri Cox, Pearisburg, VA; Tammi
Strutt and husband, Darvin, Colby, KS; her daughter-in-law, Audra Dennis, Hawaii;
her grandchildren, Eric Wedermyer; Amanda Wedermyer; Ryan Gross; Sarah Cummings
(Justin); Daniella Peterson (Kevin); Ryan Honas; Jessica Alocoer (Jose); Brain
Trauer; Tyler Trauer (Kayla); Dana Cox (Laura); Kirstie Wojtech (John); Trevor
Strutt (Amanda); her great grandchildren, Madison and Hailey Wedermyer; JuJaun
Lucas, and Lyric Gross; Caden, Brynlee, and Layton Peterson; Haven Wojtech;
Harper and Holton Trauer; Benson and Kami Trauer; and Shaylee Benoit.She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Evelyn Scott; her husband
Duane Trauer; her sons, Steve Dennis; Mark Trauer; and Gregg Trauer.Chris will be missed dearly by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to
know her.Though she
is no longer with us, the memories of her energetic spirit will live on in the
hearts of all the lives she touched.A Celebration of Life Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, April 4, 2025, at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Chaplain, Chad Pritchett
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays, Kansas, &nbsp;The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 1:00 P.M. Friday, at
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary&nbsp;of Hays. The family suggests memorials made payable to: Fort Hays State University, for
Athletic Department in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of&nbsp; Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays,Kansas
67601.Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by guestbook at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Crystal Ann 'Chris' Trauer

SPONSORED: G&amp;H WorX is growing! General Laborer(s) WANTED!

G&amp;H WorX is a family-owned and operated fence, sprinkler system and lawncare contractor that provides comprehensive management for residential and commercial clients throughout Kansas.

The team is growing and they’re looking for some general laborers to join their team!

· Full-time employment – 40 hours a week · Safe Environment · Post Construction Cleanup or General Outside work – YOU CHOOSE! · Great Pay! · Awesome Culture!

Immediate openings wanted filled soon with the right candidates! Give Brian a call at 785-621-2500.

Learn more about G&amp;H WorX at <a href="https://www.ghworx.com/">www.ghworx.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743609948107.png" alt="G&amp;H Worx, LLC&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>G&amp;H Worx, LLC&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SPONSORED: G&amp;H WorX is growing! General Laborer(s) WANTED!G&amp;H WorX is a family-owned and operated fence, sprinkler system and lawncare contractor that provides comprehensive management for residential and commercial clients throughout Kansas.The team is growing and they’re looking for some general laborers to join their team!Position includes:· Full-time employment – 40 hours a week · Safe Environment · Post Construction Cleanup or General Outside work – YOU CHOOSE! · Great Pay! · Awesome Culture!Immediate openings wanted filled soon with the right candidates! Give Brian a call at 785-621-2500. Learn more about G&amp;H WorX at <a href="https://www.ghworx.com/">www.ghworx.com</a>.

🎾 HHS boys place fifth in McPherson

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

You wouldn't think a cell phone and radio could weigh so much.

But for Hays Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, they carried the weight of being the No. 2 at the department. They carried the weight of responsibility of each call and sacrifice he made in his 25 years on the Hays Police Department.

On Friday, he took his last radio call. He handed in his phone, radio and badge for the final time, retiring from a lifetime of service to his community.

Dawson, 55, came later in life to law enforcement. He joined the police department as a 30-year-old rookie.&nbsp;

As a young man, he dreamed of joining the FBI. At that time, several tracks could lead to a career in the federal agency. He decided he would attempt to join the FBI through the accounting track, so he started as an accounting major at Fort Hays State University.

However, he soon discovered accounting was not for him.

At that time, FHSU did not have a criminal justice major, so he changed his major to broadcast communications with a minor in sociology with an emphasis in criminology.

After graduation, he had the opportunity to spend a summer as a counselor and ski instructor at a boy's summer camp, Camp Caribou in Bangor, Maine.

That gave him some experience working with youth, which would continue to be a theme throughout his career.

He worked in substance abuse prevention in Salina before returning to Hays, where he grew up, to work as a community consultant for the Ellis County Community Partnership, which was housed in the Smoky Hill Foundation.&nbsp;

He worked in drug and alcohol prevention, often working with youth.

He also worked with a state-funded tobacco cessation program and promoted the Red Ribbon Campaign and Great American Smokeout.

"A big part of my job was to get together with community leaders and get some funds and make sure there were alternative things for kids to do other than go have a pasture party or keg party," Dawson said. "And that we had good protective factors in the community."

Dawson, at 30, joined the Hays Police Department as a patrol officer.&nbsp;He described himself as a "late bloomer." When he started, he took a $3 an hour pay cut from his job working for the community partnership.

"That's where everyone starts," he said. ... "Nobody starts out as a detective. Nobody starts off as a captain. You have to start out as an officer and understand the laws and that protect and serve part, and then move up through the ranks through all of the different avenues."

Dawson was promoted after a little more than a year as a patrol officer to a school resource officer, a position he served in for nine and a half years.

Initially, he served all the schools in the school district. Then, a second school resource officer was hired.&nbsp;

Dawson said some officers prefer to work with older youth, but he also liked giving presentations to the elementary-age students.

"I just really liked being in the schools," he said. "I really liked being in the classroom, whether I was doing a presentation on the topic of search and seizure, or I got asked into a married life class. I got asked into the English class when they were reading 'Romeo and Juliet,' so I slipped in what is referred to as the Romeo and Juliet law, which is unlawful voluntary sexual relations."

Unlawful voluntary sexual relations is sex perpetrated by an&nbsp;offender who is 18 years old or younger with a victim who is 14 or 15 years old.

"I told them what their responsibilities were—that at age 10, they could be arrested. At age 14, they could be interviewed without an attorney or parent being present," he said.

He said he tried to help the students see the officer in the uniform is a person too.

"We are here to serve and help them," Dawson said. "They're my boss, and I'm here to help them be successful."

Dawson said he was disappointed when the school resource officer program was disbanded in Hays, but delighted in 2023 when it was resurrected.

He said being an SRO was the best of both worlds.

"I really liked the evening shift," Dawson said. "Otherwise, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the middle of July, your boots are melting into asphalt while doing an accident report. All that heavy gear is just not comfortable and not fun.

"I liked night shift. It's a little different clientele and different calls on night shift, even in Hays, compared to doing a stranger danger class with 5-year-olds. I got to bone back up on my DUI skills. I was super fortunate that I got to do all of that."

He became a member of the tactical team. He was first an operator and worked his way up to being a negotiator and assistant team leader.

"It's not like the movies," Dawson said. "You don't hit reset and have a different outfit and a different car next week and a different story. It's real life."

"You feel a sense of pride knowing you were on the team," he said.

Dawson said working on the tactical team involves officers in volatile situations in which people can get hurt or killed.

Being a negotiator takes a totally different mindset, he said. A negotiator is trying to buy time to help things settle down and reach a peaceful conclusion.

"It's extremely challenging and can be extremely frustrating," he said.

Dawson was promoted to patrol lieutenant in 2010 and to assistant chief in 2011.

He said he felt great satisfaction if he could help someone.

"In this job, you see people at their best and at their worst. As a human being, that's tough. You try to serve and do the best you can in those situations. Training helps."

Responding to deaths was one aspect of the job that caught him off guard as a new patrol officer.&nbsp;

"We've done a number of death notifications, and you never walk away from one of those feeling you knocked that out of the park," he said. "You would like to think they get easier, but they don't. To tell someone they lost their kid, those are challenging.

"Even if it is natural causes, we are the ones that go and check and make sure it's natural causes. We are the ones who have to put hands on the body and remove the body with assistance from the people from the mortuary.

"I hadn't seen a lot of death to that point. I had a kind of sheltered life. It's something you don't think about. I thought, 'Boy, I wish they would have mentioned something more about that in the academy and prepared me for that."

He said police officers see things no one else sees and do things that no one else does.

"There's stress. There's a lot of responsibility. At 5:30, it's not over. It's not over on the weekends. It's not over at night. It's not over on holidays,"&nbsp;Dawson said. "I'm looking forward to getting rid of this phone and this radio and carrying the responsibility.

"There's things that you can't share with your family or your spouse," he said. "There's things you don't want to share with your family. You miss some events with the family."

Despite the sacrifices, he said he has been truly blessed to have great co-workers and a great community to work in.

"You can't make up what you see and get to experience," Dawson said. "It can be challenging at times. But I'm so fortunate because it's such a great community."

Dawson's last day with the police department was Friday. He and his wife are planning to move to Florida, where they will be living closer to Dawson's brother. They plan to enjoy the outdoors and go on some cruises.

Lt. Tim Greenwood's promotion to deputy chief was announced Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/183cca50-ee32-45da-ac3d-12bd10551970">SEE RELATED STORY: New Deputy Chief of Police in Hays announced</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743556468796.jpeg" alt="Brian Dawson, retired Hays Police deputy chief, at his retirement reception at Hays City Hall last week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brian Dawson, retired Hays Police deputy chief, at his retirement reception at Hays City Hall last week. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostYou wouldn't think a cell phone and radio could weigh so much.But for Hays Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Dawson, they carried the weight of being the No. 2 at the department. They carried the weight of responsibility of each call and sacrifice he made in his 25 years on the Hays Police Department.On Friday, he took his last radio call. He handed in his phone, radio and badge for the final time, retiring from a lifetime of service to his community.Dawson, 55, came later in life to law enforcement. He joined the police department as a 30-year-old rookie.&nbsp;As a young man, he dreamed of joining the FBI. At that time, several tracks could lead to a career in the federal agency. He decided he would attempt to join the FBI through the accounting track, so he started as an accounting major at Fort Hays State University.However, he soon discovered accounting was not for him.At that time, FHSU did not have a criminal justice major, so he changed his major to broadcast communications with a minor in sociology with an emphasis in criminology.After graduation, he had the opportunity to spend a summer as a counselor and ski instructor at a boy's summer camp, Camp Caribou in Bangor, Maine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743556776334.jpeg" alt="Brian Dawson with his sister at his retirement reception last week at Hays City Hall. Dawson retired Friday as the Hays Police deputy chief after 25 years of service. He worked as a school resource officer, assistant tactical team leader and patrol&nbsp;lieutenant before being promoted to assistant chief in 2011. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brian Dawson with his sister at his retirement reception last week at Hays City Hall. Dawson retired Friday as the Hays Police deputy chief after 25 years of service. He worked as a school resource officer, assistant tactical team leader and patrol&nbsp;lieutenant before being promoted to assistant chief in 2011. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>That gave him some experience working with youth, which would continue to be a theme throughout his career.He worked in substance abuse prevention in Salina before returning to Hays, where he grew up, to work as a community consultant for the Ellis County Community Partnership, which was housed in the Smoky Hill Foundation.&nbsp;He worked in drug and alcohol prevention, often working with youth.He also worked with a state-funded tobacco cessation program and promoted the Red Ribbon Campaign and Great American Smokeout."A big part of my job was to get together with community leaders and get some funds and make sure there were alternative things for kids to do other than go have a pasture party or keg party," Dawson said. "And that we had good protective factors in the community."Dawson, at 30, joined the Hays Police Department as a patrol officer.&nbsp;He described himself as a "late bloomer." When he started, he took a $3 an hour pay cut from his job working for the community partnership."That's where everyone starts," he said. ... "Nobody starts out as a detective. Nobody starts off as a captain. You have to start out as an officer and understand the laws and that protect and serve part, and then move up through the ranks through all of the different avenues."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743557155664.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dawson was promoted after a little more than a year as a patrol officer to a school resource officer, a position he served in for nine and a half years.Initially, he served all the schools in the school district. Then, a second school resource officer was hired.&nbsp;Dawson said some officers prefer to work with older youth, but he also liked giving presentations to the elementary-age students."I just really liked being in the schools," he said. "I really liked being in the classroom, whether I was doing a presentation on the topic of search and seizure, or I got asked into a married life class. I got asked into the English class when they were reading 'Romeo and Juliet,' so I slipped in what is referred to as the Romeo and Juliet law, which is unlawful voluntary sexual relations."Unlawful voluntary sexual relations is sex perpetrated by an&nbsp;offender who is 18 years old or younger with a victim who is 14 or 15 years old."I told them what their responsibilities were—that at age 10, they could be arrested. At age 14, they could be interviewed without an attorney or parent being present," he said.He said he tried to help the students see the officer in the uniform is a person too."We are here to serve and help them," Dawson said. "They're my boss, and I'm here to help them be successful."Dawson said he was disappointed when the school resource officer program was disbanded in Hays, but delighted in 2023 when it was resurrected.He said being an SRO was the best of both worlds.During the summers, he worked patrol."I really liked the evening shift," Dawson said. "Otherwise, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the middle of July, your boots are melting into asphalt while doing an accident report. All that heavy gear is just not comfortable and not fun."I liked night shift. It's a little different clientele and different calls on night shift, even in Hays, compared to doing a stranger danger class with 5-year-olds. I got to bone back up on my DUI skills. I was super fortunate that I got to do all of that."He became a member of the tactical team. He was first an operator and worked his way up to being a negotiator and assistant team leader."It's not like the movies," Dawson said. "You don't hit reset and have a different outfit and a different car next week and a different story. It's real life.""You feel a sense of pride knowing you were on the team," he said.Dawson said working on the tactical team involves officers in volatile situations in which people can get hurt or killed.Being a negotiator takes a totally different mindset, he said. A negotiator is trying to buy time to help things settle down and reach a peaceful conclusion."It's extremely challenging and can be extremely frustrating," he said.Dawson was promoted to patrol lieutenant in 2010 and to assistant chief in 2011.He said he felt great satisfaction if he could help someone."In this job, you see people at their best and at their worst. As a human being, that's tough. You try to serve and do the best you can in those situations. Training helps."Responding to deaths was one aspect of the job that caught him off guard as a new patrol officer.&nbsp;"We've done a number of death notifications, and you never walk away from one of those feeling you knocked that out of the park," he said. "You would like to think they get easier, but they don't. To tell someone they lost their kid, those are challenging."Even if it is natural causes, we are the ones that go and check and make sure it's natural causes. We are the ones who have to put hands on the body and remove the body with assistance from the people from the mortuary."I hadn't seen a lot of death to that point. I had a kind of sheltered life. It's something you don't think about. I thought, 'Boy, I wish they would have mentioned something more about that in the academy and prepared me for that."He said police officers see things no one else sees and do things that no one else does."There's stress. There's a lot of responsibility. At 5:30, it's not over. It's not over on the weekends. It's not over at night. It's not over on holidays,"&nbsp;Dawson said. "I'm looking forward to getting rid of this phone and this radio and carrying the responsibility."There's things that you can't share with your family or your spouse," he said. "There's things you don't want to share with your family. You miss some events with the family."Despite the sacrifices, he said he has been truly blessed to have great co-workers and a great community to work in."You can't make up what you see and get to experience," Dawson said. "It can be challenging at times. But I'm so fortunate because it's such a great community."Dawson's last day with the police department was Friday. He and his wife are planning to move to Florida, where they will be living closer to Dawson's brother. They plan to enjoy the outdoors and go on some cruises.Lt. Tim Greenwood's promotion to deputy chief was announced Tuesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/183cca50-ee32-45da-ac3d-12bd10551970">SEE RELATED STORY: New Deputy Chief of Police in Hays announced</a>

Hays deputy police chief retires after 25 years on the force

JUNCTION CITY - Hays High earned a pair of victories over Junction City on Tuesday behind strong pitching performances.&nbsp;

Game 1: Hays 6, Junction City 2 Hays senior Riley Dreher recorded four hits in the first game including an run scoring double in the first inning for the game's first run. Dreher's hit scored Alyse Zimmerman. Brooklyn Dinkel hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Adelie Kippes.

The Indian bats were held silent until the fifth inning. Katie Klein opened the inning with a triple and then scored on a when Zimmerman put a ball into play for a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

Hays added insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Zimmerman led off with a double followed by a sacrifice bunt by Kippes. Dreher drove in Zimmerman on a hard line drive to first base. Sophomore Brynlee Brous hit her first career home run three pitches later for a 6-0 advantage.

Dreher pitched strong through five innings before running into some trouble in the sixth and seventh. Junction City had runners at second and third with nobody out when Dreher caught a Blue Jay looking for the first out. A walk loaded the bases before another strikeout and a ground out ended the threat.

Junction City did break through in the seventh with a pair of runs on two hits and a walk. The Hays lead held though for the 6-2 win.&nbsp;

Dreher (3-0) struck out eight batters and walked two. She allowed seven hits and two runs, both of which were earned. Hays had eight hits in the victory.

Game 2:&nbsp;Hays 5, Junction City 0 Lanie Becker and Jaylee Summers combined for a shutout in the second game. Becker pitched the first three innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two. Summers took over for the next two innings. The first batter to face her singled. Summer retired the next six in a row, three via strike out. Becker (1-0) then re-entered the game and finished the last two innings by striking out three more batters while facing the minimum.

Catcher Avery Soliday ended the game by throwing a steal attempt at second base on the same pitch that recorded a strike out.

Hays scored one run in the second inning and two more in the third for a 3-0 lead. Brynlee Rupp walked to open the top of the second inning. She scored on back-to-back Blue Jay errors.&nbsp;

Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher lit up the scoreboard by each recording a triple to start the third inning. Brynlee Brous drove in Dreher with a sacrifice fly in foul territory for the 3-0 lead.

Hays threatened to score in the fourth and fifth inning but couldn't take advantage.

They broke through in the sixth with two more runs. Lanie Becker singled to open the frame but did not score until there was two outs when Alyse Zimmerman drove her in. Klein's third hit of the game brought Zimmerman home for the 5-0 final score.

Hays improves to 4-0 on the season. They head to Dodge City for a single game in the Western Athletic Conference opener on Tuesday, April 8th.&nbsp;

Hays Post SportsJUNCTION CITY - Hays High earned a pair of victories over Junction City on Tuesday behind strong pitching performances.&nbsp;Game 1: Hays 6, Junction City 2 Hays senior Riley Dreher recorded four hits in the first game including an run scoring double in the first inning for the game's first run. Dreher's hit scored Alyse Zimmerman. Brooklyn Dinkel hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field to score Adelie Kippes.The Indian bats were held silent until the fifth inning. Katie Klein opened the inning with a triple and then scored on a when Zimmerman put a ball into play for a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2068735124&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-1-25-hhs-sb-dh-game-1-at" title="4-1-25 HHS SB DH Game 1 Highlights at Junction City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-1-25 HHS SB DH Game 1 Highlights at Junction City</a></div></div>Hays added insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Zimmerman led off with a double followed by a sacrifice bunt by Kippes. Dreher drove in Zimmerman on a hard line drive to first base. Sophomore Brynlee Brous hit her first career home run three pitches later for a 6-0 advantage.Dreher pitched strong through five innings before running into some trouble in the sixth and seventh. Junction City had runners at second and third with nobody out when Dreher caught a Blue Jay looking for the first out. A walk loaded the bases before another strikeout and a ground out ended the threat.Junction City did break through in the seventh with a pair of runs on two hits and a walk. The Hays lead held though for the 6-2 win.&nbsp;Dreher (3-0) struck out eight batters and walked two. She allowed seven hits and two runs, both of which were earned. Hays had eight hits in the victory.Game 2:&nbsp;Hays 5, Junction City 0 Lanie Becker and Jaylee Summers combined for a shutout in the second game. Becker pitched the first three innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two. Summers took over for the next two innings. The first batter to face her singled. Summer retired the next six in a row, three via strike out. Becker (1-0) then re-entered the game and finished the last two innings by striking out three more batters while facing the minimum.Catcher Avery Soliday ended the game by throwing a steal attempt at second base on the same pitch that recorded a strike out.Hays scored one run in the second inning and two more in the third for a 3-0 lead. Brynlee Rupp walked to open the top of the second inning. She scored on back-to-back Blue Jay errors.&nbsp;Lauren Klein and Riley Dreher lit up the scoreboard by each recording a triple to start the third inning. Brynlee Brous drove in Dreher with a sacrifice fly in foul territory for the 3-0 lead.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2068801948&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-1-25-hhs-sb-dh-game-2-highlights-at-junction-city" title="4-1-25 HHS SB DH Game 2 Highlights at Junction City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-1-25 HHS SB DH Game 2 Highlights at Junction City</a></div></div>Hays threatened to score in the fourth and fifth inning but couldn't take advantage.They broke through in the sixth with two more runs. Lanie Becker singled to open the frame but did not score until there was two outs when Alyse Zimmerman drove her in. Klein's third hit of the game brought Zimmerman home for the 5-0 final score.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2068802272&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/4-1-25-hhs-sb-dh-coach" title="4-1-25 HHS SB DH Coach Interview v. Junction City" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4-1-25 HHS SB DH Coach Interview v. Junction City</a></div></div>Hays improves to 4-0 on the season. They head to Dodge City for a single game in the Western Athletic Conference opener on Tuesday, April 8th.&nbsp;

🥎 Hays High sweeps Junction City

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs baseball team extended their
win streak to four straight games to open the season, taking two from Ellinwood
on Tuesday in Hays.

GAME 1: TMP 14, Ellinwood 4 The Monarchs scored in all four innings, and all hitters in
the lineup, except one, collected at least one hit in a 14-4 win over the
Eagles in the first game of the doubleheader.

Freshman Grant Nehls gave the Monarchs an early lead,
hitting his second home run of the season —a first-inning grand slam —that gave
TMP a 4-0 lead.

The Monarchs added six more runs in the second inning,
capitalizing on a pair of errors and a walk to start the inning.

A Caden Dinkel sacrifice fly put TMP up 5-0. 

Adler Brown, two hitters later, added a two-run single to
extend the TMP lead to 6-0. Connor Breit followed with a two-run single,
extending TMP's lead to 8-0. Trevor Frabrizius added a two-run double, giving
TMP a 10-0 lead through two innings.

Already leading by double-digits, the Monarchs added three
more runs in the bottom of the third, taking advantage of three walks and a hit
by pitch. Dinkel singled home a run, and TMP added runs on a passed ball and a
Frabrizius walk with the bases loaded, helping the Monarchs to a 13-0 lead
through three innings.

TMP added a single run in the bottom of the fourth, making
it 14-0 on the second RBI single of the game for Dinkel.

The Monarchs went on to claim the 14-4 run-rule victory in
four and a half innings.

Grant Nehls finished 1-for-3 with the grand slam. Caden
Dinkel drove in three runs and finished two-for-two. Trevor Fabrizius also
drove in three runs for TMP.

Dinkel got the win on the mound. He allowed just two hits with
five strikeouts in four shutout innings.

GAME 2: TMP 6, Ellinwood 4 In the final game of the day, the Monarchs scored in all but
one inning and added a pair of runs in the sixth inning on their way to a 6-4
victory over the Eagles.

Ellinwood got the lead early in game two, scoring two runs
in the first inning.

TMP scored a single run in the bottom of the inning. After
the first two hitters of the game reached base for TMP, Ty Schmeidler drove in
a run with a groundout. 

With Ellinwood leading 2-1 heading into the top of the third
inning, the Eagles added another run on an RBI groundout for a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the third, the Monarchs loaded the bases
with no one out, and Adler Brown drove in the second TMP run on a groundout, making
it 3-2 Ellinwood.

But TMP left two runners in scoring position. 

After a 1-2-3 top of the fourth inning, the Monarchs came
all the way to tie the game at three on an RBI triple from Ty Schmeidler.

Ellinwood got another run in the inning and led TMP 4-3.

Hays Post SportsHAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs baseball team extended their
win streak to four straight games to open the season, taking two from Ellinwood
on Tuesday in Hays.GAME 1: TMP 14, Ellinwood 4 The Monarchs scored in all four innings, and all hitters in
the lineup, except one, collected at least one hit in a 14-4 win over the
Eagles in the first game of the doubleheader.Freshman Grant Nehls gave the Monarchs an early lead,
hitting his second home run of the season —a first-inning grand slam —that gave
TMP a 4-0 lead.The Monarchs added six more runs in the second inning,
capitalizing on a pair of errors and a walk to start the inning.A Caden Dinkel sacrifice fly put TMP up 5-0. Adler Brown, two hitters later, added a two-run single to
extend the TMP lead to 6-0. Connor Breit followed with a two-run single,
extending TMP's lead to 8-0. Trevor Frabrizius added a two-run double, giving
TMP a 10-0 lead through two innings.Already leading by double-digits, the Monarchs added three
more runs in the bottom of the third, taking advantage of three walks and a hit
by pitch. Dinkel singled home a run, and TMP added runs on a passed ball and a
Frabrizius walk with the bases loaded, helping the Monarchs to a 13-0 lead
through three innings.TMP added a single run in the bottom of the fourth, making
it 14-0 on the second RBI single of the game for Dinkel.The Monarchs went on to claim the 14-4 run-rule victory in
four and a half innings.Grant Nehls finished 1-for-3 with the grand slam. Caden
Dinkel drove in three runs and finished two-for-two. Trevor Fabrizius also
drove in three runs for TMP.Dinkel got the win on the mound. He allowed just two hits with
five strikeouts in four shutout innings.GAME 2: TMP 6, Ellinwood 4 In the final game of the day, the Monarchs scored in all but
one inning and added a pair of runs in the sixth inning on their way to a 6-4
victory over the Eagles.Ellinwood got the lead early in game two, scoring two runs
in the first inning.TMP scored a single run in the bottom of the inning. After
the first two hitters of the game reached base for TMP, Ty Schmeidler drove in
a run with a groundout. With Ellinwood leading 2-1 heading into the top of the third
inning, the Eagles added another run on an RBI groundout for a 3-1 lead.In the bottom of the third, the Monarchs loaded the bases
with no one out, and Adler Brown drove in the second TMP run on a groundout, making
it 3-2 Ellinwood.But TMP left two runners in scoring position. After a 1-2-3 top of the fourth inning, the Monarchs came
all the way to tie the game at three on an RBI triple from Ty Schmeidler.Ellinwood got another run in the inning and led TMP 4-3.TMP again tied it in the bottom of the frame on a Connor
Breit ground out.In the bottom of the sixth, Ian Nehls singled with two outs and
then stole second and third base before sliding in safely at home on a passed
ball, giving TMP a 5-4 lead.They added a Caden Dinkel RBI double, hitting, giving TMP
the 6-4 lead heading into the seventh inning.In the seventh, with one out, the Eagles threatened in their
half of the inning, before the Monarchs closed the doors on an Ellinwood
comeback with a game-ending double play, securing the 6-4 TMP victory. Ian Nehls finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Ty
Schmeidler also scored a pair of runs, drove in two runs, and finished 2-for-3.Grant Nehls earned the win in relief. He allowed one
unearned run on four hits, striking out five in three and a third innings
pitched.The Monarchs travel to Hoisington on Friday.