By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The annual Fill-the-Ambulance food drive in Hays will collect donations to support community members in need.

The annual event, which supports the Community Assistance Center, will be from 2 to 7 p.m. April 4 at both Dillon’s locations on Vine and Hall Street.

Shoppers will be able to select and donate nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, mac and cheese, toothpaste, and shampoo, from a list provided by EMS at the site. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder will also be at the scene to collect donations for lower-income individuals, such as seniors and families with children.

“It’s been increasing every year, and that’s a good thing to see. Everybody’s more giving,” Schroeder said.

Those who cannot donate during the fundraiser can drop off contributions at the Ellis County EMS station, 1105 E. 22nd St., or the Community Assistance Center, 1108 Oak St. in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739991786828.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe annual Fill-the-Ambulance food drive in Hays will collect donations to support community members in need.The annual event, which supports the Community Assistance Center, will be from 2 to 7 p.m. April 4 at both Dillon’s locations on Vine and Hall Street.Shoppers will be able to select and donate nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, mac and cheese, toothpaste, and shampoo, from a list provided by EMS at the site. Monetary donations will also be accepted.Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder will also be at the scene to collect donations for lower-income individuals, such as seniors and families with children.“It’s been increasing every year, and that’s a good thing to see. Everybody’s more giving,” Schroeder said.Those who cannot donate during the fundraiser can drop off contributions at the Ellis County EMS station, 1105 E. 22nd St., or the Community Assistance Center, 1108 Oak St. in Hays.

Fill-the-Ambulance fundraiser set for April in Hays

HARVEY COUNTY—A 34-year-old Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Honorable Jason Lane sentenced&nbsp;Mark A. Shields of Newton to the maximum sentence of 108 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney's office.

In January,&nbsp;Shields pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Aggravated Battery. The crimes occurred between October 1, 2023 and July 15, 2024. The victim in this case was 10 years old at the time of the crimes. 

Shields is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738012406611.png" alt="Shields photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Shields photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A 34-year-old Kansas man is going to prison for child sex crimes.&nbsp;On Monday, the Honorable Jason Lane sentenced&nbsp;Mark A. Shields of Newton to the maximum sentence of 108 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from the Harvey County Attorney's office.In January,&nbsp;Shields pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Aggravated Battery. The crimes occurred between October 1, 2023 and July 15, 2024. The victim in this case was 10 years old at the time of the crimes. Shields is also subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department and Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center.

Prison: Kansas man admitted to sex crimes involving 10-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.

In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.

The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”

The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”

Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.

The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?

On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?

The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:

— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.

— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.

Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.

Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.

Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.

Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.

Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.

Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.

The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.

“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to make fitness standards for all combat jobs gender neutral, formalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-standards-fitness-review-hegseth-99953e47d69d8e7077164bf48ccebdc4">a process that largely exists</a>&nbsp;for many of those jobs already.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For far too long, we have allowed standards to slip. We’ve had different standards for men/women serving in combat arms MOS’s and jobs…. That’s not acceptable, and it changes right now! <a href="https://t.co/Zn9OyBew6G">pic.twitter.com/Zn9OyBew6G</a>&mdash; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1906677003400442284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a new memo, Hegseth told leaders of the military services to distinguish which jobs are considered combat arms — such as special operations or infantry, and require “heightened entry level and sustained physical fitness” — and which are not.The memo released Monday said all physical fitness requirements for those combat arms positions must be gender neutral, “based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary.”The new order expands on a memo Hegseth put out March 12 that said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards “pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.”Both reflect Hegseth’s public complaints about fitness standards well before he took on the Pentagon job. While working as a Fox News commentator, Hegseth spoke about his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">opposition to women in combat jobs</a>&nbsp;and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women.The order, however, could require some complicated assessments as all the services go through their jobs and determine which should be considered combat arms. For example, which sailors on a Navy warship deployed to the Middle East and being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-airstrikes-israel-hamas-war-1f8bbca1e301124d417678d8276e7cd9">fired on by the Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;should be considered in a combat post?On smaller ships, it’s not unusual for sailors to perform a number of different tasks, including firing weapons. And, should intelligence officers, who often were on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, also count as combat arms?The military has long had what is largely a two-part system for physical fitness standards:— Routine annual fitness tests with different requirements based on gender and age.— More grueling standards for specific combat, special operations, infantry, armor, pararescue jumpers and other jobs that are the same for everyone in that occupation, and are not adjusted for age or gender.Hegseth’s memo appears to focus on the second grouping — arguing that combat jobs require more stringent fitness standards.Already, however, specific military jobs like special operations, infantry, armor and pararescue require different, higher-level physical — and often mental and psychological — tests, requirements and qualification courses.Those standards require everyone to meet the same requirements, regardless of their age or gender. For example, an Army soldier who wants to be a Green Beret or a Ranger, or a sailor who wants to be a Navy SEAL, must pass grueling monthslong qualification courses.Also, after the Pentagon allowed women to be in all combat jobs, the Army set specific fitness standards for each military occupation that are the same regardless of age or gender.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d7350b3fa2f447c86ec6e31e107ca23">Recruits who want to serve in an infantry</a>&nbsp;or armor job must pass a specific physical assessment that has higher, more significant demands in order to sign a contract for that specialty.Similarly, Marines also require more extensive fitness standards for their special operations forces and combat jobs.Hegseth’s memo mentions higher fitness requirements for special operations forces — which already exist. And it says Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians also should be required to have proficiency in tasks such as water rescue and demolition, which they already do.The order gives service leaders 60 days to provide their proposed changes. They have 30 days to provide an interim report.“As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” Hegseth said in the memo.

🎥Defense Sec. orders fitness standards to be gender neutral for combat jobs

In a Facebook post earlier today, the Hays AMC Cinema 8 general manager posted that the theater located at Big Creek Crossing in Hays would be showing its last movies on Thursday, April 3, and then permanently closing.

AMC corporate has since deleted that post.

Watch the Hays Post as further details become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711727761028.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostIn a Facebook post earlier today, the Hays AMC Cinema 8 general manager posted that the theater located at Big Creek Crossing in Hays would be showing its last movies on Thursday, April 3, and then permanently closing.AMC corporate has since deleted that post.Watch the Hays Post as further details become available.

 Hays AMC Cinema 8 manager announces closing

The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the real estate valuation trends for 2025 during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp will lead the discussion, which will cover the total assessed value between 2024 and 2025, and changes in the median percentage of value.

The median value changed in different areas last year. Agricultural use saw a decrease, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.

The total fine value increased by $135,897,500 from 2024 to 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 currently underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion. The 2025 road tour is set for April 30.

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

Schmidt will discuss 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.&nbsp;

Ellis County Public Works will seek approval to supply labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis’s 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.

Public Safety radio booster installation&nbsp;

Myers will request approval to purchase and install a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement.

Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are currently inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel. 

Commissioners will hear from Myers on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger.

Ellis County is transitioning into the 2026 budget planning phase. Myers will ask commissioners for approval for the proposed budget calendar.

Brendan Mackay, Public Works director, will ask commissioners to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.&nbsp;

Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson will address the commission about his time with the county and discuss the attorney’s office budget.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012025-663">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the real estate valuation trends for 2025 during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp will lead the discussion, which will cover the total assessed value between 2024 and 2025, and changes in the median percentage of value.The median value changed in different areas last year. Agricultural use saw a decrease, residential values increased by 3%, and commercial and industrial values increased by 2.7%.The total fine value increased by $135,897,500 from 2024 to 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 currently underway, are listed in the capital improvement plan, or have been newly identified by staff and the commission for review.Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion. The 2025 road tour is set for April 30.<h2>AmeriTowne</h2>The commission will hear from Katelyn Schmidt, a Roosevelt Elementary fifth-grade teacher, about the school's role in the <a href="https://yacenter.org/young-ameritowne/">AmeriTowne program</a>.Schmidt will discuss 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.&nbsp;<h2>City of Ellis chip seal project</h2>Ellis County Public Works will seek approval to supply labor and equipment to support the city of Ellis’s 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>Public Safety radio booster installation&nbsp;</h2>Myers will request approval to purchase and install a public safety radio booster in the Administrative Center's basement.Due to the concrete structure, radio signals are currently inaccessible, creating a significant communication issue for public safety personnel. <h2>Other business items</h2>Commissioners will hear from Myers on the Local Workforce Development Areas One and Two merger.Ellis County is transitioning into the 2026 budget planning phase. Myers will ask commissioners for approval for the proposed budget calendar.Brendan Mackay, Public Works director, will ask commissioners to officially vacate the county's right-of-way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catharine.&nbsp;Former Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson will address the commission about his time with the county and discuss the attorney’s office budget.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012025-663">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to hear real estate values update

Hays High swimming took third at Salina Central last week.&nbsp;

Lucy Tippy, Breckyn Wahlmeier, Jaylen Hughes and Izabel Schmidt combined to win the 200 yard medley relay in a time of 2:08.59. They won the event by nearly six seconds. The time was just under the qualifying standard for state.

That same foursome also won the 200 yard freestyle by nearly seven seconds. Their time was under the state qualifying time by four seconds.

Schmidt continued her decorated career with a 50 yard freestyle victory in a time of 25.33. Second place was 27.07. She also won the 100 yard butterfly by five and half seconds. Both of her events times are well under the state qualifying time.

Hughes and Tippy finshed third and fourth in the 200 yard individual medley.&nbsp;

Hughes was the winner of the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:07.39, the state qualifying time is set at 1:07.01. Her closest competitor finished with a time of 1:11.60.&nbsp;

Hays Post SportsHays High swimming took third at Salina Central last week.&nbsp;Lucy Tippy, Breckyn Wahlmeier, Jaylen Hughes and Izabel Schmidt combined to win the 200 yard medley relay in a time of 2:08.59. They won the event by nearly six seconds. The time was just under the qualifying standard for state.That same foursome also won the 200 yard freestyle by nearly seven seconds. Their time was under the state qualifying time by four seconds.Schmidt continued her decorated career with a 50 yard freestyle victory in a time of 25.33. Second place was 27.07. She also won the 100 yard butterfly by five and half seconds. Both of her events times are well under the state qualifying time.Hughes and Tippy finshed third and fourth in the 200 yard individual medley.&nbsp;Hughes was the winner of the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:07.39, the state qualifying time is set at 1:07.01. Her closest competitor finished with a time of 1:11.60.&nbsp;

🏊‍♀️ Hays High swimming third, claim five golds

By: Sheldon Wickwar Special to the Hays Post

RPM Speedway hosted the 13th Annual Sunflower Classic with 144 race teams participating on Friday Night. John Martinez won the sport compact feature race, Zach Olmstead triumphed in the hobby stocks, Brandon Spanjer secured victory in the sport mods, Kyle Pfeifer emerged victorious in the stock cars, and Dakota Sproul dominated the modifieds.

One hundred and thirty-seven race teams checked into the RPM Speedway in Hays, Kansas, for the final night of the 2025 Sunflower Classic. Drivers and fans alike braved cold temperatures and strong northwest winds all night, but the racing action heated up quickly, with numerous close finishes all night long. Visiting victory lane were Connor Schwien in the sport compact, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Dillon Richards in the hobby stock, Troy Burkhart in the stock car and Clay Money in the modified!

The sport compacts started the program off with one heat race won by John Martinez, their fifteen-lap main event featured a front row of Connor Schwien and Zack McLaughlin. Schwien took an early lead and never really looked back, in the closing moments Martinez made a push for the weekend sweep but was unable to pull it off. Connor Schwien picked up the win, second was John Martinez, third was Kyle Mortensen, fourth was Kaishen Brack and fifth was Brin McAtee. Hard charger in the event was John Martinez who gained five spots.

The sport mods ran second on the program, they ran three heat races won by Tyler Watts, Blaine Walt, and Douglas Beaman, their b-main was won by Connor Barnes. Their twenty-lap main event featured a front row of Tyler Watts and Blaine Walt, Watts held the advantage until right before halfway when Blaine Walt took over the race lead, a couple cautions in the second half kept Watts right on Walt’s tail but he was never able to get by.

Blaine Walt brought his Fury Chassis to victory lane for the first time in 2025, second was Tyler Watts, third was Riley Osantowski, fourth was Cody Gearhart and Brady Bencken finished fifth. Hard charger in the event was Carson Lang who gained thirteen spots, other nice runs included Jeff Ray up seven spots, Arie Schouten and Nick Hankins gained six spots each, Sam McCune and Dylan Cherry grabbed five spots each.

The stock cars ran the third main event of the evening, their three heat races were won by Brett Berry, Cole Czarneski, and Bobby Eubanks, rookie Hunter Smith won the b main. Their twenty-lap main event started with a front row of Johnny Yutterman and Kolby Stegman, quickly Jason Rogers and Troy Burkhart found their way to the front of the field, and the duo battled tightly throughout the contest. The veteran drivers raced each other cleanly, and on the final corner, Troy Burkhart powered through to win a drag race to the finish line, winning by less than eight-hundredths of a second. Troy Burkhart picked up his first win of 2025, second was David Murray Jr, third was Bobby Eubanks, fourth was Jason Rogers and fifth was Johnny Yutterman. Hard chargers in the event were Bobby Eubanks and Bill Brack who gained six spots each.

The modifieds ran the fourth main event of the evening, their heat races were won by Curtis Barnes, Greg Gustus and Clay Money, Dakota Sproul won the class’s b main. Their twenty-lap main event featured a front row of Greg Gustus and Tim Hamilton, Gustus fired off to the early lead, and Hamilton tried to keep pace. A few laps in, Clay Money and Tanner Black made runs to the lead battle, with Money and Gustus battling it out, Money got by and took his new Rage Chassis to victory lane for the first time in 2025, second was Tanner Black, third went to Greg Gustus, fourth was Jeremy Frenier and Friday Night’s feature winner Dakota Sproul, took home fifth place. Matt Bonine was the hard charger with nine spots gained, other nice runs included Dakota Sproul up eight spots, Colton Czapanskiy up seven spots, David Murray Jr and Jeremy Frenier up six spots each, and Dalton Bell gained five spots.

The hobby stocks finished the program out, they ran four heat races won by Dillon Thompson, Dillon Richards, Brayden Hurley, and Zach Olmstead. Dylan Bell and Levi Jones won the two b mains. Their twenty-lap main event started with a front row of Dillon Thompson and Cody Williams, the duo raced side-by-side throughout the feature, and late in the feature Dillon Richards brought himself into the battle. Williams led the first fifteen laps before Richards got by and held him off. Dillon Richards picked up his ninth win of the season so far in 2025, collecting several wins in Arizona during the IMCATV Winter Nationals, second was Cody Williams, third was Dylan Bell, fourth was Dillon Thompson and fifth was Dion Priddy. Hard charger in the event was Tylan Lambertus who gained fourteen spots, other nice runs included Trent Matson and Dylan Bell up ten spots each, Dillon Richards grabbed six spots, while Zach Olmstead, Terry Greuter and Cole Schulte all gained five spots each.

Racing action returns to the RPM Speedway on Saturday, April 12th! The next racing event in Western Kansas will be the High Limit Show in Dodge City, Saturday April 5th! Big names like Rico Abreu, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet and more will battle it out in Dodge City!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743446375287.jpeg" alt="RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Sheldon Wickwar Special to the Hays PostRPM Speedway hosted the 13th Annual Sunflower Classic with 144 race teams participating on Friday Night. John Martinez won the sport compact feature race, Zach Olmstead triumphed in the hobby stocks, Brandon Spanjer secured victory in the sport mods, Kyle Pfeifer emerged victorious in the stock cars, and Dakota Sproul dominated the modifieds.One hundred and thirty-seven race teams checked into the RPM Speedway in Hays, Kansas, for the final night of the 2025 Sunflower Classic. Drivers and fans alike braved cold temperatures and strong northwest winds all night, but the racing action heated up quickly, with numerous close finishes all night long. Visiting victory lane were Connor Schwien in the sport compact, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Dillon Richards in the hobby stock, Troy Burkhart in the stock car and Clay Money in the modified!The sport compacts started the program off with one heat race won by John Martinez, their fifteen-lap main event featured a front row of Connor Schwien and Zack McLaughlin. Schwien took an early lead and never really looked back, in the closing moments Martinez made a push for the weekend sweep but was unable to pull it off. Connor Schwien picked up the win, second was John Martinez, third was Kyle Mortensen, fourth was Kaishen Brack and fifth was Brin McAtee. Hard charger in the event was John Martinez who gained five spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743446408301.jpeg" alt="RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sport mods ran second on the program, they ran three heat races won by Tyler Watts, Blaine Walt, and Douglas Beaman, their b-main was won by Connor Barnes. Their twenty-lap main event featured a front row of Tyler Watts and Blaine Walt, Watts held the advantage until right before halfway when Blaine Walt took over the race lead, a couple cautions in the second half kept Watts right on Walt’s tail but he was never able to get by.Blaine Walt brought his Fury Chassis to victory lane for the first time in 2025, second was Tyler Watts, third was Riley Osantowski, fourth was Cody Gearhart and Brady Bencken finished fifth. Hard charger in the event was Carson Lang who gained thirteen spots, other nice runs included Jeff Ray up seven spots, Arie Schouten and Nick Hankins gained six spots each, Sam McCune and Dylan Cherry grabbed five spots each.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743446440149.jpeg" alt="RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The stock cars ran the third main event of the evening, their three heat races were won by Brett Berry, Cole Czarneski, and Bobby Eubanks, rookie Hunter Smith won the b main. Their twenty-lap main event started with a front row of Johnny Yutterman and Kolby Stegman, quickly Jason Rogers and Troy Burkhart found their way to the front of the field, and the duo battled tightly throughout the contest. The veteran drivers raced each other cleanly, and on the final corner, Troy Burkhart powered through to win a drag race to the finish line, winning by less than eight-hundredths of a second. Troy Burkhart picked up his first win of 2025, second was David Murray Jr, third was Bobby Eubanks, fourth was Jason Rogers and fifth was Johnny Yutterman. Hard chargers in the event were Bobby Eubanks and Bill Brack who gained six spots each.The modifieds ran the fourth main event of the evening, their heat races were won by Curtis Barnes, Greg Gustus and Clay Money, Dakota Sproul won the class’s b main. Their twenty-lap main event featured a front row of Greg Gustus and Tim Hamilton, Gustus fired off to the early lead, and Hamilton tried to keep pace. A few laps in, Clay Money and Tanner Black made runs to the lead battle, with Money and Gustus battling it out, Money got by and took his new Rage Chassis to victory lane for the first time in 2025, second was Tanner Black, third went to Greg Gustus, fourth was Jeremy Frenier and Friday Night’s feature winner Dakota Sproul, took home fifth place. Matt Bonine was the hard charger with nine spots gained, other nice runs included Dakota Sproul up eight spots, Colton Czapanskiy up seven spots, David Murray Jr and Jeremy Frenier up six spots each, and Dalton Bell gained five spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743446488258.jpeg" alt="RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The hobby stocks finished the program out, they ran four heat races won by Dillon Thompson, Dillon Richards, Brayden Hurley, and Zach Olmstead. Dylan Bell and Levi Jones won the two b mains. Their twenty-lap main event started with a front row of Dillon Thompson and Cody Williams, the duo raced side-by-side throughout the feature, and late in the feature Dillon Richards brought himself into the battle. Williams led the first fifteen laps before Richards got by and held him off. Dillon Richards picked up his ninth win of the season so far in 2025, collecting several wins in Arizona during the IMCATV Winter Nationals, second was Cody Williams, third was Dylan Bell, fourth was Dillon Thompson and fifth was Dion Priddy. Hard charger in the event was Tylan Lambertus who gained fourteen spots, other nice runs included Trent Matson and Dylan Bell up ten spots each, Dillon Richards grabbed six spots, while Zach Olmstead, Terry Greuter and Cole Schulte all gained five spots each.Racing action returns to the RPM Speedway on Saturday, April 12th! The next racing event in Western Kansas will be the High Limit Show in Dodge City, Saturday April 5th! Big names like Rico Abreu, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet and more will battle it out in Dodge City!

RPM Speedway: Sunflower Classic results

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.

The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.

The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.

The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.

“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.

U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.

The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.

“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday.

"The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.

The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said.

"Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.

She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.

The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.

Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.

A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415329786.png" alt="In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LIUDAS DAPKUS Associated PressVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Three of the U.S. Army soldiers who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-pabrade-us-soldiers-military-training-c89957fc6a62da8624202095920630e1">went missing in Lithuania</a>&nbsp;have been found dead in their armored vehicle that was pulled from a swampy area early Monday, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Another soldier is still missing.The bodies of the three soldiers were recovered after a massive six-day effort by U.S., Polish and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities to dig the M88 Hercules vehicle out of a peat bog at the expansive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė.The soldiers were on a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing early Tuesday, the Army said.The command in a statement said the identities of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are being withheld pending family notifications.“We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commander. "But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.”Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missing-us-soldiers-swamp-lithuania-drain-f82b38c4598044f2b7f3800ad17013f7">took part in the search</a>&nbsp;through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The armored vehicle was discovered on Wednesday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.Lithuanian armed forces provided military helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search and rescue personnel. They brought in additional excavators, sluice and slurry pumps, other heavy construction equipment, technical experts and several hundred tons of gravel and earth to help the recovery.U.S. Navy divers were able to maneuver through thick layers of mud, clay and sediment “with zero visibility” to reach the 63-ton vehicle Sunday evening and find two points to attach steel cables, according to the command.The command said that during the effort to pull out the vehicle, it began to lose traction, so additional heavy dozers were brought in and attached to provide additional grip. The vehicle was pulled free after about two hours, the command said.“The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work,” Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The Navy dive team is now searching the area using radar for the fourth soldier who is still missing.Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron and the 1st Armored Division, thanked the “heroic efforts” of those involved in the search and recovery. The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating what caused the incident.VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — A U.S. armored vehicle that went missing in Lithuania has been retrieved from a swamp after a six-day search but there is still no information about the fate of the four American soldiers who were on board, Lithuanian officials said Monday."The armored vehicle was pulled ashore at 4:40 a.m., the towing operation is complete, Lithuanian Military Police and US investigators continue their work," Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė said Monday morning in a post on Facebook.The soldiers were on a training exercise at the massive General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in the town of Pabradė when they and their vehicle were reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the U.S. army said."Until the investigators have more details, we need to stay calm and focused, and keep in mind the sensitivity of the situation and the concerns of the soldiers' families," Šakalienė posted on Facebook.She made clear to reporters that the first information about fate of the soldiers will be delivered by the U.S. army.The soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting tactical training when they went missing.Hundreds of Lithuanian and U.S. soldiers and rescuers took part in the search through the thick forests and swampy terrain around Pabradė, which lies just 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the border with Belarus. The M88 Hercules armored vehicle was discovered on Wedneday submerged in 4.5 meters (15 feet) of water.A large-scale recovery operation got underway but "water, thick mud and soft ground around the site have complicated recovery efforts and have required specialized equipment to drain water from the side and stabilize the ground" in order to pull the 70-ton vehicle ashore, the army said.

3 US soldiers found dead in armored vehicle in Lithuania; 1 still missing

Delbert Dean Inloes, 92, passed away peacefully on March 28,
2025, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS. He was born on
June 15, 1932, in Quinter, KS, to Archie and Helen (Williams) Inloes. Delbert
was united in marriage to LaVonne Kline on October 14, 1951, in Quinter, KS,
and they shared two decades together until her passing on October 28, 1971. He
later found love again with Dorothy (Lauver) Huber, whom he married on November
9, 1973. Their devoted union lasted until her passing on December 14, 2019.

Delbert grew up during the Great Depression and the Dust
Bowl, formative years that shaped his resilience and work ethic. As a child,
his parents draped wet sheets over his crib to shield him from the relentless
dust storms. He recalled one particularly fierce storm when his father, caught
mid-milking, grabbed him by the suspenders with one hand while clutching a milk
bucket with the other, took off running to shelter.

A proud patriot, Delbert served in the United States Army
from September 22, 1954, to September 17, 1956, as a Light Anti-Aircraft
Artillery Fire Control Crewman. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he held a
specialized technical skill and was honored with the Good Conduct Medal. He was
a dedicated member of the Church of the Brethren and the Grainfield American
Legion Post #301, where he found camaraderie and purpose in serving his
community.

Education was important to Delbert, and many days he
diligently walked 1.5 miles each day to the Bloomfield Country School, a
one-room schoolhouse serving first through eighth grade. He achieved perfect
attendance, a testament to his dedication and discipline. He later went on to
graduate from Quinter High School with the Class of 1950.

Delbert found immense joy in the outdoors. Whether
meticulously tending his lawn—one of the finest in town—gardening, or pulling
weeds late into the evening, he took pride in maintaining his surroundings. He
had a deep appreciation for nature and was especially fond of birdwatching,
caring for purple martins and wrens with thoughtfully maintained birdhouses and
a heated birdbath. His passion for beautification extended beyond his home; he
even planted trees in the city park and his own yard.

A skilled painter, Delbert honed his craft alongside his father-in-law,
painting and hanging wallpaper. His career led him to Ideal Industries and
later to Flex-King, which became QuinStar, where he dedicated over 30 years of
service. In his later years, he embraced his artistic talents in a new way,
finding comfort in coloring while residing in the nursing home.

Delbert is survived by his son, Ronald Inloes of Quinter,
KS; his daughter, Marcheta (Steve) Smith of Quinter, KS; his grandchildren,
Brandon Smith (fiancé Kat Spangenberg), LaVonne Inloes (T.J. LaRue), and Daniel
Inloes; step-grandchildren Shane (Karlene) Douglas, Lucas (Alicia) Douglas,
April Douglas, Seth Bogart, Kassie Wilson (Eric Hinson), Tyler (Whitney) Flora,
Ryan (Natasha) Flora, and Emily "Betsy" Ayers; his sister, Marlene
Wright of Hays, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen
Inloes; his wives, LaVonne and Dorothy Inloes; his stepdaughters, Jeanette
Douglas, Jeannie Fiene, and Janelle Huber; his step-grandson-in-law, Matthew
"Mat" Ayers; his sister, Lola Rash; and his brother-in-law, Tom
Wright.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 to
10:30 a.m. at Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS. The funeral
service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with burial at Baker Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long-Term Care or Church of the Brethren.
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS
67752.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit
www.schmittfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743433291402.jpeg" alt="Delbert Dean Inloes" />
 <figcaption>Delbert Dean Inloes</figcaption>
 </figure>Delbert Dean Inloes, 92, passed away peacefully on March 28,
2025, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, KS. He was born on
June 15, 1932, in Quinter, KS, to Archie and Helen (Williams) Inloes. Delbert
was united in marriage to LaVonne Kline on October 14, 1951, in Quinter, KS,
and they shared two decades together until her passing on October 28, 1971. He
later found love again with Dorothy (Lauver) Huber, whom he married on November
9, 1973. Their devoted union lasted until her passing on December 14, 2019.Delbert grew up during the Great Depression and the Dust
Bowl, formative years that shaped his resilience and work ethic. As a child,
his parents draped wet sheets over his crib to shield him from the relentless
dust storms. He recalled one particularly fierce storm when his father, caught
mid-milking, grabbed him by the suspenders with one hand while clutching a milk
bucket with the other, took off running to shelter.A proud patriot, Delbert served in the United States Army
from September 22, 1954, to September 17, 1956, as a Light Anti-Aircraft
Artillery Fire Control Crewman. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he held a
specialized technical skill and was honored with the Good Conduct Medal. He was
a dedicated member of the Church of the Brethren and the Grainfield American
Legion Post #301, where he found camaraderie and purpose in serving his
community.Education was important to Delbert, and many days he
diligently walked 1.5 miles each day to the Bloomfield Country School, a
one-room schoolhouse serving first through eighth grade. He achieved perfect
attendance, a testament to his dedication and discipline. He later went on to
graduate from Quinter High School with the Class of 1950.Delbert found immense joy in the outdoors. Whether
meticulously tending his lawn—one of the finest in town—gardening, or pulling
weeds late into the evening, he took pride in maintaining his surroundings. He
had a deep appreciation for nature and was especially fond of birdwatching,
caring for purple martins and wrens with thoughtfully maintained birdhouses and
a heated birdbath. His passion for beautification extended beyond his home; he
even planted trees in the city park and his own yard.A skilled painter, Delbert honed his craft alongside his father-in-law,
painting and hanging wallpaper. His career led him to Ideal Industries and
later to Flex-King, which became QuinStar, where he dedicated over 30 years of
service. In his later years, he embraced his artistic talents in a new way,
finding comfort in coloring while residing in the nursing home.Delbert is survived by his son, Ronald Inloes of Quinter,
KS; his daughter, Marcheta (Steve) Smith of Quinter, KS; his grandchildren,
Brandon Smith (fiancé Kat Spangenberg), LaVonne Inloes (T.J. LaRue), and Daniel
Inloes; step-grandchildren Shane (Karlene) Douglas, Lucas (Alicia) Douglas,
April Douglas, Seth Bogart, Kassie Wilson (Eric Hinson), Tyler (Whitney) Flora,
Ryan (Natasha) Flora, and Emily "Betsy" Ayers; his sister, Marlene
Wright of Hays, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen
Inloes; his wives, LaVonne and Dorothy Inloes; his stepdaughters, Jeanette
Douglas, Jeannie Fiene, and Janelle Huber; his step-grandson-in-law, Matthew
"Mat" Ayers; his sister, Lola Rash; and his brother-in-law, Tom
Wright.A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 to
10:30 a.m. at Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS. The funeral
service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with burial at Baker Township Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital Long-Term Care or Church of the Brethren.
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS
67752.To share memories or leave condolences, please visit
www.schmittfuneral.com.

Delbert Dean Inloes

Following a fourth-place finish a year ago, the TMP-Marian
Monarchs baseball team begins the season ranked second in the first edition of
the 2-1A Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches poll.

The Monarchs finished 21-11. They lost to St. Mary’s Colgan in
the fourth-place game. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the first set of
rankings.

The Monarchs opened the season with a pair of wins over
Larned on Friday. 

6A CLASSIFICATION SM East Olathe West Blue Valley&nbsp; Lawrence Free State Blue Valley West Mill Valley Olathe East Maize Manhattan Blue Valley North

5A CLASSIFICATION ST Thomas Aquinas Blue Valley SW Spring Hill Great Bend Topeka Seaman Shawnee Heights Bishop Carroll Maize South Goddard- Eisenhower Desoto

4A CLASSIFICATION St George-Rock Creek Topeka Hayden McPherson Paola Mulvane&nbsp; Pratt Fort Scott Louisburg Wakefield-Clay Center

3A CLASSIFICATION &nbsp;&nbsp; Wichita Trinity Bishop Ward Frontenac Haven Hesston Silver Lake Wichita Collegiate Hoisington Sante Fe Trail Sabetha

2-1A CLASSIFICATION Pittsburg-St Mary's Colgan Hays-TMP Marian Medicine Lodge Colony Crest Valley Falls&nbsp; Sedgewick Eskridge-Mission Valley Belleville-Republic County Moundridge Salina-Sacred Heart

Hays PostFollowing a fourth-place finish a year ago, the TMP-Marian
Monarchs baseball team begins the season ranked second in the first edition of
the 2-1A Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches poll.The Monarchs finished 21-11. They lost to St. Mary’s Colgan in
the fourth-place game. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the first set of
rankings.The Monarchs opened the season with a pair of wins over
Larned on Friday. 6A CLASSIFICATION SM East Olathe West Blue Valley&nbsp; Lawrence Free State Blue Valley West Mill Valley Olathe East Maize Manhattan Blue Valley North 5A CLASSIFICATION ST Thomas Aquinas Blue Valley SW Spring Hill Great Bend Topeka Seaman Shawnee Heights Bishop Carroll Maize South Goddard- Eisenhower Desoto4A CLASSIFICATION St George-Rock Creek Topeka Hayden McPherson Paola Mulvane&nbsp; Pratt Fort Scott Louisburg Wakefield-Clay Center 3A CLASSIFICATION &nbsp;&nbsp; Wichita Trinity Bishop Ward Frontenac Haven Hesston Silver Lake Wichita Collegiate Hoisington Sante Fe Trail Sabetha 2-1A CLASSIFICATION Pittsburg-St Mary's Colgan Hays-TMP Marian Medicine Lodge Colony Crest Valley Falls&nbsp; Sedgewick Eskridge-Mission Valley Belleville-Republic County Moundridge Salina-Sacred Heart

⚾ TMP-Marian ranked 2nd to open season

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Tina Sarver wants to keep a few chickens in her Hays backyard.

She approached city commissioners during their Thursday meeting with a proposal to amend a local code that would allow up to five hens — no roosters — per household.

Sarver researched ordinances in several other Kansas towns, including Plainville, which allow backyard chickens.

She suggested city registration and fees for each animal and discussed specific housing and care requirements.

Sarver also started a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/amend-hays-kansas-ordinance-to-allow-backyard-chickens?source_location=psf_petitions">petition on change.org</a> supporting backyard chickens, which almost 150 people have signed.&nbsp;

"In addition to fresh local eggs providing a sustainable food source, another benefit would be for in-town 4-H kids who could raise small flocks and learn about animal care and responsibility," Carver said.

The commission asked city staff to do their own research and bring back a proposed amendment for further discussion at a future meeting.

Women Who Lead to raise funds for Sunrise Park

Representatives of the <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead</a> service organization were granted permission by the city to proceed with fundraising for two phases of improvements at Sunrise Park, 19th and McArthur Road.

Phase 1 would include upgrading the existing infield conditions on the two ballfields and repairing the backstop on one of the fields, adding three additional holes to the disc golf course, adding a kiosk and signage to the disc golf course, installation of a solar light on the new park sign and a new basketball court.

Phase 2 would involve replacing the existing playground equipment with new and updated equipment. According to Jeff Boyle, parks director, the current facilities are more than 20 years old.

Cost of the two phases is almost $50,000.

Jeff Boyle, parks director, said maintenance of the proposed improvements would be a minimal expense for his department.

"Without groups like yours coming forward, it makes it very difficult for us to do upgrades and replace things," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. "Thank you so much. You're bringing a great project ... but you're not adding things that cost us more in the end."

The commission set a May 8 public hearing date for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Heart for Phase 4 of the Tallgrass 2nd Addition project northeast of 22nd Street and Wheatland Drive.

It is platted for 101 lots, the biggest one-time housing development in Hays' history.

The local developer, Heart of America, has requested the district and proposes the city finance and construct the district-eligible costs related to the project. The city would utilize district revenues to offset its costs.

Heart of America would also provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs. The city could use the deposit to pay for the infrastructure costs or debt service on general obligation bonds issued for the project costs.

If the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum of 25 years, an estimated $6.8 million.

Commissioner Reese Barrick noted the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/016d6ea0-0b96-4188-81d9-42efa7a327a0">Ellis County Workforce Committee recognized housing shortages</a> as one of many factors driving the region’s broader workforce struggles. The Chamber in Hays group met for the first time last week.

"I think we as a city are doing everything we can to help boost housing so we can start resolving these problems," Barrick said.

The commission also adopted the 2024 building code update with minor amendments.

• Exempting permit requirements for small buildings, for fences smaller than 120 square feet, for six-foot tall fences, and for certain decks. • Removal of fire sprinkler requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. • Allowing low ceiling lofts and alternative stairways or ladders so the loft can be accessed with standard stair requirements. • Code non-compliant stairways in existing buildings will be allowed to remain the same during remodeling or made to be compliant. • Battery storage systems and electric vehicle chargers in residential homes.&nbsp;

The mayor's recommendation to appoint Al Klaus to a four-year term on the Hays Housing Authority Board was accepted.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs encouraged local high school students to apply for the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/305/Boards-Committees">Youth Leadership Advisory Board</a>. Online applications are due March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;The board promotes community development, involvement and other participation with young leaders within Hays. The city commission appoints members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743189784115.jpeg" alt="Tina Sarver talks to the Hays City Commission Thursday about a proposal to allow backyard chickens in the city limits. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tina Sarver talks to the Hays City Commission Thursday about a proposal to allow backyard chickens in the city limits. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Backyard chickens and Cedar Bluff water" 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=qek5k-18654ed-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>By BECKY KISER Hays PostTina Sarver wants to keep a few chickens in her Hays backyard.She approached city commissioners during their Thursday meeting with a proposal to amend a local code that would allow up to five hens — no roosters — per household.Sarver researched ordinances in several other Kansas towns, including Plainville, which allow backyard chickens.She suggested city registration and fees for each animal and discussed specific housing and care requirements.Sarver also started a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/amend-hays-kansas-ordinance-to-allow-backyard-chickens?source_location=psf_petitions">petition on change.org</a> supporting backyard chickens, which almost 150 people have signed.&nbsp;"In addition to fresh local eggs providing a sustainable food source, another benefit would be for in-town 4-H kids who could raise small flocks and learn about animal care and responsibility," Carver said.The commission asked city staff to do their own research and bring back a proposed amendment for further discussion at a future meeting.<h2>Women Who Lead to raise funds for Sunrise Park</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743190831935.jpeg" alt="Nancy Jeter, board member of Women Who Lead, hands out flying discs to Hays city commissioners Thursday. The group plans to add holes to the disc golf course at Sunrise Park, along with other upgrades. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Jeter, board member of Women Who Lead, hands out flying discs to Hays city commissioners Thursday. The group plans to add holes to the disc golf course at Sunrise Park, along with other upgrades. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Representatives of the <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead</a> service organization were granted permission by the city to proceed with fundraising for two phases of improvements at Sunrise Park, 19th and McArthur Road.Phase 1 would include upgrading the existing infield conditions on the two ballfields and repairing the backstop on one of the fields, adding three additional holes to the disc golf course, adding a kiosk and signage to the disc golf course, installation of a solar light on the new park sign and a new basketball court.Phase 2 would involve replacing the existing playground equipment with new and updated equipment. According to Jeff Boyle, parks director, the current facilities are more than 20 years old.Cost of the two phases is almost $50,000.Jeff Boyle, parks director, said maintenance of the proposed improvements would be a minimal expense for his department."Without groups like yours coming forward, it makes it very difficult for us to do upgrades and replace things," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. "Thank you so much. You're bringing a great project ... but you're not adding things that cost us more in the end."<h2>Incentive district for Tallgrass</h2>The commission set a May 8 public hearing date for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Heart for Phase 4 of the Tallgrass 2nd Addition project northeast of 22nd Street and Wheatland Drive.It is platted for 101 lots, the biggest one-time housing development in Hays' history.The local developer, Heart of America, has requested the district and proposes the city finance and construct the district-eligible costs related to the project. The city would utilize district revenues to offset its costs.Heart of America would also provide a deposit equal to 30% of the projected infrastructure costs. The city could use the deposit to pay for the infrastructure costs or debt service on general obligation bonds issued for the project costs.If the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District is created, the fund would collect incremental property tax revenues for a maximum of 25 years, an estimated $6.8 million.Commissioner Reese Barrick noted the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/016d6ea0-0b96-4188-81d9-42efa7a327a0">Ellis County Workforce Committee recognized housing shortages</a> as one of many factors driving the region’s broader workforce struggles. The Chamber in Hays group met for the first time last week."I think we as a city are doing everything we can to help boost housing so we can start resolving these problems," Barrick said.The commission also adopted the 2024 building code update with minor amendments.They include:• Exempting permit requirements for small buildings, for fences smaller than 120 square feet, for six-foot tall fences, and for certain decks. • Removal of fire sprinkler requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. • Allowing low ceiling lofts and alternative stairways or ladders so the loft can be accessed with standard stair requirements. • Code non-compliant stairways in existing buildings will be allowed to remain the same during remodeling or made to be compliant. • Battery storage systems and electric vehicle chargers in residential homes.&nbsp;The mayor's recommendation to appoint Al Klaus to a four-year term on the Hays Housing Authority Board was accepted.Mayor Sandy Jacobs encouraged local high school students to apply for the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/305/Boards-Committees">Youth Leadership Advisory Board</a>. Online applications are due March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The board promotes community development, involvement and other participation with young leaders within Hays. The city commission appoints members.

🎙 City commission to consider allowing backyard chickens in Hays

More than 4,000 Kansans stuck on waitlists due to insufficient state aid

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/26/kansas-negotiators-strike-deal-to-trim-budget-for-shrinking-disability-service-waiting-list/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s budget negotiators abandoned plans to provide enough state funding to remove 320 to 500 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities from waiting lists for services.

The six-person House-Senate conference committee of four Republicans and two Democrats began with the Senate’s plan to reduce the waiting list by creating 500 new slots to people eligible for IDD services. The House’s original position would have delivered 320 additional slots to shorten waiting lists of Kansans who qualified for services, but couldn’t get assistance due to insufficient state investment.

On Tuesday evening, however, the GOP-led budget negotiating committee decided to open up only 200 new slots and allocated $4.25 million in the budget to raising payments to organizations delivering services to people with disabilities.

The budget adjustment would benefit InterHab member organizations involved in IDD services, including Big Lakes Developmental Center in Manhattan, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in Hays, Envision in Wichita, Johnson County Developmental Supports, New Beginnings in Chanute or Sunflower Diversified Services in Great Bend.

The IDD provisions were included in a sweeping spending bill subject to an up-or-down vote in the House and Senate with no opportunity for lawmakers to propose amendments to the deal.

Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said the Legislature’s maneuver to significantly lower new investment in the IDD waiting list came as a surprise.

Addressing waiting lists in Kansas for services to people with disabilities has been an area of strong bipartisanship. In the current budget year, the Legislature reduced the IDD waiting list by expanding access to 500 more people. Nichols and other activists had urged the Legislature to repeat that action by adding another 500 service slots in next year’s budget.

“We are frankly shocked and dismayed that the budget agreement has fewer slots to reduce the IDD waitlist than either the House or Senate versions of the budget,” Nichols said. “Instead, the agreement inexplicably decided to take money previously earmarked to reduce the IDD waitlist and to divert that money to provide higher reimbursement rates for providers.”

During the past six years, Kansas providers of disability services received $234 million in IDD rate increases and $31 million in funding for specific initiatives to improve IDD services.

In that same period, the state appropriated a total of $41 million to create additional IDD slots and to reduce that waitlist.

“This 11th-hour change in the budget both looks bad and is bad,” Nichols said. “It looks bad because the net effect is that providers will enrich their rates at the expense of Kansans on the waitlist. It is bad because people on waitlists will suffer, families will be forced into crisis, and lives will be lost, all simply to increase provider rates.”

The 2024 Legislature provided funding for 500 slots to shrink the IDD waiting list to no greater than 4,800 people. Under the pending 2025 budget bill, the waitlist could be reduced by 200 slots rather than 320 as envisioned by the House or 500 as proposed by the Senate.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, in February praised members of the House Social Services Budget Committee for considering a plan to add 500 new IDD slots for the second consecutive year.

“This committee and the Legislature as a whole are hard at work for our Kansas IDD community,” Hawkins said in a social media post. “This continues our path to lower the waitlist.”

Sara Hart Weir, executive director of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, said the last-minute budget adjustment would delay completion of a proposed five-year strategy to eliminate the IDD waitlist in Kansas.

She said the Legislature, state agencies, disability organizations and providers should work toward this common goal.

“It’s disappointing that we are pinning Kansans with disabilities against rates for providers,” Hart Weir said. “We should be working together to increase funding for all aspects of the disability system.”

<h2>More than 4,000 Kansans stuck on waitlists due to insufficient state aid</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743086689380.jpeg" alt="Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said he was surprised the Kansas Legislature's budget negotiators made a deal to significantly lower new investment in reducing the service waiting list for thousands of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Photo by Sherman Smith/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said he was surprised the Kansas Legislature's budget negotiators made a deal to significantly lower new investment in reducing the service waiting list for thousands of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Photo by Sherman Smith/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/26/kansas-negotiators-strike-deal-to-trim-budget-for-shrinking-disability-service-waiting-list/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s budget negotiators abandoned plans to provide enough state funding to remove 320 to 500 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities from waiting lists for services.The six-person House-Senate conference committee of four Republicans and two Democrats began with the Senate’s plan to reduce the waiting list by creating 500 new slots to people eligible for IDD services. The House’s original position would have delivered 320 additional slots to shorten waiting lists of Kansans who qualified for services, but couldn’t get assistance due to insufficient state investment.On Tuesday evening, however, the GOP-led budget negotiating committee decided to open up only 200 new slots and allocated $4.25 million in the budget to raising payments to organizations delivering services to people with disabilities.The budget adjustment would benefit InterHab member organizations involved in IDD services, including Big Lakes Developmental Center in Manhattan, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas in Hays, Envision in Wichita, Johnson County Developmental Supports, New Beginnings in Chanute or Sunflower Diversified Services in Great Bend.The IDD provisions were included in a sweeping spending bill subject to an up-or-down vote in the House and Senate with no opportunity for lawmakers to propose amendments to the deal.Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said the Legislature’s maneuver to significantly lower new investment in the IDD waiting list came as a surprise.Addressing waiting lists in Kansas for services to people with disabilities has been an area of strong bipartisanship. In the current budget year, the Legislature reduced the IDD waiting list by expanding access to 500 more people. Nichols and other activists had urged the Legislature to repeat that action by adding another 500 service slots in next year’s budget.“We are frankly shocked and dismayed that the budget agreement has fewer slots to reduce the IDD waitlist than either the House or Senate versions of the budget,” Nichols said. “Instead, the agreement inexplicably decided to take money previously earmarked to reduce the IDD waitlist and to divert that money to provide higher reimbursement rates for providers.”During the past six years, Kansas providers of disability services received $234 million in IDD rate increases and $31 million in funding for specific initiatives to improve IDD services.In that same period, the state appropriated a total of $41 million to create additional IDD slots and to reduce that waitlist.“This 11th-hour change in the budget both looks bad and is bad,” Nichols said. “It looks bad because the net effect is that providers will enrich their rates at the expense of Kansans on the waitlist. It is bad because people on waitlists will suffer, families will be forced into crisis, and lives will be lost, all simply to increase provider rates.”The 2024 Legislature provided funding for 500 slots to shrink the IDD waiting list to no greater than 4,800 people. Under the pending 2025 budget bill, the waitlist could be reduced by 200 slots rather than 320 as envisioned by the House or 500 as proposed by the Senate.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, in February praised members of the House Social Services Budget Committee for considering a plan to add 500 new IDD slots for the second consecutive year.“This committee and the Legislature as a whole are hard at work for our Kansas IDD community,” Hawkins said in a social media post. “This continues our path to lower the waitlist.”Sara Hart Weir, executive director of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, said the last-minute budget adjustment would delay completion of a proposed five-year strategy to eliminate the IDD waitlist in Kansas.She said the Legislature, state agencies, disability organizations and providers should work toward this common goal.“It’s disappointing that we are pinning Kansans with disabilities against rates for providers,” Hart Weir said. “We should be working together to increase funding for all aspects of the disability system.”

Deal to trim budget for shrinking disability service waitlist made by Kansas negotiators 

Sigma Chi at Fort Hays State University hosted a 5k color run to support its philanthropy, <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation">The Huntsman Cancer Foundation</a>. The event served as a fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the Utah-based organization to support cancer research.

Photos By Tony Guerrero/Hays PostSigma Chi at Fort Hays State University hosted a 5k color run to support its philanthropy, <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation">The Huntsman Cancer Foundation</a>. The event served as a fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the Utah-based organization to support cancer research.<figure>
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Photo gallery: FHSU Sigma Chi 5k color run

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Northwest Economic Innovation Center and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and their contributions to the local economy on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays - Innovation Center and Hansen Foundation" 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=nhbw8-186554b-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>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Northwest Economic Innovation Center and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and their contributions to the local economy on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays: Innovation Center, Hansen Foundation

A Hutchinson mail carrier is being hailed as a hero after
she helped rescue a woman who fell in her apartment.&nbsp; 

Mail Carrier Misty Hernandez was on her route on Thursday
when she heard the faint cries of a resident in one of the apartments at the
Sentney Lofts at Second Avenue and Popular Street.&nbsp;
She explains that it was like any normal day. 

“Well, I mean, it's sort of just like any other day, normal,
average day. And then I get to the apartment building, go in, I go to the
mailboxes, and on, opening and closing them, and they're kind of noisy. They're
metal doors so and that's when I heard her say, is anybody there? Well, I
thought maybe she was talking on the phone, so I kind of played, you know, just
let it go and I'm continuing delivering” said Hernandez. 

Hernandez said that she went to the woman’s door and I asked
if she was okay.&nbsp; 

Hernandez added, “she said, No, I need help. Can you call
911, and I said, Can I come in? And she said, Yes. So luckily, Her door was
unlocked, so I went in, and I went around the corner, and she was laying on the
floor, and she told me that she fell, and she's been laying there for three
days because she didn't have anybody to help her.”

Hernandez said that she didn’t move her, but she gave her
some water and placed a pillow under her head to make her comfortable and
called 911. She asked her why she didn’t holler. 

I asked her about stories of other delivery drivers finding
injured people, “Yeah, any, anybody that's out and about, DoorDash drivers,
UPS, FedEx, everybody you know. You just never know” Hernandez added. 

Hernandez said, “I had started to wonder, because she still
had three packages in her box that and she's, she's right by the mailboxes. So
I was like starting to wonder, but that was the day that I heard her yelling.”

Hernandez said that at the end of the day she is just proud
to be delivering for America every day.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743298777973.png" alt="Hutchinson Post Office - Google Image" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Post Office - Google Image</figcaption>
 </figure>A Hutchinson mail carrier is being hailed as a hero after
she helped rescue a woman who fell in her apartment.&nbsp; Mail Carrier Misty Hernandez was on her route on Thursday
when she heard the faint cries of a resident in one of the apartments at the
Sentney Lofts at Second Avenue and Popular Street.&nbsp;
She explains that it was like any normal day. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmrshernandez3%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0aqpkHPwkFtJFq78SWTpf1v4AkhrpDGhD5aV8Wsou2FLsj4NKCiqNKK6HAdnhU8Gil&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="304" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“Well, I mean, it's sort of just like any other day, normal,
average day. And then I get to the apartment building, go in, I go to the
mailboxes, and on, opening and closing them, and they're kind of noisy. They're
metal doors so and that's when I heard her say, is anybody there? Well, I
thought maybe she was talking on the phone, so I kind of played, you know, just
let it go and I'm continuing delivering” said Hernandez. Hernandez said that she went to the woman’s door and I asked
if she was okay.&nbsp; Hernandez added, “she said, No, I need help. Can you call
911, and I said, Can I come in? And she said, Yes. So luckily, Her door was
unlocked, so I went in, and I went around the corner, and she was laying on the
floor, and she told me that she fell, and she's been laying there for three
days because she didn't have anybody to help her.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743298709294.png" alt="Sentney Lofts Google image" />
 <figcaption>Sentney Lofts Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hernandez said that she didn’t move her, but she gave her
some water and placed a pillow under her head to make her comfortable and
called 911. She asked her why she didn’t holler. I asked her about stories of other delivery drivers finding
injured people, “Yeah, any, anybody that's out and about, DoorDash drivers,
UPS, FedEx, everybody you know. You just never know” Hernandez added. Hernandez said, “I had started to wonder, because she still
had three packages in her box that and she's, she's right by the mailboxes. So
I was like starting to wonder, but that was the day that I heard her yelling.”Hernandez said that at the end of the day she is just proud
to be delivering for America every day.&nbsp;

Kansas mail carrier helps rescue injured woman

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded Yemen overnight into Saturday, reportedly killing at least one person as the American military acknowledged earlier bombing a major military site in the heart of Sanaa controlled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>.

The full extent of the damage and possible casualties wasn’t immediately clear. The attacks followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/611420fcfcfe5649937e19b6c2a316e8">night of airstrikes early Friday</a>&nbsp;that appeared particularly intense compared to other days in the campaign that began March 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An Associated Press review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.

Meanwhile, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mysterious-air-base-volcanic-island-yemen-c8cb2018c07bb5b63e1a43ff706b007b">a mysterious airstrip just off Yemen</a>&nbsp;in a key maritime chokepoint now appears ready to accept flights and B-2 bombers within striking distance of the country Saturday.

New strikes come as US releases video of one bombing

The strikes into Saturday targeted multiple areas in Yemen under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, and in the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, rebel-controlled media reported. The strikes in Saada killed one person and wounded four others, the Houthi-run SABA news agency said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded Yemen overnight into Saturday, reportedly killing at least one person as the American military acknowledged earlier bombing a major military site in the heart of Sanaa controlled by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi rebels</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CENTCOM Forces Attack Houthi Positions...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouthisAreTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouthisAreTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/6pOZhOmTp6">pic.twitter.com/6pOZhOmTp6</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1905716545667617196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The full extent of the damage and possible casualties wasn’t immediately clear. The attacks followed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/611420fcfcfe5649937e19b6c2a316e8">night of airstrikes early Friday</a>&nbsp;that appeared particularly intense compared to other days in the campaign that began March 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/278d07bc5aad75bb32e57f99a78cbe88">An Associated Press review</a>&nbsp;has found the new American operation under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;appears&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WJ-C2gpDA">more extensive</a>&nbsp;than those under former President Joe Biden, as the U.S. moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel as well as dropping bombs in cities.Meanwhile, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mysterious-air-base-volcanic-island-yemen-c8cb2018c07bb5b63e1a43ff706b007b">a mysterious airstrip just off Yemen</a>&nbsp;in a key maritime chokepoint now appears ready to accept flights and B-2 bombers within striking distance of the country Saturday.<h2>New strikes come as US releases video of one bombing</h2>The strikes into Saturday targeted multiple areas in Yemen under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, and in the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, rebel-controlled media reported. The strikes in Saada killed one person and wounded four others, the Houthi-run SABA news agency said.SABA identified the person killed as a civilian. Houthi fighters and their allies often aren’t in uniform. However, analysts believe the rebels may be undercounting the fatalities given the strikes have been targeting military and intelligence sites run by the rebels. Many of the strikes haven't been fully acknowledged by the Houthis — or the U.S. military — while the rebels also tightly control access on the ground.One strike early Friday, however, has been confirmed by the U.S. military's Central Command, which oversees its Mideast operations. It posted&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1905716545667617196/video/1">a black-and-white video</a>&nbsp;early Saturday showing an airstrike targeting a site in Yemen. While it didn't identify the location, an AP analysis of the footage's details corresponds to a known strike Friday in Sanaa. The footage shows the bomb striking the military's general command headquarters held by the Houthis, something the rebels have not reported.The Houthi-controlled Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry in Sanaa separately said U.S. strikes Friday destroyed “broadcasting stations, communication towers and the messaging network” in Amran and Saada governorates. The strikes in Amran around the Jebel Aswad, or “Black Mountain,” had appeared particularly intense.<h2>US campaign follows Houthi shipping threats</h2>The new campaign of airstrikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b">which the Houthis now say have killed at least 58 people</a>, started after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-gaza-aid-ship-attacks-0da6c2453fe2c4e5f81923c84c7d3f3a">the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships</a>&nbsp;again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels in the past have had a loose definition of what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning other vessels could be targeted as well.The Houthis had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sinking two vessels</a>&nbsp;and killing four sailors during their campaign targeting ships from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships, though none have been hit so far.The attacks greatly raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting any dissent and aid workers at home amid Yemen’s decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.The Houthis have begun threatening both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two American allies in the region, over the U.S. strikes. That's even as the nations, which have sought a separate peace with the Houthis, have stayed out of the new U.S. airstrike campaign.An AP analysis of satellite photos from Saturday shows the American military has moved at least four long-range stealth B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a base far outside of the range of the rebels that avoids using allies’ Mideast bases. Three had been earlier seen there this week.That means a fourth of all the nuclear-capable B-2s that America has in its arsenal are now deployed to the base.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-rebels-israel-hamas-war-99721f7f952d66d6da27e24dc3c189c3">The Biden administration used the B-2 with conventional bombs</a>&nbsp;against Houthi targets last year.The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has launched attacks from the Red Sea and the American military plans to bring the carrier USS Carl Vinson from Asia as well.Meanwhile, France said its sole aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, was in Djibouti, an East African nation on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The French have shot down Houthi drones in the past, but they are not part of the American campaign there.<h2>Mysterious airstrip in Bab el-Mandeb appears ready</h2>Satellite images Friday from Planet Labs PBC show an airstrip now appears ready on Mayun Island, a volcanic outcropping in the center of the Bab el-Mandeb. The images showed the airstrip had been painted with the designation markings “09” and “27” to the airstrip’s east and west respectively.A Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis had acknowledged having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-middle-east-f32db56ac3bbd56b1425647e13c2d392">“equipment” on Mayun</a>, also known as Perim. However, air and sea traffic to Mayun has linked the construction to the UAE, which backs a secessionist force in Yemen known as the Southern Transitional Council.World powers have recognized the island’s strategic location for hundreds of years, especially with the opening of the Suez Canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas.The work on Mayun follows the completion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-island-airstrip-houthis-israel-hamas-war-gaza-8f1e8b70ddff7ca25842509ca7f0f2b0">a similar airstrip likely constructed by the UAE on Abd al-Kuri Island</a>, which rises out of the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden.