By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a maximum guaranteed price of $5.7 million for renovations of Felten Elementary School at its meeting Monday night.

The renovations will include new ceiling tiles, flooring, paint and new cabinetry. For the lower grades, bathrooms will be added to the classrooms.

A new drive will be added off of Oak Street. New concrete sidewalks will be added on the west side of the school, extending to the parking lot, and in the southeast corner of the school property.

New fencing will be installed on the west side of the school to enhance safety as the former middle school transitions into an elementary school.

The parking lots will have mill and overlay.

Board member Derek Yarmer asked whether workers scoped the plumbing to determine whether any further repairs were needed. 

Chris Billinger,&nbsp;Nabholz Construction project manager, said the plumbing system was scoped, and the results were sent to DLR, the district's architect, to determine which areas needed repairs. Those repairs were included in the designs before the project was bid.

An additional $1 million of plumbing work had to be added to the O'Loughlin Elementary School project after the initial bid because a later scope of the pipes found significant problems.

"It's good to know everything you're dealing with before you go into a project," Yarmer said.

Yarmer asked how much more money would be needed from the capital outlay fund to finish the renovations once the Nabholz Construction contract is completed.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said, "Originally we thought there would be areas that we would not be able to cover, but under this plan, we are touching everything."

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent for business services, said the district will have expenses to plant grass and to set up the playground equipment that used to be at Lincoln and Wilson elementary schools at Felten. That moneywill come from the capital outlay fund.

Yarmer said since the bond-funded projects are set to be completed, there should be fewer maintenance needs from the capital-outlay fund.

Billinger said he was pleased with how the bidding process went. The total for all bids came in under budget.

The local contractor's participation equaled 69.9% of the project.

Felten is the last project to be bid in the district's current slate of bond-funded projects. With this project added, construction costs will total $148,690,000.

With the addition of design and other costs, the total of all the bond-funded projects will be $165,497,000.

Board members Allen Park and Derek Yarmer voted against the Felten contract, saying they wanted more time to consider it.

Wilson said the board members have known for some time that the contract would come before them for a vote, and delaying the vote could result in the project not being completed by the beginning of the next school year.

Board member Craig Pallister said, "I don't want to hurt kids and teachers by not getting this building done just because we have a personality conflict on a procedure."

Billinger said delaying approval of the contract would put substantial strain on the ability to complete the project on time and could require rebidding at a higher price.

Board Vice President Ruth Ruder said she was confused as to why other board members wanted to delay, since they knew, since the bond issue was approved, what the scope of work and cost of renovations would be for the new elementary school.

Board member Jayme Goetz said she felt she was being bullied for wanting to step back and review the contract more closely.

Work on the Felten renovations will begin soon. The school is set to open to students in the fall.

Wilson Elementary School students will be moving into the renovated Felten Elementary School, and Wilson will close as an elementary school at the end of this school year.

Wilson will eventually be converted for use as an administrative center, and the Rockwell Administration Center will be closed.

Hays USD 489 board approves construction contract for Felten Elementary

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If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

WAKEENEY — Optometrist Michaela Sasse will be joining Dr. Heather Robben's office in WaKeeney starting in February and will offer some new services. She will be taking new patients and has a particular passion for working with children. 

Dr. Sasse grew up on a farm near Gaylord. She completed her undergraduate studies at Fort Hays State University and received a bachelor of science degree in biology. While at FHSU, Dr. Sasse was recognized as an outstanding senior when she was named a Torch Award finalist. 

She obtained her doctorate from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating magna cum laude, and was named to the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. She was awarded the COVD Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy in recognition of her strong clinical skills in vision therapy. She was also selected as a member of the Gold Key International Honor Society, a membership designation based upon leadership, scholarship, and value to the class, college, and profession of optometry. 

In her free time, she enjoys participating in ministry, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.

New optometrist, FHSU grad to join WaKeeney practice 

FHSU Political Science Program

Wendy Rohleder-Sook, chair of the Fort Hays State University Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science, and assistant professor of Political Science, was recently appointed to the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen.

Rohleder-Sook previously served on the 2022 Rural Justice Initiative Committee, which examined the unmet legal needs in rural Kansas and made recommendations related to the shrinking number of attorneys living and working in rural areas. The new standing committee will work to implement and monitor the effectiveness of those recommendations. Rohleder-Sook will serve in her new appointment until June of 2029.

“I’m honored to serve on this committee to help improve access to legal services in rural Kansas,” said Rohleder-Sook. “Having grown up and lived most of my life in northwest Kansas, I understand how vital these services are to our rural communities. Access to legal representation, including the opportunity to develop a face-to-face relationship with an attorney, is critically important.”

Work has already begun to implement the committee’s recommendations, including supporting legislation to address law student loan debt. The members have also partnered with Kansas law schools and bar associations to develop professional organizations for rural attorneys.

Rohleder-Sook looks forward to continued collaboration and creating solutions for rural Kansans.

FHSU’s Rohleder-Sook named to Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee

Across the United States, property taxes are a primary source of funding for local services as public schools, infrastructure, emergency services and community programs. While these services benefit communities, senior citizens and disabled veterans often argue that their income does not rise at the same pace as property taxes. 

To address these concerns, many states offer relief programs for seniors including Kansas. 

During the Legislative Session in 2021 a bill was passed and signed into law for property tax relief. This bill addresses property tax relief claims for senior citizens and disabled veterans. 

The rebate to you will be the difference between the 2021 real estate tax amount and the real estate tax amount as of the year you are applying for the rebate. 

A household adjusted gross income is also considered in this bill. A cost-of-living adjustment is made to the household income limitation each year. For the calendar year 2025 your Adjusted Gross Income (KAGI) was $58,041 or less. Social Security benefits are subtracted from KAGI income limit. To qualify you must live in your home for the entire year you are requesting reimbursement and your house must be valued at $350,000 or less in the year you first qualify. 

• AGE/VETERAN STATUS: 65 YEARS OR OLDER FOR ALL THE YEARS YOU APPLY (BORN BEFORE JAN. 1, 1961) OR DISABLED VETERAN. • YOU OWN AND HAVE LIVED IN YOUR HOUSE IN KANSAS FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR OF THE YEAR YOU ARE APPLYING FOR. • YOUR HOME WAS VALUED AT $350,000 OR LESS IN THE YEAR YOU QUALIFIED. • YOUR TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR THE YEAR 2025 WAS $58,041 (AND MAY CHANGE ANNUALLY) OR LESS WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY SOCIAL SECURITY YOU MAY BE RECEIVING.

TO OBTAIN A PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FORM K-40SVR IT MAY BE DOWNLOADED FROM <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/PDF/K-40SVR25.PDF">HTTPS://WWW.KSREVENUE.GOV/PDF/K-40SVR25.PDF</a> OR CALL KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR ASSISTANCE 785-368-8222.

This last week Ways and Means completed the budget which has been sent to the printers. Over the next two weeks, both the House and the Senate will present and debate their budgets on their respective floors.

The “Unaffordable” Care Act, known as Obamacare, continues to make private health insurance extremely expensive for individuals.

 Many Americans turn to health care sharing ministry plans, which are considerably less expensive by making access health care more affordable. SB 368 passed the Senate and furthers the objective as it creates the Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction Act to provide a subtraction modification for qualified health care expenses.

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

BILLINGER: Senate update Feb. 24: Property tax relief for seniors, disabled vets

By LIZZY VAJNAR Kansas FFA Northwest District President

National FFA Week is held this year from February 21–28, always aligning with the week of George Washington’s birthday. Within the Hays community, two FFA chapters—Hays High FFA Chapter and TMP-Marian FFA Chapter—are part of the Kansas Northwest District, which includes 28 other chapters across the region.

These chapters dedicate time to hosting events that advance the skills of their members, build connections with the community, and give back through service. Members also compete in district Leadership Development Events (LDEs), such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure, as well as Career Development Events (CDEs), including livestock evaluation, entomology, floriculture, and land judging. 

Some contests provide eligibility for state career competitions, which will be held in Manhattan May 3–5 this year, while select contests will take place at the state convention May 26–29.

The Hays High FFA Chapter, based at Hays High School and serving 61 members, kicked off the week on February 21, with a labor auction dinner to raise funds for senior scholarships. On Tuesday, they hosted an FFA Week breakfast for staff, FFA parents, and community supporters. Wednesday features agricultural tours in partnership with Farm Bureau at the Grinnell ethanol plant and Pioneer Feedyard. The week concludes on Saturday, February 28, with a public Benefit Bingo &amp; FFA Showcase from 2–4 p.m. in the Hays High cafeteria, with proceeds donated to Shriners Children’s Kansas City.

Chapter members say FFA has had a meaningful impact on their growth. 

Riley Eschliman, a junior, shared, “FFA has prepared me for my future by helping me become more confident in public speaking, learn essential life skills, and build self-confidence.” 

Jacob Leiker, a freshman Greenhand member, said, “Being in the national FFA Organization has helped me grow as a leader. It has also helped me become more responsible and confident, and it has taught me the importance of helping others and being involved in my community.” 

Lily Basgall, also a freshman, added, “FFA has helped me grow by expanding my knowledge and understanding the fundamentals of agriculture that drive others to pursue their passions.”

The TMP-Marian FFA Chapter, based at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and serving 23 members, celebrates National FFA Week through service, engagement, and chapter activities. Members will participate in a faculty and student trivia contest, enjoy a pizza party lunch while wearing FFA T-shirts, hold a chapter breakfast meeting, volunteer at the&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce Ag Appreciation Dinner, and prepare breakfast for staff and faculty.

According to members, these events provide opportunities to build leadership and confidence.

 One student shared, “Being involved in FFA has honestly changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself, take responsibility, and step into leadership roles even when I felt nervous.” Another added, “Many of my favorite memories in FFA come from the long trips to contests and conventions. Those hours on the bus were filled with music, laughter, inside jokes, and conversations that brought us closer together.”

During National FFA Week, the Hays chapters look forward to celebrating agriculture, serving their communities, and continuing the tradition of developing the next generation of leaders through the National FFA organization.

National FFA Week celebrations in Hays

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

During FFA Week, the WaKeeney FFA Chapter will provide teachers and students with treats to show their appreciation. They will also host an Ag Olympics and a BINGO for the entire student body. Their Seventh-Annual Bull Fry and Labor Auction will be coming up on March 30! 

Follow their Facebook page for more information.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077446075547">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077446075547</a>

🏀📺 Hays High celebrates Senior Night versus Dodge City

Hays Police Department activity log: Feb. 15-21, 2026

Hays Police Department arrest log: Feb. 15-21 , 2026

Informational meeting set for Tuesday for 100 Who Care

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

&nbsp;If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

The City of Hays is reminding residents that pet registrations for 2026 are currently open.

Per city ordinance, all dogs, cats, and non-venomous constrictor snakes exceeding six feet in length must be licensed annually.

To complete the registration, owners of dogs and cats must provide a current rabies vaccination record.

Owners of qualifying constrictor snakes are required to provide proof of microchipping.

“A pet tag is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lost or missing animal returns home,” said Community Service Officer Nikki Hausler. “When an officer or a citizen finds a pet wearing a city license, it allows us to quickly identify the owner and facilitate a safe reunion, often avoiding a trip to the shelter.”

The 2026 licensing fees are $5 for spayed or neutered dogs and cats, while the fee for unaltered pets is $25.

Constrictor snakes exceeding six feet may be registered for $5.

Additionally, owners of breeds classified by ordinance as dangerous, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or Pit Bull mixes, must pay a $50 registration fee in addition to the standard licensing costs.

Residents have until March 1 to register pets currently in their possession before late fees are applied.

Unregistered pets will incur a penalty of $10 per month or partial month past the deadline, with a maximum late fee of $50.

“We’ve worked to make this process as efficient as possible for our residents,” said City Clerk Jami Briet. “The registration can be completed quickly at City Hall, and our staff is ready to assist owners in getting their 2026 tags handled before the March deadline.”

Licenses can be obtained in person at the City Clerk’s Office, 1507 Main St.

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, residents may contact the City Clerk’s Office at (785) 628-7300 or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

City of Hays pet registration deadline approaching

BUNKER HILL — The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will provide live coverage of the 2026 Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Class 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships. 

The event is begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27 through the semi-finals, and continues Sat., Feb. 28 at 9 a.m.&nbsp;at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State University, Hays.

Smoky Hills PBS will once again showcase both boys' and girls' competitions, continuing a long-standing commitment to local sports and its tradition of bringing live broadcast coverage of high school sports to viewers across central and western Kansas.

Every match will be broadcast live, co-hosted by Eagle Radio's Mike Holliday. You can find&nbsp;3-2-1A and Hays High School state wrestling results on <a href="https://hayspost.com/">Hays Post</a>.&nbsp;

A rebroadcast of the championship finals will air on&nbsp;Sunday, March 1&nbsp;at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our production crew and our many volunteers take great pride in delivering live, reliable coverage of this championship every year," said Les Kinderknecht, senior producer/director at Smoky Hills PBS. "Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships is about celebrating the athletes, the schools, and the communities that support them."

3-2-1A state wrestling championships to air live on Smoky Hills PBS

Get your tickets today and then join us&nbsp;as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.list-manage.com/RcpvPPY0b4A?e=ad2f5727f7&amp;c2id=464001e5eac1dfb0bc25eb093087c2fd">https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/benefit</a>

This special night will feature two incredible bands who are not only entertaining but also special to Lovegrass —&nbsp;80 Proof Alice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rudy and the Lost Boys&nbsp;— plus a silent auction, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, all in support of Lovegrass Music Festival.

Your attendance helps us raise funds for our upcoming summer concert series, continue our mission of bringing bluegrass arts to rural Kansas, and support our capstone Lovegrass Music Festival this August.&nbsp;

Doors at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at the&nbsp; Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th, Hays. Suggested donation is $25.

Come enjoy great music, support the arts, and help keep bluegrass thriving in Kansas. We can’t wait to see you there!

Lovegrass Concert Series fundraiser is March 14 in Hays; tickets now available online 

This month’s Science Café presentation, “AI for Advancing Research Across Diverse Disciplines,” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Anas Hourani, FHSU Associate Professor of Computer Science in the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, will provide an overview of how artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are transforming research across diverse disciplines by enabling knowledge extraction from large-scale data.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase, no food will be served&nbsp;during Science Café.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DI8e2_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOxhHfie4Psr7PgSLQuwklupqp6-2Bhxxpc08UdaGL7sxv8fcxRSUu4Oi8fMbn7NlB3xF2IVmdUY0rkyJEMwMnz-2BKSGQGMdt0NrU5sqrW-2BrUn39-2B7lX0fgeFEdloM2R-2FhDWQ7RuK85zg2QmPOUmYRoNb2lnw4sIKHCvntK4Eon0Yd0-2FVuaLhx23DMcs7mizek9UY5rDXOQsq8phghkThfnMdZa-2B1GZ1UVXL0RrEqAMv7E23OCuZRncxaF9kkUJP2rIIN">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

FHSU’s upcoming Science Café set for Monday, Feb. 23

VICTORIA - Victoria Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fries, Fridays, February 27, March 13, and March 27 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Victoria VFW Hall.

Victoria K of C Lenten fish fries start Feb. 27

Please save the date for "Vessel of Survival," an MFA thesis exhibition by Jonah Simmons, presented in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree at Fort Hays State University.

The exhibition features sculptural ceramic works that explore themes of endurance, vulnerability, and material transformation, drawing from personal narrative as well as broader social and cultural frameworks.

Exhibition:&nbsp;Vessel of Survival Artist:&nbsp;Jonah Simmons, MFA Candidate (Ceramics) Dates:&nbsp;July 14–17 Reception:&nbsp;Friday, July 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Location:&nbsp;Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Fort Hays State University

'Vessel of Survival' ceramics exhibition to be presented in July at FHSU

Annual Hays Lions Club pancake feed fundraiser is March 10

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after finding credit card skimmers on gas pumps at a station in Salina.

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Flying J gas station, 2250 N. Ohio in Salina for the report of a card skimmer found on one of the diesel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On February 13, a business in Salina reported they used the diesel pump and noticed fraudulent charges on their credit card.&nbsp;

Officers confirmed of finding the skimmer on the diesel pump. Police warned the public if they have used any of the pumps within the last month to be aware of any fraudulent charges.

Skimmers are an illegal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=covert+device&amp;rlz=1C5GCEA_enUS1174US1174&amp;oq=what+are+skimmers&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyDwgAEEUYORiRAhiABBiKBTINCAEQABiRAhiABBiKBTIMCAIQABgUGIcCGIAEMg0IAxAAGJECGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGJECGIAEGIoFMgwIBRAAGBQYhwIYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQk0MTgyajBqMTWoAgywAgHxBbxQeFLqQdoj&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRs6zdjvWSAxWaL0QIHfgMD5IQgK4QegYIAQgAEAY">covert device</a>&nbsp;installed over, or inside, genuine card readers at ATMs, fuel pumps and point-of-sale terminals to steal credit/debit card data.

Police report card skimmer on gas pumps central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger offered a sharp contrast to President Donald Trump’s depiction of the nation as being in a “golden age” during his State of the Union, arguing in her Democratic rebuttal that costs remain high for many Americans more than a year into his second term.

Her message, that families are still struggling under Trump’s policies, is one Democrats plan to carry nationwide ahead of the midterm elections. Party leaders point to Spanberger’s double-digit victory in Virginia last November as validation of a disciplined, cost-focused campaign they now hope to replicate across the country.

“Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability in our nation’s capital and in state capitals and communities across America,” said Spanberger. “In the most innovative and exceptional nation in the history of the world, Americans deserve to know that their leaders are focused on addressing the problems that keep them up at night.”

Spanberger asks Americans whether life is better under Trump

Spanberger was flanked by American flags as she delivered the speech from Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with restored 18th-century buildings, invoking the site’s role at the heart of Virginia’s early opposition to British rule.

“As we celebrate 250 years since America declared our independence from tyranny, I can think of no better place to speak to you,” Spanberger said.

Spanberger said she wanted to “plainly and honestly” speak to people watching at home. She structured her speech around a series of direct questions: “Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you?”

She contrasted those questions with what she described as the reality under Trump, saying he “has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans.” She added that Trump seeks to “pit us against one another” while “enriching himself, his family, his friends.”

“This is not what our founders envisioned. Not by a long shot,” said Spanberger. “So I’ll ask again: Is the president working for you? We all know the answer is no.”

Spanberger had a fraction of Trump’s record-breaking time

Spanberger had far less time than the Republican president to make her case, speaking for around 13 minutes. Trump’s address to Congress stretched for just over an hour and 48 minutes, the longest in history, and ran late into the night.

In his speech, Trump described a nation with lower costs than when he took office, declaring, “This is the golden age of America.”

He also goaded the Democratic side of the House chambers throughout the speech for not standing, increasing his insults throughout the speech and calling his opponents “crazy.” But Democrats inside the chamber largely didn’t react, sitting silently. Texas Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber barely two minutes into the president’s address after holding a protest sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!”

Outside the chamber, Democrats who had skipped the speech responded at counterprogramming events, including a “People’s State of the Union” featuring Democratic lawmakers alongside state and local leaders and celebrities.

“We know our state of the union. We know it is under attack,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said at the event.'

Democrats look toward November’s midterms

Democrats believe the political environment is shifting in their favor. Spanberger’s win in Virginia was followed by other high-profile Democratic victories, including a special election this month in Texas, where a Democrat flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district that Trump carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.

In California Sen. Alex Padilla’s Spanish-language response to Trump’s address, he described the nation as “living a nightmare that divides and destroys our communities” and urged viewers to “prepare, starting today, for your voice to reverberate this November.”

Padilla, who was forcefully removed from a Homeland Security news conference in Los Angeles last year while questioning immigration raids, referenced the moment in his remarks.

“They may have knocked me down for a moment, but I got right back up,” he said. “As our parents taught us: If you fall seven times, get up eight. I am still here. Standing. Still fighting.”

Spanberger, meanwhile, sought to tie Republicans in Congress closely to Trump as Democrats aim to flip the House and Senate in November. She warned that additional tariffs would raise costs “and Republicans in Congress, they remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop him.”

“They’re making your life harder. They’re making your life more expensive,” she said.

🎥Democrat lawmakers respond to Trump's State of the Union

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday in McPherson County.

The McPherson County Sheriff's office reported a UTV was northbound on 12th Avenue at Moccasin Road. The UTV struck a westbound Suzuki SUV in the intersection and overturned. After impact the UTV driver was ejected and he was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The female driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital in McPherson for treatment.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release names of the drivers.

Kansas man dies after UTV, SUV crash

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday spoke on the Senate floor to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and emphasize the importance of continued support for Ukraine from the United States and its allies as Russia’s ongoing aggression reaches its fifth year.

“Vladimir Putin believed his so-called military operation would be over in two weeks, but as the fifth year of the war begins, Russian forces have fought Ukraine longer than they fought the Germans in World War II,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;

“Because of the bravery and innovation of the Ukrainians, aided by American and European support, Vladimir Putin’s objective to conquer and control the Ukrainian government remains unobtainable. His war is a strategic failure.”“Ukrainians are coming out of the most difficult winter yet, with temperatures at the most frigid of the war, and the Russian bombing campaigns aimed at energy infrastructure have taken a toll. Instead of being convinced to sue for peace on Putin’s terms, Ukrainians remain unwavering in their commitment to remain an independent and sovereign nation,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.

&nbsp;“We must commit to share in their resolve. I say that again: we must commit to share in their resolve and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”Sen. Moran today joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full text of the resolution can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/DAV26310.pdf">here</a>.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator marks 4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly Labor Day weekend robbery, killing is due back in court Wednesday.

Lafayette J. Washington, 21, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in&nbsp;Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward.

In September, Washington was charged with First degree murder, theft of property and criminal possession of a firearm in the shooting death of 23-year-old D’Andre Rubio of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

The shooting occurred&nbsp; just after 1:30 a.m. September 1, in the 100 block of Rock Island in Wichita. Officers arrived and found Rubio suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives have learned that a disturbance took place before the shooting.&nbsp;

Washinton is being held on bond of over $1 million dollars.

Preliminary Hearing for Kansas Labor Day robbery, killing

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said ahead of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday she was concerned about his promises of lower costs, stability and support for American families.

“Instead we are seeing the opposite of that,” the Kansas Democrat said during a virtual press conference. “We’re seeing rising grocery bills. We’re seeing tariffs that have forced small businesses to close. We’re seeing cuts to health care that are, frankly, going to devastate families.”

Davids said her State of the Union guest, Nick Levendofsky, will bring Kansas voices to the forefront. Levendofsky,&nbsp; the executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union and secretary of the Minneapolis-based research nonprofit Institute for Agriculture &amp; Trade Policy, has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s tariff policies and advocate for broader protections for Kansas farmers.

Davids said she is hoping for solutions from Trump rather than partisan rhetoric.

“I have to be honest here. I am not necessarily holding my breath for that,” she said.

The State of the Union address follows Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/20/repub/us-supreme-court-rules-against-trumps-tariffs-in-6-3-opinion-dealing-blow-to-trade-agenda/">U.S. Supreme Court decision</a>, which deemed certain tariffs illegal.

Trump’s tariffs have been detrimental to Kansas farmers, according to Levendofsky.

He said farmers across the country have lost tens of billions of dollars because of tariffs, and crop markets have become stressed or entirely lost. When farmers aren’t making money, they aren’t spending money, he said.

“I hate to say it, but we’ve become less reliable when it comes to trade and what we can offer to the world,” Levendofsky said.

He believes that Congress should address tariffs by exerting its checks and balances authority and intervening in the ongoing trade war.

Also top of mind for Davids and Levendofsky while in D.C. this week is a farm bill that will govern agriculture and food issues for the next several years.

Davids wants to see amendments to the bill that end current trade war policy, protect food assistance programs and address adequate staffing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan.

She said she will not support a final product that ignores what Kansans need to stay competitive.

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