Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with the actors and directors of the Hays High musical "The Sound of Music" on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The von Trapp family will take the stage tonight as Hays High School presents an intense production of “The Sound of Music.”

Alex Underwood, Hays High School music teacher, said the upcoming production extends beyond high school students, featuring cast members as young as 6.

"To cheer on young people in their pursuit of the arts is such a powerful experience," Underwood said.

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased <a href="https://gofan.co/event/6024212?schoolId=KS25142">online</a>&nbsp;or at the door of the Hays High School Performing Arts Center, 2300 E. 13th St.

The production features 53 cast members and about 40 musicians in the orchestra pit, including 20 students.

"Johanna Jones as Maria Rainer is incredible. She is really taking command of this role, and she drives the show. It's quite remarkable," Underwood said. "Bryson Webber plays the Georg von Trapp, and he's absolutely fantastic."

11th grader Harley Foarde and Rolf Gruber 11th grader Alexis Ryan as Liesl von Trapp 10th grader Ryan Ward as Friedrich von Trapp 10th grader Martha Miller as Louisa von Trapp 6th grader Zaric Picking as Kurt von Trapp 2nd grader Camryn Crough as Marta von Trapp 1st grader Gemma Davidson as Gretl von Trapp

Rehearsals began Jan. 11. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission, and marks the first production in the new performing arts center.

"We knew we needed a pretty famous show, one with a lot of name recognition. We really hope that a lot of the community comes in and experiences the new space," Underwood said.

The production follows the classic 1959 Richard Rodgers &amp; Oscar Hammerstein musical set in 1938 Austria. It focuses on Maria, a free-spirited nun who becomes the governess of the von Trapp family.

Underwood said the story was chosen because it fits this year’s students’ strengths and explores themes that remain relevant today, especially how people respond differently to the rise of fascism.

The production tells the story of the family’s resistance to the Nazi regime and their attempted escape. Underwood said the script and songs remain unchanged, but the Nazi presence is portrayed much more strongly.

"The more in-your-face threat of the Nazis will be intense. I think people will be very stirred by that, and I think that'll make the final moments really beautiful," he said.

Underwood said students are learning to create excellence by dedicating themselves to a large group project. They had a hand in costumes, lighting, musical numbers, and building and painting the sets.

"There's something really powerful about telling a story together in mass," he said.

Underwood said he hopes to reintroduce audiences to characters who were reduced to background roles in the 1965 film adaptation.

Underwood said he is thankful for the community’s support of the performing arts. While shows no longer sell out as they did 30 years ago, he said attendance remains strong.

"The work we do is really incredible. I always want to encourage Hays to come out and watch how amazing these kids are and be present with the work they're doing," he said.

You can follow Hays High School Music and Theatre on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HHSMusicTheatre">Facebook</a>.

Hays High School presents 'The Sound of Music' tonight

Hays Middle School 7th grade boys basketball team went undefeated and won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship.

The A-team went 15-0 and the B-team went 11-0.

Hays Middle School 7th grade boys win WAC basketball championships

By TAYLOR PROVINE <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/kstate-research-addresses-high-cancer-rates-in-western-kansas.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> MANHATTAN — When residents of three western Kansas counties raised concerns about rising cancer rates and potential environmental cancer risks in their communities, Kansas State University researchers responded with research and collaboration that led to results.

A project led and funded by K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;has been studying and testing groundwater contamination in private wells and radon levels in homes in Russell, Ellsworth and Lincoln counties since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/archives/2024-02/Johnson-Cancer-Research-Center-evaluates-cancer-risks-in-three-KS-counties.html">March 2024</a>. The project was initiated from residents' concerns about increasing cancer rates in these counties, including colorectal cancer in Russell County and prostate and lung cancers in Lincoln County.

Now that the initial research phase has concluded, the researchers have identified results and implemented strategies to help reduce cancer risks and promote community health.

Innovation with integrity <a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/rafferty/">Ryan Rafferty</a>, interim director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center and associate professor of chemistry, is leading the research team alongside collaborators in geology, public health, environmental science and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.k-state.edu/">K-State Extension</a>.

As part of the project, community members could volunteer to have K-State researchers test their homes for radon at no cost. Rafferty said the radon testing results have been a significant concern, prompting the need to install radon mitigation systems.

"The radon tests were off the charts," Rafferty said. "It was concerning to see what the levels were, but luckily, once we got mitigation systems into about 90% of the houses tested, they were back down to safe levels. Anyone who wanted help received it."

Private well water testing across the three counties, also conducted voluntarily, found elevated mineral levels that may also pose health risks, Rafferty said, and improved water filtration systems could help reduce the public's exposure.

Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences specialist in Ellsworth for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.midway.k-state.edu/">K-State Extension Midway District</a>. As a dedicated catalyst for improving community health, she has been a strong advocate and partner for the project.

"Sometimes a lot of our focus is just on healthy living, but healthy living can run a lot deeper," Kootz said. "With this project, one of the focuses was, if there is something in the ground that's contributing to our health, how long has it been there? What we're doing to our environment today might not affect us, but it could affect generations to come."

Kootz helped coordinate town halls in Ellsworth, Lincoln and Russell counties for residents to learn more about the project and how they could participate in research efforts.

During follow-up town hall meetings, the researchers shared anonymized results of their findings with community members for their awareness."

The people in these counties are hungry for knowledge," Rafferty said. "They want to know what is happening in the ground that they farm and live on."

Living K-State’s land-grant mission

The project reflects K-State’s land-grant commitment to addressing real-world health challenges, Rafferty said, helping to provide not only education, but also education for Kansans’ quality of life. The group is working on the next steps to continue the project and implement additional mitigation efforts.

"We are working to rebuild the team, as both professors who started this great work have retired," Rafferty said. "The team is excited to return to these communities, continue to provide results and build connections so that the community members can continue to feel like their voices are being heard.

"With the anticipation of additional funding from the Johnson Cancer Research Center and potential support from other entities, the team could expand water and radon testing to more homes, he said.

"We are living our land-grant institution's mission," Rafferty said. "That's why it was so important for us to get out there with the center's mission for fighting cancer. Radon is a big cause of cancer, and we're happy that we can mitigate it in so many homes in that area, and we look forward to helping many others.

"Every single person in this wonderful state of Kansas deserves to live a healthy and long life," he said.

The project team also includes Shreepad Joglekar, professor and head of the art department, who is documenting the daily lives of community members through photography and video interviews for the project "Surveying the Invisible: Cancer and Research in Kansas"; Helene Avocat, visiting assistant professor in geography and geospatial sciences; Luke Romang, a 2025 graduate in geology; Karin Goldberg, adjunct professor of geology; Matt Kirk, professor of geology; and Sherry Flemming, former director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cancer rates rising in western Kansas; K-State helping communities address issue

FHSU daily crime log: March 1-7, 2026

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com and include your phone number.&nbsp;

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

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

On Thursday the Kansas House of Representatives voted out House Bill (HB) 2434 favorably, the House’s Budget Bill for the 2026 Session. Discussion on the bill lasted one hour and thirty minutes and culminated with a vote of 68 to 53, I voted yes. This budget reflects weeks of work by several committees, both in and out of session, to deliver a balanced budget that reduces spending, total State General Fund (SGF) spends declined in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 compared to Fiscal Year 2026, and meets the state’s obligations to Kansans. 

Detailed below are five areas affected by new spending in HB 2434.

· First is agriculture. In FY 2026, $1 million from State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) was added to help start the Musil Center for Sustainable Wheat Production at Kansas State University (KSU). In FY 2027, $2.4 million SWPF will be spent for further research on the Equus Beds Aquifer, $1.7 million SWPF will be allocated for increased State Aid to Water Conservation Districts, and $5 million America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used for construction of a new Dairy Barn, in partnership with the university and private industry, on KSU’s campus.

· Second is education. In FY 27,&nbsp; $10 million State General Fund (SGF) will be added for Special Education State Aid to schools, $5.5 million SGF will be used to fund the Blueprint for Literacy Program with the Board of Regents, $5 million SGF to fund a new Alziehmer’s Research Program with Kansas University (KU), $5 million SGF for aviation research with Wichita State University (WSU), and $5 million SGF for a Nuclear Research Accelerator at KSU.

· The third area is economic development. In FY 27, with the Department of Commerce, $12.5 million SGF will be added for the Moderate Income Housing Grant Program, $1 million Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) will be added for the TOWNS Grant Program, and $2 million EDIF will be spent for the State Housing Trust Fund.

· Fourth is public safety. In FY 27, $5.4 million SGF will be added to cover increased costs in healthcare contracts with the Department of Corrections, $3 million SGF will be spent for a new Hearing Protection Program with the Attorney General, and $2 million SGF will be allocated for the Critical Facility Mapping Program with the State 911 Board.

· Last is social services. In FY 27, $16.1 million SGF will be added to increase reimbursement rates for Home Care Based Service (HCBS) waivers, $14.6 million SGF will be spent to increase Medicaid capacity payment rates by $10 per resident per day, $28.9 million SGF will be allocated to fund the new South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Wichita, $6 million SGF will be spent to increase Medicaid dental rates, and $4 million SGF will be used to provide one-time grants to community mental health centers.

The House Appropriations (HAPP) Committee enjoyed a more relaxed schedule this week, as meetings were only held on Wednesday and Thursday. Overall, five informational briefings were heard, and two bills were worked and passed out by the committee this week.

Wednesday saw Rachel Willis with the Department of Commerce present an update on the STAR (Sales Tax And Revenue) Bond Program in Kansas. She informed committee members on the history and functionality of the program, and the current number of operating districts, of which most have paid off their bonds. The committee also received an overview of the Joint Committee on State Building Construction recommendations regarding state facilities by the Kansas Legislative Research Department, and voted out HB 2427, establishing the positions of fiscal integrity auditor, favorably.

On Thursday Robert Stuart with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation updated the committee on the status of the Pittsburg Regional Crime Center’s construction, set to be finished by the start of next year, and its positive impacts for southeast Kansas. After that, Haely Ordoyne, the Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, provided an update on the state of long-term care in Kansas and provided recommendations for improving the institution. Following that, Ryan Vincent with the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation provided a report on the current progress of the organization’s efforts to increase access to housing in the state. After those three reports, the committee debated and passed out HB 2513, Claims against the State, favorably.

The favorable passage of HB 2434 is an excellent segue for explaining the budget process in the Kansas State Legislature. 

With the exception of last session, the House and Senate always introduce and work their own budget bills. These budget bills are then voted out of their respective committees, House Appropriations and Senate Ways &amp; Means, and then sent to their respective chamber floors, where they are voted on and, if passed out favorably, are sent to the opposite chamber. 

If differences between the two budgets exist, then a conference committee is called, with delegations from both chambers. In the conference committee the two delegations negotiate, through rounds of offer and counteroffer, till both sides agree to the same content in the budget bill, which then becomes the conference committee’s report (CCR). 

This CCR is then sent back to both chambers for votes. If voted out favorably by both chambers then the budget is passed on to the Governor, where she either signs the bill, with potential line-item vetoes of particular areas, or vetoes the bill entirely. Currently the Senate has not voted out its budget bill from their floor, and thus the process is delayed.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.gov. </a> www.troywaymaster.com 785-296-7672

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is state representative for the 109th District.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home; House passes budget

&nbsp;United Way of Ellis County is helping residents maximize their hard-earned income through free tax filing support available through My Free Taxes®.

My Free Taxes lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $89K last year file their federal and state taxes online for free.

Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped people across America file more than 1.5M returns, save $318M in tax preparation fees, and receive over $2.1B in refunds.

“Tax season is an opportunity to help put hard-earned dollars back into the pockets of our community members,” said Janelle VanKooten, executive director of United Way of Ellis County. 

“My Free Taxes provides a secure, easy, and completely free way for qualifying individuals and families to file accurately, claim the credits they deserve, and access support from IRS-trained specialists along the way.”

Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour and can file from a phone, tablet, or computer. The platform guides users through the process to help ensure they receive their maximum refund.

Through April 15, 2026, northwest Kansas filers who want assistance can call 1-866-698-9435 daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. From April 21 through October 15, support will be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Help Line, available in English and Spanish, is supported by 211 call specialists trained by the IRS. 211 is the 24/7 go-to resource that connects people to locally available help. It is supported by United Way and available in 99% of the U.S.

My Free Taxes also offers tax guides for small business owners, gig economy workers such as rideshare drivers and delivery workers, owners of home-based childcare centers, and filers impacted by federally declared disasters.

Find the guides and tax filing assistance at <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com.</a>

Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:&nbsp;&nbsp;

My Free Taxes is part of United Way’s efforts to help local residents build financial security, including those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), affirming households that are working and contributing to their community while navigating financial barriers to meeting basic needs. 

For questions or more information, visit <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com</a> or contact Janelle VanKooten, executive eirector of United Way of Ellis County at 785-628-8281 or director@liveunited.us.

United Way of Ellis County offers residents free tax filing support 

As a youngster riding down Highway 50, I never considered its history or how this asphalt road connected me to Kansas’s or our nation’s past. It was a boring ride with no interesting scenery unless a storm with writhing, twisting clouds or a dazzling prairie sunrise or sunset filled our windshield.

When cruising Kansas roads, it’s easy to forget the past.

 Most travelers don’t consider the thoroughfares we take for granted began as Indian trails and morphed into pioneer roads and later state and national highways. Historically, native people’s trails followed water, which was true along the Ark as well. After the Louisiana Purchase, risk-taking entrepreneurs overtook a native trade route sending long ox trains between Missouri and Santa Fe. Prior to and during the Mexican-American War, it served as a military road, leading to construction of Forts Mann, Atkinson, Aubrey, and Union, storied historical footnotes.

In recent times, the Kansas Department of Transportation graded and paved this route, posting Highway 50 signage along shoulders and mapping it. 

Where asphalt parallels the river, travelers can imagine for an instant they are a stone’s throw from another age, country, and culture. Less than two centuries ago, the Arkansas served the same purpose as the Rio Grande River does now, an international border.

In his book "Dangerous Passage," William Chalfant chronicles this history.

 Ox trains carrying thousands of dollars worth of goods traveled back and forth between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe. Before and during the Mexican-American War, military convoys advanced on Santa Fe and exited it using this route. Between Council Grove and Bent’s Fort, travelers depended on their wits and skills when wagons broke down, Indians attacked, beasts of burden went lame, died, or were stolen, or humans succumbed to cholera, dysentery, or other ailments.

Though garages, motels, cafes, and medical care serve modern travelers, the landscape and weather conditions haven’t altered from those predecessors experienced. 

No matter the century, summer heat scorches native grasses and dries waterways. Aesthetic concerns for modern wayfarers, early travelers required these essentials for livestock. Despite changing travel requirements, folks crossing this terrain in winter risk blizzards and icy conditions that halt journeys. Before bridges, high water halted trail traffic or drowned humans and livestock crossing torrents. Storms can still interrupt travel.

Another concern Chalfant describes were attacks by Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche warriors who called this borderland home. They fought American and Mexican encroachment on historic hunting grounds, frequently attacking east and westbound caravans between Walnut Creek and the Pawnee Fork. Forts Dodge, Larned, and Zarah weren’t established to protect the trail until the 1860s, after it ceased to be an international border.

Most drivers along Highway 50 where it borders the Arkansas River consider the trip tedious. 

If AI or other technology let them simultaneously see and hear past and present, groaning wagons, lowing oxen, and cursing bullwhackers would overwhelm their radios. Besides feedlots and agricultural development, they’d see desiccated carcasses of animals and humans who succumbed to the elements and broken wagons littering ruts.&nbsp;Eyes would scan horizon lines seeking a glint of sunshine on Cheyenne lances. 

Without advanced weather warnings, eyes would monitor distant clouds. Always, they’d look for good water and camping spots to refresh themselves and their beasts.

If there were means to experience simultaneously what was and what is, a trip across Highway 50 where it divided Mexico and U.S. Territory would thrill even jaded travelers.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: When the Arkansas River was an international border

Meet the Scientist Day is this Saturday, March 7, at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. 

 Come meet the scientists studying the stars above to the fossils below. 

 It will be a casual, fun way for kids and adults to chat with scientists and ask them about their research. 

Russell man arrested twice in one week on alleged drug, firearm charges

A 52-year-old Hays man has been arrested on a charge of allegedly rape of a minor.

Lt. Brandom Hauptman said the alleged offense involving Jason Raymond Breit took place in Hays. Breit was arrested Feb. 24 in Ellis while returning home.

He was arrested on an alleged rape charge of a minor younger than 14 and an alleged aggravated criminal sodomy charge.

No other details were provided, and the investigation is ongoing. Breit was booked into the Ellis County Jail.

Hays man arrested on alleged rape of minor charge

&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

Strength training program set for Tuesday in Ellis

PAWNEE ROCK — Heartland Farm and Heartland Center for Spirituality will host the free program, "Tahtonka: Buffalo and the Plains Indians" on from 2 to 4 p.m. March 8&nbsp; at the Great Bend Motherhouse, 3600 Broadway. Dr. Leo Oliva, professor emeritus, Fort Hays State University, will explore the Plains Indians and historical buffalo culture, how technology changed it and how the hide hunters destroyed it.

In 1840, it was estimated there were 40 million buffalo on the Great Plains. Buffalo were the Plains Indians' supermarket, providing food, shelter, clothing, and tools. The robe trade with Euro-Americans provided manufactured items.

The railroads made possible widespread hunting for hides for the leather industry by 1870. Encouraged by the government and the military, who wanted the Indians placed on reservations, the hunters destroyed the buffalo and the Indians' way of life. 

The great slaughter of the buffalo on the Southern Plains in the 1870s and the Northern Plains in the 1880s forced the Indigenous nations to move to the reservations to survive. Warfare killed many who refused to go to the reservations, and many more died on the reservations from diseases, malnutrition, and hunger.

With a&nbsp;screening of the film,&nbsp;Tahtonka, and with context by and discussion and Q&amp;A with Dr. Oliva, attendees will examine how after the great slaughter of the buffalo, the traditional lives and culture of the Indians could not survive. The final conquest, part of the colonization inspired by the Doctrine of Discovery, came quickly when the buffalo were gone.

A freewill offering will be taken but is not required.

Heartland Farm & Heartland Center to host 'Tahtonka: Buffalo and the Plains Indians' on March 8

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Association will have in concert pianist Barron Ryan who will present "Classic Meets Cool" on Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. in the Cultural Arts Center, Colby.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state art agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas,&nbsp;the Dane Hansen Foundation and in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door.

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Motown. So when it comes to his own work, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Ryan is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe.

What’s next? You’ll have to wait to find out, but rest assured that in all Barron Ryan’s music, classic Meets cool.

Pianist Barron Ryan to perform in Colby concert on March 8

The Hays Arts Council proudly presents Fields &amp; Forms, a compelling dual exhibition featuring the work of Amy Warfield and Brittany Gorelick, opening Friday, March 6.

This exhibition brings together two distinct artistic perspectives rooted in personal and regional&nbsp;experience.

&nbsp;Brittany Gorelick’s work reflects her lived experience as a queer and&nbsp;neurodivergent artist. 

Through collage, papermaking, and experimental printmaking, she uses&nbsp;recurring visual symbols—such as scribbled lines, structured grids, and waveform imagery—to&nbsp;explore themes of identity, structure, and emotional intensity. Bold color and layered marks&nbsp;create work that is both reflective and expressive.

In contrast, Amy Warfield turns her attention outward to the western Kansas landscape.&nbsp;

As a representational painter working primarily in watercolor, she captures the subtle atmosphere,&nbsp;texture, and character of the High Plains. Her work invites viewers to slow down and reconsider&nbsp;a landscape that is often overlooked, revealing its quiet complexity and sense of place.

The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hays&nbsp;Arts Council Annex, 1010 Main Street, Hays.

&nbsp;The event is free and open to the&nbsp;public.

The exhibition will be open beginning Thursday, March 5, and will remain on view through April&nbsp;11.

&nbsp;Public viewing hours at the Annex Gallery are:

● Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This exhibition also marks an exciting transition period for the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp;

As renovation begins on its primary facility, the organization will continue serving the community through&nbsp;temporary locations.

The Hays Arts Council Gift Shop and Main Office has reopened inside the&nbsp;Hadley Center, located at 205 E. 7th Street, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors may enter through the main Hadley entrance on 7th Street and will find HAC directly inside in a convenient retail storefront just beyond the front doors.

● Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Even during renovation, the Hays Arts Council remains committed to presenting exhibitions, arts&nbsp;education programming, Smoky Hill Art, seasonal art walks, and new community initiatives.&nbsp;The&nbsp;organization looks forward to welcoming the public into its temporary spaces while preparing for&nbsp;an exciting new chapter ahead.

For additional information, email arts@haysartscouncil.org or follow the Hays Arts Council on&nbsp;social media or visit during open hours.

New duel exhibition opens at Hays Arts Council Annex; reception Friday evening

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Osborne County Community Foundation

March 11&nbsp;9:30-11 AM Lakeside High School Gym, Downs, KS Osborne County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Public is invited to the Trade Show&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 13&nbsp;11:00-5:00 Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne, KS Join us for Pi(e) Day! Get a piece of delicious pie or a whole one!&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 25 7-10 a.m. Osborne County Spring Health Fair, 115 N. 1st&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Call 785-346-2412 to schedule an appointment

March 27-28 To Know and Be Known - Soul Infusion Work Shop and Retreat Osborne United Methodist Church, 105 N. 3rd&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Friday 5:30-8:30 PM Join us in Learning self-defense basics with Stephanie!&nbsp; Saturday 9-3 Brunch Provided. Silvia and Stephanie will share a beautiful message. A soulful day to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the God who is already with you. Take your faith from something you read to something you live!&nbsp;Call Traci at 785-346-4555 or Robin At 785-476-5396. Register by March 16.

March 27-29, West end of Main St. by the river, Osborne, KS South Fork of the Solomon Valley Muzzleloaders Annual Rendevous BB gun shoot, shotgun shoot, flintlock, rifle, pistol, archery, special shoot for kids 10 and under. Traders welcome, primitive dress encouraged, but not required.&nbsp; Bring the family! Dutch oven contest.

March 28 Osborne Easter Egg Hunt, Noon, Osborne Courthouse and City Park Lawns

March events in Osborne County

Ejoy the Spring Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 at&nbsp;Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, Fort Hays State University Sheridan Hall.&nbsp;

Hear the FHSU Concert Choir sing their program that was sung at the Kansas Music Educators Association music convention on Feb. 26. Also appearing will be the Smoky Hill Chorale and the Fort Hays Singers. 

Free FHSU Spring Choral Concert with special guests on March 10

The City of Hays Fire Department will began its annual citywide fire hydrant inspection and flow testing program on Monday, March 2. This coordinated effort ensures the reliability of the city’s water and fire protection infrastructure.

Annual maintenance is critical for public safety and water quality.

Inspecting the hydrants ensures that all valves operate properly and identifies any damage or obstructions that could interfere with prompt use during an emergency.

Additionally, firefighters conduct flow testing to check the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood, verifying the system is adequately prepared for firefighting operations.

The process also plays a vital role in maintaining the city's water quality.

The associated flushing of the water mains allows chlorine to be distributed thoroughly throughout the system, which eliminates bio-filming and prevents sediment buildup in the pipes.

"Regular hydrant flushing is a necessary component of our community's fire readiness and public health," said Fire Chief Ryan Hagans. "By flow testing and inspecting these hydrants annually, we can guarantee our crews have the pressure and volume they need when responding to emergencies, while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of our water delivery system."

While the visual of water discharging onto streets may raise conservation concerns, the actual volume used during this maintenance is minimal.

During the short flushing periods, residents may encounter a slight discoloration of their water supply.

This is a normal result of the process and poses no health risk to consumers.

The Hays Fire Department will take all reasonable efforts to minimize inconvenience to the public.

Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from fire hydrants to maintain safety and prevent property damage.

Specific flushing areas will be updated daily and posted to the City of Hays website and official social media channels. For more information, please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330, or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Hays' annual fire hydrant inspection, flow testing started Monday

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing today, moving away from the waves of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/weatherstory">severe weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area Thursday night and then again Friday night, according to a statement from the base.

That forecast calls for a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with potential for severe winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.

Air Force active duty and reserve aircrews from the 22nd&nbsp;and 931st&nbsp;Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to several other military bases across the country. This will ensure the aircraft maintain full readiness as they continue to support tasked missions and be available for future taskings, while also avoiding any potential damage from the upcoming weather.

All remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars as the base readies for the full range of potential weather outcomes.

Kan. Air Force base to relocate aircraft ahead of severe weather

&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people

On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." 

"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."

The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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