By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

More than 6,100 rubber ducks peddled their way to the finish line for a $10,000 prize at the tenth-annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County Duck Derby.

The main events on Wednesday at the Hays Aquatic Park also included a Duck Dash for kids with prizes for the top 20 and a cardboard boat regatta for businesses.

The winners of the grand prize and nine other prizes were announced Wednesday, but the names of the winners will not be released for publication until the winners are notified today.

The winner of the $10,000 award said half of it will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.

High Plains Baptist Church&nbsp;received the Spirit Award and the 2025 Forward Always Cardboard Regatta - Race for a Cause Champion Award, taking first place.

The Hays Water Resource Department received the Best in Show award and the Big Brothers Big Sisters match team received the Titanic Award.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County has made 160 matches so far this year with individuals or families who provide support and mentorship. 34 children are on a waiting list for their match.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org/">website</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllisCoBigs">Facebook page</a>.

The Local Food Truck was at the race, donating 10% of sales. All proceeds from the Duck Derby will go towards&nbsp;Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.

📷 Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Derby awards $10,000 grand prize

Everyone wants a place to call “home,” but being able to use that term hasn’t been easy for some people in western Kansas.

Tiger Media Network’s documentary, “The Cost of a Dream,” explores housing concerns in Hays through the eyes of local residents, city officials and community leaders. TMN is the student-produced convergent media hub at Fort Hays State University.

Produced by TMN’s summer internship team of Kyson Evans, Katie Kuhlman and Taylor Thompson, the documentary sheds light on the challenges of finding affordable, family-friendly housing.

The film offers an in-depth look at how housing insecurity affects cities like Hays, contributing to a rise in housing instability and even homelessness for working families, single parents and vulnerable populations. It also examines potential solutions and efforts being made to address the issues.

“Coming from the capital city of Topeka, city development isn’t something you often think about — it just happens around you,” Evans said. “But in a smaller town like Hays, you really see how interconnected everything is. Everyone is part of a larger web, working toward the same goal. That kind of collaboration was something special and worth documenting.”

Working on the summer project gave the producers a new perspective on how deeply housing issues affect entire communities — not just individuals.

“This documentary is important to me because it helps bring awareness to the housing issues that often go unnoticed,” Thompson said. “By sharing these stories, we hope to start conversations and inspire real change in communities like Hays.”

Evans and Thompson had prior experience with documentary filmmaking from the Advanced Video course at FHSU, but this was the first project of this scale for the group.

“Overall, this was a one-of-a-kind experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Kuhlman said. “It allowed me to try something completely new and explore a different direction in my career that I hadn’t considered before.”

“The Cost of a Dream” will premiere at 6 p.m. Aug. 7, on the Tiger <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33a-opih-uA">Media Network YouTube channel</a>.

The documentary is the third long-form feature produced by TMN summer interns during the last three summers.

“This year’s summer documentary is a bit different than the last two,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. “This one is a bit more localized and focuses on an issue that is relevant to many in Hays. Through the roughly eight weeks of work, the students conducted multiple interviews and worked as a team in a real-world environment. 

"Our ability to provide learning opportunities like these have helped students stand out in the job market when applying for employment after graduation. Kyson, Katie and Taylor took on a tough topic and worked hard to produce a quality product.”

Additional videos and information can be found on the documentary's website: https://www.thecostofadreamfilm.info/.

Kyson Evans is a senior from Topeka studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

Taylor Thompson is a senior from Leavenworth studying Information Networking and Telecommunications: Digital Media Production and Journalism.

Katie Kuhlman is a senior from Great Bend studying Applied Business Studies: Marketing.

Trio produces documentary on housing in Hays; premieres Thursday

SHERIDAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Colorado driven by&nbsp; Erik Favio&nbsp; Santamaria Cornelio, 39, Hoxie, was eastbound on U.S. 24 at County Road 40.

The pickup traveled off the&nbsp; roadway to the south and began sliding sideways. The vehicle jumped County Rd 40 W and began rolling sideways into a field. It rolled multiple times and the driver was ejected.

&nbsp;EMS transported Santamaria Cornelio to AmberMed Hospital in Hoxie for treatment of serious injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP&gt;

NW Kan. man hospitalized after violent rollover accident

Herzogfest weekend is August 8 and 9 in Victoria. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenton Hoffman, committee president and vice-president Jennifer Bernes about the German-themed event.&nbsp;

🎙Celebrate Herzogfest in Victoria this weekend

Killdeer performing vociferous speed walk--shuffle step--pause actions or broken wing charades add interest to any waterside visit. Who knew two adult killdeer repeating "skree skree skree"s followed by "kill dee" calls as they searched for high protein insects would turn our front lawn into my favorite summer birding site? Add four uncoordinated juveniles to multiply the fun!

This bird’s onomatopoetic "kill-dee" cry makes it obvious why folks commonly call them killdeer. 

Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus’s scientific name for them is more apt—Charadrius vociferus. These noisy birds mastered the art of charade with their clever broken wing imitation designed to lure threats away from nests and young. How crazy something the size of a robin and weighing only ounces can be so loudly dramatic!

At first contact, I thought our pair of lawn picnickers shared the fate of a Colorado chipmunk that wound up in our yard a couple years ago—lost. 

 Research explains killdeer often exist as non-shore shorebirds. Sure, some live near water, but others support themselves and their young, relying on short grass lawns, pastures, prairies, driveways, parking lots and golf courses to provide sustenance. 

Apparently, south WaKeeney meets their home sweet home requirements.

A big parking lot bordered by airport runways bordered by pastures makes up the truck stop. East of Highway 283, six well-trimmed yards tempt these creatures to cross two lanes of scorching asphalt to nourish themselves with succulent insects and other invertebrates. 

Think Killdeer Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

After satisfying dietary needs, these attractive birds focus on nesting. Once again, their 15-acre killdeer range provides essentials so the pair can scrape a ground nest from dirt and rock. This one-time ancient seabed turned farm field turned truck stop plus bonus neighborhood offers dirt and limestone pebbles to convert into an incubator/nursery for four to six buff or beige eggs the pair produces and hopefully hatches.

We haven’t spied their nest, but it exists because this week, two adult killdeer safely led four feathered young across the highway to hunt insects in our neighborhood. We missed the fluffball/toothpick leg stage, but these tweens charm us. Seeing adult killdeer run-walk-shuffle-pause to grab a meal captured our interest. Watching gawky fledglings seek food produces pure comedy.

One did a classic vaudeville face plant one morning when it dove for breakfast. A sibling rolled beak over tail-end while matching wits with an escaping insect. During these antics, the parents gobbled necessary calories while scanning for predators.

Though we haven’t personally triggered a dramatic broken wing charade, cars entering the drive have. The most threatened adult flashes that orange Stranger Danger rump toward the front fender and skews one wing so it appears broken. Often, the performer adds a limp to convince that mechanical behemoth they’re seriously injured easy prey. Once the car passes, a miraculously healed killdeer resumes eating.

We researched this crew to see how much longer we’ll enjoy their company. One source noted young killdeer fly at 25 days. Based on size and feather development, migration day creeps ever closer. Our free entertainment ends soon.

We best gander often to enjoy killdeer watching while these non-shore shore birds dine and perform in our yard.

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

MADORIN: Shorebirds grazing town lawns

<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

First Care Clinic is excited to welcome Sydni Niernberger, Nurse Practitioner, to our dedicated medical team. With a strong background in patient-centered care and a passion for improving health outcomes, Sydni brings valuable experience and energy to the clinic. Her addition supports our continued commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for individuals and families across the region.

Sydni earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Washburn University and is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

First Care Clinic Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher states, “Sydni is the perfect addition to our clinic. She is from Hays and is well known in the community and by our staff. She comes with years of clinical experience. We are very fortunate to have such a kind, talented, hard-working provider join our practice!”

“We are very excited to have Sydni join our provider team at First Care Clinic.” Says Eric Flax, First Care Clinic CEO, “Sydni is an experienced provider with roots in our community. To have her back in Hays is such a positive thing for the health of our community. Having Sydni joining First Care reaffirms our commitment to our community to provide compassionate, quality care for all.”

First Care Clinic welcomes new medical patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify. Patients can view our providers and request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. Patients can also schedule same-day Express Care visits on our website. Book a time and skip the line!

“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information, contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

City commission to make final review of draft 2026 budget at Thursday work session 

A new chapter of security is taking shape in Hays as the Kansas National Guard breaks ground on a facility to improve emergency response across western Kansas.

The ceremony celebrated the construction of a new readiness center Wednesday for a nearly 50,000-square-foot facility costing about $19.3 million which will replace the outdated 1963 armory. Gov. Laura Kelly said the site will serve as a mobilization hub during state and federal soldier deployments.

"The presence of a Kansas National Guard Armory in the heart of northwest Kansas is a strategic and necessary investment," Kelly said.

The two-story facility will provide long-term support for Kansas Army National Guard operations and serve as the home of the 997th Brigade Support Battalion. It will be fully equipped to accommodate individual and group training,&nbsp;Kelly said.

The center will accommodate 127 traditional soldiers and 20 full-time staff. It is located near the corner of 240th Avenue and W. 52nd Street, north of Interstate 70.

Several National Guard officials spoke on the facility’s significance during the ceremony, as well as Kansas U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran.

"It will change the landscape of Hays," Moran said. "The National Guard Armory has been a component of our community for as long as I can remember."

Moran said he is working to establish the <a href="https://dodstarbase.org/">Department of Defense’s Starbase program</a> at the facility, offering students hands-on STEM education and experience.

Kansas National Guard, Gov. Kelly break ground on new center in Hays

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

This article is the third in a multi-week K-State agronomy series on wheat streak mosaic complex management to address the 2025 outbreak. 

Week 1 was the introduction of a Kansas wheat-free windows recommendation and discussion on herbicide recommendations for volunteer wheat.&nbsp; (<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/wheat-streat-mosaic-management-pay-attention-to-wheat-free-windows-650-1">https://bit.ly/4eSVKgP</a>)&nbsp;

Week 2 was discussion of the role of alternate hosts in the landscape. (<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/wheat-streak-mosaic-management-the-role-of-other-hosts-in-the-landscape-651-1">https://bit.ly/3GIY2Ta</a>)&nbsp;

Week 3 the discussion will be on variety selection as part of an integrated management program for wheat streak mosaic.

In the first article of this series, the recommendation for wheat-free windows (Figure 1) was discussed. These windows include periods 30 days prior to the start of the optimal winter wheat planting window by zone in Kansas. 

As the wheat curl mite is a community pest, coordinated breaks in volunteer wheat and other cereals will have the highest likelihood of lowering local and statewide mite levels moving into our 2025 optimal winter wheat planting date periods. Volunteer wheat that emerges after the fall crop is already established poses a lower risk as a green bridge and can be thought of in a similar way as the fall crop. Fall wheat planted early, during wheat-free windows, risks bridging wheat curl mite to the fall-established crop.

Here are some important considerations for achieving success with wheat-free windows:

· All volunteer wheat should be terminated and completely dead prior to the start of your regional wheat-free window.

· Where possible, the fall wheat crop should not be planted until the end of the wheat-free window.

· Other winter cereals (such as rye and triticale) should not be planted during this period as they can serve as a “bridge” for the curl mites to move to fall-established wheat.

· A regional “break” in the volunteer wheat green bridge will allow for wheat curl mites to die off prior to the start of the optimal wheat planting window.

· Volunteer wheat that emerges after this period is of less concern, as it will be emerging at a similar time as the fall-established winter wheat crop.

· Success is dependent on coordinated efforts in communities.

Management with genetic resistance: Another tool in the toolbox

In addition to controlling volunteer wheat, genetic resistance is also an important component of a good integrated pest management strategy for wheat streak mosaic complex control. It’s important to note that while some varieties provide partial protection against the wheat streak complex, there is no silver bullet variety that will work in all scenarios. That is, all commercial varieties will be symptomatic under some conditions, but the degree of yield loss to the virus complex will vary between varieties.

As a reminder, yield loss to wheat streak complex is highly influenced by. Timing of infection, composition of viruses, and variety choice.

We know that fall infections and infections that occur in earlier stages of wheat development (prior to jointing) can result in the highest levels of yield loss. Infections that occur after the flag leaf and booting growth stages generally result in lower levels of yield loss. It should be noted that infections can occur in the fall and remain “dormant” in the plants until the weather warms in the spring. This is why we can sometimes see symptoms come on suddenly when the weather warms in the spring.

In addition to the timing of infection, the composition of viruses in a given field can impact final yield losses. Infections with more than one virus (WSMV + TriMV, for example) can result in synergistic yield losses. It was common to see infections with two or more viruses in Kansas in 2025.

When we think about variety resistance in the context of wheat streak mosaic complex, there are two main types. Resistance to the virus and resistance to the mite.

When it comes to resistance to the virus, several genes have been described (wsm1, wsm2, and wsm3). The gene wsm2 is most widely available in Kansas varieties, including KS Territory (red), KS Mako (red), KS Bill Snyder (red), KS Dallas (red), KS Hamilton (red), Guardian (red),

Oakley CL (red), Joe (white), and KS Big Bow (white). This resistance gene can help with severe wheat streak mosaic virus infections, but has key limitations. 

· This gene is effective against wheat streak mosaic virus but not against Triticum mosaic virus or High Plains wheat mosaic virus. In 2025, many mixed infections were detected with more than one of the viruses in the complex. So, it was not uncommon to see a variety with wsm2 appear symptomatic in the field. In many of these cases, Triticum mosaic virus was detected in the sample.

· The resistance conferred by wsm2 can also become less effective at high temperatures, although resistance in KS Dallas and KS Hamilton seems to endure greater temperatures before breaking down (~ 70º F). The resistance is much less effective if wheat is planted too early for grazing or if high temperatures persist into October. KS Silverado (white) also has temperature-sensitive resistance to wheat streak mosaic, although from a different source than wsm2.

In addition, there are a handful of varieties with resistance to the wheat curl mite (cmc4), including Guardian, Canvas, TAM 112, Byrd, Avery, Langin, Kivari AX, KS Western Star, Whistler, Crescent AX, Incline AX, Fortify SF, TAM 115, TAM 204, and T158. These varieties remain susceptible to viral diseases, but they generally slow the development of the mite populations in the fall. This resistance can help reduce the risk of severe disease, but will not provide enough protection if wheat is planted in close proximity to volunteer wheat or other hosts infested with large populations of the curl mites and virus.

Central versus western Kansas: Location matters

Unfortunately, many of these varieties are adapted to western Kansas and may not be the best options for production systems in the central corridor. 

Some central Kansas-adapted varieties, including Rockstar, AP Prolific, SY Wolverine, LCS Photon AX, LCS Helix AX, and LCS Julep, tolerate WSMV infection better than others. It should be noted that, for all the reasons mentioned above, these varieties will still appear symptomatic under high disease pressure. KS Mako is a new release out of the K-State Manhattan breeding program that is adapted for the central corridor of the state and carries the wsm2 gene. These varieties will still show symptoms of WSMV but may yield better than other varieties that are more susceptible.

More information on variety selection can be found here: MF991 KS. Wheat Variety Guide <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2024_MF991.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf</a>. A newer version of this publication will be released in the coming weeks.

Information provided by Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Wheat Pathologist.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Variety selection for wheat streak complex management 

&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

Beginning Tuesday, 13th Street east of Canterbury Drive in Hays will return to one-way traffic - westbound ONLY - for a mill and overlay of roadway until further notice. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Public Works office at 785-628-7350.

13th St. east of Canterbury in Hays returns to 1-way traffic Tuesday

HOXIE – The Main Street Arts Council is excited to announce the final performances of the 2025 Main Street Summer Theater Festival, which will take place in Oakley on August 8 and 9. 

These performances of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. will bring the festival’s incredible run to a close after an amazing summer of inspiring youth theater across northwest Kansas.

The Main Street Summer Theater Festival has been a celebration of local talent, with performances in six different towns, all showcasing the creativity and hard work of young performers. Oakley will host the last two performances, giving attendees one final chance to experience this magical production of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., featuring beloved songs from Encanto, Frozen II, Coco, and more.

Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. Oakley High School Auditorium, 118 W 7th St., Oakley

In addition to the festival’s final performances, we are also thrilled to announce a special Broadway guest performance by Desi Oakley, a Wichita native and renowned Broadway performer. Desi will be performing live in Hoxie on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, as part of the festival’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

Desi Oakley has an extensive Broadway career, having starred in productions such as Wicked, Waitress, and Chicago. Her concert will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the talent of this Broadway star in a local, intimate setting.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen Ave., Hoxie

We invite everyone to attend both the final festival performances in Oakley and Desi Oakley’s Broadway concert to celebrate the culmination of this incredible summer of youth theater and professional talent.

For more information about the festival, tickets for the remaining performances, or to reserve your seat for Desi Oakley’s concert, visit <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025</a>.

Final summer theater performances in Oakley, Broadway guest Desi Oakley in Hoxie

Aug. 9-10 Shady Bend 2-Day Golf Tournament;&nbsp;Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne;&nbsp;9:00 a.m. 4-Man Scramble. To enter call or text Eric Mans at 785-346-4654

Aug. 12 Mommy &amp; Me Tea;&nbsp;Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd St, Natoma; 6:00 p.m.; Come on in for an elegant, fun and fanciful tea party; Call 785-346-4772

Aug. 16 See You at the Library;&nbsp;Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne; BRAVE Books See You at the Library Story Hour 11:00 a.m.

Families will gather in libraries across the country for this nationwide event to celebrate faith, freedom, and the power of storytelling. Together, we’ll rediscover what libraries are meant to be: places that spark imagination, shape character, and speak truth to the next generation. We’ll read books that inspire faith and conviction Spark meaningful conversations And build community with families who care about what really matters Bring your kids. Invite your friends. Let’s fill the library with stories and values that matter.

Aug. 20 Dinner Club at the Second Street Café;&nbsp;Second Street Café, 715 N. 2nd St., Natoma;&nbsp;Enjoy a 7-course meal every third Wednesday at 7:00 at the Second Street Cafe Dinner Club; For more information call 785-346-4772

A super fun day for the whole family in Alton. Starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Front Porch Event Center for coffee and rolls followed by a full day – car and bike shows, cake and pie contests, parade, free watermelon, money dig, food stands, Bull City Olympics, water balloon volleyball, bouncy houses, jam sessions, drawings, Jamie Campbell, comedian, Bull City Newlywed Game, cornhole tournament…it all ends with a free street dance featuring Kill Creek Rising! For more information, check out the Alton Jubilee Facebook page.

Aug. 24 Community Church Service in the Park;&nbsp;10:30 a.m. at the Alton City Park; Sponsored by Mt. Ayr Friends Church and Alton United Methodist Church

Aug. 24 2-Person Golf Tournament;&nbsp;Downs Golf Course, KS-181, Downs;&nbsp;9:00 a.m.; Hosted by Knights of Columbus; Contact Brady Cline at 785-545-6183

Aug. 30 Natoma City Wide Garage Sale, Natoma

August events for Osborne County

2025 Alton Jubilee set for Aug. 23-24

COLBY — The Colby Community College men's basketball team will host their 27th annual Golf Tournament and Sponsor Appreciation event on Friday, August 29 at Meadow Lake Golf Course. All proceeds will be used to support the program.

Registration for the four-person scramble begins at 8 a.m., with a tee time of 9 a.m. Participants are asked to make their own cart arrangements. The entry fee is $300 per team and includes a sack lunch on the course. After golfing, participants and season sponsors will have dinner and an opportunity to meet the 2025-26 men's basketball team.

For more information on being a season sponsor or to register for the golf tournament, scan the QR code or contact Coach Jerrod Stanford at 620-385-0273.

Colby Community College men's basketball team hosts golf tourney Aug. 29

 3rd-annual women's self-defense workshop set in Hays

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) invites the public to join its staff for a free, family-friendly meteor shower watch party on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

This annual event celebrates the end of summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, creating a spectacular display of meteors or “shooting stars” in the night sky. This year, our event will coincide with peak viewing dates, and stargazers may be able to spot 60-100 meteors per hour.

Located northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway, the KWEC offers an ideal location for comfortable sky-watching. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the KWEC lawn while enjoying the celestial show.

In addition to meteor watching, the evening will feature s’mores making and eating, and several space-themed learning stations inside the KWEC. Activities include a magnetic meteor hunt, spectroscope building, a space lander challenge, an asteroid belt art project, and using a blender bike to make galaxy smoothies. Planetarium shows will be offered in the inflatable planetarium, and we will have real meteorites on loan from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

The event will proceed rain or shine, but clear skies are necessary for optimal meteor shower viewing.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend along Kansas Highway 156 at Cheyenne Bottoms, 592 NE K-156 Hwy., Great Bend.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OV__SK_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO9ovZePPueXoOYjqeKnABTqUprH1DWoHlNK6oTYNLIL3frrCD5Zg5SitaprItwmilgdkg5kTH2cnJHgTyIuGyaV55gXhnyd-2FCFT3UrSdSD-2FcMxcM2kdsRqnH-2BkYbAmtZFiEJ6vonVmM14WEb2q9YBjTV4-2F7BYHmfKaFspyhE1VKi04Pm3qE62wIGxnR71QrpNrNgwI0flpx9OW6CuX7sLAbSEkWvVzUzZLE1VJ8uFAGyAGE-2FgTubSuTlgLxMGVnTr">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-243-9268.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center hosts Perseid meteor shower watch party

Kansas Interscholastic Cycling League mountain bike racing team forming in Hays

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— On Wednesday,&nbsp; police served search warrants at multiple locations across the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, according to a media release from police.

These warrants relate to a year-long narcotics investigation conducted in partnership with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Law Enforcement Partners and addresses a transnational drug cartel involved in the manufacture of illegal narcotics in the community.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, Wichita Police reported they have seen a rise in overdose cases in 2025, and they will continue to use every tool available to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable people in the community involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sales of illegal narcotics.&nbsp;

Police: Transnational drug cartel involved in making drugs in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook joined President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;at the White House on Wednesday to announce a commitment by the tech company to increase its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years.

"This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold in the United States of America also are made in America," Trump said at the press conference. “Today’s announcement is one of the largest commitments in what has become among the greatest investment booms in our nation’s history."

As part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/08/apple-increases-us-commitment-to-600-billion-usd-announces-ambitious-program/">Apple announcement</a>, the investments will be about bringing more of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the United States as part of an initiative called the American Manufacturing Program, but it is not a full commitment to build its popular iPhone device domestically.

“This includes new and expanded work with 10 companies across America. They produce components — semiconductor chips included — that are used in Apple products sold all over the world, and we’re grateful to the President for his support,” Cook said in a statement announcing the investment.

The new manufacturing partners include Corning, Coherent, Applied Materials, Texas Instruments and Broadcom among others.

Apple had previously said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-us-investment-texas-factory-78c761e50f3f3f8186db99899efefb7c">intended to invest $500 billion</a>&nbsp;domestically, a figure it will now increase to $600 billion. Trump in recent months has criticized the tech company and Cook for efforts to shift iPhone production to India to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-jinping-china-trade-taiwan-94f523cbb184be7819f8b78a3b951c9c">the tariffs</a>&nbsp;his Republican administration had planned for China.

While in Qatar earlier this year, Trump said there was “a little problem” with the Cupertino, California, company and recalled a conversation with Cook in which he said he told the CEO, “I don’t want you building in India.”

India has incurred Trump’s wrath, as the president signed an order Wednesday to put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-russia-oil-tariffs-2db9dc22d7b56624bdceb2e15c134d60">an additional 25% tariff</a>&nbsp;on the world’s most populous country for its use of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-oil-china-turkey-f377653aebf6d5a34a09a7466d85fd56">Russian oil</a>. The new import taxes to be imposed in 21 days could put the combined tariffs on Indian goods at 50%.

Apple’s new pledge comes just a few weeks after it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mp-materials-rare-earths-trump-china-7efe8b903b9668433d7c0a60be50b8c9">forged a $500 million deal with MP Materials</a>, which runs the only rare earths producer in the country. That agreement will enable MP Materials to expand a factory in Texas to use recycled materials to produce magnets that make iPhones vibrate.

Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook emphasized that “there’s a load of different things done in the United States.” As examples, he cited some of the iPhone components made in the U.S. such as the device’s glass display and module for identifying people’s faces and then indicated the company was gearing to expand its productions of other components in its home country.

“We’re doing more in this country, and that’s on top of having roughly 19 billion chips coming out of the US now, and we will do more,” Cook told analysts last week, without elaborating.

News of Apple’s latest investment in the U.S. caused the company’s stock price to surge by nearly 6% in Wednesday’s midday trading. That gains reflect investors’ relief that Cook “is extending an olive branch” to the Trump administration, said Nancy Tengler, CEO of money manager Laffer Tengler Investments, which owns Apple stock.

Despite Wednesday’s upturn, Apple’s shares are still down by 14% this year, a reversal of fortune that has also been driven by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-conference-iphone-artificial-intelligence-ba918c2091e0d49a8b3f164e4f980b6e">the company’s botched start</a>&nbsp;in the pivotal field of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a>.

AP Technology Writers Michael Liedtke and Shawn Chen contributed to this report.

🎥 $100 billion investment: Apple CEO brings gift to White House

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Wednesday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Toyota Tacoma driven by Dale L.&nbsp;Fillenwarth, 70, Carl Junction, Missouri, was northbound on SE 118th Street.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at SE Old 96 Road. As eastbound 2020&nbsp; Peterbilt semi driven by Matthew A&nbsp;Mussati, 38, Jay, Oklahoma, struck the the Toyota.

Fillenwarth was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical.&nbsp;Mussati was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver dies after crash with a semi on Kansas highway

RENO COUNTY — A former USD 309 Nickerson school district employee is in custody for alleged child sex crimes.

Authorities arrested Ryan Stoecklein, 29, on Wednesday and just before 11a.m., booked him into the Reno County jail on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child under 18 and attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the county arrest report.

According to the complaint, "Between January 1 and March 24, 2025, in Reno County, Kansas, Ryan James Stoecklein did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to engage in consensual sexual intercourse and lewd fondling or touching with a person who was a student enrolled at the school where the offender was employed, to wit: Nickerson High School, who was 16 or more years of age, to-wit: JMFG (DOB: xx/xx/2007), and who was not married to the offender, while the offender was a teacher or other person in a position of authority, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, done by a person who intended to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was prevented or intercepted in executing such crime, a severity level 7 person felony."

<a href="https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/kake.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b8/4b85d371-d587-4e69-ba84-ad3cc6e6dfa4/6893e1163ec77.pdf.pdf">Click here to read the full complaint.</a>

Stoecklein is being held on a $120,000 bond and will make a court appearance on Thursday.

Former Kan. school employee accused of sex crimes with student 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A woman is going to spend time in a federal prison for forgery. Amanda Christine Dailey, 37,&nbsp;of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve six months in federal prison for forging the signature of a federal judge, according to&nbsp; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in August 2022, Dailey filed a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. A year later, in August 2023, Dailey purchased a vehicle from a car dealership, which she financed in part with a loan from a federal credit union. Public records reflect that, in order to be approved for financing, Dailey presented a false order which purported to show the discharge of her Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In reality, Dailey had not been granted a discharge, and the false order she presented included the forged signature of Judge Sarah A. Hall, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

On October 1, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Dailey with forging a signature of a federal judge. Dailey pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025, and admitted she forged a court order with Judge Hall’s signature.

At the sentencing hearing on July 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Dailey to serve six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offense, and the need to deter Dailey and others from perpetrating similar offenses in the future.

Forging judge's signature lands woman in federal prison

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;—Law enforcement investigating a man's murder have a suspect in custody.

On Wednesday, the Wichita Police Department the arrest of&nbsp; a 41-year-old Wichita man identified according to booking records as Ricardo S. Talavera, in connection with the shooting death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.

Just before 9a.m. Friday, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home on Saturday. On Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

Suspect accused of killing SW Kan. man who escaped on bicycle

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump could meet in person with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as next week as he seeks to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, a White House official said Wednesday.

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