The Hays USD 489 school board heard a report on the Kansas State Assessment scores at its meeting on Monday.

The district earned two bronze awards, a silver award and a commissioner's recognition as a result of the Kansas State Assessments.

Parents should have received a notification this week allowing them to access the parent portal to view their student's assessment scores.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/be1ecb7f-dc52-4c44-aff4-c1ad39716611">The scores are usually released earlier, but were delayed this year because the state decided to change the scoring system.</a>

The assessment scores are broken into four levels.

• Students in level one have limited ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level two have basic ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level three have proficient ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level four have advanced ability on grade-level standards.

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said the state found students scoring in the upper level two range were performing much better than expected on the ACT, were graduating on time, and going on to be successful in post-secondary education.

The levels for English and math were adjusted for the 2025 assessments to move some students into level three, she said. The 2025 assessments will be used as a benchmark for the next several years.

Dinkel said the goal for districts across the state is to have at least 75% of students scoring in levels three and four, and 10% or fewer students scoring in level one, in both math and English.

She said Hays is seeing growth in levels three and four and decreases in level one in reading and math.

Anyone can access the full assessment scores broken down by grade and subject on the Kansas Department of Education website. <a href="https://accreditation.ksde.gov/default?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">CLICK HERE to search.</a>

Hays scored better than the statewide average in both subjects.

Dinkel said students in the district have struggled more wth math than English, something that has been a nationwide issue.

"I think a lot of times it's the confidence in math," she said. ... "Sometimes it is a mindset that it is going to be a struggle."

The district aims to foster interest and a positive mindset toward math, even among children in the early childhood program, Dinkel said.

Board member Ruth Ruder asked about students using AI. Dinkel said the computers at the high school are locked down to AI, and teachers are trying to ensure when students test, they are demonstrating their knowledge and not relying on AI.

The district is focusing on math districtwide this school year. Dinkel said teachers are testing students before the state assessments in the spring to identify students who need additional help sooner.

Teachers are also implementing interventions with students who may be struggling in both subjects.

Districts can earn four levels of recognition for accreditation measures. These are copper, bronze, silver and gold.

Hays earned a Bronze Award for being academically prepared for postsecondary education, which is based on the district's assessment scores. Last year, it received a Copper Award in the same category.

The district's graduation rate combines the graduation rates for Hays High School and the Hays Virtual School. The latest data reported is from 2024.

HHS' graduation rate in 2024 was 97.6%, and the virtual school's graduation rate was 61.5% for a combined rate of 93.5%. The combined average was above the state average of 89.5% for 2024.

Hays USD 489 received a Silver Award for its graduation rate, which exceeded the state average. Districts with a graduation rate of 93% to 94.9% earn a Silver Award. Gold Awards are given to districts with a 95% or higher graduation rate.

Post-secondary success measures the number of students who are enrolled in degree or certificate programs or have earned a post-secondary degree or certificate two years after graduation. It does not count students who go directly into the workforce or the military.

Hays' five-year success rate is 63.6%, and its average effectiveness is 57.6%.

The state estimates how well each district is expected to score on this measure based on factors, such as the number of students on free and reduced-cost lunch and the number of students who have individual education plans (IEPs). That gives the district a predicted effectiveness rate.

The district earned a Bronze Award because its post-secondary success rate exceeded the predicted effectiveness rate. It also earned a Commissioner's Award for significantly outperforming its&nbsp;predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate.

Board President Curt Vajnar said he hoped the curriculum would focus on real-world math rather than teaching to the test.

Dinkel said, "Now there is a variety, and there is a depth of knowledge to it. That is really what we are working on, to make sure we are teaching to the depth that is necessary, so that it is meaningful.

"[The assessment test] is one indicator. There are so many other measures of student success. We need to look at it as layers of data."

Hays USD 489 trending higher on math, English tests

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission continued discussions on future major improvement projects and those costs during its Wednesday meeting.

John Herman and Jason Gillig from Hutton presented preliminary project scopes and budget estimates for the following, which the county lacks sufficient funds to complete in full:

• Sheriff's office and communications department renovation, estimated cost of $2,486,097 • Combined EMS/fire facility in Ellis, estimated cost of $3,511,122 • Administrative Building fan coil units replacement, estimated cost of $2,609,524 • Courthouse HVAC replacement, estimated at $4,079,863 • Fire storage building at public works, estimated at $711,873 • Landfill transfer station expansion, estimated at $1,089,755

The total estimated cost is $14,488,254, which Commissioner Michael Berges said was higher than he initially thought.

"We want to do these projects without necessarily raising taxes; we want to do it with the reserves, sales tax and other bonds. The $14 to 15 million might breach that intent, but again, this is just a starting point," Berges said.

Gillig provided an overview of several county projects.

The Sheriff’s Office and communications renovation will include reconfigured offices, additional security, a new dispatch room, and a shared training and break area.

The new EMS and fire facility will span about 11,500 square feet and can be expanded by an additional 3,000 square feet to accommodate two more vehicle bays. The building will feature bunk rooms and a training area.

Plans for the County Public Works storage building include space that could later be converted into a classroom. The transfer station will undergo a rework of its floors and chutes to improve operations.

Joe Glassman, president/CEO of Glassman Corp., spoke with the commission about problems with the courthouse’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling system, which was installed in 2014.

"The system has been problematic since day one," Glassman said. "If it's zero degrees or below outside, it can't keep up because the heat pump is undersized and because it's going into a defrost cycle too often."

Glassman said the county will need to decide whether to continue investing in the current system, now halfway through its 20-year lifespan, or replace it with a water-to-air heat-pump system expected to last up to 40 years. He added that both options are similar in cost.

Commissioner Neal Younger asked how long the water-to-air heat pump systems Glassman helped install have lasted. Glassman replied that one he installed in Kinsley has been running for about 16 years without any breakdowns.

The commission's agenda for Wednesday included a proposal to use bond financing to help fund the projects, spreading costs over several years to ease budget impacts. Although not discussed during the meeting, the plan outlines repayment through sales tax revenue and reserves, with the first payment scheduled for 2027.

Multiple Ellis County projects estimated to cost more than $1 million

EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Friday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2029 Nissan Pathfinder driven by&nbsp; Rebecca Oberley, 44, Kinsley was&nbsp; eastbound on U.S. 50 highway just north of 110th Avenue. The SUV struck a deer and came to a stop on the eastbound shoulder of the of the highway.&nbsp; Oberley got out to check the damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was in reverse, the driver tripped and the SUV ran over her.

Oberley was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. A 14-year-old male passenger in the SUV was not injured.&nbsp;

Kan. woman run over, killed by her SUV after deer collision

Watch the Great Bend Hays High School game live tonight!

<a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/hayshigh/">CLICK HERE FOR THE GAME!</a>

Watch the Hays High vs. Great Bend game livestream tonight at 7

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Dr.&nbsp;Kendall Krug on a project to bring enhanced weather radar to area.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dr. Kendall Krug on enhanced weather radar project

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

Ellis County Appraiser Eugene Rupp said implementing a property valuation cap, such as a 3% limit, could lead to disparities in local housing markets.

Rupp discussed proposed state legislation with the Ellis County Commission during its Wednesday meeting that would cap property valuation increases.

"The end result of an appraised valuation or assessed value cap is that tax bills are no longer distributed fairly and equally, as a resulting tax shift will cause some property owners to pay more than their fair share, while others pay less," Rupp said.

Rupp presented a chart showing five homes valued at $250,000, each increasing in value at different rates from 0% to 8%, which he labeled as fair market value.

New market values ranged from $250,000 to $270,000. Using an established mill levy of 133.780 to raise $20,000 in taxes, the taxes owed from each home ranged from $3,846 to $4,154.

In a second chart, Rupp showed that a 3% value cap limits how much each property’s value can increase, even when new market values increase beyond that limit.

Homes four and five, which increased 6% and 8% in market value, were capped at 3%. To maintain the same $20,000 in total revenue, the mill levy had to be raised to 136.135 mills.

As a result, homes one through three now pay more in taxes due to the higher mill levy, while the higher-valued homes pay less because of the cap.

"Homeowner one is now paying an extra $68 in taxes they would not have paid if a valuation cap were not in place. The same goes for homeowner two, who's paying $69 more in taxes. Property three is a little less because they're closer to that 3% bar," Rupp said.

"Then what happens is homes four and five are actually worth a little bit more. Home four is getting a tax break and paying $46 less than they normally would, and the same for home number five, they're paying $123 less," he said.

Rupp discussed expanding programs like the Safe Senior or Homestead tax relief options, or increasing the state school levy exemption, as fairer methods for tax relief that the Legislature should pursue.

Commissioner Michael Berges said taxation is a "three-legged stool," and when you make changes to one, it destabilizes everything else.

"When people see things like this 3% cap, they initially think it seems like a good idea to save taxpayers," Berges said.

Darin Myers, county administrator, added the scenarios Rupp provided create the false perception that homeowners' taxes are staying lower while others pay more.

Berges said discussions will continue on the role of sales taxes, possibly offsetting property taxes.

Ellis County appraiser warns property valuation caps would shift tax burdens 

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.

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

STEM Harvest and the Ellis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Group received a&nbsp;$13,950 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications to expand digital amateur radio&nbsp;services in Ellis, Trego, and Rush Counties.

The grant will add digital radio repeater stations in La Crosse and WaKeeney, which will be&nbsp;linked to the existing Ellis County repeater. 

This 3-repeater network will cover all or parts of&nbsp;nine counties, six without digital communication infrastructure.&nbsp;The repeaters will operate in the VHF and UHF frequency bands and be linked to the internet through the world wide Wires-X system.

Operating under the FCC callsign KØHYS, the repeater network will be accessible to all&nbsp;licensed amateur radio operators, except during severe weather or emergency operations.

The digital radio network’s technology enhances STEM Harvest’s educational opportunities for&nbsp;local students and adults in the science and technology realms.

The mission of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is to support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to&nbsp;promote Amateur Radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open&nbsp;access, and innovation in information and communication technology.

Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a California-based foundation with roots in&nbsp;amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. The organization got its start&nbsp;by managing allocations of the AMPRnet address space, which is designated to licensed&nbsp;amateur radio operators worldwide. 

Additionally, ARDC makes grants to projects and&nbsp;organizations that follow amateur radio’s practice and tradition of technical experimentation&nbsp;in both amateur radio and digital communication science. Such experimentation has led to&nbsp;broad advances for the benefit of the general public – such as the mobile phone and wireless&nbsp;internet technology. ARDC envisions a world where all such technology is available through&nbsp;open source hardware and software, and where anyone has the ability to innovate upon it.

Learn more about ARDC at <a href="https://www.ardc.net/">ardc.net</a>.

Learn more about Stem Harvest at <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org</a>.

Digital amateur radio services to expand in three area counties thanks to grant

<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

The chilly fall weather is here, and you know winter will be on its way— warm up your vehicle this winter with a REMOTE START PACKAGE from XIBIT CUSTOMS, the remote start headquarters in HAYS.

Choose from over 12 different models, all with various ranges and features starting at $385 INSTALLED.

Ask about the drone capabilities that allow you to start, unlock and even locate your car right from your smartphone.

And are you looking for a perfect gift?!!!! Grill guards, bumpers, LED light kits, along with fender flares, lift kits, wheels and tires and MORE...Weathertech Floor Mats, heated seats, new stereo and speakers.

IT'S ALL AVAILABLE NOW AT XIBIT CUSTOMS, JUST SOUTH OFF 1-70, 1005 E. 27th&nbsp;St, IN HAYS.

Call them today for an appointment! (785) 621-4340&nbsp;

Community Calendar

Each year at the free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast, bags of free groceries are distributed to anyone who wants one. The food drive to collect the items for those bags will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dillons Grocery Store at 1902 Vine St.

The Rev. Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the food drive, said shoppers entering the store will be given lists of the items that will go into the bags. Last year 200 bags were prepared and distributed, Houchen said. This year, each bag will also contain suggested recipes that utilize those specific food items.

He said volunteers are still needed to help with the food drive. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the donated items into bags. That sorting process will take place at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., immediately following the food drive on Saturday. Houchen is the pastor at St. Michael’s. Volunteers may sign up be calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

This year’s Thanksgiving Feast, which is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St.

Community Thanksgiving Feast food drive is Saturday in Hays; volunteers needed

The Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is being hosted at the little Dillons, 515 W. 27th, Friday through Sunday. 

Lists of approved snacks for the children are available at the store and gift cards can be purchased to be used toward perishable items. 

Bins will be available for items to be dropped off at both doors.&nbsp;

Thanks for supporting the longest running child care center in Hays!

Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is Friday through Sunday

Today, Hays Post is accepting non-perishable food donations and cash from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to benefit the St. Joseph's Food Bank in Hays.

We have the big, red radio station truck out front, 2300 Hall.

Simply drop your donation off in the back of the truck, and we'll deliver it to the St. Joseph's Food Bank at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

If you have a cash donation, please bring it into the radio station.

Hays Post sponsoring food drive for St. Joseph Food Pantry today

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

The holiday season officially begins on The Bricks in Downtown Hays with the annual Holiday Open Houses, happening Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15.

Local retailers and restaurants will open their doors with festive décor, exclusive specials, and timeless holiday cheer as part of this year’s Christmas Magic on Main Street celebration. The event marks the start of a cherished shop-local tradition — inviting the community to stroll The Bricks, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and support the small businesses that keep Downtown Hays glowing all season long.

During the open houses, shoppers can purchase the new Downtown Holiday Coupon Book, available for $10 each, offering the potential to save over $1,000 at participating downtown businesses. Proceeds from each coupon book go directly toward the Downtown Dollar Giveaway prize fund, helping create even more excitement and rewards for those who shop local this holiday season.

The Downtown Dollar Giveaway runs throughout the season, giving shoppers a chance to win Downtown Dollars redeemable at dozens of participating businesses on The Bricks.

“These open houses are about more than sales,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “They’re about tradition — the sparkle of lights and the joy of supporting local businesses that make Hays such a special place to celebrate the season.”

Holiday Open Houses are just the beginning of a full lineup of festive events as part of Christmas Magic on Main Street, including the Jubilee, Clydesdale rides, and the 25th annual FrostFest Parade.

For full details, participating retailers, and contest information, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

Enjoy holiday open houses Thursday through Saturday in downtown Hays

Cub Scout Sign Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Dr., is Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Scouting America invites families to Cub Scout Sign-Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center on Thursday, Nov. 20. 

Cub Scouting is open to boys and girls in grades K–5&nbsp; and builds character, confidence, and community through hands on fun camping, Pinewood Derby®, outdoor skills, and STEM projects.

“Cub Scouting is where the adventure begins,” said Samuel Pyle, district executive for the Wheatland District. “It’s about learning by doing and growing together as a family and community.”

Drop in to meet leaders, learn about upcoming activities, and get your child started. 

For more info contact Samuel Pyle at samuel.pyle@scouting.org or 785-639-7681.

Cub Scout Sign Up Night is Nov. 20 in Hays

Enter The Smart Flush Sweepskates brought to you by city of Hays Water Conservation. One lucky winner will be chosen on Nov. 20 to win a 0.8
gallon/flush toilet for World Toilet Day, which is Nov. 19!

&nbsp;FUN FACT - 0.8 gpf toilets are the most efficient toilets you can purchase in Hays, KS. If your home currently has a 1.6 gpf (the current federal standard) and you replace it with a 0.8 gpf toilet, you are essentially cutting your toilet water use in half! Do your part to be Water Smart!

Smart Flush Sweepstakes!

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University of Kansas Medical Center, and local health departments, announced Friday the official end of the tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City, Kansas metropolitan area, according to a statement from the agency.

This milestone reflects nearly two years of coordinated public health response, with no new patients diagnosed with Active TB Disease since April 2025 and all affected individuals successfully completing treatment.

“Marking the end of the TB outbreak in the Kansas City, Kansas metro area is the result of the collaborative efforts of the KDHE staff, the CDC, KU Medical Center and the impacted local health departments,”&nbsp;KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said.&nbsp;“The state is fortunate to have qualified medical professionals to be able to handle this and future outbreaks.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The outbreak, first detected in early 2024, involved Wyandotte and Johnson counties, resulting in 68 confirmed active TB cases. This made it one of the largest TB outbreaks in the United States in recent decades. Through extensive screening efforts, an additional 91 latent TB infections were identified and treated preventively. More than 650 individuals were evaluated or monitored throughout the investigation.

Response efforts included widespread testing, directly observed therapy to support treatment adherence, and education campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early reporting. No drug-resistant TB strains were identified, and the risk to the public remained low throughout the outbreak, as TB primarily spreads through prolonged, close contact with someone infectious.

Although the outbreak is over, KDHE continues to encourage vigilance. Kansas reports approximately 50 TB cases annually statewide. Routine surveillance will remain essential to early detection and prevention.

For more information on TB prevention and resources, visit the KDHE Tuberculosis Program’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F530%2FTuberculosis-TB-Program%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019a8339878f-93f04bd3-4342-4101-9c6a-9418879c02a8-000000/ml1j7kG5ju43MZpRVaZatysoqgF9zIslbJ0C7LHDuoA=431">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/530/Tuberculosis-TB-Program</a>&nbsp;or contact your local health department.

KDHE: Kansas City, Kan. metro tuberculosis outbreak is over

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted to sex crimes involving a runaway teen will learn his fate on Friday.

Samuel Loredo, 22, will appear in&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman courtroom for sentenceing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.

In October, Loredo pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested&nbsp; Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sentencing day for Kan. man in sex assault of runaway 14-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;is spearheading a new initiative aimed at improving career and education opportunities for children raised in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/foster-care">foster care</a>.

Her husband, President Donald Trump, signed an executive order Thursday that creates a “Fostering the Future” program that brings together federal entities, nonprofits, educational institutions and the private sector to develop those opportunities for foster youth.

The order also creates an online hub that would help foster youth connect with key career and educational resources, while increasing access to vouchers and grants to support them in those efforts.

Saying the initiatives in the executive order “gives me tremendous pride,” Melania Trump said the effort is “both empathetic and strategic.”

“I call on leadership from these various organizations, including the private sector, to join my effort,” Melania Trump said from the East Room before an audience that included lawmakers, Cabinet officials and members of the foster-care community.

The first lady added: “Rise above the ease of inaction.”

The broader “Fostering the Future” initiative is an offshoot of the “Be Best” campaign that was her signature issue during Trump’s first term. The initiative began in 2021 and offers scholarships to current and former foster youth. Participating schools include Vanderbilt University, the University of Miami, Villanova University and Oral Roberts University, according to the first lady’s office.

President Trump said he was “delighted” to sign the initiative. He noted that the second lady, Usha Vance, was also very involved in Melania Trump’s effort.

“We’re going to have absolutely incredible results,” the president said.

The federal agencies involved include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Office of Personnel Management.

First lady launches new effort to support foster care children

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–A man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of&nbsp; his 8-year-old son will return to court Friday.

Stephen Rogers wil appear at a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.

Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment.

Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.

The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

Preliminary Hearing: Kan. man accused of killing his mother-in-law

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman had what his office says was a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up” that caused him to feel light-headed and fall during an early morning walk Thursday.

Fetterman was doing well and hospitalized in Pittsburgh, his office said. He sustained minor injuries to his face and was under “routine observation” at the hospital while doctors fine-tune his medication regimen, his office said.

Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious form of abnormal heartbeat and can lead to cardiac arrest — when the heart suddenly stops beating — and sudden cardiac death, according to the American Heart Association.

Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the heart’s lower chambers, and the heart association says its causes include cardiomyopathy, which Fetterman was diagnosed with in 2022. Cardiomyopathy can impede blood flow and potentially cause heartbeats so irregular they can be fatal.

Fetterman, 56, disclosed that he was diagnosed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-pennsylvania-government-and-politics-0c413bfeb7b00ceae5c172c7fa33007e">cardiomyopathy</a>&nbsp;and another type of abnormal heartbeat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-stroke-campaigns-congress-2216e12ec0d031d89d5343cf4f24d42c">atrial fibrillation</a>, after he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-government-and-politics-congress-0bedb2673ca27915afcbc84e36f42cfe">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;on the 2022 campaign trail.

Fetterman has said the stroke was caused by a blood clot triggered by atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, which affects the heart’s upper chambers.

Fetterman underwent surgery after the stroke to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator to manage the condition.

The lingering effects of his stroke include diminished auditory processing speed, called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-mehmet-oz-biden-health-john-fetterman-a89f9aff7d89efe43f2c40a74bbc9250">auditory processing disorder</a>, which makes it harder to speak fluidly and quickly process spoken conversation into meaning.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements