Kansas Klips
Kansas zoo announces birth of southern white rhino
On Tuesday, February 17th, Rolling Hills Zoo announced the birth of a male southern white rhinoceros calf on February 8th. The calf and his mother, Evey, are doing well and are being monitored by animal care staff from a respectful distance. Evey, 19, and the calf's father, Kengele, 27, were both previously part of a 15-member white rhino herd, known as a 'crash,' at The Wilds Safari Park and Conservation Center in Cumberland, Ohio. Evey arrived at Rolling Hills Zoo in 2020, and Kengele joined the Zoo in 2024. White rhino gestation lasts approximately 16 to 18 months. The southern white rhino is the second-largest land mammal after the elephant and represents one of conservation's most remarkable comeback stories, having once been brought back from the brink of extinction. (Hays Post)
Kansas wins 77th International Pancake Day Race
SEWARD COUNTY— Liberal, Kansas took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race. McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page. This year's competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney's top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn't enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory. (Hays Post)
Man arrested at FHSU residence hall for alleged sexual battery
ELLIS COUNTY—A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching someone at Fort Hays State University's residence hall. FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said campus police were dispatched to the hall at about 2:11 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10th. Based on the victim's description, Marque Elston Tavares was quickly apprehended by assisting officers. The suspect was identified by the victim and arrested, Pierce said. He was booked into the Ellis County Jail for alleged sexual battery. Law enforcement provided no other details. (Hays Post)
Another Kansas school district cancels classes due to illness
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY—Due to a high number of student and staff illnesses across the District, USD 286 Sedan canceled classes on Wednesday, February 18th, according to a statement from the school district's social media page. All school activities and practices scheduled for that date were also canceled, and the Chautauqua County Spelling Bee did not take place. On January 14th, Fairfield USD 310 canceled classes and activities due to illness, and on February 2nd, USD 511 Attica reported that there would be no school or other activities for two days due to illness. And on February 4th, Centre School District 397 announced that it would not have classes the rest of
