Chick-fil-A coming to Hays

HAYS—It’s now official that Chick-fil-A is coming to Hays. Construction of the $6.2 million project is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, following the city commission's approval of the requested incentive. Completion of the restaurant is anticipated at the end of the year. (Hays Post)

Two-year-old killed in tragic Kansas farm accident

ALLEN COUNTY—Law enforcement is investigating a fatal accident involving a two-year-old girl who had been backed over by a truck on a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Elsmore, Kansas, according to the Allen County Sheriff's Office. Just before 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16th, the Allen County Communications Center received a 911 call from the mother of the two-year-old child, who reported that she and her husband were driving the child to a local hospital. Working with a calm 911 dispatcher, the child's breathing and other medical conditions were assessed. The child was transferred, roadside, to an Allen County ambulance three miles east of Humboldt and transported to the Allen County Regional Hospital. The child was later airlifted to Children's Mercy, where she died of her injuries, according to the sheriff's office. There is no foul play suspected, according to the sheriff's office. It appears to have been a tragic farm-related accident. (Hays Post)

Lyons City Council removes police chief

LYONS—The Lyons City Council voted on Monday, March 16th, to remove Police Chief Justin Holiday 'for cause' following a weeks-long suspension and administrative review. Following an executive session, the city council approved the decision in a 5-2 vote. Holiday had been placed on suspension on February 17th, with city officials stating at the time that the action was 'based on the needs of the department and the community.' No specific details regarding the reason for the suspension or removal have been released, with the City continuing to describe the situation as a 'personnel matter.' In the interim, Sgt. Cory Ryan has been appointed acting police chief. The City has also made an agreement with the Rice County Sheriff's Office to assist with law enforcement coverage as needed. (Hays Post)

Man jailed after shooting rifle at Kansas officers

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement is investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a violent incident in Great Bend. Just before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th, the Great Bend Police Department (GBPD) was dispatched to 3318 24th Street in response to reports that there was a subject in the area with a rifle who had fired multiple shots, according to a media release. The initial complaint was that he may have been firing in the air and then possibly shooting towards a neighbor. The individual with the gun was later identified as 35-year-old Ryan Lang. Upon the first officer's arrival, Lang shot in that direction. Additional officers quickly arrived on the scene, blocking nearby roads and establishing a perimeter around the property. Lang shot approximately three more times. The first round struck a civilian vehicle parked in the 2300 block of Polk Street. A second shot was aimed at an officer setting the perimeter at the intersection of 24th and Polk, and the round passed just over the top of the patrol vehicle. A third shot was believed to be fired into the air. While on the scene, officers learned Lang had also shot and struck at least two other vehicles that had driven through the area prior to the officers' arrival. Lang continued moving around the property with the rifle, circulating between the front yard, porch, and inside the residence as GBPD officers and Barton County Sheriff's Office deputies maintained the perimeter. After an approximately 90-minute standoff, Lang was seen exiting the house without the rifle. Officers, deputies, and a K-9 from the Barton County Sheriff's Office advanced toward Lang, but he returned inside the residence. Officers and deputies followed Lang inside, where he was taken into custody after a Taser was utilized to immobilize him temporarily. Lang was transported to the Barton County Jail, where he was booked and confined on the requested charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer (LEO), and criminal discharge of a firearm. criminal damage to property, interference with LEO, and possession of a controlled substance. (Hay Post)