Sternberg Museum's future in question

HAYS—An employee of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History posted Monday night, September 21st, on Facebook that the Hays museum will be closing at the end of the year. The University has not made an official statement about the museum's future. However, Eric Grospitch, Fort Hays State University Senior Advisor for Executive Operations, said via email, 'Right now, all I can share is that as a result of the $2.4 million reduction from the Legislature, the University has difficult decisions to make to ensure a strong FHSU for the future. Additional information will be forthcoming.' (Hays Post)

Kansas school superintendent charged

TOPEKA—Former Ness County School Superintendent Jeff Jones has been charged with 19 felonies and misdemeanors, including multiple financial crimes and two felonies involving a minor. Jones, Superintendent of USD 106 in south-central Kansas, was arrested in August. Recently filed charges range from theft valued between $25,000.00 and $100,000.00 to misuse of public funds and making or participating in prohibited contracts. The two charges involving a minor are aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim and contributing to a child's misconduct or deprivation. The second charge means to 'unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly' encourage a child to commit an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, according to the charges filed in Ness County District Court. Details of the case haven't been released. Ness County Sheriff Brandon Mitchell wrote in an email that an investigation opened after a USD 106 school board meeting where an allegation of potential misuse of school funds or equipment. (KAKE)

ICE presence in southwest Kansas prompted temporary business closures

WICHITA—Some businesses in southwest Kansas shut their doors temporarily during the week of September 21st as federal immigration agents made arrests. Local officials confirmed the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Scott City. (KSNW)

Skunk with confirmed case of rabies found near Kansas park

WILSON COUNTY—Health officials are investigating a rabies case in a skunk in Wilson County. On Wednesday, September 16th Fredonia Animal Control was called to West Park, located between Washington and Madison near the Wilson County Fairgrounds, for a report of a skunk behaving oddly, according to a statement from the Wilson County Health Department. Animal control officers captured the skunk and then followed rabies protocols. On that Thursday, the Wilson County Health Department was notified that the animal tested positive for rabies. County authorities say anyone who may have had contact with a skunk in West Park should contact the Health Department as soon as possible. Residents are reminded to avoid contact with wild animals, especially those that behave unusually, appear sick or injured, or are active at unusual times. Do not attempt to approach, capture, or handle a sick or dead wild animal. Pet owners should also make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. (Hays Post)