FHSU President announces official closure of Sternberg Museum

HAYS—“After careful deliberation, I have decided to close the Sternberg Museum's public-facing operations as part of our strategic Budget Alignment process. The closure of public operations will take effect on December 18th, 2026. Museum faculty and staff will remain on appointment for this year, and we will reassess our staffing needs for the future. This is not a decision I make lightly. The Sternberg Museum is woven into the identity of this university and this region.' (Hays Post)

Kansas man arrested after deputies recover 500 pounds of stolen copper

PROTECTION—A man was arrested Thursday, September 24th, after deputies recovered 500 pounds of copper materials that authorities believe were stolen. The Comanche County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Protection, according to a social media post. Eric Boyles, 55, of Protection, was booked into the Kiowa County Jail on the requested charges of felony theft and burglary. The sheriff's office encourages residents, businesses, and contractors to take precautions to secure copper wire, pipe, HVAC components, tools, and other valuable materials. (KAKE)

School bus slides on muddy northwest Kansas road, struck a tree

PHILLIPS COUNTY—A school bus driver and students avoided injury after an accident just before 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1st, in Phillips County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that a 2015 Thomas USD 326 Logan School bus, driven by Kim Michelle Ellenberger, 38, of Glade, was westbound on Phillips County Road Early Eve on Thursday morning, about 6.3 miles east of U.S. Highway 183. The driver lost control because of muddy roads. The vehicle slid off the road into the north ditch and struck a tree. Ellenberger and the two juvenile passengers were not injured and were able to make it safely out of the vehicle, according to the KHP. The school district made arrangements to tow the bus. (Hays Post)

Kansas man faces judge for alleged cattle theft

PAWNEE COUNTY—Roy Gene Robinson, 48, of Great Bend, appeared in custody on Wednesday morning, September 30th, via tele-video in the Pawnee County District Court before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell for formal First Appearance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. Robinson is charged with three counts: Theft of Livestock, a severity level 5 nonperson felony; Theft of Property worth at least $1,500.00 but less than $25,000.00, a severity level 9 nonperson felony; and Criminal Trespass, a Class B nonperson misdemeanor. All counts are alleged to have occurred sometime between July 9th and 11th, 2026, in rural Pawnee County. The charges stem from an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department following a report of missing cattle on July 11th, 2026. A Livestock Special Agent assigned to the Kansas Attorney General's Office assisted the sheriff's department in the investigation. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 14th, 2026. Robinson is currently in the custody of the Barton County Jail, serving a local sentence, according to McNett. (Hays Post)