Elephant who lived at Kansas zoo since 1972 has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY—The Sedgwick County Zoo family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Stephanie, a 55-year-old African elephant. Stephanie lived at the Zoo since 1972 and was the longest-tenured resident. She received specialized care to help her stay comfortable and maintain the best quality of life in her senior years. Despite this ongoing care, Stephanie's care team recently observed a significant decline, and it was clear that her treatment could no longer manage her condition. The veterinary team made the extremely difficult, but compassionate, decision to euthanize her humanely. Known for her sassy spirit and bold personality, Stephanie will leave an enduring legacy at Sedgwick County Zoo. (Hays Post)

Suspect accused of aiming laser, shooting at KHP aircraft

CHEROKEE COUNTY—Law enforcement is investigating a suspect in connection with allegedly pointing a laser at a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft. The Kansas Highway Air Support Unit was recently assisting a local law enforcement agency in Cherokee County when the flight crew was targeted by an individual, later identified as 45-year-old Jason Elmer Zwahlen, aiming a green laser at the aircraft. The flight crew located Zwahlen and directed KHP ground units to the area. Zwahlen then fired several shots at the aircraft before leaving the scene in a vehicle. KHP ground units stopped the vehicle and took Zwahlen into custody. Just before 11:00 p.m. on September 22nd, Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies booked Zwahlen into the Cherokee County Detention Center in Columbus on requested charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident occurred in its county, not in LaBette County as originally reported. (Hays Post)

Hope for Sternburg Museum

HAYS—After an outpouring of community support, Fort Hays State University president recently said she is optimistic about raising enough funds to keep the Sternberg Museum open into next year. "When we announced the closure, many community partners indicated a willingness to help, and we are very grateful and optimistic about reaching our $1 million goal of additional support from the community for the fiscal year 2027," FHSU President Tisa Mason said during the Ellis County Commission meeting. The FHSU Foundation has opened a fund for the Sternberg. The Foundation's initial goal has been to raise $855,000.00. (Hays Post)

Garden City man arrested after alleged domestic incident in Hays

HAYS—A 22-year-old Garden City man was arrested in Hays on Sunday, October 4th, after police responded to an alleged domestic disturbance at a home in the 400 block of Ash Street. Tim Greenwood, Hays Deputy Police Chief, said a witness called police to report a disturbance at about 9:30 p.m. Greenwood said Hussein Katour, 22, was known to the victim through an intimate relationship. Katour allegedly took the victim's phone, resulting in the requested robbery charge, Greenwood said. Katour was also arrested on requested charges of aggravated burglary, domestic battery, criminal threat, and stalking, Greenwood said. (Hays Post)