OSBORNE—The Osborne County Sheriff’s Office announced the official retirement of longstanding sheriff Curtis Miner on Monday, January 20th. Miner served Osborne County for 32 years and has been a Certified Law Enforcement Officer since 1977.After completing the police academy, Miner served as the City of Osborne’s police chief until 1979.

COFFEY COUNTY—A 32-year-old former Burlington High School teacher and wrestling coach was sentenced on Thursday, January 9th, in Coffey County District Court related to the sexual abuse of two teens. At the sentencing hearing, a judge sentenced Michael Vander Linden of Burlington to 36 months in prison and lifetime registration as a registered offender for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

SHERIDAN COUNTY—Just before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8th, Sheridan County Communications received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire at a home in Selden, according to a media release from the Sheridan County Sheriff.

BOGUE—Donna Rae Pearson of Topeka has accepted the executive director position of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum in Nicodemus. Pearson brings extensive experience to the position as a museum curator, community development specialist, manager, public speaker, presenter, and advocate for African American History.

HAYS—From a small dream to 20 years of sweet success, Augustine’s Bakery has baked its way into the hearts and stomachs of Hays. The bakery, 1305 Main Street, celebrated its 20th anniversary on December 1st, giving gratitude to their customers and surrounding communities for their life-changing support.

KANSAS—The Kansas Shrine Bowl proudly introduced the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 in Dodge City, Kansas. This year, Alex McMillian of Plainville—1A, will be one of the assistant coaches on the West team lead by Dominick Dingle.

PHILLIPS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2nd, in Phillips County.

HAYS—HaysMed has filed a counterclaim against Dr. Jerod Grove and Greeley County Hospital.

MANHATTAN—In a moment of triumph for the Wildcat community, a one-of-a-kind banner that once graced the storied halls of Ahearn Fieldhouse has returned home after over five decades. Thanks to the dedication and passion of Bobby Sloan, SVP and Director of Marketing at Outdoor Bank, the banner was recently recovered following weeks of extensive research, negotiations, and careful handling, according to a media release from K-State.

HAYS—Dr. Jerod Grove has sued HaysMed in U.S. District Court to stop the hospital from enforcing a non-compete clause that he says prevents him from practicing medicine in western Kansas. Grove, a general surgeon, resigned from the hospital on November 12th. HaysMed has employed him for nine years.