Only grocery store in Ellis to close its doors

ELLIS—Ellis Hometown Food Center, the town's only grocery store, is expected to close in the coming weeks. Jeff Geschwentner said the store does not have a set closing date and will remain open until the inventory is sold. He said it could also close in late April or early May. The market will continue stocking perishable items such as meat, produce, dairy, and frozen goods, while letting dry goods sell out. Geschwentner said the store is not formally listed for sale, but he would sell it to an interested buyer. He added that hours will likely be reduced as the store nears closing. (Hays Post)

Kansas State Fair receives $99,000.00 State Grant to help preserve historic Ye Old Mill

HUTCHINSON—The Kansas State Fair has been awarded a $99,000.00 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to support the preservation and renewal of Ye Old Mill, one of the Fair's most iconic and historic attractions. Originally built in 1915, Ye Old Mill has carried generations of Kansas families through its winding waterways and remains one of the most beloved traditions of the Kansas State Fair. It is also one of only three remaining Old Mill-style attractions in the United States, making its preservation especially important to Kansas history and tourism. (Kansas State Fair Press Release)

Police ask for help to ID northwest Kansas hit-and-run suspect

SHERMAN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are requesting help in locating a person involved in a hit-and-run accident that occurred Friday, March 20th, in Goodland, according to a social media report from Goodland Police. The accident involved a semi truck, causing significant damage. The police released security camera images of the alleged suspect and the vehicle. If you have any information, please contact them at 785-890-4570 or Dispatch at 785-890-4575 (Hays Post)

Hays woman arrested for alleged DUI crash; knocks out power in part of downtown

HAYS—A 24-year-old Hays woman was arrested on multiple charges following an alleged DUI crash in downtown Hays. Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said Jennifer Alondra Martinez was arrested early on Sunday morning, March 21st, following an alleged hit-and-run crash involving a parked vehicle and a power box. He said officers were notified of the crash at about 2:30 p.m. Greenwood said Martinez was at 10th and Ash Streets after fleeing the scene and appeared heavily impaired. She was arrested for alleged DUI, battery on a law enforcement officer, no driver's license, no insurance, and reckless driving. (Hays Post)

Arrest in McPherson County homicide investigation

MCPHERSON COUNTY—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the McPherson County Sheriff's Office made an arrest connected to the January 31st death of Joshua Soden. On March 23rd, at around 5:15 p.m., Daniel T. Hawkinson, 18, of McPherson, was arrested by KBI agents at the McPherson County Sheriff's Office. Hawkinson was arrested on a warrant for voluntary manslaughter. He was then booked into the McPherson County Jail. All suspects are presumed innocent unless or until found guilty in a court of law. The McPherson County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case. No further information can be released. (KBI News)