Kansas man retrieving his hat struck and killed by pickup

RUSSELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th, in Russell County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that a 2002 Ford F150, driven by Garrett M. Bohnen, 16, Wilson, came to a stop at 195th Street and Lincoln Lane when the right front passenger, identified as Aiden J. Moyer, 21, Ellsworth, lost his hat out of the door window and into the pickup. Moyer exited the vehicle to retrieve his hat. The pickup reversed down the roadway and struck him. Moyer was transported to Russell Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Bohnen and two female passengers in the vehicle were not injured. (Hays Post)

Hays Buffaloes earn silver medal at Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota

HAYS—The Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team returned as silver medalists at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which brought together 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states. Team members were Brent Murray, Don Furrey, Ethan Kuhlmann, Geoff Birzer, Joe Reed, Kayleen Walters, Luck Schmidt, Nelda Owen, Riley Green, and Steven Lawson. (Hays Post)

Steven brothers sell Spangles after nearly 50 years of local ownership

WICHITA—Spangles announced it has been acquired by the Hamideh family, ending nearly five decades of family ownership for the Wichita-based restaurant chain. Spangles was founded in January 1979 by brothers Craig and Dale Steven. Their sister Rene Steven served as Director of Operations and was recognized as the spokeswoman in Spangles commercials. The new owners are committed to preserving the values and traditions that have made Spangles a Kansas favorite,” Spangles said in a social media post. Spangles operates 26 restaurants across Kansas. (KWCH)

Retired naval aviator preserves naval aviation, Top Gun legacy in WaKeeney

WAKEENEY—For most people, the legendary fighter jets featured in the movie “Top Gun” exist only on a movie screen; for Retired Navy fighter pilot and “the real-life Maverick,” CJ “Heater” Heatley, those aircraft were everyday life. Heatley, who spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy, flying both the F-4 Phantom and the iconic F-14 Tomcat, took him across some of the world’s most dangerous regions. Now, decades after flying missions across the globe, pieces of that career have found a new home in western Kansas. Heatley recently donated his military memorabilia collection to the town of WaKeeney, specifically the Prairie Rose Inn. The collection includes flight suits, photographs, patches, street signs, and personal artifacts gathered throughout nearly three decades of military service. Heatley worked on the original 1986 “Top Gun” movie for four months, creating some of the movie's most memorable aerial footage. He flew most of the over-water scenes, all the missile shot scenes, landing scenes, and dogfighting. He graduated from Top Gun in 1975 and returned as an instructor in 1977. (Hays Post)

Sedgwick County Zoo introduces fledgling frogmouth chick

WICHITA—The Sedgwick County Zoo introduced a new tawny frogmouth chick that fledged from the nest. Guests can see the chick perched near its parents in the new Australian habitat. The Zoo said the hatch is especially exciting because it marks the first time the parents have raised their own young. They have remained attentive and watchful as the chick gains more independence and begins to navigate the world on its own. (KWCH)