SEDGWICK COUNTY—The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. 'Russ' Meyer, Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company.

HAYS—“Two economic development incentives requested from the City of Hays for a planned full-service 24/7 Travel Plaza and convenience store north of Interstate 70 are a good investment,” said Mayor Mason Ruder at the City's Commission work session. Commissioner Shaun Musil expects to see more business develop in the area over time.

On Tuesday, February 17th, Rolling Hills Zoo announced the birth of a male southern white rhinoceros calf on February 8th. The calf and his mother, Evey, are doing well and are being monitored by animal care staff from a respectful distance.

HAYS—Fellow artist and friend Bruce Burkholder announced that Hays artist Pete Felton had passed away on Wednesday, February 4th. But before his passing, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) at the Kansas Department of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Governor's Arts Awards at its annual ceremony on Monday, February 2nd, at the Docking State Office Building in Topeka.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—Two horses were shot and killed from the road by an unknown assailant in the vicinity of Bradford and Mission Valley Road northeast of Eskridge in rural Wabaunsee County over the February 1st weekend, according to Wabaunsee County Sheriff Eric Kirsch. These horses were used for therapy for veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

WICHITA—Wichita State University announced a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous 1958 graduate of the University of Wichita to support need-based scholarships in the W. Frank Barton School of Business, according to a media release from the University.

WINFIELD—USD 465 celebrated an extraordinary act of generosity that made a meaningful difference for students and families across the District. During the January 12th Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Tricia Reiser shared the exciting news that the District received an unexpected donation totaling $15,432.00, which eliminated outstanding debt for unpaid student lunches.

HAYS—Fort Hays State University marked a historic milestone on Friday, December 12th, when Jackson Piper became the university's first graduate of its Officer Candidate School (OCS) program to cross the commencement stage at Gross Memorial Coliseum. Piper, a Kansas City native, joined the Kansas Army National Guard during his sophomore year and enrolled in FHSU's OCS program shortly after its launch in 2022.

WICHITA—A Kansas school is shelving Chromebooks in favor of pencil and paper. McPherson Middle School announced in a letter to families that students will be turning in their Chromebooks at the end of the semester.

ELLIS COUNTY—Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $16,900.00. The four-person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 12th, at the Ellis Golf Club.