The Hays Daily News

Jerry Choate, former Fort Hays State University professor and director of Sternberg Museum of Natural History, has died. Choate, 66, lost an eight-month battle with cancer Wednesday evening. Full Story »

For some, purchasing a fresh Christmas tree from the Hays Optimist Club's lot is more than a charitable contribution -- it's a tradition. Full Story »

They are described as conservative women who had a passion for helping students learn. But no matter how much, or little, money they had when they died, they made it clear they wanted the majority of it to go to Fort Hays State University. Full Story »

It's almost time to start making New Year's resolutions, which means it's also almost time for round four of Hays' annual weight loss competition. Registration is open for Pound Plunge 4, a program offered through Hays Medical Center's Center for Health Improvement. Full Story »

The reindeer didn't make it out of Frank and Francie Rohleder's attic this year. Neither did the candy canes. Instead of reindeer leading Santa's sleigh in the Rohleders front yard, Frank hitched up a flock of geese this year, at the urging of a friend. Full Story »

A proposed 10-percent drop in state Medicaid reimbursement rates has some local health care providers facing difficult changes. The declined reimbursement was announced by Gov. Mark Parkinson late last month as part of his proposal to trim state spending by an additional $258.9 million. Full Story »

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Frigid temperatures iced the Upper Midwest as a storm that dumped more than a foot of snow in several states from Iowa to New England threatened another round today as it neared the end of its cross-country trek. Full Story »

All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Full Story »

WaKEENEY -- Nearly 150 wreaths will adorn the graves of Kansas veterans Saturday during the fourth annual Wreaths Across America event at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. Full Story »

With the cost of health insurance coverage rising, the Hays City Commission will be asked to limit the amount it contributes to insurance for city employees. Full Story »

The Fort Hays State University Foundation has received a $2 million gift from the estates of sisters Marva Lange and Dorothy Lange. Full Story »

Virtually every school in the area is closed today, with the exception of Fort Hays State University. But youngsters might not be able to enjoy the snow for a few days because of the bitter cold. Full Story »

Hays USD 489 will not have school Wednesday. All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Full Story »

Hays City Hall closed at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday due to the weather. All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Full Story »

Fort Hays State University President Edward Hammond announced the university campus and Sternberg Museum of Natural History will close at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday so people can travel home safely. Full Story »

As in years past, photography will be the anchor of the Hays Arts Council's annual Winter Gallery Walk. The council will feature more than 170 pieces submitted for entry in the 26th annual Five State Photography competition. Full Story »

An Overland Park consulting firm soon will put together a proposal for the Ellis County Commission to further pursue the idea of hiring a county administrator. Full Story »

As local health care providers continue to vaccinate high-risk populations, it's hoped the H1N1 vaccine soon could be available to the general public. Full Story »

The Board of Education for Hays USD 489 will continue to keep a close eye on ways to deal with the decreasing state budget. One of those, they decided at Monday's regular meeting, is to remain a member of the Schools for Fair Funding lobbying group. Full Story »

ELLIS -- When the forecast Monday started calling for as much as a foot of snow, Chris and Michele Kingsley decided it was time to start rounding up their cows, and especially the young calves at their side. Full Story »

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- A howling winter storm barreled through the West, hitting the mountain states with snow and fierce winds as it headed toward the country's midsection today. Full Story »

The need for blood is constant, so the American Red Cross Blood Services are at the Osborne Veteran’s Building on Main Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The Central Plains Region serves the hospitals of Kansas. Full Story »

A public forum discussing mental health funding has been postponed due to a winter storm warning. The event, hosted by the Hays Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 in the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union’s trails room. Full Story »

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History has postponed tonight's annual party for museum members to Dec. 14, according to Mark Kellerman, museum public relations director. Full Story »

Debbie Mercer believes the economy at least has something to do with the steady increase of students enrolling in education programs at Fort Hays State University. Full Story »