FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2026
Contact: Yazmin Moreno | Yazmin.Moreno@ks.gov | 620-765-7080
Southwest Kansas travel discouraged due to wildfires, smoke and high winds
The Kansas Department of Transportation is discouraging all non-essential travel across southwest Kansas this evening, Feb. 18, due to extremely high fire dangers and possible dense smoke, which could greatly reduce visibility.
According to the National Weather Service, winds are predicted to shift and increase the likelihood of dense smoke between about 6-11 p.m. tonight. Travel is strongly discouraged in southwest Kansas during this time, especially in the Ford County area.
Several fires in southwest Kansas that began yesterday or last night are still active today. Blowing smoke from these fires is impacting motorists at times.
Impacts on visibility for drivers could make it necessary to close highways at times. For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit kandrive.gov, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.
There’s still time for local youth entrepreneurs to qualify for State through Wildcard Challenges — and these are open to any student.
Online Competition – March 24
Compete from anywhere!
Register here: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/772
In-Person Competition at Fort Hays State University – April 7
Experience the energy of a live event!
Register here: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/856
Our local Youth Entrepreneur Challenge mentor, Tony Linger, is available to help students every step of the way. No one has to figure it out alone!
Reach out to Tony @ Linger for more information and guidance.
Online Competition – March 24
Compete from anywhere!
Register here: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/772
In-Person Competition at Fort Hays State University – April 7
Experience the energy of a live event!
Register here: https://goventuredash.com/competitions/856
Our local Youth Entrepreneur Challenge mentor, Tony Linger, is available to help students every step of the way. No one has to figure it out alone!
Reach out to Tony @ Linger for more information and guidance.
Gray County’s FIRST Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was held Saturday, February 14th — and it was a huge success!
Open to students across Gray County, this event highlighted the creativity, confidence, and innovation of our local youth.
🏆 1st Place – $500
Ryder Jeter – Jetes Phone Cases
🥈 2nd Place – $350
Ivan Enriquez – Ivan’s Senior Support
🥉 3rd Place – $250
Carson Ross – Keys of Life
Each student completed an Executive Summary, built a Trade Show Booth, and delivered a 4-minute presentation to judges.
A HUGE thank you to mentor Tony Coast (Coast), who works with students through workshops and one-on-one coaching. No student has to figure it out alone — Tony helps them every step of the way, from idea development to final presentation.
And major kudos to these youth entrepreneurs — they are our creative future!
Next up: We’re planning to host an Acton Children’s Business Fair for grade school students, continuing to grow entrepreneurship opportunities across Gray County!
Pictured left to right: Carson Ross; Lea Ann Seiler, Network Kansas; Ryder Jeter; Tony Coast, Linger Gig Lab; Ivan Enriquez
The future is bright.
Open to students across Gray County, this event highlighted the creativity, confidence, and innovation of our local youth.
🏆 1st Place – $500
Ryder Jeter – Jetes Phone Cases
🥈 2nd Place – $350
Ivan Enriquez – Ivan’s Senior Support
🥉 3rd Place – $250
Carson Ross – Keys of Life
Each student completed an Executive Summary, built a Trade Show Booth, and delivered a 4-minute presentation to judges.
A HUGE thank you to mentor Tony Coast (Coast), who works with students through workshops and one-on-one coaching. No student has to figure it out alone — Tony helps them every step of the way, from idea development to final presentation.
And major kudos to these youth entrepreneurs — they are our creative future!
Next up: We’re planning to host an Acton Children’s Business Fair for grade school students, continuing to grow entrepreneurship opportunities across Gray County!
Pictured left to right: Carson Ross; Lea Ann Seiler, Network Kansas; Ryder Jeter; Tony Coast, Linger Gig Lab; Ivan Enriquez
The future is bright.
The railroad crossings at 2nd street and 5th street in Cimarron will be temporarily closed for repairs by BNSF today. Starting Monday the crossings will be closed as BNSF completes repairs. Repairs are estimated to take a couple of days. Please plan accordingly and use alternative routes until repairs are completed.
Found a female dog near the grocery store! Call City Hall @ 620.855.2215 or Mark @ 620.253.9284
🎉 NEW ONLINE BILLING SERVICE! 🎈
Pay your city bill online fast, easy, and secure.
✔️ View your bill
✔️ Set up autopay
✔️ Pay anytime, anywhere
Sign up before March 1st to avoid any issues!
👉 https://cimarronks.ourcommunityconnect.com/
Pay your city bill online fast, easy, and secure.
✔️ View your bill
✔️ Set up autopay
✔️ Pay anytime, anywhere
Sign up before March 1st to avoid any issues!
👉 https://cimarronks.ourcommunityconnect.com/
There are some "new" items showing on your bill, so let's talk about it!
Those who received paperless bills through FrontDesk or have had to request reprints have seen the FA (Fuel Adjustment) charge before, but many who only receive the postcard bills have not. We have recently changed our billing/financial software, and were presented with the opportunity to be more transparent with our customers. The Fuel Adjustment is not new. It was previously included in the regular Electric charge on the postcard-style bills. The Fuel Adjustment is a variable cost covering the electrical infrastructure expenses of the City, such as street lights, tornado sirens, and well pumps.
The other 4 new items will most likely only appear on your bill in the future if they are relevant to you, and you should be expecting them if they are. MW is Miscellaneous Water and MS is Miscellaneous Sewer. These would only be charged after agreement with the City for a special service. NF is Nonsufficient Funds and would only appear if a payment was made to the City and returned after processing as NSF or non-negotiable. RC is Reconnect Fee, which would only appear if there was a Reconnect Fee added to an account after service was disconnected for nonpayment.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at City Hall by calling 620-855-2215, coming down to see us at 119 S Main St, or emailing Assistant@cimarronks.org.
Those who received paperless bills through FrontDesk or have had to request reprints have seen the FA (Fuel Adjustment) charge before, but many who only receive the postcard bills have not. We have recently changed our billing/financial software, and were presented with the opportunity to be more transparent with our customers. The Fuel Adjustment is not new. It was previously included in the regular Electric charge on the postcard-style bills. The Fuel Adjustment is a variable cost covering the electrical infrastructure expenses of the City, such as street lights, tornado sirens, and well pumps.
The other 4 new items will most likely only appear on your bill in the future if they are relevant to you, and you should be expecting them if they are. MW is Miscellaneous Water and MS is Miscellaneous Sewer. These would only be charged after agreement with the City for a special service. NF is Nonsufficient Funds and would only appear if a payment was made to the City and returned after processing as NSF or non-negotiable. RC is Reconnect Fee, which would only appear if there was a Reconnect Fee added to an account after service was disconnected for nonpayment.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at City Hall by calling 620-855-2215, coming down to see us at 119 S Main St, or emailing Assistant@cimarronks.org.
February, 16 2026, City Hall will be closed for Presidents' Day.
Community Betterment Award for Kathleen Holt
Western Kansas Community Foundation's Conny and Donna teamed up with past board member Jim Coast to present the 2025 Community Betterment Award to Cimarron resident Kathleen Holt (pictured).
Kathleen served on the WKCF board from 2015-2019, the last year as board chair. During her tenure, Kathleen was instrumental in designing MatchDay, WKCF's annual fundraising campaign for the nonprofits. Significantly, she insisted that matching dollars be applied to the agencies' endowed funds, safeguarding their long-term needs.
As a champion of rural philanthropy, Kathleen understands the importance of building permanent resources through legacy planning. She is also known for successful grant writing, and her active involvement with philanthropic causes, including Shepherd on the Plains, High Plains Public Radio, Humanities Kansas and Kansas Oral History Project, to name a few. Nicknamed “The Lady with the Many Hats”, Kathleen is a tireless champion of Kansas’ rural communities, and never short of creative ideas.
WKCF’s Community Betterment Award celebrates community philanthropy in all its facets. It seeks to recognize community members who have supported WKCF – as a board member, donor, and ambassador – and who have made a significant contribution to the community at large – through their leadership, philanthropy, volunteer service, or otherwise. Established in 2021, the Award's notable recipients include Kirk Olomon, Liz Scheopner, Dr. Luther and Ardis Fry, and Senator Steve Morris.
Western Kansas Community Foundation's Conny and Donna teamed up with past board member Jim Coast to present the 2025 Community Betterment Award to Cimarron resident Kathleen Holt (pictured).
Kathleen served on the WKCF board from 2015-2019, the last year as board chair. During her tenure, Kathleen was instrumental in designing MatchDay, WKCF's annual fundraising campaign for the nonprofits. Significantly, she insisted that matching dollars be applied to the agencies' endowed funds, safeguarding their long-term needs.
As a champion of rural philanthropy, Kathleen understands the importance of building permanent resources through legacy planning. She is also known for successful grant writing, and her active involvement with philanthropic causes, including Shepherd on the Plains, High Plains Public Radio, Humanities Kansas and Kansas Oral History Project, to name a few. Nicknamed “The Lady with the Many Hats”, Kathleen is a tireless champion of Kansas’ rural communities, and never short of creative ideas.
WKCF’s Community Betterment Award celebrates community philanthropy in all its facets. It seeks to recognize community members who have supported WKCF – as a board member, donor, and ambassador – and who have made a significant contribution to the community at large – through their leadership, philanthropy, volunteer service, or otherwise. Established in 2021, the Award's notable recipients include Kirk Olomon, Liz Scheopner, Dr. Luther and Ardis Fry, and Senator Steve Morris.
Big Things Are Happening in Cimarron!
Our youth leaders in Mr. Curtiss’s welding class are making incredible progress on a first for our community—directional and wayfinding signs! These signs will help visitors and residents navigate Cimarron with ease and pride.
This project showcases the talent, teamwork, and dedication of our local youth. We look forward to seeing these signs installed this year!
✅ Show your support by sharing this post and cheering on these hardworking student leaders. Stay tuned for more updates and photos of their craftsmanship!
Our youth leaders in Mr. Curtiss’s welding class are making incredible progress on a first for our community—directional and wayfinding signs! These signs will help visitors and residents navigate Cimarron with ease and pride.
This project showcases the talent, teamwork, and dedication of our local youth. We look forward to seeing these signs installed this year!
✅ Show your support by sharing this post and cheering on these hardworking student leaders. Stay tuned for more updates and photos of their craftsmanship!
Time is running out to join the Online Restaurant Academy!
This program was created specifically for Kansans who own or dream of owning a food business. It’s more than just education—it’s a powerful blend of expert training, peer-to-peer mentoring, and personalized one-on-one coaching designed to help you succeed.
And the best part? No travel required. Learn, connect, and grow from anywhere—it’s 100% online!
Don’t miss this chance to transform your passion into a thriving business. Register now and take the first step toward your culinary future!
This program was created specifically for Kansans who own or dream of owning a food business. It’s more than just education—it’s a powerful blend of expert training, peer-to-peer mentoring, and personalized one-on-one coaching designed to help you succeed.
And the best part? No travel required. Learn, connect, and grow from anywhere—it’s 100% online!
Don’t miss this chance to transform your passion into a thriving business. Register now and take the first step toward your culinary future!
Shout Out to the Citizens of Cimarron!
This year, 2026, we’re celebrating what it means to be American as we honor America’s 250th anniversary! Every month, we’ll come together to recognize the pride, history, and unity that make our nation great.
Be on the lookout for this image as a symbol of our celebration throughout the year!
We’re kicking things off with Kansas Day on January 29th. Kansas Day marks the anniversary of our state’s admission to the Union in 1861—a proud moment that reminds us of our deep roots in freedom and democracy. From the prairies to the pioneers, Kansas has always stood for resilience and community.
Remember: We can’t be a state without being American! Let’s celebrate our roots and the freedoms that bind us together.
Stay tuned for more events and ways to join in the celebration!
This year, 2026, we’re celebrating what it means to be American as we honor America’s 250th anniversary! Every month, we’ll come together to recognize the pride, history, and unity that make our nation great.
Be on the lookout for this image as a symbol of our celebration throughout the year!
We’re kicking things off with Kansas Day on January 29th. Kansas Day marks the anniversary of our state’s admission to the Union in 1861—a proud moment that reminds us of our deep roots in freedom and democracy. From the prairies to the pioneers, Kansas has always stood for resilience and community.
Remember: We can’t be a state without being American! Let’s celebrate our roots and the freedoms that bind us together.
Stay tuned for more events and ways to join in the celebration!
CALLING ALL ANIMAL LOVERS!!!!!
Right now, all adopted animals at the Finney County Animal Shelter are only $26.00.
They have a great need to find homes for all these beautiful babies before time runs out!!!!
https://www.adoptgck.com/pets
Call 620.277.3725 and/or leave a message for the shelter.
Look at their website and hope you find your forever fur baby.🐾🐾
Right now, all adopted animals at the Finney County Animal Shelter are only $26.00.
They have a great need to find homes for all these beautiful babies before time runs out!!!!
https://www.adoptgck.com/pets
Call 620.277.3725 and/or leave a message for the shelter.
Look at their website and hope you find your forever fur baby.🐾🐾
Across the country, local fire agencies are sharing ways you can reduce the risk of a fire inside your home. Did you know? On average, a home fire is reported every 96 seconds in the U.S. and every three hours someone dies from a home fire? Many of these are preventable.
This week, we’re encouraging Americans to take 10 minutes to do a home fire risk reset by doing the following:
● Test smoke alarms; fix or replace any that don’t sound.
● Create a 3-foot safety zone around heaters and cooking areas.
● Set a cooking rule: “If the stove is on, someone is in the kitchen.”
● Make sure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet.
● Practice a home escape plan with two ways out of each room. We know these actions will save lives.
Join the Cimarron Fire Department in Community Risk Reduction movement today!
FOUND DOG – CITY POUND
A beautiful male Pyrenean mix (mostly white) has been picked up and is currently at the City Pound.
Call: 620-855-2215
Important Details:
Cost: $30 per
NO cost if claimed today
Must provide proof of vaccination OR pay a $60 refundable deposit for vaccination
If this is your dog or you know the owner, please contact the city immediately to avoid additional fees.
Share this post to help reunite him with his family! 🐾
A beautiful male Pyrenean mix (mostly white) has been picked up and is currently at the City Pound.
Call: 620-855-2215
Important Details:
Cost: $30 per
NO cost if claimed today
Must provide proof of vaccination OR pay a $60 refundable deposit for vaccination
If this is your dog or you know the owner, please contact the city immediately to avoid additional fees.
Share this post to help reunite him with his family! 🐾
Big News for Otis & Milo!
Our two rescue boys are leaving the city dog pound and heading to a loving foster home! 🐾 These sweet souls have been waiting for their chance, and today it’s finally here.
Let’s all wish them the happiest new chapter filled with belly rubs, cozy naps, and endless love.
Thank you to everyone who supports rescue and fosters—YOU make miracles happen!
Our two rescue boys are leaving the city dog pound and heading to a loving foster home! 🐾 These sweet souls have been waiting for their chance, and today it’s finally here.
Let’s all wish them the happiest new chapter filled with belly rubs, cozy naps, and endless love.
Thank you to everyone who supports rescue and fosters—YOU make miracles happen!
FOUND DOG
A beautiful female has been picked up and is currently at the City Pound.
📞 Call: 620-225-2215
Important Details:
Cost: $30 per day (starting from pickup date)
Must provide proof of vaccination OR pay a $60 refundable deposit for vaccination.
If this is your dog or you know the owner, please contact the city immediately to avoid additional fees. Share this post to help reunite him with his family! 🐾
A beautiful female has been picked up and is currently at the City Pound.
📞 Call: 620-225-2215
Important Details:
Cost: $30 per day (starting from pickup date)
Must provide proof of vaccination OR pay a $60 refundable deposit for vaccination.
If this is your dog or you know the owner, please contact the city immediately to avoid additional fees. Share this post to help reunite him with his family! 🐾
The power of a cup of coffee:
With January days and a new year to contemplate, I'd like to imagine us sitting together with warm mugs of coffee. We could chat about the weather, the kids, the new piece of art downtown, the burger we ate at the new place. While a real conversation like this is not a revolutionary act, the fact remains that taking the time to do this with any sort of regularity is foundational in creating communities of the future. Connecting with each other and sharing about ourselves is a simple way to start creating the kind of community you want to live in. One cup of coffee at a time. Let's keep it simple.
Published in We Kan Tidbits, a project of the Kansas Sampler Foundation
🐾 Meet Milo & Otis – Two Sweet Boys Looking for Their Forever Home! 🐾
These adorable brothers are FULLY SPONSORED – that means:
Immunizations ✔
Neuter ✔
Adoption Fee ✔
All you need to bring is love! 💕
Come meet Milo and Otis today and see why they’ll steal your heart.
These adorable brothers are FULLY SPONSORED – that means:
Immunizations ✔
Neuter ✔
Adoption Fee ✔
All you need to bring is love! 💕
Come meet Milo and Otis today and see why they’ll steal your heart.
