Hays Daily Brief: Flu Rules Tighten, Community Remembers Local Artist

A cool but busy Saturday in Hays brings a mix of remembrance, health precautions, and planning as the community heads into the second week of February.

Community mourns sculptor Pete Felten

Longtime Hays sculptor Pete Felten died Wednesday night at Hays Medical Center, according to friends who were with him at his bedside. Felten was widely known for his limestone work across western Kansas, including pieces that became landmarks for residents and visitors alike.

Plans for a public celebration of life are expected later, but friends are already sharing memories of his humor, quiet generosity, and the way his work helped define the look and feel of downtown and the campus area. For now, the focus is on remembering the artist behind so much familiar stonework around town.

HaysMed tightens visitor rules during flu wave

With flu cases climbing in the region, HaysMed has put new limits on who can visit patients. The hospital is asking anyone who feels sick, as well as children under 12, to stay away for now so vulnerable patients face less risk of catching the virus.

Masks are required in higher-risk areas such as the intensive care unit, the birth center, and the cancer institute. The hospital is keeping sanitizer and masks at entrances and encouraging families to use video calls and phone check-ins when in-person visits are not possible.

Bitcoin scam hits local resident

Police say a 34-year-old Hays man recently lost nearly $3,800 after responding to what looked like a payout from an online Bitcoin game. The victim received a check for about $3,000 and was told to buy gift cards as part of the process to unlock his “winnings.”

After the man bought and sent gift card numbers, the check was ruled fraudulent and the money was pulled back by the bank. Officers are reminding residents that legitimate prizes do not require people to send gift cards or money back and urging anyone who receives a suspicious offer to contact law enforcement or their bank before acting.

City meetings and weekend events

City commissioners met Thursday for a work session that included discussion of street maintenance and public communication efforts. Commissioners are also gathered today in Lawrence for a scheduled retreat.

For those staying in town, tonight’s calendar includes a dueling-pianos fundraiser benefiting the local United Way campaign and a live music show at The Horseshoe Bar & Grill. It should make for a lively evening for residents ready to get out despite the winter chill.

Sources

• https://hayspost.com/posts/3230c2d2-c288-4fb7-bc1d-1f29d63f36fa
• https://hayspost.com/posts/a07cab81-c9ce-4541-89cf-839a73779ab6
• https://www.kwch.com/2026/02/05/hays-medical-center-implements-visitor-restrictions-due-flu-cases/
• https://www.haysusa.com/m/NewsFlash
• https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter
• https://www.visithays.com/
• https://hayspost.com/