Look back: Round of spring storms whip through region
A day-by-day look at stories making headlines in 2012.
April 1: NEW shutters Hays call center. About 280 employees had worked at facility, the only one of the company's 10 centers to close.
April 2: Procession unites. Parishioners from local churches take part in a Main Street procession to mark Palm Sunday.
April 3: Disappointment after KU loss. Hays fans react after Kentucky knocks off Jayhawks in title game of NCAA Championship.
April 4: ShowPlex ready for 'reel' change. Hays theater set to upgrade to digital projectors, in addition to new seats.
April 5: Unemployment continues slow climb. While still among the the state's lowest, jobless rates in northwest Kansas counties inching up.
April 6: Greeks clean up. Fraternity members from Fort Hays State University take time to tidy up around downtown Hays.
April 8: Longoria guilty. A Barton County jury finds Adam Longoria, 28, guilty of the murder of 14-year-old Alicia DeBolt, a former Hays resident.
April 9: FHSU prof killed in accident. Longtime technology studies professor Fred Ruda killed near Dodge City in an auto accident, which also claimed the life of his mother-in-law, Eleanor Sexson.
April 10: No D.C. move for Moran. Sen. Jerry Moran, whose Hays home is on the market, says he is not leaving Kansas -- but an eastward move might be possible.
April 11: Vilsack announces ethanol plant grant. Western Plains Energy, Oakley, receives $5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help build biofuel digesters.
April 12: Lordy, lordy, look who's ... The Mall in Hays marks the 40th year in business.
April 13: New Hays mayor chosen. Hays City Commissioner Troy Hickman takes the reins from fellow Commissioner Barbara Wasinger.
April 15: Storms blow through northwest Kansas. One, possibly two tornadoes touch down in Rush County, while Luray also sustains damage from high winds.
April 16: Storms strike Rush County. As many as six tornadoes whip through the area, leaving fallen trees and damaged buildings in their wake.
April 17: USD 489 board approves study. School district will pay consultant to assess facilities and make recommendations.
April 18: Wendy's, Part II. Owners announce a second Hays Wendy's will be built on the Vine Street corridor just north of I-70.
April 19: Charges filed in September 2011 stabbing. Man faces attempted second-degree murder charge in connection with the robbery of a pizza delivery driver.
April 20: Russell police nab escapee. Man convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, had escaped from Ottawa County jail, earlier in the week.
April 22: Hammond celebrates silver. Fort Hays State University President Edward H. Hammond marks his 25th year at the university.
April 23: Rodeo ropes 'em in. Grandstands full as gates swings open on 46th annual Fort Hays State University Rodeo.
April 24: Miller migration bugs residents. Everywhere you look, Miller moths flutter out -- making an overly long stay during their annual migration to Colorado.
April 25: HHS standout makes return. Former Hays High School star and current Kansas Jayhawk senior Jordan Juenemann the highlight of KU tour in Hays.
April 26: Hays school counselor honored. Eva Junk, who works at Lincoln and O'Loughlin elementary schools in Hays, earns master teacher honors.
April 27: Octagon battle. Fighters gear up for mixed-martial arts event at Hays Ramada.
April 29: Jail issues remain. Ellis County edges closer to hiring a consultant to examine cramped conditions, even as some Ellis County jail inmates are being housed in Dodge City.
April 30: Memories surge back with fire museum. Longtime firefighters attend the opening of the Ellis County Historical Society's newest addition.