The January 27 annual meeting of the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays was fairly routine at first.

Topeka author Debra Goodrich Bisel talked about her new book  “The Civil War in Kansas” and how no other state’s history is so entwined with the American Civil War.

Then came the business meeting.  It ended with a big announcement from Fort Superintendent  Bob Wilhelm.

“I’m going to retire on March first.  I’m still going to be around, as a member of the Society of Friends, and maybe later, as a volunteer, ” he said.  A few in the crowd gasped, and then there was applause and thanks offered to Wilhelm.

Wilhelm doesn’t plan to be  involved in the hiring of a new superintendent, saying “he or she should should be able to do things their way.”

Wilhelm has served as site administrator at historic Fort Hays for nearly 20 years.

The Hays Police Department conducted 78 traffic stops and received 17 animal calls between Friday morning and Sunday evening, according to the Police Activity Log.

Theft: The Hays Police Department investigated three reports of theft on Saturday. The first theft was reported in the 400 block of West 7th Street early Saturday morning. The alleged theft occurred between 12:00 and 12:30 a.m. Saturday. The second was a vehicle theft reported at 1:34 Saturday afternoon in the 2900 block of Willow Street. The final theft was the theft of a vehicle in the 400 block of West 4th Street Saturday night. The alleged theft occurred between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

Burglary: Officers investigated the burglary of a residence reported in the 400 block of West 13th Street Saturday afternoon at 3:53. Officers also investigated the report of a burglary, in connection with the report of criminal damage to property, in the 100 block of West 10th Street on Saturday. The incident occurred between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m.

Drug Offenses: The Hays PD investigated two drug offenses on Saturday. Officers conducted a warrant service for drug related offenses in the 200 block of East 6th Street on Saturday afternoon at 3:06 p.m. The second drug related offense was in the 700 block of Riley Street. The alleged incident occurred between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Liquor Offenses: The Hays Police Department investigated two liquor offenses in the 200 block of West 10th Street over the weekend. The first cereal malt beverage violation was reported at 11:49 Friday night. The second violation was reported at 1:29 a.m. Sunday. The alleged incidents were reported as cereal malt beverage violations; sell, furnish or transport.

Driving Under the Influence: Officers conducted three driving under the influence stops over the weekend. The first DUI stop was conducted in the 700 block of Fort Street at 12:26 Friday morning. The second DUI stop was conducted in the 100 block of Main Street at 2:01 Friday morning. The final DUI stop was conducted Saturday morning at 1:49 in the 600 block of Park Street.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Hays Police Department received six reports of motor vehicle accidents over the weekend. Two of the accidents were hit and run accidents. The first was reported in the 500 block of East 6th Street at 12:00 a.m. Saturday. The second hit and run accident was reported in the 1300 block of Oak Street Sunday morning. The alleged accident occurred between 9:42 and 9:45 Sunday morning.