By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Fall colors, fields of pumpkins and friendly alpacas await visitors at Pa's Pumpkin Patch just south of Hays.

The farm is a seasonal agritourism spot at 978 250th Ave., at mile marker 150 on U.S. Highway 183, offering hayrack rides, a corn maze, an air-filled jump pad and pumpkins ready for picking at 50 cents a pound.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Weekend admission is $7 per person, while family nights, Tuesdays, are $15 per family. The pumpkin farm's gates will be open until Oct. 26.

You can follow Pa's Pumpkin Patch on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067533002537">Facebook</a>.

📷 Pa's Pumpkin Patch opens for 2025 season

A  taco/nacho bar fundraiser for the Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team and Lakin Eckroat (for Special Olympics bowling) to go to USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June of 2026 will be held on Monday, Oct. 20 at Thirsty's The Venue, 2704 Vine, Hays.

Tickets are being sold for $12 and can be purchased from myself by emailing me Activities Director Tiffany Schulte at tschulte@arcofcentralplains.org, Facebook Messenger (Buffalo Adventures page), or calling 785-639-4181.

 The ticket covers the taco/nacho bar and there are set times every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 7:40 p.m. 

There will also be raffle prizes on display on the stage at Thirsty's starting Oct. 13 and those tickets are $10 each. No need to be present to win. There will be a live drawing on Oct. 20 at 7:50 p.m. on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARCACTIVITIES">Buffalo Adventures</a> Facebook page.

This fundraiser is supporting the Hays Buffaloes Special Olympics basketball team and Lakin Eckroat (for Special Olympics bowling)&nbsp;

These athletes have been working very hard to prepare for the trip. They practice every week and have been helping with fundraising. Most of them have never been to USA Games and are very excited for the opportunity. 

This is the first time ever that an entire Hays team gets to participate. Special Olympics holds this event every four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fundraiser for Hays Buffaloes headed to Special Olympics USA Games 2026

Our strength lies in our shared commitment: that by giving a little, we can do a lot for those in need.&nbsp;

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming 100 Who Care, Ellis County meeting on&nbsp;Tuesday, October 14. This month, we will be hearing from these three wonderful nonprofits making a difference in our community:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Big Brothers Big Sisters:&nbsp;Focused on fostering meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships that unlock the potential and promise of our youth. Their impactful work not only transforms lives but also strengthens families and creates brighter futures. We are fortunate to have this valuable program right here in Ellis County.

• Jana’s Campaign:&nbsp;Committed to preventing gender and relationship violence through early education and awareness. What started as a local initiative in Ellis County has grown into a vital nationwide service that saves lives, empowers individuals, and builds safer, healthier communities.

• First Call for Help:&nbsp;Dedicated to alleviating the effects of poverty by connecting individuals and families with essential resources and support during times of crisis. Their efforts bring hope, stability, and practical solutions to members of Ellis County, helping to strengthen our community as a whole.

A special thank you goes out to our Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 team — Landon, Abigail, Sierra, and Hunter — as well as our current steering team members, Jack, Jessie, and Brandy. The LDRS 310 class focuses on developing leadership skills through hands-on community engagement, and our 100 Who Care program is proud to serve as a real-world platform where these emerging leaders can apply their learning to support and strengthen Ellis County.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, snacks and beverages will be provided by&nbsp;POPt Popcorn&nbsp;and&nbsp;A&amp;A Coors, meeting space is graciously hosted by the&nbsp;Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; If you are unable to attend, please feel free to drop off your donation at Wayne Voss State Farm, 2707 Vine St., Ste 13, Hays. Notify Brandy ahead of time with your voting preference, and she will be happy to vote by proxy on your behalf.&nbsp;

At&nbsp;100 Who Care,&nbsp;Ellis County, we come together because we believe in the power of collective giving to create real, positive change in our community. Please consider inviting a friend to join us as we strive to grow our membership beyond 100 and make an even greater impact.

Finally, stay tuned for some exciting news — we will be launching an online payment platform early in 2026 to make giving even easier!&nbsp;Thank you for your continued passion and support.&nbsp;

Generosity is the heartbeat of 100 Who Care — where every gift counts, every member matters, and every cause benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to seeing you on October 14!

Public invited to 100 Who Care, Ellis County meeting on Oct. 14 in Hays

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Field bindweed, a perennial vine in the morning glory family, infests millions of acres in the Great Plains. This weed significantly reduces crop yield and quality, reduces land value, interferes with harvest by entangling crop plants, and increases production costs associated with control practices. Earlier research in Hays, KS, over the span of 12 years, indicated that dense stands of field bindweed induced 20% to 50% cereal crop yield loss and 50% to 80% row crop yield reduction.

In North America, field bindweed was first reported in Virginia in 1739. It was possibly brought to Kansas in infested wheat seed from the Ukrainian region of Russia between 1870 and 1875. In 1877 and 1888, it was reported near Topeka and Nebraska, respectively.

Growth and development Seeds near the soil surface will germinate throughout the growing season following rainfall. Seedling emergence primarily occurs in the spring, usually in early to mid-April in Kansas, and continues growing until November or until temperatures drop to 20°F or lower; at these temperatures, its growth may be retarded, but the vines do not die.

Seedlings quickly develop a deep taproot and numerous lateral roots about six weeks after emergence. Once lateral roots grow, the plant has a perennial growth habit. Growth ceases during severe drought, but new top growth appears after adequate rainfall. 

May 15 to June 15 is the heaviest bloom period in west-central Kansas, with the seed usually maturing from June 15 to July 15. However, field bindweed can continue to bloom under favorable conditions and produce seed during July and August.

Roots and food reserves Field bindweed stores a large quantity of carbohydrates deep into its root system, which provides energy for below- and above-ground growth. Roots can have a lateral spread of approximately 10 feet in one season and may penetrate 18 to 20 feet. In two or three growing seasons, roots may extend to a diameter of 17 to 18 feet. In areas with average annual precipitations of 30 inches or more, field bindweed roots have been found 30 feet below the surface.

However, on upland soils near Hays, where annual precipitation averages 23 inches, few roots were found below 6 feet. Also, more than 60% of the total weight of roots is reported to be in the top two feet of soil. Buds formed along lateral roots can develop into shoots, which become new plants when they surface.

Dispersal mode Field bindweed spreads by root segments and seeds, both of which can be spread by road maintenance and equipment. Root segments with buds are dispersed by tillage implements and are capable of starting new plants when the soil has adequate moisture.

· Vines, wrapped around tools and those that pass through harvesting equipment, drop field bindweed seeds.

· Seeds are collected with harvested grain and often planted with crop seed.

· Seeds in grain or hay fed to livestock pass through animals undigested and spread with manure.

· Seed is transported by drainage water, birds, animals, machinery, and vehicles.

Management Because field bindweed has long seed viability and tremendous food reserves stored in roots, a long-term management program is required for its successful control. A single application of an herbicide will not eradicate established stands.

Information provided by K-State Weed Management Specialist.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: World of Weeds

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

FHSU is hiring a Skilled Trades Technician position in the Energy Division

Training available for the right responsible and reliable individual

This position performs operation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment as in boilers, generators, pumps and valves. Work involves all aspects of boiler operation and steam distribution to include general maintenance and repair of related Energy Division/Power Plant equipment. Follow written and oral procedures, reading and recording gauges and water testing.

Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent as well as one year of experience in a skilled craft area. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the university.

Many perks and excellent benefits! Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a resume.

Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

Find more details and application instructions at: <a href="https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS">https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS</a>

Man from Hays hospitalized after I-70 rear-end crash

TMP-Marian (2-2, 2-2 MCL) vs Oakley (2-3, 1-2 MCL) Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return home Friday night for a key district matchup with the Oakley Plainsman at Lewis Field in Hays.

Both teams are looking to bounce back from district losses with two games left.

Meanwhile the Monarchs will honor our nation's service members and the St. Joeseph's Military Academy Cadets with Military Appreciation.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP returns home for Military Appreciation Night with Oakley

#3-5A Hays High (4-1, 1-0 WAC) at Dodge City (2-3, 0-2) Friday, Oct. 10 - 7 p.m. Dodge City, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - Unavailable due to streaming restrictions by Dodge City High School.&nbsp;

The Hays High Indians finish out the regular season with three consecutive Western Athletic Conference games. The first of those three is in Dodge City.

There will be no live video stream available due to streaming restrictions by Dodge City High School. The Hays Post sports crew will record the game post at the conclusion of the contest.

Kickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX.

🏈 Hays High travels to Dodge City for WAC play

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Doug Johnson, director of public relations at Colby Community College.

🎤 Forward Ever: Doug Johnson of Colby Community College

The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to host the second annual Give Fest — communitywide giving day — on Friday, October 10 in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties! Get ready to experience a day filled with philanthropy, community spirit, and Oktoberfest-themed fun. With up to 100% of donations matched by the Heartland Community Foundation, this is a powerful opportunity to maximize your impact while supporting your favorite local nonprofits.

During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits will be matched from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county. These donations go directly to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring a stable financial future for the organization, while the match dollars are available for immediate use, providing vital, immediate support.

With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause that will speak to everyone’s unique charitable passion. Whether your interests lie in education or healthcare, first responders or food insecurity, and many more, there is a nonprofit that aligns with the causes that matter most to you.

&nbsp; To give even more people the chance to give, early-bird giving&nbsp;began online Oct. 1, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a>&nbsp;and continues&nbsp;through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nonprofits will share information with visitors, and attendees can enjoy Oktoberfest food, drinks, and entertainment while connecting with local organizations and learning more about the causes they can support.

Returning this year, nonprofits will get to compete in a lively cornhole challenge for a chance to win up to $400 in bonus match dollars for their organization. Attendees can also take part in the Nonprofit Passport activity: visit nonprofit tables (8 in Ellis County, 6 in Rooks and Trego counties) to be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card for yourself and $100 in bonus match dollars for your favorite organization. Come cheer on your favorite nonprofits and join in the fun! 

In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students will each receive $15, while Rooks and Trego County students will each receive $10. On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. This initiative teaches young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy.

This is an opportunity to come together and make a difference. In 2024, Give Fest raised over $240,000 in donations, and with $160,000 in matching funds, more than $400,000 went directly to strengthen local nonprofits.&nbsp;

Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest is today in Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18 is now offering services in Ellis County and surrounding areas through its new office at Hays First United Methodist Church, 302 W. Eighth St., Room 205, and it is now seeing clients.

Chris Deitering, department service officer, will help to expand access to resources for injured veterans by providing free assistance to veterans and their families, including help with VA and federal claims, survivor and burial benefits, membership assistance, and disaster relief, a news release said.

Deitering’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

According to the news release, “The DAV is a nonprofit that remains committed to the nation's injured heroes and former federal employees of all generations to ensure they are not alone on their road to recovery by aiding service members in the transition to civilian life, fighting for their rights on Capitol Hill, and funding rehabilitation programs.”

Disabled American Veterans has new office in Hays church

Thomas More Prep-Marian Parents Teachers Friends Soup Supper is Sunday, October 26 from 4-7 p.m.&nbsp; We will have chili, green bean dumpling soup, sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.&nbsp;Carry out is available. 

It is a free will offering with proceeds to support classroom and student scholarships.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thomas More Prep-Marian PTF Soup Supper fundraiser is Oct. 26

The Hays Public Library is hosting a special book talk with Kansas author George Frazier, as he discusses his latest release,&nbsp;Riverine Dreams: Away to the Glorious and Forgotten Grassland Rivers of America, published by the University of Chicago Press.

The event is set for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, in the HPL Kansas Room.

Prepare for tales of strange riverine forests left over from the ice age, leviathan fish migrations, modern grizzlies roaming the plains, endangered plants as rare as mastodon ivory, an audacious plan to return 10,000 bison to a Great Plains biosphere reserve, and of course, river otter mayhem.

If you thought you knew about the wild lands of Kansas and the surrounding states, get ready for some surprises. Grassland rivers are the most unheralded gems of the entire American backcountry, and Frazier will tell us about the “Grassland River revival” he discovered while exploring eight of the wildest stretches of rivers that remain.

The Hays Public Library is coordinating with Russell Specialty Books and Gifts for this event.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Hays Public Library to host Kansas author George Frazier Oct. 11

PAWNEE ROCK — To commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heartland Center for Spirituality and Heartland Farm invite the public to a special viewing of The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code, followed including discussion led by Dr. Leo Oliva. The event will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse.

Dr. Oliva, a retired history professor from Fort Hays State University, will offer historical insights into the Doctrine of Discovery and engage with attendees during a Q&amp;A session.

Originating from 15th-century Papal Bulls, the Doctrine of Discovery laid the groundwork for colonial expansion, legitimizing the seizure of Indigenous lands, the suppression of native cultures, and brutality toward and enslavement of African and other peoples. The Doctrine continues to influence U.S. and international property law to this day.

Dr. Oliva graduated from FHSU before seeking both his master’s degree in American History and doctorate in American Studies from the University of Denver. He is the author of eight books and many articles and served as the editor of the Santa Fe Trail quarterly, Wagon Tracks, for 25 years. Dr. Oliva’s areas of interest include the Santa Fe Trail, frontier military history, the conquest of Indigenous nations and their lands, and Kansas history since 1959. Dr. Oliva was a member of the Humanities Kansas Speakers’ Bureau and has presented more than 400 programs on various historical topics.

 In March 2025, FHSU honored Dr. Oliva with a distinguished professorship in history in his name.

Join us for this free event will be held in the auditorium at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse, located at 3600 Broadway, Great Bend. Light refreshments will be available, and voluntary donations are welcome.

To RSVP, please email your name and the number of attendees to ann.axman@heartlandspirituality.org or hfarminfo@oppeace.org.

Retired FHSU professor to discuss Doctrine of Discovery commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Donation accepted Oct. 17-31 for annual Hays Coat Drive 

Area Pizza Hut fundraisers today for HPD Officer Scott Heimann family 

STOCKTON — Halloween&nbsp;fundraising event at the Rooks County Historical Society Museum Sat., Oct. 18 in Stockton.

Monster Mash Dance-A-Thon, Karaoke, Outside Games

Halloween fundraising event for Rooks County Historical Museum Oct. 18

Representative Sharice Davids hosted an online meeting alongside Kansans whose industries have been directly affected by the government shutdown. Those participants shared personal and professional stories, including how the shutdown impacts mental health services and infrastructure projects at home. 

According to a statement from her office, Davids has&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-consequential-government-shutdown">repeatedly</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1976034161975755107" target="_blank">advocated</a>&nbsp;for a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1973457458971771127" target="_blank">bipartisan solution</a>&nbsp;to reopen the government and safeguard the livelihoods of Kansans.&nbsp;

“This shutdown is a devastating blow to our economy and represents real consequences for hardworking Kansans,” said&nbsp;Davids. “I’m committed to working with both parties to find a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reopen the government and ensure Kansans are protected from skyrocketing health care costs. As we heard today, there’s too much at stake for this to go on any longer.”

At today’s press conference, Davids was joined by Tim DeWeese of Johnson County Mental Health Center, Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed, Keely Schneider of Workforce Partnership, and Sarah White of the Missouri &amp; Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC) to highlight how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting Kansans. Mental health services face delays and reduced access, workforce training and small business support are stalled, vital river and infrastructure projects are slowed, and nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are at risk — putting families, workers, and communities across the state in jeopardy.

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from the consequences of partisan gridlock in D.C. She recently announced her support for two bills: one to guarantee pay for&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-backs-effort-keep-air-travel-safe-employees-paid-during-government">aviation workers</a>&nbsp;and another to ensure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5401/cosponsors" target="_blank">active-duty service members</a>&nbsp;continue receiving their paychecks. Kansas is home to more than&nbsp;<a href="https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-civilian-jobs-are-in-the-us-federal-government/state/kansas/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">25,000</a>&nbsp;federal employees and more than&nbsp;<a href="https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">21,000</a>&nbsp;active-duty service members.

A shutdown has serious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/issue-briefs/?id=B7FCE9F4-4DFE-495C-8263-AD277CE4716B" target="_blank">impacts</a>&nbsp;on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans now face disruptions to important benefits, service members are not being compensated, many small businesses have altered their operations, and federal workers have been furloughed without pay. Specifically:&nbsp;

While Davids works to reopen the government, Kansans impacted by the shutdown can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://davids.house.gov/shutdown">davids.house.gov/shutdown</a>&nbsp;for resources that may help during this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥Kan. Congresswoman met with Kansans affected by gov't shutdown 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is in “exceptional health,” his physician said Friday after he underwent a checkup that included lab tests and preventive health assessments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump spent roughly three hours at the Bethesda, Maryland, hospital earlier Friday for what his doctor, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, called a “scheduled follow-up evaluation” that was a “part of his ongoing health maintenance plan.” While there, Trump also got his yearly flu shot, as well as a COVID-19 booster vaccine.

“President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance,” Barbabella wrote in a one-page memo released Friday night by the White House. The doctor noted in the memo that the evaluation helped prepare for Trump’s upcoming overseas trips and included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments.

The president is traveling to the Middle East this weekend and is scheduled to fly to Asia at the end of this month.

Barbabella also said he evaluated Trump’s cardiac age, which was about 14 years younger than his chronological age. Trump is 79 and was the oldest U.S. president at his inauguration.

The White House this week initially described Trump’s Walter Reed visit as a “routine yearly checkup,” although Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-physical-weight-loss-oldest-president-75913b1e114cec64ae0acab1389118b2">his annual physical</a>&nbsp;in April. The president then called it a “semiannual physical.”

Trump’s April physical found that he was “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief. The three-page summary of the exam done by Barbabella then said he had lost 20 pounds (9 kilograms) since a medical exam in June 2020 and said he has an “active lifestyle” that “continues to contribute significantly” to the well-being of the president.

In July, the White House announced that Trump had recently undergone a medical checkup after noticing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-swelling-legs-chronic-venous-insufficiency-health-40beb3c818cfb914645db9d1f143fdd8">“mild swelling” in his lower legs</a>&nbsp;and was found to have a condition common in older adults that causes blood to pool in his veins. Tests by the White House medical unit showed that Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chronic-venous-insufficiency-trump-c2e8884d5e5debd1a0c156cb0060928a">chronic venous insufficiency</a>, which occurs when little valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity gradually lose the ability to work properly.

At the April physical, Trump also passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-cognitive-test-neurology-brain-memory-522ecf3c0d746f4105ce7d4416422ba6">a short screening test</a>&nbsp;to assess different brain functions.

Presidents have large discretion over what health information they choose to release to the public. Trump’s summary from his April exam included information about his weight, body mass index, past surgeries, mental health screenings, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

When spokesperson Karoline Leavitt discussed the results of his chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis from the briefing room, she noted that the White House was disclosing details of the checkup to dispel rumors about Trump’s health. At the time, Trump was frequently observed with bruising on his hand.

The Republican president has also repeatedly used the issue of health as a political cudgel. He repeatedly questioned the mental and physical health of his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, and pointed out that he has undergone cognitive testing that Biden hadn’t.

Biden has brushed aside those criticisms and said he was fit to serve, but he dropped out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the 2024 race</a>&nbsp;for the White House after a disastrous debate with Trump raised doubts about his fitness for office.

Read the physician report from President Trump's checkup on Friday

LYON COUNTY–A juvenile is under investigation for setting a house fire in Emporia.

Just before 4:30pm Saturday, September 20, the Emporia Fire Department responded to a reported house fire in the 1100 block of Constitution Street in Emporia, according to a media release. Fire crews encountered an active fire within the home and acted swiftly to bring the incident under control.

After the fire was out, the&nbsp;Emporia Fire Department's Fire Investigators conducted a thorough investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Based on evidence collected, the fire has been classified as incendiary, indicating it was intentionally set.

Intentionally set fires represent a significant threat to life, property, and public safety. The Emporia Fire Department remains committed to diligently investigating such incidents to identify those responsible and ensure public safety.

As a result of the investigation, a juvenile has been referred to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for possible charges. Due to the individual’s age, authorities released no additional details.

Juvenile faces charges for allegedly starting Kan. house fire

Kan. governor responds to 'childish attacks from public officials'

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is under investigation for allegedly selling drugs in Dickinson County.

In December of 2024, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Herington, according to a media release. The approximate ten-month long investigation, resulted in an arrest and a seizure of methamphetamine.

On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 500 Block of South A Street in Herington. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana and other controlled substances.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office also served arrest warrants with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Junction City Police Department and the Herington Police Department.

Charles Miller, 48, of Woodbine, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Controlled Substance using communication facility and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff: Investigation led to arrest of Kan. drug dealer

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;is the speaker of a House that is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">no longer in session</a>.

The Republican leader sent lawmakers home&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">three weeks ago</a>&nbsp;after the House approved a bill to fund the federal government. They haven’t been back in working session since. And on Friday, his leadership team announced they won’t be returning next week either.

In the intervening time, the government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-congress-138fd09f4476dcf142be6e9bbc42a592">shut down</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;began a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">mass firing of federal workers</a>. And a Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-congress-grijalva-butierez-1d9fe8fd6f0604f8064f67f6d8cfdca7">Adelita Grijalva</a>, won a special election in Arizona but has not been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-adelita-grijalva-arizona-congress-d52af4b1471a3ed6cd9f0803f711ed64">sworn into office</a>&nbsp;to take her seat in Congress.

“People are upset. I’m upset. I’m a very patient man, but I am angry right now,” Johnson said during one of his almost daily press conferences on the empty side of the Capitol.

“I’m doing our job. We passed the bill,” he said Friday, as he left the building. “It’s on the Senate. They’re the ones playing games. All the questions need to be for them.”

The House’s absence is creating a risky political dilemma for Johnson. It’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-trump-tax-bill-christian-prayer-f82ed140d9110d5cc7b4029b681ea9eb">his leadership</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">his grip on the gavel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">the legacy he will leave</a>&nbsp;as speaker of a House that is essentially writing itself off the page at a crucial moment in the national debate.

There are few easy choices on the schedule ahead. If the speaker calls lawmakers back to Washington, he opens the doors to a potentially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/senators-from-arizona-confront-speaker-johnson-about-not-swearing-in-democratic-colleague-c952e6858c52443fa0edd2fbd95cd16b">chaotic atmosphere</a>&nbsp;of anger, uncertainty and his own GOP defections and divisions as the shutdown drags on.

But by keeping the representatives away going on a fourth week, lawmakers risk being criticized for being absent during a crisis — “on vacation,” as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-jeffries-sombrero-hats-cb8281193a071b812020ba5dd1c3db78">House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;puts it — as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-pay-government-shutdown-congress-trump-e2eabd75a923a7a6feaeeb4af1854054">military goes without pay</a>&nbsp;and government services shut down.

Johnson’s initial strategy to avoid the government shutdown was a well-worn one — have the House pass its bill, leave town right before the deadline and force the Senate to accept it. Jamming the other chamber, as it’s often called. And it often works.

But this time, it’s a strategy that is failing.

As House skips town, blame falls to Senate

GOP senators have been unable to heave the House bill to passage,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">blocked by most of the Democrats</a>, who are refusing to reopen the government as they demand health care funds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">insurance subsidies</a>&nbsp;that will expire at year’s end if Congress fails to act.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, R-S.D., has been trying, repeatedly, to peel off more Democratic support.

But after having called a vote more than a half-dozen times to pass the House’s bill out of the Senate, not enough Democrats have signed on. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;is holding out for a deal on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-tax-credits-health-insurance-trump-poll-obamacare-dab7b10bf13dec33a884df5f9fe343f6">the health care issue</a>.

Stalemated, quiet talks are underway, as small groups of lawmakers are privately trying to negotiate off-ramps.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has proposed keeping the health care subsidies in place for the next two years while instituting changes to the program. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has a similar proposal, and GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has shared with leadership her own six-point plan.

“We’re making progress,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who is close to the Republican president. “I think we’re kind of starting to get to a place.”

Not since then-Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>, a Democrat, sent lawmakers home at the start of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">the coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;in 2020 has the House been without its lawmakers for such an extended period of time outside of an August recess — but even then, leaders quickly stood up a new system of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/history-in-the-making-as-house-casts-proxy-votes-in-pandemic-6f6fb7ab7ca80360117e0664d4b45682">proxy voting</a>&nbsp;as legislative business continued.

In the Capitol’s empty halls, a few lawmakers linger. They have been filming social media posts as they narrate the inaction. They have created viral moments, including GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-business-ap-top-news-steven-mnuchin-502a3b1afb9c5d1bc14e6af77d112207">confrontation with Jeffries</a>. Some are simply giving tours to visiting constituents.

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has been among the most outspoken critics of her party’s stance, saying Congress needs to address the health care subsidies.

And Grijalva is just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adelita-grijalva-swear-congress-epstein-files-25636fec1d99960a5fb11501ac86cc69">trying to go to work</a>.

The representative-elect won the special election to replace her father, veteran Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raul-grijalva-death-obituary-9484cd0f4911430ef6ef01f9590402d5">Raul Grijalva</a>, who died earlier this year after his own career in Congress.

Her arrival would shrink Johnson’s already slim majority to paper thin, and she has said she would sign onto the legislation demanding the release of the files pertaining to the sex trafficking investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, providing the last signature needed to force a vote. Democrats have clamored for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-senate-trump-1793c4c1c2f74f89b0cab9ecfd0cfcc8">the Epstein files</a>, looking to force Republicans to either join their push for disclosure or publicly oppose a cause many in the Republican base support.

Johnson, whose majority is among the most narrow in modern times, has refused to swear Grijalva into office.

The speaker has given shifting reasons for why he won’t allow Grijalva to take her seat, saying he’d do it whenever she wanted but also saying the shutdown needs to end first.

He said it has nothing to do with the Epstein files.

As questions mounted over the House’s next steps, so did the speaker’s exasperation.

“The reason the House isn’t here in regular session is because they turned the lights off,” he said during Thursday’s press conference. “I’m trying to muster every ounce of Christian charity that I can, but this is outrageous.”

He declined to say if or when the House would be called back to session.

“We’ll keep you posted,” he said. “And let’s pray this ends soon.”

Speaker keeping House lawmakers out again next week

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man&nbsp; who admitted to vandalizing a&nbsp; church in Wichita learned his fate on Friday.

&nbsp;Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Michael Gonzalez, 23, of Saline County,&nbsp;to 34 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp; for his role in the significant vandalism and criminal desecration at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In July Gonzalez pleaded guilty to felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property.

Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on bonds totaling over $500,000, according to online jail records.

Prison time for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

NEW YORK (AP) — A monthslong calm on Wall Street shattered Friday, and U.S. stocks tumbled after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-china-cc47e258cfc6336dfddcc20fa67a3642">threatened to crank tariffs much higher</a>&nbsp;on China.

The S&amp;P 500 sank 2.7% in its worst day since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878 points, or 1.9%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 3.6%.

Stocks had been heading for a slight gain in the morning, until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;took to his social media platform and said he’s considering “a massive increase of tariffs” on Chinese imports. He’s upset at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-earths-exports-trump-dad99d532f858f04d750d0b8c50e5ed6">restrictions China has placed on exports of its rare earths</a>, which are materials that are critical for the manufacturing of everything from consumer electronics to jet engines.

“We have been contacted by other Countries who are extremely angry at this great Trade hostility, which came out of nowhere,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also said “now there seems to be no reason” to meet with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-tiktok-china-united-states-e6b6334aef2946b5b8c809be4240cad1">earlier agreeing to do so</a>&nbsp;as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea.

The ratchet higher in tensions between the world’s largest economies led to widespread drops across Wall Street, with roughly six out of every seven stocks within the S&amp;P 500 falling. Nearly everything weakened, from Big Tech companies like Nvidia and Apple to stocks of smaller companies looking to get past uncertainty about tariffs and trade.

The market may have been primed for a slide. U.S. stocks were already facing criticism that their prices had shot too high following the S&amp;P 500’s nearly relentless 35% run from a low in April. The index, which dictates the movements for many 401(k) accounts, is still near its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-gold-ai-yen-3b5d8a978d326c59cbf484a14868ce66">all-time high</a>&nbsp;set earlier in the week.

Critics say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-rates-records-shutdown-earnings-ai-251fefd075ac658ce498c9d1953efc70">the market looks too expensive</a>&nbsp;after prices rose much faster than corporate profits. Worries are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-bubble-warnings-bank-of-england-imf-b15e54f6d06992371ee39b27f4e6da3a">particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry</a>, where pessimists see echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded. For stocks to look less expensive, either their prices need to fall, or companies’ profits need to rise.

Levi Strauss dropped 12.6% for one of the market’s larger losses, even though it reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Its forecast for profit over the full year was also within range of Wall Street’s estimates, but the jeans and clothing company could simply be facing the challenge of heightened expectations after a big run. Its stock price came into the day with a surge of nearly 42% for the year so far.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 182.60 points to 6,552.51. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 878.82 to 45,479.60, and the Nasdaq composite sank 820.20 to 22,204.43.

Some of Friday’s strongest action was in the oil market, where the price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude sank 4.2% to $58.90.

It fell as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-shelling-ceasefire-israel-c832ff32cf332805ffb50bffa35e8220">ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect</a>&nbsp;in Gaza. An end to the war could remove worries about disruptions to oil supplies, which had kept crude’s price higher than it otherwise would have been.

Losses accelerated following Trump’s tariff threat, which could gum up global trade and lead the economy to burn less fuel. Brent crude, the international standard, dropped 3.8% to $62.73 per barrel.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 4.05% from 4.14% late Thursday.

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