By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is still facing a 2026 funding gap after the city of Hays and Ellis County wrapped up their budget processes.

Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, said the gap is about $161,000. Michaud said ACCESS is reaching out to the Kansas Department of Transportation, which has provided some funding, and potentially to legislators to explore funding solutions.

"We need general public transportation in the community. There's no question about that," Michaud said.

Michaud said ACCESS has not experienced federal funding cuts. He said the shortfall stems from limited state support through KDOT, insufficient local contributions, and rising costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance and vehicles.

Michaud said during the COVID-19 pandemic, match rates helped create reserves. However, those reserves are now depleted, resulting in a greater deficit heading into 2026.

Michaud said he also hopes to include the city and county in the conversation in finding long-term solutions for the service that provides transportation to elderly residents and people with disabilities.

Michaud said the city contributed $82,500 and the county $50,000.&nbsp;The service provided about&nbsp;28,000 rides in 2024, with more than 11,000 of those trips related to work.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1c896b49-4c58-4425-a998-474c7c4b6da4">SEE RELATED STORY: ACCESS Public Transportation faces 2026 budget shortfall</a>

Michaid said there are no plans for immediate changes to the service.&nbsp;

You can learn more about ACCESS transportation&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.google.com/mydsnwk.org/access">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ACCESS Public Transportation still faces 2026 budget shortfall

Fort Hays State University Athletics is proud to announce a new partnership with Heartland Credit Union (HCU), naming HCU the Official Financial Wellness Partner of Tiger Athletics.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes—ensuring they are not only physically prepared for competition, but also equipped to navigate life’s challenges, including financial literacy and long-term financial well-being.

“We are so appreciative of Heartland Credit Union's partnership in supporting Tiger Athletics' ongoing commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience, while enhancing their holistic development,” said Lisa Goddard McGuirk, director of Athletics at Fort Hays State University.

 “Financial wellness is a vital life skill that will serve our student-athletes during their time at our institution, but also have a lasting impact beyond graduation. The efforts of our Assistant Director of Athletics, Matt Cook, have been significant in guiding this collaborative partnership.”

Student-athletes face unique financial challenges, especially as they balance academics, athletics, and new opportunities like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings. Financial education programs have been shown to improve budgeting habits, reduce financial stress, and increase confidence in financial decision-making.

Through this partnership, Heartland Credit Union will provide bi-monthly financial wellness workshops covering essential topics such as budgeting, student loans, smart spending, savings, and financial planning for life after college. In addition, student-athletes will receive curated eNewsletter content on subjects like investing, taxes, managing debt, and financial confidence. HCU staff will also be available for one-on-one financial counseling.

From Heartland Credit Union’s perspective, the partnership is a natural extension of its mission to empower communities through financial education.

“As one of Kansas’ leading credit unions, we’re thrilled to partner with Fort Hays State University Athletics,” said Dan Springer, CEO of Heartland Credit Union. “Financial education is one of the most important tools we can offer young adults, and we’re proud to support the student-athletes at FHSU in building a strong foundation for their futures.”

Heartland Credit Union’s local branch in Hays, 2825 Plaza Ave., will serve as a convenient resource for student-athletes and staff, offering personalized financial support that promotes long-term financial wellness.

Together, Fort Hays State University Athletics and Heartland Credit Union are championing a culture of financial literacy, resilience, and success—on and off the field.

Heartland Credit Union named Financial Wellness Partner of FHSU Athletics

Jana’s Campaign, an organization dedicated to preventing relationship-based violence, will have its annual fundraising gala, “Empty Place at the Table,” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St., Hays.&nbsp;

Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at <a href="https://www.janascampaign.org/">janascampaign.org</a>.

“This cherished community event brings together friends and supporters to honor the life and legacy of Jana Mackey while celebrating 16 years of prevention education and impact,” Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director, said in a news release.

“The evening will reflect on the organization’s achievements in building safe, healthy communities and reaffirm their mission to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking through evidence-based education.”

Jana’s Campaign was founded in memory of Hays native Jana Mackey, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008.

The organization has presented educational programs to more than 102,000 middle school and high school students from 677 schools across 10 states, Blackburn said, all with the goal of informing young people about domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

“Our prevention approach creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individual students. When we teach one young person about healthy relationships, they carry that knowledge to their families, friend groups, and future relationships,” Blackburn said. “Prevention education is an investment that pays dividends for decades.”

This year’s fundraiser will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions. The event is being sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

Tickets on sale for Jana's Campaign 'Empty Place at the Table' on Oct. 11

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

From the rolling hills of Rush County, where his mother was raised on a farm among five siblings, Jeremy Myrick traces his roots back to the heart of agriculture in rural Kansas. His story, starting as a toddler living with his grandmother while his family’s home was being repaired, shows the essence of hard work and the love of a family that nurtured his passion for farming.

Most of Jeremy's childhood was spent on the family farm, where he dedicated countless hours to riding various pieces of equipment and engaging in tasks such as elevating terraces and building waterways. Surrounded by animals and learning the ins and outs of machinery, he developed a deep connection to the land. 

His grandfather, a dedicated welder, instilled a strong work ethic in the family, with high expectations set for Jeremy and his siblings. Through his cherished relationships with his uncles and grandmother, he came to view farming not just as a vocation, but as the way of life he truly desired.

“I was fortunate to spend a considerable amount of time on the farm, bonding with my uncles and learning the ropes,” Jeremy recalls. Jeremy’s early experiences solidified his desire to work the land, yet sports, particularly football, also captured his enthusiasm.

After graduating from high school in 2008, Jeremy took a significant step toward his future, earning a football scholarship at Garden City Community College (GCCC). “My parents always insisted on hard work and self-sufficiency. They assured me that I would appreciate the struggle, and they were right,” he reflects on a lesson that would define his journey.

At Garden City Community College (GCCC), Jeremy dedicated most of his time to football and “various extracurricular activities,” yet after two years, he found himself without a degree. With a heart set on returning to the family farm, he moved back in with his grandmother, a decision he described as fortunate. “She was one of the best ‘roommates’ anyone could have,” Jeremy fondly recalls, reflecting on the support and comfort she provided during that pivotal time in his life.

While he immersed himself in farm work, his family emphasized the importance of education, encouraging him to finish the remaining credits needed for his degree. Inspired by their belief in him, Jeremy committed himself to his studies and ultimately completed his associate degree at GCCC in 2013, marking a significant step on his journey toward personal and professional fulfillment.

Following the death of his grandmother in 2014, he returned to school full-time at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to pursue an agriculture degree, culminating in his graduation in 2016.

Growing up in western Kansas, Jeremy always felt a calling toward agriculture but was uncertain about his future path—whether to stay on the family farm run by his uncle or venture into the corporate world. Realizing his deep attachment to his hometown, he sought a way to remain connected to the land. 

After starting his career as an agronomist, Jeremy discovered Diamond Ag Research (DAR), a unique opportunity right in his own backyard. “Once I joined the team, I never looked back,” he recalls. The role offered him a perfect blend of hands-on farming experience and the application of academic knowledge, all while allowing him to connect with&nbsp;people from around the globe and introduce new chemistry, traits, and practices to the agricultural sector.

Jeremy began his journey at DAR as an Ag Research Assistant II and steadily advanced to the position of efficacy project manager. 

Over time, discussions began about the possibility of him purchasing the company. Today, as the owner of DAR, Jeremy reflects on the significance of his work: “It’s the perfect blend of agriculture and research, enabling me to engage with people worldwide.” Through his leadership, he continues to foster innovation and support local agriculture, all while honoring the roots that have deeply influenced his life’s journey.

As Jeremy reflects on his career, he emphasizes the significance of collaborating with students from FHSU. “We attend the Ag Fair every year to recruit interns who share a connection to this region,” he explains. “Many of these students understand the local agricultural landscape and bring this knowledge and experience to the table.” 

Interns play a crucial role at DAR, assisting in tasks such as logging test substances, maintaining and fabricating equipment as needed for trials, and mixing test substances into spray treatments. Their responsibilities also include conducting herbicide control evaluations, plant stand counts, and a variety of other assessments required by research protocols.

Yet, beyond business, Jeremy is a pillar in his community, currently serving as the president of the Pawnee County Farm Bureau. “I’m still trying to find my footing in this role,” he admits, but remains committed to making an impact. “It’s crucial that we reach out and give back to our agricultural community.”

From organizing agricultural events at local schools to initiating mentorship opportunities for budding farmers, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of outreach. “We want to shine a light on agriculture and educate those less familiar. Engaging with the community is integral,” he notes.

Balancing work and family, Jeremy is a devoted husband and father of four. He married in the fall of 2017, and his personal life took on new dimensions when he became a father. “I call it miniature farming,” he jokes about involving his children in his work, teaching them the values he learned as a child. “They’re learning the ropes, and I hope one day they’ll take over and be even more successful.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy acknowledges the challenges of the agricultural sector, especially in uncertain times. “My goal is to keep Diamond Ag afloat because I simply cannot fathom failure,” he states resolutely. He aims to expand the company while cherishing time with his growing family, understanding the significance of both pursuits.

“I’ve appreciated the work ethic my parents instilled in me. You must want it and work for it,” Jeremy reflects, embodying the spirit of resilience. As he considers his journey thus far, Jeremy expresses a heartfelt perspective: “If you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life. It sounds good, but it’s not real. However, because you love it, you’re willing to work harder than ever.”

To aspiring entrepreneurs and students considering a career in agriculture, Jeremy conveys an essential message: “I’m very proud of my unconventional route. If I could change anything, I wouldn’t. We all mature at different rates, and our unique paths shape who we are today. I was scared to return to school at 24, but I found my purpose once locked in. Hard times make tough people. If you want it, go get it. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Keep your head up, grind away, and don’t lose sight of your goals. There will be bumps in the road, but with commitment, today’s mountains can become mere mounds in your rearview mirror.”

With aspirations for continual growth and community impact, Jeremy Myrick is not just cultivating crops; he is nurturing a legacy that honors his roots while paving the way for future generations in Pawnee County and beyond. His journey is a powerful reminder that dedication, resilience, and passion can create a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, even amidst the challenges of the agricultural landscape.

Heart of a Tiger: Delivering innovative agriculture practices to rural Kansas, world

<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

Congratulations to Rick Summers and Jared Wickham, our last two finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart giveaway from A&amp;A Coors Yuengling.&nbsp;

Both registered on Thursday at Elite Detailing and Sales of Hays.

Finalists, please check in at 2 p.m. during Oktoberfest at Frontier Park.

We'll give the golf cart, valued at around $12,000, away at 2:45 p.m.

Thanks to all who registered this summer and good luck finalists!

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-20252.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-20253.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-20254.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-20255.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-20256.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-20257.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-20258.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-20259.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202510.&nbsp;Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202511.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202512.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-202513.&nbsp;Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-202514.&nbsp;Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-202515.&nbsp;Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-202516.&nbsp;Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-202517.&nbsp;Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202518.&nbsp;James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202519.&nbsp;Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202520.&nbsp;Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202521.&nbsp;Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-202522.&nbsp;Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-202523.&nbsp;Chuck Staab – Doghouse Liquor – 8-28-202524.&nbsp;Chad Stoecklein – Doghouse Liquor – 8-28-202525.&nbsp;Aaron Stewart – Kaiser Liquor – 9-19-202526.&nbsp;Justin Groff – Kaiser Liquor – 9-19-202527.&nbsp;Neva Hendrix – Pit Road Liquor – 9-20-202528.&nbsp;Shelli Jones – Pit Road Liquor – 9-20-202529.&nbsp;Matt Mayo – Toby Jugs – 9-21-202530.&nbsp;Chris Timken – Toby Jugs – 9-21-2025

Last finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart giveaway

CASA of the High Plains announces that Ashley Kingsley, part-time donor relations and public engagement manager, has submitted her resignation, effective Sept. 11.&nbsp; 

While her departure comes in the middle of our&nbsp;fall fundraising efforts, CASA remains committed to raising $30,000 by year's end to ensure that&nbsp;vital advocacy services for our children continue.

Current campaigns include the&nbsp;Cash for Kids Raffle. Tickets are $25 each, with drawings conducted daily through October and participation in&nbsp;Give Fest&nbsp;on Oct. 10 through the Heartland Foundation.

We encourage community members to join us in these efforts to support their local children in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To donate, visit CASA's website at <a href="https://casaofthehighplains.org/">casaofthehighplains.org</a>, which has a donation button, as well as easy links to "How do I get involved?" Checks can be mailed to 107 W. 13th St., Hays, KS 67601.

See CASA's Venmo or PayPal QR codes below.

CASA fall fundraising efforts continue despite loss of donor relations manager

FHSU daily crime log: Sept. 19-25, 2025

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Tony Guerrero speaks with Kim Cebula, Fort Hays State alumni director, and Megan Purinton, Fort Hays State director of events, about the university's homecoming weekend.

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU homecoming kicks off today

Feeding Hays volunteers needed for tonight's meal

&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

HOLYROOD — The Heritage Matinee event will kick off at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Holyrood American Legion with archival film footage collected by Arlen Schultz dating from the 1940s depicting scenes such as a football game between Lorraine and Holyrood, and the dedication of the Ellsworth County Courthouse and celebratory parade.

An open mic storytelling time will follow for people to share their recollections about Holyrood and Ellsworth County. Attendees are encouraged to consider sharing a prepared historical anecdote between 1-2 minutes, which will be recorded for Holyrood’s archives. 'Sod and Stubble' Director Ken Spurgeon will introduce his film and entertain audience questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Sod and Stubble' tells the story of the Ise family who homesteaded in Osborne County, Kansas in the 1870s and battled through the many challenges of homesteading on the Kansas plains. The original story was written by John Ise in the 1930s with the help and remembrances of his mother Rosa Ise. In the 1990s, Von Rothenberger added over 150pages of additional text to the new release. Now, the story of Henry and Rosie Ise comes to life on the screen through the work of an award-winning cast and crew.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Sod and Stubble' was filmed in Downs, Wichita, and El Dorado, Kansas.&nbsp;

The film was produced by New Albany Films and Sod and Stubble LLC, and distributed by Purdie Distribution. 'Sod and Stubble' has been distributed nationwide to theatres and released on streaming platforms.&nbsp; More information about the film is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sodandstubble.com/">www.sodandstubble.com</a>.&nbsp;

'Sod and Stubble' film featured at Holyrood Booster Club fundraising event Oct. 4

NESS CITY — The 16th annual Fall Festival Auction for Sacred Heart School in Ness City is Saturday, Oct. 4.

Mass is at 4 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a prime rib supper from 6 to 7 p.m. Silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7 p.m.

Drawings include a 2025 CF Moto UTV, a Generac generator, chances to win cash and other prizes.

Reserve your seat today by calling Sacred Heart School in Ness City at&nbsp;785-798-3530 and get your tickets at the school.&nbsp;

Ness City Sacred Heart School Fall Festival Auction is Oct. 4

Community Block Party celebrates latest Community Foundation of Ellis project

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will have its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St., Hays.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make arrangements in advance with Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance to meet Oct. 8

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is delighted to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado, for two Magic of Painting classes on October 18 and 19. 

On Saturday, October 18, participants will paint Tropical Paradise, and on Sunday, October 19, English Village. 

Both classes will take place in the Hansen Museum Community Room, located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with a one-hour lunch break.

These classes offer a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to painting. Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of completing a finished painting each day. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Participants need only bring a roll of paper towels. 

Open to individuals aged 13 and older, these sessions provide a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and camaraderie.

Registration is available online at <a href="https://hansenmuseum.org/schedule-of-classes/">www.hansenmuseum.org</a> under the “Classes &amp; Camps” section. Discounts are offered to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum.

These classes are part of the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program and are made possible through generous support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. 

Upcoming beginner-friendly painting classes in Logan

Family Literacy Night celebrates FHSU Homecoming 

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/james-comey">James Comey</a>&nbsp;was charged Thursday with lying to Congress in a criminal case filed days after President Donald Trump appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies.

The indictment makes Comey the first former senior government official involved in one of Trump’s chief grievances, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-russia-48f9d5132d7a4e2d823edad8fc407979">long-concluded investigation into Russian interference</a>&nbsp;in the 2016 election, to face prosecution. Trump has for years derided that investigation as a “hoax” and a “witch hunt” despite multiple government reviews showing Moscow interfered on behalf of the Republican’s campaign, and has made clear his desire for retribution.

The criminal case is likely to deepen concerns that the Justice Department under Bondi is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">being weaponized in pursuit of investigations</a>&nbsp;and now prosecutions of public figures the president regards as his political enemies. It was filed as the White House has taken steps to exert influence in unprecedented ways on the department, blurring the line between law and politics at an agency where independence in prosecutorial decision-making is a foundational principle.

Trump on Thursday hailed the indictment as “JUSTICE FOR AMERICA!” Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Pam Bondi</a>, a Trump loyalist, and FBI Director Kash Patel, a longtime vocal critic of the Russia investigation, issued similar statements. “No one is above the law,” Bondi said.

Comey, in a video he posted after his indictment, said: “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial.”

Comey was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-4ff1ecb621884a728b25e62661257ef0">fired</a>&nbsp;months into Trump’s first administration and since then has remained a top target for Trump supporters seeking retaliation related to the Russia investigation. He was singled out by name in a Saturday social media post in which Trump appeared to appeal directly to Bondi bring charges against Comey and complained that Justice Department investigations into his foes had not resulted in charges.

“We can’t delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility,” Trump wrote, referencing the fact that he himself had been indicted and impeached multiple times. “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

Turmoil in the office that filed the case

The office that filed the case against Comey, the Eastern District of Virginia, was thrown into turmoil last Friday following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">the resignation of chief prosecutor Erik Siebert</a>, who had not charged Comey and had faced pressure to bring charges against another Trump target, New York Attorney General Letitia James, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-investigation-letitia-james-07452728c0bf2677ca095b7cf14db2c6">a mortgage fraud investigation</a>.

The following evening,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/letitia-james-eastern-district-of-virginia-trump-8c84bd8603a4b932f9cb2e451ef057a3">Trump lamented in a Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;aimed at the attorney general that department investigations had not resulted in prosecutions. He nominated as the new U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who had been one of Trump’s personal lawyers but lacks experience as a federal prosecutor.

Halligan had rushed to present the case to a grand jury this week because prosecutors evaluating whether Comey lied to Congress during testimony on Sept. 30, 2020, had until Tuesday to bring a case before the five-year statute of limitations expired. The push to move forward came even as prosecutors in the office had detailed in a memo concerns about the pursuit of an indictment.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136/gov.uscourts.vaed.582136.3.0.pdf" target="_blank">two-count indictment</a>&nbsp;consists of charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

It accuses Comey of lying to the Senate when he said he had not authorized anyone else at the FBI to leak information. Though the indictment does not mention the investigation or its subject, it appears from the context to refer to a leak related to an inquiry into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ran for president against Trump in 2016.

It also alleges that Comey obstructed Congress when he said he did not recall being presented with information that purported to show a Clinton campaign plan to tie Trump to Russia. But that theory, which has been based on some Republican allies of Trump, is based on emails that investigators examined but did not determine to be authentic or credible.

Lingering anger over Russia investigation

Trump has for years railed against both a finding by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia preferred him to Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and the criminal investigation that tried to determine whether his campaign had conspired with Moscow to sway the outcome of that race.

Prosecutors led by special counsel Robert Mueller did not establish that Trump or his associates criminally colluded with Russia, but they did find that Trump’s campaign had welcomed Moscow’s assistance.

Trump has seized on the fact that Mueller’s investigation did not find a criminal conspiracy, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f2d8d48dede72f5ceb9883e97818caa2">significant errors and omissions</a>&nbsp;made by the FBI in wiretap applications, to claim vindication. A yearslong investigation into potential misconduct during the Russia investigation was conducted by a different special counsel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/durham-trump-russia-probe-7e84f94ca9cf7905cbc5eddc108575b3">John Durham</a>. That produced three criminal cases, including against an FBI lawyer, but not against senior government officials.

The indictment comes against the backdrop of a Trump administration effort to cast the Russia investigation as the outgrowth of an effort under Democratic President Barack Obama to overhype Moscow’s interference in the election and to undermine the legitimacy of Trump’s victory.

Administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-russia-2016-election-interference-895e863c27e5853f10c819121d73df8a">declassified a series of documents</a>&nbsp;meant to chip away at the strength of an Obama-era intelligence assessment published in January 2017 that said Moscow had engaged in a broad campaign of interference at the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A senior Justice Department official in Republican President George W. Bush’s administration, Comey was picked by Obama to lead the FBI in 2013 and was director when the bureau opened the Russia investigation in the summer of 2016.

Comey’s relationship with Trump was strained from the start and was exacerbated when Comey resisted a request by Trump at a private White House dinner to pledge personal loyalty to the president. That overture so unnerved the FBI director that he documented it in a contemporaneous memorandum.

Trump fired Comey in May 2017, an action later investigated by Mueller for potential obstruction of justice.

After being let go, Comey authorized a close friend to share with a reporter the substance of an unclassified memo that documented an Oval Office request from Trump to shut down an FBI investigation into his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Trump and his allies later branded Comey a leaker, with the president even accusing him of treason. Comey himself has called Trump “ego driven” and likened him to a mafia don.

The Justice Department, during Trump’s first term, declined to prosecute Comey over his handling of his memos. The department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ee2870cb0c9148e08161d851b26092e9">inspector general</a>&nbsp;did issue a harshly critical report in 2019 that said Comey violated FBI policies, including by failing to return the documents to the FBI after he was dismissed and for sharing them with his personal lawyers without FBI permission.

Earlier this year, the department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-maurene-comey-trump-23fb32ac0e4402873862d3ca6d31d18e">fired Comey’s daughter</a>, Maurene Comey, from her job as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. She has since sued, saying the termination was carried out without any explanation and was done for political reasons.

🎥 James Comey's defiant response after charged with lying to Congress

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faced charges for a fatal stabbing over a sweatshirt the victim was wearing.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2728/Complaint-Packet---ParkerTrey">Trey C. Parker</a>, 23,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, police were dispatched to a car wash in Independence on Sept. 19 and located the victim with a stab wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at a hospital.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, an argument started after a garage sale.&nbsp; Parker, who was friends with the victim were fighting about a sweatshirt, according to the<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted"> probable cause statement.</a> The victim was wearing a sweatshirt which belonged to Parker.

Parker stabbed the victim, and the victim entered the front passenger seat of a nearby vehicle, which drove away.&nbsp;

The defendant is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

Murder: KC area man stabbed friend during fight over sweatshirt

MITCHELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Austin Cearyn&nbsp;Jablonski, 17, Lincoln, was&nbsp;eastbound on Kansas 14 just south of V Road.

The driver lost control of the van. It crossed the center line into the westbound lane. A westbound 2021 Kenworth semi driven by Trey Isaac&nbsp;Mosier, 29, Ellinwood, struck the van and entered the north ditch. Both vehicles caught on fire.&nbsp;

Jablonski was pronounced dead at the scene and transported Roberts Funeral Home. Mosier was not injured. The KHP did not report seat belt usage details.

Kansas teen dies after van, semi crash and fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.

On September 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a narcotics related search warrant in the 2500 block of SW Western Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Chrisstian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and a stolen motorcycle were located.

Scott L. Kemble, 54, of Shawnee, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of THC, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted with this search warrant.&nbsp; Kemble is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Alleged Kan. drug dealer had stolen motorcycle

SEATTLE (AP) — Amazon has reached a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, which said the online retail giant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-prime-ftc-bezos-online-shopping-6bf17b6ce0795e99bdcee911105199d5">tricked customers into signing up</a>&nbsp;for its Prime memberships and made it difficult for them to cancel after doing so.

The Seattle company will pay $1 billion in civil penalties — the largest fine in the agency’s history — and $1.5 billion will be paid back to consumers who were unintentionally enrolled in Prime, or were deterred from canceling their subscriptions, the agency said Thursday.

The surprise settlement comes just days after the trial began in U.S. District Court in Seattle this week. At the heart of the case is the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, a 2010 law designed to ensure that people know what they’re being charged for online.

FTC officials said Amazon had its back against the wall and the consumer refund amount exceeded even the agency’s expert projections.

“I think it just took a few days for them to see that they were going to lose. And they came to us and they paid out,” said Chris Mufarrige, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, on the settlement negotiations.

Amazon, however, said it was confident it would win case but that it chose to resolve it quickly instead of going through potentially years of trial and appeals. The company admitted no wrongdoing in the case, which was first filed two years ago.

“Amazon and our executives have always followed the law and this settlement allows us to move forward and focus on innovating for customers," said spokesman Mark Blafkin in a statement. "We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world.”

Certain Prime customers who are eligible for automatic refunds of up to $51 include those who may have signed up for a membership via the company’s “Single Page Checkout,” among other links, between June 23, 2019, to June 23, 2025. Those customers will be reimbursed within 90 days of the settlement order.

Amazon is also on the hook to set up a claims process for more than 30 million customers who may have been affected by the other issues at the heart of the FTC case, including its cancellation process.

Amazon Prime provides subscribers with perks that include faster shipping, video streaming and discounts at Whole Foods for a fee of $139 annually, or $14.99 a month.

It’s a key and growing part of Amazon’s business, with more than 200 million members. In its latest financial report, the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-earnings-tariffs-secondquarter-6ea0c9b31ed5a0c3970ceef0056de063">reported in July</a>&nbsp;that it booked more than $12 billion in net revenue for subscription services, a 12% increase from the same period last year. That figure includes annual and monthly fees associated with Prime memberships, as well as other subscription services such as its music and e-books platforms.

The FTC said Amazon deliberately made it difficult for customers to purchase an item without also subscribing to Prime. In some cases, consumers were presented with a button to complete their transactions — which did not clearly state it would also enroll them in Prime, the agency said.

Getting out of a subscription was often too complicated, and Amazon leadership slowed or rejected changes that would have made canceling easier, according to an FTC complaint.

Internally, Amazon called the process “Iliad,” a reference to the ancient Greek poem about the lengthy siege of Troy during the Trojan war. The process requires the customer to affirm on three pages their desire to cancel membership.

The FTC began looking into Amazon’s Prime subscription practices in 2021 during the first Trump administration, but the lawsuit was filed in 2023 under former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-ftc-lina-khan-antitrust-lawsuit-da0b124e24183a3acd60367f05181f49">FTC Chair Lina Khan</a>, an antitrust expert who had been appointed by Biden.

The agency filed the case months before it submitted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-ftc-lina-khan-antitrust-lawsuit-da0b124e24183a3acd60367f05181f49">an antitrust lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the retail and technology company, accusing it of having monopolistic control&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-ftc-lawsuit-antitrust-lina-khan-d40f5437bac57f7f4a3ab5a49650f98d">over online markets</a>.

As part of the settlement terms, Amazon is prohibited from misrepresenting the terms of the subscriptions. It must fully disclose the costs to be incurred and obtain the customer’s express consent for the charge. For example, it must have a clear option for customers to accept or decline a Prime subscription being offered during a purchase, avoiding potentially confusing language such as: “No thanks, I don’t want free shipping.”

Automatic renewals for memberships must be clearly marked and the company is also required to use a cancellation process, which “must not be difficult, costly, confusing or time consuming,” according to the settlement.

Amazon said the settlement doesn't require it to make any additional changes — only to maintain its current sign-up and cancellation process that it had put in place in recent years.

Amazon hit with $2.5B fine after FTC says it tricked millions into Prime

The criminal case is likely to deepen concerns that the Justice Department under Bondi is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-weaponizing-government-second-term-54ab244ccb2328d116a498bbaeb680ef">being weaponized in pursuit of investigations</a>&nbsp;and now prosecutions of public figures the president regards as his political enemies. It was filed as the White House has taken steps to exert influence in unprecedented ways on the operations of the Justice Department, blurring the line between law and politics for an agency where independence in prosecutorial decision-making is a foundational principle.

The office that filed the case against Comey, the Eastern District of Virginia, was thrown into turmoil last week following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">the resignation of chief prosecutor Erik Siebert</a>, who had not charged Comey and had faced pressure to bring charges against another Trump target, New York Attorney General Letitia James, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-investigation-letitia-james-07452728c0bf2677ca095b7cf14db2c6">a mortgage fraud investigation</a>.

The following evening,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/letitia-james-eastern-district-of-virginia-trump-8c84bd8603a4b932f9cb2e451ef057a3">Trump lamented in a Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;aimed at the attorney general that department investigations had not resulted in prosecutions. He nominated as the new U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide who had been one of Trump’s personal lawyers but lacked the federal prosecution experience that would typically accompany the responsibility of running one of the Justice Department’s most prestigious offices.

Halligan had rushed to present the case to a grand jury this week. Prosecutors evaluating whether Comey lied to Congress during testimony on Sept. 30, 2020, had until Tuesday to bring a case before the five-year statute of limitations expired. The push to move forward came even as prosecutors in the office had detailed in a memo concerns about the pursuit of an indictment.

The two-count indictment consists of charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding. Comey’s lawyer had no immediate comment.

Trump has for years railed against both a finding by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia preferred him to Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and the criminal investigation that tried to determine whether his campaign had conspired with Moscow to sway the outcome of that race. Prosecutors led by special counsel Robert Mueller did not establish that Trump or his associates criminally colluded with Russia, but they did find that Trump’s campaign had welcomed Moscow’s assistance.

Trump has seized on the fact that Mueller’s investigation did not find that the Trump campaign and the Kremlin colluded, and that there were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f2d8d48dede72f5ceb9883e97818caa2">significant errors and omissions</a>&nbsp;made by the FBI in wiretap applications, to claim vindication. A yearslong investigation into potential misconduct during the Russia investigation, was conducted by a different special counsel,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/durham-trump-russia-probe-7e84f94ca9cf7905cbc5eddc108575b3">John Durham</a>. That produced three criminal cases, including against an FBI lawyer, but not against senior government officials.

The criminal case against Comey does not concern the substance of the Russia investigation but rather accuses him of having lied to Congress.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/james-comey">James Comey</a>&nbsp;was charged Thursday with making a false statement and obstruction in a criminal case filed days after President Donald Trump appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies.

The indictment makes Comey the first former senior government official to face prosecution in connection with one of Trump’s chief grievances: the long-concluded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-russia-48f9d5132d7a4e2d823edad8fc407979">investigation into Russian interference</a>&nbsp;in the 2016 election. Trump and his supporters have long derided that investigation as a “hoax” and a “witch hunt” despite multiple government reviews showing Moscow interfered on behalf of the Republican’s campaign.

The criminal case is likely to deepen concerns that the Justice Department under Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pam-bondi">Pam Bondi</a>, a Trump loyalist, is being weaponized in pursuit of investigations and now prosecutions of public figures the president regards as his political enemies.

It was filed as the White House has taken steps to exert influence in unprecedented ways on the operations of the Justice Department, blurring the line between law and politics for an agency where independence in prosecutorial decision-making is a foundational principle.

Comey was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-4ff1ecb621884a728b25e62661257ef0">fired</a>&nbsp;months into Trump’s first administration and has long been a top target for Trump supporters seeking retribution. Comey was singled out by name in a Saturday social media post in which Trump complained directly to Bondi that she had not yet brought charges against him.

The following evening,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/letitia-james-eastern-district-of-virginia-trump-8c84bd8603a4b932f9cb2e451ef057a3">Trump said in a Truth Social post</a>&nbsp;aimed at the attorney general that department investigations had not resulted in prosecutions. He said he would nominate Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide, to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She has been one of Trump’s personal lawyers and does not have experience as a federal prosecutor.

The office that filed the case against Comey, the Eastern District of Virginia, was thrown into turmoil last week following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-letitia-james-siebert-trump-9ec1a96c05fa77d8acc558bd803622a2">the resignation of chief prosecutor Erik Siebert</a>&nbsp;under pressure to bring charges against another Trump target, New York Attorney General Letitia James, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-investigation-letitia-james-07452728c0bf2677ca095b7cf14db2c6">a mortgage fraud investigation</a>.

Halligan had rushed to present the case to a grand jury this week. Prosecutors were evaluating whether Comey lied to Congress during testimony on Sept. 30, 2020, and they had until Tuesday to bring a case before the five-year statute of limitations expired. The push to move forward came even as prosecutors in the office had detailed in a memo concerns about the pursuit of an indictment.

The criminal case against Comey does not concern the substance of the Russia investigation. Rather, it accuses him of having lied to a Senate committee in his 2020 appearance when he said he never authorized anyone to serve as an anonymous source to a reporter about the investigation.

Trump’s administration is trying to cast the Russia investigation as the outgrowth of an effort under Democratic President Barack Obama to overhype Moscow’s interference in the election and to undermine the legitimacy of Trump’s victory.

Comey has for years been a prime Trump antagonist. Comey was a senior Justice Department official in Republican President George W. Bush’s administration, was picked by Obama to lead the FBI in 2013 and was director when the bureau opened the Russia investigation.

Ex-FBI Director, Trump adversary, indicted on charges of lying to Congress 

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—Three students and the driver were injured in a school bus accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Jackson County.

A Blue Springs School District bus struck a building at the intersection of 7 Highway and 40 Highway, according to a social media report from Blue Springs Police.

The bus driver and three students were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. At this time, their injuries do not appear to be serious.

Based on witness statements and driver accounts, the police investigation&nbsp; revealed that the bus had the right of way at the intersection. A vehicle approaching a yield sign failed to yield to the school bus, resulting in the accident, according to Blue Springs Police.

 The accident remains under investigation.

Police determine cause of KC bus crash that injured students, driver 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring that a proposed deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in the United States will be a qualified sale that meets national security concerns laid out by the law.

Much is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-b2621f7554d4a45eef83d05b4b958034">still unknown</a>&nbsp;about the actual arrangement, but Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping “gave us the go-ahead” to proceed with the deal. Any major change to the popular video platform could have a huge impact on how Americans — particularly young adults and teenagers — consume information online.

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