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

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

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Grace Group New Website Build Retail Price $1500&nbsp;&nbsp;

Your website is your digital storefront. It's so important to have a nice and effective site. This item is for a new website build from The Grace Group, with local service and a vast majority of customers from Hays and Western Kansas. The Grace Group, Inc. is a full-service marketing and consulting agency helping small businesses grow with creative, customized strategies. From social media management to branding, consulting, and website development, The Grace Group is committed to giving businesses the tools they need to succeed. For this radio auction, The Grace Group is offering a complete website build, which includes: Up to 7 custom pages (content, creation, and design included); SEO optimization to help your business get found online; Mobile &amp; tablet optimization for a seamless experience across devices; 2 months of maintenance, support, and training after launch to ensure your success; Please note: this package covers the website build itself but does not include any fees associated with obtaining a domain name or hosting services. This is the perfect opportunity to elevate your business presence with a professional, functional, and beautifully designed website from The Grace Group.

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">4 WEEK WORKOUT/WELLNESS PLAN</a>

Olympus Performance 4 Week Workout/Wellness Plan Retail Price $200

Are you ready to make yourself and your fitness a priority now that school is back in session? Maybe you have a goal in mind but don’t know where to start. Olympus Performance is here to help—offering custom workouts, nutrition guidance, virtual training, and weekly coaching calls to keep you on track. Completely virtual, completely flexible, and designed for you—no matter your schedule, space, or equipment. Founder Dan Rogers is a certified strength coach with more than a decade of experience in strength and sport settings. He launched Olympus Performance in 2024 after 12 years in education and athletics—coaching high school football to back-to-back state titles, leading middle school basketball, and serving as a PE teacher, athletic director, and principal. Dan also serves on the NHSSCA board for Kansas and lives by the motto, “Leave something better than you found it.” When you bid on this program, you’ll receive a four-week, fully customized workout plan built around your space, equipment, and schedule—plus personalized guidance, bi-weekly check-ins, and progression strategies to keep you moving toward your goals. Find more content on Facebook and Instagram @OlympusPerformance. For details, visit www.OlympusPerformance.net or call 785-386-8029.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Rockin' Thunder Music &amp; DJ Service 4-Hour DJ Package Retail Price $600

Rockin' Thunder Music provides DJ services for a variety of events, including: Weddings, Birthdays, Block Parties, House Parties, School Dances (proms, etc.), Rodeos, Car Shows, and More! Availability: It's recommended to contact David at Rockin' Thunder Music before purchasing the certificate to confirm your desired event date is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

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

&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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government starts phasing out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f18671b03d07a6b227b46e614e541e7d">paper checks</a>&nbsp;for most programs on Tuesday.

The change, which was initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March, will affect recipients of benefits including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-social-security-90th-anniversary-shortfall-9552a6b2d862bda0f553cc5d349ba469">Social Security</a>, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds.

Trump’s Republican administration argues the shift of all payments and collections to electronic methods is designed to protect taxpayers from fraud and stolen checks, speed up processing and cut costs. But advocates fear that the shift will hurt marginalized Americans who lack access to digital services and may not even know this phase-out is coming.

“A lot of claimants move around and don’t always get their mail,” says Jennifer Burdick, a divisional supervising attorney in the SSI Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. “And the folks that I represent who get paper checks mostly learned from me about this transition.”

Roughly 10% of Burdick’s clients receive paper checks. She worries that new recipients who need a paper check to open a checking account at a bank will find it difficult or even nearly impossible to get that done after the phase-out.

Nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/GIS/data/Reports/T2StateSum.htm" target="_blank">400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients</a>&nbsp;receive their benefits through paper checks. That amounts to less than 1% of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/2023/fast_facts23.html" target="_blank">the 70.6 million</a>&nbsp;retirees, disabled people and children who receive Social Security benefits.

Instead of paper checks, they will receive a direct deposit or a Direct Express card, which is intended for people without a bank account. However, the Social Security Administration says it will still issue paper checks if no other options are available.

“Where a beneficiary has no other means to receive payment, we will continue to issue paper checks,” the SSA says.

Kathleen Romig, the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, notes that the people most affected by this change tend to be the most vulnerable, “often unbanked or unhoused, and lacking in the tools and skills they need to access digital services.” There are reasons they haven’t made the switch yet — some people’s mental health crises make them wary of financial institutions, and others simply don’t have enough money to open a bank account.

“This is a population that can’t afford to miss a payment, so it’s very important that the Trump administration manage the transition without interrupting their benefits,” Romig said.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the preservation of Social Security benefits, calls the phase-out of paper checks unnecessary.

“If it’s not handled right, it will be devastating” for people who are unaware of the change and have limited incomes, Altman said. “I think anyone should be able to get a paper check. And while less than 1% is getting a check, that’s still a lot of people.”

US government phasing out paper checks. What that means for you

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5">aggressive form of prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday.

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” said Biden aide Kelly Scully.

The 82-year-old Democrat left office in January after he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">dropped his bid for reelection</a>&nbsp;six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;amid concerns about Biden's age, health and mental fitness.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris</a>, who was Biden's vice president.

In May, Biden's postpresidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bone. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prostate-cancer-2acca9da55ea0f0a09546cd918437444">Prostate cancers</a>&nbsp;are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-cancer-prostate-cc8e4fce80a0a6d531370a7e1ba0b8ae">Gleason score</a>. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.

Last month, Biden had surgery to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-skin-cancer-surgery-mohs-forehead-a9a10a03c713d817b85e28b6132ae86a">remove skin cancer lesions</a>&nbsp;from his forehead.

Biden receiving radiation and hormone therapy to treat his cancer

TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation shared the results of the statewide marijuana enforcement operation conducted in Kansas, between Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, according to a media release from the agency.

KBI agents, with support from local law enforcement, executed search warrants at 18 separate vape shops and CBD dispensaries in Wichita, Topeka, Salina, Great Bend, McPherson, Independence, Pratt, Abilene, Ulysses, Concordia and Sedan.

Marijuana products that are prohibited by Kansas law, or were suspected to contain unlawful amounts of THC, were seized. The preliminary results of items seized during the operation include:

Flower, also known as marijuana bud, (weight in ounces and pounds): 5,494 ounces or 343.38 pounds

THC pre-rolls, also called pre-rolled joints, (number of items): 43,867

THC and&nbsp;psilocybin&nbsp;edibles&nbsp;(number of packages): 84,481

Additionally, two subjects were arrested on Oct. 2, in Ulysses, for moving illegal THC products in order to evade law enforcement detection.

Gregory Reese, 63, of Ulysses, was arrested around 12:15 p.m., at N. Stubbs Road and E. Road 9 in rural Grant County. He was arrested for possession with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, and no Kansas drug tax stamp.

Tammy Reese, 59, of Ulysses, was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, interference with law enforcement, criminal use of a weapon, and no Kansas drug tax stamp. She was arrested at Reese’s Enterprises at 119 W. Oklahoma, in Ulysses, at around 12:30 p.m.

Around 5 p.m., on Oct. 2, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a 20-foot box truck on U.S. Highway 400, near Fredonia. The truck was transporting THC products that were removed from the shelves of 19 Kansas shops. KBI agents seized the truck and its contents, and are investigating what occurred.&nbsp;

Evidence from these cases is being tested. The investigations are ongoing.

KBI shares results of the statewide marijuana enforcement operation

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 20-year-old&nbsp; Za’marion V. Taylor, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Taylor, unresponsive on the ground next to the business. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded and declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded to&nbsp; the scene and canvassed for any witnesses.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Taylor had an interaction with an unknown suspect in the parking lot of the business that escalated to gunfire which struck him. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID victim in KC business parking lot killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Melania Trump says eight Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families after ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Melania Trump in August wrote a letter to Putin and had her husband hand-deliver it during his meeting with the Russian president in Alaska.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukrainian-children-russia-7493cb22c9086c6293c1ac7986d85ef6">taking Ukrainian children</a>&nbsp;out of their country so that they can be raised as Russian.

The first lady, speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, said that Putin responded to her letter and after that, they had established an “open channel of communication” regarding the welfare of those children.

“We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war,” she said.

The Associated Press documented the grabbing of Ukrainian children in 2022, after which the International Criminal Court said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253">had issued an arrest warrant</a>&nbsp;for Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

🎥First lady reveals talks with Putin over kidnapped Ukraine children

WASHINGTON (AP) —A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-wic-food-a6d66fa0ce3d02257b5b43a79355b1bf">food aid program</a>&nbsp;that supports millions of low-income mothers and their young children received a $300 million infusion from the Trump administration this week, alleviating some anxiety that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wic-government-shutdown-food-aid-7b1d5fc317b25b79015ea335197f37bd">run out of money</a>&nbsp;during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children helps more than 6 million low-income mothers, young children and expectant parents to purchase nutritious staples like fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and infant formula. The program, known as WIC, was at risk of running out of money this month because of the government shutdown, which occurred right before it was slated to receive its annual appropriation.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said this week in a post&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PressSec/status/1975642840416780535">on the social platform X</a>&nbsp;that the White House had found “a creative solution” to use tariff revenues to keep the program afloat. By Thursday at least some states were receiving WIC money. Alaska and Washington said they received enough federal funds to keep their programs running until at least the end of October.

WIC food program receives $300M to keep running during gov't shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Wichita have arrested a suspect.

A 52-year-old male from Wichita is in custody following a deadly shooting Thursday evening at the American Legion located at 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp;

First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.

A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was reported in serious but stable condition late Friday.

Investigators confirmed that the suspect identified from Sedgwick County booking records as Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.

“This is deeply frustrating,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “Once again, someone has lost their life, not because of a stranger, but because an argument between friends turned violent. Every act of violence begins with a choice. When someone decides to bring a gun into an argument, that is an intentional act, and that choice destroys lives, families, and neighborhoods.”

Chief Sullivan added that while the department continues to use technology and community partnerships to identify suspects and solve cases quickly, the broader fight against violence requires shared responsibility.

“We have a 96% homicide clearance rate, overall part 1 crime arrests are up 12% compared to this time last year. This reflects our ongoing commitment to victims of violent crimes. But it doesn’t prevent a homicide when the people involved already know each other,” Sullivan said.

“Law enforcement cannot be everywhere,” he continued. “Families, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement partners all play a role in stopping violence before it happens. When someone decides that they are going out to drink and brings a gun with them, that is an intentional act. That is a choice they made that creates a potential for tragedy."

Kansas man jailed for deadly fight at American Legion Hall

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.

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