By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Dorothy and her friends are returning to the stage as Thomas More Perp-Marian students bring a twist to "The Wizard of Oz" this week.

Travis Grizzell, TMP-Marian drama director,  said the upcoming production includes students from sixth through 12th grade.

"We're going back to Oz this year," Grizzell said. "It's a large cast for us and a good range of students at TMP-Marian Junior and Senior High School."

The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 15, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php">online</a>&nbsp;or at the door of the Dreiling Theater at TMP High School, 1701 Hall St.

The production includes about 35 cast members and 15 crew, with a new spin to its Kansas scenes while keeping the classic Oz storyline. The cast features:

Grace Schmeidler as Dorothy Gale Kendall Seiler as Glinda Blaise Staab as Cowardly Lion Eli Stein as Scarecrow Jack Stoecklein as Tin Man Evan Staab as the Wizard of Oz Morgan Greenwood as the Wicked Witch of the West

The production was announced in the spring, with auditions and rehearsals held afterward.

"After Labor Day, we get right after it. It's a half-year process that culminates this week," Grizell said.

Grizzell said the show will make use of the aisles, giving the audience a close-up view of the characters. He advises attendees to watch out when getting up for the restroom during the performance.

Grizell also encourages audience members to dress as their favorite Oz characters for a costume contest on each night of the show.

TMP presents 'The Wizard of Oz' this week

Tryyaki Asian Cuisine &amp; TeaHouse at 2814 Vine St. in Hays reopened Nov. 9 to a remarkable first day back.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BwoJNKHZu/">The restaurant posted the following on its Facebook</a>:

"After a 4-month remodel following the fire, Tryyaki Asian Cuisine finally reopened today. We prepared a lot for this moment, but we honestly didn’t expect such an amazing turnout!"

"A huge thank you to everyone in our community for your enthusiasm, patience, and support — especially those who waited in the drive-through line so patiently."

The restaurant also expressed gratitude to its entire team for helping them through a busy opening day.

On the morning of July 9, Tryyaki suffered fire and smoke damage. Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans said the blaze was sparked by the spontaneous combustion of cleaning rags in the storage area.

The restaurant was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported, Hagans said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/908f3cca-2fef-43eb-a60f-2b0c7af0e9b6">SEE RELATED STORY: Update: Tryyaki Asian Cuisine in Hays sustains fire Wednesday morning</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16gbNzTPvs/">In an Oct. 31 social media post, Tryyaki updated customers on the rebuilding progress</a>, saying it had passed a gas leak test and inspections conducted by the Hays Fire Department and the City of Hays.

Facebook comments on Tryyaki's reopening announcement post were filled with excitement and warm messages.

"The hour long wait was so worth it last night! Welcome back!"

"I drove by around 6:30 last night and the line was incredible. My son said that was how it had been all day. Thank you to all of you who worked so hard so that our community could have an awesome place to eat. We missed you!"

"The wait was well worth it. It was delicious."

"Yes, you're back open! How wonderful to have such a great gathering today. We drove by and saw the line around the building. It looked amazing. So happy for you all."

"Your success is the community's success! The lines were a testament to your amazing food and service. Looking forward to many more visits. Welcome back, Team Tryyaki!"

Eric Han and his family opened Tryyaki Asian Cuisine in 2016 and have been serving the community since. Han and his wife, originally from China, studied at the University of Kansas before relocating to Hays to open the restaurant.

In 2024, the family expanded the menu to include bubble teas, milk teas and smoothies after previously considering opening a separate location for the tea business.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e3cd9667-762e-429e-9068-35bc9434463f">SEE RELATED STORY: Tryyaki in Hays offers new entrees, line of boba, milk teas</a>

You can start your online order <a href="https://www.tryyakihays.com/">here</a>.

Hays welcomes Tryyaki Asian Cuisine’s return with open arms

Hays Police Department arrest log: Nov. 2-8, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: Nov. 2-8, 2025

Each year at the free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast, bags of free groceries are distributed to anyone who wants one. The food drive to collect the items for those bags will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dillons Grocery Store at 1902 Vine St.

The Rev. Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the food drive, said shoppers entering the store will be given lists of the items that will go into the bags. Last year 200 bags were prepared and distributed, Houchen said. This year, each bag will also contain suggested recipes that utilize those specific food items.

He said volunteers are still needed to help with the food drive. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the donated items into bags. That sorting process will take place at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., immediately following the food drive on Saturday. Houchen is the pastor at St. Michael’s. Volunteers may sign up be calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

This year’s Thanksgiving Feast, which is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St.

Community Thanksgiving Feast food drive is Saturday in Hays; volunteers needed

FHSU daily crime log: Nov. 7-13, 2025

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How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

After hearing the details during last week's work session, Hays city commissioners will vote on several items that would move forward proposed housing developments and business expansions.

Agenda items for the <a href="https://haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-1579">Nov. 13 meeting</a> include:

• Resolution to create a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the former Lincoln Elementary School • Agreement with Midwest Energy for utilities in the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development • Resolution to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds for a 24/7 Travel Store plaza at Interstate 70, Exit 157&nbsp; • Resolution to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds&nbsp;for Agiliti Hays to expand&nbsp; • Approval of a Kansas Department of Transportation award and matching city funds for the north side multi-use path construction • Renewal of employee health insurance for 2026 • Presentation of service awards to city employees&nbsp;

The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to vote on housing, business expansions

Reese Barrick, a Hays city commissioner, says his participation in last month's local No Kings protest was intended to draw attention to tariffs declared by President Donald Trump, which Barrick claims negatively affect Kansas and Hays.&nbsp;

Barrick shared several of his reasons at the end of the Nov. 6 city commission work session because, he said, "it did stir up a lot of controversy about why a city commissioner would do that."&nbsp;

Barrick first mentioned the push to build affordable housing in Hays and the 30% tariff placed on Canadian lumber.

"That's not going to make housing cheaper. That hasn't really hit us hard yet, but by the time we get 140 houses starting to be built (in the Tallgrass Addition Phase 4 and other developments), that's going to impact the cost of our housing," Barrick said. "That affects us locally."

He discussed the Kansas agricultural economy, saying that there have been zero exports of milo to China.

"That affects local ag, meaning people will go out of business or sell to corporate farms, which means no people living in western Kansas, he said."

Soybeans have fared better. A recent agreement was made regarding the sale of U.S. soybeans after Trump eased his stance against China.

During his Oct. 30 meeting with Trump, China's President Xi agreed to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/38b541b0-a073-4600-b3ac-10fa70b4b19f">buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually</a> for the next three years, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Barrick also talked about the large beef industry in Kansas.

"Our president gave <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc4e923b-8a4b-4832-8639-7127312e9293">$40 billion to Argentina</a> in order to open up bringing more foreign beef into the U.S. How is that going to help Kansas farmers?" Barrick said.

"It's going to kill the population of western Kansas," he said, "which affects Hays directly."

Hays is a major retail hub for northwest Kansas and relies on local sales tax revenue to fund the operations of the general fund.&nbsp;

Barrick said, "more people should probably be out protesting the things that directly affect the city of Hays. I'm willing to put myself out there, and that's fine. I accept that."

Barrick, a Democrat, said he was publicly criticized for his protest participation by the Ellis County Republican Party and speculated that played a role in why he was not reelected to office.

He came in fourth place in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f1932b8-516a-420d-841e-df378c20a8f2">Nov. 4 election</a> behind newcomer David Vilaysing, who captured the third open seat on the Hays City Commission.&nbsp;

"I'm not even sad," Barrick said. "I think the process went through the way it's supposed to. I think the person who won is going to do a really good job."

He said he's looking forward to a bright future for Hays, but was also afraid of things that are going to affect Hays directly.&nbsp;

"I just wanted to take the opportunity to publicly say to the Ellis County Republicans who said I'm an embarrassment because I took the democratic opportunity that we have in this country to protest things happening that our president is doing that affects out city directly," Barrick said.

"I'm okay with that and the fact that that hurt me (in the election) is fine because some things, to me, are bigger than winning or losing an election," he said.&nbsp;

Barrick told Hays Post this week the objections to Trump he wrote on the sign he was holding came from suggestions made by Jimmy Kimmel, late night television show host and comedian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The sayings were about not wanting a king or dictator running this country. If you want to make Trump mad, make fun of him,"&nbsp;Barrick said.&nbsp;

"Trump's tariffs are a violation of the Constitution. Only Congress has the power to enact tariffs.&nbsp;The comments I made at the city commission work session were policy reasons why a person from here would protest his actions," Barrick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissioner Alaina Cunningham, who was not up for re-election, commented after Barrick's remarks.

"Personal beliefs of the commissioners, whether they're political or not, get left at the door," she said. 

"Everybody up here and in the past, from what I have seen, really tries to do the best for the community as a whole.

"It's not an easy job. You cannot make every person happy, and there are hard decisions. But truly, I feel like all commissioners present definitely do what is best in their decision-making," Cunningham said.&nbsp;

Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who was reelected, pointed out that the Hays City Commission is a nonpartisan body.

"That's the reason when you vote, there's no 'D' or 'R' behind a name,"&nbsp;Jacobs said. "The only way to do a good job for this community is in a nonpartisan way."

Hays city commissioner explains participation in No Kings protest  

The Office of Education for the Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese is honored to announce that Ms. Jennie Helget&nbsp;has been selected as the Salina Diocese Distinguished Educator of the Year&nbsp;for the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools (KAIRS). Ms. Helget currently serves as the Junior High Math teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M).

This prestigious selection underscores the exceptional caliber and commitment of teaching professionals within our Diocesan schools. Ms. Helget embodies the ideal Catholic educator—one whose work transcends instruction and becomes a true ministry.

Ms. Helget's extensive career includes two decades of dedicated service at Holy Family Elementary. Now teaching Junior High Math at TMP-M, she continues to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and care. The nomination highlights that her lessons are creative and organized, her classroom environment is uplifting, and her positivity is truly contagious.

Her impact extends beyond the classroom walls:

Principal Chad Meitner affirmed the selection, stating, "Jennie is one of those special educators that students admire and appreciate... She couples this skillset and attitude with a work ethic that is second to none. Jennie's ministry is varied and powerful, confirming that teaching is a vocation for her."

Ms. Helget will be recognized and honored alongside other statewide recipients at the annual KAIRS Banquet in February 2026. We are immensely proud of her contributions to the Catholic community and the future of our students.

Salina Diocese Catholic Schools announces TMP-Marian teacher as educator of the year

By KAREN MADORIN As I get older, I find shorter days and cooler temperature trigger an overpowering urge to nest.

Reading friends’ posts; watching my hubs reorganize summer and winter closets, yard tools, and hunting gear; and comparing daily life stories with others tells me I’m not alone. Scores of humans have entered winter nesting mode. Note rolled up hoses, cleaned and tidily hung rakes and shovels, and bedding and pillows airing on clothes lines. 

Others reorganize dressers and closets to enable easy access to season-appropriate clothing. Industrious house-keepers empty cupboards to clean them thoroughly along with washing walls and ceilings. One friend who lived for years in the high Sierras shared that she prepares her pantry every fall so she has enough goods stored she can make soups 'til spring arrives.

Until I visited with her, I hadn’t realized it, but I start winter nesting in May when I chop and freeze three huge bags of Vidalia onions to last us through the year. Then I chop and freeze fruit and vegetables as they ripen throughout the summer. By fall my freezer bulges with supplies to feed us through coming cold months.

After Steph and I hung up, I scanned our pantry. While I may not buy supplies by the case, I unconsciously stock up each trip to the grocery store. By the time snow flies, those shelves contain ingredients enough to keep us in chili, chicken noodle soup, vegetable stew, ham 'n' beans, barley beef soup, and homemade cinnamon rolls and bread, no matter how deep the drifts.

This girlfriend chat sent me down a bunny trail. Remembering my favorite childhood 'Little House on the Prairie' book series. I recalled Laura writing detailed accounts of how Ma and Pa filled their attic with pumpkins, dried corn, smoked hams and bacon, and other supplies necessary to people who lived far from a market. We may not pack the attic, but cupboards and freezer burst at the seams.

That led to another off-trail trek when I thought about squirrels storing nuts to feed them through the winter and mountain pika packing away grasses and seeds to nourish them when snow buries food sources. Heavens, each autumn bears feast like there is no tomorrow to pack on fat to sustain them through winter hibernation.

Maybe this winter nesting drive is more than a human compulsion. Maybe it’s a mammal urge. Then I thought about woodpeckers that drill holes all over a tree to fill with acorns and eagles that cross national borders following migrating ducks to ensure an ample winter food supply. This need isn’t species limited.

Perhaps the Lord created all His creatures with a desire to store supplies to last through short days and long nights. 

Decades of what humans consider civilized life may lead some to think weekly grocery shopping, Amazon deliveries, furnaces, electric lighting, vehicles, and more are natural. However, others can’t ignore impulses triggered by generations of winter preparations. Short days, dropping temps, and falling leaves drive all creatures to ready themselves for whatever nature delivers.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Winter nesting

&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

The Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is being hosted at the little Dillons, 515 W. 27th, Friday through Sunday. 

Lists of approved snacks for the children are available at the store and gift cards can be purchased to be used toward perishable items. 

Bins will be available for items to be dropped off at both doors.&nbsp;

Thanks for supporting the longest running child care center in Hays!

Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is Friday through Sunday

Today, Hays Post is accepting non-perishable food donations and cash from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to benefit the St. Joseph's Food Bank in Hays.

We have the big, red radio station truck out front, 2300 Hall.

Simply drop your donation off in the back of the truck, and we'll deliver it to the St. Joseph's Food Bank at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

If you have a cash donation, please bring it into the radio station.

Hays Post sponsoring food drive for St. Joseph Food Pantry today

Fort Hays State University STEM-ED Student Chapter&nbsp;presents their annual Christmas Show&nbsp;“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at&nbsp;Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Seibel Lobby), 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays.

The presentation will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025. Admission is free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsored by the Science and Mathematics Education Institute<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a>

For Information contact Dr. Janet Stramel at 785-628-4474 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkstramel@fhsu.edu">jkstramel@fhsu.edu</a>

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' presented by FHSU STEM-ED students on Dec. 6

The holiday season officially begins on The Bricks in Downtown Hays with the annual Holiday Open Houses, happening Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15.

Local retailers and restaurants will open their doors with festive décor, exclusive specials, and timeless holiday cheer as part of this year’s Christmas Magic on Main Street celebration. The event marks the start of a cherished shop-local tradition — inviting the community to stroll The Bricks, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and support the small businesses that keep Downtown Hays glowing all season long.

During the open houses, shoppers can purchase the new Downtown Holiday Coupon Book, available for $10 each, offering the potential to save over $1,000 at participating downtown businesses. Proceeds from each coupon book go directly toward the Downtown Dollar Giveaway prize fund, helping create even more excitement and rewards for those who shop local this holiday season.

The Downtown Dollar Giveaway runs throughout the season, giving shoppers a chance to win Downtown Dollars redeemable at dozens of participating businesses on The Bricks.

“These open houses are about more than sales,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “They’re about tradition — the sparkle of lights and the joy of supporting local businesses that make Hays such a special place to celebrate the season.”

Holiday Open Houses are just the beginning of a full lineup of festive events as part of Christmas Magic on Main Street, including the Jubilee, Clydesdale rides, and the 25th annual FrostFest Parade.

For full details, participating retailers, and contest information, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

Enjoy holiday open houses Thursday through Saturday in downtown Hays

Cub Scout Sign Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Dr., is Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Scouting America invites families to Cub Scout Sign-Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center on Thursday, Nov. 20. 

Cub Scouting is open to boys and girls in grades K–5&nbsp; and builds character, confidence, and community through hands on fun camping, Pinewood Derby®, outdoor skills, and STEM projects.

“Cub Scouting is where the adventure begins,” said Samuel Pyle, district executive for the Wheatland District. “It’s about learning by doing and growing together as a family and community.”

Drop in to meet leaders, learn about upcoming activities, and get your child started. 

For more info contact Samuel Pyle at samuel.pyle@scouting.org or 785-639-7681.

Cub Scout Sign Up Night is Nov. 20 in Hays

Enter The Smart Flush Sweepskates brought to you by city of Hays Water Conservation. One lucky winner will be chosen on Nov. 20 to win a 0.8
gallon/flush toilet for World Toilet Day, which is Nov. 19!

&nbsp;FUN FACT - 0.8 gpf toilets are the most efficient toilets you can purchase in Hays, KS. If your home currently has a 1.6 gpf (the current federal standard) and you replace it with a 0.8 gpf toilet, you are essentially cutting your toilet water use in half! Do your part to be Water Smart!

Smart Flush Sweepstakes!

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

The Bricks in Downtown Hays is accepting entries for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade, happening Sunday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s illuminated parade celebrates the milestone anniversary with the nostalgic theme “Timeless Traditions.”

Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups are invited to take part by creating festive, lighted floats that bring to life the memories and traditions that have stood the test of time. From childhood Christmas moments to treasured family customs, each entry adds to the wonder and warmth of this beloved Hays holiday celebration.

“This year’s theme, Timeless Traditions, is all about honoring the memories that connect generations,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director of The Bricks. “FrostFest has been a cherished part of Hays for 25 years — and we can’t wait to see how the community brings that magic to life.”

The parade is part of the Christmas Magic on Main Street season, which includes free family events, Santa visits, Clydesdale rides, and downtown festivities throughout November and December.

Entry is free, and all participants must register by Sunday, November 30 at downtownhays.com. Parade guidelines, lineup details, and route maps will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Come be part of a “Timeless Tradition” and help light up The Bricks for the 25th Annual FrostFest Parade — a celebration of community, nostalgia, and Christmas cheer!

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as The Bricks, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays. Through community events, business partnerships, and place-making initiatives, DHDC works to preserve our historic charm while fostering a thriving downtown for residents, visitors, and future generations.

Entries open for the 25th-annual FrostFest Parade

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a road rage incident.

Just after noon November 9, a 2015 Dodge Ram driven by Caden Deans, 22, Enterprise, was traveling in the construction zone on Interstate 135 at State Street, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler.&nbsp; The driver was angry with&nbsp;the 28-year-old driver of a 2020 Kia Telluride.

Both vehicles exited on Schilling Road and Deans' pickup intentionally struck the Kia. The impact caused the SUV to roll onto its top. The driver of the Kia was not transported for treatment of minor injuries.

Police arrested Deans on requested charges of aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and reckless driving. He met the requirement for bond and was released from the Saline County Jail just before 5p.m. Sunday, according to online booking records.

Road rage: Kansas man accused of using pickup as a weapon

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent attack in Brown County.

Just before 3:30p.m. November 10, Brown County dispatched a deputy to a local hospital to take a report from a victim of alleged battery, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; The deputy obtained suspect&nbsp; information from the victim while at the hospital and then alerted other Brown County deputies. 

A short time later, deputies encountered the suspect, Gerry Rilinger, 43 of Sabetha in Fairview, Kansas.&nbsp; When a deputy approached Rilinger for questioning, he became argumentative, defiant and initiated a scuffle which resulted in Rilinger's arrest.&nbsp; He was then&nbsp; transported to the Brown County jail.

He is being held on a $2 million dollar bond on requested charges of&nbsp; 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Misdemeanor Battery on Law Enforcement Officers, Felony Battery on a Corrections Officer, Felony Obstruction and Transport an Open Container.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas attempted murder suspect captured

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/fatima-hussein">FATIMA HUSSEIN</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jessica Sweet spent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-schumer-health-insurance-tax-credits-a57733892f05a8893f5781203238e889">the federal government shutdown</a>&nbsp;cutting back. To make ends meet, the Social Security claims specialist drank only one coffee a day, skipped meals, cut down on groceries and deferred paying some household bills. She racked up spending on her credit card buying gas to get to work.

With the longest shutdown ever&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">coming to a close</a>, Sweet and hundreds of thousands of other federal workers who missed paychecks will soon get some relief. But many are left feeling that their livelihoods served as political pawns in the fight between recalcitrant lawmakers in Washington and are asking themselves whether the battle was worth their sacrifices.

“It’s very frustrating to go through something like this,” said Sweet, who is a union steward of AFGE Local 3343 in New York. “It shakes the foundation of trust that we all place in our agencies and in the federal government to do the right thing.”

The shutdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">began on Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix and demanded that the bill include an extension of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">federal subsidies for health insurance</a>&nbsp;under the Affordable Care Act. Its end emerged when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-8-democrats-e83180c0b69642a00a234c244d9ea76e">eight Democratic-aligned senators</a>&nbsp;agreed to a deal to fund the government with no extension of the expiring subsidies.

Federal workers deeply felt the impacts of the shutdown

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">The shutdown</a>&nbsp;created a cascade of troubles for many Americans. Throughout the shutdown, at least 670,000 federal employees were furloughed, while about 730,000 others were working without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

The plight of the federal workers was among several pressure points, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-faa-government-shutdown-2535828689edac07e693c2e54a2f5f16">flight disruptions</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-reopening-food-aid-a11b6c83934d9c718cc413fc1f9435d3">cuts to food aid</a>, that in the end ratcheted up the pressure on lawmakers to come to an agreement to fund the government.

Throughout the six-week shutdown, officials in President Donald Trump’s administration repeatedly used the federal workers as leverage to try to push Democrats to relent on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">their health care demands</a>. The Republican president signaled that workers going unpaid wouldn’t get back pay. He threatened and then followed through on firings in a federal workforce already reeling from layoffs earlier this year. A court then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-layoffs-judge-trump-fdcb16f91c94d7bf73977e8968210b0e">blocked the shutdown firings</a>, adding to the uncertainty.

The deal that is bringing an end to the shutdown will reverse the dismissals that occurred since Oct. 1, while also ensuring back pay for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/furloughed-federal-workers-blames-every-voting-american-for-the-government-shutdown-76fc8ae169014e30a834d51c2aca851a">furloughed federal workers</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-back-bay-shutdown-785eb776d2312d1f68f7e91961d0a93a">left in doubt</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-641e7e2324f261da72395b604d9540e8">The bipartisan deal</a>&nbsp;provides funding to reopen the government, including for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-benefits-trump-administration-demands-undo-states-d433f20df4d461db506e0d327a58d3c1">SNAP food aid</a>&nbsp;and other programs.

Frustration over the shutdown and how it was brought to an end

But the whiplash of the past six weeks, coupled with the concern that the longest shutdown ever may not be the last they face, has shaken many in the workforce.

“Stress and hunger are great tactics for traumatizing people,” Sweet said.

For Sweet, the feelings of frustration are only compounded by a feeling that she was betrayed by the Democratic-aligned senators who broke with the party on the health care subsidies.

She said that she understands that many workers were desperate for a paycheck. But she thought standing firm on the issue of the health care subsidies was worth her sacrifice.

“There are other federal workers who understood what we were holding the line for and are extremely unhappy that line was crossed and that trust was breached,” she said.

Adam Pelletier, a National Labor Relations Board field examiner who was furloughed Oct. 1, said he is glad the compromise includes rehiring laid-off workers, but “the agreement that was reached almost feels like the Charlie Brown cartoon where Lucy holds the football and pulls it out from them.”

Pelletier, a union leader for NLRBU local 3, had financially prepared for the shutdown back in March when it became clear that a funding agreement between Democrats and Republicans likely would not be reached. He says the shutdown has made him feel “like a pawn” because federal workers had no say over their own fate.

The federal workers who spoke to The Associated Press had one common message: that they were reeling but ready to get back to work.

“This has been the worst time in my 20 years to be a federal employee,” said Elizabeth McPeak, a furloughed IRS employee in Pittsburgh who is National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 34 first vice president. She said colleagues had to beg their landlords to hold off on collecting rent payments and relied on food banks during the shutdown.

“A month without pay,” McPeak said, “is a long time to go.”

Federal workers question whether gov't shutdown was worth their sacrifice

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes, two boys were traveling north in the 2700 block of S. Donmyer Road in a Kubota RTV520 UTV.&nbsp; 

While making a turn to a private drive, the UTV rolled and came to rest on the passenger. &nbsp;After the crash, the injured passenger called his father who responded to the scene and transported him in a private vehicle to Salina Regional Health Center. They were ultimately met by Salina EMS in the 6400 Block of Magnolia Road.&nbsp; Injured juvenile sustained an ankle injury they possibly will require surgery, according to Hughes.&nbsp;

Due to the driver's age, traffic citations were not issued.

Kansas boy hospitalized after UTV rollover accident

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Blue Origin launched its huge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-origin-new-glenn-rocket-jeff-bezos-2466fb0e114a09d88a46f71a1e647d50">New Glenn rocket</a>&nbsp;Thursday with a pair of NASA spacecraft&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mars-nasa-perseverance-rover-rock-life-4e608d530be598c1a7af959d97eb88d8">destined for Mars</a>.

It was only the second flight of the rocket that Jeff Bezos’ company and NASA are counting on to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-origin-bezos-moon-lunar-lander-nasa-5b61a0b44f582e70aa8d361fb0b161c6">get people and supplies to the moon.</a>

The 321-foot (98-meter) New Glenn blasted into the afternoon sky from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA’s twin Mars orbiters on a drawn-out journey to the red planet. Liftoff was stalled four days by lousy local weather as well as solar storms strong enough to paint the skies with auroras as far south as Florida.

In a remarkable first, Blue Origin recovered the booster following its separation from the upper stage and the Mars orbiters, an essential step to recycle and slash costs similar to SpaceX. Company employees cheered wildly as the booster landed upright on a barge 375 miles (600 kilometers) offshore. An ecstatic Bezos watched the action from Launch Control.

“Next stop, moon!” company employees chanted following the successful booster landing.

New Glenn’s inaugural test flight in January delivered a prototype satellite to orbit, but failed to land the booster on its floating platform in the Atlantic.

The identical Mars orbiters, named Escapade, will spend a year hanging out near Earth, stationing themselves 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away. Once Earth and Mars are properly aligned next fall, the duo will get a gravity assist from Earth to head to the red planet, arriving in 2027.

Once around Mars, the spacecraft will map the planet’s upper atmosphere and scattered magnetic fields, studying how these realms interact with the solar wind. The observations should shed light on the processes behind the escaping Martian atmosphere, helping to explain how the planet went from wet and warm to dry and dusty. Scientists will also learn how best to protect astronauts against Mars' harsh radiation environment.

“We really, really want to understand the interaction of the solar wind with Mars better than we do now,” Escapade’s lead scientist, Rob Lillis of the University of California, Berkeley, said ahead of the launch. “Escapade is going to bring an unprecedented stereo viewpoint because we’re going to have two spacecraft at the same time.”

It’s a relatively low-budget mission, coming in under $80 million, that's managed and operated by UC Berkeley. NASA saved money by signing up for one of New Glenn’s early flights. The Mars orbiters should have blasted off last fall, but NASA passed up that ideal launch window — Earth and Mars line up for a quick transit just every two years — because of feared delays with Blue Origin's brand-new rocket.

Named after John Glenn,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/john-glenn-honored-with-launch-of-space-station-supply-ship-c9d6fdad2031486ba09c80024bb5a5a7">the first American to orbit the world</a>, New Glenn is five times bigger than the New Shepard rockets sending wealthy clients to the edge of space from West Texas. Blue Origin plans to launch a prototype Blue Moon lunar lander on a demo mission in the coming months aboard New Glenn.

Created in 2000 by Bezos, Amazon's founder, Blue Origin already holds a NASA contract for the third moon landing by astronauts under the Artemis program. Elon Musk’s SpaceX beat out Blue Origin for the first and second crew landings, using Starships, nearly 100 feet (30 meters) taller than Bezos' New Glenn.

But last month NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy reopened the contract for the first crewed moon landing, citing concern over the pace of Starship’s progress in flight tests from Texas. Blue Origin as well as SpaceX have presented accelerated landing plans.

NASA is on track to send astronauts around the moon early next year using its own Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket. The next Artemis crew would attempt to land; the space agency is pressing to get astronauts back on the lunar surface by decade’s end in order to beat China.

Twelve astronauts walked on the moon more than a half-century ago during NASA's Apollo program.

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