The Hays USD 489 school board heard a report on the Kansas State Assessment scores at its meeting on Monday.

The district earned two bronze awards, a silver award and a commissioner's recognition as a result of the Kansas State Assessments.

Parents should have received a notification this week allowing them to access the parent portal to view their student's assessment scores.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/be1ecb7f-dc52-4c44-aff4-c1ad39716611">The scores are usually released earlier, but were delayed this year because the state decided to change the scoring system.</a>

The assessment scores are broken into four levels.

• Students in level one have limited ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level two have basic ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level three have proficient ability on grade-level standards. • Students in level four have advanced ability on grade-level standards.

Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said the state found students scoring in the upper level two range were performing much better than expected on the ACT, were graduating on time, and going on to be successful in post-secondary education.

The levels for English and math were adjusted for the 2025 assessments to move some students into level three, she said. The 2025 assessments will be used as a benchmark for the next several years.

Dinkel said the goal for districts across the state is to have at least 75% of students scoring in levels three and four, and 10% or fewer students scoring in level one, in both math and English.

She said Hays is seeing growth in levels three and four and decreases in level one in reading and math.

Anyone can access the full assessment scores broken down by grade and subject on the Kansas Department of Education website. <a href="https://accreditation.ksde.gov/default?org_no=D0489&amp;rptType=2">CLICK HERE to search.</a>

Hays scored better than the statewide average in both subjects.

Dinkel said students in the district have struggled more wth math than English, something that has been a nationwide issue.

"I think a lot of times it's the confidence in math," she said. ... "Sometimes it is a mindset that it is going to be a struggle."

The district aims to foster interest and a positive mindset toward math, even among children in the early childhood program, Dinkel said.

Board member Ruth Ruder asked about students using AI. Dinkel said the computers at the high school are locked down to AI, and teachers are trying to ensure when students test, they are demonstrating their knowledge and not relying on AI.

The district is focusing on math districtwide this school year. Dinkel said teachers are testing students before the state assessments in the spring to identify students who need additional help sooner.

Teachers are also implementing interventions with students who may be struggling in both subjects.

Districts can earn four levels of recognition for accreditation measures. These are copper, bronze, silver and gold.

Hays earned a Bronze Award for being academically prepared for postsecondary education, which is based on the district's assessment scores. Last year, it received a Copper Award in the same category.

The district's graduation rate combines the graduation rates for Hays High School and the Hays Virtual School. The latest data reported is from 2024.

HHS' graduation rate in 2024 was 97.6%, and the virtual school's graduation rate was 61.5% for a combined rate of 93.5%. The combined average was above the state average of 89.5% for 2024.

Hays USD 489 received a Silver Award for its graduation rate, which exceeded the state average. Districts with a graduation rate of 93% to 94.9% earn a Silver Award. Gold Awards are given to districts with a 95% or higher graduation rate.

Post-secondary success measures the number of students who are enrolled in degree or certificate programs or have earned a post-secondary degree or certificate two years after graduation. It does not count students who go directly into the workforce or the military.

Hays' five-year success rate is 63.6%, and its average effectiveness is 57.6%.

The state estimates how well each district is expected to score on this measure based on factors, such as the number of students on free and reduced-cost lunch and the number of students who have individual education plans (IEPs). That gives the district a predicted effectiveness rate.

The district earned a Bronze Award because its post-secondary success rate exceeded the predicted effectiveness rate. It also earned a Commissioner's Award for significantly outperforming its&nbsp;predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate.

Board President Curt Vajnar said he hoped the curriculum would focus on real-world math rather than teaching to the test.

Dinkel said, "Now there is a variety, and there is a depth of knowledge to it. That is really what we are working on, to make sure we are teaching to the depth that is necessary, so that it is meaningful.

"[The assessment test] is one indicator. There are so many other measures of student success. We need to look at it as layers of data."

Hays USD 489 trending higher on math, English tests

STEM Harvest and the Ellis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Group received a&nbsp;$13,950 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications to expand digital amateur radio&nbsp;services in Ellis, Trego, and Rush Counties.

The grant will add digital radio repeater stations in La Crosse and WaKeeney, which will be&nbsp;linked to the existing Ellis County repeater. 

This 3-repeater network will cover all or parts of&nbsp;nine counties, six without digital communication infrastructure.&nbsp;The repeaters will operate in the VHF and UHF frequency bands and be linked to the internet through the world wide Wires-X system.

Operating under the FCC callsign KØHYS, the repeater network will be accessible to all&nbsp;licensed amateur radio operators, except during severe weather or emergency operations.

The digital radio network’s technology enhances STEM Harvest’s educational opportunities for&nbsp;local students and adults in the science and technology realms.

The mission of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is to support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to&nbsp;promote Amateur Radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open&nbsp;access, and innovation in information and communication technology.

Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a California-based foundation with roots in&nbsp;amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. The organization got its start&nbsp;by managing allocations of the AMPRnet address space, which is designated to licensed&nbsp;amateur radio operators worldwide. 

Additionally, ARDC makes grants to projects and&nbsp;organizations that follow amateur radio’s practice and tradition of technical experimentation&nbsp;in both amateur radio and digital communication science. Such experimentation has led to&nbsp;broad advances for the benefit of the general public – such as the mobile phone and wireless&nbsp;internet technology. ARDC envisions a world where all such technology is available through&nbsp;open source hardware and software, and where anyone has the ability to innovate upon it.

Learn more about ARDC at <a href="https://www.ardc.net/">ardc.net</a>.

Learn more about Stem Harvest at <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">stemharvest.org</a>.

Digital amateur radio services to expand in three area counties thanks to grant

<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

The chilly fall weather is here, and you know winter will be on its way— warm up your vehicle this winter with a REMOTE START PACKAGE from XIBIT CUSTOMS, the remote start headquarters in HAYS.

Choose from over 12 different models, all with various ranges and features starting at $385 INSTALLED.

Ask about the drone capabilities that allow you to start, unlock and even locate your car right from your smartphone.

And are you looking for a perfect gift?!!!! Grill guards, bumpers, LED light kits, along with fender flares, lift kits, wheels and tires and MORE...Weathertech Floor Mats, heated seats, new stereo and speakers.

IT'S ALL AVAILABLE NOW AT XIBIT CUSTOMS, JUST SOUTH OFF 1-70, 1005 E. 27th&nbsp;St, IN HAYS.

Call them today for an appointment! (785) 621-4340&nbsp;

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

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>

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

&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

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents carried out a series of coordinated searches Thursday at two homes and six High Hopes ICT locations as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected state and federal narcotics and weapons violations.

( Click below to watch Sedgwick Co. Sheriff Jeff Easter's press conference)

Detectives and ATF agents served both residential search warrants including one on 119 Street in Wichita and one on South Hydraulic in Wichita, with support from the Wichita Police Department.

The Wichita Police/Sheriff’s Office SWAT team assisted with one of the home searches. The search warrants at the High Hopes ICT shops were executed solely by Sheriff’s Office detectives and ATF agents at these locations

Deputies recovered several weapons including rifles, handguns a flamethrower, illegal marijuana and other evidence of drug sales, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp; 

Two suspects involved in the illegal drug sales are in custody including 36-year-old Justin Alan Lane and 47-year-old Elliott Maurice Kyles, both of Wichita, were booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility. Lane is booked on a requested charge of distribution of marijuana, and Kyles is booked on a requested charges of possession of narcotics and possession of marijuana.

Both have prior felony weapons convictions, according to Easter.

🎥Flamethrower seized in drug raid at Kan. homes, dispensaries

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are working to find the driver&nbsp; responsible for a fatal hit-and-run.

Just before 6p.m. Wednesday, police responded&nbsp;to the 1000 block of Fredericksburg Road where officers found the body later identified as 35-year-old Mary Levingston of Kansas City, Missouri, on the shoulder of the road, according to a media release from the Excelsior Springs Police Department. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that she suffered blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Police have not identified as suspect vehicle or driver.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 816-639-2000 or the anonymous TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police: Kansas City woman killed in hit-and-run

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/deepti-hajela">DEEPTI HAJELA</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">longest government shutdown in U.S. history</a>&nbsp;is over — on paper, at least. But the American public isn’t done with it yet: Getting everything back up and running doesn’t happen all at once.

The disruption of the closure, clocking in at 43 days, varied in its impact. Some people, like unpaid federal workers, were immediately and directly affected. Others included recipients of federal funding through programs like Head Start and food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

As the shutdown progressed, effects rippled. Delays and flight cancellations started racking up for passengers as the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut back on flights because of air traffic controller shortages. There were closures at Smithsonian museum sites and the National Zoo (although the animals still got fed).

That’s a lot of programs, agencies and systems. Reclaiming “normal” won’t be instantaneous. Here’s a guide to what reopening looks like:

WHAT HAPPENED: About 1.25 million federal workers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1, missing about $16 billion in wages, according to official estimates. The workers were either furloughed or worked without pay in agencies across the federal government. Many struggled to make ends meet during that time, and the regional economy around Washington, D.C., took a hit.

WHAT NOW: The Office of Personnel Management, which manages the civil service, posted on X that federal workers were expected to be back Thursday, saying that “employees are expected to begin the workday on time. Normal operating procedures are in effect.” The pay owed to the workers will come in by Nov. 19. The money will go out in four separate tranches, depending on the agency, according to a senior administration official.

WHAT HAPPENED: The shutdown coincided with the arrival of colder temperatures, and funding for the $4.1 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-heating-assistance-liheap-winter-7bcec80a167bd01f442d6dabe1149b71">Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program was halted</a>, prompting some states to delay payments for heating bills.

WHAT NOW: A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said Thursday that an agency within HHS will “work swiftly to administer annual awards,” but no timeline was given. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said it could take until mid-December or longer. Wolfe said recipients should still submit applications and tell utility companies they’re waiting for the funds. It’s trickier for people who rely on oil and propane because typically there are no protections. Recipients should check with their state; Vermont backfilled funding and Connecticut has pledged to cover the cost.

WHAT HAPPENED: The shutdown caused significant disruptions in aviation, with more and more unpaid air traffic controllers missing work as they dealt with the financial pressures and some of them picked up side jobs. Those staff shortages, combined with some troubling safety data, prompted the government to order airlines to cut some of their flights over the past week to relieve pressure on the system.

WHAT NOW: Those cuts aren’t increasing right now, but the Federal Aviation Administration won’t lift the order until safety metrics improve. Airlines say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-faa-airlines-flight-cancellations-delays-448c28a07c167408e859657377300954">they expect to resume normal operations</a>&nbsp;quickly after that. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that controllers and other FAA employees should receive 70% of their back pay within 24-48 hours of the end of the shutdown, with the rest to come.

WHAT HAPPENED: Among the most high-profile impacts of the shutdown was on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program">the SNAP program</a>, which serves around 42 million people — about 1 in 8 Americans — in lower-income households. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-aid-024906c49fec6126585900ef916698f8">series of court rulings</a>&nbsp;and shifting policies from the Trump administration led to a patchwork distribution of November benefits. While some states had already issued full benefits, about two-thirds of states had issued only partial benefits or none at all.

WHAT NOW: On Thursday, state officials said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-snap-food-states-6cef598c92000bdff8384a9da1bfd23c">working quickly to get full benefits</a>&nbsp;to the millions of people who missed their regular monthly payments. Some states said SNAP recipients should receive their full monthly benefits starting Thursday or Friday, though it could take up to a week.

WHAT HAPPENED: When it comes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-government-shutdown-d5208fd1bc34af54a4ab78490989634c">Head Start</a>, the shutdown had held up the distribution of federal grant payments. Some affected centers remained open by furloughing portions of their staff or tapping into emergency reserves. Others were forced to close, shutting down child care for thousands of families. Head Start serves children from birth to age 5 who come from families that qualify for federal low-income guidelines, are homeless or receive public assistance. The program provides preschool education as well as developmental screenings and free meals.

WHAT NOW: The Office of Head Start will expedite funding and directly contact the impacted programs to share a timeline of when they can expect federal money, said Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The office is already operating at a reduced capacity after experiencing substantial layoffs earlier this year. But even when programs receive their money, program leaders worry of staffing shortages if too many furloughed employees already found other jobs. Some advocates said it could take several weeks for some of the programs across the country to receive funding and restore operations.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Internal Revenue Service had closed walk-in assistance centers.

WHAT NOW: The centers are being reopened. The agency said all tax deadlines remain in effect but a backlog of paper correspondence developed during the shutdown, so responses will be delayed. Social Security recipients continued receiving payments throughout the shutdown. Local offices also remained open, though they had temporarily suspended a few services, including replacing Medicare cards and updating earnings records.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Education Department laid off 466 Education Department staffers in the cross-government firings meant to pressure Democratic lawmakers over the shutdown. Those layoffs had been halted by a federal judge. The department furloughed 2,117 employees at the start of the shutdown, but some were brought back for essential work. New grants were also put on hold during the shutdown. Most school districts received the bulk of their federal funding over the summer, but some grants have been delayed.

WHAT NOW: The department said Thursday it had brought back all furloughed staff members or those dismissed in the Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-education-department-special-education-shutdown-3c066e2b1799c96a50e14dd63f46cd96">mass firings</a>. Recipients of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-schools-education-department-impact-aid-85ac39f25699a4568c5c1ca628db13ad">Impact Aid</a>, which boosts the budgets of districts with large amounts of federal land that can’t be taxed for local schools, were waiting to learn when their payments would be processed.

WHAT HAPPENED: Members of the U.S. military dealt with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/troop-pay-shutdown-military-congress-trump-961b81b2990ac1bd03041e5586028764">weeks of anxiety over</a>&nbsp;whether they would get paid as they continued working. The Trump administration ultimately found ways to pay troops for the two pay periods during the closure. But the process was fraught; the administration located the money just days before each paycheck. Pay arrived days later than usual for many service members with early direct deposit, disrupting their ability to pay bills and forcing some to pay late fees or rack up debt. Reimbursements for the cost of moving between bases, which affects roughly 400,000 military families each year, were paused during the shutdown, advocates said. And weekend drills for many reservists were canceled, eliminating a chunk of pay that can be several hundred dollars each month.

WHAT NOW: Civilians in the Defense Department began returning Thursday. According to a memo provided to The Associated Press, the Air Force said civilians could take a day of administrative leave or work remotely for up to a week. Several military officials said the impacts on active-duty troops have been minimal.

WHAT HAPPENED: The country’s national parks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-liberty-bell-4c30b0b6db4ba8a7d0583a2d5fe58022">largely stayed open</a>&nbsp;through the shutdown with limited staffing.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-parks-government-shutdown-af5768dcac5ed9921350ca7112949676">Outside groups</a>&nbsp;and state governments had picked up the tab during the shutdown to keep visitor centers running and help with trash cleanup at many parks. And the Trump administration tapped into previously collected entrance fees to pay for cleaning restrooms and other basic services. But the efforts didn’t stop vandals from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/protectNPS/posts/what-appears-to-be-recently-painted-graffiti-has-been-spotted-in-arches-national/1169584318658742/" target="_blank">defacing rock features</a>&nbsp;along Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park in Utah and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GettysburgFoundation/posts/sometime-on-tuesday-october-14-one-of-the-stone-walls-at-devils-den-was-toppled-/1231050439061077/" target="_blank">toppling a stone wall</a>&nbsp;at Devil’s Den in Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

WHAT NOW: National Park Service employees were ordered back to work Thursday. It will take time for rangers to fully assess parks, including backcountry areas, and more damage could yet be discovered, said Kristen Brengel with the National Parks Conservation Association. No fees were collected during the shutdown, costing parks almost $1 million a day in lost revenue.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Smithsonian buildings and the National Zoo were first closed Oct. 12. They are typically open every day except Christmas. The 20 sites together hosted more than 16 million people last year, and the organization has more than 3,600 federal employees. While the zoo has been closed, the popular livestream feeds capturing the famous giant pandas were offline. The normally active social media pages sharing animal updates and colorful photographs were silent. The animals continue to be fed and get care.

WHAT NOW: Two of the Smithsonian’s museums along the National Mall – American History and Air and Space – were to reopen Friday. The organization says on its website that the rest of the Smithsonian’s sites across the Washington area and New York will reopen by Monday on a rolling basis.

Associated Press journalists Tia Goldenberg, David A. Lieb, Makiya Seminera, Susan Haigh, Josh Funk, R.J. Rico, Annie Ma, Ben Finley, Konstantin Toropin, Matthew Brown and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report from around the country.

You can end a shutdown overnight — you can’t reopen a government that fast

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident in Garden City and asking the public for help to identify a person of interest, according to a media release from the Finney County Sheriff.

The accident occurred Wednesday&nbsp;in the area of Buffalo Jones Elementary School, 708 North Taylor in Garden City. If you have any information, please, contact the Finney County Sheriff's Office at 620-272-3700. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 620-275-7807 or texting the word GCTIP with the information to 847411(Tip411).&nbsp;

Sheriff asks for help to ID hit-and-run suspect near SW Kan. school

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.

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements