By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Sen. President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, was in Hays Thursday on the campaign trail for governor in 2026.

Masterson stopped at a couple of locations to meet with constituents to discuss rural revitalization and also visited the Eagle Media Center to speak with the Hays Post.

Masterson began with property taxes. The state removed a state assessment for institutional buildings. That cut about $90 million in taxes.

"Now it is about how the system is put together," he said. "It's going to take a constitutional amendment to change the way we assess to be able to cap the increases to make sure people can sustain it."

"We've seen double-digit increases multiple years in a row," he said.

He said he is also a proponent of elected appraisers because property taxes tend to be lower in communities with appraisers who have more accountability.

Hays school district officials have lobbied for more state funding for special education. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">Hays USD 489 saw a cost increase of almost $822,000 for special education for the 2025-26 school year.</a>

The state is not paying the percentage required by state statute, which means the balances for those services must come from schools' general funds.

Masterson noted the federal government is also not paying its share toward special education.

The state added $10 million more for special education for the coming year, but that has not bridged the funding gap.

Masterson mentioned the Gannon and other lawsuits regarding state education funding.

"We have been dumping more and more funding into the system," he said, "and in 2024, the courts came out that we met adequate funding."

"I don't think the issue is the volume of money. It's how it's being allocated that's the biggest issue," he said. "It's the formula that drives what gets allocated to each district."

Per-pupil funding has hurt rural districts as they have lost population, Masterson said. Block funding was proposed, but was not passed.

He expressed concerns about how at-risk funding is being allocated, citing issues discovered after state audits.

&nbsp;"I don't think it's about overall dollars, because overall Kansas spends more per pupil than the surrounding states, and we are not getting an outcome that matches that investment," Masterson said.

"There's conservation and property rights. There's a balance between the two. I do think those ultimate solutions need to have a local focus. I have heard Hays has done an incredible job on conservation."

Masterson said he was not aware of the R9 Ranch project, but asked Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, questions about the project.

He said money should be allocated to water projects based on need and not population.

Masterson cited the Mexican border and drugs as sources of violence in the state.

He expressed concerns about the increase in no cash bail.

"People commit a violent crime and just get out on their signature," Masterson said.

Masterson cited a cash bail case out of Johnson County in which a man out on bail after discharging a firearm in a hospital stabbed a manager of a barbecue restaurant.

"We've got to make sure we keep violent people incarcerated," he said.

He said funding should also be prioritized for law enforcement, so communities can have a sufficient number of officers and state highway patrol troopers.

Although judicial selection is not directly an issue in the governor's race, it will come up as a ballot question in 2026.

"We have the least democratic, most secretive way of appointing our Supreme Court justices. It is controlled by five lawyers," Masterson said.

He said it was not a merit-based system and did not reflect the population of Kansas. He said the Kansas Supreme Court justices should be elected.

Masterson discussed the issues with staffing the state mental hospital in Larned due to the rural community where the facility is located.

The state's costs to pay traveling medical staff for the facility have significantly increased.

"We used to spend $10 million on contract nursing. It was $40 million [last year]. That's not sustainable," he said. "There's going to be some hard decisions to be made. We have to move that responsibility to somewhere we have more people to work."

Masterson said he was concerned about the error rate on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is also known as SNAP or formally known as food stamps.

"It's not just that we are giving the benefit to people who aren't eligible for it, but also processing. There are people who aren't getting processed that are eligible for it and not getting the benefit."

He added, "It's important how a law is implemented and enforced."

In the last budget cycle, Masterson said the Legislature made some increases in Medicaid reimbursements.

He said he did not foresee any expansion of Medicaid.

"Expansion has proven to displace people who are disabled, frail and elderly, low-income mothers and children because you put all these able-bodied people into the system. You have a fixed number of Medicaid providers. It's not saving rural hospitals.

"You don't have to guess the results of Medicaid expansion. You can see it in the states that have expanded, and I think Kansas has proven it made the right decision by not having expanded Medicaid."

Gubernatorial candidate Masterson seeks to cap property taxes

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

🎤 Forward Ever: Doug Johnson of Colby Community College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to our first winner in Cash Grab this fall! Jeanne Schwartz of Hays had her name drawn out on Friday morning and walked away with $250.

Keywords will be given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Be listening to your favorite radio station (94.3 FM/1400 KAYS, 99.5 KHAZ, 101.9 The Bull, Mix 103.3, 96.9 KFIX) on Monday morning at 9:00 for the first keyword!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

💰Cash Grab Winner - Week #1

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>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">3 MONTHS OF BOOKKEEPING SERVICE</a>

Freedom Tax and Accounting, Hill City 3 Months of Bookkeeping Services Retail Price $600

Attention small business owners — this one’s for you! Did you know that clean, consistent bookkeeping can be the difference between smart decisions and stressful surprises? Freedom Tax &amp; Accounting is auctioning off&nbsp;3 months of bookkeeping services — a $600 value&nbsp;— with the&nbsp;Freedom Basics Package. This includes up to two managed checking, credit card, or loan accounts, up to 225 transactions, and unlimited email and phone support. Take the guesswork out of your numbers and let Tawny at Freedom Tax &amp; Accounting help your business stay on track. Bid now for this 3-month bookkeeping package — and give your business the gift of clarity and peace of mind!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">SENIOR PHOTO SHOOT</a>

Christopher's Creations 1700 Main Hays&nbsp; Senior Photo Shoot Retail Price $150

Bid on this gift certificate for one senior photo shoot from Christopher's Creations in Hays. This gift certificate, valued at $150, is good for a 1.5-hour senior photo shoot and includes 5 digital downloads. The shoot covers a single session within Ellis County. If located outside of Ellis County, a mileage rate will apply. It's a great option for a senior graduating this year or a junior graduating next year. The certificate expires in December 2026. Book your session by calling 785-380-9040 or online at ccreationsks.net.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all">$100 CERTIFICATE</a>

<a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/search.cfm?mid=65&amp;search=all"></a>AccuSpray Lawn Service 127 N. Lincoln Russell, KS 67665 785-483-7811

This $100 gift certificate is to AccuSpray, your #1 choice for lawn and tree spraying. They are locally owned. Services include: - Lawn &amp; Tree Fertilization, - Insect, Disease, and Weed Control, - Tree Injections &amp; Root Feeding, - Bare Ground Sterilization. ONLY one gift certificate per spraying please. Find and book them on Facebook at Accuspray– or call Jeremy Zorn at 785-639-8733.

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

KDHE: Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Osborne County RWD 1A

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

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

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

Recent obituaries and service times

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Gene Stramel of Insurance Planning about Medicare Part D and C open enrollment on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning on Medicare Part D, C open enrollment

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

With the ongoing federal government shutdown, the subsidy funding for the national Essential Air Service (EAS) program was due to expire at midnight on Sunday.

Hays Regional Airport Director Jamie Salter said Thursday she received the notice&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday.

Two days later, Salter received an updated memo from the department funding has been found for the subsidies to run through Nov. 2.

Hays Regional Airport is one of five Kansas airports that receive Essential Air Service funding.

The service provides subsidies to air carriers to operate out of rural airports for routes that are not profitable. The service connects small- and medium-sized communities with larger airports.

SkyWest, the regional air carrier serving Hays with daily United flights to Denver, receives an annual $6.5 million subsidy for commercial flight service for Hays.&nbsp;

Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal and Salina airports also utilize the Essential Air Service program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salter said SkyWest is assessing the situation.&nbsp;

Federal funding for subsidies at Hays Regional Airport in place until Nov. 2

You're probably already aware, but there's some recent controversy regarding the Hays Public Library's book choices: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CoLQpr9XB/">https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CoLQpr9XB/</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CoLQpr9XB/"></a>The above picture is an excerpt from a book being pushed to children and on display in the Hays Public Library.

Many of these terminologies will likely never make it into a Hays Post article for general public consumption, so I'm not sure the logic on pushing this on kids that 'should' be in a very curated learning environment in the public library that is allocated quite a sum of money from taxpayers every year.

Additionally, I assume their board meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 will be well attended by the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LETTER: Controversy in Hays Public Library's book choices

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University president

Brennan Mills is not just a second-year graduate student pursuing his master’s in English online; he is a rising star in the Kansas City educational community. Brennan is currently teaching middle school English at Indian Woods Middle School in the Shawnee Mission School District, where he has made an indelible mark on his students and peers alike.

Having completed his undergraduate degree in May of 2022, he immersed himself in the joys of teaching. Brennan quickly fell in love with his role as an educator. “After the first week, I knew I was in the right spot. I had a great first year, and I was folded into a band of experienced teachers who were outstanding at their jobs,” he recalls. 

That first year was not just about teaching; it was a foundation built on collaboration. His passionate approach to English Education was quickly recognized, and his school nominated Brennan for the prestigious Kansas Horizon Award. This award recognizes promising first-year educators across the state, providing them with a platform to shine.

Brennan's thoughtful and innovative methodologies caught the eye of his principal, Lacy Warren, who praised him for his commitment to fostering connections with students and their families. His weekly communication with parents ensures they stay informed about their children's progress and learning, bridging the gap between home and school. “Mr. Mills goes above and beyond to communicate with families,” said Principal Warren. For Brennan, teaching is more than a job; it's about respect, understanding, and building a strong foundation for each student.

Following the recognition by his district, Brennan's accolades continued to grow. He triumphantly advanced through the congressional district and state levels, ultimately being celebrated at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he shares humbly, “Award or no award, I would have kept doing exactly what I did, but it’s nice to be recognized.”

Brennan’s dedication to education didn’t stem solely from his classroom experiences; it also flourished from his adventures abroad. During the summer of 2025, he embarked on a transformative journey to Alnwick Castle in England as part of a study abroad program.

FHSU Alnwick is a 3-week, on-site, short-term faculty-led study abroad program located at Alnwick Castle in Alnwick, England, Northumberland. Open to all FHSU undergraduate and graduate students with any major, the program includes a 4-week online summer course with the latter 3 weeks taught onsite at Alnwick Castle.

Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is steeped in history and significance. Built after the Norman conquest, the castle has undergone extensive renovations to accommodate educational residency programs while preserving its historical integrity. 

Renowned for its appearances in beloved films such as Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Transformers: The Last Knight, the castle also offers visitors a chance to engage in activities like medieval craft demonstrations, Harry Potter broomstick flying lessons, and archery lessons.

Encouraged by FHSU professor Dr. Perry Harrison, Brennan enrolled in two memorable courses: “Outlaws through the Ages” and a travel writing course led by Lisa Bell, director of our writing center and instructor of English and Modern Languages. The latter was a significant challenge as he ventured outside his usual writing style. “It was a refreshing challenge and an informative dive into a new genre,” he remarked. 

Alongside his wife, Brennan spent three weeks exploring the depths of English culture and heritage, traveling from the historic Stonehenge to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland.

As he balances his responsibilities as a full-time educator and a student, Brennan appreciates the support from Fort Hays State University. He focuses on old British literature and has taken several courses with Perry Harrison. He has also enjoyed his courses with Dr. Leuschner and Lisa Bell. “It has been rigorous but also par for the course. Having a full-time job, teaching from 8 to 4, and then coming home and working on graduate coursework. The professors have been super accommodating.”

His students are fortunate to have a dedicated teacher who enjoys engaging in discussions. Brennan introduces “Philosophy Fridays” in his 8th-grade English class, where students tackle big ideas through the lens of classical philosophers like Plato. “It’s a highlight of my week. It’s a way to engage with students on a deeper level,” he explains. He believes that middle schoolers possess incredible potential and curiosity, making them uniquely suited for exploring life’s profound questions.

Brennan Mills stands out as a dedicated educator and an inspirational figure for future teachers. With aspirations to continue teaching middle school English, he emphasizes the importance of the journey. “They are on the brink of everything, and the possibilities are limitless,” he says about his students. As he forges ahead in his career and studies, this remarkable educator's future clearly holds great promise.

Embarking on this exciting chapter of his life, Brennan Mills remains deeply committed to shaping the minds of his students and influencing the future of education. Understanding educators' pivotal role in igniting curiosity and building resilience, he states, “I hope to inspire future teachers to embrace their unique voices and foster environments where students feel safe to explore their potential. Education transcends mere knowledge; it is about nurturing critical thinkers and empathetic individuals.”

With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and the limitless possibilities ahead, Brennan aspires to create a legacy that empowers educators and students to dream boldly and strive for excellence. Through his dedication, he embodies the promise of education—a commitment to growth, learning, and the transformative power of knowledge.

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

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.

“Local Consult meetings are a great opportunity for those who use our highways to give feedback on the projects and improvements that are most important to them,” said District Three Engineer Jeff Stewart. “That feedback is important to help KDOT prioritize and identify projects that will best serve our communities.”

People in northwest Kansas (District 3) are invited to participate:

COLBY - 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave.

Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28:&nbsp;Please register in advance – visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Flocal-consult-2025%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010199b9b4cec1-ff7a1d38-9138-4660-892b-63a458da4a6a-000000/VkUsBu5dZMEJq9oy5o7thBvm6cxFG-rjCzjWj8hCUgY=425">https://www.ksdot.gov/local-consult-2025</a>&nbsp;to attend the virtual meeting.

Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.

For more meeting or project information, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov">KDOT.Engagement@ks.gov</a>.

Local Consult meeting in Colby on Oct. 15 to focus on regional transportation priorities

The Healing Hearts Grief Support Group will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Please use the south entrance.

The speaker will be Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the social work department at Fort Hays State University. Davis will discuss grief and its long-term effects and then will facilitate the meeting's share and support session.&nbsp;

The Healing Hearts group welcomes any adult who has lost a loved one of any age. The group’s facilitator is Dr. Kate McGonigal, who teaches in the Sociology Department at Fort Hays State University.

Social work professor to address grief support group

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers in the ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doge-russell-vought-project-2025-f403174299933b7e3a3b6ebd779c146c">Russ Vought</a>, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said on the social media site X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

A spokesperson for the budget office said the reductions are “substantial” but did not offer more immediate details.

The Education Department is among the agencies hit by new layoffs, a department spokesperson said Friday without providing more details. The department had about 4,100 employees when Trump took office in January, but its workforce was nearly halved amid mass layoffs in the Republican administration’s first months. At the start of the shutdown, it had about 2,500 employees.

The White House previewed that it would pursue the aggressive layoff tactic shortly before the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, telling all federal agencies to submit their reduction-in-force plans to the budget office for its review. It said reduction-in-force plans could apply for federal programs whose funding would lapse in a government shutdown, are otherwise not funded and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

This goes far beyond what usually happens in a government shutdown, which is that federal workers are furloughed but restored to their jobs once the shutdown ends.

Democrats have tried to call the administration’s bluff, arguing the firings could be illegal, and seemed bolstered by the fact the White House had yet to carry out the firings.

But President Donald Trump had said earlier this week that he would soon have more information about how many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-firings-layoffs-vought-1fd57313272ec4db5984f653b095be33">federal jobs</a>&nbsp;would be eliminated.

“I’ll be able to tell you that in four or five days if this keeps going on,” he said Tuesday in the Oval Office as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-trump-carney-white-house-59b735b719247c7063777c1edcb10328">he met with Canada's prime minister</a>, Mark Carney. “If this keeps going on, it’ll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-grijalva-526647b57faa2710382674646dfd2b37">the halls of the Capitol were quiet</a>&nbsp;on Friday, then 10th day of the shutdown, with both the House and the Senate out of Washington and both sides digging in for a protracted shutdown fight. Senate Republicans have tried repeatedly to cajole Democratic holdouts to vote for a stopgap bill to reopen the government, but Democrats have refused as they hold out for a firm commitment to extend health care benefits.

There was no sign that the top Democratic and Republican Senate leaders were even talking about a way to solve the impasse. Instead, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continued to try to peel away centrist Democrats who may be willing to cross party lines as the shutdown pain dragged on.

“It’s time for them to get a backbone,” Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said during a news conference.

AP Education Writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report.

Government shutdown: Mass firings of federal workers begins

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

&nbsp;A Sedgwick County District Pro-Tem Judge will sentence Michael Gonzalez, 23, of Saline County, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sentencing day for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82.

<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/john-lodge-obituary?pid=210066954">Click here to read the full obituary</a>

In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.”

Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it stopped performing live in 2018.

Lodge featured on some of the band’s best-known work, including 1967’s psychedelic album “Days Of Future Passed,” which is widely regarded as one of rock’s first concept albums, and its follow-up a year later, “In Search Of The Lost Chord.”

Lodge also featured on the 1977 album “Octave,” which saw The Moody Blues embrace a more pop-oriented sound.

He continued to make records with the group until their final studio album in 2003, “December,” a collection of Christmas songs.

The group continued to perform live until 2018, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Moody Blues singer and bassist John Lodge dead at 82

RILEY COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County.

A 2017 Buick Encore driven by Sharon Sando, 74, Leonardville was traveling&nbsp; in the 12000 block of Green-Randolph Road, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report. The SUV veered off the road and rolled into a ditch. 

Sando was pronounced dead at the scene. The RCPD released no additional details.

Kansas woman dies in SUV rollover accident

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — University of Kansas indigenous studies director Alex Red Corn said a $1.5 million grant would allow a five-year collaboration with tribal nations and school districts in three states to broaden the pipeline of K-12 teachers working in schools serving Native American students.

The difficulty of attracting and retaining teachers to serve Native American students has been fueled from insufficient funding, isolation of rural communities and lack of job-market recruiting.

KU was awarded the grant from the Office of Indian Education in the U.S. Department of Education. The program involves&nbsp;the Southern Plains American Indian Teaching Pathways Project, which is a partnership that included Haskell Indian Nations University, or HINU, in Lawrence.

The goal is to work with Native Nations and school districts in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to prepare and mentor 15 teachers in elementary or secondary education.

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