By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Vietnam War hero who survived a fierce battle stood before Hays on Veterans Day, sharing a message that the duty to serve continues long after the war ended.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ivanhoe Love Jr. is also the first Black Command Sergeant Major to serve as an instructor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. He reflected on his 28 years of service as an infantryman, having served in various units.

"I served in every capacity in the infantry, from squad leader up to a command sergeant major in almost every kind of unit where infantrymen serve," Love said.

Love emphasized he did not wish to glorify war, calling it “ugly,” and recalled a 1968 firefight in South Vietnam, where a much larger North Vietnamese force ambushed his small team. He lost nearly all his men but two in the initial attack.

"We fought all night," he said. "We were calling in close air support and artillery all night. ... I could hear through the bombs the screams of my men, 'Sgt. Love, come get me,' I'm crawling trying to get to these guys. I couldn't make it."

Along with a fellow captain who fought beside him that night, Love was honored for his actions. He received the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest military decorations, an award he said he didn’t feel he earned.

"I didn't do anything. I came back alive. My men couldn't come back," Love said.

After a brief period of rest, Love returned to combat, working with a soldier he described as one of the best he had ever known, someone with “animal-like instincts,” an acute sense of smell and hearing sharper than a scout dog.

The two fought side by side almost every day. Love said he couldn’t recall a time when he wasn’t under fire. During their final mission together, while Love was conducting a routine equipment check, the soldier suffered a severe episode brought on by trauma.

"PTSD is a real-life thing. I don't know what happened to him, but I had to move forward," Love said. "[He was] an elegant example of what it does to the human mind. When you kill, and kill and kill ... but we do it for the sake of this country—no other reason, not for glory, but because of the causes we believe in."

Love returned to the United States once again and was met with hostility. First, when protesters at the airport threw urine on him, and later, when he said the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in his front yard after he became the first African American instructor and student at Arkansas State University.

After retiring from the military in 1990, Love devoted himself to public service in Seward County, serving as a county commissioner and spending more than a decade on the Liberal City Commission, including three terms as mayor. He later became Rotary District Governor for western Kansas.

"I carried the lessons forward that I learned in the military. I discovered that the call to serve doesn't end when you take the uniform off, it simply changes its form," Love said.

Love urged action to support veterans struggling with homelessness and health care challenges, saying gratitude must translate to concrete help. He also emphasized the importance of the VFW’s role in that mission.

"Let us ensure that when we say thank you for your service. It carries with you the commitment to stand with those who are still fighting battles unseen," he said.

The ceremony at VFW Post 9076 began with the Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by O’Loughlin Elementary students leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The program also featured a presentation from the Voice of Democracy scholarship winner, Mariella Dreiling, who read her winning essay. The ceremony concluded with a traditional flag-folding tribute.

The VFW is a nonprofit that offers medical assistance and helps veterans file their VA claims. You can learn more <a href="https://www.vfw.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN3GfFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEQ3RzMEhzeXBPRjMyRmo1AR7qR4g62MePlcxYWDlrqFVuUoF8Myhfp4IE8-8lH5Q0TMhg-W6yY8tQEf5EVw_aem_VY0FNVEDm-btcxcbO4VxUA">here</a>.

Vietnam War hero remembers the night he lost almost all of his men 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County. The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Bunker Hill indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Bunker Hill

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

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

MANHATTAN — Following a competitive application process, 32 first-year students at Kansas State University have been selected as new members of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/activities/quest/">Quest Freshman Honorary</a>, a program facilitated by Blue Key Senior Honorary.

Quest works to develop student leaders through mentorship, personal development and campus involvement. Upon selection, members of Quest are paired with mentors from Blue Key.

Under the leadership of Blue Key, Quest takes a behind-the-scenes look at everything that K-State has to offer, providing members with opportunities to tour K-State Athletics facilities, enjoy a meal at the university president's home and connect with student leaders across campus, fostering a commitment to lifelong service and leadership. Quest provides freshman leaders with the tools necessary to give back to the K-State family.

The following undergraduate students are members of Quest for the 2025-2026 year:

Avery Vogt, advertising and public relations, and Jackson Weidler, business administration, both from&nbsp;Andover; Ava Gustin, medical laboratory science,&nbsp;Carbondale; Oliver Nobert, civil engineering,&nbsp;Clyde; Lillian Hulse, agricultural education,&nbsp;Culver; Allyson Rietcheck, feed and pet food science,&nbsp;Gardner; and Darcy Feist, diets and sports nutrition,&nbsp;Great Bend. Marisa Wasinger, agricultural education,&nbsp;Hays; Paige Mueller, news and sports media,&nbsp;Hiawatha; Ella Beesley, elementary education,&nbsp;Hugoton; Ayanna Lopez, landscape architecture,&nbsp;Kansas City; Maren Carter, secondary education,and Isabelle Connealy, computer science, both from&nbsp;Lenexa; Anagha Nair, advertising and public relations, and Jocelyn Brott, English, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; and Maggie Chandler, agricultural education,&nbsp;Neodesha. Ryan Duewer, electrical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park; Brooklyn Countryman, secondary education,&nbsp;Quinter; Fallon Miller, wildlife biology,&nbsp;Rossville; Aubrey Schmelzle, hospitality management,&nbsp;Sabetha; Carson Ablard, political science,&nbsp;Salina; Charlotte Caldwell, human health biology,&nbsp;Shawnee; Jazzmyne Means, architectural engineering,&nbsp;Stilwell; and Cohen Richardson, construction science,&nbsp;Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/">k-state.edu/bluekey</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Quest Freshman Honorary and other Blue Key programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays, Quinter students selected to KSU Quest Freshman Honorary

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board decided to delay moving forward on selling land adjacent to Hays Middle School until it can obtain an appraisal.

The board is considering selling&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/717a1a84-82e4-456a-90ae-88efeb538244">7.23 acres of district-owned property at 201 W. 29th St., north of the current Hays Middle School football field, through a sealed bid process.</a>

The board plans to accept sealed bids for the property with the right to refuse any bids it receives. The proceeds from the sale of the property would be allocated to the capital outlay fund.

The board was scheduled to vote on the sale on Monday, but Allen Park, board member, said he wanted to obtain an appraisal, which would cost about $1,350.

The district already has four comparable sales to review. 

Those comparable lots sold for between $1.72 and $2.41 per square foot. 

The property closest in size to the middle school property was at 1201 E. 33rd St. This property is zoned for residential multifamily use. It consists of 7.71 acres (335,412 square feet).&nbsp;This property sold on October 20, 2020, for $577,500, which calculates to $1.72 per square foot.

Board Vice President Ken Brooks said he did not believe the appraisal was necessary and considered it a waste of money.

The board ultimately voted to move forward with the appraisal on a vote of 5-1, with Brooks voting against. Board member Jayme Goetz was absent.

The board approved a $68,250 bid from Vitztum Commercial Flooring for flooring at Hays Middle School for the cafeteria serving area and the band and vocal rooms.

The board also approved a bid for $71,086 from Nex-Tech for interior door locks, including hardware, installation and configuration for Hays Middle School.

Superintendent Ron Wilson informed the board he had successfully applied for and received two grants to reimburse the district for upgrades to the high school's tennis courts.

The district received $140,000 from the United States Tennis Association and&nbsp;$14,000 from the Missouri Valley Tennis Association, totaling $154,000. The money will be deposited into the capital outlay fund.

Board member Ruth Ruder thanked Wilson for his efforts and said the district should consider hiring a grant writer next year.

Hays USD 489 board delays sale of middle school land pending appraisal

Two contestants received the inaugural Miss Fort Hays and Miss Smoky Hills titles and are now advancing to the Miss Kansas competition.

The competition was a local pageant affiliated with the Miss America Organization, offering participants the opportunity to earn scholarships and advance toward the Miss America title.

Alyna Chavez, a junior at Fort Hays State University and member of the FHSU Tiger Debs and Delta Zeta, won the Miss Fort Hays title along with the talent award.

Morgan Allen, a sophomore at FHSU and certified nursing assistant, is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. She won the title of Miss Smoky Hills.

The Nov. 8 pageant focused on education, community service, and personal growth, with contestants evaluated in multiple categories. Harper Lubbers received the interview award.

Miss Fort Hays Director Sherelle Peterson, who brought the competition to Hays after witnessing her daughter's rewarding experience competing in Miss Dodge City, handpicked judges with expertise in the categories being evaluated.

2025 Miss Fort Hays, Miss Smoky Hills crowned

A partnership between Fort Hays State University, Garden City Community College (GCCC), and Garden City Arts brought together first responders, students, and community members for a unique blend of training and creative collaboration during the First Responder Art Collaboration Training (FACT) on Tuesday, October 28.

Hosted in the Endowment Room on GCCC’s campus, the three-hour event was led by FHSU’s Community Engaged Art class under the supervision of Dr. Amy Schmierbach, professor of art and certified Blue Bridge trainer. The initiative aimed to strengthen communication, empathy, and understanding between first responders and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

FACT began with Blue Bridge Training, a nationally recognized, evidence-based program developed by a retired police chief and father of an autistic son. The curriculum equips first responders with practical strategies for compassionate and effective interactions with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, communities that often face increased vulnerability during emergency situations.

Schmierbach, also the parent of an autistic child, shared her professional and personal insights during the session. “The goal of Blue Bridge is to build confidence, comfort, and mutual understanding,” she said. “Artmaking then provides the perfect space to put those lessons into practice.”

Following the training, participants joined a collaborative weaving workshop where first responders and students worked alongside community members with IDD, including participants from Mosaic and art students from both FHSU and GCCC. The hands-on activity encouraged conversation and cooperation while incorporating repetitive kinetic movement, an approach often used by individuals with autism for self-regulation and sensory comfort.

“The highlight for me was interacting with the young man at the weaving station,” said Robert Scrivner, associate professor of criminal justice and public safety at GCCC. “We had a great conversation about Captain America, and his smile afterward was infectious. Made my day. Plus, I had never woven before, so I really got a lot out of it.”

More than 25 participants attended, including students and professionals from EMS paramedic, criminal justice, and fire safety programs. The event reflected the shared commitment of all partners to foster inclusivity and strengthen community bonds through art and education.

GCCC expressed gratitude to Dr. Schmierbach for bringing the FACT initiative to Garden City, following successful collaborations in Hays, Atwood, and Wichita. The college also thanked Garden City Arts Executive Director Katy Guthrie for her organizational support and leadership in promoting accessible arts programming, as well as Michael Knutson and the GCCC Visual Arts Department for their contributions to making this educational opportunity possible.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of art to connect people and deepen understanding,” Schmierbach said. “When we combine creativity with compassion, we can truly make a difference in how communities care for one another.”

FHSU, GCCC partner on First Responder Art Collaboration Training

<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

&nbsp;Today, Hays Post is accepting non-perishable food donations and cash from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to benefit First Call for Help 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 First Call for Help 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 First Call for Help today

NEW YORK (AP) — Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/northern-lights-auroras-solar-storm-915a2364b24679c63a07066f55c53ffa">solar storms</a>&nbsp;that could produce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/how-to-catch-auroras-with-noaas-prediction-tool-5c20d61840754b8e81070c87160ef6ff">colorful northern lights</a>&nbsp;and temporarily disrupt communications.

In the past few days, the sun has burped out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/solar-storms-auroras-northern-lights-ea7dea56d466cf199837b5e266c5d9c6">several bursts of energy</a>&nbsp;called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

How bright the auroras are and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auroras-northern-lights-solar-storm-9a3399d88ec0e14293f06e77d61099c4">how far south they are visible</a>&nbsp;will depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact with Earth's atmosphere. The vibrant displays could be visible across much of the northern U.S., and as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

The sun is at the maximum phase of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sun-solar-flare-earth-ed204eef352560f09b8366bee05e2381">11-year activity cycle</a>, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

Northern lights forecasts can be found on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental">NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website</a>&nbsp;or an aurora forecasting app.

Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Severe solar storms bring view of northern lights to Kansas

&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

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

The holidays may be difficult for those grieving the loss of a loved one. GriefShare will offer a free “Surviving the Holidays” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Youth Room at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.

Carol Spalsbury, one of the organizers, said that the event “reassures people who are grieving the loss of a loved one that they are not alone—that help is available.

“The event offers encouragement and practical advice to navigate the Thanksgiving and Christmas season,” she said. “It gives insight into what to expect and strength to go on.”

Refreshments will be provided. In order for organizers to have adequate materials on hand, attendees are asked to pre-register by Friday, Nov. 14, by contacting the church at (785) 628-8887 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nocc@northoak.net">nocc@northoak.net</a>.

Grief support group to present free seminar

Hospice at HaysMed is once again offering its Hospice Community Christmas Tree to remember those who have died and honor those who are still living.

The tree will be decorated with brass doves, each engraved with the name of the person being remembered or honored. The suggested donation is $20 per dove. The tree will be on display at HaysMed during the Christmas holiday season.

Checks made payable to Hospice at HaysMed, along with the name of the person being honored or remembered, may be sent to HaysMed Foundation, 2220 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601.

The Hays Med Hospice ornaments orders are due by Dec. 11.

“Donations enhance the resources available for education, support the volunteer and bereavement programs in their entirety, and cover patient-related expenses not paid for by insurance,” a news release said.

Hospice at HaysMed has been in existence for more than 30 years, “providing hope, comfort, and understanding for the terminally ill and their families,” the news release said. It provides services in Ellis, Russell, Rush, and Rooks counties.

More information is available at 785-623-6200 or 800-990-0731.

Hospice taking orders for Christmas tree ornaments

Due to the observance of the Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, refuse/recycling route collection schedules in Hays will be altered as follows: Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 will both be picked up on Monday, November 10. 

There will be no changes to the Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, November 14 collection schedules.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Refuse/recycling collection in Hays changed due to Veterans Day 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;wrote in a 2019 email to a journalist that Donald Trump “knew about the girls," according to documents made public Wednesday, but what he knew — and whether it pertained to the sex offender’s crimes — is unclear, and the White House quickly accused Democrats of selectively leaking the emails to smear the president.

<a href="https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-oversight.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/3-emails_redacted.pdf">Click here to read the emails</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-birthday-books-democrats-oversight-house-810140a196d24d32bd30691b8ff4d6a9">Democrats on the House Oversight Committee</a>&nbsp;released three emails referencing Trump, including one Epstein wrote in 2011 in which he told confidant Ghislaine Maxwell that Trump had “spent hours” at Epstein’s house with a sex trafficking victim.

The disclosures seemed designed to raise new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">questions about Trump’s friendship with Epstein</a>&nbsp;and about what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">knowledge he may have had</a>&nbsp;regarding what prosecutors call a yearslong effort by Epstein to exploit underage girls. The Republican businessman-turned-politician has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has said he ended their relationship years ago.

The version of the 2011 email released by the Democrats redacted the name of the victim, but Republicans on the committee later said it was Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with a number of his rich and powerful friends. Epstein&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">took his own life</a>&nbsp;in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges.

Giuffre said Trump ‘couldn’t have been friendlier'

Giuffre, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">died earlier this year</a>, had long insisted that Trump was not among the men who had victimized her.

In a court deposition, she said under oath that she didn’t believe Trump had any knowledge of Epstein’s misconduct with underage girls. And in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-giuffre-memoir-jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-0adb8b983ac18a45fc7ec035dc789d08">her recently released memoir</a>, she described meeting Trump only once, when she worked as a spa attendant at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/993263aaefab49a7988bb4ccb808791d">his Mar-a-Lago club</a>&nbsp;in Palm Beach, Florida, and did not accuse him of wrongdoing.

Giuffre wrote that she was introduced to Trump by her father, who also worked at the club. She described Trump as friendly and said he offered to help her get babysitting jobs with parents at the club.

Trump “couldn’t have been friendlier,” Giuffre wrote.

Other members of Epstein’s household staff also said in sworn depositions that, while Trump did stop by Epstein’s house, they didn’t see him engage in any inappropriate conduct.

Republicans says emails released to tarnish Trump

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Democrats “selectively leaked emails” to “create a fake narrative to smear President Trump.”

In July, Trump said he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-congress-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-3ca45e130deb5f2eee8deff36d99734f">banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago</a>&nbsp;because his one-time friend was “taking people who worked for me," including Giuffre. The women, he said, were “taken out of the spa, hired by him — in other words, gone.”

“I said, ‘Listen, we don’t want you taking our people,’” Trump told reporters. Asked if Giuffre was one of the employees poached by Epstein, the president demurred but then said Epstein “stole her.”

The emails made public Wednesday are part of a batch of 23,000 documents provided by Epstein's estate to the Oversight Committee.

Shortly after Democrats released the Trump-related emails, committee Republicans countered by disclosing what they said was an additional 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate. Among them: copies of pages from a James Patterson book about the ex-financier.

The release resurfaces a storyline that had shadowed Trump's presidency during the summer when the FBI and the Justice Department abruptly announced that they would not be releasing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">additional documents</a>&nbsp;that investigators had spent weeks examining, disappointing conspiracy theorists and online sleuths who had expected to see new revelations.

In one 2019 email to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-michael-wolff-lawsuit-epstein-e5a52952be556d2976d5aeaf6e40b1db">journalist Michael Wolff</a>, who has written extensively about Trump, Epstein wrote of Trump, “Of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop.”

In an April 2, 2011, email to Maxwell, a former Epstein girlfriend now imprisoned for conspiring to engage in sex trafficking, Epstein wrote, “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn't barked is Trump. (Redacted name) spent hours at my house with him ,, he has never once been mentioned. police chief. etc. im 75 % there."

Maxwell replied the same day: “I have been thinking about that.”

The name of the person said to have spent time with Trump was blacked out of the email, but House Democrats identified the person as a “victim.”

Leavitt said that the unnamed person referenced in the emails is Giuffre, who had accused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-prince-andrew-strips-royal-titles-7fad76a46a211ae24b605cbd24e80748">Britain’s then-Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;and other influential men of sexually exploiting her as a teenager and who died by suicide in April. Andrew, who recently was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-prince-andrew-strips-royal-titles-7fad76a46a211ae24b605cbd24e80748">stripped of his titles</a>&nbsp;and evicted from his royal residence by King Charles III after weeks of pressure to act over his relationship with Epstein, has rejected Giuffre’s allegations and said he didn’t recall meeting her.

Leavitt said in a statement that Giuffre had “repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and ‘couldn’t have been friendlier’ to her in their limited interactions.”

“The fact remains that President Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre,” the statement said. "These stories are nothing more than bad-faith efforts to distract from President Trump’s historic accomplishments, and any American with common sense sees right through this hoax and clear distraction from the government opening back up again.”

Messages seeking comment were left with Wolff, Maxwell attorney David Markus and representatives for Giuffre’s family.

Maxwell's interview with the Justice Department

Maxwell, interviewed in July by the Justice Department’s second-in-command, repeatedly denied witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions involving Trump.

“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Maxwell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">told Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche</a>, according to a transcript of the interview. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”

Giuffre came forward publicly after an initial investigation ended in an 18-month Florida jail term for Epstein, who made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/96bc4bdbd240454293888afb1f5bc600">a secret deal</a>&nbsp;to avoid federal prosecution by pleading guilty instead to relatively minor state-level charges of soliciting prostitution. He was released in 2009.

In subsequent lawsuits, Giuffre said she was a teenage spa attendant at Mar-a-Lago when she was approached in 2000 by Maxwell.

Lawyers for Maxwell,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-ghislaine-maxwell-fa2c504a6dfe30ce1686b857a4123b7b">a British socialite</a>, have argued that she never should have been tried or convicted for her role in luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. She is serving a 20-year prison term, though she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after the Blanche interview.

🎥Read the Epstein emails released by Democrats; White House responds

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged theft in Manhattan.

Just after 2p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;filed a report of theft in the 1300 block of Hudson Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; A 73-year-old man reported an unknown suspect stole money during a meeting to purchase items for sale. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $9,000.

Police: $9,000 stolen from 73-year-old Kan. man

WASHINGTON (AP) —Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Trump administration will soon be making “substantial announcements” about steps it will take to reduce the price of food items not grown in the United States. He cited coffee, bananas and other fruits he didn’t name.

“Things like that that will bring the prices down very quickly,” Bessent said during an interview of Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends.”

Bessent’s announcement comes as Trump insists costs are down since he took office nine months ago, despite economic data that shows otherwise

🎥Treasury Secretary says price drops coming on coffee and bananas

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an injury crash and continue to search for one of the drivers involved.

Just before 12:30a.m. Monday, a&nbsp;black pickup was northbound at a high rate of speed at the intersection of&nbsp;Valentine and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The pickup collided with a brown sedan which was making a turn. After impact, the black pickup collided with a parked car and the occupants fled the scene. 

EMS transported the driver of the brown sedan to a local hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KCPD: Driver hospitalized, suspects fled 3-vehicle crash

Team owner Clark Hunt told reporters recently that he was still considering options on both sides of the Kansas-Missouri state line

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas City Chiefs put out a request for proposals to design a new stadium on the Kansas side of the state line and are negotiating for land near the Kansas Speedway, according to two reports from Kansas City area talk show hosts.&nbsp;

Pete Mundo of KCMO talk radio&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmotalkradio.com/shows/mundo-in-the-morning-2/" target="_blank">broke the news</a>&nbsp;that the Chiefs contacted multiple firms regarding a new stadium to be built at Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. He said the news was confirmed by several sources.

Mundo stressed that the RFP didn’t mean the Chiefs had selected Kansas as the location for a new stadium and added that his “gut” said they would stay in Missouri.&nbsp;

On Monday, Kevin Kietzman said on his podcast that the Chiefs are in negotiations with NASCAR and the state of Kansas to acquire land just west of the Kansas Speedway. He said the Chiefs also may be building a hotel by the Hollywood Casino and creating an entertainment district.&nbsp;

“NASCAR owns a total of 880 acres of land at Village West, folks,” Kietzman said. “They only use 300 of them.”

Patrick Lowry, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce, said major development projects require confidentiality and the agency has no comment on negotiations regarding the stadium.&nbsp;

“Kansas Department of Commerce continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of crafting agreements to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas,” Lowry said.

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/" target="_blank">agreed to finance</a>&nbsp;up to 70% of the project, with a minimum $1 billion price tag, by issuing bonds to be repaid with sales tax collected in the STAR Bond district.&nbsp;

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