By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Ellen Riedel of Ellis and her husband transformed a long-vacant building into an event venue to breathe new life into town, but now she says they were hit with a tax bill that almost quadrupled overnight.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DolceVitaEllis/">Dolce Vita</a>, 203 E. Second St., has become a modern venue for weddings, corporate events, reunions and other community gatherings.

"Rather than just driving by this eyesore day after day, we purchased and invested in the property to give this community some pride," Riedel said.

However, Riedel said after investing in repairs, including new wiring, plumbing and roofing, their property taxes increased from $3,510 to $20,810, about a 492% increase.

In addition, the venue has two wet bars, a catering kitchen, and a 15-by-50-foot state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

Riedel said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, reached out to inform her about <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb13/">Senate Bill 13</a>. Ridel said she appealed the assessment to the county appraiser, who determined that her improvements did not qualify as maintenance. She added that the valuation dropped slightly before increasing again.

The bill states that it prohibits an increase in the appraised property value resulting from regular repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property.

"Everything is supposed to remain revenue neutral, but our property taxes continue to skyrocket out of control," she said.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktnbjGVOf6k">On Oct. 13, Riedel addressed the Kansas Special Committee on Taxation</a>, saying she has heard from many Kansas taxpayers who feel overwhelmed by rising property taxes.

Riedel and her husband purchased the roughly 10,000-square-foot building in 2022 after it had remained empty for two decades, saying that she has not given up on the city of Ellis and its population of about 1,900.

"My husband turned it into a beautiful venue, and what was our reward? Massive tax increases," she said.

Riedel said commercial and residential properties should be distinguished, as both generate property tax revenue. However, commercial properties also generate sales and employment taxes. She suggested placing a lower cap on valuation increases for commercial properties.

Riedel told Hays Post property owners are caught in a game of finger-pointing between county officials and mill levies. She is pushing for a statewide 3% cap on property valuation increases.

Riedel also said Senate Bill 13 needs stronger enforcement and that counties should be held accountable for “breaking the law.”

"Protect community revitalization rather than punishing people for improving their properties," she said to the committee.

Riedel said that residential valuations in Ellis County increased, citing CEO Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank that provides non-profit research.

"I promise you the voters in your counties are going to be slapping you high fives, patting you on the back, and you are going to be heroes," Riedel said to the committee. "I know that you can change our lives by implementing tax reform."

Riedel referred to Oklahoma as evidence that limiting annual property valuation increases can be effective.

Oklahoma attorney Wayne Allison told Topeka lawmakers his state limits annual valuation increases to 3% for homestead and agricultural properties and 5% for commercial properties, with any revenue hikes requiring voter approval.

Allison said the caps did not hurt local funding and Oklahoma relies more on sales tax to fund operations.

Riedel also raised concerns with the committee that seniors are being taxed out of their homes because property taxes now exceed their former mortgage payments. She also pushed for a 100% exemption for qualifying veterans.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh also testified that Kansas’s property valuation system is inconsistent and flawed, drawing on his own experiences to support his statement.

Ellis owner testifies in Topeka on steep property tax hike after revitalizing property

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Global nonprofit Point 27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://point27.org/">https://point27.org/</a>&nbsp;recently honored fallen Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, who <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/828772e4-ab2d-416f-a5cb-bd6631c6d836">died of a gunshot wound September 28</a> he received responding to a domestic violence call.

To honor this fallen hero, Point 27 sent gifts of Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength dog-tag necklaces inscribed with Matthew 5:9,&nbsp;“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”&nbsp;to the Hays Police Department for Heimann’s&nbsp; partner and the officers who served closely with him; and Keepsake Folded Flag Pendant Necklaces inscribed with John 15:13,&nbsp;“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”&nbsp;for his family.

“We want law enforcement officers and their families to know we value them and their sacrifices, that God loves them, and that they are never alone” said Point 27 Director, U.S. Army (Ret.) Col. Dodd.

Dodd commanded a battalion of the first troops deployed to Afghanistan following 911.&nbsp; He wore a Shield of Strength inscribed with Joshua 1:9 next to his government-issued dog tags; and equipped each of the soldiers in his command with a Shield of Strength before they deployed.&nbsp;The face of the Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength shows an engraved silver American flag face designed with one flag stripe of metallic blue. The tag design and scripture were chosen by law enforcement officers.

Dodd served 27 years and four deployments in the military. After his military retirement, he founded Point 27, in 2014, to share the scripture-inscribed dog tags that encouraged him and his troops, with members of the military and veterans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fallen Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann honored by Point 27

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she is simultaneously hosting food drives at the remaining seven stops on her statewide ‘The People’s Budget’ listening tour. In partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Governor Kelly is encouraging Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items to give back to local communities.

“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That’s why I’m urging the Kansans attending my statewide listening tour to donate food items and support food banks struggling to meet already high demands. Kansans have always lifted up their neighbors during challenging times, and food drives are a simple way to give back to our communities.”

Food banks currently have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other shelf stable items in need include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and more. Additional information about in-demand items can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.harvesters.org%2Fhow-to-help%2Fgive-food%2Fmost-needed-items/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/WzcjBz8Xgm9dg4KQOYYXaDWaW_IiBxi9PRudcq0Snx0=428">here</a>. Kansans participating in the food drives should refrain from donating perishable food or items in glass packaging.

“As the shutdown continues, more families are turning to food banks and our partner agencies for help,”&nbsp;said Valerie Nicholson‑Watson, Interim President and CEO, Harvesters – The Community Food Network.&nbsp;“This food drive with Governor Kelly is important because hunger doesn’t wait, and neither should we. Kansans have always stepped up for one another, and these food drives are more than just cans of food—they’re about hope, community, and taking care of one another when it matters most.”

Governor Kelly will host the second and third stops of ‘The People’s Budget’ tour on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. in Hays and 6:00 p.m. in Garden City. Kansans interested in attending the events should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2F%3Fsplash=https%253a%252f%252fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252f%253furl%253dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%25252FCL0%25252Fhttps%25253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2525252FBudgetTourRSVP%25252F1%25252F01010199b9f9d395-93c03dd8-a249-45d4-983b-7b5bac4c393e-000000%25252F1PxdLARohVWY6-nVpsw2k2ZcURnvUURQDDEa2PIdAQw%25253D425%2526data%253d05%25257C02%25257CGrace.Hoge%252540ks.gov%25257C609584ed2e1f4c82b81c08de04e82deb%25257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%25257C0%25257C0%25257C638953592407599034%25257CUnknown%25257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%25253D%25253D%25257C0%25257C%25257C%25257C%2526sdata%253dHyziOpDpTXfrJ%25252FJonLkDDEZP%25252FGgcx4nvWOQv9LwV7d8%25253D%2526reserved%253d0%26____isexternal=true/1/0101019a17bab197-e20f4db4-85e8-4fcb-9d96-7ad567d5b118-000000/Vp9TD9bTO-VhjxN3wPXfrb581VSiohhDFwBqTQgNtpw=428">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional information. Those who plan to donate food at the events will be able to drop off items at the venue.

“We’re grateful to Governor Kelly for highlighting the issue of hunger through this tour,”&nbsp;said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Kansas Food Bank.&nbsp;“These food drives will provide vital support to families facing uncertainty during the shutdown and help ensure that our neighbors across Kansas have access to the nutritious food they need.”

The remaining stops on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour will take place on the schedule below:

Space at each venue will be limited, and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis. The Governor’s Office would appreciate RSVPs to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time. Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.

Gov. Kelly to host food drive at ‘The People’s Budget’ tour stop in Hays Wednesday

It's holiday time on The Bricks in Downtown Hays. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June, executive director, about Trick or Treat on the Bricks on Oct. 31 and the 25th year of Frost Fest.

Trick or Treat on the Bricks is 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 for participating businesses and groups in downtown Hays.&nbsp;

This is the 25th year of the Frost Fest Christmas holiday parade with the theme "Timeless Traditions" on Dec. 7. Entries are available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyRYf01QSgB_HmUbYoQQbZneMJ4GbB-4gswHhfGLkEIrVJA/viewform">online</a>.&nbsp;

A new committee was formed in April to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary.

"This was an initiative they thought so important to bring more to downtown Hays from the holiday lighting and decorations to events," said Lee Ann June, executive director. "We have amazing sponsors that are making it possible."

More custom lighting which can be used each year will be added inside the pavilion and throughout the Union Pacific Railroad Park, 10th and Main.&nbsp;

Other "Christmas Magic on Main Street" sponsors will help with new special events, including a holiday movie at The Fox, horse-and-buggy rides throughout downtown, children's activities, and a soup and chili feed for 500 people. All the events are free.&nbsp;

"It's so wonderful to see so many groups come together across Hays and make it a warm holiday season," June said.&nbsp;

The "Jubilee," the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the special season, will be on Nov. 29 and include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh.&nbsp;

Special coupon sales from downtown businesses will begin Nov. 13, featuring entries for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'll have weekends where you get two entry tickets when you shop locally, which we love," June said.&nbsp;

On Dec. 20, $4,000 in Downtown Dollars will be given away.&nbsp;

A special Nov. 7 Chamber Chat with The Chamber in Hays will focus on the downtown holiday events.

🎙 It's holiday time on The Bricks in downtown Hays

<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

Craig Pallister has announced his candidacy for the USD 489 Board of Education. With decades of experience in education and leadership, Pallister says he’s running to continue supporting and improving public education for Hays students, teachers, staff and the community.

Pallister has served on the USD 489 Board of Education as both vice president (two one-year terms) and president (one year term). Before retirement, he spent 21 years as principal at Hays Middle School and four years as assistant principal. He also previously worked as a teacher and assistant principal in USD 443.

Pallister said one of his priorities would be lowering the teacher-to-student ratio to strengthen learning outcomes and improve classroom relationships. He also supports expanding course options for college-bound students as well as those pursuing technical training or entering the workforce directly after graduation.

To better address academic, behavioral and career needs, Pallister advocates for additional counselors at all grade levels. “Each student should have at least one adult every year who knows them well—someone who can advise them both academically and emotionally,” he said.

Pallister believes the completion of new and updated facilities under the current bond project will create lasting benefits for future generations. “Once those are complete, the district’s next focus must be on hiring and retaining the best teachers and staff,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of competitive pay and benefits for all employees — from teachers and administrators to para-educators, secretaries, cooks, custodians, coaches and bus drivers. “They’re the backbone of our schools and key to student success,” he said.

When it comes to making decisions as a board member, Pallister said his guiding question will always be: “Is this good for students?”

He also stressed the need for continued advocacy at the state and federal levels, particularly in funding special education as originally promised. “If special education were fully funded, districts could free up additional resources for general education or local tax relief,” he added.

Craig Pallister is asking for your vote in the USD 489 Board of Education election on Tuesday, November 4.

For more information, you can contact him at craigpallister489@gmail.com.

Bucklin City Council fined for violating open meetings law

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.

The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;

EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after semi travels into ditch, rolls

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 tonight for a work session.

The work session will include the following items:

• Superintendent evaluation. Alma Henry from the Kansas Association of School Boards will be a guest. • Kyle Carlin, special education co-op director, will give an update on the co-op. • The board will review the five-year capital outlay plan • The board will discuss the possible sale of property at Hays Middle School, north of the football field. • The board will hear an update on the naming of the district facilities committee.

Hays BOE to discuss capital outlay, naming rights

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Kansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.

NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.

Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.

The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.

Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.

The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.

The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.

Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.

Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.

Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.

The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

News from the Oil Patch: Ups and downs in the crude markets

&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 deadline for letters to the editor about the upcoming local elections on Nov. 4 will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Letters can be sent to hayspost@eaglemedia.com. All letters must be typed and signed.

Letters must pertain&nbsp;to&nbsp;a local&nbsp;topic and be written by someone from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Media Center&nbsp;coverage area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hays Post reserves&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;reject&nbsp;letters.&nbsp;

Election letter to the editor deadline

Annual Turkey Shoot at New Almelo on Nov. 9; pre-shoot on Nov. 2

October 30 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that day.&nbsp;

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday

The Ellis County Landfill will be closed on the following days for the holidays:

Tuesday, November 11th - Veterans Day Thursday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 28th - Day after Thanksgiving Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25th - Christmas Day Thursday, January 1, 2026 - New Years Day

Normal operating hours will remain the same for all other days that we are open.&nbsp; If you have any questions, please feel free to call the landfill at (785) 628-9460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upcoming holiday closures for Ellis County Landfill

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Nov. 8.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dorrance American Legion steak feed Nov. 8

"The Three Little Pigs" are coming to Hays on Tuesday, Oct. 28. It's a free production by the popular Wichita Children's Theatre in cooperation with the Hays Arts Council. The performance is at 6:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Brenda Meder, director of school programming for the arts council. 

They also discuss the new Block Party on the Bricks on Saturday, Nov. 1. <a href="https://givebutter.com/c/HACblockpARTy">Tickets</a> for the fundraiser are on sale now.

🎙 Post Podcast: Free production of 'The Three Little Pigs' on Oct. 28 with Hays Arts Council  

The 2025 Annual Residential Fall Cleanup areas for trash and tree limb pickup have been completed.

The city of Hays thanks you for your cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (785) 628-7350.

Fall residential cleanup 2025 complete for Hays

Two Hays churches will host Trunk or Treat events for children and their families, but on different nights.

First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh, will have its annual Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will be held in the church parking lot off Eighth Street.

Matt Dumler, the church’s director of discipleship, said there will be lots of candy available for kids, and the Local Food Truck will be on site for those wishing to purchase dinner.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Dumler said.

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St., will hold its Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in the church parking lot.

Jill Goertzen, the church’s Administrative Assistant, said that the family-friendly event will feature games, candy for the kids, inflatables, and a free pulled pork dinner for all attendees.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the church, Goertzen said.

Two Hays churches set Trunk or Treats

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce information about the annual Veterans, Military, Active Duty, Reservists, and Guardsmen Appreciation Lunch.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E.&nbsp; 8th.

 All veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and national guardsmen are invited to attend. 

Lunch will be free of charge and courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Hays. The meal will include fried chicken with choice of honey pecan sauce or gravy, potatoes, vegetable, side salad, roll, and dessert.

Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian Jr./Sr. High School, and a special thank you video will be provided by students from Hays Middle School. Some of Wilson Elementary’s 5th graders will also be present to help serve and honor the heroes with thank you cards. Singers will provide patriotic music, and a service photo presentation will be shared during the event. 

To RSVP for this event, please email sarahannwasinger@gmail.com or call 785-650-2196. RSVPs are requested by Monday, November 3.

Kiwanis Club of Hays plans veterans and military appreciation lunch

Rep. Sharice Davids joins five GOP Kansas peers to suspend compensation

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 — All six members of the Kansas congressional delegation voluntarily put a halt to payment of their federal salaries during the ongoing government shutdown.

The latest to join the group, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District, said Monday that she sent a letter to the chief administrative officer of the U.S. House requesting her paycheck be withheld until adoption of a bipartisan resolution to the impasse.

“Washington’s dysfunction is unacceptable, and Kansans have had enough,” Davids said. “I continue to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come to the table to end this shutdown, and I will refuse to accept a paycheck until this shutdown is resolved.”

Other Kansans, all Republicans, also declined paychecks during the standoff: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann of the 1st District, U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt of the 2nd District and U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of the 4th District.

Members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate earn $174,000 in annual salary, which amounts to $14,500 per month.

The U.S. House passed a bill that would keep the federal government open into November, but the Senate hasn’t been able to reach agreement on a funding measure.

Schmidt, who represents much of rural eastern Kansas, said “the whole situation is so unnecessary and very frustrating.”

He said the Senate had two options: One, pass the “clean, bipartisan” bill endorsed more than a month ago by the House. Or, the Senate could approve a different bill that could be voted on by the House.

Estes said failure of Congress to pass a temporary funding bill didn’t stop paychecks from going to lawmakers during a shutdown. He sent a letter weeks ago to U.S. House administrators with instructions to withhold his net pay until an appropriations agreement took effect.

Payton Fuller, a spokesperson for Marshall, said the GOP senator likewise “feels strongly that if federal workers and the military are required to work without pay, then it’s not right for him to be accepting a paycheck.”

In a recent interview, Marshall said a breakthrough could occur Nov. 1 because air traffic controllers and members of the military were due a paycheck. He said political pressure could be “the seminal moment that pushes us forward.”

The federal budget dispute also poses a threat to recipients of SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which delivers food aid to approximately 187,000 people in Kansas. It risks suspension of funding for WIC, the program for Women, Infants and Children that provides healthy food, breastfeeding support and nutrition education to about 50,000 Kansans.

Thousands of Kansans have been placed on furlough in October, but federal employees viewed as essential have been required to stay on the job without pay. Kansas is home to more than 25,000 federal employees and more than 21,000 active-duty members of the military

“My mom, an Army veteran, raised my brothers and me on her own,” Davids said. “If she had missed even one paycheck, it could’ve meant choosing between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.”

She said an agreement by Congress to reopen the federal government should include a provision protecting families from rising health care costs when insurance tax credits expired later this year.

Entire Kansas congressional delegation voluntarily halts their paychecks amid shutdown

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The 22-year-old Utah man charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">killing Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;can appear in court wearing street clothes but must be physically restrained due to security concerns, a judge ruled Monday.

Attorneys for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-tyler-robinson-suspect-d893cc16fb0937d507283c710c551ef0">Tyler Robinson</a>&nbsp;argued images of him shackled and in jail clothing would spread widely in a case with extensive press coverage and public interest, which they said could prejudice future jurors.

Judge Tony Graf agreed to make some allowances to protect Robinson's presumption of innocence before a trial, agreeing that the case has drawn “extraordinary" public and media attention.

“Mr. Robinson shall be dressed as one who is presumed innocent,” Graf said during a virtual court hearing.

Utah prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Sept. 10 shooting</a>&nbsp;of the conservative activist on a Utah college campus. They plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">seek the death penalty</a>.

While Robinson has no prior criminal history, Graf said the charges he faces are extremely serious and present safety concerns in the courtroom. It's the court's highest priority to protect the attorneys, court staff and Robinson himself during what could be emotional hearings, Graf said before denying Robinson's request to appear without restraints. He did, however, prohibit members of the media from photographing or filming Robinson's restraints.

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk — an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-turning-point-trump-cf2a68e4303c5628299ffe383d09c1e9">steer young voters toward conservatism</a>&nbsp;— from a rooftop overlooking a crowded courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Robinson was arrested the following night when he showed up with his parents to turn himself in at his hometown sheriff’s office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from Orem.

As law enforcement agencies were scouring the state for the shooter, Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said he received a phone call from a retired deputy saying he knew who killed Kirk. Robinson's family had reached out to the retired deputy, who they knew through their involvement with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mormonism">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, and worked with him to help negotiate a peaceful surrender.

“Part of the negotiation of getting him to bring himself in was that, that we would treat it as delicate and as soft as possible to make him feel comfortable to where he would show up at my office,” Brooksby said just after the arrest.

Prosecutors have since revealed incriminating text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.

Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

Graf ordered Robinson to appear on Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 for his first in-person public hearings. He appeared Monday from jail on a blacked out screen and spoke only to confirm he was present.

Judge's decision gives alleged Charlie Kirk assassin a win 

FORT WORTH, Texas —On October 23, two police officers responded to a vehicular collision on Interstate 30 between Eastchase Parkway and Cooks Lane that resulted in the female driver and an infant child being ejected from the vehicle, according to a media release from Fort Worth&nbsp; Police.

The infant was pinned beneath the overturned vehicle and was unresponsive. Sergeant Nichols and Office Bounds with help from witnesses to the accident, were able to free the trapped infant.

Sergeant Nichols immediately began to perform CPR on the unconscious infant, eventually waking the child and keeping her alive until <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FortWorthFireDepartment?__cft__[0]=AZUvQtqMvBwYlX8BHgQ4ms3HUCYAdSY5DzQxM-EOAU1Fww6IVLGYtyy3VblQHVhpcSlmVMw37Kho9PLD-bQdFrecJA3ZSkBAZ1s7btwPgvzj-Zb4Ex12Uf_wdPJ0p9z3Co5I4m7MgXpoDiYx6mtZqSvnkXnr-VJvVYEI-kPm6uzigU7b1aMkpBODHcoNb8-gyFXpTqWrJvU_FnjBr2TBGhfi&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Fort Worth Fire Department</a> arrived on scene.

The woman and infant are in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

"We are beyond proud of the life saving actions performed by Sergeant Nichols and Officer Bounds for their bravery and quick response to this terrible scene. We are also grateful to the Fort Worth citizens who saw someone in danger and, without hesitation, assisted our officers."

🎥Police, bystanders rescue baby pinned under car after rollover crash

No progress has been made to end the government shutdown as it enters&nbsp; another week. 

On Monday Senate chaplain, Retired Rear-Admiral Barry Black prayed,&nbsp;"When our children and grandchildren want to know what we were doing&nbsp; in the 119th Congress during the famous shutdown may we not have to give these answers: I helped set new record for keeping government closed. No gold medals are given for breaking shutdown records"

🎥Senate chaplain prayer: No medals for breaking gov't shutdown records

TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump began one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday by warmly greeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-japan-takaichi-trade-ford-trucks-e7be33728c7c3fdb6c314780c8a9a533">the new Japanese prime minister</a>, and taking her with him as he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier.

Although Trump is visiting one of America’s most steadfast allies in Asia, there’s no shortage of uncertainty while he’s there. Sanae Takaichi, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-takaichi-21224ba4c4429ffad1639e9fcc4abd4a">became the country’s first female prime minister</a>&nbsp;only days ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-takaichi-trump-us-china-asean-apec-29fc81ff026a1d4c257d1383b46d35f6">must solidify her relationship with Trump</a>&nbsp;while defending her country’s economic interests. Trump is trying to nail down $550 billion in Japanese investment as part of a trade agreement.

As Trump and Takaichi met on Tuesday, they shook hands and he paid her a compliment: “That’s a very strong handshake."

In return, Takaichi talked about watching the third game of the U.S. World Series before the event. She added that Japan would give Washington 250 cherry trees next year to honor America's 250th anniversary, as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations.

She used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during his first term through their shared interest of golf.

“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.

Trump called her role as Japan's first woman prime minister as a “big deal,” putting an emphasis on the U.S. commitment to Japan. While the president in the past has publicly scolded his foreign counterparts, he had nothing but praise for Takaichi.

“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”

Takaichi is primed for a charm offensive, including a potential purchase of Ford F-150 trucks. Reporters arriving for the event were hustled past a gold-hued Ford F-150 as well as what appeared to be white American-made Toyota vehicles parked outside the Akasaka Palace, which is Tokyo's guest house for visiting foreign leaders.

Trump has often complained that Japan doesn’t buy American vehicles, which are often too wide to be practical on narrow Japanese streets.

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