By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays VFW’s Veterans Day ceremony will feature retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ivanhoe Love, a Vietnam War veteran, as its keynote speaker on Tuesday.

Mike Morley, commander of VFW Post 9076 in Hays, said love is also the first Black Command Sergeant Major to serve as an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

"He was wounded in Vietnam and received a Silver Star for his actions in combat. He is a phenomenal American who's got an incredible life story," Morely said.&nbsp;

The ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 2106 Vine St., and will include a free-will donation lunch with chicken fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, and vegetables. Morley said students from O’Loughlin Elementary School will start the program with the Pledge of Allegiance.

"This is one of the most patriotic communities I've ever lived in," he said.

The Silver Star is one of the nation’s highest military honors. After serving 28 years in the Army and retiring in 1990, Love pursued a career in public service in rural Kansas.

You can learn more about Love during the ceremony. Morley said the free event is open to the public, with a special invitation to fellow veterans.

"If the veterans of Ellis County can take an hour of their day to join us, we would love to have them. We like to recognize everybody, regardless of branch of service or time," he said.

Morley said this year’s event will not include the outdoor flag raising conducted in previous years. The nonprofit 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>.

Hays VFW to honor Vietnam War hero on Veterans Day

RUSSELL COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Monday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by Rogelio&nbsp;Rivera Samite, 45, Albuquerque, was westbound on Interstate 70 of the Kansas 232 Wilson exit.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver fell asleep. The vehicle drifted to the shoulder struck a delineator post and overturned.

EMS transported Samite to Russel Regional Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Semi overturns on I-70 after driver fell asleep

In light of the federal food assistance challenges our country is facing, Hays Post is hosting a food drive this coming week. 

On Tuesday, we will be collecting food for the Community Assistance Center, on Wednesday, we will collect food for First Call for Help, and Thursday, we will collect food for St. Joseph’s Food Bank. 

We will have our big, red radio station truck in front of the station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, to make it easy for you to drop off your non-perishable food items.

If you would rather contribute cash to these organizations, you can bring your cash donation into the radio station, and we’ll deliver it to the designated pantry of your choice.

It's the Hays Post Food Drive, this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; 

Please consider giving if you can, and thank you from all of us at Hays Post dot com, Hull Broadcasting, and Eagle Media…Our Community…Connected!

Hays Post to sponsor food drive this week

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will hear a report on the district's state report card at its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/717a1a84-82e4-456a-90ae-88efeb538244">The board will consider authorizing the sale of 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 will consider 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 will also consider a bid for $71,086 from Nex-Tech for interior door locks, including hardware, installation and configuration for Hays Middle School.

Superintendent Ron Wilson will also give a bond update.

Hays USD 489 board to discuss state report card, vote on sale of property

Ellis County Jail bookings: Nov. 2-8, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Nov. 2-8, 2025

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

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

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

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

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

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

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Fort Hays State University Department of Music and Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” this November, offering audiences a lively, romantic comedy with a fresh 1960s twist.

Originally written in the 1590s and first performed for Queen Elizabeth I, “Love’s Labour’s Lost” follows a young king and his companions who swear off women for three years to devote themselves to study. Their vows are soon tested when the princess of France and her ladies arrive, turning scholarly discipline into comic chaos.

“Of course, they are pledged to celibacy and studying, but that quickly goes out the window,” said Catherine Trieschmann, FHSU Director of Theatre. “It’s a perfect setup for a romantic comedy.”

Trieschmann has adapted the play by condensing Shakespeare’s text and merging several characters, bringing the running time to about 90 minutes. Her creative decision to set the production in the 1960s highlights the play’s central tension between authority and liberation.

“The play is really about rule-bound authority versus freedom,” Trieschmann said. “I felt like the 1960s were the perfect era for those ideas to percolate.”

To prepare the cast to perform Shakespeare, Trieschmann invited Geoffrey Kent, a professional actor/director from Denver, to lead a Shakespeare boot camp. As one of the best interpreters of Shakespeare in the region, Kent’s guidance helped the student actors explore the language and rhythm of Shakespeare’s work in depth.

“He taught us how to tackle the text and all the resources available for understanding Shakespeare,” Trieschmann said. “It was fantastic.”

The cast of 16 features four Freshmen students in leading roles.

Cast members include (in order of appearance): Sam Schroeder, Karter Smith, Caleb Johnson, Alan Torres, Brett Dreher, Adrian Normandin, Tatum Sander, Holly Trullinger, MyKynlee Stecklein, Jordan Aschenbrenner, Lilly Kimberlin, Allie Straub, Victoria Villines, Addyson Brown, Maelin Johnson, Faith Woods, and Hannah Walker.

“It’s impressive to see how well the students are handling the text,” Trieschmann said. “The play is very funny, almost a farce.”

Vintage costuming from the 1960s, paired with a mid-century modern set designed by Joel Williams, will enhance the production's visual appeal. Live guitar and vocal music will round out the show.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be performed Nov. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the FHSU Department of Music and Theatre at 785-628-4533 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WxBjuGF-2B1DvcDTJBcpJ2RZp0cDQ0xbFdsratANeozV60THO_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOOhX6YP3eyfykLTdaY-2FZnCFm5PDt2troY3beTArjXANkoZHf8z-2BThjdziJ-2FTMZTvWlAWZ0l0hUZz3cbqOqoNlohpho-2BUoZsAzV6Skns94hQrZnmUkJCdN9DNHNE4ov-2FGzhrhjTVTuyPz8va45GYKSTuIjSfucT54gtS1cOcZhaCyR3HnYejSbhMM0Uu0-2F9yfkLSU9wHbpxcogePVBf1i2qGAWbU0lt6jAbv25RYo9oxVT1e0KxFz7yuw7KUhlblB7">https://www.forthaysarts.com/</a>&nbsp;to purchase tickets.

FHSU Dept. of Music, Theatre brings Shakespeare’s 'Love’s Labour’s Lost' to stage

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

Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is pleased to announce the promotions of Erica Schmidt to senior manager of power supply and Zach Binder to manager of resource planning. Both bring extensive experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to Sunflower’s goal of supplying reliable, cost-effective wholesale power and powering the needs of its member cooperatives.

In her new role, Erica Schmidt provides strategic leadership and oversight for all power supply functions, including power contracts, resource planning, market operations, billing, and fuel procurement. She directs the activities of the power supply and contracts department to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and compliant operations that strengthen Sunflower’s resource adequacy and long-term energy strategy.

“I’m honored to step into this new role and continue serving an organization that’s filled with incredibly talented and knowledgeable employees,” Schmidt said. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many of my colleagues over the years, and I look forward to building on that foundation as we work together to support our members and strengthen our power supply strategy for the future.”

A native of Garden City, Schmidt holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Kansas State University and a master of business administration from Friends University. Since joining Sunflower in 2010, she has held roles in corporate services, supply chain, and power supply, most recently serving as manager of power contracts. She and her husband, Josh, reside in Garden City with their five children, Corbin, Peyton, Zoe, Addyson, and Mia.

Zach Binder was appointed to lead Sunflower’s resource planning, resource adequacy, and fuel procurement functions. In his new position, he will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise to ensure Sunflower’s generation resources are effectively planned to meet future power needs. His responsibilities include modeling long-term energy demand, maintaining accurate forecasts, and evaluating a range of solutions including energy efficiency programs, demand-side management, and renewable energy resources.

After joining Sunflower in 2018, he advanced to senior financial analyst in 2022, and later that same year became settlements supervisor, where he gained deeper involvement in power supply operations. His proven leadership and analytical expertise have prepared him well for this expanded role.

A native of Hays, Binder holds a bachelor of business administration from Fort Hays State University. He and his wife, Amber, reside in Hays with their children, Theron and Brixton.

“Erica and Zach have both demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to Sunflower’s mission,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s president and chief executive officer. “Their promotions reflect not only their achievements but also the confidence we have in their ability to guide our organization toward an even stronger, more reliable future.”

Sunflower Electric announces 2 promotions

<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

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&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 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 

The Community Engaged Art Program at Fort Hays State University is hosting a food drive to benefit the clients of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and other community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Amy Schmierbach, one of the event’s organizers, said in a news release, that for many people with disabilities, typical “food drive” items are difficult to open and use.

“Lack of developed motor skills, such as an inability to use a can opener; cognitive issues with understanding complex instructions following a recipe; or dependency on others to cook for them are just some of the barriers to accessible food for people with disabilities, especially those who live independently,” she said.

“Donating items with simple packaging or taking an extra step to prepare items in ways that eliminate difficult-to-open containers, such as removing items from boxes and placing them in easy-to-access containers, helps individual living with disabilities have accessible food.”

Schmierbach, professor of art, has prepared a list of suggested items that are more accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donors are asked to drop off the following specified, non-perishable food items on campus at the Center for Art building at the Atrium drop-off box or at DSNWK’s Custom Creations, 1107 Main St.:

Yogurt cups and other single-serving dairy products, such as pudding cups; canned fruits and vegetables with&nbsp;pop-top lids;&nbsp;instant oatmeal or cream of wheat;&nbsp;applesauce cups or pouches&nbsp;; non-perishable, non-frozen, microwavable meals&nbsp;(Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, Minute Rice); meat and cheese snack packs; fruit cups and Jell-O; granola bars and trail mix; instant mashed potatoes; and microwave popcorn.

Schmierbach said if people are unsure if an item qualifies as “accessible” for someone with a disability, they can ask themselves these four questions:

Can it be stored outside of refrigeration?&nbsp;Is it easy to open? Is it shelf-stable? Does it require fewer than two or three steps to prepare?

If the answer to all four questions is “yes,” then the item is “accessible,” she said.

Steve Keil, communications officer for DSNWK, said the food drive is coming at a good time to help those DSNWK clients who rely on SNAP benefits.

“DSNWK would like to thank FHSU for coordinating this food drive for the people we serve and supporting them with food items during these uncertain times.&nbsp;DSNWK serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from the SNAP program. We hope that the SNAP benefit issues at the federal level will resolve soon,&nbsp;and there appears to be some relief coming.&nbsp;

“It means a great deal to us that others are thinking of their neighbors with disabilities, those we serve, in this outreach.&nbsp; All donations received from this generous food drive will go directly to those served by DSNWK in its Supported Living program and group residential living sites,” Keil said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those who wish to make a financial donation may drop off a check at Custom Creations made out to DSNWK with the subject line: food drive. The drive will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.

FHSU food drive to make donated food accessible for people with disabilities

Hays Post to sponsor food drive next week

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

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

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

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

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

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA) will host its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Hays First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh St.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation to the group must make prior arrangements by contacting Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:president@ourecma.com">president@ourecma.com</a>.

Ellis County Ministerial Alliance sets meeting

WILSON COUNTY —Two adults and a child died in an accident just before 6a.m. Monday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Hyundia Sonata driven by Adam Lane&nbsp;Brooks, 21, Fredonia, was westbound on Granby Avenue at U.S. 400.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. A northbound Peterbilt semi driven by Marvin Leroy&nbsp; Lea, 59, El Dorado struck the car.

A passenger identified as Kylie Michelle&nbsp;Brooks, 21, Neodesha, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was transported to&nbsp;Country Side Funeral Home. EMS transported a 2-year-old male passenger to Wesley Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;EMS transported the driver to Wilson Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Brooks was not injured. The occupants of the Hyundia were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man, woman and 2-year-old killed in car, semi crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/lisa-mascaro">LISA MASCARO</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — A legislative package to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">the government shutdown</a>&nbsp;appears on track Monday after a handful of Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to break the impasse in what has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/thanksgiving-air-traffic-shutdown-delays-ae216380cdf694c518bd2a4b0830eaea">a deepening disruption</a>&nbsp;of federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-benefits-trump-government-shutdown-c633d646f08f395e7d157d1145eaf727">programs and services</a>, the longest in history.

What’s in and out of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-641e7e2324f261da72395b604d9540e8">the bipartisan deal</a>&nbsp;drew sharp criticism and leaves few senators fully satisfied. The legislation provides funding to reopen the government, including for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-benefits-trump-administration-demands-undo-states-d433f20df4d461db506e0d327a58d3c1">SNAP food aid</a>&nbsp;and other programs, while also ensuring backpay for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/furloughed-federal-workers-blames-every-voting-american-for-the-government-shutdown-76fc8ae169014e30a834d51c2aca851a">furloughed federal workers</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-back-bay-shutdown-785eb776d2312d1f68f7e91961d0a93a">left in doubt</a>.

But notably lacking is any clear resolution to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">expiring health care subsidies</a>&nbsp;that Democrats have been fighting for as millions of Americans stare down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">rising insurance premiums</a>. That debate was pushed off for a vote next month, weeks before the subsidies are set to expire.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;noted the deal as he arrived at the White House after watching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nfl-lions-commanders-c2c6e511052653e74be0ad77eb51cd64">the Washington Commanders’ game</a>&nbsp;on Sunday evening against the Detroit Lions, on the 40th day of the funding lapse. “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” he said.

The Senate could wrap up passage as soon as Monday. The bill cleared a procedural hurdle, 60-40, late Sunday, with eight Democrats joining most Republicans. In a rare dissent, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against because it failed to fully address the health care funds.

Government shutdownThe AP has journalists around the country covering the shutdown of the federal government.&nbsp;<a href="https://modules.wearehearken.com/associated-press/embed/12545/share" target="_blank">What questions do you have for them?</a>

It would next go to the House, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-government-shutdown-grijalva-526647b57faa2710382674646dfd2b37">lawmakers have been away</a>&nbsp;since September but were being told to prepare to return to Washington this week. Then, it’s to Trump’s desk for his signature.

Here’s a look at the deal as it’s moving through Congress:

Funding to reopen the government, for now

Included is funding to keep much of the federal government running for the next couple of months, to Jan. 30, with a stopgap measure. It largely funds government operations at their current rates.

Yet in a breakthrough for what’s considered a more normal appropriations process, the package also includes several bills to fully fund other government operations including agricultural programs and military construction along with veterans’ affairs for the full fiscal year, through September 2026.

Additionally, the package ensures states would be reimbursed for money they spent to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and the Women, Infants and Children program, or WIC, running during the shutdown.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the chair of the Appropriations Committee, said she was “relieved.”

“This shutdown has gone on far too long,” she said. “And I also think it’s highly significant that we’ll have three yearlong appropriations bills attached. Veterans Day is coming very soon, and it would be wonderful if we get the full-year Veterans Affairs bill signed into law.”

The Democrats failed to secure their main demand during the shutdown, which was an extension of the health care subsidies that many of the 24 million people who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act rely on to help defray costs.

Instead, the package guarantees a vote on the issue in December — which was not enough for most of the Democrats, who rejected the deal and voted against it.

“The American people want us to stand and fight for health care,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

The package seeks to roll back some of the Trump administration’s shutdown-related hits to the federal workforce. Employees have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-layoffs-judge-trump-fdcb16f91c94d7bf73977e8968210b0e">repeated threats of firings and mass layoffs</a>&nbsp;this year.

The stopgap measure reinstates federal workers who had received&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-federal-workers-shutdown-layoffs-5bef57b6c431830a9af84fbfcc59b324">reductions in force, or layoff, notices</a>&nbsp;and protects against such future actions.

It also would provide back pay for federal workers who were furloughed or working without pay during the shutdown — something that’s traditionally provided but that the Trump administration had threatened was not guaranteed.

Getting the bill to the president’s desk

Political and procedural hurdles remain as Congress, which is controlled by Republicans, slogs through more voting and the shutdown entered its 41st day Monday.

Senators hope to skip past a series of steps that could drag voting out all week if the dissenters put up a prolonged fight.

One Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, voted against advancing the package Sunday, and he is said to have concerns over a hemp industry provision. And three ultra-conservative GOP senators held up voting for more than two hours as they demanded consideration of their ideas. It is unclear if any of them plans to stage further protests.

Democrats, who have fought for the past month in their hopes of preserving the health care subsidies, also could delay final passage, and their next steps are uncertain.

And the package faces fresh scrutiny once it goes to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana holds a slim GOP majority and would likely need almost all Republicans to support the bill in the face of objections from Democrats who are holding out for the health care funds.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the party will fight the bill, forcing the Republicans in the House to pass it largely on their own.

“We will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits” Jeffries said. “Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created.”

What’s in the legislation to end the federal government shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Colorado man accused in connection with a crash that killed an 82-year-old Kansas woman was back in court last week for a plea hearing in&nbsp; Judge Quentin Pittman's courtroom.

Austin Hedges, 26, pleaded guilty to charges of reckless involuntary manslaughter in the death of Kathy Knorr, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On March 16, 2024, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.

EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; The Weld County Colorado Sheriff arrested Hedges on April 19 and he was returned to Kansas to face charges.

&nbsp; Hedges met the conditions of bond and will be sentenced at a later date.

Man enters plea deal for crash that killed 82-year-old Kan. woman

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marriage-anthony-kennedy-ohio-state-government-united-states-tennessee-9dc57b83f3ae2fc7d2e007aa80bf33a3">same-sex marriage</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

The justices, without comment, turned away an appeal from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kim-davis-clerk-samesex-marriage-supreme-court-8a914cc0563aeb5b7c360a9264ce50ce">Kim Davis</a>, the former Kentucky court clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the high court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Davis had been trying to get the court to overturn a lower-court order for her to pay $360,000 in damages and attorney’s fees to a couple denied a marriage license.

Her lawyers repeatedly invoked the words of Justice Clarence Thomas, who alone among the nine justices has called for erasing the same-sex marriage ruling.

Thomas was among four dissenting justices in 2015. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito are the other dissenters who are on the court today.

Roberts has been silent on the subject since he wrote a dissenting opinion in the case. Alito has continued to criticize the decision, but he said recently he was not advocating that it be overturned.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was not on the court in 2015, has said that there are times when the court should correct mistakes and overturn decisions, as it did in the 2022 case that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">ended a constitutional right to abortion</a>.

But Barrett has suggested recently that same-sex marriage might be in a different category than abortion because people have relied on the decision when they married and had children.

Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson praised the justices’ decision not to intervene. “The Supreme Court made clear today that refusing to respect the constitutional rights of others does not come without consequences,” Robinson said in a statement.

Davis drew national attention to eastern Kentucky’s Rowan County when she turned away same-sex couples, saying her faith prevented her from complying with the high court ruling. She defied court orders to issue the licenses until a federal judge jailed her for contempt of court in September 2015.

She was released after her staff issued the licenses on her behalf but removed her name from the form. The Kentucky legislature later enacted a law removing the names of all county clerks from state marriage licenses.

Davis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0ebc64933444438b828c2bba7d91c401">lost a reelection bid</a>&nbsp;in 2018.

Supreme Court silent on call to overturn same-sex marriage ruling

&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP)—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the latest in a series of strikes on boats accusing of ferrying drugs killed six people two vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The dual strikes on Sunday bring the total number of known attacks to 19 and the death toll to at least 75 people since the Trump administration launched a campaign against drug trafficking in South American waters that many see as a pressure tactic on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

“These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route,” Hegseth posted Monday on social media.

🎥US military kills 6 in new attacks on drug-running boats

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned his former personal lawyer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rudy-giuliani">Rudy Giuliani</a>, his former chief of staff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-meadows">Mark Meadows</a>&nbsp;and others accused of backing the Republican's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, a Justice Department official says.

Ed Martin, the government's pardon attorney, posted on social media a signed proclamation of the “full, complete, and unconditional" pardon, which also names conservative attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sidney-powell-plea-deal-georgia-election-indictment-ec7dc601ad78d756643aa2544028e9f5">Sidney Powell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-fake-electors-charges-john-eastman-2020-1d6df9ac00b810a0d54d6fc4ae97ec57">John Eastman</a>. The proclamation, posted online late Sunday, explicitly says the pardon does not apply to Trump.

Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes, and none of the Trump allies named were charged in federal cases over the 2020 election. But the move underscores President Donald Trump's continued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-special-prosecutor-2020-biden-election-194b3d49f49b0345f77873fc34b4dcc5">efforts to rewrite the history of the election</a>&nbsp;he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. It follows the sweeping pardons of the hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767">Trump supporters charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, including those convicted of attacking law enforcement.

The proclamation described efforts to prosecute those accused of aiding Trump's efforts to cling to power “as a grave national injustice perpetrated on the American people” and said the pardons were designed to continue “the process of national reconciliation.”

The White House didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Monday.

Also pardoned were Republicans who acted as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-fake-electors-michigan-e96dd694562a4b5903201ff538eca989">fake electors</a>&nbsp;for Trump in 2020 and were charged in state cases of submitting false certificates that confirmed they were legitimate electors despite Biden's victory in those states.

Trump himself was indicted on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">felony charges</a>&nbsp;accusing him of working overturn his 2020 election defeat, but the case brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-justice-department-jack-smith-d6172cf98d8e03e099571c908267456c">was abandoned</a>&nbsp;in November after Trump's victory over Democrat Kamala Harris because of the department's policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.

Giuliani, Meadows and others who were named in the proclamation had been charged by state prosecutors over the 2020 election, but the cases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2020-election-fake-electors-michigan-e96dd694562a4b5903201ff538eca989">have hit a dead end or are just limping along</a>. A judge in September dismissed the Michigan case against 15 Republicans accused of attempting to falsely certify Trump as the winner of the election in that battleground state.

See the list: Trump pardons those tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a Thursday afternoon shooting in Wichita.

Just after 1 p.m.,&nbsp; police were alerted by a Raven gunshot detection system to a possible shooting in the 900 Block of North Terrace in Wichita, according to a media release.

 Responding officers determined that a disturbance had occurred between two individuals who were known to each other. During the altercation, one of the individuals was shot and left the scene in a private vehicle.&nbsp;

About an hour later, the victim’s girlfriend called 911. Officers and EMS responded to the 2400 block of South Minnesota, where they located a 47-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower leg. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Police took the 53-year-old suspect, according to county arrest records as Darrick D. Reed, into custody. He was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault. 

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Suspect arrested after Kan. shooting victim's girlfriend called 911

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate took the first step to end the government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">shutdown</a>&nbsp;on Sunday after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who say Americans want them to continue the fight.

In a test vote that is the first in a series of required procedural maneuvers, the Senate voted 60-40 to move toward passing compromise legislation to fund the government and hold a later vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire Jan. 1. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

 Final passage could be several days away if Democrats object and delay the process.

The agreement does not guarantee the health care subsidies will be extended, as Democrats have demanded for almost six weeks. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York voted against moving ahead with the package, along with all but eight of his Democratic colleagues.

A group of three former governors — New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine — broke the six-week stalemate on Sunday when they agreed to vote to advance three bipartisan annual spending bills and extend the rest of government funding until late January in exchange for a mid-December vote on extending the health care tax credits.

The agreement also includes a reversal of the mass firings of federal workers by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on Oct. 1 and would ensure that federal workers receive back pay.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune quickly endorsed the deal and called an immediate vote to begin the process of approving it as the shutdown continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-government-shutdown-what-to-know-dea56ba97690b43397a96289f5f949e8">disrupt flights nationwide</a>, threaten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-government-shutdown-trump-4a6edf5a6dbdf18049f1585bf7b61687">food assistance</a>&nbsp;for millions of Americans and leave federal workers without pay.

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