By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, said property taxes are a top concern she hears from constituents and asked the Ellis County Commission for potential tax relief ideas the Kansas Legislature could consider.

"I don't know what the answer is," Wasinger said. "For six years, I was on the Tax Committee. We tried various things to help Kansans get tax relief, but I think I need to hear from you."&nbsp;

Wasinger discussed property taxes with the commission during its Tuesday meeting. Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the county can only do so much as costs continue to rise, adding state policy changes often shift the tax burden rather than reduce it.

"We keep losing tools out of our toolbox and keep getting limited on what we can and can't do, and then we get told we're not doing it right," Leiker said.

Leiker said the county has lost revenue sources to the state, such as mortgage processing fees, and now faces additional impacts from newly approved property tax exemptions that remove specific items from taxation beginning Jan. 1.

Commissioner Michael Berges said property taxes are unpopular largely because of their complexity and suggested simplifying the system.

"The less you tax something, it means that has to be picked up somewhere else," he said. "That's what frustrates me from a legislative standpoint. Every time we add a new exemption, a change to assessed rates or caps, it just puts pressure somewhere else."

Wasinger asked if Berges was suggesting a flat tax, to which he responded, "potentially."

Wasinger said efforts to pass an income tax were difficult to advance. Commissioner Neal Younger said he would support a flat tax if possible.

Younger questioned what happened to the lottery funds expected decades ago to support county infrastructure. Wasinger said she would look into the issue and that gambling revenue is being explored as a potential offset for county property taxes.

The commission and Wasinger also discussed the possibility of generating new revenue from local energy development, including wind, solar oil and agriculture.

Eugene Rupp, county appraiser, updated the commission on legislative changes that removed several types of personal property from taxation. Rupp said while some taxpayers will see relief, the change is not a tax reduction.

"Where personal property was picking up a bit of that burden, that now gets shifted to the real estate side," Rupp said.

Rupp said the exemptions would remove about $1 million in assessed valuation, equivalent to taking 35 homes valued at $250,000 off the tax rolls.

Exemptions apply to off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles. Watercraft and marine equipment include boats and jet skis, and personal trailers with a loaded weight of 15,000 pounds or less.&nbsp;

If you have questions about which properties are included in the exemption, contact the Ellis County Appraiser's Office <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/91/Appraiser">here</a>.

Rep. Wasinger seeks Ellis County commissioners' input on property tax relief

Hays Police Department activity log: Dec. 14-20, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: Dec. 14-20, 2025

TREGO COUNTY —Law Enforcement in Trego County believe a suspect who ran from vehicle during a pursuit is no longer in the area and there is no immediate danger to the public.

Just after 11p .m. Sunday the WaKeeney Police Deparatment issued an alert for the residents of the county on social media. 

"Earlier this evening law enforcement officers were engaged in a pursuit." "The wanted individual fled his vehicle on foot 2 miles south of WaKeeney." Individual is believed to be armed and dangerous. All residents are encouraged to lock their homes and vehicles and report any suspicious activity."

"Suspect is believed to be a black male. If you have any information contact 911 immediately. Again the suspect is considered armed and dangerous, Do Not approach and contact law enforcement."&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: Suspect who ran from pursuit is no longer in the area

The Bricks in Downtown Hays is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Downtown Dollar Giveaway, a holiday shopping tradition designed to celebrate local businesses, reward shoppers, and keep dollars circulating in our community.

Throughout the campaign, shoppers earned tickets by making purchases at participating Downtown Hays businesses. In addition to the Downtown Dollar drawing, select participating retailers chose individual winners from their in-store ticket boxes as an added thank-you to their customers.

“Programs like the Downtown Dollar Giveaway highlight the impact of shopping local,” said Lee Ann June, Executive Director of The Bricks. “When you choose Downtown Hays, you’re supporting small businesses, strengthening the local economy, and helping keep our community vibrant—especially during the holiday season.”

The Bricks thanks all participating businesses, sponsors, and shoppers for making this year’s Downtown Dollar Giveaway a success.

Congratulations&nbsp;to all the winners—and thank you for shopping local, a Timeless Tradition.

About The Bricks / Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC)

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), also known as&nbsp;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.

Downtown Dollar Giveaway winners announced in downtown Hays 

(Sponsored content) For more than 75 years, Eagle has been part of daily life here in western Kansas—from the voices calling Friday night sports, to the ag report you tuned into in the tractor or the morning show families listen to each day on the drive to school.

Today, Eagle looks a little different. Once known simply as "Eagle Radio," the company has evolved into Eagle Media—a modern, multi-platform organization blending broadcast radio with digital storytelling, streaming and data-driven advertising. The same mission remains: Our Community Connected.

A legacy of local voices Names like Gerard Wellbrock, Vivian Leiker, Dustin and Holliday, Theresa Trapp, Jonathan Zwegerdt and Jeff Leiker are more than broadcasters. They’re trusted community figures. “People trust voices they know,” Todd Lynd, general manager,&nbsp;said. “That trust is the foundation for everything we do.”

The digital shift While radio remains central, Eagle now helps businesses reach audiences wherever they are: · <a href="http://HaysPost.com">HaysPost.com</a>—the region's most visited news site. · Video production ranging from commercial work to livestreaming · Smart advertisements using targeted digital data and geofencing · Streaming audio of your radio ad across major platforms like Spotify and Pandora. · OTT/CTV video ads on Hulu, YouTube, Paramount+, ESPN and more · Website design and hosting • Customized marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes

The shift wasn’t sudden. It was a response to how local audiences now consume information.

“People still listen to local radio, absolutely,” said Katie Dorzweiler, digital coordinator for Eagle Media Hays, “but they also stream songs in their car, check news from their phone and watch TV shows through apps. Our role is to help local businesses reach those same people wherever they are.”

Local Roots, Local Commitment Eagle Media remains 100% employee-owned and locally staffed. Many team members have been here for decades, serving as mentors, coaches and volunteers.

“That’s what sets us apart,” Joe Lohmeyer, Eagle Media consultant,&nbsp;said. “Our team lives here. Our kids go to school here. We shop locally. When we build a marketing plan for a business, we’re invested in their success because their success strengthens the community as a whole.”

Looking ahead Starting in 2026, Eagle Media will host quarterly digital workshops to help local businesses navigate new advertising trends. “Our goal is simple,” Katie said. “We want to make marketing easier and be the partner businesses can rely on.”

And while the company’s services have evolved, the heart of the brand remains the same as it’s always been:

Local voices. Modern media. Our community … connected.

Week 5 Reindeer Radio winner announced

Ellis County Jail bookings: Dec. 7-13, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Dec. 14-20, 2025

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

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

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

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

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

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

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will meet on Tuesday instead of Thursday due to the Christmas holiday.

Doug Williams of Grow Hays will present an explanation of available economic incentives.&nbsp;

Commissioners will then vote on six items for two development projects&nbsp;that were reviewed  during last week's work session.&nbsp;

Jesse Rohr, public works director, will present recommended bid awards related to the new Tallgrass 4th Addition housing development in east Hays, a joint venture between Heart of America Development Corporation and the city.&nbsp;

The low bidder for street, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements was Hess Services, Hays, at slightly more than $4 million. Rohr also recommended a construction inspection agreement with Sloan Engineering and Inspection, Hays, for $196,000.

Platting and zoning of the proposed 101-lot development were completed in early 2025. The project is planned to be built in one phase, beginning in March.

A rezoning request from agriculture to commercial general district and annexation of the city-owned 90 acres on both sides of Interstate 70, Exit 161, will be presented by Rohr. The south side acreage is the site of the city's tree farm, which Rohr said would be relocated as development gets underway.

A $3.9 million contract for the installation of water, sewer and street infrastructure has already been approved with Smoky Hill, Salina.&nbsp;

Funding for construction services will be paid from&nbsp;general&nbsp;obligation bonds.&nbsp;A&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of the project will be funded with a $2 million state grant&nbsp;acquired&nbsp;by Grow Hays.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;initial&nbsp;new infrastructure would serve about 11 buildable lots, ranging in size from 2 to&nbsp;8 acres, for commercial and residential development.

Kim Rupp, city finance director, will present an updated city boundary map following the annexation of two properties, Berexco and Covenant Estates 1st Addition Annexation, into the city limits this year.&nbsp;

The reappointment of Hali Bielser, Hays resident, to the CARE Council will be considered.

Lease and option to purchase for Agiliti

Agiliti is requesting the city of Hays approve an assignment from FF, LLC (Frickey-Sizewise) to Agiliti for creating a lease and option to purchase signed in 2011. The city purchased the property and leased it back to FF, with an option to purchase. As part of its expansion project, Agiliti is purchasing the land and facility from FF and also seeking the lease and option to purchase the adjacent parcel. The city receives $500 annually as part of the existing lease.&nbsp;

The complete agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12232025-1588">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Hays City Commission to hear from Grow Hays about economic incentives 

&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

WAKEENEY — For some of us, 2025 has been filled with darkness. You may have lost a loved one and are still coping with that death. Maybe you are living with the diagnosis of cancer or some other medical condition that puts a question mark over the future. Others may be dealing with a divorce or a shattered relationship, living with a difficult work situation, struggling to conceive a baby, living with loneliness and isolation, or experiencing financial difficulties. Or perhaps this season is a time that is difficult for other reasons.

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is depicted in movies or in greeting cards. Typical holiday festivities—caroling, decorating, buying gifts, Christmas parties, family gatherings—leave little room for our feelings of pain or grief, and we experience feelings of isolation. Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us.

In response, the Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry holds The Longest Night Service, offering a somber, gentle space for the community to gather on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The service is simple: candles are lit, scripture is read, and the focus is on personal needs, in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. 

This non-denominational worship experience is a way to acknowledge the reality of difficult or painful life circumstances, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus’ coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and the broken-hearted. This is a quiet meditative time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Those who do experience this season as a happy time can also find meaning in The Longest Night Service, as it serves as a time of quiet retreat from the hectic nature of the commercial aspect of the season and guides worshippers back to the real meaning of Christmas.

The Longest Night Service will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 338 N. 7th St. in WaKeeney. The service will be followed by an opportunity to pray or meditate in the sanctuary for those who wish to do so. 

Please help spread the word in the community to family, friends and neighbors, and feel free to call Nancy or the church office at 785-743-2005 (please leave a message) with any questions or concerns or to request a ride to the service.

“I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched.&nbsp;My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” Psalm 69:3

'Longest Night' worship service offered Sunday in WaKeeney

VINCENT — The “Little Town of Bethlehem” nativity at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent, will be open for visitors on Sunday. Dec. 21 and also&nbsp;Christmas Day from 1-5 p.m. both days. &nbsp;Cookies and cider will be served.

Appointments can also be made at any other time by calling Carol at 785-<a target="_blank" href="tel:735-9282">735-9282</a>.

This is the 99th year of the nativity, begun by the parish priest Fr. Callistus Rectenwald in 1927. Over the years, the nativity has become a worldwide representation of Christmas.&nbsp; 

Rocks from all 50 states and 105 countries surround the scene, in particular rocks from the Cave of Lourdes and the Sea of Galilee. Infant Jesus is from Spain, and Mary, Joseph and the Three Kings are from Germany. A special section of the nativity is dedicated to our veterans who could not be home for Christmas over the years, featuring rocks from Germany, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Wake Island and Christmas Island, to name a few. The nativity has had special lighting effects added the last few years - a color changing rock show and a neon blue lit sky in the background. Four trickling waterfalls, animals and shepherds dot the scene surrounding the Bethlehem Inn, and the stable made from a nearby pear tree in 1927.

St. Boniface Catholic Church is located 5.5 miles south of Victoria and two miles east.

99th year of 'Little Town of Bethlehem' nativity at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent

Hays Angel Tree gift pick up delayed

The Heartland Catholic Parishes have announced the following times for services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (services are listed in chronological order):

Dec. 24 (Wednesday) - Christmas Eve

Immaculate Heart of Mary - 1805 Vine, 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Bilingual).

St. Joseph, 215 W. 13th&nbsp;- 5 p.m., 11:30 p.m. choir music, Mass at midnight.

St. Nicholas of Myra, 2901 E. 13th&nbsp;- 5 p.m.

Comeau Catholic Campus Center, 506 W. Sixth – 9 a.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, 9 a.m., English; noon, Spanish. No 6 p.m. Mass or confessions.

Hays Medical Center Chapel, 2220 Canterbury Dr. - 11:15 a.m.

The following Protestant churches in Hays have announced their Christmas Eve services. (This is not a comprehensive list. It represents those churches who provided their service times. Services are listed in chronological order):

Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th&nbsp;Ave. - 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2422 Hyacinth Ave. - 2 p.m.

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St. - 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2703 Fort St. - 5:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St. - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 1111 Fort St. - 6:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Seventh - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The 5:30 p.m. service will be in both Spanish and English.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd. - 11 p.m.

UPDATED: Hays churches announce Christmas Eve, Christmas Day service times

Community members typically provide desserts for the Hays Community Christmas and we are in need of more.&nbsp;

Anyone wanting to provide dessert can contact 785-675-1344 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com">communitychristmasdinner@gmail.com</a>.

Desserts still needed for Hays Community Christmas 

City of Hays offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in celebration of the Christmas Eve holiday and on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in celebration of the Christmas Day holiday.

Ciity of Hays offices closed for Christmas holiday

Due to the observance of the Christmas holiday, the refuse/recycling collection schedules will be altered as follows: &nbsp;Monday and Tuesday routes will both be collected on Monday, December 22, Wednesday and Thursday routes will both be collected on Tuesday, December 23. 

There are no anticipated changes to Friday's route.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables 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 collections change in Hays for Christmas holiday

Westview Church, 3000 W. 41st, Hays, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is Wed., December 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Candle light Christmas Eve service at Westview Church in Hays 

First United Methodist Church &nbsp;Wednesday, December 24 services on Christmas Eve will be at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at&nbsp;First United Methodist Church, 305. W. 7th, Hays.

First service is more family oriented; second service is traditional.&nbsp; The 5:30 p.m. service is in English and Spanish.&nbsp;

Christmas Eve services at Hays First United Methodist Church announced

KANSAS CITY—Two men are facing charges for fatal shooting that occurred at a Kansas City gas station in September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2781/Fleck-Vasquez-Complaint--PC-">Undrellius K. Fleck and Jordan A. Vasque</a>z, 18, each are charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Robbery, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a gas station in south Kansas City on Sept. 6 and located the victim, later identified as&nbsp;23-year-old Kenneth Hutt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was confirmed deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance video and determined Fleck was at the gas station purchasing gas when Hutt entered the store with what appeared to be a pistol tucked under his left arm. Fleck and Vasquez entered the gas station looking at Hutt. Fleck was holding a Glock style firearm with what appeared to be modified with a switch. Vasquez pulled out a small AK pistol and passed it to Fleck, who approached Hutt and grabbed his pistol. Vasquez also approached Hutt and attempted to grab his pistol.&nbsp;

As Hutt attempted to regain control of his firearm, Fleck fired the fully automatic firearm toward him. When Hutt dropped to the ground, Fleck grabbed his pistol and both defendants fled.&nbsp;

Detectives identified the defendants through multiple investigative leads.

On Dec. 18, Fleck was certified through Jackson County Juvenile Courts as an adult.&nbsp; A Jackson County judge set both Fleck and Vasquez’s bond at $500,000 each cash-only.

Teens attacked, killed man in Kansas City gas station

SEDGWICK COUNTY–A&nbsp; woman accused in the shooting death of her boyfriend on his birthday was in court on Friday.

A jury found Amunique Cavitt, 19 of Wichita, guilty of 2nd degree intentional murder with a domestic violence finding, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Around noon April 23, 2024, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue in Wichita following reports of a shooting., according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.&nbsp; It was his birthday, according to<a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/norman-carter"> his obituary.</a>

Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked&nbsp; Amunique Cavitt into jail. The district attorney's office has not released a date for her sentencing.

Jury: Kansas woman killed her boyfriend on his birthday

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Seward County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Aaron Bradley&nbsp;Patton, 26, Liberal, was eastbound on U.S. 54 just east of County Road 9. The pickup crossed over the fog line onto the eastbound shoulder and collided with an unknown stopped vehicle . The stopped vehicle left the collision scene prior to notification of the collision to law enforcement and has not yet been identified.

Patton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Hornung Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Patton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with vehicle that fled 

LOS ANGELES (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barry-manilow">Barry Manilow</a>&nbsp;will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday.

Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks, then a relapse of another five weeks.

“My wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSkevRHFPfU/?hl=en&amp;img_index=3" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”

The singer added that doctors don’t believe cancer has spread, so for now he expects “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns.”

A statement issued by Manilow’s representatives specified that the spot was a stage one tumor, and that the surgery would take place in late December.

Manilow will be recovering for the month of January and plans to return to action with Valentine’s weekend concerts beginning Feb. 12 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and then his arena concerts will resume Feb. 28 in Tampa, Florida.

Manilow was&nbsp;<a href="https://barrymanilow.com/" target="_blank">due to perform 10 concerts</a>&nbsp;in January at nine locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio. They will now be held in February.

Barry Manilow, 82, reveals cancer diagnosis

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs on Monday announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.

The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.&nbsp; It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fchiefs-media-kit/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/sqv0F-XILtGTBeOIeE7COgUvwiuDKDzH7f9cgKFBdrs=436">found here</a>.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,”&nbsp;Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt&nbsp;said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said&nbsp;NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”&nbsp;

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said&nbsp;Christal Watson, Mayor &amp; CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy - and a lot of fun for our families,” said&nbsp;John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of."

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through&nbsp;Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund&nbsp;– both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.&nbsp; The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fcommunity-programs%2Fstar-bonds%2F/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/w6Q6rqfl0t1i1WOrOK2YcpE1h29RfpiF5DBiZJE9W7g=436">click here</a>.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;

Chiefs announce move to Kansas: Details on new domed stadium 

<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball</a>&nbsp;will be drawing its winning lottery numbers Monday night for a record 46th time since its last jackpot was claimed, as a string of failed sweepstakes ballooned the top prize to $1.6 billion.

So far, it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">5th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history after more than three months without a Powerball winner. The game's long odds created a massive windfall that has enticed people to splurge on $2 tickets ahead of the live drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET Monday night.

Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">made the odds tougher</a>&nbsp;in 2015 to create these humongous jackpots and draw more attention, while also making it easier to win smaller prizes.

Experts say it’s a sign the lottery is operating exactly as designed, and that no one should really expect to match all six numbers and make a killing. Still, somebody will likely win at some point, and many players are hoping to be that lucky winner.

“Everybody wants to be a millionaire,” said Saqi Anwer, an Atlanta gas station manager who sold $800 worth of tickets on Saturday.

Monday's estimated $1.6 billion jackpot has a cash value of $735.3 million.

That means a winner can choose to be paid the whole amount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity,</a>&nbsp;with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Winners almost always opt for the up-front cash value, however both eye-popping figures are before taxes.

The last time someone won the Powerball top prize was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">$1.787 billion</a>&nbsp;— the second-highest jackpot in U.S. history.

Matt Strawn, who chairs the Powerball Product Group, said in an interview that nothing special predated back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots this year other than the odds of the game. Still, he said it would be magical for a winning ticket to be cashed in during the holidays.

“Imagine if someone is giving the gift of a winning Powerball ticket away, whether it’s in a stocking or a thank-you note to your mail carrier,” Strawn said.

How does the prize rank among the largest jackpots ever?

Monday’s potential bounty now tops the existing 5th-biggest jackpot of a $1.586 billion drawn on Jan. 13, 2016.

Four other jackpots, all from the past three years, have bested the current prize. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.

That lotto winner bought the ticket at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>&nbsp;and opted for a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million.

In Atlanta on Sunday, players were lining up to get their tickets ahead of Monday's drawing.

“My wife encourages me to buy a ticket because she wants to go on a big trip and she wants to do something good in society,” Bob Wehner said outside a car wash. “And she thought, ‘Well, we can do both if we win, for crying out loud!’”

Ronan Farrell, a middle schooler, speculated about buying an Xbox and a Lamborghini if his family won.

“With an Xbox controller as well,” he added.

The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball. Before the switch a decade ago, the odds were 1 in 175 million. Players now have a 1 in 24.9 chance overall of winning some kind of prize.

Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor, said he's never bought a lottery ticket despite knowing those odds inside and out.

“Picking a winning lottery ticket is equivalent to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles high — roughly the height of more than 115 Statues of Liberty,” or 30 kilometers, Chartier said.

“If you have the funds and you enjoy dreaming about a billionaire life, enjoy the ride. Of course, you could win,” Chartier said. “But when the numbers don’t fall your way, recognize that the odds were never in your favor — and that the twinkle of possibility is what made the journey worth the almost-certain letdown.”

Associated Press videojournalist Emilie Megnien in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

You could be a billionaire before Christmas: Powerball Monday night

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal Monday to help pay for a new stadium for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">the Kansas City Chiefs</a>, which is expected to lure one of the NFL's iconic franchises across the state line from Missouri and replace popular but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-stadium-c90881d77888591bbaec75a03c6d9f5c">aging Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

(Click below to watch the roll call vote)

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously inside a packed room at the state capitol to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.

The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.

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