By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

What sat vacant for several months has been revived into a renewed cornerstone for floral services in Plainville, thanks to the Brewster family.

Joe and Lolly Brewster bought the location, 200 W. Mill St., after quietly eyeing it for four months. Lolly said an unexpected message soon arrived, setting their family on a new chapter.

"The realtor texted me in September of last year and asked, 'Do you have any interest?' and I said, 'How did you know?' because I've never pursued it," Lolly said.

Lolly said she has always loved floral design, landscaping and interior design, but she never envisioned her niche becoming a career. Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals carries locally made items along with a variety of other gifts and décor available for delivery.

Their inventory includes custom seasonal arrangements, roses and a variety of wrapped bouquets. The shop’s shelves are lined with gifts such as stuffed animals, popcorn, candles, health and beauty items, religious items and seasonal décor.

The Brewster family began remodeling as soon as they purchased the shop on Nov. 21, 2024, but chose to remain open throughout the process to ensure Rooks County continued to have access to its floral services. The business was previously known as Mill Street Market.

Paradise Flats celebrated its one-year anniversary this month with an open house.

"We're very grateful to Deanna Hammerschmidt, the previous owner, and Carol Van Dyke, the owner before Deanna. We've learned from both of them and it's been very beneficial," Lolly said.

Its floral services cover a wide range of holidays and occasions. These include prom, homecoming, graduations and cemetery arrangements with delivery. The shop also provides tuxedo rentals and purchases through Jim’s Formal Wear, with measurements done in-house.

The shop also offers subscription packages for recurring monthly flower deliveries. With the first order, customers receive a vase that is reused for each subsequent arrangement.

The family of eight runs the business together, handling in-store services and social media marketing. Lolly said their family was deeply rooted in the community long before purchasing the shop and continues to strengthen those ties through their relationships with customers.

Joe said, "We wanted to provide a place where people could still shop locally versus going to Hays or Phillipsburg."

"We're not professionals by any means, but we try to serve our community," Lolly said.

Lolly graduated from Plainville High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washburn University. She spent about 11 years in the nursing field before stepping away as their family grew to six children.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You can view Paradise Flats Gifts &amp; Florals' services on its <a href="https://plainvilleflowers.com/">website</a>&nbsp;and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paradiseflatsgifts/">Facebook</a>.

Paradise Flats Gifts & Florals blooms under new ownership

Holiday events in Osborne County

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

I wonder how many of you realize there are two different skunk species living in Kansas; the Striped Skunk with which we are very familiar, and the Eastern Spotted Skunk, often referred to by old-timers as civet cats. I knew there were spotted skunks in Kansas, but have never seen one myself, nor did I know anything about them, so off to Mr. Google I ran.

As Kansas became populated at the beginning of the 20th century, eastern spotted skunks moved northward and westward into the state. The small diversified family farms that existed back then with numerous hay stacks, tree rows, woodlots and myriads of small farm buildings favored the spotted skunk, and they thrived. 

Over the decades as farming has become bigger, cleaner and more efficient, the spotted skunk population has shrunken to where there are now only pockets of them in a few southeastern and west central counties; they just couldn’t adapt like the striped skunk and in 1982 they were added to the Kansas list of threatened species.

Eastern Spotted Skunks are smaller than a common house cat and are built long and low to the ground with bodies that more resemble a weasel. They have a white triangular nose patch, a mostly black tail and four to six white stripes arranged in seemingly infinite, random patterns around their body, making them appear more like spots than stripes. 

They eat mostly insects but are opportunistic feeders and will eat most anything if necessary. They are much more agile than striped skunks and readily climb up trees or into barn lofts.

I remember hearing the old guys at the nursing home where I used to work talk about trapping civet cats when they were young, and they all say how much worse it was to get sprayed by them than by a striped skunk. Sure enough, spotted skunk musk is known to be stronger than that of a normal striped skunk. A unique quirk a spotted skunk often exhibits is the inclination to do an actual handstand on its front legs with its tail arched over its back when threatened.

There is currently no open season allowing Eastern Spotted Skunks to be harvested in Kansas, so I think I’ll add seeing one in the wild to my personal bucket list. 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Pepe’ LePew with spots

Kansas Livestock Association&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Twenty young Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) members from across the state graduated from the Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) November 21 during the annual KLA Convention. Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host members in their 20s for a series of four seminars throughout 2025. The program, which began in 2006, now has graduated 376&nbsp;members.

The annual KLA Convention in Manhattan was the fourth and final session for this year’s class. Participants had the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and network with other KLA members from across the state during the three-day event.&nbsp;YSA&nbsp;members also got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting and participated in the policy-making process by joining in on committee and council meetings.&nbsp;

During their first session in Topeka in February, attendees participated in advocacy and media training, were exposed to the state legislative process and learned about member services provided by KLA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.&nbsp;In May, the class met in the Kansas City area, where they learned about beef marketing, agribusiness and the animal health industry. In September, the third installment allowed the group to tour beef and dairy operations throughout eastern and central Kansas that represented various segments of each industry.&nbsp;

Members of the 2025 YSA class are Paige Adams, Hutchinson; Kyler Berning, Leoti; Walker Clawson, Meade; Jenna Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Jenna Goetzmann, Manhattan; Hayden Guetterman, Bucyrus; Luke Higgason, Larned; Jenna Hlavaty, Cimarron; Hunter Hope, Jetmore; Jordan Koons, Buffalo, OK; Elizabeth Lutz, Nickerson; Camryn Ricker, Ford; Jamie Schaake, Garden City; Luke Schneider, Saint John; Madelyn Stackley, El Dorado; Caleb Volkman, Hugoton; Daniel Walsh, Manhattan; Clayton Wharton, Syracuse; Cassandra Wolff, Caldwell; and Wyatt Woods, Cimarron.

KLA is a 5,500-member trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.

Western Kansas residents among Young Stockmen’s Academy class graduates

Enjoy Home for the Holidays in Plainville on Dec. 13

By MARK Mark R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Leaders can unite or divide, whether it be by design or by misstep.

Thanksgiving’s evolution shows how both can happen.

On October 3, 1863, amid profound division and upheaval of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued a formal proclamation that established a National Day of Thanksgiving. He invited his “fellow citizens in every part of the United States…to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

Perfectly timed after the Gettysburg victory, the proclamation capitalized on the Union’s improved outlook and Lincoln’s emerging stature as a unifier.

Lincoln hoped a shared day of thanks would help “heal the wounds of the nation” and establish a tradition that would bond Americans for generations.

Editor of the Ladies’ Magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, and author of the children’s poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Hale had lobbied state and federal officials for nearly 40 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

She wrote to Lincoln in the summer of 1863 asserting that only the president had the power to make the holiday, “permanently, an American custom and institution.”

Presidents thereafter followed Lincoln’s example.

However, in 1939, during the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt issued his own proclamation. He called for Thanksgiving to be moved back to the third Thursday of November.

At the time, retailers waited until after Thanksgiving to display Christmas decorations and hold sales. By adding an additional seven days to the shopping season, Roosevelt hoped to boost consumer spending. A Gallup opinion poll showed 62 percent of Americans disapproved. Roughly 80 percent of Republicans disapproved, while a majority of Democrats supported it.

Twenty-two mostly Democrat-leaning states observed Thanksgiving on the new date. Twenty-two mostly Republican-leaning states resisted. Three celebrated Thanksgiving on both dates.

A day meant to unite the country turned into a symbol of political difference. A reminder that partisan polarization is nothing new in U.S. politics. Kansas Republican Governor Payne Ratner announced that in the sunflower state “we do not destroy tradition merely to gain newspaper headlines.”

Alf Landon, FDR’s rival in the 1936 election, criticized Roosevelt’s “impulsiveness” and strongly objected to “springing it [the change] upon an unprepared country with the omnipotence of a Hitler.”

People started calling Thanksgiving “Franksgiving.”

Amid unprecedented crises, Lincoln and Roosevelt used Thanksgiving for different purposes. Lincoln envisioned it as a path toward national reconciliation. Roosevelt saw it as a lever for economic activity.

One president embraced tradition. The other disrupted it.

Eventually, Congress intervened and established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, restoring its observance to the fourth Thursday in November.

The partisan fight faded. Black Friday emerged as a defining feature of American consumer culture, a phenomenon widely embraced by Democrats and Republicans.

Retailers now start promotions in late October and continue through Cyber Monday.

Thanksgiving ultimately became two traditions. First a day for gratitude, then a day for deals.

Insight Kansas: The two traditions of Thanksgiving

<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

The chilly fall weather is here, and you know winter will be on its way— warm up your vehicle this winter with a REMOTE START PACKAGE from XIBIT CUSTOMS, the remote start headquarters in HAYS.

Choose from over 12 different models, all with various ranges and features starting at $385 INSTALLED.

Ask about the drone capabilities that allow you to start, unlock and even locate your car right from your smartphone.

And are you looking for a perfect gift?!!!! Grill guards, bumpers, LED light kits, along with fender flares, lift kits, wheels and tires and MORE...Weathertech Floor Mats, heated seats, new stereo and speakers.

IT'S ALL AVAILABLE NOW AT XIBIT CUSTOMS, JUST SOUTH OFF 1-70, 1005 E. 27th&nbsp;St, IN HAYS.

Call them today for an appointment! (785) 621-4340

11-year-old hospitalized after NW Kansas rollover accident

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted unanimously this week on several items that move forward with planned business and housing developments.

Jesse Rohr, public works director, presented recommendations to vacate DK Ranch Addition and a portion of Country Club Estates Sixth Addition for consideration of the Smoky Hill Plains Addition final plat. The project proposal also required the deannexation of DK Ranch and the annexation of Smoky Hill Plains Addition to streamline the property's legal description.

No comments were made during the public hearing for the deannexation.

Several current homeowners in the Columbine and 30th Street area had earlier expressed concerns about additional stormwater runoff and drainage through the new plat.

John Pyle told the commission that a group of neighbors met with Rohr, Curtis Deines, superintendent of the Planning &amp; Development Division, and Kate Armstrong, Planning &amp; Zoning technician, who explained the city's stormwater policy to them.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/343/Stormwater-Division">stormwater management regulations</a> are written so that the post-development cannot shed any more water than the pre-development, which happens through the mandatory retention area.

"They pretty much settled all our concerns," Pyle said. "They were very, very clear in explaining when we had a question...and just put our minds at ease."&nbsp;

The development is designed to have two points of access from Columbine and to include green space for the drainage way running north to south across the property. Street access to future 33rd Street improvements at the north end of the development will also be provided.

A multi-use path will be incorporated from 33rd Street south along Columbine to 27th Street, utilizing the stormwater drainage area/green space.

Also approved was a low bid award of $3.9 million from Smoky Hill, LLC, Salina, for infrastructure in 90 acres owned by the city at Interstate 70 Exit 161.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Because the bid was about $1 million below budget, an upgrade of the 27th Street roadway from the intersection of 27th and Commerce to the new intersection of the internal street will be constructed for an additional $160,000. An additional $203,417 contingency will also be added.

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

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

🎙New Hays housing and business developments begin moving forward 

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Dec. 7.

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.

Call-in and carry-out orders are available by phoning 785-666-4275.&nbsp;

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

Dorrance American Legion hosts steak feed Dec. 7

Cookies with Santa presented by Hays Lions Club on Dec. 3

&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

Downtown Hays is ready to shine brighter than ever as The Bricks hosts two beloved&nbsp;holiday traditions in a single spectacular day: Small Business Saturday in the morning and the Christmas&nbsp;Magic on Main Street Jubilee in the evening.

Kick off your holiday shopping season by supporting local retailers during Small Business Saturday. 

Shoppers can enjoy exploring unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops throughout&nbsp;The Bricks. This event encourages residents and visitors alike to shop local and uplift the small&nbsp;businesses that help make Downtown Hays vibrant and thriving.

“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of The Bricks,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The&nbsp;Bricks in Downtown Hays. “Shopping local keeps the community strong and full of life.”

Christmas Magic on Main Street Jubilee | 6–8 p.m.

As night falls, Downtown Hays will transform into a glowing winter wonderland for the Christmas Magic&nbsp;on Main Street Jubilee, a free, family-friendly celebration filled with holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy&nbsp;festive activities including:

• Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus • Free Soup Supper for the first 500 guests • Free hot cocoa and cookies • Holiday crafts, festive music, and community fun

This event is part of a full season of activities planned to bring even more lights, joy, and memorable&nbsp;moments to Main Street. The Christmas Magic on Main Street initiative is supported by generous&nbsp;community sponsors through tiers like Tree Topper, Secret Santa, Sleigh Sponsor, and more.

Both events are part of the 2025 season-long celebration that includes Holiday Open Houses, Clydesdale&nbsp;rides, Santa photos, the Downtown Dollar Giveaway, and the 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade.

• Small Business Saturday | Nov. 29 • Christmas Magic on Main Jubilee &amp; Tree Lighting (10th &amp; Main St) | Nov. 29, 6–8 p.m. — Free train&nbsp;rides, craft vendors, and soup supper for the first 500 guests (soup supper sponsored by Women&nbsp;Who Lead, prepared by Pfonz Smokehaus &amp; Catering) • Clydesdale Rides (sponsored by Meckenstock Group) &amp; visit with Santa at the Downtown&nbsp;Pavilion (10th &amp; Main St) | Dec. 5 &amp; 12, 5–7 p.m. • 25th Annual FrostFest Illuminated Parade (Main Street) | Dec. 7, 6 p.m. — Theme: “Timeless&nbsp;Traditions” • Customer Appreciation Weekend | Dec. 11–13 • Free Holiday Movie at The Fox (sponsored by Golden Belt Bank) | Dec. 14, 3 p.m. • Downtown Dollar Giveaway (Live on Facebook) | Dec. 20, 5:05 p.m.

To learn more, view the full event schedule or to register for the FrostFest Parade (deadline to enter is Nov.&nbsp;30), visit <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/frostfest">downtownhays.com</a>.

The Bricks continues to bring fun for the whole community Saturday in downtown Hays

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to continue its tradition of bringing local sports to viewers across Kansas this Thanksgiving season.

On Thanksgiving Day, tune in for a special broadcast of the&nbsp;2025 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of legendary Kansas athletes and coaches. It all starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 27.

Then, on&nbsp;November 28h and 29, Smoky Hills PBS will be live from Gowan Stadium in Hutchinson.

Watch the top teams of&nbsp;1A, 2A and 3A high school football&nbsp;teams from across Kansas compete in the KSHSAA State Football Championships&nbsp;Games.&nbsp;Jeremy McGuire and Larry Jantz provide commentary as we&nbsp;find out who will win the KSHSAA State Football Championships.

The action continues in December. On&nbsp;Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, Smoky Hills PBS will broadcast the&nbsp;8-Player Division I, Division II, and 6-Player State Football Championship Games&nbsp;that will be played in Greensburg on November 29.&nbsp;

These broadcasts are made possible thanks to the generous support of viewers like you. Your donations help Smoky Hills PBS continue to share local stories and sports that matter to our communities.

Smoky Hills PBS brings viewers exciting lineup of sports this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest traveling holidays, with that comes an increase in crashes. The Hays Police Department wants to remind everyone to always buckle up.

Hays PD joins law enforcement across the state to provide education about the importance of seat belts. Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on local roads during the statewide Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign, which runs from Nov. 22-29.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure in your vehicle.

· The shoulder belt should lay flat across the middle of the chest and away from the neck · The lap belt should fit across the hip, not stomach · Never put the seat belt behind the back or under the arm · Children should be properly restrained in car seats according to weight, age and height

For more information on seat belts go to <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts">www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts</a>.

Hays police Thanksgiving campaign stresses importance of buckling up

The culvert replacement project scheduled to take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road has been postponed due to the recent weather conditions. 

 If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

Culvert replacement project postponed

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The free Community Thanksgiving Feast, sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St., Hays.

No reservations are required; the meal is first-come, first-served. There will be no individual carry-out meals. Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, said that 530 meals have been ordered from the caterer; 225 of those meals will go to Meals on Wheels clients and residents of local shelters and group homes.

On the menu will be roasted turkey, dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, a roll, drink, and dessert.

The Union Catering Co. is catering the main meal. The ECMA is seeking desserts from churches and individuals. Desserts may be brought to the office of First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Glassman said volunteers are needed at the dinner, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, to help with set-up, serving plates, slicing pies, cleaning up, and other duties. Volunteers may sign up by calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

One familiar aspect of the dinner will be the grocery give-away. Every household in attendance who wants one will receive a free sack of groceries, Glassman said. One feature that will be new this year is each sack will contain recipe cards featuring the food items in the sack. Last year around 200 sacks were distributed.

Glassman said the ECMA sponsors the free community meal each Thanksgiving because “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering--gathering with family, gathering with community.&nbsp;There are also people who are alone for the holidays .&nbsp;. . We want people to feel welcome. All are invited.”

Tax deductible donations to help with the cost of the dinner may be sent to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601, with proceeds to benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund.

Free Community Thanksgiving Feast to be held at Hays armory

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A man accused of kidnapping his nephew after killing his sister and father has been deemed unfit to stand trial, according to Shawnee County District Court records.

Christopher Barnstall, 32, was charged with&nbsp; first degree murder and kidnapping in the deaths of&nbsp; 55-year-old Sean Thornton, and 29-year-old Ashley Brown in July

On August 30, Christopher K. Barnshaw, 32, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.

He was being held on a $10,000,000 bond on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime and Endangering A Child and Kidnapping; In Flight Or The Commission Of Any Crime, according to online jail records.

Just after noon on July 22, police in Mattoon, Illinois, were notified that a suspect in a kidnapping incident in Topeka was possibly in their city, according to a media release from police.

Police in Topeka reported that Barshaw was believed to be a suspect in the death of a man and woman the 500 Block of NE Wabash in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Barnshaw was also believed to have taken a child of one of the victims and fled the area. He was reported to be driving a Lexus passenger vehicle bearing Kansas License 4003AHF.

At 12:16p.m. a police officer in Mattoon, who was actively on a traffic stop on Route 16 observed the suspect vehicle pass him.&nbsp; The officer cleared from the traffic stop and began following the suspect in the Lexus eastboun toward Charleston, Illinois. After several other officers arrived in the area, they conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road.&nbsp; Barnshaw was take into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the arrest, officers found a firearm concealed on Barnshaw.&nbsp; The 2-year-old boy who was the subject of the Amber Alert was in the back seat unharmed.

Barnstall is due back in court in February, according to the Shawnee County District Attorney's office.

Court rules on Kansas Amber Alert suspect in double-murder 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Three people were injured in a dog attack Saturday in Sedgwick County.

Just after 10a.m. Saturday, sheriff's&nbsp;&nbsp;deputies responded to the 4600 block of South Hemlock in the Oaklawn neighborhood of Sedgwick County after reports of a man being attacked by several dogs, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's spokesman Branden Stitt.

Deputies found 10 to 15 dogs, believed to be Boston terriers, running at large. As one deputy tried to help an injured 18-year-old man, the dogs attacked the deputy. Two deputies fired their guns to stop the attack and protect the deputy and others. No people, animals or property were hit by gunfire. The dogs’ owner later contained them.

Deputies have learned a 69-year-old woman had gone to her son’s home on Hemlock and the dogs bit her while she was inside the house. She ran from the home, and the dogs chased her and then attacked the 18-year-old man nearby.

Sedgwick County EMS took the 18-year-old to a Wichita hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The 69-year-old woman went for treatment in a private vehicle. The deputy attacked by the dogs reported only minor injuries.

Sedgwick County Animal Control took custody of the dogs and is leading the ongoing investigation.

Dogs attack Kansas sheriff's deputy, woman and teen

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.

Just before 8a.m.&nbsp;November 27, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue 1998 Chevrolet HHR, with an expired license plate that did not belong on that vehicle, near SW 18th Street and SW Urish Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had a suspended driver’s license and illegal narcotics were located. Faye A. Bean, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;&nbsp;Vehicles; operate vehicle without registration or with expired tag, Driving while license suspended, No vehicle liability insurance and License carried/exhibited

Sheriff: Kansas woman caught with drugs during traffic stop

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jack-brook">JACK BROOK</a> Associated Press

A copy of the first Superman issue, unearthed by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s attic, netted $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold.

The brothers discovered the comic book in a cardboard box beneath layers of brittle newspapers, dust and cobwebs in their deceased mother’s San Francisco home last year, alongside a handful of other rare comics that she and her sibling had collected on the cusp of World War II.

She had told her children she had a valuable comic book collection hidden away, but they had never seen it until they put her house up for sale and decided to comb through her belongings for heirlooms, said Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions. The brothers uncovered the box of comics and sent a message to the auction company, leading Allen to fly out to San Francisco earlier this year to inspect their copy of “Superman No. 1" and show it to other experts for appraisal.

“It was just in an attic, sitting in a box, could have easily been thrown away, could’ve easily been destroyed in a thousand different ways,” Allen said. “A lot of people got excited because it’s just every factor in collecting that you could possibly want all rolled into one.”

The “Superman No. 1" comic, released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., is one of a small number of copies known to be in existence and is in excellent condition. The Man of Steel was the first superhero to enter pop culture, helping boost the copy’s value among collectors, alongside its improbable backstory, Allen said.

The previous record for the world’s most expensive comic book had been set last year, when an “Action Comics No. 1" — which first introduced Superman to the world as part of an anthology — sold for $6 million. In 2022, another Superman No. 1 sold for $5.3 million.

A small, in-house advertisement in the comic book helped experts identify it as originating from the first edition of 500,000 Superman No. 1 copies ever printed. Allen estimates there are fewer than 500 in existence today.

The copy was not given any special protection, but the cool Northern California climate helped preserve it, leaving it with a firm spine, vibrant colors and crisp corners, according to a statement from Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. The copy was rated a 9.0 out of 10 by comics grading company CGC, meaning it had only the slightest signs of wear and aging.

The three brothers, in their 50s and 60s, did not wish to be identified due to the windfall involved nor did the buyer of the comic book, according to the auction house.

“This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said in a statement released by the auction house. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.”

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

Rare copy of ‘Superman No. 1' from 1939 sells for millions

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/geoff-mulvihill">GEOFF MULVIHILL</a> Associated Press

After a disruptive U.S. government shutdown, federal SNAP food assistance is again flowing to low-income households. But in the months ahead, many participants will have to abide by new work requirements.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;provides monthly benefits — averaging around $190 per person — to about 42 million people nationwide. During the first couple weeks of November, many of those recipients&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-wic-head-start-ddc8a5f6bb6b49150ff478eae9d454d5">missed their regular allotments</a>&nbsp;as President Donald Trump's administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-aid-024906c49fec6126585900ef916698f8">battled in court</a>&nbsp;over whether to tap into reserves to fund the program while the government was shut down.

The benefits are available across the country after lapses

For the first part of the month, the situation was chaotic after the federal government said SNAP would not be funded because of the government shutdown.

Some states replenished the electronic benefit cards used in the program either fully or partially, using their own funds or federal dollars that were part of court orders. Others didn't.

Most states boosted food charities, but lines were long and some shelves were empty.

As soon as the government reopened on Nov. 12, many states rushed to get out benefits.

By Tuesday, all states either had loaded full November benefits onto people’s electronic spending cards or were working on it, according to an Associated Press review. Participants should receive December SNAP benefits according to their normal schedule.

More SNAP recipients will face work requirements

A massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-sign-tax-cut-bill-july-4-3804df732e461a626fd8c2b43413c3f0">tax and spending bill</a>&nbsp;signed into law in July by Trump expanded requirements for many adult SNAP recipients to work, volunteer or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month. Those who don’t are limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-bill-medicaid-snap-food-trump-congress-4e1826a670b5eb2b802f08adc1c325a2">work requirements</a>&nbsp;previously applied to adults ages 18 through 54 who are physically and mentally able and don’t have dependents. The new law also applies those requirements to those ages 55 through 64 and to parents without children younger than 14. It repeals work exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans and young adults aging out of foster care. And it limits the ability of states to waive work requirements in areas lacking jobs.

The Trump administration waived the work requirements in November, but the three-month clock on work-free SNAP benefits will be in full force for much of the country in December. Under a Nov. 1 court order, the count will not yet begin in places with existing waivers in place due to relatively high local unemployment rates. Those waivers extending past this month cover all or parts of 10 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are set to expire between the end of 2025 and January 2027, depending on the place.

The new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly number of SNAP recipients by about 2.4 million people over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Agriculture secretary casts doubt about SNAP

In the aftermath of the shutdown, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, whose department administers SNAP, has cast doubt on the program. Rollins has said it is rife with fraud, including deceased people receiving benefits and some people receiving multiple benefits.

Rollins suggested that everyone who receives SNAP be required to reapply. But it’s not clear whether Rollins was suggesting an additional requirement or referring to the current one that mandates people to periodically recertify their income and other information.

An Agriculture Department spokesperson didn't clarify but instead said in a statement that the standard recertification processes for households is part of a plan to eliminate fraud, abuse and waste.

Under federal law, most households must report their income and basic information every four to six months and be fully recertified for SNAP at least every 12 months. Full recertification can occur every 24 months for households where all adults are age 60 and above or have disabilities.

But states can require more frequent eligibility verifications. Last year, 27 states required at least some households to be fully recertified every four to six months, depending on their household circumstances, according to a USDA report.

What to know about expanded work requirements about to kick in for SNAP

MIAMI COUNTY—A Kansas man is in custody after a high-speed chase in a reported stolen vehicle.

Just after 1p.m. Friday, police located a vehicle that had been reported stolen from Overland Park, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the vehicle at the intersection of Holly Lane and Baptiste Drive. The vehicle fled and traveled onto U.S. 169 northbound. With the assistance of Miami&nbsp; County Sheriff deputies, the vehicle was pursued until U.S. 169 and 215th Street where stop sticks were deployed by Spring Hill police.&nbsp; The driver of the fleeing vehicle lost control and the vehicle came to a stop in the median just north of 215th Street.

Police took the driver identified as 23-year-old Skyler Chacon into custody. He is being held in the Miami County Jail on requested charges of flee and elude, reckless driving, no drivers license and other alleged traffic violations. He is expected to face additional charges. There were no injuries reported.

Police jail Kan. suspect after chase in reported stolen vehicle

NEW YORK (AP) —A judge on Wednesday dismissed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-indictment-fani-willis-b9000b28e65fc8ebe57f6f9cca5cc3ef">Georgia election interference case</a>&nbsp;against President Donald Trump and others, bringing an end to the last of four criminal cases filed against him that threatened to upend his finances and take away his freedom as he sought a return to the White House.

The Georgia dismissal came after a new prosecutor in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-trump-election-indictment-fani-willis-b9000b28e65fc8ebe57f6f9cca5cc3ef">declined to pursue the charges</a>.

Since Trump’s reelection last year, four separate criminal cases — including his hush money conviction and federal allegations of election interference and illegally hoarding classified documents — have either been dropped, resolved or put aside. On the civil side, several high-profile lawsuits against Trump have been quietly working their way through the appeals process.

Here’s a look at some of Trump’s criminal and civil cases and where they stand now:

Local

Region

Sports

Announcements