By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a calling as Krystan Stinemetz now leads a Hays school dedicated to nurturing young minds.

Owner Stinemetz of The Learning Academy first entered the child care field through her catering business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EatSleepDreamCheese/">Grater&nbsp;Whey</a>, which provided meals to several local child care centers. Before long, the academy’s founder, Crystal Lonsdale, approached her with a chance at something new.

"That's kind of how I became the owner of a preschool. It just all kind of fell together in a weird way," Stinmetz said.

The academy operates out of the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th St., and plans to reopen its Via Christi site in early spring, bringing its total licensed capacity to 48 children.

Stinemetz said the Hadley location currently serves 12 children, with another 12 spots available.

Stinemetz manages the administrative and operational side of the business, while Lonsdale oversees the classroom. The academy serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5, with drop-off beginning at 6:30 a.m. and pick-up available until 5:45 p.m.

Stinemetz said she’s been in the child care industry for just two years and that navigating licensing and setup over the past year has been challenging as she works to make child care more affordable for local families.

"That really became one of my main focuses. Now that we are set up to really focus on being a community asset," she said.

Stinemetz said she’s offering discounts to employees of HaysMed, High Plains Mental Health Center, the City of Hays and other first responders to boost enrollment and reduce costs for families.

The academy also employs three part-time staff members who assist with child care. Its play-based curriculum focuses on social and emotional development, as screen time is nearly nonexistent at the center.

"We've taken the use of devices completely out. It really is back to basic learning where they're physically writing their name versus on a tablet," Stinmetz said.

Stinemetz said the academy also plans to offer summer care for school-age children.

Originally from Colorado, Stinemetz moved to Hays about 10 years ago and is a mother of five. She said she was both surprised and honored to be named October’s Child Care Champion.

"It's been very difficult to get going. I feel like it's slowly starting to become a full circle," she said. "We have a great program and I'm glad that somebody recognized that we can be part of this community and help however we need to."

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574102998958">The Learning Academy</a> on Facebook and visit its <a href="https://www.childcarehays.com/">website </a>for more information.

Child Care Champion unexpectedly finds her calling 

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

By the time you are reading this, Veterans Day 2025 has come-and-gone, and I have used this column before, but I believe it is worthy of using again. 

I come from a family where many have served in the military in one way, shape or form. 

My dad was an infantryman in the Army during WW II and served in Italy for a time. His older brother served as Flight Engineer on a B-24, flying 13 missions over Germany during WWII. I was a Field Artillery Meteorologist, collecting atmospheric data for the artillery for 20 years in the Army National Guard, and was in Bosnia for six months. My wife Joyce spent eight years in the Air National Guard as a photographer and as a plane cargo loader. Three of her uncles, all from Mennonite families, served in the army and navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Two of my cousins were in the Air Force, one of my nephews was a marine and another nephew served in the navy. 

When asked by her siblings, (all who are also Conscientious Objectors,) why she joined the military, my wife Joyce replied “Cause daddy never told me not to.” 

I say all this not to brag, but to say that we are a family who believes in and supports maintaining a strong military in these United States.

The person who suggested I write this column a couple years ago, told me of an office conversation discussing whether or not to do anything special that year for Veterans Day in their paper. One coworker replied “Yes, absolutely. Patriotism has to be taught.” That got me thinking about ways we can teach our kids and new citizens to be proud of our country and of our military, both current members and veterans.

First of all, by example, teach your kids respect for our flag, for the pledge of allegiance to our flag and for our national anthem. When reciting the pledge of allegiance, honoring our flag as it is displayed or paraded past you or when singing the Star-Spangled Banner, stand, come to attention and face the flag with your right hand over your heart. 

Now, some will say the flag is only a piece of cloth, the pledge of allegiance only something we recite and the national anthem only a song. While those statements are true, these things are symbols of our freedom and of our country. Teaching our youth respect for these things will help teach them appreciation for God’s allowing us to live in a free country like the United&nbsp;States, appreciation for the soldiers that currently serve, soldiers that have served in the past and soldiers that have died protecting that freedom.

Most places you go, be it Walmart, the mall, a fast-food restaurant or some large event, you will see men and women wearing a hat or another item of clothing giving the appearance that they are military veterans. Ask those people if they are veterans, and if so, offer your hand and thank them for their service, and urge your kids to do the same. 

This is also a great gesture toward law enforcement personnel, firefighters and all manner of first responders, for they, like soldiers are the ones who run toward dangerous situations, allowing the rest of us to run to safety.

I agree with the assessment that “Patriotism has to be taught,” and we as parents and grandparents must be the teachers. 

Be creative with other ways to honor our veterans. Offer to pay for their Big Mac and fries, their morning coffee at Scooters or at the local café. Let them go ahead of you in line at Dillons, etc. Also, take your kids and grandkids to church and be the example of wholeheartedly thanking God for these freedoms we have. 

As Lee Greenwood so eloquently sang, “God Bless the USA.”

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

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Veterans Day

<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

Family Worship: Fret Not - Psalm 37:1

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Economic development incentive requests approved by the Hays City Commission Thursday will help move forward several housing and business developments.

 Commissioners approved the issue of industrial revenue bonds for the 24/7 Travel Store truck stop planned for the Interstate 70 Exit 157.

The city commission has already created a tax increment financing district on the property. The developer, Triplett, Salina, will also request a community improvement district from the city in the future.

Most of Hays' general fund operations are financed by the local retail sales tax.&nbsp;

The project cost is about $11.1 million, with estimated annual retail sales of $5 million and fuel sales of $20 million.&nbsp;

The issuance of industrial revenue bonds was also approved for Agiliti Hays, the medical equipment manufacturer on south Commerce Parkway, which plans to buy, renovate and expand its campus buildings.

A total 140 new jobs would be added in phases to the current 91 positions. The company also has a site in Ellis which employs about 60 people and will remain open.

The estimated sales tax benefit is $101,036. Utilization of the industrial revenue bonds, which have no taxpayer commitment, also&nbsp;allows a property tax abatement for up to 10 years for the $6.55-million project.&nbsp;

During a public hearing, Eddie Herrman, HaysMed president and CEO, talked about how the hospital would have a closer partnership with Agiliti as it begins building medical beds.&nbsp;

Larry Askew, based in Kansas City with Agiliti, said the company had many options nationwide in locating a new manufacturing facility.

"All of the incentives that we have sought and are acquiring with the state are all performance-based," Askew said.

"This is not an attempt at a grab or to do anything other than grow organically in a very healthy way in the community."&nbsp;

"Regarding the abatements and benefits we're giving up, there's so much economic benefit that we are gaining through this expansion with Agiliti to our own communities, that it's very valuable," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner.

"When companies look at whether they want to bring retail into this town, they look at how many jobs are here, how many houses are being built," said Commissioner Reese Barrick.

"These are families coming in. It's going to affect our schools' growth. I think this is a huge win."

A Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID)  was approved for the former Lincoln School, 1906 Ash.

The incentive district would finance the project on a pay-as-you-go basis over 25 years, estimated to generate $1.3 million in incremental property tax revenues collected on the project site. Eligible project costs are estimated to be about $4.3 million.

Hays developer Michael Graham plans to renovate the building into a 26-unit multi-family housing facility and to construct seven additional structures on the property, each with four units.&nbsp;

Graham was at the meeting and thanked the city commissioners for their support.&nbsp;

Other agenda items approved by the commission included

• Concurrence with a bid solicited from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for construction of the north side multi-use path from 41st and Hall east to Sternberg Museum. The&nbsp;low bid came from Morgan Brothers of La Crosse for $1.6 million.&nbsp;The city will pay $387,000, and KDOT will pay the remaining $1.2 million.

• Financing of a Midwest Energy utilities agreement for the Tallgrass Phase 4 housing development in east Hays. The city earlier agreed to finance infrastructure costs. The total amount is $797,457 to be funded with bond proceeds offset by Reinvestment Housing Incentive District revenues.

• Approved the renewal of the Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan for city employees in 2026. The premium increase was 12.8%, below the national average, said Erin Giebler, human resources director.&nbsp;

• Presentation of awards to city employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.&nbsp;

🎙Hays City Commission moves forward with housing, business developments   

Start the advent season on a glorious note with the FHSU choirs: Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, and Smoky Hill Chorale, at the 39th annual Christmas Choir Concert. Time and place are NEW this year: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, KS (located at the corner of 13th and Ash)

In addition to the FHSU Choirs, there will be selections by Tom Meagher-organ, the Dawson brass duo, the FHSU flutes, the FHSU brass and several numbers by FHSU music faculty.

A highlight of this annual concert is the singing of traditional carols by the entire assemblage of audience, guests, and performers, accompanied by the wonderful pipe organ at St. Joseph.

This concert is free and open to the public.

Christmas Choir Concert set for Dec. 7

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Beneficial rains have brought much-needed moisture to the Kansas wheat crop. However, the moisture can also trigger winter annual weeds, especially in fields with poor wheat stands or where continuous wheat or wheat-fallow rotations are used.

Like wheat, winter annual grasses typically emerge in the fall (although early spring emergence is possible). They go dormant during the coldest months, then resume growth and produce seeds in the spring. 

The weedy brome species cheatgrass (also known as downy brome), Japanese brome, and cheat are among the grass weeds most commonly found in Kansas wheat. Jointed goatgrass and feral rye are also prevalent and are especially challenging to control. Cheat and feral rye are typically found in the eastern parts of the state, whereas cheatgrass and jointed goatgrass are more often found in the west. 

For specific information about postemergence herbicides for controlling winter annual grasses, refer to the K-State Agronomy eUpdate electronic newsletter by typing that into your internet browser.

Considerations for Herbicide Applications

As a general rule, fall applications will provide better control of these weeds than spring applications. However, it is important to remember that weeds must be actively growing for herbicides to be effective. Be aware of the temperatures in your area to ensure weeds are not dormant. One temperature guideline to consider using is low temperatures above freezing and high temperatures above 50°F for three to five days before and after the application. 

Delaying applications until spring, when herbicide can be mixed with topdress fertilizer, is an option, although this can lead to greater yield loss due to competition and reduced herbicide efficacy. Furthermore, spring applications may not meet crop rotation intervals. Always read the herbicide label to determine recropping intervals and adjuvant requirements. The growth stage is also important when applying several of these herbicides.

Other Options: Crop Rotation and Seed Destruction

Crop rotation is an effective method of preventing winter annual weeds in wheat. One or more summer annual crops between wheat crops disrupts the life cycle of winter annual weeds, allowing for the use of other cultural and chemical methods for their control. Narrower row spacings or increased wheat seeding rates can make wheat more competitive with weeds.

In dry environments, seeding wheat deeper into moist soil may allow wheat to emerge before weedy brome seeds that must germinate from dry soil nearer the soil surface. Alternatively, delaying planting until after the first flush of weedy grasses has emerged may also be an effective cultural management practice when moisture is abundant.

Seed destruction of some winter annual grasses (cheatgrass, feral rye, and jointed goatgrass) at wheat harvest may be a viable option to reduce the amount of weed seed that returns to the soil&nbsp;seedbank, which may reduce the density of winter annual grasses in the following seasons. More information on harvest weed seed destruction can be found at: <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/harvest-weed-seed-destruction-a-tool-for-managing-herbicide-resistant-weeds-601-1">https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/harvest-weed-seed-destruction-a-tool-for-managing-herbicide-resistant-weeds-601-1</a>

Several effective options exist to control weedy brome species. Jointed goatgrass and feral rye control options are more limited and will likely require planting either a Clearfield or CoAXium wheat variety. In fields where winter annual grasses are known to be a problem, cultural practices can be implemented to reduce their impact, such as using an herbicide-resistant wheat variety or rotating to a summer crop.

For additional information about these herbicides, see <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/2025-chemical-weed-control-for-field-crops-pastures-rangeland-and-noncropland_CHEMWEEDGUIDE">2025 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland, K-State publication SRP-1190.</a>

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Winter annual grass control in winter wheat

Check out more on Fuzzy's, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edda42da-da40-4171-88e0-b59145b22d82">CLICK HERE</a>!

It's 5 p.m., and you can't decide where in Hays to eat. The family needs a fun activity for the weekend or you need a new stylist or someone to look at your brakes.

The Hays Post is launching an exciting new product to help you find businesses in your community.

The Hays Place tab, which can be found as a dropdown menu on the Hays Post, is a new video directory of places to shop, play and find services in Hays and the surrounding area.

See videos on featured businesses, find links to websites and Facebook pages for your favorite Hays haunts, and find hours and other key information to connect with businesses.

Hays businesses that wish to purchase a listing on the directory can contact Jordan Schaeffer at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;sca_esv=aebc663c531febdd&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=AHTn8zrmZbrAzvKjxVChGRNtowTajxHLQA:1741210424019&amp;q=eagle+media+hays+phone+number&amp;spell=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj587Wm8vOLAxX6HDQIHU-zKIkQBSgAegQICxAB&amp;biw=1750&amp;bih=918&amp;dpr=1#">785-301-2211</a>&nbsp;or your local Eagle marketing representative.

🏈 Hays' season ends with loss at Great Bend

#5 (5) Hays High (8-2) at #1 (1) Great Bend (10-0) Friday, Nov. 14 - 7 p.m. Great Bend, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3053023">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a>

Hays High heads to Great Bend in the 5A playoffs for a second consecutive year. The 90th matchup between the two Western Athletic Conference rivals is the second to occur in the postseason.&nbsp;

Great Bend beat Hays 43-19 four weeks ago. Hays ended Great Bend's perfect season in 2024 on their way to an appearance in the 5A State Championship Game.

Kickoff is at 7
p.m. with the Hertz Rent-A-Car Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX. Video is available at the above link.

🏈🎥 WATCH: Playoffs - Hays at Great Bend

Watch the Great Bend Hays High School game live tonight!

<a href="https://team1sports.com/eagleradio/hayshigh/">CLICK HERE FOR THE GAME!</a>

Watch the Hays High vs. Great Bend game livestream tonight at 7

High Plains Mental Health Center is launching a new event to help take some of the stress out of holiday shopping – and all proceeds will benefit an important community project.

An all-new “12 Days of Christmas” holiday auction will launch online Dec. 1, running through Dec. 12. All proceeds will help raise money to support development of a Crisis Intervention Center in Hays to serve Northwest Kansas adults experiencing mental health or substance use crisis.

Each day will feature a new round of holiday gift items and themed gift baskets, each available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for one day only. Items will be gift wrapped and can be delivered locally in northwest Kansas or shipped directly to the recipient's address. (Shipping charges may apply if costs exceed $10.) The online auction format will feature gifts and donations from throughout the 20 counties served by High Plains Mental Health Center.

“If you have holiday shopping to do, let us make it easier while supporting an important cause,” said James Gerstner, development officer. “We’ll take care of the prep, wrapping and delivery and you get to go into the holidays knowing you helped fellow Kansans struggling with mental health challenges.”

Register now at <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> and keep watching for further updates and exciting new gift items to be added. There will be something for everybody! Donations are continuing to come in from northwest Kansas, and we appreciate the community’s generosity and support of our mission.

About the Crisis Intervention Center

Opening in early 2026, the Crisis Intervention Center will provide lifesaving and life-changing, no-cost psychiatric treatment for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The facility will provide 24/7/365 stabilization services, starting with capacity for 16 patients with room to expand. Owned and operated by High Plains Mental Health Center, it will be the nearest point of access for families across a 30-county region of Kansas.

The CIC will reduce the waitlist for admissions at Larned State Hospital and improve patient outcomes by providing prompt medical attention when it’s needed most. The CIC will save lives and change lives, while also reducing the current burden on rural law enforcement and emergency rooms. Currently, many rural patients experiencing psychiatric or substance use crises are held in emergency rooms and jails due to lack of better alternatives.

“This facility will be a vital resource for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Too often, those in crisis find themselves in emergency rooms unequipped to provide the specialized care they need or, even worse, in jail due to a lack of appropriate alternatives,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “The CIC will change that by offering immediate stabilization, treatment, and support in a safe, therapeutic environment that upholds the dignity of every individual.”

To get involved or make a donation to support the CIC, visit <a href="https://donatehighplains.com/">donatehighplains.com</a>, email us at donate@hpmh.com or visit <a href="https://event.auctria.com/f156e88c-b3c2-4933-8e1e-b69c72f3f7e8/">https://auctria.events/12DaysOfChristmas</a> to participate in the holiday auction. Donors of more than $500 will be recognized with a plaque on our mobile donor recognition wall.

Online holiday gift auction will raise money for Crisis Intervention Center opening in Hays

&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

Each year at the free Ellis County Community Thanksgiving Feast, bags of free groceries are distributed to anyone who wants one. The food drive to collect the items for those bags will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dillons Grocery Store at 1902 Vine St.

The Rev. Ben Houchen, who is coordinating the food drive, said shoppers entering the store will be given lists of the items that will go into the bags. Last year 200 bags were prepared and distributed, Houchen said. This year, each bag will also contain suggested recipes that utilize those specific food items.

He said volunteers are still needed to help with the food drive. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the donated items into bags. That sorting process will take place at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., immediately following the food drive on Saturday. Houchen is the pastor at St. Michael’s. Volunteers may sign up be calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

This year’s Thanksgiving Feast, which is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St.

Community Thanksgiving Feast food drive is Saturday in Hays; volunteers needed

The Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is being hosted at the little Dillons, 515 W. 27th, Friday through Sunday. 

Lists of approved snacks for the children are available at the store and gift cards can be purchased to be used toward perishable items. 

Bins will be available for items to be dropped off at both doors.&nbsp;

Thanks for supporting the longest running child care center in Hays!

Hays Area Children's Center snack drive is Friday through Sunday

Today, Hays Post is accepting non-perishable food donations and cash from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. to benefit the St. Joseph's Food Bank in Hays.

We have the big, red radio station truck out front, 2300 Hall.

Simply drop your donation off in the back of the truck, and we'll deliver it to the St. Joseph's Food Bank at 1 p.m. this afternoon.

If you have a cash donation, please bring it into the radio station.

Hays Post sponsoring food drive for St. Joseph Food Pantry today

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 holiday season officially begins on The Bricks in Downtown Hays with the annual Holiday Open Houses, happening Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15.

Local retailers and restaurants will open their doors with festive décor, exclusive specials, and timeless holiday cheer as part of this year’s Christmas Magic on Main Street celebration. The event marks the start of a cherished shop-local tradition — inviting the community to stroll The Bricks, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and support the small businesses that keep Downtown Hays glowing all season long.

During the open houses, shoppers can purchase the new Downtown Holiday Coupon Book, available for $10 each, offering the potential to save over $1,000 at participating downtown businesses. Proceeds from each coupon book go directly toward the Downtown Dollar Giveaway prize fund, helping create even more excitement and rewards for those who shop local this holiday season.

The Downtown Dollar Giveaway runs throughout the season, giving shoppers a chance to win Downtown Dollars redeemable at dozens of participating businesses on The Bricks.

“These open houses are about more than sales,” said Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks. “They’re about tradition — the sparkle of lights and the joy of supporting local businesses that make Hays such a special place to celebrate the season.”

Holiday Open Houses are just the beginning of a full lineup of festive events as part of Christmas Magic on Main Street, including the Jubilee, Clydesdale rides, and the 25th annual FrostFest Parade.

For full details, participating retailers, and contest information, visit <a href="http://downtownhays.com">downtownhays.com</a>.

Enjoy holiday open houses Thursday through Saturday in downtown Hays

Cub Scout Sign Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center, 1105 Canterbury Dr., is Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Scouting America invites families to Cub Scout Sign-Up Night at the Hays Recreation Center on Thursday, Nov. 20. 

Cub Scouting is open to boys and girls in grades K–5&nbsp; and builds character, confidence, and community through hands on fun camping, Pinewood Derby®, outdoor skills, and STEM projects.

“Cub Scouting is where the adventure begins,” said Samuel Pyle, district executive for the Wheatland District. “It’s about learning by doing and growing together as a family and community.”

Drop in to meet leaders, learn about upcoming activities, and get your child started. 

For more info contact Samuel Pyle at samuel.pyle@scouting.org or 785-639-7681.

Cub Scout Sign Up Night is Nov. 20 in Hays

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for five counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Jeremy Weber, 47, of Topeka uploaded photographs of women and children he knew into a publicly available Artificial Intelligence platform. He then utilized AI to manipulate and merge their images into hundreds of depictions of child sexual abuse material (or CSAM). &nbsp;Weber also uploaded previously trafficked images of CSAM to the same platform. Weber morphed the original CSAM image with the face of the adult or minor female, creating a new image of CSAM.&nbsp;

The investigation identified approximately 32 women whose images were used to produce the new CSAM. &nbsp;In addition, Weber utilized the same AI program to produce adult pornographic images of 50-60 women without their consent. &nbsp;

The investigation into Weber began after an IT professional observed criminal activity on Weber’s computer and reported it to local law enforcement. &nbsp;A subsequent search warrant led to a search of Weber’s residence and the discovery of an encrypted hard drive containing a folder titled “AI Swap.” In the folder was a large number of files organized into folders named after women. Each of the named folders contained anywhere from a handful to hundreds of newly manufactured sexually explicit images of each individual.

“While it is still an emerging technology, I believe there can be many wonderful and beneficial aspects of artificial intelligence, but there is also a dark side. Unfortunately, child predators are using AI for twisted and perverse activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The fact that Jeremy Weber was able to create realistic looking images of child pornography using the faces of children and adults should remind us that we are all vulnerable to this type of violation. Although the images were ‘fake’, the harm he inflicted on the victims and the consequences were very real.”&nbsp;

Prison: Kan. man used Artificial Intelligence to make child porn

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a> Associated Press

The Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday it is lifting all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed at 40 major airports during the country’s longest government shutdown.

Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST, the agency said.

The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-airlines-faa-e39c423facec2b0dcc2544af48de0fa1">unprecedented order</a>&nbsp;to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country.

Impacted airports included large hubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The flight cuts started at 4% and later grew to 6% before the FAA on Friday rolled the restrictions back to 3%, citing continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing since the record 43-day shutdown ended.

The FAA statement said an FAA safety team recommended the order be rescinded after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”

The statement said the FAA “is aware of reports of non-compliance by carriers over the course of the emergency order. The agency is reviewing and assessing enforcement options.” It did not elaborate.

Cancellations hit their highest point Nov. 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights because of the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages and severe weather in parts of the country. But conditions began to improve throughout the week as more controllers returned to work amid news that Congress was close to a deal to end the shutdown. That progress also prompted the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases.

The agency had initially aimed for a 10% reduction in flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said worrisome safety data showed the move was necessary to ease pressure on the aviation system and help manage worsening staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities as the shutdown entered its second month and flight disruptions began to pile up.

Air traffic controllers were among the federal employees who had to continue working without pay throughout the shutdown. They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-impact-shutdown-snap-flights-trump-826406b1083b262cad78338bc99f103b">missed two paychecks</a>&nbsp;during the impasse.

Duffy hasn’t shared the specific safety data that prompted the cuts, but he cited reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/delta-planes-collision-new-york-laguardia-6ccff3aabeca787c31f1f6746ad771fd">runway incursions</a>&nbsp;and pilot concerns about controllers’ responses.

Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period after the FAA lifted its order.

Good news for travelers: FAA lifts order slashing flights

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.

Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024.&nbsp; On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo.&nbsp; An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.&nbsp; 

During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door.&nbsp; Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets.&nbsp; The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license.&nbsp; Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.&nbsp; 

Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara.&nbsp;Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.&nbsp; Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.&nbsp; 

Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills.&nbsp; Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp; In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.

Police found fentanyl, heroin and a firearm after KC area traffic stop

The United States is reporting another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat.

According to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command, on Nov. 15, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. 

Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific and was struck in international waters.

🎥US military reports another deadly strike on alleged drug-running boat 

KINGMAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident Sunday in Kingman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Camaro driven by Taylor R.&nbsp;Goldsmith, 32, Cheney, was eastbound on Southeast 20 Street three and one half miles west of Cheney.

The car traveled off the the roadway to the right, returned to the the road, traveled off the road to the left into the north ditch and rolled.

Goldsmith was p ronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Wulf-Ast Mortuary. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. The time the accident occurred is unknown and still under investigation.

Kansas man dies in car rollover accident

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his $300 million White House ballroom will be paid for “100% by me and some friends of mine.”

The White House released a list of 37 donors, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cryptocurrency">crypto</a>&nbsp;billionaires, charitable organizations, sports team owners, powerful financiers, tech and tobacco giants, media companies, longtime supporters of Republican causes and several of the president’s neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida.

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