By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A small coffee shop in western Kansas is quietly becoming a space where it's OK to ask for help.

Jerod Brown, a founder of The Well-Center for Hope, said it is not simply a coffee shop, but a nonprofit operating within one that connects people in WaKeeney with licensed professionals.

"We're a referral network of counselors and therapists, life coaches and pastors to help those who are struggling mentally and emotionally," Jerod said.

A central part of the model is a private meeting room for on-site counseling sessions and confidential conversations, while the coffee shop itself remains a welcoming space for connection.

The Well was founded by Jerod and LeAnn Brown and opened on Nov. 8, 2022. Jerod said the idea stemmed from LeAnn’s vision and her sensitivity to mental health needs in western Kansas, shaped by her own experiences.

In a concept paper written by Jerod, LeAnn shares a personal story about having suicidal thoughts in 2015.

"My wife was the one who was more sensitive to the need and struggle going on. [The Wells-Center for Hope] is really her baby. It's her dream, and it wouldn't be here if it weren't for her," Jerod said.

Another catalyst for The Well’s founding was seeing a young woman struggle to consistently access care before ultimately attempting suicide. Jerod said the experience showed how difficult the system can be to navigate.

Jerod emphasizes the focus of The Well is not just crisis or suicide prevention, but on making it easier to seek help, reducing stigma and offering hope before someone reaches a breaking point.

This includes knocking down financial barriers.

"We can almost take care of a full counseling session if they're in a really bad place financially, because our main thing is we want you to get this help," Jerod said.

Financial assistance is structured to protect client privacy. The Well can typically cover part of the cost, while larger requests may require board approval.

One member of the counseling network is Patrick McGinnis, owner of Breathe Coffee House in Hays. He works with young adults, couples, marriages and families using a range of behavioral therapy approaches.

"He's amazing and someone in whom I full confidence," Jerod said. "That's how I feel about all of our therapists. I fully trust all of them that they're not just gonna help you. They're gonna truly care about you."

Other counselors in the network have experience working with children and adults on issues including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Therapists connected to The Well are based in the Hays area and are mostly available by appointment. Some are on-site weekly, depending on availability, but as their caseload increases, clients often meet with them in Hays instead.

The Well serves freshly roasted coffee from Hideout Coffeehouse in Osborne, and its chai is made fresh at Breathe Coffee House.

The menu features drinks such as caramel macchiatos, chai lattes, iced mochas, Italian cream sodas and a variety of fruit smoothies.

Food is not offered due to limited space and a commitment to keeping the mission from being overshadowed by business operations.

The Well offers two monthly giving programs to help sustain its mission, primarily funding counseling services and keeping coffee prices affordable. You can make a one-time donation and learn more about the program benefits <a href="https://www.thewellks.com/giving+">here</a>.

Jerod gives thanks to the monthly donors, volunteers, the WaKeeney community and LeAnn.

"The Well wouldn't be here if it were not for her," he said. "I'm glad she stayed on it. She's a busy woman, but she stays involved. She's awesome."

Jerod and LeAnn both grew up in WaKeeney and have been married for 23 years. Jerod is a pastor at the WaKeeney Church of God, and LeAnn teaches remotely for a college in Oklahoma City.

Beginning March 4, The Well will host a Christian support group for individuals facing substance use disorders at noon every Wednesday at the Church of God, 1300 Easter Ave. It will be led by one of its therapists.

The Well is open from 6:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. You can follow the shop on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewellks">Facebook</a>.

More than coffee: The Well connects WaKeeney residents to mental health support

The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on Insurance Services Office ratings for the Ellis County Fire Department at its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.

The fire department conducted an assessment in 2025 that created property protection classifications for different areas of the county. Better scores increase the likelihood that property owners may qualify for lower insurance premiums.

Assessments are usually conducted about every five years. The previous one was completed between 2017 and 2018.

Fire departments usually have multiple ratings based on a property’s location. The most significant changes occurred in Catharine, Munjor and Schoenchen, where improvements were made after hydrants in those areas were formally recognized.

As a result of this change, the three communities saw improvements in their assessment ratings. It is worth noting not all insurance companies use these ratings directly to determine insurance premiums.

Residents in those communities are encouraged to speak with their insurance providers to determine whether they qualify for a lower premium.

Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers will also discuss with commissioners how his department's performance compares with other departments.

Other business • Ellis County road tour date selection • The Ellis County Recovery Court received about $25,200 in court funding. • Opioid funding request to send Ellis County Sheriff officers to the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association conference • Request to send Ellis County Health Department staff to attend the 2026 Governor's Public Health Conference • Cottonwood Extension District executive director will provide an update

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172026-730">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review ISO rating for fire department

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Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

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

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

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

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Hays Symphony will present its “Winter Classics” concert on at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

The evening will highlight the winners of the Hays Symphony 2025 Young Artist Competition, alongside a selection of orchestral works ranging from Viennese polkas to contemporary Latin American rhythms.

The concert serves as the annual showcase for the university’s top student musical talent.

This year, three soloists will perform with the orchestra: violinist Samantha Zimmerman, mezzo-soprano Alison Walker, and trumpeter Dawson McNeal.

“Working with these young artists is a highlight of our season,” said Benjamin Cline, music director of the Hays Symphony. “These students have demonstrated immense discipline and artistry to master such complex repertoire. To see them transition from the practice room to center stage with a full orchestra is a rewarding experience for both the ensemble and the audience.”

The program opens with Franz Schubert’s “Fierrabras Overture,” followed by the featured solo performances.

Zimmerman will perform the first movement of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, op. 22. Walker will present Gioachino Rossini’s “Anzoleta Avanti la Regata” from La Regata Veneziana. McNeal will conclude the soloist portion with Kevin McKee’s “Centennial Horizon.”

The second half of the program offers a lighter, energetic collection of orchestral favorites.

The symphony will perform three works by the Strauss family: “Pizzicato Polka,” “Tritsch-Tratsch Polka,” and the “Thunder and Lightning Polka.” The evening concludes with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Danse Nègre” and Arturo Marquez’s dynamic “La Conga del Fuego Nuevo.”

“The energy these young musicians bring to the stage is contagious,” said Joan Crull, president of the Hays Symphony Guild. “We are proud to support an event that celebrates the next generation of performers. It is a wonderful opportunity for the Hays community to witness the high caliber of talent being cultivated right here at the university.”

The concert is sponsored by the FHSU Tebo Library.

Following the performance, a reception will be held for the audience and musicians, sponsored by a donation from Janis and Lyn Lee, Hays.

The Hays Symphony acknowledges the support of its 2025-26 season sponsors: the Riley Family Foundation, the Robert E. Browning Foundation, and an anonymous Ellis County family. 

Free tickets are available online at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony to feature Young Artist Winners at free ‘Winter Classics’ concert

Kansas Department of Transportation

NORTON — A Kansas Department of Transportation project to replace the Highway U.S. 40 bridge over the North Fork Smoky Hill River in western Logan County is scheduled to begin the week of Feb. 16. The structure is located approximately 6.5 miles west of Winona.

Initial work will consist of constructing a shoofly to carry traffic around the work zone. Traffic impacts will be minimal, and a reduced speed limit will be in effect for the duration of the project.

The shoofly is scheduled to be completed in April.

 Following completion of the shoofly, the existing bridge will be closed, and traffic will shift to the shoofly lanes while the new bridge is constructed. 

KDOT expects the project to be completed in March 2027, conditions permitting.

Reece Construction, of Salina, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $3.8 million.

For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge replacement project to start on U.S. 40 in Logan County

<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

McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air Launches “Kindness Heats the Heart” Valentine’s Contest to Give Away Free Furnace!

This Valentine’s season, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is proving that kindness truly warms more than just homes.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this local, family-owned business is launching a special community contest called “Kindness Heats the Heart,” giving one deserving family a brand-new furnace and full installation—completely free.

Now through the end of February, residents within Ellis County and a 50-mile radius can visit HaysPost.com, Contest Page, to nominate a family in need. The selected recipient will receive a new furnace to help ensure their home stays warm during one of the most challenging times of the year.

Owners Mike McIntyre and Joslyn Brungardt have served the surrounding area for more than 25 years, building a reputation not only for quality service but for quiet generosity.

“Mike and Joslyn are the kind of people who give without asking for recognition,” said a Hays resident. “They’ve spent years supporting local families and organizations behind the scenes.”

This giveaway reflects the heart of their business and their deep connection to the community they serve.

“For many families, winter heating costs and unexpected furnace repairs can be overwhelming,” said Mike McIntyre. “We want to help relieve that burden for someone who truly needs it.”

As a proud Lennox partner, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is honored to provide not only reliable equipment but also peace of mind to a family facing hardship.

The “Kindness Heats the Heart” campaign celebrates more than just Valentine’s Day—it highlights the power of community, compassion, and local businesses stepping up when it matters most.

Residents are encouraged to nominate a deserving family by visiting HaysPost.com, Contest Page, now. Nominations will remain open through the end of February.

In a season centered on love, McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air is reminding the community that sometimes, the greatest gifts come in the form of warmth, care, and genuine kindness.

Nominate a deserving family to receive a brand new furnace, courtesy of McIntyre Plumbing Heating &amp; Air

Ellis freshman named to President's List at University of Southern Mississippi

WAKEENEY — Western Cooperative Electric is pleased to announce that&nbsp; Safety Manager Jay Scott has successfully completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Certified Loss Control Program, a nationally recognized professional development program focused on safety leadership and risk management within the electric cooperative industry.

The NRECA Certified Loss Control Program is an intensive and specialized training designed to equip safety professionals with advanced knowledge and tools to identify hazards, reduce risk, and strengthen workplace safety programs. The curriculum emphasizes loss prevention, regulatory compliance, employee safety training, and the development of proactive safety cultures tailored specifically to electric cooperatives.

Scott’s completion of this program reflects a strong commitment to safety excellence and continuous professional development. As Safety Manager, Scott plays a critical role in ensuring Western Cooperative Electric maintains high safety standards for employees, operations, and the communities it serves. 

The advanced training gained through this certification enhances Western’s ability to proactively manage risk, improve safety procedures, and reinforce a culture where safety remains a top priority.

“Safety is foundational to everything we do at Western,” said Nolan Numrich, CEO/general manager of Western Cooperative Electric. “Jay’s completion of the NRECA Certified Loss Control Program strengthens our commitment to protecting our employees and serving our members safely and responsibly. We are proud of his dedication and the expertise he brings back to our organization.”

Western Cooperative Electric places a strong emphasis on employee training and professional growth, recognizing that an investment in safety leadership, directly contributes to reliable service and operational excellence. 

The cooperative congratulates Jay Scott on this achievement and recognizes the long-term value this certification brings to the organization, its employees, and the members it serves.

Loss control certification earned by Western Cooperative Electric safety manager

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the economic benefits of tourism to Hays.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays: Economic impact of tourism on Hays

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

A friend texted me this morning to say he had nearly choked on his coffee when a woodpecker unexpectedly began hammering on the side of his house. 

Whether it’s fishing along a deserted stretch of riverbank, or attempting to sit motionless and silently under a tree or bush awaiting a spring gobbler, I’ve always noticed that there seems to be an apparent abundance of woodpeckers in the spring. 

I’m not complaining, mind you, as their staccato hammering is a nice percussion addition to nature’s spring symphony. It’s just that I seem to hear so many more of them in spring than any other time of the year. Well, I believe I’ve found the answer to my question, and here’s a little “Woodpecker 101” to boot.

Woodpeckers are found everywhere on the planet except Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar. The largest is the great slaty in southeast Asia that can grow to 20 inches long, and the smallest are only 3 to 4 inches long and belong to a group from South America called the piculets. 

 Woodpeckers mate for life, and after eggs are laid, both parents help with incubation. 

They are omnivores, meaning they eat most anything, and their diet includes insects and insect larvae, tree sap, seeds and nuts. Most woodpeckers have long tongues to reach deep into holes to extract insects and larvae. That tongue can be as long as four inches on certain species and when not in use it’s actually stored wrapped around the back of its head in a special sort of pouch between the skin and the skull. 

Woodpeckers are easy to spot in flight as they have a very different and distinct flight pattern. They flap their wings three times and then glide, then three more flaps, then glide, etc. until they reach their destination; this flight pattern never changes.

I’m sure we’ve all seen woodpeckers hanging vertically from the side of a tree as they dig for insects, and God has specifically designed them for all aspects of that job. 

The toes of their feet point both forward and backwards to hold them in place, and they have long stiffened tail feathers that prop them up like leaning against the back of a chair. 

Their beaks are long, slender and uniquely self-sharpening, and the machine-gun-like sound we hear them making as they drill for insects and grubs is known as “drumming.” Woodpeckers’ brains are&nbsp;protected by special air pockets in their skulls that cushion each blow as they drum, which can be 20 times per second and amount to more than 10, 000 times each day.

I’ve always thought that woodpeckers hammered away on trees and poles solely to search for insects and larvae, but I’ve learned that’s only part of the story. 

Both male and female woodpeckers drum, and besides digging for food, they drum to excavate den holes in dead trees, which they do anew each year, and since woodpeckers do not have vocal songs, they drum to communicate, and to establish territories and attract mates if they don’t have one. So, it all fits that I would hear them more often now in early spring as they prepare new nests, establish their territories and communicate to prospective mates.

Ya’ know, the Kansas outdoors is one huge classroom, and it’s great when I also learn something from what I write. And by the way, this year the most famous woodpecker of all times, Woody, turns 85 years old; that’s a lot of drummin’! 

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

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Woodpeckers: Nature’s little drummers

&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

Ana's Gift is collecting new stuffed animals for children who have experienced trauma.

At 16, Ana Hertel embarked on a mission to bring comfort to children experiencing trauma by collecting stuffed animals.

Although Ana died shortly after starting the project, her parents, Lori and Stan Hertel, have continued her mission.

The stuffed animals must be new with tags.

They can be dropped off at Eagle Radio, 2300 Hall; Jeter Law Firm, 1200 Main St #101; Golden Plains Credit Union, 2720 Broadway Ave.; and First Kansas Bank,&nbsp;1200 E. 27th St.

Stuffed animal donations sought for Ann's Gift

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a public hearing for proposed&nbsp;Unified Development Code changes to reduce sideyard setbacks for&nbsp;carports.&nbsp;Under current regulations, carports must meet accessory structure side and rear setbacks of five feet.

Commissioners will also conduct the annual comprehensive plan review.

The complete agenda is available<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02162026-1595"> here</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Area Planning Commission to conduct public hearing on setbacks for carports

Northcentral and Northwest Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an online agronomy series, “Crop Talk”,&nbsp; which will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Tuesdays through March 10, and each session will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.

In the northcentral and northwest agronomy-focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.

Planned topics of discussion include Available Soil Water at Planting and Related Management; Wheat conditions and Breeding efforts on Mosaic Viruses; Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum, and Insects to watch for in the Field.

There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions.

Register online by searching for “<a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">KSU Crop Talk webinars</a>” or call your local Extension Office. Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

CCA credits have been applied for with 1 credit for each session.

KSU Crop Talk webinar series returns for producers

Western Plains Arts Association COLBY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Western Plains Arts Association’s January 25th show was postponed because of weather and is now rescheduled for&nbsp;Sunday, February 22.

Jeff Davidson will have his public performance at the Quinter High School Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. Davidson is bringing the history of the Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories and pictures. Admission will be by WPAA season ticket or at the door.

There will be a school presentation in the Quinter High School Auditorium on Monday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. and then another at noon at the Oakley High School Auditorium for Oakley Elementary. School performances are free to all who attend.

Thanks again to our area sponsors, especially the Gove County Community Foundation and the Dane G Hansen Foundation. Additionally, it is sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

RESCHEDULED: Jeff Davidson brings Santa Fe Trail history to life through song, stories, pictures

FHSU University Communications

A free virtual online open house will be hosted by Fort Hays State University on Tuesday,&nbsp;March 10, 4:30-6 p.m. CDT for area families and adult learners.&nbsp;

The event is open to&nbsp;any prospective student, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Parents with&nbsp;college-bound students&nbsp;who want to learn more about admissions, financial aid, and next steps. • Working adults or parents considering returning to school or upskilling. • • Community members exploring flexible online degree options

This is a&nbsp;virtual, drop-in event, allowing participants to join at their convenience. Attendees can:&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Connect directly with faculty and university staff. • Get help with&nbsp;applications and FAFSA. • Learn about&nbsp;scholarship opportunities and prize drawings&nbsp;available to participants

Check out the event website to learn more:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/">https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/</a>.

Free FHSU Online Open House for Hays area families, adult learners

HaysMed will host the Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat on Saturday, March 28, 2026, offering a compassionate, supportive one-day program for children coping with the loss of a loved one. The retreat will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive in Hays.

The Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat provides a safe and confidential environment where children can learn healthy ways to understand and navigate grief. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, guided discussions, and meaningful projects designed specifically for their emotional and developmental needs.

“HaysMed is committed to caring for the whole person, and that includes supporting families and children through difficult emotional experiences,” said Sarah Dreiling, HaysMed director of clinical care. “Programs like the Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat help ensure that no child has to navigate grief alone.”

Throughout the day, trained volunteers will guide children through activities that honor the memory of their loved one, encourage healthy expression, and foster connection with peers who have gone through similar experiences. Each participant will be paired with a dedicated adult buddy for support and encouragement.

Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost for children to attend.

Participation is free, but registration is required and limited to the first 20 children. Forms must be submitted by March 1, 2026. Families interested in registering may contact the HaysMed Hospice Department, which can provide all registration details by phone or mail an application upon request.

For more information or to register, contact: Phone: 785-623-6200 Email: mjordan1@haysmed.com

HaysMed hosts Healing Kids’ Heart Retreat March 28 for children experiencing grief

Rose Garden to host Valentine's Day Buffet on Saturday

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services&nbsp;

The Ellis County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence at Fort Hays State University invite the community to attend Surviving the I-70 Rapist: A Story of Strength and Healing on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Beach Schmidt Auditorium on the FHSU campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The evening’s main speaker, Stacie Edgett-Minson, is a survivor of the serial sexual assaults committed by the individual known as the I-70 Rapist. In a powerful and rare public presentation, Edgett-Minson will share her journey of survival and healing, including how her faith, alongside the support of dedicated investigators and prosecutors, helped her reclaim a sense of strength and hope after trauma.

“Choosing to share such a deeply personal experience takes tremendous courage,” said Anniston Weber, community engagement and sexual violence response coordinator at Options. “Stacie’s story is not only one of survival, but of resilience and perseverance. Hearing directly from her reminds our community why believing and supporting survivors matters.”

Edgett-Minson will be joined by Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, and former Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent Mark Kendrick, both of whom were directly involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Their participation offers insight into how collaborative, survivor-centered responses can lead to accountability and justice.

Following the presentation, a panel of local professionals will be available to answer questions about sexual assault response and survivor services in Ellis County. Panelists will include representatives from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays Medical Center, the Hays Police Department, and the Ellis County Attorney’s Office.

“This event is an opportunity for our community to learn, reflect, and strengthen local response efforts,” said Jennifer Hecker, executive director at Options. “By bringing together survivors, advocates, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, we reinforce that healing looks different for everyone, and that survivors deserve support at every step.”

Content Notice: This event includes discussion of sexual violence and may be emotionally difficult for some attendees. Support resources will be available during and after the presentation, and community members are encouraged to care for their well-being when choosing to attend.

Organizers emphasize that the event is grounded in hope, healing, and community responsibility, and encourage anyone interested in understanding survivor experiences and local resources to attend.

For more information, please contact Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at 785-625-4202.

Surviving the I-70 Rapist: Options to host speakers April 6

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise Sunday in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-shutdown-ice-funding-7bf62bc50ca0a6a6013a714bee2ffdb4">a pause in funding</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-homeland-security">Department of Homeland Security</a>.

A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump's team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-funding-shutdown-democrats-trump-4e9c4cebd45396e77f8333fd6cc31944">failed to reach a deal</a>&nbsp;on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-shutdown-tsa-travel-airports-delays-ff8b225c6ff8d57172fd301a550057b3">impasse affects</a>&nbsp;agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The work at ICE and CBP goes on unabated because Trump’s tax and spending cut law from 2025 provided billions more to those agencies that can be tapped for deportation operations. About 90% of DHS employees were to continue working during the shutdown, but do so without pay — and missed paychecks could mean financial hardships. Last year there was a record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">43-day government shutdown</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-metro-surge-ice-523d18d5d75c81cbf9f24c602f1884ff">White House border czar Tom Homan</a>&nbsp;said the administration was unwilling to agree to Democrats' demands that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations and display unique ID numbers.

“I don’t like the masks, either,” Homan said, But, he said, “These men and women have to protect themselves."

Democrats also want to require immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandate judicial warrants for arrests on private property.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats are only asking for federal agents to abide by rules followed by law enforcement agencies around the country.

“And the question that Americans are asking is, ‘Why aren’t Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?’” Schumer said. "They’re not crazy. They’re not way out. They’re what every police department in America does.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said he could back Democrats calls to equip immigration officers with body cameras and would support efforts to bolster training. But he balked at their demands that federal officers remove masks and clearly identify themselves, noting some officers taking part in immigration enforcement operations have faced doxing and other harassment.

“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?” Mullins said. "What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”

Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, a Trump ally who had pushed for a two-week extension of DHS funding while negotiations continued, said it was "shortsighted of Democrats to walk away" from talks.

Trump made enforcement of the nation's immigration laws a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign for the White House and he promised to be aggressive in detaining and deporting people living in the United States without legal permission.

DHS reports it has deported more than 675,000 migrants since Trump's return to office last year and claims some 2.2 million others have “self-deported” as the Republican president has made his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;a priority.

“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement," Britt said.

Homan was on CBS' “Face the Nation,” Schumer and Mullin appeared on CNN's “State of the Union” and Britt was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”

No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown 

BOSTON (AP) — More than a decade before he became the country's first president, George Washington was leading a critical campaign in the early days of the American Revolution. The Siege of Boston was his first campaign as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and, in many ways, set the stage for his military and political successes — celebrated on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/presidents-day-history-george-washington-birthday-f9cdcb41b3128c63af0ffdf5066e10b9">Presidents Day</a>.

Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, militias had pinned down the British in Boston in April 1775. The Continental Congress, recognizing the need for a more organized military effort, selected Washington to lead the newly formed army.

On this day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-declaration-of-independence-democracy-d49050f62425ed6ddecc5dfb42ba8a20">250 years ago</a>, Washington would have been nearing the end of an almost yearlong siege that bottled up as many as 11,000 British troops and hundreds more loyalists. The British were occupying Boston at the time, and the goal of the siege was to force them out.

A critical decision made by Washington was sending Henry Knox, a young bookseller, to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to retrieve dozens of cannons. The cannons, transported hundreds of miles in the dead of winter, were eventually used to fire on British positions. That contributed to the decision by the British, facing dwindling supplies, to abandon the city by boat on March 17, 1776.

Historians argue that the British abandoning their positions, celebrated in Boston as Evacuation Day, rid the city of loyalists at a critical time, denied the British access to an important port and gave patriots a huge morale boost.

“The success of the Siege of Boston gave new life and momentum to the Revolution,” Chris Beagan, the site manager at Longfellow House in Cambridge, a National Historic Site that served as Washington's headquarters during the American Revolution. “Had it failed, royal control of New England would have continued, and the Continental Army likely would have dissolved."

The siege was also a critical test for Washington. A surveyor and farmer, Washington had been out of the military for nearly 20 years after commanding troops for the British during the French and Indian War. His successful campaign ensured Washington remained the commander-in-chief for the remainder of the revolution.

Doug Bradburn, president of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, said Washington took the first steps to creating a geographically diverse army that included militiamen from Massachusetts to Virginia and, by the end of the war, a fighting force with significant Black and Native American representation. It was the most integrated military until President Harry S. Truman’s desegregated the armed forces in 1948, he said.

Washington, a slave owner who depended on hundreds of slaves on his Mount Vernon estate, was initially opposed to admitting formerly enslaved and free Black soldiers into the army. But short of men, Washington came to realize “there are free Blacks who want to enlist and he needs them to keep the British from breaking out” during the siege, Bradburn said.

Ridding Boston of the British also turned Washington into one of the country's most popular political figures.

“He comes to embody the cause in a time before you have a nation, before you have a Declaration of Independence, before you’re really sure what is the goal of this struggle,” Bradburn said. “He becomes the face of the revolutionary movement.”

Commanding the military for more than eight years also prepared Washington for the presidency, Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Frick-atkinson-book-deal-pulitzer-crown-b808b83109be45bf1c97af55ebcad830&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMCasey%40ap.org%7C549bdcc2d044437e269208de6755641d%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639061813625339374%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mJ4SU1Q8H%2B4OyYiF%2FjRlRGunbsH%2FnWpIVbJFmwfhSBM%3D&amp;reserved=0">Rick Atkinson</a>&nbsp;said. “Perhaps most important, it gave him a sense that Americans could and should be a single people, rather than denizens of thirteen different entities.”

His rise to prominence also led to plenty of myths about Washington, many which persist to this day.

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