By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will conduct budget and revenue-neutral rate hearings at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The district will exceed its revenue-neutral rate.&nbsp;The USD 489's portion of the county valuation increased by about 1.4%.

The district is proposing a .447 mill increase in the tax levy for the supplemental general fund for the 2026 fiscal year.

Taxes on a home valued at $239,000 will increase by about $36 per year, based on the district's mill levy and the increased assessed valuation, according to the school district.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 proposes mill levy increase, sees special ed costs rise</a>

The board is also set to further discuss naming rights for school facilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a90fb672-f7e5-4826-b5f3-1decd214e83c">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 pauses Hays High football field naming rights donation discussion</a>

The school board put on hold a donation from Golden Belt Bank for the naming rights of the new Hays High football field.

The bank has offered a $200,000 donation for the naming rights. That offer expires Sept. 15.

Although some board members favored accepting the donation for the naming rights, other board members, including Board President Curt Vajnar, wanted the decision delayed.

The board will also consider a bid of $69,328 from KCAV for 55 presentation display panels for Hays Middle School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608234493687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will conduct budget and revenue-neutral rate hearings at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.The hearings are open to the public.The district will exceed its revenue-neutral rate.&nbsp;The USD 489's portion of the county valuation increased by about 1.4%.The district is proposing a .447 mill increase in the tax levy for the supplemental general fund for the 2026 fiscal year.Taxes on a home valued at $239,000 will increase by about $36 per year, based on the district's mill levy and the increased assessed valuation, according to the school district.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ddb7029-9e09-4f6a-8c1f-c0c5f03f27ed">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 proposes mill levy increase, sees special ed costs rise</a>Naming rightsThe board is also set to further discuss naming rights for school facilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a90fb672-f7e5-4826-b5f3-1decd214e83c">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD 489 pauses Hays High football field naming rights donation discussion</a>The school board put on hold a donation from Golden Belt Bank for the naming rights of the new Hays High football field.The bank has offered a $200,000 donation for the naming rights. That offer expires Sept. 15.Although some board members favored accepting the donation for the naming rights, other board members, including Board President Curt Vajnar, wanted the decision delayed.The board will also consider a bid of $69,328 from KCAV for 55 presentation display panels for Hays Middle School.

USD 489 school board to consider budget; Hays High field naming

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Giant wild animals filled the sky during the Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show on Saturday and Sunday.

The event was at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, organized by the Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and the Hays Recreation Commission.

Great American Kites &amp; Events of Missouri provided the kites of all shapes and sizes, accompanied by food trucks and family activities spread throughout the sports complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757271914090.jpeg" alt="Massive kites, provided by&nbsp;Great American Kites &amp; Events of Missouri, during the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Massive kites, provided by&nbsp;Great American Kites &amp; Events of Missouri, during the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostGiant wild animals filled the sky during the Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show on Saturday and Sunday.The event was at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, organized by the Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and the Hays Recreation Commission.Great American Kites &amp; Events of Missouri provided the kites of all shapes and sizes, accompanied by food trucks and family activities spread throughout the sports complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272085593.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272053724.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272140103.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272098373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272120487.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272356869.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272209836.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272235985.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272682551.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272286685.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272309769.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272326586.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272415569.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272434419.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272495884.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272466017.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272594217.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272524966.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272568135.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757272644699.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Colorful kites soar over Hays at Prairie Winds Show

Stroup Hall at Fort Hays State University is expanding as the allied health program moves in with the nursing program.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Crista Beiker, chair of allied health department, and Jenny Manry, nursing department chair, along with president Tisa Mason about of the growth of the two departments.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Expansion of Stroup Hall at Fort Hays State University" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=5mxvf-1954898-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Stroup Hall at Fort Hays State University is expanding as the allied health program moves in with the nursing program.&nbsp;On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Crista Beiker, chair of allied health department, and Jenny Manry, nursing department chair, along with president Tisa Mason about of the growth of the two departments.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Expansion of Stroup Hall at Fort Hays State University

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday amplified his promises to send National Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">troops and immigration agents</a>&nbsp;to Chicago by posting a parody image from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the nation’s third-largest city.

“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

The president offered no details beyond the label “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of Francis Ford Coppola’s dystopian 1979 film set in the Vietnam war, in which a character says: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

In response to the post, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, called Trump a “wannabe dictator.”

Trump on Friday signed an executive order seeking to rename the Defense Department the Department of War, after months of campaigning to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. The renaming requires congressional approval.

The illustration in Trump’s post shows him against a backdrop of the Chicago skyline, wearing a hat matching that of the movie’s war-loving and amoral Lt. Col. Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall.

Trump’s weekend post follows his repeated threats to add Chicago to the list of other Democratic-led cities he’s targeted for expanded federal enforcement. His administration is set to step up immigration enforcement in Chicago, as it did in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bovino-border-patrol-immigration-los-angeles-chicago-03b908a84106fae80a80b2837625eef7">Los Angeles</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">deploy National Guard troops</a>.

In addition to sending troops to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June, Trump has deployed them since last month in Washington, as part of his unprecedented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-dc-national-guard-democrats-politics-03e3f73a6d0eacd9754618e555349b27">law enforcement takeover</a>&nbsp;of the nation’s capital.

He’s also suggested that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">Baltimore</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-guard-new-orleans-chicago-baltimore-c9df92974b9fbb2f3be0bb015a512eff">New Orleans</a>&nbsp;could get the same treatment, and on Friday even mentioned federal authorities possibly heading for Portland, Oregon, to “wipe ’em out,” meaning protesters. He could have been mistakenly describing video from demonstrations in that city years ago.

Details about Trump’s promised Chicago operation have been sparse, but there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-trump-national-guard-crime-illinois-ef8f6e337e0a120634a350db84d60f46">already widespread opposition</a>. City and state leaders have said they plan to sue the Trump administration. Pritzker, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, is also fiercely opposed to it.

The president “is threatening to go to war with an American city,” Pritzker wrote on X over an image of Trump’s post. “This is not a joke. This is not normal.”

He added: “Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”

Trump has suggested that he has nearly limitless powers when it comes to deploying the National Guard. At times he’s even touched on questions about his being a dictator.

“Most people are saying, ‘If you call him a dictator, if he stops crime, he can be whatever he wants’ — I am not a dictator, by the way,” Trump said last month. He added, “Not that I don’t have — I would — the right to do anything I want to do.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday amplified his promises to send National Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">troops and immigration agents</a>&nbsp;to Chicago by posting a parody image from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the nation’s third-largest city.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚁🚁🚁 <a href="https://t.co/6LSUCBcDQK">pic.twitter.com/6LSUCBcDQK</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1964359754458833028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”The president offered no details beyond the label “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of Francis Ford Coppola’s dystopian 1979 film set in the Vietnam war, in which a character says: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”In response to the post, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, called Trump a “wannabe dictator.”Trump on Friday signed an executive order seeking to rename the Defense Department the Department of War, after months of campaigning to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. The renaming requires congressional approval.The illustration in Trump’s post shows him against a backdrop of the Chicago skyline, wearing a hat matching that of the movie’s war-loving and amoral Lt. Col. Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall.Trump’s weekend post follows his repeated threats to add Chicago to the list of other Democratic-led cities he’s targeted for expanded federal enforcement. His administration is set to step up immigration enforcement in Chicago, as it did in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bovino-border-patrol-immigration-los-angeles-chicago-03b908a84106fae80a80b2837625eef7">Los Angeles</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">deploy National Guard troops</a>.In addition to sending troops to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June, Trump has deployed them since last month in Washington, as part of his unprecedented&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-dc-national-guard-democrats-politics-03e3f73a6d0eacd9754618e555349b27">law enforcement takeover</a>&nbsp;of the nation’s capital.He’s also suggested that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-baltimore-law-enforcement-6d7c80258f17c3d679358467531f7e9d">Baltimore</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-guard-new-orleans-chicago-baltimore-c9df92974b9fbb2f3be0bb015a512eff">New Orleans</a>&nbsp;could get the same treatment, and on Friday even mentioned federal authorities possibly heading for Portland, Oregon, to “wipe ’em out,” meaning protesters. He could have been mistakenly describing video from demonstrations in that city years ago.Details about Trump’s promised Chicago operation have been sparse, but there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-trump-national-guard-crime-illinois-ef8f6e337e0a120634a350db84d60f46">already widespread opposition</a>. City and state leaders have said they plan to sue the Trump administration. Pritzker, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, is also fiercely opposed to it.The president “is threatening to go to war with an American city,” Pritzker wrote on X over an image of Trump’s post. “This is not a joke. This is not normal.”He added: “Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”Trump has suggested that he has nearly limitless powers when it comes to deploying the National Guard. At times he’s even touched on questions about his being a dictator.“Most people are saying, ‘If you call him a dictator, if he stops crime, he can be whatever he wants’ — I am not a dictator, by the way,” Trump said last month. He added, “Not that I don’t have — I would — the right to do anything I want to do.”

Trump threatens Chicago with 'Apocalypse Now' action

Fort Hays State University paid tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

The memorial stair climb began Saturday at 7:46 a.m. at Lewis Field Stadium, one hour before the first plane struck the North Tower in 2001. The opening consisted of the national anthem and a moment of silence.

Participants chose to run or walk the stadium steps or complete laps around the Lewis Field turf.

Dozens of first responders, including firefighters in full gear, honored 9/11 heroes by replicating the efforts of those who climbed the World Trade Center.

20-year-old Jose Amaya, a paid-on-call firefighter with the Ellis County Fire Department, said that although he was not born before 2001, he stayed motivated by imagining himself in the shoes of those who attempted the climb.

"We don't exactly see what those first responders did on 9/11, but we kind of get a feeling of what they had to suffer through to get up to the top of the World Trade Center," Amaya said.

18-year-old Kamdem Keller, a county firefighter, said he drew motivation from remembering the first responders who ran toward danger.

"When you're out here with this gear on and you're doing it, you realize these guys were making a push that not very many people could make," Keller said.

Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.

After the climb, Amaya said he hopes the public recognizes firefighters’ dedication to serving the community.

"I'm glad I joined the fire department. They feel like a second family to me," he said.

Keller said he hopes the public will continue to support all first responders, including fire, law enforcement and EMT.

"Support your first responders, no matter what agency they are," Keller said. "These are tough jobs. You see some really challenging things, but if you're there to support them, it helps them give a deeper push in their day-to-day life."

As participants completed their laps, footage and audio from the New York attacks were displayed on the big screen at Lewis Field Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757188909962.jpeg" alt="A firefighter climbing down the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter climbing down the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University paid tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.The memorial stair climb began Saturday at 7:46 a.m. at Lewis Field Stadium, one hour before the first plane struck the North Tower in 2001. The opening consisted of the national anthem and a moment of silence.Participants chose to run or walk the stadium steps or complete laps around the Lewis Field turf.Dozens of first responders, including firefighters in full gear, honored 9/11 heroes by replicating the efforts of those who climbed the World Trade Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757188991995.jpeg" alt="Participants and first responders during a moment of silence at the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Participants and first responders during a moment of silence at the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189029943.jpeg" alt="Firefighters climbing down the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters climbing down the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189076414.jpeg" alt="Firefighters and a participant climbing down the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters and a participant climbing down the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189140215.jpeg" alt="Firefighters climbing up the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters climbing up the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers for the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189114128.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University athletes participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University athletes participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189204760.jpeg" alt="Jose Amaya with the Ellis County Fire Department resting during the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jose Amaya with the Ellis County Fire Department resting during the Fort Hays State University 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>20-year-old Jose Amaya, a paid-on-call firefighter with the Ellis County Fire Department, said that although he was not born before 2001, he stayed motivated by imagining himself in the shoes of those who attempted the climb."We don't exactly see what those first responders did on 9/11, but we kind of get a feeling of what they had to suffer through to get up to the top of the World Trade Center," Amaya said.18-year-old Kamdem Keller, a county firefighter, said he drew motivation from remembering the first responders who ran toward danger."When you're out here with this gear on and you're doing it, you realize these guys were making a push that not very many people could make," Keller said.Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189251032.jpeg" alt="A firefighter and his gear at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter and his gear at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189289828.jpeg" alt="Firefighters resting at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. A picture of fallen New York Fire Department Lieutenant Paul Martini is taped to the back of a firefighter's gear. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters resting at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. A picture of fallen New York Fire Department Lieutenant Paul Martini is taped to the back of a firefighter's gear. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189461695.jpeg" alt="Firefighters at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189305329.jpeg" alt="A firefighter with an axe&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter with an axe&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189407913.jpeg" alt="A young boy with firefighter gear&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A young boy with firefighter gear&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189169097.jpeg" alt="A tired firefighter&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A tired firefighter&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>After the climb, Amaya said he hopes the public recognizes firefighters’ dedication to serving the community."I'm glad I joined the fire department. They feel like a second family to me," he said.Keller said he hopes the public will continue to support all first responders, including fire, law enforcement and EMT."Support your first responders, no matter what agency they are," Keller said. "These are tough jobs. You see some really challenging things, but if you're there to support them, it helps them give a deeper push in their day-to-day life."As participants completed their laps, footage and audio from the New York attacks were displayed on the big screen at Lewis Field Stadium.Breakfast was served after the climb.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189528412.jpeg" alt="A firefighter&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189693574.jpeg" alt="A timeline of events from Sept. 11, 2001, next to participants of the memorial stair climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>A timeline of events from Sept. 11, 2001, next to participants of the memorial stair climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189352096.jpeg" alt="Firefighters sitting next to a boy at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters sitting next to a boy at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189567194.jpeg" alt="Firefighters&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189751905.jpeg" alt="Hays Police Officers holding the Kansas and United States flag during a moment of silence&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays Police Officers holding the Kansas and United States flag during a moment of silence&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757189714839.jpeg" alt="Firefighters&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters&nbsp;at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 Young firefighters pay tribute to 9/11 victims; FHSU Memorial Stair Climb

WICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team opened the 2025 season with a third-place finish at the JK Gold Classic on Saturday. The Tigers collected 93 team points between the top five finishers, just four points behind Washburn who finished second in the 14-team field.

Christian Darrah was the top non-DI runner, placing third out of the 156 finishers. The senior clocked a time of 18:52.1, finishing within 11 seconds of first place. Freshman Austin Ritsema made his collegiate debut with an 18th-place finish, traversing the six-kilometer course in 19:29.7. He was followed closely by Noah Morenz who finished 19th with a time of 19:31.5.

Cole Krug also cleared the 20-minute mark after crossing the line in 19:56.8, placing 35th. Ian Weich rounded out the top five with a 39th-place finish after posting a time of 20:07.7.

Wichita State secured the team title with 20 points, placing six runners in the top 11 including individual champ Elkana Kipruto who won with a time of 18:41.5.

The Tigers will make the drive down I-135 again next Saturday (Sept. 13) when they travel to North Newton, Kan. for Bethel College's Muthama-Rogers Invitational.

3rd - Fort Hays State - 93 points 3rd - Christian Darrah - 18:52.1 18th - Austin Ritsema - 19:29.6 19th - Noah Morenz - 19:31.5 35th - Cole Krug - 19:56.8 39th - Ian Weich - 20:07.7 54th - Elijah McCullough - 20:34.0 57th - Emery Wolfe - 20:37.2 68th - Chayse McCullough - 20:47.7 69th - Hayden Nemechek - 20:49.1 73rd - Kamryn Golub - 21:00.0 87th - Kaiden Esfeld - 21:16.0 92nd - Quade Smith - 21:22.3 97th - Andrew Waller - 21:38.1

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757215987996.png" alt="FHSU's Christian Darrah was the top non-DI runner at the JK Gold Classic hosted by Wichita State on Saturday, September 6, 2025. (FHSU Athletics photo/Daniel Little" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Christian Darrah was the top non-DI runner at the JK Gold Classic hosted by Wichita State on Saturday, September 6, 2025. (FHSU Athletics photo/Daniel Little</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's cross country team opened the 2025 season with a third-place finish at the JK Gold Classic on Saturday. The Tigers collected 93 team points between the top five finishers, just four points behind Washburn who finished second in the 14-team field.Christian Darrah was the top non-DI runner, placing third out of the 156 finishers. The senior clocked a time of 18:52.1, finishing within 11 seconds of first place. Freshman Austin Ritsema made his collegiate debut with an 18th-place finish, traversing the six-kilometer course in 19:29.7. He was followed closely by Noah Morenz who finished 19th with a time of 19:31.5.Cole Krug also cleared the 20-minute mark after crossing the line in 19:56.8, placing 35th. Ian Weich rounded out the top five with a 39th-place finish after posting a time of 20:07.7.Wichita State secured the team title with 20 points, placing six runners in the top 11 including individual champ Elkana Kipruto who won with a time of 18:41.5.The Tigers will make the drive down I-135 again next Saturday (Sept. 13) when they travel to North Newton, Kan. for Bethel College's Muthama-Rogers Invitational.3rd - Fort Hays State - 93 points 3rd - Christian Darrah - 18:52.1 18th - Austin Ritsema - 19:29.6 19th - Noah Morenz - 19:31.5 35th - Cole Krug - 19:56.8 39th - Ian Weich - 20:07.7 54th - Elijah McCullough - 20:34.0 57th - Emery Wolfe - 20:37.2 68th - Chayse McCullough - 20:47.7 69th - Hayden Nemechek - 20:49.1 73rd - Kamryn Golub - 21:00.0 87th - Kaiden Esfeld - 21:16.0 92nd - Quade Smith - 21:22.3 97th - Andrew Waller - 21:38.1

👟 Tiger men third in Wichita

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

HILL CITY - For the first time in a decade, Trego walked away victorious against Hill City.&nbsp;

The Golden Eagles snapped an 11 game losing streak to the Ringnecks with a 30-20 win on Friday night at Ringneck Stadium, giving their senior class its first-ever win over Hill City and moving to 1-0 on the season.

Trego opened the game strong after forcing a three and out, marching 39 yards in four and a half minutes and finishing with a 4 yard touchdown run by Jack Conness. The two-point conversion made it 8-0. Hill City responded with a long drive that ended on downs, but answered in the second quarter with quarterback Tate Balthazor's 2 yard scoring run to tie the game at 8.

The second quarter featured 30 combined points and several momentum swings. Trego's Westyn Windholz picked off Balthazor and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown to put the Golden Eagles ahead 16-8. Moments later, a Hill City fumble by Vincent Zohner set up a 50 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ashton Wynn to Conness, extending the lead to 24-8.

Hill City struck back quickly, as Balthazor connected with Jaxson Smith for a 61 yard touchdown two plays later to close the gap to 24-14 at halftime.

The third quarter stalled with penalties, especially on Hill City, which had two big plays called back while Trego maintained its 10-point advantage.

Conness scored his third touchdown of the night on the first play of the fourth quarter, an 8 yard run that stretched the lead to 30-14. Balthazor answered midway through the quarter with a 5 yard touchdown scramble, but his two point conversion pass was intercepted in the end zone, leaving the Ringnecks down 30-20.

Hill City's defense forced a punt on Trego's next possession, but the Golden Eagles returned the favor, stopping Hill City on downs with under five minutes left. Wynn sealed the game with a third down scramble inside the Hill City 20, allowing Trego to kneel out the win.

Conness finished with 42 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, plus a 50 yard receiving touchdown. Wynn threw for 90 yards and a score on 6 of 9 passing while rushing for 47 yards.

Balthazor led Hill City (0-1) with 150 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception, while adding 54 yards and two scores on the ground. Smith caught two passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.

The win was a measure of revenge for Trego, which saw its 2024 season end at the hands of Hill City in a 34-28 week 9 loss.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsHILL CITY - For the first time in a decade, Trego walked away victorious against Hill City.&nbsp;The Golden Eagles snapped an 11 game losing streak to the Ringnecks with a 30-20 win on Friday night at Ringneck Stadium, giving their senior class its first-ever win over Hill City and moving to 1-0 on the season.Trego opened the game strong after forcing a three and out, marching 39 yards in four and a half minutes and finishing with a 4 yard touchdown run by Jack Conness. The two-point conversion made it 8-0. Hill City responded with a long drive that ended on downs, but answered in the second quarter with quarterback Tate Balthazor's 2 yard scoring run to tie the game at 8.The second quarter featured 30 combined points and several momentum swings. Trego's Westyn Windholz picked off Balthazor and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown to put the Golden Eagles ahead 16-8. Moments later, a Hill City fumble by Vincent Zohner set up a 50 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ashton Wynn to Conness, extending the lead to 24-8.Hill City struck back quickly, as Balthazor connected with Jaxson Smith for a 61 yard touchdown two plays later to close the gap to 24-14 at halftime.The third quarter stalled with penalties, especially on Hill City, which had two big plays called back while Trego maintained its 10-point advantage.Conness scored his third touchdown of the night on the first play of the fourth quarter, an 8 yard run that stretched the lead to 30-14. Balthazor answered midway through the quarter with a 5 yard touchdown scramble, but his two point conversion pass was intercepted in the end zone, leaving the Ringnecks down 30-20.Hill City's defense forced a punt on Trego's next possession, but the Golden Eagles returned the favor, stopping Hill City on downs with under five minutes left. Wynn sealed the game with a third down scramble inside the Hill City 20, allowing Trego to kneel out the win.Conness finished with 42 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, plus a 50 yard receiving touchdown. Wynn threw for 90 yards and a score on 6 of 9 passing while rushing for 47 yards.Balthazor led Hill City (0-1) with 150 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception, while adding 54 yards and two scores on the ground. Smith caught two passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.The win was a measure of revenge for Trego, which saw its 2024 season end at the hands of Hill City in a 34-28 week 9 loss.

🏈 Trego ends long skid against Hill City

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson about progress on the bond projects during the summer on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast USD 489 Update" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=bqh4d-19548b3-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson about progress on the bond projects during the summer on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: USD 489 summer bond projects update

The Western Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, of which Hays is a part, had almost $34,000 in payments withheld because of an overpayment in Medicaid funds.

The issue affected 153 of the state's school districts. The total owed by all of the districts was more than $11 million, with the Wichita school district owing $3 million.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b64d3ce7-d2bf-4101-bb82-184fc359928a">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas school district repay Medicaid dollars after contractor error</a>

The West Central Kansas Co-op serves Hays, Russell, LaCrosse, Ellis, and Victoria, as well as private schools in these communities.

Kyle Carlin, co-op director, said the issue affected seven years of payments.

He said an error was identified in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's calculation of data shared with its Medicaid contractor,&nbsp;Public Consulting Group.

Of the 35 payments that were reviewed, the local co-op had eight payments that were affected.

"We have not received an answer to why the error impacted some districts more than others, nor why it did not affect all of the payments," Carlin said in an email.

The total adjustment was&nbsp;$33,972, which was withheld from payments made to the co-op this summer.&nbsp;

"We were lucky compared to other districts. The overall impact to our budget was minimal," he said. "The unexpected cost was absorbed by our end-of-year cash balance, and did not affect any local decisions regarding staffing or district contributions to WCKSEC."

Secretary Janet Stanek from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told the Legislative Budget Committee on Aug. 26 that she was offering no excuses, explained that previous administrations had cut staff and the program was “under-resourced," according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Reflector.</a>

“But I can tell you, PCG has stepped up, and we are holding them more accountable,” Stanek said. “We are going to look at adding positions to manage – even though you have a consultant or a contractor, as you know, somebody’s got to manage them too – and I would say it was loose, and that’s on us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588177095967.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Western Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, of which Hays is a part, had almost $34,000 in payments withheld because of an overpayment in Medicaid funds.The issue affected 153 of the state's school districts. The total owed by all of the districts was more than $11 million, with the Wichita school district owing $3 million.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b64d3ce7-d2bf-4101-bb82-184fc359928a">SEE RELATED STORY: Kansas school district repay Medicaid dollars after contractor error</a>The West Central Kansas Co-op serves Hays, Russell, LaCrosse, Ellis, and Victoria, as well as private schools in these communities.Kyle Carlin, co-op director, said the issue affected seven years of payments.He said an error was identified in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's calculation of data shared with its Medicaid contractor,&nbsp;Public Consulting Group.Of the 35 payments that were reviewed, the local co-op had eight payments that were affected."We have not received an answer to why the error impacted some districts more than others, nor why it did not affect all of the payments," Carlin said in an email.The total adjustment was&nbsp;$33,972, which was withheld from payments made to the co-op this summer.&nbsp;"We were lucky compared to other districts. The overall impact to our budget was minimal," he said. "The unexpected cost was absorbed by our end-of-year cash balance, and did not affect any local decisions regarding staffing or district contributions to WCKSEC."Secretary Janet Stanek from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told the Legislative Budget Committee on Aug. 26 that she was offering no excuses, explained that previous administrations had cut staff and the program was “under-resourced," according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Reflector.</a>“But I can tell you, PCG has stepped up, and we are holding them more accountable,” Stanek said. “We are going to look at adding positions to manage – even though you have a consultant or a contractor, as you know, somebody’s got to manage them too – and I would say it was loose, and that’s on us.”

Local special education co-op pays back Medicaid funding after contractor error

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

DERBY&nbsp; - The Hays High Indians kicked off their 2025 season with a state ranked showdown in Derby on Friday night. Hays entered ranked #4 in class 5A while the Panthers started the year ranked #1 in 6A. The Indians became just the third 5A team since 2012 to beat the Panthers on their home field, taking a 22-21 victory.

Hays held on to the first drive of the game for five and a half minutes to score. Holden Lind capped the 13 play 77 yard drive with a 27 yard touchdown run.

The Indians held the lead through the first quarter by allowing Derby to run just seven plays of offense. The Panthers scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to tie the game up at seven. Derby took the lead after a failed fourth down and one attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers the football just 16 yards from pay dirt.&nbsp;

Derby fumbled the ball at the goal line four plays later but it was recovered in the end zone for six points. The point after boosted Derby to a 14-7 lead with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.

Hays punted on their next possession. The ball hit a Panther and was recovered by Alex Loving. Hays traversed 25 yards to the ten but threw an interception on fourth down to end the threat.&nbsp;

Each team scored on their first drive of the second half. Derby faced 1st and 30 when they rushed for 29 yards. The very next play the Panthers made the score 21-7 with a 38 yard pass and PAT. It was the last points Derby scored.

Hays answered right back with a 7 play 65 yard drive. Lind once again crossed into the end zone on a 26 yard run for a 21-14 scored following a Carson Moore PAT.

The Indian defense held the Panthers silent, allowing Hays to start in Derby territory on four straight possessions. The Indians though couldn't take advantage and still trailed 21-14. The Hays defense again kept Derby under control forcing a punt. The Indians took over at their own four yard line with 3:30 left on the clock.

Hays embarked on their game winning drive that ate up 2:25 of what was left in the game. Zane Viegra found Braxton Basgall for a four yard touchdown to pull the Indians with a point. The Indians left the offense on the field and Veigra hit Parker McGuire for a two point conversion in the back right corner of the end zone for a 22-21 score.&nbsp;

The Hays defense ended the game in style with a sack to secure the victory.

Hays opens up their brand new stadium next week against Choctaw, OK (1-0.)&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689954940605.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsDERBY&nbsp; - The Hays High Indians kicked off their 2025 season with a state ranked showdown in Derby on Friday night. Hays entered ranked #4 in class 5A while the Panthers started the year ranked #1 in 6A. The Indians became just the third 5A team since 2012 to beat the Panthers on their home field, taking a 22-21 victory.Hays held on to the first drive of the game for five and a half minutes to score. Holden Lind capped the 13 play 77 yard drive with a 27 yard touchdown run.The Indians held the lead through the first quarter by allowing Derby to run just seven plays of offense. The Panthers scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to tie the game up at seven. Derby took the lead after a failed fourth down and one attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers the football just 16 yards from pay dirt.&nbsp;Derby fumbled the ball at the goal line four plays later but it was recovered in the end zone for six points. The point after boosted Derby to a 14-7 lead with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.Hays punted on their next possession. The ball hit a Panther and was recovered by Alex Loving. Hays traversed 25 yards to the ten but threw an interception on fourth down to end the threat.&nbsp;Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165791347&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-game-highlights-sept-9" title="hhs fb game highlights sept 9, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">hhs fb game highlights sept 9, 2025</a></div></div>Each team scored on their first drive of the second half. Derby faced 1st and 30 when they rushed for 29 yards. The very next play the Panthers made the score 21-7 with a 38 yard pass and PAT. It was the last points Derby scored.Hays answered right back with a 7 play 65 yard drive. Lind once again crossed into the end zone on a 26 yard run for a 21-14 scored following a Carson Moore PAT.The Indian defense held the Panthers silent, allowing Hays to start in Derby territory on four straight possessions. The Indians though couldn't take advantage and still trailed 21-14. The Hays defense again kept Derby under control forcing a punt. The Indians took over at their own four yard line with 3:30 left on the clock.Hays embarked on their game winning drive that ate up 2:25 of what was left in the game. Zane Viegra found Braxton Basgall for a four yard touchdown to pull the Indians with a point. The Indians left the offense on the field and Veigra hit Parker McGuire for a two point conversion in the back right corner of the end zone for a 22-21 score.&nbsp;The Hays defense ended the game in style with a sack to secure the victory.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2165791191&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-fb-coach-interview-sept-9" title="hhs fb coach interview Sept 9, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">hhs fb coach interview Sept 9, 2025</a></div></div>Hays opens up their brand new stadium next week against Choctaw, OK (1-0.)&nbsp;

🏈 Late TD and 2-point conversion leads Hays High past top-ranked Derby

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) — Two people died when a small plane crashed and caught on fire near a suburban Denver airport on Friday, officials said.

The crash happened just south of Centennial Airport and was initially reported as an explosion, Deborah Takahara, a spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, said.

Firefighters found the Beech BE35 airplane engulfed in flames, with the fire threatening to spread to a nearby building and some diesel-powered generators, Brian Willie, a spokesperson for South Metro Fire Rescue, said. Firefighters were able to put out the flames, he said.

The plane appeared to have crashed in the parking lot of an industrial office park.

Air traffic control audio posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://liveatc.net/">LiveATC.net</a>&nbsp;includes an air traffic controller clearing the plane for takeoff just before the crash.

Another pilot later reported seeing smoke.

“Tower, there’s smoke off the left side. Looks like he went down,” came the report, followed a few seconds later by: “He appears to have crashed in the parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.”

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the plane crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757093642230.png" alt="Photos Douglas County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Douglas County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) — Two people died when a small plane crashed and caught on fire near a suburban Denver airport on Friday, officials said.The crash happened just south of Centennial Airport and was initially reported as an explosion, Deborah Takahara, a spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757093624214.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters found the Beech BE35 airplane engulfed in flames, with the fire threatening to spread to a nearby building and some diesel-powered generators, Brian Willie, a spokesperson for South Metro Fire Rescue, said. Firefighters were able to put out the flames, he said.The plane appeared to have crashed in the parking lot of an industrial office park.Air traffic control audio posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://liveatc.net/">LiveATC.net</a>&nbsp;includes an air traffic controller clearing the plane for takeoff just before the crash.Another pilot later reported seeing smoke.“Tower, there’s smoke off the left side. Looks like he went down,” came the report, followed a few seconds later by: “He appears to have crashed in the parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.”The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the plane crash.

2 people die in small plane crash near Denver airport

Hays received .2 inches of rain as of 5:30 this morning at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall.

It was still raining at the time of the measurement.

This is the first rainfall Hays has received this month.

Hays receives, on average, 2.24 inches of rain in September and 19.84 inches of rain year to date by the end of September.&nbsp;

Hays has received about 16.9 inches of rain year to date.

Ellis County is not listed on the U.S. Drought Monitor map as reported on Thursday.

Hays has a 40% chance of showers this afternoon. The forecast is for partly cloudy skies and highs in the 70s during the weekend.

A slight chance of rain returns Monday and Monday night with a high of 79.

Highs in the mid- to upper 80s are forecast for next week, according to the National Weather Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148170737.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received .2 inches of rain as of 5:30 this morning at the Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall.It was still raining at the time of the measurement.This is the first rainfall Hays has received this month.Hays receives, on average, 2.24 inches of rain in September and 19.84 inches of rain year to date by the end of September.&nbsp;Hays has received about 16.9 inches of rain year to date.Ellis County is not listed on the U.S. Drought Monitor map as reported on Thursday.Hays has a 40% chance of showers this afternoon. The forecast is for partly cloudy skies and highs in the 70s during the weekend.A slight chance of rain returns Monday and Monday night with a high of 79.Highs in the mid- to upper 80s are forecast for next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Hays receives rain this morning; cool temps forecast through weekend

The 2025 Kansas State Fair opened its gates Friday morning under a light drizzle — a reminder, as Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz put it, that “you just never know what you’re going to have for weather in Kansas.” While the rain dampened the sidewalks, spirits remained high as opening ceremonies celebrated the start of 10 days of agriculture, entertainment, and tradition.

The day began with a ribbon cutting at the People’s Bank &amp; Trust Arena, where a new canopy has been added to provide shade and shelter for visitors. Schulz noted that the canopy was just one of many improvements across the grounds, alongside ongoing renovations of the historic Bison Building. Exterior work is nearly complete, and interior upgrades will begin later this month.

Concertgoers can look forward to a strong lineup of entertainment, beginning tonight with Sam Barber and Avery Anna at the Nex-Tech Grandstand. Ticket sales are already running ahead of last year’s pace, according to Schulz, with strong presales and plenty of walk-up traffic expected. “Our percentage sold is way above where we had expected it to be,” he said.

Visitors will also notice new food options this year, including pulled pork corn dogs, firecracker wontons, and pineapple smoothies served right in a carved fruit shell. Fairgoers are encouraged to download the official Kansas State Fair app for the latest updates, schedules, and vendor locations.

Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. Schulz emphasized the importance of showcasing Kansas’ farming roots, even as some state fairs around the country move away from that focus. “We want to make sure our agricultural aspects are being promoted here at the Kansas State Fair,” he said.

Beyond the midway and the rides, one of the most heartwarming events takes place Friday with the Championship Livestock Show at Prairie Pavilion, where Special Olympics athletes are paired with FFA and 4-H youth to show animals in the ring. Schulz called it one of the most rewarding parts of the fair: “For someone who has never been around livestock, to be able to walk with an animal and work with it is truly special.”

The Kansas State Fair runs through Sept. 14, featuring daily entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, and hundreds of vendors. Tickets and event packages are available online at kansasstatefair.com or at the gate.

The 2025 Kansas State Fair opened on Friday with a special celebration honoring seniors during "Young at Heart Day". Guests 55 and older will enjoy discounted $2 gate admission as the Fair officially opens its 10-day run at the Hutchinson fairgrounds.

The day began with the Working Equitation Show at 8 a.m. in Expo II, followed by popular family attractions such as Moo-U Guided Barn Tours at the Birthing Center and Dr. Goddard’s Lab demonstrations at the Education Center. Throughout the morning, visitors can also catch Hedrick’s Pig Races, the Chainsaw Woodcarvers, and a variety of art demonstrations in the Oz Gallery.

At 11 a.m., the official Opening Ceremony takes place at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena, followed by a ribbon-cutting at 11:15 a.m. The afternoon schedule is packed with livestock competitions including goat, swine, sheep, and beef showmanship events, along with the Draft Horse Show in Expo Center. Visitors can also enjoy special contests such as homemade ice cream judging and the “It’s All About the Bread” competition.

Entertainment highlights include the Cowboy Circus, Ron Diamond the Hypnotist, and “It’s Showtime Circus” at Gottschalk Park. Musical performances will feature Sweet Rhubarb on the Lowen Corporation Stage, Jay Jackson with Nashville’s Finest at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena, and Wyatt Henson performing at Lake Talbott.

The day wraps up with a big night at the Nex-Tech Grandstand, where rising country artists Sam Barber and Avery Anna take the stage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757084774653.jpeg" alt="State Fair Opening Ceremonies-Post photo" />
 <figcaption>State Fair Opening Ceremonies-Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2025 Kansas State Fair opened its gates Friday morning under a light drizzle — a reminder, as Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz put it, that “you just never know what you’re going to have for weather in Kansas.” While the rain dampened the sidewalks, spirits remained high as opening ceremonies celebrated the start of 10 days of agriculture, entertainment, and tradition.The day began with a ribbon cutting at the People’s Bank &amp; Trust Arena, where a new canopy has been added to provide shade and shelter for visitors. Schulz noted that the canopy was just one of many improvements across the grounds, alongside ongoing renovations of the historic Bison Building. Exterior work is nearly complete, and interior upgrades will begin later this month.Concertgoers can look forward to a strong lineup of entertainment, beginning tonight with Sam Barber and Avery Anna at the Nex-Tech Grandstand. Ticket sales are already running ahead of last year’s pace, according to Schulz, with strong presales and plenty of walk-up traffic expected. “Our percentage sold is way above where we had expected it to be,” he said.Visitors will also notice new food options this year, including pulled pork corn dogs, firecracker wontons, and pineapple smoothies served right in a carved fruit shell. Fairgoers are encouraged to download the official Kansas State Fair app for the latest updates, schedules, and vendor locations.Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. Schulz emphasized the importance of showcasing Kansas’ farming roots, even as some state fairs around the country move away from that focus. “We want to make sure our agricultural aspects are being promoted here at the Kansas State Fair,” he said.Beyond the midway and the rides, one of the most heartwarming events takes place Friday with the Championship Livestock Show at Prairie Pavilion, where Special Olympics athletes are paired with FFA and 4-H youth to show animals in the ring. Schulz called it one of the most rewarding parts of the fair: “For someone who has never been around livestock, to be able to walk with an animal and work with it is truly special.”The Kansas State Fair runs through Sept. 14, featuring daily entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, and hundreds of vendors. Tickets and event packages are available online at kansasstatefair.com or at the gate.----------------------------The 2025 Kansas State Fair opened on Friday with a special celebration honoring seniors during "Young at Heart Day". Guests 55 and older will enjoy discounted $2 gate admission as the Fair officially opens its 10-day run at the Hutchinson fairgrounds.The day began with the Working Equitation Show at 8 a.m. in Expo II, followed by popular family attractions such as Moo-U Guided Barn Tours at the Birthing Center and Dr. Goddard’s Lab demonstrations at the Education Center. Throughout the morning, visitors can also catch Hedrick’s Pig Races, the Chainsaw Woodcarvers, and a variety of art demonstrations in the Oz Gallery.At 11 a.m., the official Opening Ceremony takes place at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena, followed by a ribbon-cutting at 11:15 a.m. The afternoon schedule is packed with livestock competitions including goat, swine, sheep, and beef showmanship events, along with the Draft Horse Show in Expo Center. Visitors can also enjoy special contests such as homemade ice cream judging and the “It’s All About the Bread” competition.Entertainment highlights include the Cowboy Circus, Ron Diamond the Hypnotist, and “It’s Showtime Circus” at Gottschalk Park. Musical performances will feature Sweet Rhubarb on the Lowen Corporation Stage, Jay Jackson with Nashville’s Finest at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena, and Wyatt Henson performing at Lake Talbott.The day wraps up with a big night at the Nex-Tech Grandstand, where rising country artists Sam Barber and Avery Anna take the stage.

Kansas State Fair kicks off with ribbon cutting

By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

CLAY CENTER - A nursing home in Clay Center has been evacuated by the state of Kansas and has left more questions than answers.

In the middle of August 2025, residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;were evacuated by the <a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/">Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)</a> due to quality of living issues. According to Cara Sloan-Ramos of KDADS, residents were 'successfully moved' from the nursing home.

"We can confirm that residents were successfully moved from the Advena nursing home in Clay Center, and we are working to make sure they are well cared for in their new locations," said Sloan-Ramos.

Reasons have as to why residents were removed remain unknown. Many speculations from the public have stated there were possibilities of 'mold in the air ducts' and even residents being 'neglected of care.'

Sloan-Ramos stated that KDADS takes such allegations seriously and are investigated accordingly.

"KDADS takes all allegations of abuse and neglect seriously and operates a hotline to receive such reports," she said. "If and when such allegations are received, they are investigated accordingly. The results of those investigations are confidential and are only made available to the parties directly involved in the case."

Sloan-Ramos also said KDADS could not answer any questions as to why the residents were evacuated. She stated these questions are to be directed towards the administration of Advena.

"We cannot provide details at this time because the process is not yet complete and the information is not public," she said. "Questions about where patients were transferred or whether any legal action has been filed would need to be answered by the facility."

Salina Post has reached out to the administrative team of Advena several times, but has not received a response.

According to a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/3d63358">press release</a> from KDADS, on March 10, 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;received funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) after approval to implement the 'SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across Kansas.' The purpose of the funding was to enhance&nbsp;staff training, improve resident care and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).

SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.

“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,” KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”

Members of Clay Center have spoken about the situation and speculated as to what may have happened.

"It is pretty sad, where are you going to put all those people?"

"There may have been a building or water problem."

"I heard the state had to evacuate the residents because of mold, but no one is talking about it and I do not know what is going on."

According to <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ks/advena-living-of-clay-center-175351">reviews</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>, the nursing home had a below average rating for "Short-term rehabilitation" and "Long-term care." The rating for Short-term rehab evaluates a nursing home's quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as instances that include strokes, heart attacks, infections or accidental injuries. The rating for Long-term care evaluates&nbsp;a nursing home's ability to care for residents who need daily assistance with medical needs, such as administering medications and non-medical needs such as dressing, eating and using the bathroom.

According to a standard inspection report conducted on April 9, 2025 from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;had potentials of actual harm with many residents being affected to provide services such as:

 Infection Control Deficiency,&nbsp;Nutrition and Dietary Deficiency and Administration Deficiency (determine what resources are necessary to care for residents).

Few patients were affected as far as the&nbsp;Quality of Life and Care Deficiency and Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiency&nbsp;

However, Advena Living of Clay Center had no reports of any actual harm with minimal potentiality when it came to&nbsp;Nursing and Physician Services Deficiency. See the full report <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/inspections/pdf/nursing-home/175351/health/health-inspection?date=2025-04-09">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757010210377.jpeg" alt="Advena Living of Clay Center sign on 715 Liberty St., Clay Center, KS. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) evacuated residents in the middle of August 2025. Photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>Advena Living of Clay Center sign on 715 Liberty St., Clay Center, KS. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) evacuated residents in the middle of August 2025. Photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NICOLAS FIERRO Salina PostCLAY CENTER - A nursing home in Clay Center has been evacuated by the state of Kansas and has left more questions than answers.In the middle of August 2025, residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;were evacuated by the <a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/">Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)</a> due to quality of living issues. According to Cara Sloan-Ramos of KDADS, residents were 'successfully moved' from the nursing home."We can confirm that residents were successfully moved from the Advena nursing home in Clay Center, and we are working to make sure they are well cared for in their new locations," said Sloan-Ramos.Reasons have as to why residents were removed remain unknown. Many speculations from the public have stated there were possibilities of 'mold in the air ducts' and even residents being 'neglected of care.'Sloan-Ramos stated that KDADS takes such allegations seriously and are investigated accordingly."KDADS takes all allegations of abuse and neglect seriously and operates a hotline to receive such reports," she said. "If and when such allegations are received, they are investigated accordingly. The results of those investigations are confidential and are only made available to the parties directly involved in the case."Sloan-Ramos also said KDADS could not answer any questions as to why the residents were evacuated. She stated these questions are to be directed towards the administration of Advena."We cannot provide details at this time because the process is not yet complete and the information is not public," she said. "Questions about where patients were transferred or whether any legal action has been filed would need to be answered by the facility."Salina Post has reached out to the administrative team of Advena several times, but has not received a response.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757010441578.jpeg" alt="No Trespassing sign on the front door of Advena Living of Clay Center. Photo by Nicolas Fierro" />
 <figcaption>No Trespassing sign on the front door of Advena Living of Clay Center. Photo by Nicolas Fierro</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Set up for success</h2>According to a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KSOG/bulletins/3d63358">press release</a> from KDADS, on March 10, 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;received funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) after approval to implement the 'SNF Clinic quality improvement program in 43 nursing homes across Kansas.' The purpose of the funding was to enhance&nbsp;staff training, improve resident care and elevate overall facility performance through an advanced electronic learning management system (eLMS).SNF Clinic is a web-based platform that provides nursing home staff with easy access to essential education and care resources. The program ensures residents receive high-quality, person-centered care by equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools.“The implementation of SNF Clinic in Kansas nursing homes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly population,” KDADS Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Program Manager Rebecca Hedrick said. “By prioritizing education and quality improvement, we ensure that staff members are fully prepared to provide exceptional care to residents.”<h2>Concerns from the public</h2>Members of Clay Center have spoken about the situation and speculated as to what may have happened."It is pretty sad, where are you going to put all those people?""There may have been a building or water problem.""I heard the state had to evacuate the residents because of mold, but no one is talking about it and I do not know what is going on."According to <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ks/advena-living-of-clay-center-175351">reviews</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>, the nursing home had a below average rating for "Short-term rehabilitation" and "Long-term care." The rating for Short-term rehab evaluates a nursing home's quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a hospital stay, such as instances that include strokes, heart attacks, infections or accidental injuries. The rating for Long-term care evaluates&nbsp;a nursing home's ability to care for residents who need daily assistance with medical needs, such as administering medications and non-medical needs such as dressing, eating and using the bathroom.According to a standard inspection report conducted on April 9, 2025 from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>&nbsp;had potentials of actual harm with many residents being affected to provide services such as: Infection Control Deficiency,&nbsp;Nutrition and Dietary Deficiency and Administration Deficiency (determine what resources are necessary to care for residents).Few patients were affected as far as the&nbsp;Quality of Life and Care Deficiency and Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiency&nbsp;However, Advena Living of Clay Center had no reports of any actual harm with minimal potentiality when it came to&nbsp;Nursing and Physician Services Deficiency. See the full report <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/inspections/pdf/nursing-home/175351/health/health-inspection?date=2025-04-09">here</a>.

Nuisance abatements to move forward for a vote next week by Hays City Commission

HESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.

Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.

TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.

Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).

As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757080092975.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsHESSTON – The TMP-Marian girls golf team and sophomore Brynn
Schoepf brought home the top spots at the Hesston golf tournament Thursday.Schoepf turned in a 14-over 83, securing the first-place
finish by one shot over second place.TMP’s Jenna Brull finished in a tie for 6th with
an 89.Emma Wasinger was tied for 16th (96) and Ava
Schumacher (105).As a team, the Monarchs combined for a 373, eight shots
better than second-place Hesston.

⛳Schoepf and TMP-M earn gold at Hesston

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;hosted a high-powered group of tech executives at the White House on Thursday as he showcased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">research on artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;and boasted of investments that companies are making around the United States.

“This is taking our country to a new level,” he said at the center of a long table surrounded by what he described as “high IQ people.”

It was the latest example of a delicate two-way courtship between Trump and tech leaders, several of whom attended his inauguration. Trump has exulted in the attention from some of the world’s most successful businesspeople, while the companies are eager to remain on the good side of the mercurial president.

While the executives praised Trump and talked about their hopes for technological advancement, the Republican president was focused on dollar signs. He went around the table and asked executives how much they were investing in the country.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who sat to Trump’s right, said $600 billion. Apple’s Tim Cook said the same. Google’s Sundar Pichai said $250 billion.

“What about Microsoft?” Trump said. “That’s a big number.”

CEO Satya Nadella said it was up to $80 billion per year.

“Good,” Trump responded. “Very good.”

Notably absent from the guest list was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, once a close ally of Trump who was tasked with running the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-28263ffbfc191602b3657618138ee585">a public breakup</a>&nbsp;with Trump earlier this year.

At the table instead was one of Musk’s rivals in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman of OpenAI.

In another reflection of shifting loyalties in Trump’s world, the dinner included Jared Isaacman, who founded the payment processing company Shift4.

Isaacman was a Musk ally chosen by Trump to lead NASA, only to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-isaacman-nasa-nomination-withdraw-a0b1d23823a06ac7ae1994c930c7786c">his nomination withdrawn</a>&nbsp;because he was, in Trump’s words, “totally a Democrat.”

The dinner was expected to be held in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/trump-rose-garden-paved-over-photo-gallery-732b9521b69c10c12ce448f12e27401c">the Rose Garden</a>, where Trump recently paved over the grassy lawn and set up tables, chairs and umbrellas that look strikingly similar to the outdoor setup at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.

But because of inclement weather, officials decided to move the event to the White House State Dining Room.

The event followed an afternoon meeting of the White House’s new Artificial Intelligence Education task force, which first lady Melania Trump chaired and some tech leaders participated in.

“The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction,” she said,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757074835886.png" alt="Image courtesy White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;hosted a high-powered group of tech executives at the White House on Thursday as he showcased&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">research on artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;and boasted of investments that companies are making around the United States.“This is taking our country to a new level,” he said at the center of a long table surrounded by what he described as “high IQ people.”It was the latest example of a delicate two-way courtship between Trump and tech leaders, several of whom attended his inauguration. Trump has exulted in the attention from some of the world’s most successful businesspeople, while the companies are eager to remain on the good side of the mercurial president.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING 🇺🇸 : President Trump hosts tech leaders for a dinner at the White House. Guests include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman<a href="https://t.co/GUJavrxP9M">pic.twitter.com/GUJavrxP9M</a>&mdash; Zaid Ahmd (@realzaidzayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/realzaidzayn/status/1963766937500156283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Google co-founder Sergey Brin: &quot;It&#39;s a real incredible inflection point right now in AI and the fact that your administration is supporting our companies instead of fighting with them — it&#39;s hugely important.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/3vUGc1Dvai">pic.twitter.com/3vUGc1Dvai</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963780730632180101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Google CEO Sundar Pichai: &quot;The AI moment is one of the most transformative moments any of us have ever seen... The AI Action Plan, under your leadership, I think is a great start, and we look forward to working together — and thanks for your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AKzlSgbYJl">pic.twitter.com/AKzlSgbYJl</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963781769108332769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AMD</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/LisaSu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LisaSu</a>: &quot;The incredible work that your administration has done to support the semiconductor industry... the amount of acceleration that we&#39;ve seen just in the few short months that the administration has been in place — we&#39;re so grateful for that support.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UjrORUbzLQ">pic.twitter.com/UjrORUbzLQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963782822218313962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Microsoft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Microsoft</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a>: &quot;Everything that you&#39;re doing in terms of setting in place the platform where the rest of the world can not only use our technology, but trust our technology more than any other alternative, is perhaps the most important issue.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4xNxZggG3f">pic.twitter.com/4xNxZggG3f</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963783827442057465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_cook</a>: &quot;I want to thank you for setting the tone such that we could make a major [$600 billion] investment in the United States... That says a lot about your focus and your leadership and your focus on innovation.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/289vkiB6vy">pic.twitter.com/289vkiB6vy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963786061114417495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> CEO Sam Altman: &quot;Thank you for being such a pro-business, pro-innovation President. It&#39;s a very refreshing change...The investment that&#39;s happening here, the ability to get the power of the industry back... I don&#39;t think that would be happening without your leadership.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/suGDIJFlx8">pic.twitter.com/suGDIJFlx8</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963787418429018457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> President Greg Brockman <a href="https://twitter.com/gdb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gdb</a>: &quot;We&#39;ve been just very impressed with how this Administration has really embraced AI... There has been a choice of whether to approach it with optimism, and I think that that&#39;s what I&#39;ve really seen from this Administration.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cLGmDzLwtO">pic.twitter.com/cLGmDzLwtO</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1963790825273348601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While the executives praised Trump and talked about their hopes for technological advancement, the Republican president was focused on dollar signs. He went around the table and asked executives how much they were investing in the country.Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who sat to Trump’s right, said $600 billion. Apple’s Tim Cook said the same. Google’s Sundar Pichai said $250 billion.“What about Microsoft?” Trump said. “That’s a big number.”CEO Satya Nadella said it was up to $80 billion per year.“Good,” Trump responded. “Very good.”Notably absent from the guest list was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, once a close ally of Trump who was tasked with running the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-28263ffbfc191602b3657618138ee585">a public breakup</a>&nbsp;with Trump earlier this year.At the table instead was one of Musk’s rivals in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman of OpenAI.In another reflection of shifting loyalties in Trump’s world, the dinner included Jared Isaacman, who founded the payment processing company Shift4.Isaacman was a Musk ally chosen by Trump to lead NASA, only to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-isaacman-nasa-nomination-withdraw-a0b1d23823a06ac7ae1994c930c7786c">his nomination withdrawn</a>&nbsp;because he was, in Trump’s words, “totally a Democrat.”The dinner was expected to be held in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/trump-rose-garden-paved-over-photo-gallery-732b9521b69c10c12ce448f12e27401c">the Rose Garden</a>, where Trump recently paved over the grassy lawn and set up tables, chairs and umbrellas that look strikingly similar to the outdoor setup at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.But because of inclement weather, officials decided to move the event to the White House State Dining Room.The event followed an afternoon meeting of the White House’s new Artificial Intelligence Education task force, which first lady Melania Trump chaired and some tech leaders participated in.“The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction,” she said,Pichai, IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna and Code.org President Cameron Wilson were among those participating in the task force.The White House confirmed that the guest list for the dinner also included: Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates; Google founder Sergey Brin; OpenAI founder Greg Brockman; Oracle CEO Safra Catz; Blue Origin CEO David Limp; Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra; TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive; Palantir executive Shyam Sankar; Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang; and Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman.Trump’s outreach to top tech executives has occasionally been divisive within the Republican Party.One of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hawley-pelosi-stocks-insider-trading-ban-cf6200d0ec71fe012bb3b9a916696b37">Josh Hawley</a>, delivered a sharp criticism of the tech industry during a speech at a conservative conference in Washington on Thursday morning. He criticized the lack of regulation around artificial intelligence and singled out Meta and ChatGPT.“The government should inspect all of these frontier AI systems so we can better understand what the tech titans plan to build and destroy,” the Missouri senator said.Trump has embraced AI-created imagery and frequently shares it online, despite his complaints earlier in the week about the technology being used to create misleading videos.Late Wednesday night, he posted a string of AI-generated memes and videos, such as one depicting him interacting with the man pictured in the Cracker Barrel logo, one showing California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff with an extremely elongated neck, and one with Trump’s face superimposed on a pole vaulter as it appears to leap over a Cracker Barrel banner.On Tuesday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-window-ai-9dad119bb6de1519582db036dc0726d7">said a video showing items being thrown out</a>&nbsp;of an upstairs window of the White House must have been created by AI, despite his team seeming to have confirmed the video’s veracity hours earlier.Trump then said, “If something happens that’s really bad, maybe I’ll have to just blame AI.”The first lady, at her event Thursday, likewise highlighted both the potential and peril of AI.“As leaders and parents, we must manage AI’s growth responsibly,” she said, calling for both action and caution. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance.”Last month, the first lady launched a nationwide contest for students in grades K-12 to use AI to complete a project or address a community challenge. The project was aimed at showing the benefits of AI, but the first lady has also highlighted its drawbacks.Melania Trump lobbied Congress this year to pass legislation that imposes penalties for online sexual exploitation using imagery that is real or an AI-generated deepfake.The president signed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/take-it-down-deepfake-trump-melania-first-amendment-741a6e525e81e5e3d8843aac20de8615">“Take It Down Act”</a>&nbsp;in May.___Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Washington and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco in San Francisco contributed to this report.