SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement and schools district officials across Kansas continue to investigate alleged threats of violence.

On Wednesday, the Liberal Police Department were made aware of several threats concerning potential school shootings circulating on social media, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Police in Dodge City and Garden City, along with other Kansas and Colorado agencies, also have also fielded similar calls. It is unknown where these messages are originating, according to the Liberal Police Department.

On Wednesday evening, the Newton Police Department reported they&nbsp; confirmed the possible school threat was a social media post from out of the state, and did not involve schools in Newton and there was no&nbsp;direct threat towards USD 373.

As a precautionary measure, police are increasing patrols around schools in southwest Kansas to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and community.&nbsp; Police encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity&nbsp; immediately.

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement and schools district officials across Kansas continue to investigate alleged threats of violence.On Wednesday, the Liberal Police Department were made aware of several threats concerning potential school shootings circulating on social media, according to a media release.&nbsp;Police in Dodge City and Garden City, along with other Kansas and Colorado agencies, also have also fielded similar calls. It is unknown where these messages are originating, according to the Liberal Police Department.On Wednesday evening, the Newton Police Department reported they&nbsp; confirmed the possible school threat was a social media post from out of the state, and did not involve schools in Newton and there was no&nbsp;direct threat towards USD 373.As a precautionary measure, police are increasing patrols around schools in southwest Kansas to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and community.&nbsp; Police encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity&nbsp; immediately.

 School threat messages keep police in Kansas busy

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses property taxes" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i5kp3-16dab3e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses property taxes

The Hays Police Department released the following press release at about 8:50 a.m. Thursday morning.

On Sept. 18th at 6:13 p.m., the Hays Police Department began receiving multiple reports of a social media post being shared in and around Hays about a possible school shooting.

The Hays Police Department immediately began investigating these reports.

During the course of this investigation, we were able to identify the person that started sharing the message locally.

The person admitted that they saw the original message on a social media platform and were concerned by it.

While the message did have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kansas?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVUG2pnhcqskbnxAOfVWxC6_YvmY-iHnCeSxh6mtFJT2U5nYQlPTAqg4HVXpwBMbMdv5-nJh9Oql-pieiFfrtuQ7AvJf2aCNCvQmGtwT-5LEnRTcMn3gvTCbJK3iJn4uvKL4b5VWO_nSi-81kFYyXLiO38m9zcYW5yct4dQV_BC1_-RNrZizbfVFo2Fe-ZPw2u8iMg5VRLtkyT-bwDt-9j5FCLfBvJikorepLizq4fagg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kansas</a> on it, there was no mention of Hays or any other community.

The person took a screenshot of the message and sent it to friends.

 Unfortunately, this message quickly spread throughout the community as people began sharing the message with their friends.

While at this time we do not know who created the original message, the threat appears to be a part of a broader online trend being seen across Kansas and the country.

At this time the Hays Police Department is not aware of credible threats against any Hays Schools, staff, or students.

While there is no connection to any schools in Hays the Hays Police Department has worked alongside USD 489 school officials to notify parents and community members of the results of this investigation.

The Hays Police Department and the USD 489 Staff take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community. 

We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or the Hays Police Department.

Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department released the following press release at about 8:50 a.m. Thursday morning.-----On Sept. 18th at 6:13 p.m., the Hays Police Department began receiving multiple reports of a social media post being shared in and around Hays about a possible school shooting.The Hays Police Department immediately began investigating these reports.During the course of this investigation, we were able to identify the person that started sharing the message locally.The person admitted that they saw the original message on a social media platform and were concerned by it.While the message did have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kansas?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVUG2pnhcqskbnxAOfVWxC6_YvmY-iHnCeSxh6mtFJT2U5nYQlPTAqg4HVXpwBMbMdv5-nJh9Oql-pieiFfrtuQ7AvJf2aCNCvQmGtwT-5LEnRTcMn3gvTCbJK3iJn4uvKL4b5VWO_nSi-81kFYyXLiO38m9zcYW5yct4dQV_BC1_-RNrZizbfVFo2Fe-ZPw2u8iMg5VRLtkyT-bwDt-9j5FCLfBvJikorepLizq4fagg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kansas</a> on it, there was no mention of Hays or any other community.The person took a screenshot of the message and sent it to friends. Unfortunately, this message quickly spread throughout the community as people began sharing the message with their friends.While at this time we do not know who created the original message, the threat appears to be a part of a broader online trend being seen across Kansas and the country.At this time the Hays Police Department is not aware of credible threats against any Hays Schools, staff, or students.While there is no connection to any schools in Hays the Hays Police Department has worked alongside USD 489 school officials to notify parents and community members of the results of this investigation.The Hays Police Department and the USD 489 Staff take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community. We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or the Hays Police Department.

Hays police report no credible school threat at this time

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Tori Ruder of Hays became a child care provider six years ago because she was struggling to find child care for her own children.

"Opening a day care allowed me to stay home with my kids while also caring for and loving other children," Tori said. "I wanted to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow. I've always aspired to have a career working with children."

Tori was nominated by her husband and mother-in-law for the Child Care Champion award for August.

Her husband, Mason, said, "She works hard to provide for her kids and is a huge advocate for the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County] and other providers."

Ruth Ruder, her mother-in-law, said, "Tori is dedicated and reliable. She is also a big part of the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County]."

Tori said one of her favorite activities with the kids is taking holiday photos for their parents.

She said the children and parents have been very kind to her on some of her toughest days.

"A memorable moment for me was on a particularly tough day when the kids weren't listening, and everything seemed chaotic," Tori said. "One of the older kids had gone home but returned about 20 minutes later. 

"I thought he had forgotten something, but he actually brought me a coffee to cheer me up, saying, 'I thought this would make you feel better since you were having a bad day.'"

She said she also had parents give her gift cards for coffee every other week or greet her in the morning with a coffee just because. 

"These small gestures bring me joy and make me feel loved and valued," Tori said.

Tori doesn't follow a strict curriculum. Instead, she uses a "learn and play" approach, mixing some learning with lots of fun and playtime.

She said she loves interacting with the children.

"Hearing the kids' cheerful 'good mornings' every day is such a joy!" Tori said. "Witnessing their milestones and progress is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing the joy on a parent's face when I share that their child had a great day or achieved something we've been working on for a while."

Tori shared some of the challenges of being a child care provider.

Communication between a provider and parents can sometimes be challenging, she said.

"This can be due to various factors such as differing schedules, communication styles or even misunderstandings," she said. "Providers often have a busy day managing the children and their activities, which can make it difficult to find the right moment to connect with parents. 

"On the other hand, parents might be juggling their own work and personal responsibilities, making it hard to engage in detailed conversations during drop-off or pick-up times."

Effective communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring the provider and parents are on the same page regarding the child’s development and well-being, she said.

It helps to establish clear channels of communication, whether through regular updates via email, a communication app or scheduled meetings, Tori said.

"Being proactive in sharing both the child's achievements and any concerns can foster a positive and collaborative relationship," she said. "Additionally, being open to feedback and showing empathy toward each other's challenges can go a long way in overcoming communication barriers."

Tori has been active in the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.

"I joined to help the community understand the child care world from a provider's perspective," she said. "I wanted to give a voice to in-home providers and assist parents in finding the best child care fit for their needs. 

"Additionally, I aimed to support those considering a career as a provider, helping them feel confident in their choice. I believe the task force is doing its best to include in-home providers and make them feel valued."

Tori highlighted some of the changes she has seen in the child care industry in her six years, including those surrounding supply and demand.

She said the number of child care providers has declined noticeably. Between 2019 and May 2021, Kansas lost 78 child care providers and 938 child care slots.

The Ellis County task force has sought to address those losses and open slots.

She said the demand for child care has continued to grow while the supply has struggled to keep up. Child Care Aware of Kansas has been actively working to address these shortages by providing technical assistance and support to communities.

Parents seeking care can access referrals for local providers through Child Care Aware of Kansas. <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/childcaresearch/">See this link</a>.

Tori said she thought community support for in-home providers has increased.&nbsp;

"Efforts have been made to include in-home providers in broader child care discussions and initiatives," she said.

Tori also offered advice to workers interested in entering the child care field.

"If you love children, this is a fantastic job," she said. "You get to be involved in a child's formative years and get to see really amazing growth and developing personalities.

"While there will be some tough days, the good ones far outweigh the bad. On a rough day, a simple hug and an 'I love you' from one of the kids can make all the challenges fade away, making it feel like the bad days never happened."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your favorite child care provider for the Child Care Champion award here.</a>

The next child care task force meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Hays Welcome Center. It is open to anyone interested in child care issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726592214048.jpeg" alt="Tori Ruder, her husband, Mason, and family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tori Ruder, her husband, Mason, and family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTori Ruder of Hays became a child care provider six years ago because she was struggling to find child care for her own children."Opening a day care allowed me to stay home with my kids while also caring for and loving other children," Tori said. "I wanted to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow. I've always aspired to have a career working with children."Tori was nominated by her husband and mother-in-law for the Child Care Champion award for August.Her husband, Mason, said, "She works hard to provide for her kids and is a huge advocate for the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County] and other providers."Ruth Ruder, her mother-in-law, said, "Tori is dedicated and reliable. She is also a big part of the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County]."Tori said one of her favorite activities with the kids is taking holiday photos for their parents.She said the children and parents have been very kind to her on some of her toughest days."A memorable moment for me was on a particularly tough day when the kids weren't listening, and everything seemed chaotic," Tori said. "One of the older kids had gone home but returned about 20 minutes later. "I thought he had forgotten something, but he actually brought me a coffee to cheer me up, saying, 'I thought this would make you feel better since you were having a bad day.'"She said she also had parents give her gift cards for coffee every other week or greet her in the morning with a coffee just because. "These small gestures bring me joy and make me feel loved and valued," Tori said.Tori doesn't follow a strict curriculum. Instead, she uses a "learn and play" approach, mixing some learning with lots of fun and playtime.She said she loves interacting with the children."Hearing the kids' cheerful 'good mornings' every day is such a joy!" Tori said. "Witnessing their milestones and progress is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing the joy on a parent's face when I share that their child had a great day or achieved something we've been working on for a while."Tori shared some of the challenges of being a child care provider.Communication between a provider and parents can sometimes be challenging, she said."This can be due to various factors such as differing schedules, communication styles or even misunderstandings," she said. "Providers often have a busy day managing the children and their activities, which can make it difficult to find the right moment to connect with parents. "On the other hand, parents might be juggling their own work and personal responsibilities, making it hard to engage in detailed conversations during drop-off or pick-up times."Effective communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring the provider and parents are on the same page regarding the child’s development and well-being, she said.It helps to establish clear channels of communication, whether through regular updates via email, a communication app or scheduled meetings, Tori said."Being proactive in sharing both the child's achievements and any concerns can foster a positive and collaborative relationship," she said. "Additionally, being open to feedback and showing empathy toward each other's challenges can go a long way in overcoming communication barriers."Tori has been active in the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County."I joined to help the community understand the child care world from a provider's perspective," she said. "I wanted to give a voice to in-home providers and assist parents in finding the best child care fit for their needs. "Additionally, I aimed to support those considering a career as a provider, helping them feel confident in their choice. I believe the task force is doing its best to include in-home providers and make them feel valued."Tori highlighted some of the changes she has seen in the child care industry in her six years, including those surrounding supply and demand.She said the number of child care providers has declined noticeably. Between 2019 and May 2021, Kansas lost 78 child care providers and 938 child care slots.The Ellis County task force has sought to address those losses and open slots.She said the demand for child care has continued to grow while the supply has struggled to keep up. Child Care Aware of Kansas has been actively working to address these shortages by providing technical assistance and support to communities.Parents seeking care can access referrals for local providers through Child Care Aware of Kansas. <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/childcaresearch/">See this link</a>.Tori said she thought community support for in-home providers has increased.&nbsp;"Efforts have been made to include in-home providers in broader child care discussions and initiatives," she said.Tori also offered advice to workers interested in entering the child care field."If you love children, this is a fantastic job," she said. "You get to be involved in a child's formative years and get to see really amazing growth and developing personalities."While there will be some tough days, the good ones far outweigh the bad. On a rough day, a simple hug and an 'I love you' from one of the kids can make all the challenges fade away, making it feel like the bad days never happened." <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your favorite child care provider for the Child Care Champion award here.</a>The next child care task force meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Hays Welcome Center. It is open to anyone interested in child care issues.

Child Care Champion: Despite tough days, child care fantastic job

Some HaysMed customers have reported receiving old or paid bills after a recent change in the HaysMed billing system.

One customer received a bill in September for March 2024 services. She found the canceled check for the exact amount she paid on her self-pay balance.&nbsp;

Upon calling HaysMed billing, a customer service representative said the bill would take up to 45 days to research and resolve.

The same customer said she received two other older bills earlier this month and is still researching whether they have been paid. Those bills were two and four years old.

Another customer complained&nbsp;on Facebook that she received a bill for emergency room services, but that bill was never submitted to insurance.

A third person had called three times to remind the clinic that a bill needed to be submitted to Workers' Compensation.

In August, HaysMed announced enhancements to its billing statements and financial assistance options. 

"These changes were designed with patient convenience and clarity in mind, ensuring a better understanding and management of their health care expenses," Leanna Swart, HaysMed director of marketing, said via email Tuesday.

 These changes include an updated payment portal, live chat feature and digital statement reminders, she said.

For a variety of reasons and on rare occasions, insurance payments are delayed or updated later by the insurance company. This could lead to patient responsibility statements being sent with older dates of service, Swart said.

For any billing questions or concerns, the HaysMed customer service team is available at 785-623-5100, and live chat support is provided during business hours.

To view the updated HaysMed payment portal or chat with a customer service representative live during business hours, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysmed.com/payment" target="_blank">www.haysmed.com/payment.</a>

<a href="http://www.haysmed.com/payment" target="_blank"></a>You can also read more about the launch of the new services from the Aug. 12 announcement on the<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/haysmed-launches-streamlined-bill-pay-services-to-enhance-patient-experience/" target="_blank">&nbsp;HaysMed website.</a>&nbsp;The website also has a frequently asked questions section on the new payment system and billing statements.

“At HaysMed, our priority has always been to provide outstanding care and a seamless experience for all our patients,” Michelle Beckner, HaysMed chief financial officer, said in the Aug. 12 statement. “With the introduction of the new bill pay platform and new statements, we are taking significant steps to further elevate our patients’ experience and satisfaction, ensuring we are supporting both patients’ clinical needs and financial aspects of their health care journey.”

HaysMed also said in the press release the new billing statements are sent directly from the secure HaysMed system. 

"However, please remain vigilant against phishing attempts. Always verify the sender's address and feel free to contact HaysMed directly through our official channels if anything looks unusual," the press release said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694017880043.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSome HaysMed customers have reported receiving old or paid bills after a recent change in the HaysMed billing system.One customer received a bill in September for March 2024 services. She found the canceled check for the exact amount she paid on her self-pay balance.&nbsp;Upon calling HaysMed billing, a customer service representative said the bill would take up to 45 days to research and resolve.The same customer said she received two other older bills earlier this month and is still researching whether they have been paid. Those bills were two and four years old.Another customer complained&nbsp;on Facebook that she received a bill for emergency room services, but that bill was never submitted to insurance.A third person had called three times to remind the clinic that a bill needed to be submitted to Workers' Compensation.In August, HaysMed announced enhancements to its billing statements and financial assistance options. "These changes were designed with patient convenience and clarity in mind, ensuring a better understanding and management of their health care expenses," Leanna Swart, HaysMed director of marketing, said via email Tuesday. These changes include an updated payment portal, live chat feature and digital statement reminders, she said.For a variety of reasons and on rare occasions, insurance payments are delayed or updated later by the insurance company. This could lead to patient responsibility statements being sent with older dates of service, Swart said.For any billing questions or concerns, the HaysMed customer service team is available at 785-623-5100, and live chat support is provided during business hours.To view the updated HaysMed payment portal or chat with a customer service representative live during business hours, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.haysmed.com/payment" target="_blank">www.haysmed.com/payment.</a><a href="http://www.haysmed.com/payment" target="_blank"></a>You can also read more about the launch of the new services from the Aug. 12 announcement on the<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/haysmed-launches-streamlined-bill-pay-services-to-enhance-patient-experience/" target="_blank">&nbsp;HaysMed website.</a>&nbsp;The website also has a frequently asked questions section on the new payment system and billing statements.“At HaysMed, our priority has always been to provide outstanding care and a seamless experience for all our patients,” Michelle Beckner, HaysMed chief financial officer, said in the Aug. 12 statement. “With the introduction of the new bill pay platform and new statements, we are taking significant steps to further elevate our patients’ experience and satisfaction, ensuring we are supporting both patients’ clinical needs and financial aspects of their health care journey.”HaysMed also said in the press release the new billing statements are sent directly from the secure HaysMed system. "However, please remain vigilant against phishing attempts. Always verify the sender's address and feel free to contact HaysMed directly through our official channels if anything looks unusual," the press release said.

HaysMed customers complain about billing after HaysMed payment portal changes

Hedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.

Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.

My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.

I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.

That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.

Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.

Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.

That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.

Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?

Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”

Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.

Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.

Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.

In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726072785752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINHedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

MADORIN:  Hedge Apples – Part One

FINNEY COUNTY—Police and school district officials in southwest Kansas are investigating another threat to schools in the region.

Early Wednesday, the Garden City Police Department was made aware of a circulating social media post containing warnings of potential school safety-related incidents and immediately began an investigation, according to a media release.

Through the investigation, it was learned that the social media post originated in Colorado and contained statements implying a school threat. The post then spread to schools and students in southwest Kansas including USD 457 Garden City and USD 443 Dodge City.

Law enforcement has determined that there were no credible threats to the students, staff, or schools. While there is no connection to any schools in Garden City, the Garden City Police Department has worked alongside school officials to notify parents and community members of this incident.

"The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community."&nbsp; " We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or police.

FINNEY COUNTY—Police and school district officials in southwest Kansas are investigating another threat to schools in the region.Early Wednesday, the Garden City Police Department was made aware of a circulating social media post containing warnings of potential school safety-related incidents and immediately began an investigation, according to a media release.Through the investigation, it was learned that the social media post originated in Colorado and contained statements implying a school threat. The post then spread to schools and students in southwest Kansas including USD 457 Garden City and USD 443 Dodge City.Law enforcement has determined that there were no credible threats to the students, staff, or schools. While there is no connection to any schools in Garden City, the Garden City Police Department has worked alongside school officials to notify parents and community members of this incident."The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community."&nbsp; " We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or police.

Police investigate new social media threat to schools in SW Kansas

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A portion of 13th Street that was originally to be widened to three lanes for better traffic flow in connection with the construction of the new Hays High School will not be widened.&nbsp;

The current high school will be remodeled into a new middle school. The new high school is being built adjacent to the existing facility.&nbsp;

There was only one bidder on the 13th Street reconstruction project. The bid from APAC-Kansas, Hays, was about $500,000 over budget for the city’s share of the project.

Originally, 13th Street was to be widened from Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway.

Jarrod Kuckelman, management analyst, said the project scope will be downsized. Thirteenth Street will be widened from Anthony Drive to Tallgrass Drive. At that point, the current two-lane road will remain in place east to Commerce Parkway. 

In the revised plan, box culvert work will not be necessary.

"There are no traffic safety concerns about the reduction," Kuckelman said. "We were most concerned about the Anthony to Tallgrass portion being widened to accommodate the anticipated traffic increase."

The city’s portion of the project is now $2.2 million, which is $61,000 under budget. The project will be funded with cash from city capital reserves, funds from Ellis County, a cost-share grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation and USD 489 funds.

City work includes reconstructing the road from Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway, widening sections of East 13th Street from two to three lanes, installing a multi-use path along the north side of the entire project, and milling and overlaying the entire roadway.

USD 489’s portion of the project is $763,000.&nbsp; The total project cost is $3 million.&nbsp;

The school district will be responsible for the addition of two right-turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, and upgraded signals at 13th and Canterbury.

&nbsp;The revised project is scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall 2025 school year when the new high school is set to open.

The city commission will discuss the bid award at its work session on Thursday.

The commission will also discuss funds for the 27th and Main Street development project. Astra Bank is relocating and building a new facility on that site.

&nbsp;The city will pay 100% of the costs to construct the stormwater management infrastructure and 50% of the costs to build 26th Street through the development. 

The $89,000 for the stormwater retention infrastructure would come from the stormwater reserve funds, and the $205,050 city share of the street is proposed to be taken from the city's capital reserve funds.

The city of Hays has purchased the existing Astra Bank building to redevelop it as a new police station and municipal court facility.

Commissioners also will discuss an ordinance that would establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) and adopt a plan for development of housing and public facilities at 10th and Walnut.&nbsp;

Hays developer Michael Graham Rentals is proposing to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot in downtown Hays.

The district would be expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during the maximum 25-year term. It would be made available to reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. The RHID collection would end upon the earlier of 25 years or full reimbursement of all RHID-eligible project costs.

The commission will discuss funds for another development project in downtown Hays.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded the city a $300,000 Commercial Rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant on behalf of Chestnut Suites&nbsp;at 1108 N. Main and Hays developer Adam Pray.

The former Hays State Bank building, which is being used for the project, was constructed in 1965 and has been vacant for 40 years.

Pray plans to redevelop the existing building into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb location called Chestnut Suites with 24 to 26 rooms. The rooms will be designed similar to those of traditional hotels. 

The complete Sept. 19 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192024-1503">here</a>.

The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726670928493.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA portion of 13th Street that was originally to be widened to three lanes for better traffic flow in connection with the construction of the new Hays High School will not be widened.&nbsp;The current high school will be remodeled into a new middle school. The new high school is being built adjacent to the existing facility.&nbsp;There was only one bidder on the 13th Street reconstruction project. The bid from APAC-Kansas, Hays, was about $500,000 over budget for the city’s share of the project.Originally, 13th Street was to be widened from Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway.Jarrod Kuckelman, management analyst, said the project scope will be downsized. Thirteenth Street will be widened from Anthony Drive to Tallgrass Drive. At that point, the current two-lane road will remain in place east to Commerce Parkway. In the revised plan, box culvert work will not be necessary."There are no traffic safety concerns about the reduction," Kuckelman said. "We were most concerned about the Anthony to Tallgrass portion being widened to accommodate the anticipated traffic increase."The city’s portion of the project is now $2.2 million, which is $61,000 under budget. The project will be funded with cash from city capital reserves, funds from Ellis County, a cost-share grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation and USD 489 funds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726674867070.png" alt="East end of 13th Street reconstruction project.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>East end of 13th Street reconstruction project.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726675060651.png" alt="West end of 13th Street reconstruction project.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>West end of 13th Street reconstruction project.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City work includes reconstructing the road from Anthony Drive to Commerce Parkway, widening sections of East 13th Street from two to three lanes, installing a multi-use path along the north side of the entire project, and milling and overlaying the entire roadway.USD 489’s portion of the project is $763,000.&nbsp; The total project cost is $3 million.&nbsp;The school district will be responsible for the addition of two right-turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, and upgraded signals at 13th and Canterbury.&nbsp;The revised project is scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall 2025 school year when the new high school is set to open.The city commission will discuss the bid award at its work session on Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726677233865.png" alt="Location of new Astra Bank&nbsp; to be built at 27th and Main. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Location of new Astra Bank&nbsp; to be built at 27th and Main. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission will also discuss funds for the 27th and Main Street development project. Astra Bank is relocating and building a new facility on that site.&nbsp;The city will pay 100% of the costs to construct the stormwater management infrastructure and 50% of the costs to build 26th Street through the development. The $89,000 for the stormwater retention infrastructure would come from the stormwater reserve funds, and the $205,050 city share of the street is proposed to be taken from the city's capital reserve funds.The city of Hays has purchased the existing Astra Bank building to redevelop it as a new police station and municipal court facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726677068219.png" alt="10th and Walnut proposed housing development in downtown Hays. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>10th and Walnut proposed housing development in downtown Hays. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also will discuss an ordinance that would establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) and adopt a plan for development of housing and public facilities at 10th and Walnut.&nbsp;Hays developer Michael Graham Rentals is proposing to build 48 apartments on the site of the former railroad depot parking lot in downtown Hays.The district would be expected to generate about $1.1 million of revenue during the maximum 25-year term. It would be made available to reimburse the developer for an estimated $692,000 in RHID-eligible project costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. The RHID collection would end upon the earlier of 25 years or full reimbursement of all RHID-eligible project costs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716571310012.png" alt="1108 Main, downtown Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>1108 Main, downtown Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission will discuss funds for another development project in downtown Hays.The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded the city a $300,000 Commercial Rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant on behalf of Chestnut Suites&nbsp;at 1108 N. Main and Hays developer Adam Pray.The former Hays State Bank building, which is being used for the project, was constructed in 1965 and has been vacant for 40 years.Pray plans to redevelop the existing building into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb location called Chestnut Suites with 24 to 26 rooms. The rooms will be designed similar to those of traditional hotels. The complete Sept. 19 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192024-1503">here</a>.The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission to consider reducing scope of 13th Street project

An overnight storm system brought 0.41 inches of rain to Hays Tuesday into early Wednesday morning, according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, got 0.37 of an inch.&nbsp;

So far in September, Hays has received 0.67 inches of rain. The cumulative average for the entire month is 2.24 inches.

Year-to-date, 19.70 inches of moisture has been measured in Hays. That's just shy of the average for the year of 19.84 inches by the end of September.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/05299d94-ec04-4a8f-b81a-9b9dbd1b71e8">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of rain this weekend with cooler daytime highs.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682693871209.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAn overnight storm system brought 0.41 inches of rain to Hays Tuesday into early Wednesday morning, according to the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, got 0.37 of an inch.&nbsp;So far in September, Hays has received 0.67 inches of rain. The cumulative average for the entire month is 2.24 inches.Year-to-date, 19.70 inches of moisture has been measured in Hays. That's just shy of the average for the year of 19.84 inches by the end of September.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/05299d94-ec04-4a8f-b81a-9b9dbd1b71e8">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for a chance of rain this weekend with cooler daytime highs.&nbsp;

Rain falls in Hays overnight, nearing normal average moisture for the year

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday made his first public appearance since Sunday’s second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">apparent assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;against him, speaking to an crowd chanting “God bless Trump!” and “Fight, Fight, Fight” as U.S. Secret Service agents surrounded the stage to protect him.

“It’s been a great experience,” the Republican presidential nominee said in an evening town hall in Flint, Michigan, about holding events with thousands of supporters. But he also went on to call running for president “a dangerous business” akin to car racing or bull riding.

“Only consequential presidents get shot at,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;struck a measured tone, even steering clear of mentioning Trump by name in an interview with Black journalists that starkly contrasted with the former president’s own highly contentious appearance before the same group.

The two candidates briefly put their differences aside in a phone call Trump described as “very, very nice” even as crowds booed when he mentioned Harris by her first name. Harris said earlier in the day that she told Trump “there’s no place for political violence in our country.”

Both sides are ramping up campaigning with no changes to Trump’s calendar despite the apparent assassination attempt at one of his Florida golf courses, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">renewed accusations by Republicans</a>&nbsp;that Democrats’ criticism against Trump is inspiring violent attacks. Democrats have accused Trump in the past for his long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-wisconsin-election-economy-a6923d6c5758dabb6d959417ea9d7d12">jailing or prosecuting his political enemies</a>. But Harris was treading more carefully in the aftermath of the latest incident.

Her session with the National Association of Black Journalists was one of the few extensive sit-down interviews Harris has done since replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket in July. She repeatedly criticized Trump on issues including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to abortion access, but was careful to refer to him as the former president and in other ways that avoided naming him directly.

Trump re-upped his past retaliation threats against election workers, donors and others as he tries to stoke fears about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 election.

He posted Tuesday on his social media site, “Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before.”

The Michigan town hall was billed as focusing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-auto-industry-tariffs-false-chinese-factories-0f024d98e25a361db35761b2fb740e3b">the auto industry</a>, a pillar of the battleground state. Trump alleged Democrats would undercut American car manufacturing by pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and repeated false claims that Chinese automakers are building large factories across the border in Mexico to flood the U.S. with vehicles.

Trump has appearances later in the week in New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.

Harris has her own stops in Washington as well as Michigan and Wisconsin in the coming days, with the two candidates overlapping in concentrating on the industrial Midwest, Pennsylvania and North Carolina — all swing areas that could decide an election expected to be exceedingly close.

Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-nabj-black-voters-trump-philadelphia-election-vance-walz-f40ec2b5833155562463efa05df6a03f">answered questions from three association journalists</a>&nbsp;at a small, relatively quiet venue at the Philadelphia studios of public radio station WHYY. That was very different from Trump’s addressing the NABJ conference in Chicago in July, when he was antagonistic to the moderators and sparked an uproar by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-black-journalists-convention-nabj-1e96aa530e88013ed6f577feaf89ccb6">questioning the vice president’s racial identity</a>.

Her manner was a departure from her campaign rallies, where Harris often receives some of her loudest applause by declaring that her professional background as a prosecutor means, “I know Donald Trump’s type.”

Pressed about reports of eroding support among Black male voters, Harris said she wasn’t “assuming I’m gonna have it because I’m Black.” She ducked a question about whether she’d support efforts by some congressional Democrats for reparations from the government to compensate descendants of slaves for years of unpaid labor by their ancestors. Biden has backed the idea of at least studying reparations.

So far, Biden and Harris have tried to avoid politics in their responses to Sunday’s incident, instead condemning political violence of all kinds. The president also urged Congress to increase funding to the Secret Service.

Trump has claimed, without evidence, that months of criticism against him by Harris and Biden, who call him a threat to American democracy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">inspired the latest attack</a>.

“I really believe that the rhetoric from the Democrats” is “making the bullets fly. And it’s very dangerous. Dangerous for them. It’s dangerous for both sides,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post.

Authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ukraine-f76ed09f256f6bd21727a10901d92af7">Ryan Wesley Routh</a>&nbsp;camped outside the golf course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing Sunday, for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle but fled without firing shots when a Secret Service agent spotted and shot at him. He was subsequently arrested as he drove on the highway.

Routh’s past online posts suggest he has not been consistent about his politics in terms of supporting Democrats or Republicans. The attack came barely two months after Trump was wounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-assassination-attempt-city-8c62803f8a57f569a2a5639172a6c783">during a rally in Pennsylvania</a>.

Trump also met Tuesday with sheriff’s office deputies who activated the highway traffic stop that took Routh into custody.

Trump’s running mate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kemp-faith-freedom-c808cd8c56b63cba44fe0e0349d432e3">Ohio Sen. JD Vance</a>, said at a Georgia Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition event on Monday that “it’s popular on a lot of corners of the left to say that we have a both sides problem.” But “no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump.”

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her briefing with reporters Tuesday that there should be zero tolerance for violence-inciting rhetoric. She bristled at the suggestion that Biden and Harris have stoked division by calling Trump a threat to democracy, saying there were concrete examples of the former president being that — such as when he helped incite an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

In response to Vance’s comments, Jean-Pierre said, “When you have that type of language out there it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous because people look up to that particular national leader, and they listen to you.” She said such comments open the door for “people to take you very seriously.”

Dan Curry, 44, of Saginaw, Michigan, attended the town hall Tuesday and said he is worried about the prospect of more violence against Trump.

“They say the Republicans are the gun-crazed lunatics trying to shoot people, but you don’t see us going after them,” said Curry, while adding these attacks may mobilize more support for Trump.

“It energizes his base,” he said. “How could it not?”

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday made his first public appearance since Sunday’s second&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">apparent assassination attempt</a>&nbsp;against him, speaking to an crowd chanting “God bless Trump!” and “Fight, Fight, Fight” as U.S. Secret Service agents surrounded the stage to protect him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VP <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> says she spoke with former President Trump today: &quot;I checked to see if he was OK. I told him what I have said publicly, there is no place for political violence in our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/sS1hffXE5O">pic.twitter.com/sS1hffXE5O</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836127462868082714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s been a great experience,” the Republican presidential nominee said in an evening town hall in Flint, Michigan, about holding events with thousands of supporters. But he also went on to call running for president “a dangerous business” akin to car racing or bull riding.“Only consequential presidents get shot at,” he said.Earlier in the day, Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;struck a measured tone, even steering clear of mentioning Trump by name in an interview with Black journalists that starkly contrasted with the former president’s own highly contentious appearance before the same group.The two candidates briefly put their differences aside in a phone call Trump described as “very, very nice” even as crowds booed when he mentioned Harris by her first name. Harris said earlier in the day that she told Trump “there’s no place for political violence in our country.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Donald Trump on assassination attempt this past Sunday: &quot;Secret Service did a hell of a job. They really did.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7earysPTMb">pic.twitter.com/7earysPTMb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1836201443922936266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Both sides are ramping up campaigning with no changes to Trump’s calendar despite the apparent assassination attempt at one of his Florida golf courses, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">renewed accusations by Republicans</a>&nbsp;that Democrats’ criticism against Trump is inspiring violent attacks. Democrats have accused Trump in the past for his long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-wisconsin-election-economy-a6923d6c5758dabb6d959417ea9d7d12">jailing or prosecuting his political enemies</a>. But Harris was treading more carefully in the aftermath of the latest incident.Her session with the National Association of Black Journalists was one of the few extensive sit-down interviews Harris has done since replacing President Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket in July. She repeatedly criticized Trump on issues including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to abortion access, but was careful to refer to him as the former president and in other ways that avoided naming him directly.Trump re-upped his past retaliation threats against election workers, donors and others as he tries to stoke fears about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 election.He posted Tuesday on his social media site, “Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before.”The Michigan town hall was billed as focusing on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-auto-industry-tariffs-false-chinese-factories-0f024d98e25a361db35761b2fb740e3b">the auto industry</a>, a pillar of the battleground state. Trump alleged Democrats would undercut American car manufacturing by pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and repeated false claims that Chinese automakers are building large factories across the border in Mexico to flood the U.S. with vehicles.Trump has appearances later in the week in New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.Harris has her own stops in Washington as well as Michigan and Wisconsin in the coming days, with the two candidates overlapping in concentrating on the industrial Midwest, Pennsylvania and North Carolina — all swing areas that could decide an election expected to be exceedingly close.Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-nabj-black-voters-trump-philadelphia-election-vance-walz-f40ec2b5833155562463efa05df6a03f">answered questions from three association journalists</a>&nbsp;at a small, relatively quiet venue at the Philadelphia studios of public radio station WHYY. That was very different from Trump’s addressing the NABJ conference in Chicago in July, when he was antagonistic to the moderators and sparked an uproar by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-black-journalists-convention-nabj-1e96aa530e88013ed6f577feaf89ccb6">questioning the vice president’s racial identity</a>.Her manner was a departure from her campaign rallies, where Harris often receives some of her loudest applause by declaring that her professional background as a prosecutor means, “I know Donald Trump’s type.”Pressed about reports of eroding support among Black male voters, Harris said she wasn’t “assuming I’m gonna have it because I’m Black.” She ducked a question about whether she’d support efforts by some congressional Democrats for reparations from the government to compensate descendants of slaves for years of unpaid labor by their ancestors. Biden has backed the idea of at least studying reparations.So far, Biden and Harris have tried to avoid politics in their responses to Sunday’s incident, instead condemning political violence of all kinds. The president also urged Congress to increase funding to the Secret Service.Trump has claimed, without evidence, that months of criticism against him by Harris and Biden, who call him a threat to American democracy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-2024-election-assassination-attempt-836523f3bbecf4a183dc46fbefd8230a">inspired the latest attack</a>.“I really believe that the rhetoric from the Democrats” is “making the bullets fly. And it’s very dangerous. Dangerous for them. It’s dangerous for both sides,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post.Authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-ukraine-f76ed09f256f6bd21727a10901d92af7">Ryan Wesley Routh</a>&nbsp;camped outside the golf course in West Palm Beach, where Trump was playing Sunday, for nearly 12 hours with food and a rifle but fled without firing shots when a Secret Service agent spotted and shot at him. He was subsequently arrested as he drove on the highway.Routh’s past online posts suggest he has not been consistent about his politics in terms of supporting Democrats or Republicans. The attack came barely two months after Trump was wounded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-assassination-attempt-city-8c62803f8a57f569a2a5639172a6c783">during a rally in Pennsylvania</a>.Trump also met Tuesday with sheriff’s office deputies who activated the highway traffic stop that took Routh into custody.Trump’s running mate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-kemp-faith-freedom-c808cd8c56b63cba44fe0e0349d432e3">Ohio Sen. JD Vance</a>, said at a Georgia Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition event on Monday that “it’s popular on a lot of corners of the left to say that we have a both sides problem.” But “no one has tried to kill Kamala Harris in the last couple of months, and two people now have tried to kill Donald Trump.”White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her briefing with reporters Tuesday that there should be zero tolerance for violence-inciting rhetoric. She bristled at the suggestion that Biden and Harris have stoked division by calling Trump a threat to democracy, saying there were concrete examples of the former president being that — such as when he helped incite an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.In response to Vance’s comments, Jean-Pierre said, “When you have that type of language out there it’s dangerous. It’s dangerous because people look up to that particular national leader, and they listen to you.” She said such comments open the door for “people to take you very seriously.”Dan Curry, 44, of Saginaw, Michigan, attended the town hall Tuesday and said he is worried about the prospect of more violence against Trump.“They say the Republicans are the gun-crazed lunatics trying to shoot people, but you don’t see us going after them,” said Curry, while adding these attacks may mobilize more support for Trump.“It energizes his base,” he said. “How could it not?”<h2>___</h2>

🎥Harris describes phone call to Trump following 2nd assassination attempt

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.

On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."

The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.

Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.

Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.

On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.

In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays,  according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.

The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.

During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.

A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.

Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement and school districts across Kansas are investigating school threats and several individuals have been taken into custody.On Tuesday, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a social media post that mentions St. Paul school along with a couple of other schools outside of Neosho County as being on an alleged list, according to a media release.&nbsp; Law Enforcement in those jurisdictions have been notified and Neosho County investigators are currently following&nbsp; leads as the post is being treated as a criminal threat.On Tuesday,&nbsp;The Dodge City Police Department reported they were aware of two circulating Snapchat messages that contain threats to Comanche Middle School and Dodge City Middle School, according to a media release. "We are actively working to identify the individuals responsible, and officers are increasing patrols around the schools to ensure student safety."The Liberal Police Department reported they were also aware of a recent threat regarding a potential school shooting. After following several leads, the police department determined that the threat is non-credible.Law enforcement are investigating a surge of reports of a vague school shooting threat circulating online about the USD 230 Spring Hill school district, according to a statement from the Johnson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be proactive, the sheriff's office has increased their presence at schools in Spring Hill and adjacent districts in Johnson and Miami counties.Junction City Police and Geary USD 475 investigated school&nbsp;threats made on TikTok against Junction City Middle School.On Friday, September 13th, officers in Junction City were alerted to additional social media activity, which included a list of names of students and staff from USD 475 posted on Snapchat. On Tuesday, the Junction City Police Department identified a juvenile believed to be responsible for the post. Police arrested the juvenile, charged them with Aggravated Criminal Threat, a Level 5-person felony, and later released them to their parents.In Hays, police&nbsp;received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School, 201 W 29th Street, Hays, according to a statement from Police Chief Don Scheibler.The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.The school was determined to be safe.During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.A 37-year-old Salina man was arrested September 13, after he allegedly made alarming statements about plans to "shoot up a school" while standing in line at a local Casey's convenience store.Police recommend that parents talk with their children about the consequences of making threats. We would also ask that parents educate children not to re-share social media posts but rather contact law enforcement immediately.

Police, school districts across Kansas investigating threats

The Ellis Alliance was presented a Kansas tourism marketing grant from the Kansas Tourism division of the Kansas Department of Commerce during a ceremony Monday afternoon in Ellis with state officials from Topeka.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisalliance/">Ellis Alliance</a> is a storefront and an umbrella organization that houses the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation and the Ellis Development Corporation.&nbsp;

Alicia Flower, who was hired as the Alliance executive director in April, submitted the grant application in mid-summer.

Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism director, presented the oversized cardboard check for $1,908.78 to Flower and Alliance board members&nbsp;Jolene Niernberger,&nbsp;Pauleen Edmonds and&nbsp;Travis Kohlrus, along with Mayor Dave McDaniel.

The grant dollars will be used to promote and market Ellis to the public, especially out-of-town visitors.

"We were so excited when we saw your application come in," Jobe said. "I think this is so smart. ... "You're trying to market your community, and you have to have good assets."&nbsp;

Those assets will soon include an Ellis Alliance website and a closed-circuit video monitor in the office, on which community events and Alliance information will be promoted.

The Alliance office is in the heart of downtown at 820 Washington St.

"The whole purpose of this tourism grant is to help first-time marketing projects get off the ground. That's really what these are for," Jobe said. "That's exactly what intrigued us, and we wanted to help you."

The Ellis promotional project will include updated photography and other media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"My husband and I just recently moved to Ellis and we have fallen in love with it," Flower said. "It's just so pretty and charming, and there aren't current photographs of it.

"I also want to get a commercial made highlighting just what Ellis is, to promote it, that would play on the TV."

Jobe said once the assets of good photography, videography and art are acquired, they could be used in multiple ways.

"You could use them on social media, online, in printed publications, billboards. There's so many great ways to use them down the road, but you have to have great photos.

"It's something we invest in heavily each year, new assets, and you're really smart to do that," Jobe said. 

"We love being able to help these new projects. I don't know that we've done a whole lot in Ellis before."

Alliance board president Travis Kohlrus said Ellis differs from other communities because the Alliance combines several entities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726591898376.jpeg" alt="From left to right: Jolene Niernberger, Ellis Alliance; Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism; Pauleen Edmonds, Ellis Alliance; Travis Kohlrus, Ellis Alliance; Alicia Flower, Ellis Alliance executive director; and Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel pose with the giant grant check awarded to the Ellis Alliance Monday for a tourism project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>From left to right: Jolene Niernberger, Ellis Alliance; Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism; Pauleen Edmonds, Ellis Alliance; Travis Kohlrus, Ellis Alliance; Alicia Flower, Ellis Alliance executive director; and Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel pose with the giant grant check awarded to the Ellis Alliance Monday for a tourism project. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Ellis Alliance was presented a Kansas tourism marketing grant from the Kansas Tourism division of the Kansas Department of Commerce during a ceremony Monday afternoon in Ellis with state officials from Topeka.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisalliance/">Ellis Alliance</a> is a storefront and an umbrella organization that houses the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation and the Ellis Development Corporation.&nbsp;Alicia Flower, who was hired as the Alliance executive director in April, submitted the grant application in mid-summer.Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism director, presented the oversized cardboard check for $1,908.78 to Flower and Alliance board members&nbsp;Jolene Niernberger,&nbsp;Pauleen Edmonds and&nbsp;Travis Kohlrus, along with Mayor Dave McDaniel.The grant dollars will be used to promote and market Ellis to the public, especially out-of-town visitors."We were so excited when we saw your application come in," Jobe said. "I think this is so smart. ... "You're trying to market your community, and you have to have good assets."&nbsp;Those assets will soon include an Ellis Alliance website and a closed-circuit video monitor in the office, on which community events and Alliance information will be promoted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726607641670.jpeg" alt="The Ellis Alliance office houses the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Ellis and the Ellis Development Corporation. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis Alliance office houses the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Ellis and the Ellis Development Corporation. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Alliance office is in the heart of downtown at 820 Washington St."The whole purpose of this tourism grant is to help first-time marketing projects get off the ground. That's really what these are for," Jobe said. "That's exactly what intrigued us, and we wanted to help you."The Ellis promotional project will include updated photography and other media.&nbsp;&nbsp;"My husband and I just recently moved to Ellis and we have fallen in love with it," Flower said. "It's just so pretty and charming, and there aren't current photographs of it. "I also want to get a commercial made highlighting just what Ellis is, to promote it, that would play on the TV."Jobe said once the assets of good photography, videography and art are acquired, they could be used in multiple ways."You could use them on social media, online, in printed publications, billboards. There's so many great ways to use them down the road, but you have to have great photos."It's something we invest in heavily each year, new assets, and you're really smart to do that," Jobe said. "We love being able to help these new projects. I don't know that we've done a whole lot in Ellis before."Alliance board president Travis Kohlrus said Ellis differs from other communities because the Alliance combines several entities."We've been doing this for about 20 years. We're small enough that we can't have a chamber office, a foundation office, a [economic] development office. So the alliance represents all of us. ... We do lots of volunteering in a small town," Kohlrus said.Flower hopes to see more local volunteers get involved in community projects and programs, especially young families. She and her husband have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, and they wanted to find out what activities were available as they grew their family."Once young families have more knowledge about what Ellis has to offer, I think they'll turn out," she said.Flower also said she believes community events will attract a greater number of area visitors once they know what's happening in Ellis.Ellis's summer art walk and the "Follow the Star" holiday retail promotion are two popular events.&nbsp;The new Ellis Historic Walking Trail will debut on Sept. 27 with a ribbon cutting.&nbsp;The Community Foundation of Ellis sponsors and funds the trail.