MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to  see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit. Despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.

Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Rust stopped a vehicle going 101 mph in a 60 mph construction zone in Southern McPherson County on Thursday, according to a social media report from the patrol. The driver had no insurance, no current registration, and a warrant out for their arrest.

Lieutenant Rust made an arrest and transported the individual to jail. The speeding violation alone is $828.00, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723757428484.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement across Kansas continue to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit. Despite a statewide campaign to crack down on excessive speeding.Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Rust stopped a vehicle going 101 mph in a 60 mph construction zone in Southern McPherson County on Thursday, according to a social media report from the patrol. The driver had no insurance, no current registration, and a warrant out for their arrest.Lieutenant Rust made an arrest and transported the individual to jail. The speeding violation alone is $828.00, according to the KHP.

Driver caught traveling over 100mph in Kan. construction zone

By NATE KING Salina Post

Following multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.

After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;

Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.

“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."

House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.

According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.

“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;

Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.

Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180.

"It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.

Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.

Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies.

"Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One.

"Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.

From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;

"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."

Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans.

"There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.

Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

"That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas.

"I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."

Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid.

"It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”

One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures.

"In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."

Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs.

"They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."

In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion.

"There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.

Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box.

"I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.

Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year.

"We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.

Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz

Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket.

"She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."

Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."

“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722967941078.png" alt="Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, now a candidate for Vice President</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostFollowing multiple ceremonial bill signing events held in Leavenworth and Holton, Governor Laura Kelly called Salina Post to discuss the present and long-term impacts of tax reform, the possibility of Medicaid expansion in 2025, her reflections on the state's current financial standing, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move across state lines.After three years of debate on how best to provide tax relief to the Sunflower State, Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Kelly reached a bipartisan deal during a special session of the Kansas Legislature this summer.&nbsp;<h2>Senate Bill One</h2>Although the process of delivering tax reform to Kansas took years to achieve, it has been something Gov. Kelly's administration has sought since she became governor in 2019. The bill, Senate Bill One, provides a $2 billion reduction in state income and property taxes over the next five years.“I've been wanting to provide tax relief for that amount of time. It took multiple legislative sessions to come to a consensus," Gov. Kelly said. "There was a lot of push to provide much more on the income tax side, which tends to benefit people with more means. I wanted a tax bill that would really target our middle-class, working-class families across the state of Kansas."House and Senate Republicans' attempts to pass a flat income tax were dashed by Gov. Kelly's veto, which was followed by subsequent failed veto override votes.According to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a flat tax structure would have cost the state $650 million annually once phased in, and from Gov. Kelly's view, its enactment would have sent the state back to the Brownback years.“It [flat tax] would start to take us back to the Brownback days and I just could not let that happen," Gov. Kelly said. "At that point, we had a three-tier tax system. I still believe we should have maintained a three-tier tax system. It's fair, but it's also nimble. By having that, when bad economic times come — and they do come; you don't see the kind of decrease in state revenues that you do if you have fewer tax brackets, particularly a single tax bracket.”Lawmakers passed Senate Bill One on June 18. The Senate's final vote was 34-4 and 121-2 in the Kansas House of Representatives.Senate Bill One establishes a two-bracket income tax system for married individuals filing jointly. Income up to $46,000 will be taxed at 5.2%, and income above that will be taxed at 5.58%.&nbsp;Gov Kelly noted one of the crucial changes brought by Senate Bill One is the increase in the personal exemption, which goes from $2,250 to $9,160 for individuals.Taxpayers will receive an additional $2,320 exemption for each dependent listed on their return. The bill accounts for a slight increase in the standard deduction, with single filers' deductions rising from $3,500 to $3,605 and married filers' rising from $8,000 to $8,240. Heads of household will see an additional $180 in exemptions going from $6,000 to $6,180."It [SB 1] will impact everybody to at least some degree. I think our seniors are going to see the most obvious relief because we will be eliminating all state taxes on Social Security," Gov. Kelly said.Additionally, with this bill, Kansas joined more than thirty other states in eliminating state social security taxes.Income taxes and social security aren't the only ways Kansans will see savings. The bill also reduces property taxes by raising the exemption on school general fund property tax mill levies."Kansans who own property will see a reduction in their property tax bill from the state. We levy right now, 20 Mills on residential property that is to help fund our schools. To date, we exempt the first $42,000 or so property value from that tax, we're lifting that exemption to $75,000," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly said Kansans looking to start or grow their family also benefit from Senate Bill One."Our families will enjoy a doubling of the Childcare Dependent Care Tax Credit to $6 million, which will make a huge difference, I think, particularly for families with a lot of kids," Kelly said.<h2>Medicaid expansion</h2>From her days as a Senator representing Kansas' 18th Senate District to serving as governor, Kelly has been a strong advocate for the expansion of Medicaid, the federal government program providing care to some 80 million Americans living on low incomes.&nbsp;"There's no good logical reason for not having expanded Medicaid," Gov. Kelly said. "Originally, when Medicaid expansion was available to states in 2014 I think there were some legitimate questions about what it would do to the state budget."Gov. Kelly emphasized the social and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, which would cover an estimated 50,000 more Kansans."There were very legitimate concerns. What would happen if the federal government, you know, pulled the plug after you've done expansion. But over time, all of the concerns have been answered," Gov. Kelly said.Kansas' decision not to expand Medicaid has forfeited over $7 billion in taxpayer money since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2014."That just makes absolutely no sense and has really done some serious harm to our economy," Gov. Kelly said.Gov. Kelly cited the ten hospitals that have closed in Kansas since the federal government made Medicaid expansion available as one reason why Medicaid should be expanded in Kansas."I'm not going to say that Medicaid expansion is the complete and total answer to our issues with rural health care, but it certainly is a tool that needs to be in the toolbox in order for us to resolve those issues,"&nbsp; Gov. Kelly said. "The other thing that's very subtle, and only people in those communities notice it, but because all of the other states around us have expanded Medicaid, we are bleeding healthcare workers across our borders."Expanding Medicaid continues to be a point of contention in Topeka. Gov. Kelly said leaders in the statehouse are out of touch with their constituents in their thinking on Medicaid."It has really come down to having legislative leaders who are stuck in the past, who are still concerned about the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago, and they just can't give up on the idea," Gov. Kelly said. "They said, then it was a bad idea, and they sort of painted themselves into a corner, and have not figured out a way to come out of that corner and let their let their caucuses in the House and in the Senate, take a vote of Medicaid expansion.”One of the popular arguments used by Kansans against the expansion of Medicaid is that it will raise taxes on middle and low-income Kansans. According to Gov. Kelly, states that have expanded Medicaid haven't seen a negative impact on their tax structures."In fact, what they have seen is that premiums for people who get their health insurance through the private sector actually have stabilized," Gov. Kelly said. "Because of Medicaid expansion, our hospitals would get reimbursed for the care that they provide to these people who are eligible for Medicaid."Gov. Kelly explained that when hospitals provide uncompensated care in emergency rooms, the most expensive place for healthcare, they have to charge other patients more to cover those costs."They provided in the emergency room, the most expensive place to get health care, and so hospitals then have to charge other patients more money to cover the costs of that uncompensated care that they have to provide in the emergency rooms and when they charge other patients more money, the insurance companies raise the cost of the premium, and premium costs go up for every Kansan with private healthcare."In 2023 a survey released by the<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">&nbsp;Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;found 68% of Kansas voters supported Medicaid expansion."There's no good reason. We just need to continue to push and hope that the pressure on legislative leadership gets to the point that their caucus members demand the opportunity to vote on Medicaid expansion," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Kansas City Chiefs</h2>Tax reform wasn't the only item on the agenda for the special session this summer. Lawmakers also modified existing economic incentive rules to enable the state to potentially attract professional sports teams — like the Kansas City Chiefs. Gov. Kelly had little to share on the topic, but said she appreciates the legislature expanding the economic tool box."I think as we look to the future in Kansas, if an opportunity should should come our way, it's nice that we now have a tool in place to make that work,”she said.Gov. Kelly said the Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they will make a decision regarding their location no later than the end of the year."We're here, and we've got the tools in place," Gov. Kelly said.<h2>Gov. Kelly comments on Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz</h2>Gov. Kelly praised Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris' own vice president pick, citing the balance Walz brings to the ticket."She could not have picked a better partner. Somebody that balances the ticket," Gov. Kelly said. "She's coastal. He's Midwest."Gov. Kelly said she has gotten to know Walz over the last few years, and according to her, Walz is "as good and kind as humble as they come."“You could not ask for somebody with a better resume and a better personality to work side by side with,” she said.

Gov. Kelly discusses $2B tax reform bill, Medicaid expansion, national politics

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up another year of Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph today.

Head Coach Andy Reid started out his press conference by thanking St. Joseph and the university.

"We appreciate all their hospitality, what a great job they did taking care of us," Reid tells reporters following practice. "Whether it was the people that were making our beds to the people that were cooking the food to the grounds crew that was taking care of the area here, everybody was just first class and on the ball we appreciate that, makes it a lot easier when we're all pulling in the same direction."

This wraps up the 14th year of Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

Reid says he saw a lot of growth from his team through the four weeks at Missouri Western.

"We've added a ton into the last few days up here and the guys have digested it, been able to spit it back, retain it, that's a positive," Reid says. "And then maybe most of all is getting yourself into football shape and kind of ramping up to your first game against the Ravens."

The Chiefs wrapped up a light 10-10-10 practice after just over an hour, welcoming veterans onto the field for Military Appreciation Day.

Entering this year's Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph at Missouri Western, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one goal; be better than he was last season.

And as training camp wrapped up today, Mahomes feels like he's taken the steps to do that.

"I've been trying to push the envelope, trying to push the ball downfield, trying to make sure that we stay in that attacking mindset, but at the same time finding that right balance," Mahomes explains. "There's been days where we connected on a lot of deep passes, there's days when we missed them, but that's what this is for, is for us to try and see what we can get away with, try to see what we can do and see what everybody's great at, and I thought we had a great camp like I said."

Kansas City's second preseason game against Detroit is on Saturday. Pregame will be at 2 p.m. with kickoff at 3 p.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743620442.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets ready to take a snap from center Creed Humprey during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets ready to take a snap from center Creed Humprey during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up another year of Training Camp on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph today.Head Coach Andy Reid started out his press conference by thanking St. Joseph and the university."We appreciate all their hospitality, what a great job they did taking care of us," Reid tells reporters following practice. "Whether it was the people that were making our beds to the people that were cooking the food to the grounds crew that was taking care of the area here, everybody was just first class and on the ball we appreciate that, makes it a lot easier when we're all pulling in the same direction."This wraps up the 14th year of Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.Reid says he saw a lot of growth from his team through the four weeks at Missouri Western."We've added a ton into the last few days up here and the guys have digested it, been able to spit it back, retain it, that's a positive," Reid says. "And then maybe most of all is getting yourself into football shape and kind of ramping up to your first game against the Ravens."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743897818.jpeg" alt="Head Coach Andy Reid waves to fans as he travels down to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Head Coach Andy Reid waves to fans as he travels down to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs wrapped up a light 10-10-10 practice after just over an hour, welcoming veterans onto the field for Military Appreciation Day.Entering this year's Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph at Missouri Western, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one goal; be better than he was last season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743945433.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>And as training camp wrapped up today, Mahomes feels like he's taken the steps to do that."I've been trying to push the envelope, trying to push the ball downfield, trying to make sure that we stay in that attacking mindset, but at the same time finding that right balance," Mahomes explains. "There's been days where we connected on a lot of deep passes, there's days when we missed them, but that's what this is for, is for us to try and see what we can get away with, try to see what we can do and see what everybody's great at, and I thought we had a great camp like I said."Kansas City's second preseason game against Detroit is on Saturday. Pregame will be at 2 p.m. with kickoff at 3 p.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

🏈 Chiefs wrap up another training camp in St. Joseph

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Kansas Drought Monitor shows some easing of drought in Ellis County with recent rains.

The drought monitor, which was released today, accounts for rainfall through 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Hays has received 3.4 inches of rain in August and 17.30 inches of precipitation year to date, which is approaching the average precipitation total as of the end of August of 17.70 inches.

The forecast calls for a 10% chance of thunderstorms tonight for Ellis County.&nbsp;

There's a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 and 9 a.m. Friday and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Friday night.

Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be clear with highs of 91. A chance of thunderstorms returns Sunday night, Monday night and Tuesday night, with clear skies during the day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723731464401.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor released on Thursday, Aug. 15" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor released on Thursday, Aug. 15</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Kansas Drought Monitor shows some easing of drought in Ellis County with recent rains.The drought monitor, which was released today, accounts for rainfall through 8 a.m. Tuesday.Hays has received 3.4 inches of rain in August and 17.30 inches of precipitation year to date, which is approaching the average precipitation total as of the end of August of 17.70 inches.The forecast calls for a 10% chance of thunderstorms tonight for Ellis County.&nbsp;There's a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 and 9 a.m. Friday and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Friday night.Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be clear with highs of 91. A chance of thunderstorms returns Sunday night, Monday night and Tuesday night, with clear skies during the day.

Kansas monitor shows some easing of drought in Ellis County

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;and Ohio Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the general election</a>.

CBS News on Wednesday posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.

Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz "looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”

Vance posted on X that he would accept the Oct. 1 invitation. He also challenged Walz to meet on Sept. 18.

Officials with the Kamala Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Vance’s acceptance of the earlier debate that he said would be on CNN or whether Walz would participate in that one as well.

Representatives for CNN confirmed that Vance had accepted the network's debate invitation.

“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will moderate the Oct. 1 debate, according to the network.

Whether or not Walz and Vance would debate before the Nov. 5 general election had been in question. In just the past several weeks, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;left the campaign and Democrats selected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;to lead their ticket.

Vance has largely kept his focus trained on Harris, whom he would have been set to debate before Biden's departure from the race. Vance has lobbed critiques against Walz, including questioning the retired Army National Guardsman's service record.

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the GOP presidential nominee, has said he wanted Vance to debate Walz on CBS, which had been discussing potential dates for that meeting.

The debate is expected weeks after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-debate-814786cc3ad7c11498c71f09f0172db3">Sept. 10 top-of-the-ticket debate</a>&nbsp;recently solidified between Trump and Harris on ABC News.

Trump has said he negotiated several other debate dates, on three different networks. Fox News has also proposed a debate between Harris and Trump to take place on Sept. 4, and NBC News is angling to air one on Sept. 25.

During an appearance in Michigan, Harris said she was “happy to have that conversation” about an additional debate.

NEW YORK (AP) —Sen. JD Vance has now committed to debating his Democratic foil, Gov. Tim Walz, on Sept. 18 and also Oct. 1.

Trump’s running mate said Wednesday on Fox News that he only learned of CBS News’ debate invitation several hours earlier, as he was landing following a campaign event in Michigan.

Earlier Wednesday, CBS News posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.

Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz “looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”

Vance said Wednesday that “hopefully” he would debate Walz on that date, adding, “I strongly suspect that we’re going to be there on Oct. 1,” but made no firm commitment, saying he wanted to see specifics on debate moderators and whether an audience would be present. On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723725509674.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;and Ohio Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>&nbsp;have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">the general election</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people deserve as many debates as possible, which is why President Trump has challenged Kamala to three of them already. Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well. I look forward to seeing you at both! <a href="https://t.co/63FyI99dKU">https://t.co/63FyI99dKU</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1824075920216310262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>CBS News on Wednesday posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz "looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”Vance posted on X that he would accept the Oct. 1 invitation. He also challenged Walz to meet on Sept. 18.Officials with the Kamala Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Vance’s acceptance of the earlier debate that he said would be on CNN or whether Walz would participate in that one as well.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See you on October 1, JD. <a href="https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9">https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9</a>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1823824781873176770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Representatives for CNN confirmed that Vance had accepted the network's debate invitation.“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will moderate the Oct. 1 debate, according to the network.Whether or not Walz and Vance would debate before the Nov. 5 general election had been in question. In just the past several weeks, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;left the campaign and Democrats selected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;to lead their ticket.Vance has largely kept his focus trained on Harris, whom he would have been set to debate before Biden's departure from the race. Vance has lobbed critiques against Walz, including questioning the retired Army National Guardsman's service record.Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the GOP presidential nominee, has said he wanted Vance to debate Walz on CBS, which had been discussing potential dates for that meeting.The debate is expected weeks after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-abc-debate-814786cc3ad7c11498c71f09f0172db3">Sept. 10 top-of-the-ticket debate</a>&nbsp;recently solidified between Trump and Harris on ABC News.Trump has said he negotiated several other debate dates, on three different networks. Fox News has also proposed a debate between Harris and Trump to take place on Sept. 4, and NBC News is angling to air one on Sept. 25.During an appearance in Michigan, Harris said she was “happy to have that conversation” about an additional debate.-------------NEW YORK (AP) —Sen. JD Vance has now committed to debating his Democratic foil, Gov. Tim Walz, on Sept. 18 and also Oct. 1.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The American people deserve as many debates as possible, which is why President Trump has challenged Kamala to three of them already. Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well. I look forward to seeing you at both! <a href="https://t.co/63FyI99dKU">https://t.co/63FyI99dKU</a>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1824075920216310262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s running mate said Wednesday on Fox News that he only learned of CBS News’ debate invitation several hours earlier, as he was landing following a campaign event in Michigan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See you on October 1, JD. <a href="https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9">https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9</a>&mdash; Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz/status/1823824781873176770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Earlier Wednesday, CBS News posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz “looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”Vance said Wednesday that “hopefully” he would debate Walz on that date, adding, “I strongly suspect that we’re going to be there on Oct. 1,” but made no firm commitment, saying he wanted to see specifics on debate moderators and whether an audience would be present. On social media Thursday morning Vance wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Not only do I accept the CBS debate on October 1st, I accept the CNN debate on September 18th as well."

Candidates make commitment to vice-presidential debate

The advancement of several housing developments in Hays, including Tallgrass Addition on the east side, and the downtown Depot Addition and Chestnut Suites,&nbsp;will be discussed during today's Hays City Commission work session.

Commissioners will also consider the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for expansion of Gella’s Diner and Liquid Bread&nbsp;Brewing Company, LLC.

It wants to expand into the adjacent building to the east which would be used for event space and&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech-North Central culinary classes.&nbsp;

Jeff Boyle, director of parks, will present recommended admission fee increases in 2025 for the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool. Boyle will also talk about needed concrete repairs at the aquatic park.

The issuance of general obligation bonds for&nbsp;Tallgrass housing&nbsp;development as well as the city’s financing of new <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">automated meter&nbsp; infrastructure for the water and&nbsp;wastewater system </a>will be presented by Kim Rupp, finance director.

The complete Aug. 15 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08152024-1497">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe advancement of several housing developments in Hays, including Tallgrass Addition on the east side, and the downtown Depot Addition and Chestnut Suites,&nbsp;will be discussed during today's Hays City Commission work session.Commissioners will also consider the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for expansion of Gella’s Diner and Liquid Bread&nbsp;Brewing Company, LLC.It wants to expand into the adjacent building to the east which would be used for event space and&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech-North Central culinary classes.&nbsp;Jeff Boyle, director of parks, will present recommended admission fee increases in 2025 for the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, Hays Aquatic Park and Wilson Pool. Boyle will also talk about needed concrete repairs at the aquatic park.The issuance of general obligation bonds for&nbsp;Tallgrass housing&nbsp;development as well as the city’s financing of new <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">automated meter&nbsp; infrastructure for the water and&nbsp;wastewater system </a>will be presented by Kim Rupp, finance director.The complete Aug. 15 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08152024-1497">here</a>. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall.&nbsp;

Economic incentives for Gella's expansion, housing developments up for review by Hays City Commission

Justice Planners, a jail consulting firm, told the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday that it predicts the county will need more jail beds in the next 25 years.

Depending on the scenario, the agency estimated anywhere from 90 to 174 beds would be needed by 2049, which could cost between $8 million and $32 million.

The commission made no decisions on the jail on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The average daily population of the jail year to date is 69 inmates. In 2023, it was 68.7. That rate has stayed relatively steady since 2017, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.

Various factors influence the number of inmates in the jail and the number of beds needed to safely and securely house those inmates.

The first of those factors is population. The population of Ellis County is estimated to grow by 11.4% between now and 2050, according to the&nbsp;Center for&nbsp;Economic Development and&nbsp;Business Research at Wichita State&nbsp;University.

The county's male population growth is estimated at 9.3%. Men account for 84% of the Ellis County Jail inmates.

The jail is booking about three inmates per day, which has stayed steady over the last three years. However, bookings are down 31% to 79% from the averages seen from 2017 through 2019 before the pandemic.

Patrick Jablonski, Justice Planners planner/statistician, attributed this to several factors. The jail is rapidly processing&nbsp;low-level offenders through the system.

These low-level offenders are being processed out of the jail in less than a day, whereas other communities the company has worked with see averages closer to two days, he said.

Although the average number of bookings has decreased from pre-pandemic levels, the average length of stay for inmates at the Ellis County Jail has more than doubled since 2017.

Jablonski said the jail is seeing more inmates being held for more serious crimes, and those inmates are being held for more days.

The length of stay during the pandemic was higher partly because the jail was releasing any inmates that it could because of the risk of the spread of COVID-19 infection. That means only the most severe offenders were being held,&nbsp;Jablonski said.

Jablonski presented a chart on the length of stay based on the type of charge.

Inmates with violent felony charges stayed about 26 days in jail in 2022. That increased to 53 days in 2023 and has almost tripled to 144 days year to date in 2024.&nbsp;

"That is the key to the kingdom in understanding the jail's population right there. These individuals have serious offenses. I think I am safe to say these individuals are a danger to the community. You want to keep them held,"&nbsp;Jablonski said.

"However, it is taking longer to get these individuals processed through the court system, and that is what is driving the jail's population."

As of early 2024, the number of cases filed in Ellis County courts was far outpacing the number of cases resolved. However, Jablonski said this could have been affected by the cybersecurity attack on the Kansas judicial system.

The consultant gave the county commission three possible scenarios to forecast how the jail's population might grow and the need for beds in 25 years.

The first scenario assumes that Ellis County's current trends will continue. It assumes that inmates' average length of stay will continue to increase, but the number of bookings stays stable. It also takes into account anticipated county population growth.

A lack of attorneys will likely continue to put pressure on the court system and result in delays in cases being processed,&nbsp;Jablonski said.

This scenario predicts an average daily population of 102 inmates requiring 131 beds.

The jail can't operate at full capacity for several reasons. Women can't be housed with men. Violent offenders are usually not housed with offenders who have lower-level crimes. Co-defendants also have to be separated.

The jail also needs to accommodate daily and seasonal fluctuations and peaks.

Based on a very rough estimate of $800 per square foot for the space that needs to be added to the current jail, renovations could cost about $18.9 million.

The second scenario considered that inmates' average length of stay continues to grow, and the number of bookings returns to prepandemic levels.

Jablonski also said law enforcement agencies may be less likely to send inmates to the jail, knowing it is overcrowded. He said once law enforcement officers and community corrections know there is space in the jail, they might start sending more people to jail.

"The time-worn phrase, if you build it, they will come, there's a degree of that. When we talk to stakeholders, there's an awareness of the jail's capacity,"&nbsp;Jablonski said. "I do see a realistic scenario where our status quo may miss a little bit to the low side, and you have more people return to custody."

A change in the philosophy at the county attorney's office could also affect the number of bookings at the jail.

The second scenario would result in a need for 174 beds. A rough estimate, also based on the $800 square foot cost, would be about $32.9 million.

The current facility also lacks program space and has an inadequate kitchen.&nbsp;

The third scenario forecasts that inmates' bookings and the average length of stay will return to 2019 levels. This would require an addition of 18 more beds for a total of 90 beds.

The jail would still need to address a lack of program and counseling spaces and an inadequate kitchen. New housing spaces are planned as single-occupancy cells.


The estimated cost of meeting these needs is about $8.1 million.

Alan Richardson, president of Justice Planners, said when designing jail space, you also have to consider the staff.

"They spend more time in this facility than offenders and inmates ever will, and you have to have a good and safe working environment for them, and I think that is kind of borderline with what they have to work with right now."

Justice Planners offered several short-term expansion options to deal with the overcrowding.

• Move the kitchen and laundry to the first floor — would add space for four to six inmates • Move storage in the exercise area to another location or building — would add space for three to four inmates • Continue to house inmates out of county

Richardson said the county is already housing inmates outside of the county, but transportation is costly, it limits inmates' access to the courts and their families and availability of future beds is uncertain unless the county enters long-term contracts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720646460774.png" alt="Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJustice Planners, a jail consulting firm, told the Ellis County Commission on Tuesday that it predicts the county will need more jail beds in the next 25 years.Depending on the scenario, the agency estimated anywhere from 90 to 174 beds would be needed by 2049, which could cost between $8 million and $32 million.The commission made no decisions on the jail on Tuesday.&nbsp;The average daily population of the jail year to date is 69 inmates. In 2023, it was 68.7. That rate has stayed relatively steady since 2017, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723585023447.png" alt="Average daily population for the Ellis County Jail 2017-2024. Image courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>Average daily population for the Ellis County Jail 2017-2024. Image courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723585773074.png" alt="Average daily population for the Ellis County Jail 2017-2024. Image courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>Average daily population for the Ellis County Jail 2017-2024. Image courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure>Various factors influence the number of inmates in the jail and the number of beds needed to safely and securely house those inmates.The first of those factors is population. The population of Ellis County is estimated to grow by 11.4% between now and 2050, according to the&nbsp;Center for&nbsp;Economic Development and&nbsp;Business Research at Wichita State&nbsp;University.The county's male population growth is estimated at 9.3%. Men account for 84% of the Ellis County Jail inmates.The jail is booking about three inmates per day, which has stayed steady over the last three years. However, bookings are down 31% to 79% from the averages seen from 2017 through 2019 before the pandemic.Patrick Jablonski, Justice Planners planner/statistician, attributed this to several factors. The jail is rapidly processing&nbsp;low-level offenders through the system.These low-level offenders are being processed out of the jail in less than a day, whereas other communities the company has worked with see averages closer to two days, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723646253808.png" alt="Reasons for people being booked into the Ellis County Jail for 2022 through year to date 2024. The suspects were recorded based on the most severe charge for which they were booked. Courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>Reasons for people being booked into the Ellis County Jail for 2022 through year to date 2024. The suspects were recorded based on the most severe charge for which they were booked. Courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the average number of bookings has decreased from pre-pandemic levels, the average length of stay for inmates at the Ellis County Jail has more than doubled since 2017.Jablonski said the jail is seeing more inmates being held for more serious crimes, and those inmates are being held for more days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723647955606.png" alt="The average length of stay for inmates in the Ellis County Jail for 2017 through the year to date for 2024. Courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>The average length of stay for inmates in the Ellis County Jail for 2017 through the year to date for 2024. Courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure>The length of stay during the pandemic was higher partly because the jail was releasing any inmates that it could because of the risk of the spread of COVID-19 infection. That means only the most severe offenders were being held,&nbsp;Jablonski said.Jablonski presented a chart on the length of stay based on the type of charge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723648761836.png" alt="The average length of stay for Ellis County Jail. The number of days inmates facing violent felony charges are being held has significantly increased. Low-level offenders are averaging less than a day's stay in jail. Courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>The average length of stay for Ellis County Jail. The number of days inmates facing violent felony charges are being held has significantly increased. Low-level offenders are averaging less than a day's stay in jail. Courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure>Inmates with violent felony charges stayed about 26 days in jail in 2022. That increased to 53 days in 2023 and has almost tripled to 144 days year to date in 2024.&nbsp;"That is the key to the kingdom in understanding the jail's population right there. These individuals have serious offenses. I think I am safe to say these individuals are a danger to the community. You want to keep them held,"&nbsp;Jablonski said."However, it is taking longer to get these individuals processed through the court system, and that is what is driving the jail's population."As of early 2024, the number of cases filed in Ellis County courts was far outpacing the number of cases resolved. However, Jablonski said this could have been affected by the cybersecurity attack on the Kansas judicial system.The consultant gave the county commission three possible scenarios to forecast how the jail's population might grow and the need for beds in 25 years.The first scenario assumes that Ellis County's current trends will continue. It assumes that inmates' average length of stay will continue to increase, but the number of bookings stays stable. It also takes into account anticipated county population growth.A lack of attorneys will likely continue to put pressure on the court system and result in delays in cases being processed,&nbsp;Jablonski said.This scenario predicts an average daily population of 102 inmates requiring 131 beds.The jail can't operate at full capacity for several reasons. Women can't be housed with men. Violent offenders are usually not housed with offenders who have lower-level crimes. Co-defendants also have to be separated.The jail also needs to accommodate daily and seasonal fluctuations and peaks.Based on a very rough estimate of $800 per square foot for the space that needs to be added to the current jail, renovations could cost about $18.9 million.The second scenario considered that inmates' average length of stay continues to grow, and the number of bookings returns to prepandemic levels.Jablonski also said law enforcement agencies may be less likely to send inmates to the jail, knowing it is overcrowded. He said once law enforcement officers and community corrections know there is space in the jail, they might start sending more people to jail."The time-worn phrase, if you build it, they will come, there's a degree of that. When we talk to stakeholders, there's an awareness of the jail's capacity,"&nbsp;Jablonski said. "I do see a realistic scenario where our status quo may miss a little bit to the low side, and you have more people return to custody."A change in the philosophy at the county attorney's office could also affect the number of bookings at the jail.The second scenario would result in a need for 174 beds. A rough estimate, also based on the $800 square foot cost, would be about $32.9 million.The current facility also lacks program space and has an inadequate kitchen.&nbsp;The third scenario forecasts that inmates' bookings and the average length of stay will return to 2019 levels. This would require an addition of 18 more beds for a total of 90 beds.The jail would still need to address a lack of program and counseling spaces and an inadequate kitchen. New housing spaces are planned as single-occupancy cells.
The estimated cost of meeting these needs is about $8.1 million.Alan Richardson, president of Justice Planners, said when designing jail space, you also have to consider the staff."They spend more time in this facility than offenders and inmates ever will, and you have to have a good and safe working environment for them, and I think that is kind of borderline with what they have to work with right now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723664676950.png" alt="Forecast scenarios with average daily population and estimated beds needed for the Ellis County Jail as of 2049. Courtesy of Justice Planners" />
 <figcaption>Forecast scenarios with average daily population and estimated beds needed for the Ellis County Jail as of 2049. Courtesy of Justice Planners</figcaption>
 </figure>Justice Planners offered several short-term expansion options to deal with the overcrowding.• Move the kitchen and laundry to the first floor — would add space for four to six inmates • Move storage in the exercise area to another location or building — would add space for three to four inmates • Continue to house inmates out of countyRichardson said the county is already housing inmates outside of the county, but transportation is costly, it limits inmates' access to the courts and their families and availability of future beds is uncertain unless the county enters long-term contracts.

Need for Ellis County Jail beds forecast to increase; adding space could cost $8M to $32M

In 1960, Dwight Eisenhower wrapped up his final term as U.S. President. That year marked the first televised presidential candidate debate between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy. The NFL added expansion teams in Dallas and Minneapolis/St. Paul. A Soviet missile shot down Gary Powers’ spy plane. Eisenhower signed the 1960 Civil Rights Act. On July 4th, the 1st 50-star U.S. flag debuted in Philadelphia. To Kill a Mockingbird was first published that fall. Castro’s Cuban government nationalized American and foreign property in Cuba. Such news kept Americans riveted to new black and white televisions as they kept up with a rapidly changing world. Surely, old-timers in Ellis experienced similar information overload as they watched their school system swiftly change.

During 1959, District 2 became Joint District Number 2 as a result of surrounding districts annexing to them. To handle increased class sizes, in 1960, the community passed a $524,000 bond election to fund an addition to the grade school. This bond would retire over a period of 15 years and require an additional 6.2 mill levy. Not only did class size increase, salaries did too. Teachers with degrees expected a base salary of $4,200 a year with a $700 head of household allowance.

In relatively short time, area residents celebrated the completion of the new addition to the grade school. During this time, teacher salaries continued to improve. The school board found itself juggling academic and extra-curricular needs along with solving transportation and cafeteria problems--additional responsibilities that increased the complexity of district management.

By 1966 the base teacher salary totaled over $5,000. Administrators not only dealt with growing expenses but also faced decisions regarding Beatle haircuts and bell-bottom trousers. As hair styles changed, the district received a new state mandated identity. Under unification, Joint District Number 2 became USD 388. Due to increasing responsibilities, the board voted to relieve the superintendent and principals of teaching duties so they could work as full-time administrators. In addition, these leaders saw the value of ongoing evaluations and teacher/principal conferences so the board voted to include them with administrative duties. With additional foresight, these elected public servants prepared for the future by establishing a special capital outlay fund of 4 mills “for a period of 5 years to provide a fund not to exceed $180,000 for construction, remodeling, etc.” That year’s general fund account totaled $353,498.50.

As Ellis Joint District Number 2 identity ended and the state mandated further change, the newly named USD 388 maintained its major strength—a legacy of strong academic standards that Ellis education system pioneers established. From the beginning, community and district committed to provide students with practical training to compete in the world. Unification and progress have not altered this mission. Ellis schools continue to produce students who are assets to a changing society.

This installment finalizes my research on Ellis schools. Barb Begler researched additional post-unification years. I hope that another scholar will pick up where Barb and I left off and continue the story of Ellis schools’ impact on local lives.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b0b48c41-ad35-4429-8c55-03418cbc6a27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools — Part 15</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5409b3cf-6e6a-46ec-b37b-7cccdee1b5de">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools 1940 — Part 14</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723218551985.jpeg" alt="Ellis School circa 1911-ish (courtesy Paul Kraus)" />
 <figcaption>Ellis School circa 1911-ish (courtesy Paul Kraus)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINIn 1960, Dwight Eisenhower wrapped up his final term as U.S. President. That year marked the first televised presidential candidate debate between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy. The NFL added expansion teams in Dallas and Minneapolis/St. Paul. A Soviet missile shot down Gary Powers’ spy plane. Eisenhower signed the 1960 Civil Rights Act. On July 4th, the 1st 50-star U.S. flag debuted in Philadelphia. To Kill a Mockingbird was first published that fall. Castro’s Cuban government nationalized American and foreign property in Cuba. Such news kept Americans riveted to new black and white televisions as they kept up with a rapidly changing world. Surely, old-timers in Ellis experienced similar information overload as they watched their school system swiftly change.During 1959, District 2 became Joint District Number 2 as a result of surrounding districts annexing to them. To handle increased class sizes, in 1960, the community passed a $524,000 bond election to fund an addition to the grade school. This bond would retire over a period of 15 years and require an additional 6.2 mill levy. Not only did class size increase, salaries did too. Teachers with degrees expected a base salary of $4,200 a year with a $700 head of household allowance.In relatively short time, area residents celebrated the completion of the new addition to the grade school. During this time, teacher salaries continued to improve. The school board found itself juggling academic and extra-curricular needs along with solving transportation and cafeteria problems--additional responsibilities that increased the complexity of district management.By 1966 the base teacher salary totaled over $5,000. Administrators not only dealt with growing expenses but also faced decisions regarding Beatle haircuts and bell-bottom trousers. As hair styles changed, the district received a new state mandated identity. Under unification, Joint District Number 2 became USD 388. Due to increasing responsibilities, the board voted to relieve the superintendent and principals of teaching duties so they could work as full-time administrators. In addition, these leaders saw the value of ongoing evaluations and teacher/principal conferences so the board voted to include them with administrative duties. With additional foresight, these elected public servants prepared for the future by establishing a special capital outlay fund of 4 mills “for a period of 5 years to provide a fund not to exceed $180,000 for construction, remodeling, etc.” That year’s general fund account totaled $353,498.50.As Ellis Joint District Number 2 identity ended and the state mandated further change, the newly named USD 388 maintained its major strength—a legacy of strong academic standards that Ellis education system pioneers established. From the beginning, community and district committed to provide students with practical training to compete in the world. Unification and progress have not altered this mission. Ellis schools continue to produce students who are assets to a changing society.This installment finalizes my research on Ellis schools. Barb Begler researched additional post-unification years. I hope that another scholar will pick up where Barb and I left off and continue the story of Ellis schools’ impact on local lives.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b0b48c41-ad35-4429-8c55-03418cbc6a27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools — Part 15</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5409b3cf-6e6a-46ec-b37b-7cccdee1b5de">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools 1940 — Part 14</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b963889f-d6c4-4188-9855-e29e2883a26c">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 13: 1935-1939</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/61399f29-0958-4290-85c4-6e96c610fc27">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools Part 12: 1927-1933</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0de30e1b-bb01-44e2-bbee-2534451ce51d">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 11</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 16

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/bramsablesmith/">BRAM SABLE-SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/peggylowe/">PEGGY LOWE</a>

Six months after Gabriella Magers-Darger’s legs were burned by sparks from a ricocheted bullet at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February, the 14-year-old is ready to leave the past behind.

She is dreading the pitfalls of being a high school freshman, even as she looks forward to being back with friends and at color guard, dance, and volleyball. She might even join the wrestling team to get some respect at school.

At a July Fourth gathering, a family friend brought noise-canceling headphones in case the fireworks became too much. Earlier in the summer Gabriella had a hard time viewing a relative’s gun collection, the handguns in particular. And she hyperventilated when she saw a family friend’s finger after it was sliced by accident — the sight of blood reminds her of seeing a fatally wounded Lisa Lopez-Galvan minutes after she was shot outside Union Station, the only person killed that day.

Her mom, Bridget Barton, said Gabriella has had a chip on her shoulder since the parade.

“She’s lost some softness to her, some gentleness to her,” Barton said.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the stresses of gun violence, and 10 of 24 people injured by bullets at the Feb. 14 parade were under 18 years old. Countless more children like Gabriella experienced the trauma firsthand. They’ve endured fear, anger, sleep problems, and hypersensitivity to crowds and noises.

A 15-year-old girl who was shot through the jaw and shoulder effectively dropped out of school for a time and daily panic attacks kept her from summer school, too. An 11-year-old boy shot in the side described feeling angry at school for reasons he couldn’t explain. A 5-year-old girl who was on her father’s shoulders when he was hit by gunfire panics each time her dad feels sick, fearing he has been shot again.

“She’s not the same kid. I mean, she’s definitely not,” said Erika Nelson, mother of the 15-year-old, Mireya, who has scars on her jaw and face. “You never know when she’s going to snap. You never know. You might say something or someone might bring up something that reminds her of that day.”

Guns overtook motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for children in 2020, but a far higher number of kids are hit by gunfire and survive.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/the-impact-of-gun-violence-on-children-and-adolescents/" target="_blank">Research suggests</a>&nbsp;that kids sustain nonfatal firearm injuries anywhere from two to four times more often than they are killed by guns.

Scientists say the long-term effects of gun violence on kids are little researched and poorly understood. But the harm is pervasive. Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00587" target="_blank">researchers found</a>&nbsp;that during the first year after a firearm injury, child survivors experienced a 117% increase in pain disorders, a 68% increase in psychiatric disorders, and a 144% increase in substance use disorders. The mental health effects spill over — to mothers, fathers, siblings.

For many affected by the shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, the triggers began right away.

Just 10 days after Samuel Arellano was shot at the parade, he attended another big sporting event.

Samuel was invited to attend a University of Kansas men’s basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. During a break in the game, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1761593643909972045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1761593643909972045%7Ctwgr%5Ea69f3f0052dd3c1233485c50399f888e7abe6c39%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kshb.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Fparade-shooting%2Fboy-injured-in-chiefs-rally-shooting-invited-to-ku-basketball-game-receives-video-message-from-jalen-wilson" target="_blank">video camera pointed at Samuel</a>&nbsp;and his parents, former KU star Jalen Wilson appeared on the scoreboard and addressed him directly.

“I heard about your story,” Wilson, who now plays in the NBA, said on the big screen. “I’m so very thankful that you are here today and it is a blessing that we can have you to give you the love and support you truly deserve.”

Wilson asked the 16,000 fans in attendance to stand and give Samuel a round of applause. As the crowd clapped and an announcer bellowed about him being a “brave young man,” Samuel looked at his parents, then down at his feet, smiling shyly.

But minutes later when the game resumed, Samuel started to cry and had to leave the auditorium with his mom, Abigail.

“When it got pretty loud, that’s when he started breaking up again,” his dad, Antonio, said. “So she had to step out with him for a minute. So any loud places, if it’s too loud, it’s affecting him.”

Samuel, who turned 11 in March, was shot in the ribs on his right side. The scar on his back is barely noticeable now, but lingering effects from the parade shooting are obvious. He is seeing a therapist — as is his father, though Abigail has had a tough time finding a Spanish-speaking one and still hasn’t had an appointment.

Samuel had trouble sleeping in the first weeks after the shooting and often crawled in bed with his mom and dad. He used to get good grades, but that became more difficult, Abigail said. His personality has changed, which sometimes has shown up at school.

“I get mad easily,” Samuel said. “I [have] never been like this before but like, if they tell me to sit down, I get mad. I don’t know why.”

Traumatized children often have difficulty expressing emotions and may be given to outbursts of anger, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://csw.osu.edu/faculty/johnson-motoyama-michelle-ph-d/" target="_blank">Michelle Johnson-Motoyama</a>, a professor of social work at Ohio State University.

“I’m sure for that child there is a sense of tremendous injustice about what happened,” Johnson-Motoyama said.

Especially right after the shooting, Samuel had panic attacks, Antonio said, and he’d break out in a sweat. Therapists told them that was normal. But the parents also kept him off his phone for a while, as there was so much about the shooting on the news and online.

Abigail, who works at a car dealership with Antonio, is anxious about seeing her son change, his suffering and sadness. She is also concerned for her three daughters, a 16-year-old and 13-year-old twins. Her father, Victor Salas, who was with Samuel at the parade, was also reeling in its aftermath.

“I’m crying and crying and crying about what happened,” Salas said in Spanish four days after the parade. “Because it was chaos. It doesn’t mean that families don’t love their family, but everyone took off to save their own lives. I saved my grandchildren’s lives, but what happens to the rest of the people? We’re not prepared.”

On the good side, Samuel felt very supported by the community in Kansas City, Kansas. Many people from his school stopped by in the first few days to visit, including friends and even a former bus driver, who was in tears. He has a “room full of candy,” Abigail said, mostly Skittles, his favorite.

An autographed football from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived on his birthday. It made him cry, his father said, which happens pretty often.

“There are good and bad days, days that are more normal and easier, and then there are days where the family has to be a little bit more aware and supportive,” Abigail said in Spanish. “He’s always been outgoing and talkative like his mom, but that has changed since the parade.”

The Fourth of July was particularly harrowing for many of the young survivors and their families. Should they buy fireworks? Will they want to celebrate? And why do all the firecrackers going off in the neighborhood sound like gunshots?

Fourteen-year-old Gabriella needed help from her stepfather, Jason Barton, to light her fireworks this year, something she is ordinarily enthusiastic about doing herself. At the parade, like many people, the Barton family initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks.

And Erika Nelson, a single mom in Belton, Missouri, feared even bringing up the holiday with Mireya, who has always loved Independence Day. Eventually Mireya said she didn’t want any big fireworks this year and wanted only her mom to set theirs off.

“Just any little trigger — I mean, it could be a light crackle — and she just clenched,” Erika Nelson said.

Patty Davis, a program manager for trauma-informed care at Children’s Mercy hospital in Kansas City, said even her clients who were at the parade but were not injured still flinch at the sounds of sirens or other loud noises. It’s a powerful response to gun violence, she said.

“So not just an accidental trauma,” she said, “but a trauma that was perpetrated for violent purposes, which can cause an increased level of anxiety for persons around that to wonder if it’s going to happen again. And how safe are they?”

Random sounds, bright lights, and crowds can catch the kids and their parents off guard. In June, Mireya Nelson was waiting for her older sister after a dance recital, hoping to see a boy she knew give a flower to a girl everyone said he had a crush on. Her mom wanted to go, but Mireya shushed her.

“Then all of a sudden, there was a loud boom,” Erika said. “She dropped low to the ground. And then she jumped back up. She goes, ‘Oh my God, I was getting shot again!’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723664076489.png" alt=" Ten of 24 people injured by bullets at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade were under 18 years old. Countless more children experienced the trauma firsthand. Gabriella Magers-Darger (left) was burned by sparks from a ricocheted bullet. Samuel Arellano was shot in the side (Christopher Smith for KFF Health News)" />
 <figcaption> Ten of 24 people injured by bullets at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade were under 18 years old. Countless more children experienced the trauma firsthand. Gabriella Magers-Darger (left) was burned by sparks from a ricocheted bullet. Samuel Arellano was shot in the side (Christopher Smith for KFF Health News)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/bramsablesmith/">BRAM SABLE-SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/peggylowe/">PEGGY LOWE</a>Six months after Gabriella Magers-Darger’s legs were burned by sparks from a ricocheted bullet at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February, the 14-year-old is ready to leave the past behind.She is dreading the pitfalls of being a high school freshman, even as she looks forward to being back with friends and at color guard, dance, and volleyball. She might even join the wrestling team to get some respect at school.But the past remains ever present.At a July Fourth gathering, a family friend brought noise-canceling headphones in case the fireworks became too much. Earlier in the summer Gabriella had a hard time viewing a relative’s gun collection, the handguns in particular. And she hyperventilated when she saw a family friend’s finger after it was sliced by accident — the sight of blood reminds her of seeing a fatally wounded Lisa Lopez-Galvan minutes after she was shot outside Union Station, the only person killed that day.Her mom, Bridget Barton, said Gabriella has had a chip on her shoulder since the parade.“She’s lost some softness to her, some gentleness to her,” Barton said.Children are particularly vulnerable to the stresses of gun violence, and 10 of 24 people injured by bullets at the Feb. 14 parade were under 18 years old. Countless more children like Gabriella experienced the trauma firsthand. They’ve endured fear, anger, sleep problems, and hypersensitivity to crowds and noises.A 15-year-old girl who was shot through the jaw and shoulder effectively dropped out of school for a time and daily panic attacks kept her from summer school, too. An 11-year-old boy shot in the side described feeling angry at school for reasons he couldn’t explain. A 5-year-old girl who was on her father’s shoulders when he was hit by gunfire panics each time her dad feels sick, fearing he has been shot again.“She’s not the same kid. I mean, she’s definitely not,” said Erika Nelson, mother of the 15-year-old, Mireya, who has scars on her jaw and face. “You never know when she’s going to snap. You never know. You might say something or someone might bring up something that reminds her of that day.”Guns overtook motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for children in 2020, but a far higher number of kids are hit by gunfire and survive.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/the-impact-of-gun-violence-on-children-and-adolescents/" target="_blank">Research suggests</a>&nbsp;that kids sustain nonfatal firearm injuries anywhere from two to four times more often than they are killed by guns.Scientists say the long-term effects of gun violence on kids are little researched and poorly understood. But the harm is pervasive. Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00587" target="_blank">researchers found</a>&nbsp;that during the first year after a firearm injury, child survivors experienced a 117% increase in pain disorders, a 68% increase in psychiatric disorders, and a 144% increase in substance use disorders. The mental health effects spill over — to mothers, fathers, siblings.For many affected by the shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, the triggers began right away.<h2>‘I get mad easily’</h2>Just 10 days after Samuel Arellano was shot at the parade, he attended another big sporting event.Samuel was invited to attend a University of Kansas men’s basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. During a break in the game, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUHoops/status/1761593643909972045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1761593643909972045%7Ctwgr%5Ea69f3f0052dd3c1233485c50399f888e7abe6c39%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kshb.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Fparade-shooting%2Fboy-injured-in-chiefs-rally-shooting-invited-to-ku-basketball-game-receives-video-message-from-jalen-wilson" target="_blank">video camera pointed at Samuel</a>&nbsp;and his parents, former KU star Jalen Wilson appeared on the scoreboard and addressed him directly.“I heard about your story,” Wilson, who now plays in the NBA, said on the big screen. “I’m so very thankful that you are here today and it is a blessing that we can have you to give you the love and support you truly deserve.”Wilson asked the 16,000 fans in attendance to stand and give Samuel a round of applause. As the crowd clapped and an announcer bellowed about him being a “brave young man,” Samuel looked at his parents, then down at his feet, smiling shyly.But minutes later when the game resumed, Samuel started to cry and had to leave the auditorium with his mom, Abigail.“When it got pretty loud, that’s when he started breaking up again,” his dad, Antonio, said. “So she had to step out with him for a minute. So any loud places, if it’s too loud, it’s affecting him.”Samuel, who turned 11 in March, was shot in the ribs on his right side. The scar on his back is barely noticeable now, but lingering effects from the parade shooting are obvious. He is seeing a therapist — as is his father, though Abigail has had a tough time finding a Spanish-speaking one and still hasn’t had an appointment.Samuel had trouble sleeping in the first weeks after the shooting and often crawled in bed with his mom and dad. He used to get good grades, but that became more difficult, Abigail said. His personality has changed, which sometimes has shown up at school.“I get mad easily,” Samuel said. “I [have] never been like this before but like, if they tell me to sit down, I get mad. I don’t know why.”Traumatized children often have difficulty expressing emotions and may be given to outbursts of anger, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://csw.osu.edu/faculty/johnson-motoyama-michelle-ph-d/" target="_blank">Michelle Johnson-Motoyama</a>, a professor of social work at Ohio State University.“I’m sure for that child there is a sense of tremendous injustice about what happened,” Johnson-Motoyama said.Especially right after the shooting, Samuel had panic attacks, Antonio said, and he’d break out in a sweat. Therapists told them that was normal. But the parents also kept him off his phone for a while, as there was so much about the shooting on the news and online.Abigail, who works at a car dealership with Antonio, is anxious about seeing her son change, his suffering and sadness. She is also concerned for her three daughters, a 16-year-old and 13-year-old twins. Her father, Victor Salas, who was with Samuel at the parade, was also reeling in its aftermath.“I’m crying and crying and crying about what happened,” Salas said in Spanish four days after the parade. “Because it was chaos. It doesn’t mean that families don’t love their family, but everyone took off to save their own lives. I saved my grandchildren’s lives, but what happens to the rest of the people? We’re not prepared.”On the good side, Samuel felt very supported by the community in Kansas City, Kansas. Many people from his school stopped by in the first few days to visit, including friends and even a former bus driver, who was in tears. He has a “room full of candy,” Abigail said, mostly Skittles, his favorite.An autographed football from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived on his birthday. It made him cry, his father said, which happens pretty often.“There are good and bad days, days that are more normal and easier, and then there are days where the family has to be a little bit more aware and supportive,” Abigail said in Spanish. “He’s always been outgoing and talkative like his mom, but that has changed since the parade.”<h2>Fourth of July a weeklong trigger</h2>The Fourth of July was particularly harrowing for many of the young survivors and their families. Should they buy fireworks? Will they want to celebrate? And why do all the firecrackers going off in the neighborhood sound like gunshots?Fourteen-year-old Gabriella needed help from her stepfather, Jason Barton, to light her fireworks this year, something she is ordinarily enthusiastic about doing herself. At the parade, like many people, the Barton family initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks.And Erika Nelson, a single mom in Belton, Missouri, feared even bringing up the holiday with Mireya, who has always loved Independence Day. Eventually Mireya said she didn’t want any big fireworks this year and wanted only her mom to set theirs off.“Just any little trigger — I mean, it could be a light crackle — and she just clenched,” Erika Nelson said.Patty Davis, a program manager for trauma-informed care at Children’s Mercy hospital in Kansas City, said even her clients who were at the parade but were not injured still flinch at the sounds of sirens or other loud noises. It’s a powerful response to gun violence, she said.“So not just an accidental trauma,” she said, “but a trauma that was perpetrated for violent purposes, which can cause an increased level of anxiety for persons around that to wonder if it’s going to happen again. And how safe are they?”<h2>Reliving getting shot</h2>Random sounds, bright lights, and crowds can catch the kids and their parents off guard. In June, Mireya Nelson was waiting for her older sister after a dance recital, hoping to see a boy she knew give a flower to a girl everyone said he had a crush on. Her mom wanted to go, but Mireya shushed her.“Then all of a sudden, there was a loud boom,” Erika said. “She dropped low to the ground. And then she jumped back up. She goes, ‘Oh my God, I was getting shot again!’”Mireya said it so loudly people were staring, so it was Erika’s turn to shush her and try to soothe her.“I was like, ‘Mireya, it’s OK. You’re all right. They dropped a table. They’re just moving stuff out. It was an accident,’” Erika said.It took a few minutes for the shock to wear off and Mireya later giggled about it, but Erika is always on watch.Her daughter’s early sadness — she watched movies for hours, crying throughout — has since changed to a cheekiness. Half a year later, Mireya will joke about the shooting, which tears her mother up. But maybe that is part of the healing process, Erika says.Before the Fourth of July, Mireya went to Worlds of Fun, a large amusement park, and had a good time. She felt OK because there were security guards everywhere. She also enjoyed a visit to the local FBI office with a friend who was with her the day of the shooting. But when someone suggested a trip to the ballet, Mireya squashed it quickly — it’s near Union Station, the site of the shooting. She doesn’t want to go downtown anymore.Erika said the doctor appointments and financial strains have been a lot to juggle and that her biggest frustration as a parent is that she’s not able to fix things for her daughter.“They have to go their own way, their own process of healing. I can’t shake her, like, ‘Get back to yourself,’” Erika said. “It could take months, years. Who knows? It could be the rest of her life. But I hope that she can overcome a little bit of it.”<h2>Goose bumps in the sweltering heat</h2>James Lemons noticed a change in his 5-year-old daughter, Kensley, who was on his shoulders when he was shot at the parade. Before the shooting Kensley was outgoing and engaged, James said, but now she is withdrawn, like she has closed off her bubble and disconnected from people.Large crowds and police officers remind Kensley of the parade. Both were present at a high school graduation the family attended this summer, prompting Kensley to ask repeatedly to leave. James took her to an empty football field, where, he said, she broke out in goose bumps and complained of being cold despite the sweltering heat.Bedtime is a particular problem for the Lemons family. Kensley has been sleeping with her parents. Another child, 10-year-old Jaxson, has had bad dreams. One night, he dreamt that the shooter was coming near his dad and he tripped him, said Brandie Lemons, Jaxson’s stepmom.Younger children like Kensley exposed to gun violence are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than older children, according to Ohio State’s Johnson-Motoyama.Davis, of Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, said children whose brains are not fully developed can have a hard time sleeping and understanding that they are safe in their homes at night.James got the family a new puppy — an American bulldog that already weighs 32 pounds — to help them feel protected.“I looked up the pedigree,” he said, “They’re real protective. They’re real loving.”<h2>Searching for an outlet to let off steam</h2>Gabriella took up boxing after the shooting. Her mother, Bridget, said it restored some of her confidence and control that dimmed after the parade.“I like beating people up — not in a mean way, I swear,” Gabriella said in April as she molded a mouthguard to her teeth before leaving for training.She has since stopped boxing, however, so the money can instead go toward a trip to Puerto Rico with her Spanish class. They’re paying $153 a month for 21 months to cover the trip. Boxing classes were $60 a month.Bridget thought boxing was a good outlet for leftover anger, but by the end of July Gabriella wasn’t sure if she still had the drive to fight back that way.“The past is the past but we’re still gonna all, like, go through stuff. Does that make sense?” Gabriella asked.“You’re mostly OK but you still have triggers. Is that what you mean?” her mother asked.“Yeah,” she replied.After the shooting, Mireya Nelson tried online classes, which didn’t work well. The first few days of summer school, Mireya had a panic attack every day in the car and her mother took her home.Mireya wants to return to high school this fall, and Erika is wary.“You know, if I do go back to school, there’s a chance at school of being shot, because most schools nowadays get shot up,” Erika recalled her daughter saying. “And I’m like, ‘Well, we can’t think like that. You never know what’s gonna happen.’”<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us" target="_blank">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/about-us" target="_blank">KFF</a>.